Look for the Port - Vintages Nov. 27th Release

As we get closer to Christmas, LCBO/Vintages releases the best of the best. This release features several wines in the $150+ category that are out of reach for most of us, but it's still nice to dream ...or better yet, if you are a hard person to buy presents for, this would be a good addition to the Santa list. Many people ask, are these high priced wines really that good? The answer is yes and no. In most cases they truly are amazing, but because these elite wines are produced in limited quantities, the laws of supply and demand drive up the price. In addition, they will also require proper cellaring for 5 or 10 years before they truly hit their stride. So yes they are amazing, but not always good value. For us "common folk" I have selected a dozen or so wines for under $20 that offer very good value. Finally, if I had to choose only 3 or 4 bottles to buy this week I would definitely get the Port first, then the Ghost Pines Cabernet blend; the Maculan Pinot Grigio and the Chablis.

Red Wines for the Cellar

Del Jalón Altos Las Pizarras 2005, Do Catalunya
Spain
194746; Rating – 91; $18.95

A wonderful “value” wine that needs a year or two to be its best.

Quinta Do Côa Tinto 2007, Doc Douro
Portugal
182295; Rating – 90; $19.95

Another great value that would benefit from two years of cellaring. The wait will be worth it.

Shottesbrooke Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
Australia
198275; Rating – 89; $19.95

Full bodied and good value, but should sit for 2 or 3 years.

Red Wine – under $20

Domaine La Bouscade Old Vine Carignan 2007, Ac
Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
78758; Rating -89; $16.95

A great value from the south of France that will put many Bordeaux wines to shame.

Perry Creek El Dorado Syrah 2007
California, USA
201194

Lush and smooth with excellent length. Drinkable now to 2015. Vintages suggests that this would go well with zesty ribs.

Trivento Golden Reserve Syrah 2007, Mendoza
Argentina
178129; Rating – 89; $19.95

Big and floral with very good length.

Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa County/Sonoma County
California, USA
135376; Rating – 88; $19.95

This is a must buy! Here is how Vintages describes it “Their technique of blending the best grapes from select sites across Sonoma and Napa has resulted in simply delicious wines that deliver exceptional value. Ghost Pines offers you the enchanting character of Sonoma with the power and precision of Napa, all wrapped up in the one package. With a steak, or with a meaty pasta, this spirited Cabernet is sure to scare up delighted reactions from your guests.”

Domaine Galévan Paroles De Femme Côtes Du Rhône 2007, Ac
Rhone, France
125930; Rating -87; $15.00

Great value from Cotes du Rhone. Mid-weight and a nice everyday quaffing wine.

White Wines

Maculan Pinot Grigio 2009, Doc Breganze
Veneto, Italy
734921; Rating – 88; $13.95

Pinot Grigio is a wonderful summer wine and at this price buy a case and save it for the patio next year or spoil yourself at a house party during the holidays.

Domaine Hervé Azo Chablis 2008, Ac
Burgundy, France
185736; Rating – 88; $18.95

Chablis is Burgundy’s unoaked chardonnay. This particular wine is dry and medium bodied with medium-long finish. Should be nice with Roast Chicken.

Delheim Sur Lie Chardonnay 2009, Wo Simonsberg Stellenbosch
South Africa
956219; Rating – 90; $18.95

A new world style chardonnay with excellent length. Good value!

Santa Rita Medalla Real Chardonnay 2008, Limarí Valley, Gran Reserva
Chile
303628; Rating – 89; $17.95

Another good value New World chardonnay. Buy a bottle of this and the Delheim and compare the two.

Port

Quinta Do Noval Tawny Port, Doc Douro
Portugal
141119; Rating – 90; $16.95

Dig out the dark chocolate and try this wonderful Tawny right away. I’m asking Santa for a bottle of this!