15 Top Selections – Vintages Release - October 29, 2011

Vintages hauls out some of their best wines leading up to the holiday season, so now is the time to start stocking up for those parties. I have highlighted 5 top notch wines in the $25 to $50 range and while this may seem expensive to some of you, it's less than you may pay for a $15 wine in many Toronto restaurants.

5 Top Rated Wines over $20

Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007, Doc; Veneto, Italy
356220;  Rating – 92;  $49.95

This is a top rated, full bodied delicious wine that only gets better with time. It`s drinkable now through 2030. Will pair well with classic osso bucco or savour with cheeses (pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano, aged cheddar or blue cheeses like Stilton, Gorgonzola or Roquefort.

Quinta Do Vale Meao Meandro 2008, Doc, Douro, Portugal
244731;  Rating – 91;  $23.95

This is one of the best wines from the Douro region. It is well balanced, intense and has excellent length. Drink now through 2018.

Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley; California, USA
944843;  Rating – 91;  $34.95

This is a benchmark cabernet that is full bodied with great structure. Will be better 2013 to 2020, but if you want to drink it now decant at least 2 hours before drinking. Put a few of these in your cellar for a future special evening.

Château Beaucastel Coudoulet De Beaucastel 2009, Ac Côtes Du Rhône, Rhone, France
48884;  Rating – 90;  $29.95

Compares with many of the top wines from neighbouring Chateauneuf AOC and for half the price. It is well balanced with a very long finish.

Miguel Torres Mas Borràs Pinot Noir 2008, Do Penedès; Penedès, Spain
673483;  Rating – 89;  $28.95

We don’t see Pinot from Spain very often, but this medium weight wine is smooth and elegant with excellent length. If you are a Pinot lover, David Lawrason says that it belongs in your collection.

5 Value Red Wines under $20

Navarro Correas Alegoria Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva (V) 2007, Mendoza, Argentina
154583;  Rating – 91;  $19.95

A superb cabernet for the price. It has good focus, is elegant, with very good length and will get better with a year or two in the bottle. Try with a nice grilled steak.

Château Hauchat 2009, Ac Fronsac; Bordeaux, France
123489;  Rating – 89;  $14.95

A  very appealing style from Bordeaux with a big, bold and exciting flavour profile. Don’t hesitate on this one, as it is certainly a smart buy at this price.

Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile
18721;  Rating – 89;  $15.00

An interesting old world style with a long lingering finish. Worth a try at the price.

Salcheto Rosso Di Montepulciano 2008, Doc; Tuscany, Italy
165357;  Rating – 89;  $17.95

This is mid-weight, fairly supple and elegant red with good focus and length. Certainly worth a try and will pair well with a hearty tomato meat sauce.

Wildass Red 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
86363;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

Stratus is developing a reputation for their Bordeaux style reds. This blend incorporates 11 grapes in toal and makes for a very interesting mid-weight wine.

5 Value White Wines

Domaine Feuillat Juillot Cuvée Les Grappes D'or Montagny 1er Cru 2009, Ac; Burgundy, France
245803;  Rating – 89;  $22.95

A very elegant white Burgundy with light oak, solid depth and very good length. Pair with Black cod en papillote (poached in parchment).

Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
89029; Rating – 90;  $17.95

This is an off-dry Riesling that is tight and focused in the German Kabinett style. Nice balance and very good length. Try with spicy Asian fare. I have a Chicken Vindaloo recipe that would be a perfect pairing.

Inama Vin Soave Classico 2009, Doc; Veneto, Italy
949768;  Rating – 89;  $17.95

A very good quality Soave Classico with a slightly creamy palate. Good complexity and length for the price.

Boyar Estates Blueridge Xr Chardonnay 2009; Bulgaria
73197;  Rating – 88;  $11.95

A very interesting and well made Chardonnay from Bulgaria that will certainly please a crowd. The finish and depth are well above average for this price. Pick up a case and enjoy with grilled salmon.

Zenato Pinot Grigio 2010, Igt Delle Venezie; Veneto, Italy
37648;   Rating – 87;  $13.95

This is a crowd pleasing sipping wine that is crisp, clean and mid-weight. Put some in the fridge and serve nicely chilled at your holiday party.

Vintages Release - September 17, 2011

The September 17^th release at Vintages features some 2008 Bordeaux wines. Unfortunately, it was a mediocre vintage, which suggests that you will be paying high prices for only average wines. If you are really interested in trying some truly great wines I suggest the two Exceptional wines listed below.

I have also selected three wines that will be outstanding after a few years of aging. If you can store them in a consistently cool and dry space, you will be rewarded for your patience.

If I was to buy only one wine this week it would be the Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009. I love this food friendly style of wine and while it may seem sweet to some, it is actually a very fruity wine that pairs extremely well with spicy Asian cuisine.

Finally, don't miss the Red and White Value selections for under $20. 

Enjoy and have a great weekend ...Greg

 

Exceptional Wines

Te Mata Coleraine 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island;  New Zealand
LCBO #640656; Rating – 93;  $59.95

A Bordeaux style blend that is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 34% Merlot. It is classy, elegant and medium-full bodied on the palate with excellent finish. This beauty is drinkable now but will also get better with time over the next 6 years. Why pay $60 for a $20 wine in a restaurant, when you can have this delicious gem.  Pair with rack of lamb and a peppercorn sauce.

Clawson Creek Angela Pinot Noir 2008, Oregon,  USA
LCBO #254177;  Rating – 92;  $49.95

This is a stunning, complex pinot that is medium-full bodied. It is a truly impressive wine with excellent finish. It will get better over the next 2 to 4 years and will hold for double that time. A truly great value that will pair nicely with classic beef bourguignon.

Red Wine – Excellent Value ($20 to $30)

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia,  Australia
LCBO #84996;  Rating – 91;  $24.95

This is a nicely balanced Cab, that is medium-full bodied teamed with elegance and excellent length. It is drinkable now, but will certainly get better with another 2 years of aging. Drink 2014 – 2020. Certainly a nice wine for your cellar.

Domaine Grand Veneur Clos De Sixte 2009, Ac Lirac; Rhone, France
LCBO #76349;  Rating – 90;  $23.95

This is a sensational wine that will challenge many Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines at twice the price. It is full bodied, with class and power that will evolve over the next decade.  Excellent length. Pair with hearty winter fare.

Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley; Oregon, USA
LCBO #949909;  Rating – 90;  $28.95

Oregon produces some wonderful Pinots that we seldom get to buy. It is light to mid weight, focused and elegant. Drinkable now, but even better with another year before drinking. Would pair nicely with coq au vin.

 

Red Wine – Good Values under $20

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia
LCBO #673897;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

A very impressive wine for $16.95. It is full bodied but without the heavy oak that characterizes many Aussie Shiraz from the south. Drink now to 2015.

Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah/Mourvèdre 2007, Los Robles, Colchagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #243394;  Rating – 89;  $18.95

A Rhone style blend that is dark ruby red and provides great value for the money. Excellent length that is drinkable now, but will get better over the next year or two.

Quinta Dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2007, Doc Dão; Dão, Portugal
LCBO #986075;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

This is a medium-full bodied red that is made from the same grape that produces port wines. Quite classy for the money with very good length.

Tenuta Sant'antonio Monti Garbi Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008, Doc; Veneto, Italy
LCBO #29850;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

A nice simple easy drinking wine with very good length that will pair well with a meaty pasta dish.

First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley; California, USA
LCBO #188110;  Rating – 88;  $19.95

If you like the typical commercialized California Cab, you will like this. It’s medium-full bodied, oaky with very good length.

Terra Noble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #46268;  Rating – 87;  $15.95

A very nice mid-weight wine, but not a typical cab. It has great focus, is smooth and has very good length. Worth a try for this price. Pair with grilled leg of lamb and roasted rosemary potatoes.

White Wines – Good Values under $20

Rudolf Rabl Reserve Vinum Optimum Grüner Veltliner 2009, Dac Kamptal; Austria
LCBO #216473;  Rating – 91;  $19.95

David Lawrason’s description says it all; “This is lovely ripe, rich yet lively gruner veltliner with classic white pepper, honey, apricot and orange bread aromas. It's medium-full bodied, rich yet lively with fine acidity and warmth. Excellent length and focus. Delicious and very classy. Great value.” Pair with paprika spiced chicken.

Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009, Ac Alsace; Alsace, France
LCBO #224626;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

Classis Gewurz that was a gold medal winner in 2010 at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris. It’s full bodied, generous and mouth watering with excellent to outstanding length. Grab a bottle or two to pair with a nice curry dish or your favourite spicy Asian food.

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island; Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #981670;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

A very nice classic New Zealand Sauvignon with a nose of green herbs and grapefruit. Smooth, crisp with excellent length. Chill well and enjoy.

Cartagena Sauvignon Blanc 2009, San Antonio Valley, Chile
LCBO #246405;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

A nose of fresh herbs, grape fruit with a nicely balanced palate. Very good length. Try a bottle and compare it to the Mount Riley above.

Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Wo Darling; Swartland, South Africa
LCBO #235895;  Rating – 88;  $14.95

A typical Cape style sauvignon that features green apple, chive, lime and mineral flavours. Excellent length.  It would be interesting to compare this with the two other sauvignon wines listed above.

Terra D'alter Reserva White 2010, Vinho Regional Alentejano; Alentejo, Portugal
LCBO #219212;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A mid-weight wine with notes of tropical pineapple and banana. Don’t let the simple label fool you, this a very good value.

Terra D'alter Reserva White 2010, Vinho Regional Alentejano; Alentejo, Portugal
LCBO #219212;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A mid-weight wine with notes of tropical pineapple and banana. Don’t let the simple label fool you, this a very good value.

LCBO / Vintages - June 25, 2011 New Wines Release

The LCBO – Vintages release for June 25^th features a plethora of great drinking reds that will work amazingly well with grilled meats for under $20. I am also featuring a “how to” this week on ‘Selecting, Seasoning and Grilling the Perfect Steak.’ This is a must read for all of you backyard grill masters.

Finally, I have listed a few good white “Sippers” and two excellent Rose from France’s Provence region. If you haven’t tried world class Rose, this is a good time to start.

Next week in Honour of Canada Day, I will feature my Top 10 Ontario wines. Until then, enjoy and don’t forget, “life’s too short to drink bad wine!”

RED WINES

Château Saint Roch De Laurens Faugères 2007, Ac; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #223685;  Rating – 91;  $18.95

A blend of Syrah/Mourverde/Grenache has produced a wine of incredible value, with a great rating for the price. Complexity, flavour and excellent length. Pair with grilled boneless leg of lamb or grilled flank steak.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia; Australia
LCBO #433060;  Rating – 91;  $19.95

A great value for under $20. An impressive and complex wine that is loaded with flavour. Excellent length and drink now or age for up to 10 years.

Perrin Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #241604;  Rating 90;  $15.00

Definitely a great value wine for this release. A blend of Grenache and Syrah, medium-full bodied with solid structure and complexity. Buy a case for all your summer BBQs. Drink now to 2020.

Rupert & Rothschild Classique 2008, Wo Coastal Region; South Africa
LCBO #717991;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

A joint venture with the famous Bordeaux family produces an old world style,  medium-full bodied cab-merlot blend with considerable elegance and excellent length. Drink now through 2016.

Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Do Penedès; Spain (375ml / half bottle)
LCBO #626721;  Rating – 88;  $9.95

I love these little half bottles as it’s a perfect size for those nights when you’re home alone and you want to throw a nice 16oz man size T-bone on the bbq. This wine will not disappoint. It is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tempranillo. Medium-full bodied with very good length. Drink now or put a way for a few years.

Benmarco Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza Argentina
LCBO #232637;  Rating – 88;  $16.95

This cab has been blended with 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, producing a lovely fragrant and complex wine. It is medium-full bodied and well structured with very good to excellent length. Drink now through 2016.

Sebastiani Zinfandel 2008, Sonoma County; California, USA
LCBO #672667;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

It’s hard to find good reasonably priced “Zin” and this definitely fits the bill. A medium-full bodied wine that will pair nice with grilled flank steak or beef kebabs.

Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, La Consulta/Tupungato Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina
LCBO #140855;  Rating – 88;  $19.95

This is a medium-full bodied cab that won’t disappoint. A little tannic now but still drinkable now through 2014.

WHITE WINES

Terredora Fiano Di Avellino 2009, Docg, Campania, Italy
LCBO #120048;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

As quoted by John Szabo from Wine Align; “Ripe, intense but not heavy, with pleasant orchard fruit, honey, hay, chamomile flowers - above average intensity and class. The palate has great depth and grip, with tight acids and superior depth and concentration. A very fine example of Campania's most noble white grape to be sure.” Good value.

Pedro Escudero Fuente Elvira Verdejo 2009, Do Rueda, Spain
LCBO #218313;  Rating – 89;  $13.95

This is a great Spanish sipper that features aromas of white peach, green tea, per and nectarine. It has depth of character and very good finish. Good value!

Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
LCBO #662882;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

This is good value, well balanced wine that makes for an excellent sipper. Try a bottle and compare to the Gretzky wine below.

No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc 2008, VQA Ontario; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #230771;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

Ontario Sauvignon Blanc is starting to turn heads as this adaptable variety continues to establish a firm foothold in the winegrowing regions. The palate is wonderfully fresh with bright acids and vefry good length. This is a wine that will appeal to many and is a great sipper for the patio or dock. Way to go Wayne!

ROSÉ

La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé 2010, Ac; Provence, France
LCBO #71084;  Rating – 91;  $21.95

This is a clean refreshing Rosé, with strawberry notes and above average complexity. Great depth and excellent length. Serve this as a starter for your next BBQ party.

Château La Tour De L'évêque Rosé 2010, Ac Côtes De Provence; Provence, France
LCBO #319392;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

Quoted from Vintages; “The cuisine of Provence seems to have a real affinity for the region’s best rosés. Very crisp and dry, this wine delivers flavours of strawberry, cranberry and spice. An ideal match for grilled shrimp with a homemade aioli (the great garlicky dipping sauce), or scallops pan-seared with butter and garlic.”  How can you go wrong with this?