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.

Thanksgiving Wine suggestions

Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

You can never go wrong with a white Riesling or lighter red such as Pinot Noir or Gamay. Here are a few suggestions for both of these. Enjoy and have a great Thanksgiving.

Reds

Château De Chatelard Les Vieux Granits Fleurie 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #207886;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

Part of the great Beaujolais class of 2009. It is medium weight and very smooth, with very good length. Good value at this price.

Thatched Hut Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, South Island; New Zealand
LCBO #242933;  Rating – 90; 17.95

Central Otago is New Zealand’s best location for growing great Pinot Noir. It is mid-weight with very good length. Chill slightly.

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #146548;  Rating – 90; $19.95

This is a very affordable Pinot in a lighter style. It has very good length and is always in stock at most LCBO locations.

Pierre Andre Bourgogne Pinot Noir Reserve Vielles Vignes 2009, Burgundy, France
LCBO #168427;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

This is  a light-mid weight pinot noir with typical sour cherry, woodsy scents; ideal with roasted poultry.

Whites

Dr. Hermann Riesling Kabinett 2008, Qmp, Erdener Treppchen; Mosel Germany
LCBO #189647;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

This a wonderful Mosel Riesling that is off-dry but well balanced. Rich and honeyed in character with excellent finish.  A great price for this quality wine.

Vineland St. Urban Riesling 2009, VQA Niagara Escarpment; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #38117;  Rating – 89; $19.95

This is elegant but intense Riesling in a slightly off-dry style. A good sipping style or will pair nicely with salmon with lemon or poultry. Very good to excellent length.

Angels Gate Riesling 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #160523;  Rating 88;  $13.95

This is great value for $14 - a serious Riesling nicely opening up. It's mid-weight, firm, dry and a bit tart  with very good length.

Vintages Release – October 1, 2011

Today’s release is the start of the great fall programs at the LCBO as we move towards the holiday season. The next 6 releases will feature some of the best wines of the year. For this week there are some amazing dessert wines that are never available when you want them for a special dinner party. Now is the time to pick them up, to insure that you have them when you need them.

I have also picked two lovely value reds that will last you through the winter. It would be a good idea to pick up at least 6 bottles of each at these prices.

 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is only a week away and I have selected several different whites and reds that will compliment your meal. I have also posted a recipe for the most delicious turkey (below). We cooked our turkey like this two years ago and it was definitely the tastiest and juiciest bird I have ever eaten. The dry rub we used had wonderful flavourings and made for even better soup. I will also post a recipe for the leftover turkey soup next week.

http://www.thechefupstairs.com/Dry_Rubbed_Roast_Turkey.html  

The traditional pairing with turkey is white Riesling and for red wines, either Pinot Noir or Gamy grapes. I have featured several of each and would put a bottle of white and a bottle of red on the table to satisfy the palettes of all of your guests.

The weather doesn’t look very good for outdoor work or activities today, so head out to your local fall market to pick up some of the amazing fall bounty and don’t forget to hit the LCBO on your way home.

 

Red Wines under $20

Wild Rock Gravel Pit Red 2008, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
LCBO #163600; Rating – 87; $15.95

A blend of 71% Merlot, 25% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc produces a smooth and silky wine. From the producers of Craggy Range in the Gimlett Gravels area of Hawkes Bay. It is elegant and mid-weight with very good length. Enjoy this good value now to 2015.

Goats Do Roam The Goatfather 2009, Wo Coastal Region; South Africa
LCBO #11072;  Rating – 87;  $14.95

A very interesting blend of Italian Sangiovese and barbera grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon makes for a full soft and earthy wine that is very drinkable for the price. We bought a case of this last year and it was a very enjoyable wine during the colder winter months. Will pair well with grilled meats or even Spaghetti and Meatballs.

White Wines under $20

Domaine De Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Ac; Loire, France
LCBO #251454;  Rating – 89;  $14.95

Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Chardonnay 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #89037;  Rating – 89; $19.95

Dessert Wines

Fleur Du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2008, Wo Coastal Region (375ml); South Africa
LCBO #173781; Rating – 94;  $20.95

Dessert wines such as this classic are created by introducing the botrytis (noble rot) to the Riesling grapes. The result is a deep dark orange colour, that is very sweet, luscious with excellent to outstanding length. Enjoy with hazelnut chocolates or any dessert that is sweet and or chocolate.

Château De Rayne Vigneau 2007, Ac Sauternes, 1er Cru (375ml); Bordeaux, France
LCBO #98236;  Rating – 91;  $31.00

The sauternes of Bordeaux are rare and scooped up quickly in Ontario. They are beautiful rich wines. My favourite pairing is with seared foie gras, served with either an apricot, mango or apple chutney.

Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu 2006 (250ml); Hungary
LCBO #972836;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

Reds

Château De Chatelard Les Vieux Granits Fleurie 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #207886;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

Part of the great Beaujolais class of 2009. It is medium weight and very smooth, with very good length. Good value at this price.

Thatched Hut Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, South Island; New Zealand
LCBO #242933;  Rating – 90; 17.95

Central Otago is New Zealand’s best location for growing great Pinot Noir. It is mid-weight with very good length. Chill slightly.

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #146548;  Rating – 90; $19.95

This is a very affordable Pinot in a lighter style. It has very good length and is always in stock at most LCBO locations.

Pierre Andre Bourgogne Pinot Noir Reserve Vielles Vignes 2009, Burgundy, France
LCBO #168427;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

This is  a light-mid weight pinot noir with typical sour cherry, woodsy scents; ideal with roasted poultry.

Whites

Dr. Hermann Riesling Kabinett 2008, Qmp, Erdener Treppchen; Mosel Germany
LCBO #189647;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

This a wonderful Mosel Riesling that is off-dry but well balanced. Rich and honeyed in character with excellent finish.  A great price for this quality wine.

Vineland St. Urban Riesling 2009, VQA Niagara Escarpment; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #38117;  Rating – 89; $19.95

This is elegant but intense Riesling in a slightly off-dry style. A good sipping style or will pair nicely with salmon with lemon or poultry. Very good to excellent length.

Angels Gate Riesling 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #160523;  Rating 88;  $13.95

This is great value for $14 - a serious Riesling nicely opening up. It's mid-weight, firm, dry and a bit tart  with very good length.

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.

Vintages Release - August 20, 2011

It may be back to school time in two weeks, but we still have many weeks of summer weather ahead of us. So this weekend relax and enjoy your down time with some great produce from our local farmers markets and match it with some of these lovely value wines that the LCBO will release this weekend.

RECIPES AND COOKING TIPS - GRILLED SWEET CORN

Corn is in abundant supply right now and there is nothing better than crisp, fresh, sweet corn. Corn is best if eaten within 2 days from the time it is picked, so if you are buying it at the grocery store, it is probably 3 to 7 days old. I suggest that you buy it at your local Farmer’s market or find a convenient road side stand. My favourite place is on 6^th Line, just south of Derry Road between Mississauga and Milton. They plant ‘supersweet’ corn and quite often they will pick you a dozen while you wait …for $5/dozen it can’t be beat. To take full advantage of that fresh sweet flavour, cook it on your BBQ in the husk. I soak it in the sink for about 20 minutes, then place it on the hot grill, turning it every few minutes until the husks are nicely browned (about 15 to 20 minutes). You can then set it aside and continue cooking the rest of your meal, as the husks will trap the heat  at least 20 minutes. Be careful when husking as it can be very hot. I use gloves or husk under cold running water. Fine Cooking magazine has a great article on grilling corn and several wonderful recipes as well. Trust me, I have tried every method of cooking corn and this is by far the tastiest way to prepare this wonderful summer delicacy.

RED WINES

Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2007, Doc Douro; Douro, Portugal
LCBO #657452;  Rating – 90; 19.95

A wonderful medium-full bodied wine that shows a wonderful nose and excellent nose. Drink it now or it will get even better over the next 5 years.

Château L'argentier Vieilles Vignes De Carignan 2007, Vin De Pays Du Gard; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #250712;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

This wine is made from carignan vines that are 72 years old. The winemaker has done a wonderful job with this smooth wine that is dense in flavour with excellent length. I have this earmarked for a grilled boneless leg of lamb that is marinated with plenty of rosemary.

Kumkani Cradle Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Wo Stellenbosch; Stellenbosch, South Africa
LCBO #107391;  Rating – 90; $19.95

South Africa produces some fine wines and this is a clear example. Drink now or let it rest for 5+ years. Excellent length and depth.

Mas Foraster Josep Foraster Criança 2006, Montblanc, Do Conca De Barbera; Spain
LCBO #218321;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A blend of cabernet sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo. Well balanced with very good length and at a great price.

Villa Medoro Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2008, Doc; Abruzzo, Italy
LCBO #242321;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

This is a very appealing wine that may be compared to a new world cabernet. It has solid flavour and complexity beyond its price. Drink it now!

Château De Flaugergues Cuvée Sommelière 2007, La Méjanelle, Ac Coteaux Du Languedoc; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #65896;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

This is a very simple, drinkable red that is medium bodied with very good length.

Château De La Sauveuse Cuvée Carolle 2008, Ac Côtes De Provence; Provence, France
LCBO #250704;  Rating – 88;  $18.95

This is a very ‘earthy’ wine that will pair well with gamey meats. Pair with herb encrusted rack of lamb with a black peppercorn sauce.

Domaine La Croix Belle Syrah 2009, Côtes De Thongue Igp Languedoc; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #160150;  Rating – 87;  $12.95

For $13 this offers great character and finish. Will pair nicely with ribs, wings, burgers or sausages!

Frascole Chianti Rufina 2007, Docg;  Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #85167; Rating – 87;  $15.95

This is a basic Chianti with very good finish. Serve with Pasta Puttanesca.

WHITE WINES

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island; Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #160085;  Rating – 90;  $9.95

375ml bottle – A nice clean and polished wine with citrus, green herb and tropical fruit flavours. A perfect size for two on the patio.

Chalone Monterey County Chardonnay 2009, Monterey County; California, USA
LCBO #80226;  Rating – 90; $16.95

A classic rich California Chardonnay, with excellent length that is a great value wine at this price. Drink it now or even cellar for 2 to 3 years.  Pair with a rich seafood pasta or grilled Atlantic salmon.

René Muré Signature Gewurztraminer 2009, Ac Alsace; Alsace, France
LCBO #61218;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

This is a wonderful gewurz with good to excellent length. Will pair well with Asian foods or try with lamb curry.

Montes Limited Selection Leyda Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Leyda Valley; Leyda Valley, Chile
LCBO #32060;  Rating – 89;  $14.95

A very complex nose of green herb, lime and citrus with excellent length. Good value for the money.

La Ferme Du Mont La Truffière 2009, Ac Côtes Du Rhône; Rhone, France
LCBO #234716;  Rating – 89;  $16.95

A classic southern Rhone wine that features subtle grapefruit and peach flavours. It is a mid-weight wine and has good to very good length. Serve with grilled shrimp or calamari.

Cave Talmard Mâcon Uchizy 2009, Ac; Burgundy, France
LCBO #733956;  Rating – 88; $15.95

A very nicely priced wine from the home of the world’s oldest Chardonnay.  Try it in comparison to the Chalone from Monterey County above.

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?