10 Great Reds - LCBO/Vintages November 26th- New Wine Release

The November 26^th Vintages release marks the LCBO’s best release of the year, as they bring out some of the top wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany and California. This week I will concentrate on the value wines under $25, while next week I will give you some great gift buying suggestions for your favourite wine lover or Blogger! I will talk about the best buys up to $50; up to $75; up to $100 and the anything goes category.

We are gearing up for a very busy holiday season at The Chef Upstairs. We still have a few lunch and dinner dates available for the weeks  of December 5^th and 20^th, so if you haven’t booked your party yet, now is the time to do it. http://www.thechefupstairs.com/holiday_party.html

Also, if you have any youngsters in your life don’t forget about out Gingerbread House decorating classes on December 3^rd, 10^th and 17^th. The classes are only $40 and the kids take home their creation and we clean up the mess. http://www.thechefupstairs.com/gingerbread_house_decorating_class.html

Top 10 Red Wines under $25

Le Ferme Du Mont Le Ponnant Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #171371;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

This is a bright young Rhone wine, with lots of pepper and cedar notes. Very smooth with very good length. Pair it with a herb, pepper rubbed beef tenderloin.

Prado Rey Crianza 2006, Do Ribera Del Duero; Ribera Del Duero, Spain
LCBO #725820;  Rating = 90;  $20.95

A blend of 92% Tempranillo with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is medium-full bodied with excellent length that will get better over the next 2 to 3 years.

Luis Gurpegui Muga Gonzalo De Berceo Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja; Rioja, Spain
LCBO #246744;  Rating – 90;  $20.95

This wine is mature and ready to drink now. Medium-full bodied with excellent length.

Cave De Roquebrun La Grange Des Combes Saint Chinian Roquebrun 2009, Ac; Languedoc Roussillon; (Midi), France
LCBO #155804;  Rating – 89;  $16.95

This is a lovely blend of syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre from the Languedoc region in the south of France. It’s medium weight, but needs two years to settle the tannins down.

Duca Di Salaparuta Passo Delle Mule Nero D'avola 2008, Igt Sicilia; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #250928;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

A very rustic and robust wine from Sicily that demands pairing with a savoury stew.

Geografico Montegiachi Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, Docg; Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #962142;  Rating – 89;  $23.95

A very nice mid-weight Riserva with good depth and complexity for the money. It’s drinkable now, but will develop more complexity in the nest 2 to 3 years. Pair it with your favourite tomato based pasta dish.

Valiano Poggio Teo Chianti Classico 2006, Docg, Castelnuovo Berardenga; Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #250563;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

This is one of the best value buys of the release. The complexity is above what you would expect for the price. Pair with meat lasagne or roast lamb.

Reichsrat Von Buhl Pinot Noir 2008, Qba; Pfalz, Germany
LCBO #249649;  Rating – 88;  $19.95

Who would expect Pinot from the land of Blue Nun? It’s a lighter wine with a nice nose and balance. Give it a try and compare to similarly priced Pinot.

Domaine Pierre & Fils Cuvée Elisyces Minervois 2007, Ac; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #251504;  Rating – 88;  $ 19.95

A very nice blend that delivers bang for the buck. It has a very long finish and is a nice winter sipping wine.

Palacio De Sada Crianza 2006, Do Navarra; Navarra, Spain
LCBO #246736;  Rating – 87;  $14.95

A well structured wine that is a great buy at $15. It’s medium bodied and will pair nicely with your roast turkey.

5 Best White Wines under $20

Momo Pinot Gris 2010, Marlborough, South Island; Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #163535;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

A lovely mid-weigh pinot gris with flavours of peach and pear. This wine would pair nicely with a poached pear salad with goat’s cheese.

Amani Chardonnay 2009, Wo Stellenbosch; Stellenbosch, South Africa
LCBO #687442;  Rating – 89;  $17.95

This is a nice clean polished chardonnay that has moderate oak. It’s medium weight with excellent length. Try with grilled salmon with a light lemon dill rub.

Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Torrontés 2010, Salta; Mendoza, Argentina
LCBO #243238;  Rating – 88;  $14.95

This is a nicely refined wine with considerable depth. It’s worth the try at this price. Pair it with a fennel green apple salad to bring it’s nose to life.

Grotta Del Sole Falanghina Dei Campi Flegrei 2009, Doc; Campania, Italy
LCBO #247940;  Rating – 88; $15.95

This is a fresh lemony, dry wine that will pair nicely with a light white fish.

Belcanto Di Bellussi Extra Dry Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene Superiore, Docg, Veneto, Italy; Veneto, Italy
LCBO #53215;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

A very fine sparkling wine that’s mid-weight and nicely balanced with very good to excellent length. Serve up a bottle to start your Christmas dinner or I hear that it’s also great on the golf course.

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 - 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 - July 9, 2011 New Wines Release

The LCBO / Vintages release for July 9, 2011 includes some nice red wines that feature both quality and value. There is also a nice 10 year old Tawny Port for $21.95 and several nice summer whites.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting 5 lovely wineries in Essex County (near Windsor along the Lake Erie shore).  I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their Chardonnay wines, Rieslings and Cabernet Blends. We also toured a local B&B which is located in close proximity to all of these wineries. La Roos Maison B&B is a beautiful lakeside home that is wonderfully appointed and well priced. What a great place for a quick getaway www.laroosmaison.com  The five rooms are priced from $99 to $179 per night or get 5 couples together and book the entire place.

My most memorable imbibing occurred at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. Their Sangria was outstanding and given the 32C weather that day I could have consumed a keg of this, it was so good. I will try to duplicate it this weekend and will post the recipe in my next Blog.

Red Wines

Pléyades Reserva 2005, Do Cariñena; Spain
LCBO #214163;  Rating – 91;  $12.95

A tasty Spanish blend for a great price. You can’t go wrong at this price. Will pair nicely with grilled red meats.

Alexander Valley Redemption Zinfandel 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County California, USA
LCBO #224147; Rating – 91;  $21.95

Good Zinfandel is often hard to find these days, so this a good one to put away for a rainy day. A nice fruity medium-full bodied wine with great depth and excellent length. Try with aged cheddar.

Dominique Piron Les Pierres Morgon 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #231969;  Rating – 91;  $22.95

This was a great vintage and this is a wonderful example. Supple, fine and rich. You will want to quaff this it is so good. Pair with roast chicken or pork.

Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007, Docg, Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #212571;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

Good value for an authentic Tuscan wine. It’s mid-weight with great flavours and very good to excellent length. Try with rosemary crusted leg of lamb.

Lomond Syrah 2008, Wo Cape Agulhas; South Africa
LCBO #146464;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

A northern Rhone style Syrah  that is medium-full bodied and a good value at this price.

Baglio Di Pianetto Shymer 2008, Igt Sicilia; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #219501;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

A blend of merlot and syrah with structure that you’d normally find at twice the price. Very good length.

Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina
LCBO #58081;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

A medium-full bodied and dense cabernet that is very tannic and dry. Try now, but could be better in two years.

Aubert Visan Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #224915;  Rating – 87;  $12.95

A very good Rhone wine at a very good price. Try with your favourite charcouterie.

White Wines

Château Gaudrelle Sec Tendre Vouvray 2009, Ac; Loire, France
LCBO #228924;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

A classic Chenin nose with honeyed pear character. It’s medium weight, slightly off dry with excellent focus.

Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, South Island; New Zealand
LCBO #214437;  Rating – 89;  $16.95

A good example of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a nose of citrus fruit and green herbs.  Good length and value.

Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #127720;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

A fresh style, with lime, tarragon, green plum and green apple notes, backed by a finish that turns creamy at the very end. Drink now.

Andrian Pinot Grigio 2009, Doc Alto Adige; Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy
LCBO #234914;  Rating – 88;  $16.95

Pinot Grigio is a great patio wine that is ideal for sipping or for light seafood salads.

Port

Burmester 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Doc Douro; Portugal
LCBO #223958;  Rating – 91;  $24.95

A wonderful Tawny Port at a reasonable price. Buy now as these are always hard to find at Christmas time.

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?

LCBO / Vintages - June 11, 2011 Release

Hi Everyone ...this is one of my favourite weekends of the year. Not because there are some great wines being released at Vintages because it is my turn to give back to a cause that is very important to me. I will be participating in the Princess Margaret Hospital Ride to Conquer Cancer. It is an epic 2-day 200 mile bike ride that benefits cancer research. It is important to me, not only because I have lost over a dozen family and friends to this horrible disease, but because I know of more than 20 survivors who have beaten the odds and won. so yes, my bum will be sore, my knees will ache, my back will be stiff and my hands will be numb ...but in my mind, it is nothing compared to the toll that chemotherapy and radiation treatments can have on your body.
So please, if you haven't donated to this great cause, please support my ride by clicking on the link below ...it's never too late to save a life!!  Donate to Greg's Ride to Conquer Cancer 

  

Wine Selections for the 06.11.11 Release

RED WINES UNDER $20

This week’s release features 5 wonderful reds scored at 90 and all for under $20. Each is a different style, so it is a good time to try a few and see for yourself the subtle differences terroir, climate and varietal can make in the finished product.

Alvento Elige 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #226019;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

If you only buy one wine from this release, this is the wine to try. It is a Bordeaux style blend with great colour, nose and excellent length. It is mid-weight, but will show best if cellared for a year or two. Buy one to try now and a few to drink later. Most people would never know that this was an Ontario wine!

Falernia Reserva Syrah 2007, Elquí Valley Chile
LCBO #208371;  Rating – 90;  $15.95

This is a wow from a region not known for Syrah. Made in the Rhone style with impressive flavour and very long finish. Drink now or even wait a year for it to develop more. Will pair beautifully with beef tenderloin and peppercorn sauce.

Château Bégadanet 2005, Ac Médoc; Bordeaux, France
LCBO #138875;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

This is another wow. A mature six year old Bordeaux for under $20 is time to celebrate. Very complex, with an intense nose and very good to excellent length. Drink now or over the next 5 to 7 years. Very food friendly, enjoy with a rack of lamb or with Roquefort, Beaufort or Emmental cheeses.

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

This is a wonderful summer red to sip on the patio. Very smooth, medium weight and very good length.

La Sauvageonne Pica Broca 2008, Ac Coteaux Du Languedoc; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #223669;  Rating 90;  $18.95

A delicious blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, it’s mid-weight, packed with flavour and has very good length. Enjoy with grilled steak.

Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Los Morros, Maipo Valley; Chile
LCBO #208397;  Rating – 89;  $18.95

This is from an entirely organic estate. It is a medium-full bodied classic which is fairly dense and well balanced. Though, shame on the Vintner for using such a heavy bottle!

Monte Del Frá Bardolino 2010, Doc; Veneto, Italy
LCBO #134544;  Rating – 88;  $11.95

A great summer sipper for under $12! Medium bodied and good length. Serve with a slight chill and pair with grilled chicken or pork.

Zeni Costalago 2008, Igt Rosso Veronese; Veneto, Italy
LCBO #220848;  Rating – 88;  $14.95

From Sara d’Amato at Wine Align. “An attempt at a "super Venetian" blend of local Corvina with Cabernet and Merlot. Medium-to-full bodied, rich and a touch smoky. Blackberry, plum and some big, warm alcoholic notes. A hearty red that is best served with rich stews and smoked meat.” Drink now or over the next 2 years

WHITE WINES UNDER $20

This week I’m featuring four different style whites, that pair nicely with light summer fare.

Nicosia Etna Bianco 2009, Doc Etna; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #212928;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A blend of local Sicilian varities with aromas of pear, melon, flint and white peach. An excellent sipper that will pair well with grilled fish or seafood pasta.

Domaine Des Malandes Chablis 2009, Ac; Burgundy, France
LCBO #111658;  Rating – 88;  $18.95

A very reasonably priced Chablis. Crisp and clean with very good length. Sip it on the deck or pair with grilled sole.

Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza; Argentina
LCBO #1461;  Rating – 87;  $12.95

Simple, soft and clean. A great value vs commercial styles such as Yellow Tail.

Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Acongagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #510339;  Rating – 87;  $15.95

This winery is a partnership between Errazuriz and Robert Mondavi. They are dedicated to producing premium and super premium wines. This wine will not disappoint and is good value. Try with oysters on the half shell or just sip it on the dock. Very good length.