LCBO Vintages Release for September 18, 2010

This Release has some great Italian and Portuguese selections. I've also highlighted an LBV Port for $18.95 ...so if you are a Port lover this is a must try ...especially for the price at $18.95.

For each release, I am trying to highlight a few wines that apply to those of you that have a temperature controlled wine cellar. While, there are many great wines that we can buy and drink right away, you will only get to experience those truly amazing wines if you have patience and proper storage facilities to let them age to perfection. I have personally built two wine cellars in previous homes and in both cases they would hold 1,000 bottles, stored the wine at a perfect cellar temp of 56F to 58F and were built for under $2,500. For those of you that don't have the space or are on a tighter budget, there are many stand alone refrigeration units available for between $500 and $2,000. In particular I really like the 200 bottle unit that Rosehill Wine Cellars retails for under $995.

CELLAR SELECTIONS
Montepeloso Eneo 2006, lgt ToscanaTuscany, Italy#114660 Rating - 93 $44.95 This is a classic wine that needs to age for at least 6 years. Best after 2016.

Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Carmenere 2007, Rapel ValleyChile#169862; Rating - 90; $19.95 Excellent length and awesome value. Set aside for 2 years. At its best from 2012 to 2020

PREMIUM PICKS
San Fabiano Calcinaia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, lgt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy
#181420; Rating - 91 $22.95
Full bodied, with a long beautiful finish. Best after 2011 to 2016

La Lecciaia Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, Docg; 375ml
Tuscany, Italy
#180083 Rating - 91; $24.95
Please note this is a half bottle. Save it for a night when your better half is out! Drink now through 2012

Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2007, lgt Rosso dei Colli Della Toscana Centrale
Tuscany, Italy
#134775; Rating - 91; $27.95
A sangiovese-cabernet blend. Full bodied, intense and flavourful in a Super-Tuscan style. Drink now or hold for five years.

Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007, McLaren Vale
South Australia. 375ml (1/2 bottle)
#180430 Rating - 90; $11.95
Full bodied with a great finish. Drink now, but good for 4 to 6 years.

VALUE PICKS -RED
Bon Cap Organic winery The Ruins Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Wo Robertson
South Africa
#18739; Rating 90; $14.95
An excellent choice for a fall dinner of pot roast or braised meats. David Lawrason says to try it with Liver and Onions (yum)

Paringa Shiraz 2008, Riverland, South AustraliaAustralia
#180422; Rating -89; $14.95
David Lawrason describes it as follows: "It's full dense, sweet, rich and quite opulent ...a great buy at $15 ...excellent length."

Benmarco Malbec 2008
Argentina
#657601; Rating - 90; $17.95
Medium bodied with a long finish. Drink for up to 5 years.

WHITES
Vineland Estates St. Urban Riesling 2008, VQA Niagara Escarpment
Ontario Canada
#38117; Rating - 90; $19.95
A beautiful wine that is off-dry, light, vibrant and with great finish. Try it with some Asian fare.

PORT
Ferreira LBV (Late Bottled Vintage Port) 2000, Doc Douro, Bottled 2004Portugal#675751; Rating - 90; $18.95LBV's are typically ready 4 to 6 years after bottling. This port is ready now but you could wait another year. Get some nice blue cheese and enjoy this weekend!