October 2nd Vintages/LCBO Wine Release

Autumn is a favourite time of year for me, for a number of reasons; the beautiful fall colours, amazing harvest foods, fall markets, late season golf, the start of hockey and football season, basball's World Series and most importantly for wine lovers ...the fall harvest and releases from previous years. From now to the Christmas season we will see some wonderful wines and this week is a good indicator. I've highlighted two wonderful cabs at $24.95 as well as 4 reds for under $20. There are also 3 nice whites and a delightful desert wine from Hungary.

RED WINES
Evans & Tate The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Margaret River
Australia #60186; $25.95 Rating – 90
This is an excellent wine for the price, that is drinkable now. I tried it with dinner tonight and it was excellent. Decant for 30 minutes; great with grilled steak or lamb.

Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2007, Margaret River,
Australia #47639 $24.95 Rating 91
Great wine at this price. Medium to fill bodied. Drinkable now but could age for another 15 years or more.

Concha Y Toro Marques De casa Concha Merlot 2007, Peumo, Rapel Valley
Chile #939827; $19.95 Rating – 91
David Lawrason describes it as cabernet like in flavour but merlot like on the palate. Above average complexity and concentration for the price. Excellent length. Drinkable now through 2019.

Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River
Australia #59956; $19.95 Rating 90
Great value, but needs some time to mellow out, best from 2012 to 2018

D’angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2006, Doc; Basilicata
Italy # 971689; $18.95 Rating – 89
This is a deep rich full bodied wine with good to very good length. Drink now, but will be better in 2 to 3 years

Banfi Centine 2007, lgt Toscan, Tuscany 375ml (half bottle)
Italy #980649 $8.95 Rating – 88
A wonderful Tuscan red for a Tuesday night meal of pasta in red sauce or a beef roast.


WHITE WINES
Peter Lehmann Riesling 2008, Eden Valley
Australia #186361; $14.95 Rating – 89
This is a full flavoured Aussie Riesling with a dry finish and very good length. Drink now to 2016

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Gold Label Chardonnay 2008, Monterey County
USA #708305; $19.95 Rating – 89
A wonderful California Chardonnay at this price. Try with grilled salmon or roast chicken. Very good length.

Roux Pere & Fils Macon Villages Blanc 2009, Ac
Burgundy, France #183350; $13.95 Rating – 87
Nice length and finish. A great value that will go perfect with roast pork.


DESERT WINE
Puklus Cellar Szamorodni Tokaji 2002; Late Harvest
Hungary #179374; $ 18.95 Rating - 89
A wonderful sweet desert wine, with great value. If you like late harvest Riesling or ice wine give this a try.