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.