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.

6 Great Reds for under $20 - Vintages Release - October 15 2011

This hisvil; Green Devil; $7.50 eachrelease features some amazing wines, however unless you are a serious collector, have a bank account bigger than Warren Buffet or you just won the lottery, some of the prices are out of range for many of us. However, if money was no object I would certainly try the Château Troplong Mondot 2007, Ac Saint émilion Grand Cru from Bordeaux which is rated from 93 to 95, but will set you back $115. For the same money you can buy a half case of the Luigi Bosca Reserva (Rating – 90;  $17.95).

If the cool fall weather gets you down this weekend, here is a delicious fall soup recipe http://www.thechefupstairs.com/Spiced_Squash_and_Apple_Soup_Recipe.html

RED WINES

Luigi Bosca Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipü, Mendoza, Argentina
LCBO #128629;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

A very nicely balanced Cab that shows Argentina can do more than Malbec. Very good to excellent length. Buy a case at this price!
 

Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Lake County California, USA
LCBO #104240;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

Another nice Cab for under $20. Nicely balanced, medium bodied and very good finish. This is a great value. Drink now or it will get even better with a year or two in the cellar.

Volpaia Chianti Classico 2008, Docg; Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #953828;  Rating – 90;  $21.95

This is a lovely light Chianti that is grown at very high elevation. Expect  aromas of red currant and fresh herbs. Very good to excellent length. Serve with light pasta dishes.
 

Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007, Docg; Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #988055;  Rating – 90;  $25.95

This exceeds my price limit of $20, but this is a classy Tuscan with nice balance and intensity. Try a bottle to see.
 

Moroder Rosso Conero 2007, Doc; Marche, Italy
LCBO #224741;  Rating – 89;  $17.95

A very nice medium bodied wine that is quite dense with excellent length. Try with some nice salty charcutierie.

Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #76331;  Rating – 88;  $18.95

This represents a ‘baby’ Chateauneuf du Pape. Great body and easy drinking for the price.

Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère 2010, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #16071;  Rating – 87; $14.95

A modern blend of Cabernet and Carmenere that will delight for the price.

Korta Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009; Chile
LCBO #236034;  Rating – 87;  $13.95

This young cab offers decent value at this price. Expect medium weight and very good length. Age it for a year or two and it will be a nice little gem.

WHITE WINES

Pierre Sparr Réserve Gewurztraminer 2009, Alsace, France
LCBO #747600;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

This is a classic Alsatian Gewurtz that is full bodied, with lovely fruit. Enjoy with rich seafood dishes or spiced Asian cuisine.

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate Sunrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

LCBO #249516;  Rating – 88;  $17.95
This is a well balanced wine that is medium bodied with very good length.
 

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island New Zealand
LCBO #686675;  Rating – 88;  $18.95

Another good vintage from Spy Valley. It’s hard to go wrong with their Sauvignon Blanc wines. The 2010 is rich and ripe, very smooth and very good length. Good value.

  

Case Ibidini Insolia 2010, Igt Sicilia; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #211839;  Rating – 87;  $13.95

A bright mid-weight exotic white with melon and grapefruit notes. Good length and good value for the price.

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.