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.