Vintages Release for March 5, 2011
This release has some wines in the over $20 range that are quite wonderful, but I’m focusing on the under $20 products that are drinkable now.
Try a few of these great values and pass this link on to all of your wine loving friends. Have a great weekend ...Greg
Red Wines
Concha Y Toro Maycas Del Limari Reserva Syrah 2009; Limarí Valley Chile
#209916; Rating – 91; $14.95
You can’t go wrong with a $15 wine that is rated so high. This is clearly the best value of the release and I’m sure it will go quickly. Full bodied, dense, complex and a great finish. Try it now or let it sit for a year or two and it will get even better.
Perrin & Fils Les Sinards Châteauneuf Du Pape 2007; Ac; Rhone, France
#5975; Rating – 90; $19.95
Solid value for this full bodied red. Very good finish. Drinkable now or cellar for up to 10 years.
Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2009; Marlborough New Zealand
#203752; Rating – 89; $12.95 for 375 ml half bottle
A nice treat for an evening by yourself. Medium bodied that will go well with roast pork or roast chicken.
Tabalí Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008; Limarí Valley Chile
#58446; Rating – 89; $14.95
Another great value wine to try this month. Very typical cabernet structure and character. Enjoy over the next five years with grilled meats.
La Cova Dels Vins Ombra 2006, Doc Montsant; Spain
#132589; Rating – 89; $16.95
A wonderful blend of garnacha, carinena and cabernet sauvignon, that may remind you of pinot noir. Mid-weight, excellent length and value and will show best form 2012 to 2017.
Terre Di Rubinoro Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006, Docg; Tuscany, Italy
#206862; Rating – 89; $17.95
An Intriguing blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Mammolo, full bodied, earthy with a full finish. A very good wine for the money that will drink well from now to 2015.
Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition 2009, Ac Costières De Nîmes; Rhone, France
#143099; Rating – 88; $14.95
A dark syrah, grenache blend that is very peppery and floral. It’s medium weight with very good to excellent length that will carry through over the next 4 to 5 years. Try with a nice rib eye steak with a peppercorn sauce. At this price it’s worth a try.
Vaeni Naoussa Xinomavro Damaskinos 2004; Greece
#60731; Rating – 88; $13.95
Step outside your comfort zone and try something different. An old world style red similar to sangiovese, traditional rioja or nebbiolo. Very good finish and will age well for 5+ years. Excellent value.
White Wines
S. Cristina Massoni Lugana 2009, Doc; Lombardy, Italy
#200097; Rating – 90; $17.95
Lugana is another name for Trebbiano di Soave, the second most widely planted grape in the world. This white has a fresh floral and citrus nose. Will pair well with Mediterranean lemon chicken or a risotto with shrimp, leek or spinach.
Concha Y Toro Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007, Limarí Valley; Chile
#162040; Rating – 90; $19.95
This is Concho Y Toro’s special reserve. It’s light to mid-weight chardonnay with load of flavour and excellent finish. It will get better over the next 18 months.
Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula; Ontario
#302059; Rating – 89; $16.95
Medium bodied, floral, with citrus notes. Well balanced. For those that have not tried a “Gewurz” it is an excellent pairing with any Asian cuisine (Thai, Chinese, Indian). Order some takeout and give it a whirl.
Chavet Menetou Salon Blanc 2009, Ac; Loire, France
#525048; Rating – 88; $13.95
This is wonderful Sauvignon Blanc from the famous Loire Valley. We don’t get access to many of these good wines, so this is one to grab. From the LCBO’s description: “Gold Medal winner at the prestigious 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. This vibrant wine showcases all the crispness, citrus fruit and herbaceous fresh-cut grass character that characterizes Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire. A food-friendly white that will delight with herbed chicken, or seafood dishes.”
