THE LOW DOWN: My favourite wines from the previous two releases were Côtes du Rhône, and now this release features that region (the southern Rhône). Yippee!! My five picks this week are out-and-out charmers. So warm and cuddly you may not want the winter to end.
I’m also recommending a pair of New World rich reds [...]
Posted in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks | Also tagged Cava, Côtes du Rhône, chardonnay, Chile, Cono Sur, Peller, South Africa, Sparkling, syrah, Vineland, VQA |
If you’re just tuning in, check out the other lessons posted on Billy’s Online Wine School page to your left. Enjoy your homework!
WINE LESSON # 5 Côtes du Rhône
I want to repeat the first lesson because of the flood of Côtes du Rhône wines appearing at Vintages this Saturday. You must grab this opportunity to [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Six picks ranging in price from $15 to $25. Blockbuster, crowd-pleasing Argentinan wines are the feature but they are outdone by my Cotes du Rhone pick. France also scores with a Sauv Blanc. Malivoire Gamay and Southbrook Chard are outstanding locals.
WHITES
wine style: fresh white
LA CHABLISIENNE 08 Sauvignon, Saint-Bris, France 641753 $14.95
Seriously dry [...]
A few days ago I recommended a couple of great value reds from Italy and now it’s time to pop next door to France. This wine will greatly appeal to fans of traditional rustic reds. Wine with bite, guts and a sense of the soil. Very real, very non-smooth. A Johnny Cash red. Have with [...]
Posted in Wine Picks | Also tagged red wine, Yvon Mau |
BILLY’S ONLINE WINE SCHOOL for 2010 JOIN THE PARTY!
Drink selected wines every week, for a full year. All in the comfort of your own pad.
Welcome to my new Wine School. Drinking your way through my 2010 Billy’s Best Book – a bottle (or two) at a time. Just follow the instructions and you’ll be [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Best Vintages release in a long time. Lots of great tasting and distinctive wines for only $12.95. But you must try the Rasteau for $15.
anytime sipper
wine style: fresh white
RAPAURA SPRINGS 08 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, N.Z. 142919 $14.95 New Zealand Sauv in a mellow mood. Well, almost. The usual exuberance is tempered with [...]
Posted in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks | Also tagged Argentina, chardonnay, Chile, Corbieres, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Rasteau, red wine, sauvignon blanc, Terra D'Aligi, Vinho Verde, viognier, white wine |
Stocking the Holiday Cupboard
It’s coming, so why not get your stash before the stores become crowded – and half empty. Over the next two weeks I will be posting the DREAM WINE SHOPPING LIST for residents of Ontario – the best drinks, the best values and a few expensive treats.
Alternatively you could purchase a copy [...]
Posted in Wine Picks | Also tagged aperitif, Lillet |
Re-recommended Red
I don’t usually do this, but after a few more bottles of a recent Vintage recommendation I want to do a repeat. Côtes de Castillon is rustic, wonderfully bistro-ish and for just $15 you can have an imaginary trip to France. Situated is on the fringe of Bordeaux so you get a Merlot/Cab blend [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Vintages always produce glitzy catalogues for the holidays, but the wines are seldom as good as the photography. Good wine don’t appear on demand. Regular readers will know that I frequently recommend something for Christmas in June and summer wines in the winter.
I will be covering Sparkling, Sweet and other holiday favourites [...]
Posted in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks | Also tagged Austria, Chile, Clos Jordanne, Gruner, Inniskillin, pinot noir, red wine, Spain, Vintages Picks, Vouvray, VQA, white wine |
LCBO Vintages Saturday November 21, 2009
THE LOW DOWN: Fancy wines at fancy prices are the features in this release. Go get em! For something more interesting and affordable check out the following.
P. S. Hate to say it, but I was disappointed with the premium local offerings.
WHITES
wine style: NICE & EASY WHITE
Aveleda 08 Alvarinho ‘Follies’, Portugal [...]
