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VINTAGES
RECOMMENDATIONS
May
2
March
14
February
28
February
14
January
31
January
17
January
10
December
6 November 22
November 8
October 25
October 11
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Look
for a revamp of billy's best bottles website soon. Your patience
in the interm is appreciated. Thank you.
Billy's
Best Bottles Wines for 2009 is
the perfect complement to all my Vintages picks.
My book features
over 300 great wine buys from Vintages Essentials
and the General List, all
available at your local LCBO.
In book
stores
for
only $19.95 – and cheaper if you buy multiple
copies from me. More details here.
There
are eight major Vintages stores in the province, but most
LCBOs carry a selection of Vintages items. At any time you
can request your local LCBO to order in Vintages wines. A
percentage of the stock is set aside for customers outside
the Metropolitan
areas.
There's no guarantee you'll get the wine, but it's worth
trying.
Sláinte,
BILLY MUNNELLY
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VINTAGES March
2, 2009
THE LOW DOWN: Tuscany
is the feature but I found the wines to be too New World
and expensive. Welcome to the modern era in Tuscany! Not
for me.
My list is short but it contains a candidate for red
wine value of the year in Santa Julia Cabernet from Argentina.
The style is perfect for summer events. As are my two
French
Rosé picks. Southbrook Sauvignon is a wonderfully
distinctive local expression. And I'm offering a Chablis
for anyone up for adventure, if somewhat expensive.
Enjoy!
Billy
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RICH
ROSÉ Vintages
May 2
CH. VAL JOANIS 08 Syrah Rosé, Luberon, France
707281 $15.95
The pale and deceptively rich Provence-style
dry Rosé.
Delicate, pretty flavours and just enough freshness to carry
the show. Rosé for a weekend lunch that might run
into dinner. |
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FRESH
ROSÉ Vintages
May 2
PIERRE SPARR Brut Rosé, Cremant d'Alsace, France
39016 $19.95
Bone dry Rosé with two great features.
Super refreshing and the perfect partner to cut the richness
in seafood. Shrimp
or calamari on the deck! |
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FRESH
WHITE Vintages
May 2
SOUTHBROOK 07 Sauvignon Blanc 'Triomphe', VQA Niagara
117556 $18.95
You gotta try this wonderful local expression
of Sauvignon. Fresh, pungent and a little more earthy than
most. Reminds
me of traditional French wine that feels of a place rather
than of
fruits.Calls for food to complete the picture – such
as a seafood appetizer or grilled chicken mains. |
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RICH
WHITE Vintages
May 2
DOM. BERNARD DEFAIX 06 Chablis 1er Cru, Burgundy, France
17541 $36.95
A very pure, delicate and elegant Chablis
that will seduce you with French charm. And an opportunity
to experience how
Chablis differs from most other Chardonnays.
And you must read the pretentious wine description in the LCBO catalogue (page
38)...too ridiculous for words. |
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RUSTIC
RED Vintages
May 2
SANTA JULIA 07 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina
93781 $13.95
Invigorating Cab that hits a middle ground
between gutsy and yummy. New World
ripe flavours with the refreshing character of a Chianti. The perfect candidate – style
and price – for your house summer BBQ red. Don't miss this one.
P.S. Produced by the Zuccardi family, the creators of 'Fuzion' at regular LCBO
stores. |
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VINTAGES March
14, 2009
THE LOW DOWN: Not
a lot to recommend. But you can't go wrong buying Colio
Sauvignon Blanc and Cotes du Rhône for summer drinking.
And crowd pleasing doesn't get much better than with Bianchi
Malbec.
Rant! The two wines from Reif
have unpleasant musty, dusty flavours. A quality I've found
in many of their wines. Can't say for sure, but I think
it's a cellar problem. |
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WHITES Vintages
March 14
COLIO 06 CEV Sauvignon Blanc, VQA Lake Erie North Shore, On
500462 $15.95
Style: FRESH WHITE
Context/Mood: Early
evening, aperitif, or any summer day.
Comments: Good
local expression of Sauvignon – mild on flavour but big on refreshment.
Lip-smacking tarness suggest summer situations, and moderate alcohol allows
for generous gulping.
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WHITES Vintages
March 14
DANIEL LENKO 06 Unoaked Chardonnay, VQA, Niagara
91173 $19.95
Style: FRESH/RICH WHITE
Context/Mood: Looking for
something different.
Comments: I
love this because it's an odd ball. Expect some of the tart, green, mineral character
of Chablis along with a distinct Ontario wildness. More challenging than yummy.
Very old world and a very good contrasting partner for the sweetness in seafood
or savoury white meat dishes. |
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WHITES Vintages
March 14
HILLEBRAND 07 Trius White, VQA, Niagara
54957 $18.95
Style: NICE/EASY WHITE
Context/Mood: The mood for
something new in refreshing whites.
Comments: An
exciting mix of tart refreshment and pretty flavours. The ying yang thing. Riesling
zest meets Chardonnay flesh, meets Traminer's exotic flavours. Rock on. A wine
with great fan and food appeal. |
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REDS Vintages
March 14
CASTEL OUALOU 07 Côtes du Rhône,
France
104893 $13.95
Style: LIVELY
Context/Mood: Red but not rich. Something upbeat
and refreshing.
Comments: Lively,
juicy red for everyday gulping. Refreshing and fun. Red wine for white meats
and early evening drinking. Get a case. |
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REDS Vintages
March 14
BECKETT'S FLAT 07 Cabernet/Shiraz 'Five
Stones', Margaret River, Western Australia
58693 $19.95 (Kosher)
Style: RUSTIC RED
Context/Mood: A red that's
solid but not serious nor weighty.
Comments: Cool
climate Aussie red with the vitality and brightness of a Niagara Cab Franc. Food
wine that can cover a lot of bases. |
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REDS Vintages
March 14
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI 06 Malbec Mendoza, Argentina
677559 $16.95
Style: RICH RED
Context/Mood: Seduction.
Comments: Here's
my crowd pleaser pick, and it could be one of the best of the year. Rich, with
yummy, plummy flavours and lushness. But it's also lively and upbeat. This doll
can dance! Bianchi is one of my favourite new world wineries. |
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IRISH
WHISKEY! Vintages
March 14
A
good thing happened to Irish whiskey two decades ago with
the opening of Cooley distillery. Nearly all the business
had fallen
into the hands of conglomerates who were crafting for the
mass market, but Cooley restored individuality to Irish
Whiskey, and combined it with very clever marketing. Their
whiskeys
have place names that are steeped in Irish lore – the
drinker feels a connection to a place and history.
Cooley’s ‘The
Tyrconnell’ Single Malt has a lovely honey malt
nose and a wholesome ‘juice of the barley’ taste and feeling. Flavourful
and friendly in the style of Viognier wine. Tyrconnell was the last Gaelic sovereignty
in Ireland ending around 1600. The name was later given to a racehorse – hence
the label.
Cooley’s ‘Connemara’ Peated Single Malt has salty, seaweed
flavours that create a sense of the ocean, along with smoky, sexy smells of peat.
Shades of a peaty Scotch. Late night, contemplative whiskey. Connemara is a windswept
outpost on the west coast of Ireland much celebrated for all things Gaelic, and
rock star mansions.
COOLEY’S ‘The
Tyrconnell’ Single Malt, Ireland
402396 $52.95 (Vintages)
COOLEY’S ‘Connemara’ Peated Single Malt,
Ireland 27946 $63.95
(Vintages)
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VINTAGES February
28, 2009
THE LOW DOWN: Get
out to this one. It’s a great opportunity to buy some
wonderful wines in the under-twenty-dollar range. Soulful
reds from the south of France, a local hero and a real crowd-pleaser
from Argentina. Outstanding Viognier and Sauv Blanc in the
whites along with something different from Portugal and Italy. |
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WHITES Vintages
February 28
SOGEVINUS 07 Douro ‘Divinica’,
Douro, Portugal
94904 $15.95
Style: FRESH
Context/Mood: The mood for something
new in refreshing whites.
Comments: Citrussy
with herbaceous, Sauv Blanc-style flaovurs. Refreshing and
interesting – the
joy of something different. A must try. Summer nights on
the patio with shrimp. |
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WHITES Vintages
February 28
MARCHETTI 07 Verdicchio, Marche, Italy
104869 $15.95 12.9%
Style: FRESH
Context/Mood: Summer thirstquencher.
A new experience.
Comments: Super-refreshing
with quite the sharp tang. Bracing spring day feeling. Cocktail or lunch wine
for the patio season. |
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WHITES Vintages
February 28
COMPOSITE 07 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, N.Z.
96693 $19.95
Style: FRESH
Context/Mood: To kick off
the dinner party.
Comments: Very
pure, elegant edition of Sauv Blanc. Lean, lively and lovely. Could be French.
Aperitif or seafood partner. Jazzy contemporary package. |
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WHITES Vintages
February 28
AJELLO 07 'Majus' Grillo/Catarratto,
Sicily
670844 $16.95
Style: RICH
Context/Mood: A rich white
that’s not Chardonnay.
Comments: Boldly
fresh and boldly rich. Lively and seductive. A charmer. Bring on the BBQ
season with well-seasoned chicken, pork or seafood. |
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WHITES Vintages
February 28
LAURENT MIQUEL 07 Viognier ‘Nord Sud’, VDP
D’OC, France
673236 $17.95 13.5%
Style: RICHISH
Context/Mood: A treat. Get
the wine, maybe some new clothes and feel like a prince/princess.
Context/Mood: A treat. Get the wine, maybe some new clothes and feel like a prince/princess.
Comments: The
pretty, luxurious feeling of Chardonnay but with more zip. Sports car over Cadillac.
Drake Hotel over the Royal York. The perfect all-evening white. Well, at least
the first hour.
P.S. Laurent Miquel is a high altitude winery with cool nights so all their wines
have a bright, elegant feeling. |
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REDS Vintages
February 28
INNISKILLIN 06 Meritage ‘Reserve Series’,
Niagara
91132 $17.95
Style: SEMI-RICH
Context/Mood: Comfort foods,
but dress things up a notch.
Comments: Lovely,
lush charmer. Built for comfort. Expect new world, easy drinking style, along
with a Tuscan, rustic feeling. Lots to like. |
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REDS Vintages
February 28
OSOYOOS LAROSE 05 Le Grand Vin, Okanagan Valley, B.C.
626325 $44.95
Style: RICH
Context/Mood: Big events.
Something special.
Comments:
A bit serious in style and price but will work for fans of Bordeaux and manly
reds. Needs the beef. Could be aged another year or two. |
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REDS Vintages
February 28
SKALLI 07 Côtes du
Rhône ‘Caves Saint-Pierre’, France
103622 $14.95
Style: RICH
Context/Mood: Lighthearted
times. Lively company and foods with hot sauce.
Comments: Joy
in a bottle. Juicy, yummy, fun stuff that feels like it’s dancing in the
glass. Rich meets lively. Beaujolais on steroids! I think this might be my summer
house red – lightly chilled of course. |
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REDS Vintages
February 28
CAZES 05 Côtes du Roussillon-Villages ‘L’Excellence
de Triniac’, France
103689 $16.95
Style: RICH
Context/Mood: Hearty supper
with soulful company. The mood for wine with deep feelings.
Comments: Warmhearted,
comforting but also earthy and solid. Very real. Gives a lot while staying mysterious – the
south of France way. |
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REDS Vintages
February 28
ABBAYE de Sylva Plana 05 Faugères ‘La Closeraie’,
France
104737 $19.95
Style: RICH
Context/Mood: Hearty supper
with soulful company. The mood for wine with deep feelings.
Comments: Another
classic south of France red: nourishing, heartwarming, spicy flavours balanced
with a rustic edge and lots of vigour. My kind of rich red. A mini Chateauneuf. |
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REDS Vintages
February 28
CAMPLAZENS 06 Syrah, VDP d’Oc,
France
104752 $14.95
Style: RUSTIC
Context/Mood: The first red
of the evening.
Comments: Dry
and tart with classic Syrah white pepper flavour. Invigorating, challenging red
in the Barbera style. |
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REDS Vintages
February 28
PAUL DOLAN 06 Zinfandel, Mendocino, California
46342 $21.95
Style: RICH
Context/Mood: Looking for
a rich red that won’t smother you.
Comments: Quite
rich and yummy with delicious bright flavours. Feels lively for a rich red. Charming
too. And it’s organic. Get some. |
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REDS Vintages
February 28
VINA COBOS ‘Felino’ 07
Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
118067 $19.95
Style: RICH
Context/Mood: : Relaxing by
the fireside. Seducing someone. Entertaining someone who doesn’t like wine.
Comments: Super
rich, smooth, plumy-sweet and all things nice. Michael Buble-style. A crowd-pleaser. |
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VINTAGES February
14, 2009
THE LOW DOWN: Lots
of mediocre Valentine picks. But as ever, ten percent of
the catalogue is excellent. Please explore my South African
picks as they deliver that something different experience
at a reasonable price. The reds may light your fire on icy
cold February nights. My two picks for a Valentine’s
dinner are a Loire Sparkling Rosé and a Cru Beaujolais.
Or just go to bed with a bottle of the highly seductive Clos
Jordanne Chardonnay.
Rant: The inside back cover
of the catalogue features a Barbera wine with comments such
as ‘magnificently rich and full of flavour’, ‘substantial’,
luxurious new oak flavours’ and ‘elegance’.
Barbera is a frank, rustic, gutsy, everyday wine that the
natives of Piedmont enjoy with everyday meals – but
producers such as this one are changing the nature of the
wine so it’s more appealing to the North American palate.
Richer, smoother and instantly gratifying. Another edition
of Merlot. Just what we need! |
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DRY
SPARKLING Vintages
February 14
crowd-pleaser
GRAHAM BECK BRUT, South Africa
593483 $18.95
Fresh, fruity, toasty, fun. The people’s sparkling!
There isn’t a more crowd-pleasing $20 sparkling on
the planet. Aperitif, celebrations or whenever. |
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DRY
SPARKLING Vintages February
14
refreshing and fun
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU Brut Rosé,
Loire, France
92940 $21.95
Dry sparkling that refreshes with hints of strawberry fruit.
And a sense of fun. For Valentine’s – and
stock up for summer parties. |
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RICH
WHITE Vintages
February 14
moderate
DELHEIM 07 Chardonnay ‘Sur Lie’,
South Africa
956219 $17.95
Novel Chardonnay that manages to be interesting without
the usual rich and flashy show. Starts out low-keyed but
grows with each sip. Really good food partner. |
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RICH
WHITE Vintages February 14
blockbuster
LE CLOS JORDANNE 06 Chardonnay ‘Claystone Vineyard’,
Niagara
56929 $40
Blockbuster Chard with the intensity of good Cognac. A
glam show to be enjoyed sip by sip. Equally good before
and after. |
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LIVELY
RED Vintages
February 14
earthy
DOM. DES MOLINS 07 Morgan, Cru Beaujolais, France
108258 $18.95
The bright, exuberant character of Beaujolais along with
some earthy feelings. Shades of Pinot Noir. Fun to gulp
before and with food. Classic partner for an herb-roasted
chicken. A Valentine’s consideration. |
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RUSTIC
RED Vintages February 14
hearty
HENRY OF PELHAM 06 Merlot, Niagara
91165 $19.95
Rustic meets rich. Bold with BBQ flavours – more
hearty than most Merlots. Wine for cold nights. |
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RUSTIC
RED Vintages February 14
smokey
KWV 08 Pinotage ‘Café Culture’,
South Africa
72710 $13.95
Lively, spicy, smokey and spirited. South African Beaujolais.
Gulp with burgers or ribs.
P.S. Pinotage is S.A.’s quirky red – similar
to our Baco Noir. Not an instant friend but might grow
on you. |
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RICH
RED Vintages
February 14
crowd-pleasing
BODEGAS MARTIN CODAX 06 ‘Cautro Pasos’,
Bierzo, Spain
39313 $16.95
Plummy rich in the Merlot style. Lots of warmth and spicy.
Cuddly red. |
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RICH
RED Vintages February 14
hearty
TULBAGH MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS TMW 05 Viktoria, South Africa
98095 $19.95
South Africa’s answer to Aussie Shiraz. Big, bold,
hearty, macho. But there’s an element of charm and
sexiness too. Sort of perfect (I’m serious!). |
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RICH
RED Vintages February 14
lush
GRAHAM BECK 03 Syrah ‘The Ridge’,
South Africa
607812 $25.95
Shades of Chateauneuf – lush and seductive. Port-like
ripeness and richness. A late evening sipper. |
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VINTAGES January
31, 2009
THE LOW DOWN: I’ve always focused my Vintages picks on wines that
are interesting. An opportunity to experience, to taste ‘characters’ as
opposed to nice wines. To have new experiences. Vintages offers a great
opportunity for wine ‘education’ and starting with this review
I’m offering a selections of wines under that category. Buy them,
taste them with friends and give me your feedback.
This release features wines that critics have scored 90+. Wines ranked
as superior, outstanding and worth the $20 to $65 price tag. I don’t
buy into this ranking system because it ignores context, and favours richness
and smoothness in wines. For an example of this slant try Clos de Sixte,
Lirac on page nine of the catalogue (#76349 $26.95). It’s highly
ranked by America’s most powerful critic, Robert Parker who loves
wines with Port-like richness – even if they have no personality.
Inniskillin has always done well with Riesling and Cabernet Franc – check
out my recommendations.
Enjoy!
Billy
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A WINE EXPERIENCE
A trio of Mediterranean Whites – alternatives
to Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon.
These wines bridge the refreshment and the easy drinking experience.
The feeling is summer patio with a platter of seafood appetizers.
Plan for summer. |
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KIR-YIANNI ‘Petra’ 07,
Greece
63552 $14.95
Produced from the indigenous Greek
gape Roditis, this is an enjoyable hit of freshness and
savoury, fruity
flavours. Everyday nice meets refreshment. A trip to
a Mediterranean café. Get a few bottles for the
summer patio and you’ll thank me. |
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ARGIOLAS
07 ‘Costamolino’,
Vermentino, Sardinia
101196 $16.95
Vermentino is another indigenous grape – wine
with savoury, Mediterranean hillside flavours and feelings.
A little refreshment,
a little richness and lots of drinkability. |
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CARRASVINAS 07 Verdejo,
Rueda, Spain
82073 $14.95
The Verdejo grape is Spain’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc.
Tart, herbaceous and invigorating. But less assertive and more
everyday. Has the Aussie Semillon feeling – good at flattering
food. |
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FRESH
WHITE Vintages January 31
INNISKILLIN 07 Riesling ‘Two Vineyards’,
Niagara
105387 $17.95
Lemony tartness with just a trace
of sweetness. Super-refreshing and palate-teasing – the
wonder of Riesling. Aperitif, or buy for summer patio
lunches. |
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RICH
RED Vintages
January 31
Go wild
ERRAZURIZ 07 Pinot Noir ‘Wild Ferment’,
Chile
510396 $19.95
Wild ferment refers to the use
of natural yeast on the grape skins (and airborne yeasts
in the cellar)
for the fermentation. The result is a wine with some
funkiness. An earthy realness seldom found in modern ‘pristine’ winemaking.
Think Pinot sexiness with an edge. Johnny Depp with
a stubble. |
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RUSTIC
RED Vintages
January 31
Local expression
INNISKILLIN 06 Cabernet Franc ‘Reserve Series’,
Niagara
91140 $18.75
Ontario does France. Here’s a local wine that
would be perfectly at home in a French Bistro because
it feels earthy, rustic and real. Forget niceness – this
is about stimulating the palate and creating lively
times. The original purpose of wine. Cook something
bistro-ish, invite interesting people and let it happen.
Bravo Inniskillin. |
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RICH
RED Vintages
January 31
Taste a place
PERRIN 06 Rasteau ‘L’Andéol’,
Rhône, France
976845 $19.95
Vigour, flavour, richness, and a hit of traditional
wine mystery. Feels connected to a place and the need
for a hearty meal. Explore the possibilities. |
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RICH
RED Vintages
January 31
Value buy
CHAKANA 07 Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina
663161 $13.95
Gutsy, rich and earthy. A great everyday winter red.
Burgers, steak or hearty pasta. |
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VINTAGES January
17, 2009
THE LOW DOWN: Argentina is the feature and there's lots of hefty, plummy,
rich reds on offer. High-alcohol, port-like wines that are not too far removed
from the blockbuster reds of Chile and Australia. Argentina does have its
own identity, but it's not ringing clear in this group. I'm recommending
just one white and red.
French and Italian wines have never been better and
this release provides an opportunity to experience
really good Graves (white Bordeaux), Fleurie
(Cru Beaujolais), Côtes du Rhône, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and
Valpolicella. Gruner Veltliner for Austria and a great value South African
Syrah round
out my picks.
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FRESH
WHITE Vintages
January 17
LAURENZ 07 Gruner Veltliner
'Sophie Singing', Austria
87627 $18.95
Very pure, crisp dry white with a bracing spring day feeling.
Buy for summer. Handy screwcap, moderate alcohol and a fun package. |
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FRESH
WHITE Vintages January 17
CH. BRONDELLE 07 Graves,
Bordeaux, France
626507 $18.95
Bordeaux whites are a blend of Sauvignon and Semillon grapes
so they are both refreshing and food worthy. Certainly a good
choice for aperitif followed by seafood appetizers. This is the
best example I've tasted in decades and a great buy period. New
World whites look out. Vive la France. |
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FRESH
WHITE Vintages January 17
PAUL DOLAN 07 Sauvignon
Blanc, Mendocino, California
46334 $18.95
Paul Dolan pioneered the organic movement at Fetzer and now he's
doing his own thing. This wine combines refreshment with Californian
fruitiness and drinkability. It’s tangy dry with an earthy,
rustic quality. An excellent seafood partner. Organic. |
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EVERYDAY
EASY WHITE Vintages
January 17
J&F LURTON 2007 Flor de Torrontés,
Mendoza, Argentina
55475 $13.95
Very pretty, spicy Muscat-style white. Feels a little sweet (think
Gewurztraminer). Would be a hit at family events, or for social
sipping. Fun stuff to have open in the fridge. |
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RUSTIC
RED Vintages
January 17
FUMANELLI 06 Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
687186 $14.95
You'll not find a purer expression of rustic red wine. Grabs
and teases the palate, and sets you up for supper. Valpolicella
is the Italian edition of Beaujolais – everyday red for
a lively mood. |
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RUSTIC
RED Vintages January 17
DOM. PARDON 06 Fleurie, Beaujolais, France
85001 $20.95
Cru Beaujolais with the character and feeling of a Pinot. Lots
of earthy, peppery, rustic stuff and a traditional wine feeling.
Bold and invigorating – take me to the dinner table.
An herb-roasted chicken would be dandy. |
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RUSTIC
RED Vintages January 17
TRAVAGLINI 05 Nebbiolo, Coste della Sesia, Piedmont, Italy
30353 $17.95
A mini-Borolo at a bargain price. Pale coloured, with a mature,
faded elegance feeling. Sip with the cheese course, or by the
fire. |
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RUSTIC
RED Vintages January 17
CASTELLO di NEIVE 05 Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
674044 $23.95
Lots of vigour with some seductive Pinot Noir character. Johnny
Depp with a stuble! Go-for-the-gusto wine. |
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RICH
RED Vintages January 17
DOM. de la CROZE GRANIER 06 Côtes
du Rhone, France
736371 $15.95
Solid, rich, earthy, nourishing. For hearty winter dinners. |
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RICH
RED Vintages January 17
PERRIN & FILS 06 Vinsobres 'Les Cornuds',
Cotes du Rhone-Villages, France
566844 $18.95
Silky, spicy/sweet and charming. Instant feel good wine. Lovely
winter warmth. I'd put this head-to-head with Shiraz. |
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RICH
RED Vintages January 17
BRADGATE 05 Syrah, Stellenbosch, South Africa
80176 $13.95
Smooth, silky, peppery Syrah at a bargain price. Good mix
of niceness and character. Move over Yellow Tail. Or Fuzion. |
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RICH
RED Vintages January 17
CLOS de LOS SIETE 2007, Mendoza, Argentina
622571 $23.95
Argentina meets Bordeaux. New World richness combined with
a dry, austere French feeling. Michel Rolland, a French
wine consultant, created this brand out of a partnership
with ‘Siete’ other growers. Think of an upscale
Mouton Cadet – wine for beef.. |
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VINTAGES January
10. 2009
THE LOW DOWN: It’s a 4x4 release! Four really good
value-priced winter reds, and four other wines to buy for summer events. A nourishing
Rhone and an
Amarone complete my picks. |
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SEMI-DRY
WHITE Vintages
January 10
Moselland 05 ‘Insignium’ Riesling
Kabinett, Mosel, Germany
72355 $13.95
Gorgeous semi-dry sipper. Very low alcohol with wonderful, exotic
Riesling flavours and freshness. Instant joy. Summer afternoon
sipper. |
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RICH
WHITE Vintages January 10
Cristobal 08 Verdelho, Argentina
81182 $14.95
Mix of herbaceous/exotic flavours and citrus zest. Combines
tartness and richness – hence lots of uses. Excellent
BBQ white. |
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LIVELY
RED Vintages
January 10
Malivoire 06 Gamay, Niagara
591313 $17.00
Bright Gamay flavours along with a tangy, rustic feeling. Backwoods
Beaujolais! One of my favourite local reds. Chicken or pork
roast, fresh herbs – and life is good. Will really hit
the spot in summer. Lightly chill.
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LIVELY
RED Vintages January 10
De Bortoli 07 Pinot Noir ‘Gulf Station’,
Australia
15511 $19.95
Yummy, spicy-sweet Pinot in the New World style. Good with
everything. Even food. Lightly chill. I’m stocking
up for summer parties. |
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| Vintages
January 10 WINTER
HOUSE RICH
REDS – $14.95 |
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WINTER
HOUSE RICH REDS – $14.95
1. Parducci 05 Petite Sirah, California
75598 $14.95
Honest country feeling – atypical Californian. More earthy
than lush. Really good everyday rich red. Parducci was one of
the pioneers of the Californian wine industry and has remained
focused on value in keeping with the family’s Italian roots. |
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WINTER
HOUSE RICH REDS – $14.95
2. Dom. des Aspes 05
Merlot, VDP d’Oc, France
951665 $14.95
Solid, mid-range red combining modern richness with traditional
vigour. Ideal winter house red. |
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WINTER
HOUSE RICH REDS – $14.95
3. Quinta dos Roques 05 Dao, Portugal
986075 $14.95
Gutsy, rustic wine for hearty meals. Lots of Italian-style
vigour. |
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WINTER
HOUSE RICH REDS – $14.95
4. The Ruins 06 Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa
18739 $14.95
Lush, rich, charming. But not over the top. Have with grilled
meats. Organic. |
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RICH
Red – Nourishing
Benoit & Frederic Lavau 07 Vacqueyras,
Rhone, France
104927 $20.95
Rich with lovely peppery flavours and a warm, nourishing
feeling. There’s also a rustic edge. Rhone at its
best. |
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RICH
Red – Crowd-pleasing
Albada 05 Garnacha, Calatayud, Spain
93005 $15.95
Super rich, super vanilla sweet, super crowd-pleasing. |
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RICH
Red – Nourishing
Due Torri 05 Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
724740 $36.95
Amarone crafted for the dinner table – not too rich nor
ripe. And there’s a gutsy, earthy character to stimulate
the appetite. |
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VINTAGES December 6, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: Most of my picks are not cheap but the following is a wonderful Holiday shopping list. Enjoy. |
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DRY SPARKLING Vintages
December 6
CHARLES HEIDSIECK Reserve Brut Champagne, France
36962 $59.95
Always the most delicious. A lush, lovely charmer. Sip on its own. |
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DRY SPARKLING Vintages
December 6
HENRY of PELHAM Cuvee Catharine Brut, Niagara
616441 $29.95
Gets better every time I taste it. In the bone-dry Champagne style. Excellent aperitif. |
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DRY SPARKLING Vintages
December 6
ROEDERER ESTATE Brut Sparkling, California
294181 $28.95
Austere Champagne styling but with a shade more richness and ripeness. Good value. Equally good for aperitif or New Year sloshing. |
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RICH WHITE Vintages
December 6
LE CLOS JORDANNE 06 Chardonnay 'Village Reserve', Niagara
33936 $30.00
Bold flavours along with great vitality and vigour. Very impressive and very complete. Enjoy with grilled food. Over the next two years. |
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RUSTIC RED Vintages
December 6
LE CLOS JORDANNE 06 Pinot Noir 'Village Reserve', Niagara
33894 $30.00
Lively with my favourite combination of bright and earthy flavours. And a little mystery. Semi-rich and very charming. Could change your thinking about local wines. |
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RUSTIC RED Vintages
December 6
TAWSE 06 Pinot Noir, Niagara
54809 $32.20
Here's a wine for those who like the farmyard, rustic quality in red Burgundy. Lots of character. Another excellent local. |
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RICH RED Vintages
December 6
HENRY of PELHAM 05 Reserve Cabernet/Merlot, Niagara
395855 $29.95
Ripe and rich with appealing spicy / sweetness. Has great confidence and the glow of a wine in its prime. Would be very satisfying on a winter evening. |
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LIVELY RED Vintages
December 6HUNTER'S 07 Pinot Noir, New Zealand
586115 $20.95
A bright, juicy, exuberant, spicy/sweet Pinot in the New World style. Very pretty and very gulpable. If you're not recession restricted I highly recommend getting a case for next summer's parties. |
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RUSTIC RED Vintages
December 6
CH. SEGUE LONGUE MONNIER 05 Medoc, Bordeaux, France
87700 $24.95
A very good traditional French bistro red. Gutsy and rustic, very together and with a strong sense of place. A refreshing change from niceness and smoothness. |
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RICH RED Vintages
December 6
SEGHESIO 04 Barolo 'Vigneto La Villa', Piedmont, Italy
96800 $64.95
Despite its lofty reputation good Barolo is hard to find. But this delivers the magical earthy, elusive, mysterious, otherworld character I expect of this red. A great winter drink. |
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RICH RED Vintages
December 6
ZONIN 05 Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
86207 $54.95
I'm a big fan of Zonin wines because they are never forced. Whereas many Amarones are spoiled by flavours that are too cooked, raisiny or ripe this is a joyful rich red. A natural talent. Great drinkability. Be warned. |
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P.S. Just in case you're tempted, I found TORBRECK 'RUN RIG' 04, Barossa, Australia (#997874 $274.95) to be nothing more than an upscale version of fifteen dollar Aussie Shiraz. Lots of glitz, heft, and smoothness but there's nothing interesting or magical. A Vegas wine. |
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PORT Vintages
December 6
GRAHAM'S Crusted Port, Portugal
726828 $32.95
Crusted is similar to Vintage but a lot less expensive. This is dense, powerful, mysterious and sure to inspire higher thinking. Needs decanting. |
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VINTAGES November 22, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: Very disappointing release. A lot of high priced wines that are either 'nice but boring' or faded. But I did enjoy a few of the fancy offerings and a few others besides. |
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FRESH WHITE Vintages
November 22
FLAT ROCK 07 Riesling 'Nadja's Vineyard, Niagara
578625 $19.95
Classic dry Riesling. Tart, nervy and invigorating. |
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FRESH WHITE Vintages
November 22CLOUDY BAY 07 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
304469 $33.95
Very pure, austere. In the classic Sancerre style. Cloudy Bay is back on form. Upscale aperitif. |
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RICH WHITE Vintages
November 22
NICK FALDO 05 Chardonnay, Coonawarra, Australia
90936 $18.95
Rich Chard with lemony freshness. Good mix of experiences – fresh enough for early on, lush enough for later. |
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RICH RED Vintages
November 22
DOM. TAUPENOT-MERME 05 Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy
87023 $66.95
Gevery is a man's Pinot – deep earthy flavours and lots of vigour. All of life's challenges and accomplishments in a glass. |
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RICH RED Vintages
November 22
JUAN GIL 06 Jumilla, Spain
13656 $16.95
Lush, smooth, spicy, seductive.Crowd-pleaser of the release. |
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RICH RED Vintages
November 22CORDERO DI MONTEZEMOLO 04 Barolo Monfalletto, Italy
707354 $51.95
Very appealing mellow mature feeling. Thought provoking stuff to sip after dinner, or with cheese. A fireside would complete the picture. |
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DRY ROSÉ Vintages
November 22
BONNY DOON 07 Vin Gris de Cigar Rosé, California
707018 $19.95
Rich, Provence-style Rosé. Characterful and charming. Dry Rosé is a perfect partner for Holiday events and the big bird. |
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PORT Vintages
November 22
QUINTA VALE D. MARIA 02 Vintage Port, Portugal
87585 $64.95
Super rich, concentrated with spicy/sweet flavours. More heft than seduction. |
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VINTAGES November 8, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: Lots of close calls but my final list of recommendations is very short. Please ignore my favourable comment (page 35 in the catalogue) on Inniskillin's Pinot Noir. This wine has seriously faded over the past year. Most local Pinots are short lived. |
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RUSTIC REDS Vintages
November 8
CH. TOUR HAUT VIGNOBLE 05 St-Estephe, Bordeaux
87742 $25.95
CH. HAUCHAT LA ROSÉ 04 Fronsac, Bordeaux
86611 $23.95
Both of these are classic french bistro reds. Earthy, dusty dry and invigorating. They have a strong sense of place and great talent for flattering food – such as grilled or roasted meats. This tradition wine-style will be too dry for the shiraz drinker. |
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| P.S. The 'Wine of the month', CH de L'ESTANG, Bordeaux, is hollow and faded. And the other hyped Bordeaux, Ch. DUCLA is soft, simple and boring. |
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RICH RED Vintages
November 8
'LA BASCULA' 05 Monastrell/Syrah, Jumilla, Spain
82123 $15.95
Super rich with big spicy sweet flavours – very New World. A winter warmer. |
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RICH RED Vintages
November 8
DONA PAULA 06 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
661819 $16.95
Crowdpleaser of the release. Port-like richness and sweetness. |
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RICH RED Vintages
November 8
JACKSON-TRIGGS 05 Delaine Vineyard Syrah, Niagara
86553 $29.95
Crafted in the Rhone style – deep, earthy, mysterious. Lots of character. Wonderful stuff that could change your thinking about local wine. |
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RICH RED Vintages
November 8
COUDELET de BEAUCASTEL 06, Cotes du Rhone, France
48884 $30.95
This vineyard sits on the border of Chateauneuf-du-Pape so expect a similar style. Maybe nor super big and exotic, but quite the seductive show for the price. |
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VINTAGES October 25, 2008
Note: Nice presentation on Amarone in the catalogue, but I'd not pay $50 for any of the wines. |
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RUSTIC WHITE Vintages
October 25
CONTI CARELLO 06 Soave, Veneto, Italy
85514 $17.95
Old-style white with savoury, earthy flavours. Takes you to a café on the Mediterranean. You're having an herb roasted chicken and the wine is speaking Italian. |
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RUSTIC RED Vintages
October 25
DOM. BERNARD BAUDRY 06 Chinon, Loire, France
940783 $19.95
It doesn't get more French country than this gutsy, rustic Cabernet Franc. Dry, challenging and engaging. Needs hearty fare. |
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RICH RED Vintages
October 25
TEDESCHI 06 Valpolicella Ripasso 'Capitel dei Nicalo', Veneto, Italy
984997 $18.95
Lots of vigour, lots of flavour and a rustic meets rich feeling. I really like the bright quality of the fruit. Tedeschi always delivers. Enjoy with any winter food. |
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RICH RED Vintages
October 25
KWV CATHEDRAL CELLARS 04 Shiraz, South Africa
561142 $16.95
Super rich with spicy/sweetness – warmhearted for sure. But there's also a tangy edge. More than just nice. Good partner for hearty dinners. And a great value in rich reds. KWV is good at value. |
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DRY SHERRY Vintages
October 25
GONZALEZ BYASS Palo Cortado Viejo 'Apostoles', 30-Year-Old Sherry, Spain
969527 $33.95/375ml
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GONZALEZ BYASS Amontillado Viejo 'Apostoles', 30-Year-Old Sherry, Spain
694331 $33.95/375ml
You'll be amazed, even if you're not a Sherry fan. Mind blowing flavours. The Palo Cortado is earthy and the Amontillado rewrites the book on dryness. Wines to sip and contemplate – no food, no friends. A little will go a long way. Lightly chill and keep the open bottle in the fridge. |
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PORT Vintages
October 25
QUINTA do VALLADO 10-Year-Old Tawny Port, Portugal
83592 $37.95
The lovely mellow quality of Tawny with more dryness than usual. Mid afternoon or late evening drink.
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VINTAGES October 11, 2008
THE
LOW DOWN: The following are all excellent examples of their type – wines with personality. That's the whole point of shopping at Vintages. You could have a lovely little wine education evening with friends if you bought a bunch of these wines.
P.S. You're on your own with all the Aussie stuff. Nothing appealed to me. |
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Semi-dry SIPPIER Vintages
October 11
REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT 98 Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany
940809 $20.95
The German Riesling experience of huge flavours set in a delicate, low alcohol wine. Gorgeous Sunday afternoon sipper. Shows how well Riesling ages. |
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LIVELY RED Vintages
October 11
DOM. LARGE 06 Cote-de-Brouilly, Beaujolais, France
742585 $16.95
If this delicious Beaujolais does not charm you there must be something bad in your life right now. Not unlike a Pinot. Lightly chill. |
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LIVELY RED Vintages
October 11
FONTANAFREDDA 07 BARBERA 'Briccotondo', Italy
72348 $15.95
The usually tart Barbera with an extra shot of flavour. Spunky, juicy, vibrant. Welcome to Italy. |
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RUSTIC RED Vintages
October 11
CH. MAZERIS 05 CANON-FRONSAC, Bordeaux, France
86330 $27.95
Hearty, gutsy, rustic. The most 'real' Bordeaux I've tasted in a long time. Lots of earth, lots of structure, and the stuff that gets you thinking. Thinking wines are rare these days. |
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RICH RED Vintages
October 11
LUIGI RIGHETTI 06 VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO 'Campolieti', Italy
695890 $18.95
For the rich, warmhearted Italian experience get this charmer. Would be equally good with pasta or steak. |
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RICH RED Vintages
October 11
MARQUES de VITORIA 04 Rioja, Spain
678045 $18.95
Silky, spicy/sweet and seductive. The Rioja way. Be warned. |
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RICH RED Vintages
October 11
RUST en VREDE 05 MERLOT, Stellenbosch, South Africa
68759 $18.95
Big hearty, earthy edition of Merlot. Manly wine for sure. Winter dinner with a roast. |
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SWEET WINE Vintages
October 11
CH. CANTREGIL 01 SAUTERNES, Bordeaux
86454 $56.95
The magical honey sweetness – and lots more, character of Sauternes. At a fair price. Liquid gold. I'll squeeze a week of glorious night caps out of this bottle. Keep refrigerated. |
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SCOTCH Vintages
October 11
The BALVENIE 17 years-old Sherry Oak Highland Single Malt, Scotland
70714 $129.95
Powerful, intriguing – and lingering forever. Scotch doesn't get much better. |
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