Friday, January 27, 2012

Saturday February 4, 2012 - Vintages Release Report


I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

This release looks at California Cabs (CABS), Greek wines (GREC) and wines for Valentine's Day (LOVE) ... I have to be honest, I don't know whay constitutes a valentine's day wine but that's what the board called them so we'll have to go with it.  Plus there's a More for Less (MOL) offering on Ontario wines, previously released wines that the LCBO has put on sale, I'm sure the wineries are getting screwed somehow on this one.  And there are a number of wines worth lining up for, so I expanded the What I'm Buying section.  So let's see what's on the menu this release ...

Argentina ...
Decero Remolinos Vineyard 2008 Malbec ($22.95 - #247304) - touch of minty with blackberry and plum. (****)
Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008 ($17.95 - #178657) - if colour equaled price this would be double or triple what it is selling for: dark fruit, plum, blackberry, cassis, mocha and black cherry ... good spice and really flavourful with plenty of complexity. (**** 1/2)
La Posta 2008 Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec ($15.95 - #75515) - raspberry and chocolate dominate, well integrated and easy to drink. (****+)
Vina Cobos 2010 Felino Merlot ($19.95 - #248492) - black fruit, herbal quality, smooth and lush in the mouth with a blueberry-chocolate finish. (****+)

Australia ...
Epsilon 2009 Shiraz ($24.95 - #39552) - big fruit, big flavour ... takes away the pepper but add lots of raspberry jam. (*** 1/2+)
Kilikanoon 2007 Testament Shiraz ($39.95 - #50047) - dark chocolate, plum, cherry and blackberry on the mid-palate with a licorice and cocoa finish. (****)
S D.O.V. Grenache 2008 ($22.95 - #267963) - sweet, sweet fruit, very seductive with plum and cherry all the way through. (****)
Tapestry BG & V Shiraz 2009 ($17.95 - #247155) - this is a real finesse-filled Shiraz, and ballsy to boot and that's saying something ... great spice on the palate along with raspberry and sour cherry, there's even a hint of violets. (**** 1/2)

Canada …
(British Columbia)
See Ya Later Ranch 2009 Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #263699) - deep hue, almost peachy colour with good flavour and a nice weight in the mouth; a good winter white. (*** 1/2)

(Ontario) - visit OntarioWineReview.com for full review
Henry of Pelham 2010 Pinot Blanc ($12.95 - #618827) - MOL
Reif Estate 2007 Reserve Merlot ($16.95 - #935676) - MOL
Ridgepoint 2009 Cabernet Franc ($14.95 - #245639) - MOL
Rosewood 2009 Pinot Noir ($18.00 - #112177) - MOL
Stratus 2008 Chardonnay ($42.20 - #267856) - LOVE

Chile …
Maycas del Limari 2007 Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - 256701) - finesse and elegance in the glass, a must purchase, and in quantity. (**** 1/2)

France … 
(Alsace)
Vieil Armand 2009 Medaille Gewurztraminer ($16.95 - #260158) - check this one out for its spicy rose petal, creamy yet spicy in the mouth with a wonderful linger. (****)
(Bordeaux)
Chateau Haut Canteloup 2009 ($13.95 - #264747) - great for the price, it's an easy drinking, easy-to-get-acquainted with red Bordeaux for novices. (*** 1/2)
(Loire)
Domaine Fouassier 2009 Les Grands Groux Sancerre ($24.95 - #267948) - lovely grapefruit nose which leads to the same flavour on the tongue; you'll also find a slight minerality here, delicious. (****)
(Midi)
Domaine Boudau 2009 Tradition Cotes du Rousillon-Villages ($17.95 - #264622) - juicy black fruit and spice. (*** 1/2)
Domaine J. Laurens 2009 Les Grainenous Brut Cremant de Limoux ($18.95 - #183608) - a lemon meringue nose with a creamy, biscuity, lemon pith palate. (*** 1/2)
(Rhone)
Lavau 2009 Vacqueyras ($18.95 - #104927) - tobacco and spice with dark berry backing ... quite nice on the palate. (****)
Olivier Ravoire 2009 Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages ($15.95 - #252171) - I've had better from the region but this is a juicy red-fruited number with hints of chocolate on the finish, for the price worth picking up. (*** 1/2)
Xavier 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape ($39.95 - #244814) - bold yet pretty with lots of dark fruit and chocolate. (****) - LOVE

Germany ...
Dr Loosen 2010 Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #160846) - lovely minerality, nice fruit, hint of sweetness, pretty finish; what more could you want? (****+)

Greece ...
Kir-Yianni 2008 Ramnista Xinomavro ($19.95 - #178020) - rustic yet tasty, full of earthy, blambly notes and cassis with a spice licorice finish ... age 5+ years. (*** 1/2+) - GREC
Limnos Winery 2010 Muscat of Limnos ($13.95 - #268029) - this is muscat with bite, a real interesting sweetie. (*** 1/2) - GREC
Sigalas 2010 Assyrtiko Santorini ($21.95 - #74781) - powerful ballsy white, very interesting ... serve cold. (*** 1/2) - GREC
Tsantali 2007 Reserve Rapsani ($15.95 - #734855) - sour red fruit and spice; drinkable now. (****) - GREC

Italy …
(Abruzzo)
Cuore 2008 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo ($14.95 - #230631) - lots of dark fruit, mocha notes and smooth; very drinkable. (****)
(Piedmont)
Bricchi Astigiani 2008 Bricco del Perg Barbera D'Asti Superiore ($16.95 - #234922) - minerally raspberry and cherry, takes a few sips to get into. (*** 1/2)
(Tuscany)
Amantis 2006 Sangiovese Montecucco ($29.95 - #234930) - the ribbed label I am sure adds a few dollars but it's a nice wine none the less with lots of black fruited juiciness. (*** 1/2+)
Fontodi 2008 Chianti Classico ($29.95 - #933317) - decent Chianti that brings the rustic into the present with tannins, acidity and fruit. (*** 1/2)
(Veneto)
Albino Armani Egle Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008 ($15.95 - #247916) - vanilla, cocoa and cherry, drinks smooth with a mocha finish. (*** 1/2+)
Maculan 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #987701) - it's an Italian take on the classic cab, juicy yet rustic. (*** 1/2+)

Mexico ...
LA Cetto 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.95 - #114066) - it's quite simple but you just can't beat the price. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...
Oyster Bay 2010 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #590414) - nice earthy sour cherry and cranberry with a little green vegetation. (*** 1/2)
Thatched Hut 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #262782) - grassy, grapefruit and goosy on the palate. (*** 1/2+)

Portugal ...
Cortes de Cima 2010 Chamine ($15.95 - #650291) - juicy dark fruit: blackberry, blueberry and plum, nice blueberry and vanilla finish. (*** 1/2+)
Fita Preta Tinto 2008 ($19.95 - #244764) - cherry, coffee, vanilla, spice, and plum. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...
Barista 2010 Pinotage ($15.95 - #172585) - the South Africans are really playing up the coffee aspect in Pinotage, this one is more cafe mocha then espresso. (*** 1/2+)
Muratie 2007 Shiraz ($24.95 - #663278) - tobacco spice and dark fruit with hints of tar on the finish. (*** 1/2)

Spain ...
Codorniu Seleccion Raventos Brut Cava ($14.95 - #521773) - lovely lemony-apple nose with a bready-lemony palate, a real bargain. (*** 1/2+)
Finca Nueva Reserva 2004 ($19.95 - #268425) - good mix of new world fruit and rustic charm. (*** 1/2+)
Maetierra Dominum Quatro Pagos ($19.95 - #246660) - great nose which lures you in with black cherry, plum and cocoa; the palate is dark fruit driven and follows the nose. (****+)

United States …
(California)
Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #642207) - nice fruit, some complexity found mainly on the palate. (*** 1/2) - CABS
Duckhorn 2009 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon ($32.95 - #186171) - juicy fruit and easy to drink. (*** 1/2+) - CABS
Francis Coppola 2008 Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot ($12.95 - #250001) - sweet and fruity, a real quaffer. (*** 1/2)
Landmark 2008 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay ($45.95 - #356519) - quite a woodsy Chardonnay, but it does have nicely resolved fruit amongst all that vanilla and caramel in the mouth. (*** 1/2+)
MacMurray Ranch 2009 Chardonnay ($21.95 - #262063) - this is one surprisingly good Chardonnay, there is some seriously sweet fruit on the palate, which is in juxtapositions with the rich vanilla-caramel you find on the nose. (****)
Ravenswood 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel ($19.95 - #942599) - full of vanilla-cola, plum, cherry, chocolate and balancing acidity; here's one for ribs around the BBQ this summer ... surprisingly not too heavy considering the 14.5% alcohol. (****+)
(Oregon)
A to Z 2009 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #258145) - light, refreshing and easy to drink. (*** 1/2)

If You Can Afford It ...
Beaulieu Vineyard 2007 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($89.95 - #80218) - **** 1/2+ ... CABS
Caymus 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.95 - #222877) - ****+ ... CABS
Dunn Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($87.95 - #193854) - **** ... CABS
Hall 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($59.95 - #273391) - **** ... CABS
Robert Mondavi 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($139.95 - #670463) - **** 1/2+ ... CABS
Warre's 1983 Vintage Port ($89.95 - #161877) - ****+ ... Portugal

Grape Guy Top 5 … what I’ll be lining up for on February 4, 2012:
Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008 ($17.95 - #178657) - Argentina
Tapestry BG & V Shiraz 2009 ($17.95 - #247155) - Australia
Maycas del Limari 2007 Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - 256701) – Chile
Dr Loosen 2010 Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #160846) – Germany
Codorniu Seleccion Raventos Brut Cava ($14.95 - #521773) - Spain

Happy Shopping



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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Saturday January 21, 2012 - Vintages Release Report


I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

As we go into the second Vintages release of the year the focus is on Australia and all her glory (OZ) with a small look at "lesser known grapes" (LKG) ... so here we go …

Argentina …
Luigi Bosca 2008 Reserva Syrah ($17.95 - #143412) -  nice syrah with white pepper, raspberry and vanilla notes ... finish is nicely spiced. (*** 1/2+) 
Michel Torino 2010 Cuma Organic Torrontes ($12.95 - 262014) - spicy orange and limeade, nice example of Argentina's signature white. (*** 1/2)

Australia … 
Hewitson 2009 Miss Henry ($23.95 - #107870) - raspberry dominant, silky tannins and good flavour. (*** 1/2+) - OZ
Jim Barry 2009 The Lodge Hill Shiraz ($24.95 - #998476) - nice elegant wine, not an over the top fruit bomb, delicate for an Aussie Shiraz. (****+) - OZ
Pirramimma 2008 Petit Verdot ($26.95 - #986752) - chocolate and cherry, blackberry and some pepper. (*** 1/2+) - LKG
Sister's Run 2009 Shiraz ($15.95 - #222018) - big fruit, big flavour, big fun; great buy in an Aussie Shiraz that hits all the marks. (****+) - OZ
Torbreck 2009 Cuvee Juveniles ($29.95 - #723940) - chocolate, blackberry, black fruit and plum. (****) - OZ
Wakefield 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #744235) - juicy blackberry, chocolate, cherry with a great finish; this is the wine that put Wakefield on the map and it still delivers. (****+) - OZ
Yabby Lake 2007 Pinot Noir ($49.95 - #262402) - earthy with sweet cranberry and hints of cherry; nice tannins and spice on the finish. (*** 1/2+) - OZ

Canada …
(Ontario) - visit OntarioWineReview.com for full review
13th Street 2010 Merlot ($17.95 - #270504)
Ridgepoint 2009 Merlot ($17.95 - #0270488)
Vineland 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #551168)

Chile …
Concha y Toro 2009 Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #256693) - a real beauty of dark fruit, hint of mint, rich chocolate, cassis, blackberry and vanilla; great value. (**** 1/2)
Santa Carolina 2009 Barrica Selection Petit Verdot ($14.95 - #007484) - minty blackberry, smooth with a slight bit of white pepper and hint of chocolate. (****) - LKG

France … 
(Alsace)
Jean Geiler 2009 Lieu Dit Vogelgarten Pinot Gris ($17.95 - #259739) - lovely sippable Pinot Gris with a dash of sweet pear mid-palate to the finish. (****)
Pierre Sparr 2010 Reserve Pinot Blanc ($14.95 - #134635) - dry, crisp green apple yet with a  nice bit of juiciness. (*** 1/2+)
(Bordeaux)
Chateau de Treviac 2008 ($15.95 - #670505) - very dark fruited with nice spice and good tannin bite. (*** 1/2+)
(Loire)
Bougrier 2010 Vouvray ($13.95 - #1068880) - delicate sweetness with mac and delicious apple; lovely finish that has a good bit of acidity. (*** 1/2+)
Chateau Salmoniere 2010 Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sevre & Maine ($13.95 - #142380) - as the name of this Chateau might suggest it would be a nice pairing with seafood. (*** 1/2)
(Rhone)
Domaine Beau Mistral 2009 Saint Martin Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Villages ($22.95 - #251629) - red and black fruit, nice spice, big tannins and dark cocoa on the finish. (****)
Domaine de Cabasse Gigondas 2007 ($29.95 - #142075) - a silkness smoothness to the finish, and lovely red fruit on the mid-palate. (****)
Domaine de Cristia 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape ($42.95 - #067678) - plum, chocolate, fig, blackberry jam and red licorice on the finish.  Beauty. (**** 1/2)
Perrin & Fils 2009 Muscat de Beaumes de Venise ($16.95 / 375ml - #004713) - floral and spice mingle on this one, sweet and tasty. (****)

Italy …
(Emilia-Romagna)
Umberto Cesari 2007 Liano Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon ($28.95 - #225086) - there's and intereting sweetness in the core of this wine that is very appealing, also a dusting of cinnamon and clove. (****)
(Piedmont)
Marchesi di Barolo 2009 Langhe Rosso ($17.95 - #229773) - red and black fruit with touches of smoke and rugged tannins. (*** 1/2)
(Puglia)
Menhir 2007 Salento Primitivo di Manduria ($15.95 - #268086) - rich black cherry, some vanilla and plum; nice juicy plum finish. (*** 1/2+)
(Tuscany)
Cennatoio 2009 Chianti Classico ($15.95 - #232561) - smooth and ready to drink. (*** 1/2)
Ruffino 2008 Santedame Chianti Classico ($19.95 - #523076) - black currant, mineral with a touch of coffee. (*** 1/2)
Sassoregale 2009 Sangiovese ($15.95 - #251785) - red fruit dominant, a little rustic but easy drinking, great for pizza and pasta night. (*** 1/2)
(Umbria)
Castello della Sala 2010 Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay ($21.95 - #176792) - good quality, lively acidity with plenty of citrus on the mid-palate; nice linger with apple and peach on the finish. (*** 1/2+)
(Veneto)
I Campi Campo Vulcano Soave Classico 2009 ($19.95 - #269969) - crisp, clean and flinty on the tongue with mouth cleansing acidity. (*** 1/2)
Zenato 2008 Valpolicella Superiore ($15.95 - 995704) - mocha, plum, and black cherry, decent little wine here. (*** 1/2+)

New Zealand … 
Ostler 2010 Blue House Vines Pinot Gris ($24.95 - #269142) - a nice mixture of pear and peach on both the nose and taste. (****)

Portugal ...
Carla Ferreira Unipessoal Conceito Contraste 2008 ($17.95 - #268003) - very plum, black fruited and chocolate on the nose; pretty on the palate. (*** 1/2+)
Chocapalha 2008 Reserve Tinto ($24.95 - #266643) - nice dark fruit with a lovely juiciness and nice tannins on the finish ... hold 5+ years. (*** 1/2+)
Quinta de Ventozelo Reserva Ruby Port ($16.95 - #141 028) - a creamy smooth offering loaded with red berries, chocolate, plum and loads of acidic bite. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...
Edgebaston 2010 The Pepper Pot ($16.95 - #269092) - coffee, chocolate and a hint of tar, though nothing too off-putting. (*** 1/2)

Spain …
Descendientes de J. Palacios 2009 Petalos ($21.95 - #675207) - dark berries, vanilla and chocolate, some real bite to the finish. (*** 1/2+) - LKG

United States … 
(California)
Blackbird 2008 Arise Red ($59.95 - #0261719) - really juicy, blackberry and black cherry, vanilla, sweet spice and chocolate. (****+)
Brazin 2008 (B)Old Vine Zinfandel ($18.95 - #256750) - big old Zin with typical Zin flavours, if you drink the stuff you'll know what I mean. (*** 1/2+)
Chateau St. Jean 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #038034) - juicy, chocolate and red berries. (****)
Edge Wines 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($27.95 - #034223) - blueberry, spice, vanilla, cassis and hints of oak. (****)
Loredona 2009 Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #057620) - floral and cherry on the nose leads to raspberry, cranberry and cherry on the palate; a little earthy spice on the finish ... this is a nice one. (****+)
Ravenswood 2008 Single Vineyard Belloni Zinfandel ($44.95 - #672741) - lovely Zin with finesse: plum, blackberry, raspberry and caramel notes. (****+)
(Oregon)
Lia's Vineyard Longplay Pinot Noir 2008 ($23.95 - #267344) - super nose with concentrated earthy notes; black cherry on the palate with a whole whack of spice. (*** 1/2)

Best Buy(s) ... 
Alamos 2010 Malbec ($13.95 - #467951) - Argentina ... ****

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on January 21, 2012:
Sister's Run 2009 Shiraz ($15.95 - #222018) - Australia
Concha y Toro 2009 Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #256693) - Chile
Loredona 2009 Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #057620) - United States

Happy Shopping



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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Saturday January 7, 2012 - Vintages Release Report


I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

It's the first Vintages release of the year and that means the "value wines" are coming out, many well under the $15 mark - the board calls them Smart Buys (SM).  In years past this has been a real dumping ground for the shite the LCBO can't sell the rest of the year, but it would seem we have some real gems this time out. I will forgo the Best Buy part of the release report because, in theory, all the wines in this release are a “Best Buy”.  So let’s get right to it …

Argentina …
Trivento 2009 Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah ($15.00 - #0037036) - smooth, supple, full of red cherry with lots of juiciness, sweet spice, vanilla, raspberry and a delicious finish. (****)
Urban Uco 2010 Malbec/Tempranillo ($13.95  - #0166397) - interesting blend, it's the tempranilla that gives the wine its interesting character. (*** 1/2) – SM

Australia … 
Chapel Hill 2008 Bush Vine Grenache ($24.95 - #0262105) - plum and mocha driven wine with a little spiciness on the back palate, great finish and length. (****+)
Jip Jip Rocks 2009 Shiraz ($16.95 - #0673897) - full on Shiraz with lots of pepper and blackberry notes. (*** 1/2+) - SM

Canada …
(Ontario) - visit OntarioWineReview.com for full review
Calamus 2009 Cosmic White ($14.95 - #0255893) - SM
Coyote's Run 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0053090) - SM
Hinterbrook 2010 Riesling ($17.95 - #0270512)
Rosewood 2009 Merlot ($21.95 - #0211896

Chile …
Koyle 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0256073) - this is a Chilean Cab with all the proper earmarks: juicy, minty and black fruited. (*** 1/2+) - SM
Loma Larga 2009 Chardonnay ($15.95 - #0257048) - butter, tropical fruit and vanilla, there's no doubt as to this being Chardonnay. (*** 1/2+)
Montes 2009 Limited Selection Pinot Noir ($14.95 - #0037937) - dark fruited, a touch leathery with some exotic spices. (*** 1/2)

France … 
(Alsace)
Domaine Saint Remy 2009 Reserve Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #0016410) - sweet and dry clash in the glass and on the palate: bosc pear, melon rind, this one is really tasty. (****+)
Jean Geiler Letzenberg 2009 Lieu Dit Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #0259713) - this is what Alsace means to me, fab floral, slightly soapy that sings with exotic spice in the mouth, yet there is a sight dryness that is left behind. (****+)
(Beaujolais)
Domaine du Roche Guillon 2010 Fleurie ($17.95 - #0269514) - lovely cherry and spice, there's also some grip here and it goes a long way to the enjoyment of this wine ... also for chilling. (****)
(Bordeaux)
Chateau de Lamarque 2006 ($29.95 - #0194159) - mix of the rustic and new world here with tannins and acidity blending with dark fruit: dense and delicious. (****)
Chateau Faizeau 2008 ($24.00 - #0136887) - blueberry, smoke and spice along with gripping tannins. (****)
(Burgundy)
Cave de Lugny 2008 Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($19.95 - #0183764) - bread crust and lemonade aromas fill the nose a you'll find the same on the palate with a light touch of sweetness. (****)
Domaine du Chardonnay 2009 Chablis ($19.95 - #0183574) - crisp and well made, floral and mineral notes ... very nice. (*** 1/2) - SM
Jaffelin 2009 Bourgogne Passe Tout Grains ($14.95 - #0216648) - made with Pinot and Gamay, these two light grapes marry well for a light, spice and mineral concoction with sour fruit character. (*** 1/2)
(Loire)
Domaines Bonnard 2009 Sancerre ($21.95 - #0140525) - lovely citrus nose with a white grapefruit palate; crisp and lively. (****)
(Midi)
Hecht & Bannier 2009 Syrah/Grenache/Carignan ($15.95 - #0251587) - anise, leather, black cherry and cocoa nib. (****)
(Rhone)
La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote Cotes du Rhone 2009 ($16.95 - #0251645) - loads of fruit and loads of flavour. (****)
Perrin & Fils 2009 Les Sinards Chateauneuf du Pape ($19.95 / 375ml - #0005975) - hefty with raspberry, strawberry liqueur. black currant and a raspberry cocoa finish; real ballsy. (****+)
Perrin & Fils 2009 Peyre  Blanche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages ($17.95 - #0650960) - black cherry, raspberry, sweet spice; a smooth, supple and succulent sipper. (****+)

Germany …
Anselmann 2009 Huxelrebe Auslese ($17.95 - #0681445) - lovely sweetness, interestingly exotic. (*** 1/2+)

Italy …
(Piedmont)
Bava Cocconato 2010 Moscato D'asti ($14.95 - #0712547) - I love asti any time of year so have a few on hand with its pineapple, lemon and hint of orange this is a delicious sipper - but don't hold forever, it's suppose to be drunk young and fruity. (*** 1/2+)
(Puglia)
Rivera 2005 Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico ($18.95 - #0984120) - well balanced with a sweet herbal note. (*** 1/2) - SM
(Sicily)
Giordano Eventus Nero D'Avola 2008 ($16.95 - #0231662) - good structure, blackberry, chocolate, hefty tannins and lingering finish. (*** 1/2+)
(Tuscany)
Fattoria La Ripa 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($24.95 - #0984401) - strong, dark and spicy. (*** 1/2+)
Vicchiomaggio Ripa delle Mandorle ($15.00 - #0677930) - I'd call this "rippa stuff" but wrong country for that label, as it is it's full of delicious cherry, vanilla and a little cocoa ... really tasty. (****+) - SM
(Veneto)
Corte 2006 Grande Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($17.95 - #0059246) - plum, coffee, cocoa, cassis, blackberry all with a nice finish. (****)

New Zealand … 
Hunter's 2009 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #0586115) - earthy, sour cherry and good spice. (*** 1/2+)
Kim Crawford 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0991950) - peachy and appley with hints of vanilla, but overpowering. (*** 1/2)

Portugal ...
Jose Maria da Fonseca & Van Zeller 2003 Vintage Port ($19.95 - #0638924) - the price will make you look again, the smell will make you sniff again and the taste ... well you get the picture; this is a delicious value. (****) – SM

Spain …
Sabor Real 2008 ($15.95 - #0172932) - juicy blackberry, creamy dark chocolate, supple tannins, one to lie down till BBQ season ... or enjoy now with something hearty. (****+)

United States … 
(California)
Beringer 2009 Founders' Estate Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0256628) - juicy black cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, smoky tobacco with a nice finish. (****)
Brutocao 2007 Hopland Ranches Estate Zinfandel ($22.95 - #0259325) - this is finesse on the Zinfandel front: plum, chocolate, vanilla cola with spice and balancing acidity; a well made Zinfandel. (****+)
Diamond Ridge 2007 Merlot ($19.95 - #0913905) - a juicy black-fruited number with a melted dark chocolate finish with hints of anise seed. (****)
Murphy Goode 2009 The Fume Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #0721092) - there's no truth is advertising here, no smoky or "fume" notes, but there is lots of pleasant tropical fruit. (*** 1/2)
Raymond 2007 Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($35.95 - #0715979) - very juicy, very delicious; cherry, herbs and chocolate ... very tasty and lovely to sniff. (****+)
Vina Robles 2008 Huerhuero Red 4 ($17.95 - #0261628) - this is a cross of meaty and juicy with vanilla, spice and mocha; dark berries, and nice peppery finish.  BBQ ready but also a good cold weather blend to warm the soul. (**** 1/2) - SM
(Washington)
Charles & Charles 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah ($14.95 - #0258178) - playful label for a playful wine, nicely smooth and enjoyble; great value. (*** 1/2+) - SM
Fall Line 2007 Artz Vineyard Red ($36.95 - #0237735) - good to see more of these juicy, well made Washington offerings at Vintages. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on January 7, 2012:
Jose Maria da Fonseca & Van Zeller 2003 Vintage Port ($19.95 - #0638924) - Portugal
Vina Robles 2008 Huerhuero Red 4 ($17.95 - #0261628) - United States
Perrin & Fils 2009 Peyre  Blanche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages ($17.95 - #0650960) - France

Happy Shopping.



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