Justin's Christmas Wine Picks 2014

Tis the season that threatens to overcome your Mastercard and Visa accounts, as you hustle around town buying presents and rich food and drink to regale your friends and family!

In an effort to provide some relief here are some wine selections that will caress your guests taste buds without breaking the bank. You don't want your co-workers spilling the Chateau Lafite on the carpet during the office party!

I shop at the Barrack Street LCBO and all of these wines were on the shelves there as of yesterday, Dec. 6. May your shopping be Merry!

The first thing to do is buy Champagne/Bubbly. It is supremely versatile, being a great party wine as well as matching up very well with all kinds of dishes.

2014 was the first year ever that Italian Prosecco outsold French Champagne around the word. Spanish Cavas and Canadian Sparklers are also great.

I like Frixenet in the Black Bottle $12.95 and Cremant D'Alsace ( Vintages ). There are loads of other great buys. Just ask Kent Or Adam, the wine consultants at Barrack St.

White Wines

Strewn 2 Vines Riesling/Gewurztraminer 2013 has become a house staple for Sheila and I. Very well-balanced, fruity and lively. On Sale at the moment for $10.95!

Ironstone Symphony 2012 from California. Very interesting and tasty dry wine $16.10, Symphony is the grape, designed by researchers at UCLA @ Davis. A superb wine!!

Esquinas Pinot Grigio 2013 Argentina $11.85. BEST discovery of the year. Delicious!

Caliterra Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $9.95. Chile. Beppy Crossariol of the Globe and Mail recommended this one and he was right on. Extremely true to the varietal.

Bougrier Vouvray 2013 $13.95. France. Full-bodied, intense fruit/acid balance. This would be great with the turkey and ham.

Laroche Viognier 2013 $12.70. We tried this Saturday and were impressed. Dry, full-body, crisp.

Ruffino Orvieto Classico Umbria 2013 $11.45. Bone dry and flavourful. Try with fish. Also great as a party starter/aperitif.

Hardy Stamp Series Riesling/Gewurztraminer Australia $9.90. BARGAIN!!

Hardy Stamp Series Chardonnay/Semillon $9.90. I have not tried this yet. I just saw it on the shelves and am curious. If it is as good as the Ries/Gewurz it is worth buying. Price is right!

Lindeman's Bin 65 Chardonnay 2013 $10.95. A good, old favourite that will please most tastes.

Red Wines

Sandbanks Baco Noir 2013 $14.95. Support your local vintner. Great wine @ a fair price.

Nederberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $11.95 S. Africa. Another best buy from Beppi!

Mirassou Pinot Noir 2013 $14.00 California. Light and fruity.

Esquinas Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Argentina $11.90. Make note of this Vintner!

Alamos Malbec 2013 Argentina $13.90. The new bargain wine country!

Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Chile $12.90. For fans of big Aussie wines.

Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ON SALE @$11.95. BEST BUY OF THE SEASON!!!

Citra Montepulciano D'Abruzzo $7.75. Another Beppi find! Light body but very good!!!

Costalungo Barbera D'Asti 2012 $ 13.95. Medium body, loads of fruit, very dry.

Wyndham Bin 555 Shiraz 2012 $15.95 Australia Rich and smooth.

Rosemount Diamond Shiraz 2013 $13.95. A well balanced, substantial wine.

Peter Lehman Clancy's Blend $17.95 Australia. Classy, rich enticing!

My favourite Beers for stocking stuffers:

Warsteiner from Germany and Hops & Bolts.

Best Gin for you Martini Lovers: Hendriks.

First choice for Rye Whisky: Crown Royal.

Recent good reads:

Don't ever get old by Daniel Friedman. Geriatric ex-cop in a wild caper!

Carnage and Culture by Victor Davis Hanson.

A Spy Among Friends by Ben Macintyre. A riveting account of the Kim Philby story.

The Proud Tower by Barbara Tuchman. Pre-World War One History. Fantastic Historian!!!

Party Of One by Michael Harris. Should be required reading for all voters in Canada.

Ecstatic Nation by Brenda Wineapple. I thought I had read everything worth reading about the U.S. Civil War but I was wrong. A truly amazing history book!

Sheila and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Thanks,

Justin

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

Well Folks, all good things really do come to an end.

After more than 20 years of composing this wine letter, the time has come to push on to other pursuits.

I will start with a six month sabbatical from wine news and see what the future brings.

It has been a wonderful experience composing these pages over the years, especially since I retired.

It allowed me to keep in contact with loads of old friends, customers and fellow workers.

It has also introduced me to a bunch of new friends who have had it forwarded to them by family and readers.

All in all, a most enjoyable experience.

I would still like to keep the above relationships going so please feel free to email me at any time if you want to discuss wine or books or the world in general.

My email is jsmchenry@cogeco.ca

Thanks,

Justin

Justin's Wine Picks August 13, 2014

Wines released for sale on Saturday, August 16 in Ontario.

The summer has finally arrived and with it comes a lot of Barbecuing and Alfresco dining.

What will you purchase to bring out the best in your wide range of outdoor dishes?

You could be serving everything from prime rib to veggie burgers!

In the next few editions of this wine letter I will give you a few choices to go with specific foods.

What meat hits the grill more often than not in the Great White North? I would wager that beef is it!

Match these wines with these cuts and I think you will be happy and full.

Prime Rib: Top cuts of beef, served rare or medium-rare need a matching, balanced, nuanced wine that will not overwhelm the meat. ( if you like well-done/burnt buy a heavy Shiraz.) Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the obvious choices. Syrah from the South of France, as well as Grenache are helpful. Portugal & Spain are in the mix with lots of fine native grapes.

Buy these.

Domaine Monpertuis Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 $42.95.”Textbook aromas of leather, spice and black cherries. Subtle touch of dried spices on the long finish.”

Bastide Miraflors Vieilles Vignes Syrah/Grenache 2012 $18.95. “Dense, rich, complex”

Diamond Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2012 $23.95. Great Vintage!

Girard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Napa $38.95. “A supple and elegant palate.

Steaks and slow cooked beef cuts:

All of the above would be great but we don't want to break the bank every night!

Excellent Value.

Carvalhais Duque De Viseu 2011 Portugal $13.95. “Fantastically priced for the quality.”

Herdade Penedo Gordo Vinho Tinto 2012 $14.95. Rich and spicy.

Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan De Dieu 2011 $13.95 “Ripe, juicy and ready.”

Ch. De Treviac 2011 Corbieres $17.95 “Luscious, smoky, full-bodied.”

Burgers, Picnic Fare, Backyard Parties Etc.

You want the wine to be excellent but at the same time you don't want your guests watering the grass with Chateau Lafitte. Serve it at 55 to 60 degrees F. 90 degree wine does not taste good!!! Try these.

Ch. De Gourgazaud Cuvee Mathilde Minervois 2011 S. France $14.95 “Exciting & complex wine!

Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec Argentina $18.95. Rich & very full-bodied.

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec 2012 Argentina $15.95. Elegant, fruity, long finish.

Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Napa $19.95. Superb fruit/oak blend”

Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan De Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages 2011 $13.95. BARGAIN!!!

Adam Dom Bueno Mencia 2008 Spain $16.95. MASSIVE WINE!

Best White: Domaine Billaud-Simon Les Vallons Chablis 1er Cru 2011 $39.95. SHEER CLASS!!

Noteworthy White Wines.

Ch. Moncontour Tete De Cuvee Brut Vouvray Loire $17.95. VERY DELICIOUS BUBBLY!!

Lailey Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Niagara $19.95. One of my favourite Vineyards.

Redstone limestone Vineyard South Riesling 2012 $18.95 Tawse Winery. Superb!

First Press Chardonnay 2011 Napa $19.95. “Beautifully Balanced, complex.”

Maipe Reserve Chardonnay/Viognier 2013 Argentina $15.95. Aromatic, tropical nose.

Thelema Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc 2012 S. Africa $13.95. 'Excellent fruit intensity.”

Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2013 N.Z $18.95. “Fantastic, mouth-filling herbal edge.”

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Kaseler Nies'Chen Riesling Kabinett 2006 $19.95. WOW!!

Alana-Tokaji Harslevelu 2005 $24.95. Lush sweetness balanced by superb acidity. Drink this with spicy Asian fare.

Great Reads.

A Fine Red Rain by Stuart Kaminsky. These Russian Police Procedurals featuring Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov are absolutely delightful! Great Characters!

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith. J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame crafts a wonderful mystery that also features some unforgettable characters! Don't miss it!!

Thanks, Justin.

Justin's Wine pIcks July 30, 2014

Wines released for sale in Ontario on Saturday, August 2, 2014.

Just a short review this time folks. The days are just packed, enjoying every minute of retirement heaven!

I will give you what I think are the top six whites and reds to purchase.

HOT TIP!! Run to the LCBO and buy Calamus 2012 Unoaked Chardonnay, around $12.00 A gorgeous wine with loads of clean fruit and bracing acidity. It has a very refreshing grapefruit/orange/lemon taste.

Whites.

Baron De Hoen Reserve Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace $17.95.

Kuhlmann Platz Pinot Gris 2012 Alsace. $17.95.

Fielding Estate Riesling 2013 Niagara $18.95

Muga Barrel Fermented White 2013 Rioja $14.95.

Arnaldo Caprai Anima Umbria Grechetto 2013 $15.95. My All-Time Favourite Italian Winery!

Domaine De Millet Colombard/Ugni Blanc 2012 Southwest $ 14.95.

Reds.

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Sonoma $22.95. An old favourite!

Viticio Bere 2011 Tuscany $18.95. Delicious now & better with age.

Longview Devil's Elbow Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 $22.95. SUPER-RICH!!!

Thorne-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2012 $16.95. Huge, enticing vino!

Evans & Tate Metricup Road Cabernet/Merlot 2011 Margaret River $22.95. “Beautifully constructed and incredible value! Drink until 2025.”

Croix Valong Cotes Du Rhone 2011 $17.95. “ Loads of dark fruit, vanilla, earth and chocolate tones. “

Great Books To Read: The Gods Of Guilt by Michael Connelly. Another fast-paced Lincoln Lawyer novel.

James Herriot's Vet stories set in the Yorkshire Dales are fascinating, schmaltsy and loads of fun! Check out All Creatures Great And Small and Every Living Thing. All time Classics!!!

Thanks,

Justin

Justin's Wine Picks July 16, 2014

Wines Released for sale in Ontario on Saturday, July 19.

It appears that the LCBO will be running out of Riesling this weekend, as the German supporters celebrate their World Cup Victory!

Not to worry however, as our beloved monopoly seems to be stocking up the shelves for the summer.

The Release Magazine is titled BEST BARBECUE WINES.

Normally when I see wines advertised as perfect barbecue matches I run away FAST! It usually means that the super-strong flavours of burnt meat and over-cooked veg will hide the glaring defects in the wine.

This time the title really is a misnomer! There are a lot of superb wines on offer.

Standout Cabernet Sauvignons and several great buys from Spain lead the way.

Therefore use that cooking timer so as not to incinerate the food and enjoy it ( especially beef ) with these fine wines.

My pick for BEST WHITE: Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2011 $29.95. This is what Niagara Wines are all about! Outstanding fruit and varietal character from start to LONG Finish.

Superb White Wines.

Niro Pecorino 2012 Abruzzo $15.95. Apple, pear, melon and peach.

Lemonde Pinot Bianco 2012 Friuli 2012 $17.95 Enticing, mineral notes, refreshing!

Louis Bouillot Perle D'Ivoire Cremant De Bourgogne $19.95. Exhilarating bubbly!

Gray Monk Pinot Blanc 2012 B.C. $20.95. A great Vintner!!

Nadine Ferrand Lis-Marie Pouilly-Fuisse 2011 Burgundy $29.95. Amazing Bouquet!

Cave De Saumer Muscadet Sevre & Maine Sur Lie 2012 $16.95. Quite rich for the grape.

Code Inspiration Viognier 2013 Pays d'Oc $14.95. Just needs a simple piece of fish.

Rabl Lengenlois Gruner Veltliner 2012 $16.95. BARGAIN!!!

Bird Sauvignon Blanc 2013 N.Z. $18.95. Kinky, off the wall vino!

Zuccardi Serie A Chardonnay/Viognier 2012 Argentina $14.95. Rich, citrus character.

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2012 Mosel $13.95. “White peach, melon and spice.”

Fattoria Il Palagio Vernaccia Di San Gimignano 2012 $13.95. Zesty, refreshing acidity.

Best Red Available: Valpantena Torre Del Falasco Amarone 2010 $44.95. # 76 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 for 2012. Cherry, spice, and deep flavours. A wow!

The Spain/Portugal offerings deserve a space of their own. You NEED to buy the following wines!

Conceito Contraste 2011 Portugal $16.95. “Graceful and charming, crisp & flavourful, perfectly balanced. “

Herdade Do Sobroso 2012 Portugal $14.95. “Loaded with earthy, dark fruit tones.”

Abad Dom Bueno Crianza 2006 Spain $14.95. Wonderful price for a very good wine!

Vina Real Plata Crianza 2009 Rioja $18.95. “Exceptionally ripe!”

Montebuena Cuvee KPF 2012 Rioja $14.95. BARGAIN!!

Tamaral Roble Tempranillo 2011 Ribera del Douro $16.95 “Intriguing character.”

Several outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons also deserve a special mention.

Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Napa. $29.95. “Dry, full-bodied and rich”

Hahn Cab/Sauv 2012 California $18.95. Superb with a leg of lamb!

Ridge Monte Bello Cab/Sauv California $159.95. A cult wine but I have had varying experiences with it in the past. Altogether too much money!

Two Hands Sexy Beast Cab/Sauv McLaren Vale $25.95. Deep raspberry and black cherry fruit!

Ch Chasse-Spleen Bordeaux 2010 $49.85. Cab/Sauv/Merlot blend.”Fleshy, Succulent.”

Super Reds

Brazin Old Wine Zinfandel California 2011 $19.95 “Nose is redolent of raspberry jam!”

Macmurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2011 $24.95. Yes it is approved by My Three Sons. I buy it every year.

Rancho Zabacco Heritage Wines Zinfandel 2012 $19.95. “A sensational bargain!”

Vina Cobos Felino Malbec 2012 Argentina $19.95. An amazing Malbec!

Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Carmenere 2011 Chile $17.95. “Very good concentration.”

Ch. Saint-Roche Chimeres 2011 Midi $18.95 “Marjoran, fennel & Sage.”

Domaine Barville Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 $44.95. “Fleshy, full and classic.”

Les Trois Oratoires Cotes Du Rhone 2012 $15.95. “Big bang for the buck!”

Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2011 $15.95. Super-Smooth!!!

Great Books To Read!

The Best American Travel Writing 2013 edited by Elizabeth Gilbert. Highly interesting travel tales!

Fear Itself by Andrew Rosenheim. A neat thriller set in the USA in the late thirties. Well drawn characters and Nasty Nazis.

Thanks,

Justin

PS The next "Wine Picks" will be posted on or before July 30, 2014

Justin's Wine Picks July 5, 2014

Wines hit the shelves on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

If you are glued to the World Cup of Soccer as am I, you will be wondering what type of wine Suarez takes with his Italians ( Headine: Uraguayan bites opponent!) Chianti would be too obvious. How about a nice, earthy Pinot Noir to complement the sweat.

Anyway national mourning has begun in Italy, England and Spain, with more losers set to join them soon. They could drown their sorrows with a stiff shot of Tomintoul 12 Years Old Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt @ only $97.95. These guys can afford it!

I am now officially cheering for Mexico, although they must play Netherlands next, and they will likely need large infusions of Tequila after that experience.

If the Mexicans should prevail I will toast them with any one of these new Bubblies.

Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose N.Z. $21.95. These Rose Bubblies have loads of flavour!

Ch. Moncontour Cuvee Predilection Brut Vouvray 2011 Loire $18.95. Classic Structure.

Loosen Bros. Dr. L. Sparkling Riesling Germany $14.95. Excellent Sekt.

OK, imagine that you are Christiano Ronaldo and the coach is coming to dinner. You need the Best White and Red available from this issue of new wines, bearing in mind that you must continue to exist on only 200,000 Euros Per WEEK.

Ronaldo is so taken with himself that ordinary bubbly would not do. Drappier Carte D'Or Brut Champagne at $48.95 will serve to accompany the hors d'oeuvres.

A spicy dish featuring chorizo needs Kulmann-Platz Muehlforst Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace $18.95.

The Best Red is surely Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2011Napa $79.95. A huge red wine from an iconic winemaker.

Top Notch Niagara Whites

Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay 2012 $18.95. “Toasty, creamy butterscotch Chard.”

Ch. Des Charmes Chardonnay Musque 2012 $16.95. Chard Musque is Ontario's answer to Chablis!

Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2013 $17.95. “Lovely, juicy Riesling.”

Superb White Wines

Jean Bousquet Cameleon Torrontes/Chardonnay 2013 $13.95. You get the richness of Chard and the lovely, intense floral notes of Torrontes.

LawsonDry Hills Gewurztraminer 2011 N.Z. $19.95. Serve with spicy Thai food.

Domaine Du Chateau De Riquewihr Les Murailles Riesling 2009 Alsace $19.95. Beautiful Wine!

Ch. Salmoniere Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2012 Sur Lie $13.95 “Like a seaside orchard in a glass...Aromas of sea spray, apple, pear and garden herbs.” Barbecued Shrimp anyone?

Cerrino Brich Menu Moscato D'Asti 2012 $16.95. I love the sweet bubbles in this wine. It is tailor-made for strawberry season!

Remarkable Red Wines

Muruve Roble 2011 Spain $13.95.”Simple but well-balanced, lively, joyful bouquet.”

Henry Of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 $24.95. Delightful cherry/plum profile!

Sartori Amarone 2010 $43.95. Tastes Wonderful right now, will age a long time!

Coltibuono Cancelli Rosso 2011 Tuscany $15.95. # 100 in Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2013.

Pipoli Aglianco Del Vulture 2010 S. Italy $15.95. Peppery, cherry, licorice notes.

Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 California $23.95. Dense, Rich, cassis and cherry.

Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 California $18.95. Super Winery!!

Ironstone Merlot 2013 $18.95 Ditto!!!

Lafond SRH Pinot Noir 2012 California $29.95. Rich, full New World Style.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot Washington 2011 $16.95. Huge Winery! Great Wines!!!

Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Argentina $16.95. Tannic but good!

Nugan Alfredp Dried Grape Shiraz Australia $26.95. Amarone style. Curiosity will make me try this one!

Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2007 $39.95. Not for the faint of heart! Huge, thick and rich!

Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Cab/Sauv 2012 $16.95. “Structured and balanced.”

Ch. Gachon Cuvee Les Petits Rangas 2010 Bordeaux $18.95. Lively fruit & acid!

Ch. Sociando-Mallet 2010 Haut-Medoc $63.85. “Inky Purple, big sweet kiss of blueberry liqueur intermixed with creme de cassis, camphor, licorice and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied, rich.”

Ch. De Gourgazaud Reserve 2010 Midi $16.95. “Blackcurrant, Boysenberry, cherry, vanilla.”

Great Reads: The Unwinding An Inner History Of America by George Packer. A remarkable History of The Decline of the USA told through a number of profiles of US Citizens, both famous and unknown. The book is worth reading just for the profiles of Sam Walton & Newt Gingrich.

Dead Water by Ann Cleeves. A fine mystery with interesting characters set in the Shetland Isles. This is the latest in a series of five books. First one is Raven Black.

The next Blog entry will be before the next Vintages Release of new wines on July 19, 2014.

Thanks,

Justin

Justins Wine Picks, June 18, 2014

Wines hit the shelves in Ontario on Saturday, June 21, 2014.

It is hard to concentrate on wine with the World Cup of soccer about to commence!

On the other hand I might need a stiff drink of port or whisky after I watch my favourite team, England, play.

My head tells me that Argentina or Brazil will triumph but my heart supports England or Holland.

Anyway here are a few new wines for sipping while you root for whomever. The only sure bet is that FIFA will score a bagful of money from the whole deal! Champagne for them I am sure.

This will be the last time you will receive this by e-mail. From now on you can check it out on line at my blog.

Simply Google Justin's Wine Picks and it will pop up.

The next release of wines will be on July 5. The blog will review it on or before Wednesday, July 2.

Mark that on your calendar.

“Burgundy makes you think of silly things, Bordeaux makes you talk of them and Champagne makes you do them.” Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Best White Wine: Chateau Ollwiller Clos De La Tourelle Pinot Blanc 2009 Alsace $16.95. This is every bit as complex as any red you may try.

White Wines That Will Make You Happy!

Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio 2013 N.Z. $18.95. Strong citrus fruit throughout!

Yalumba Organic Viognier 2012 Australia $18.95. “ pear, apricot and spice.”

Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2012 $19.95. “ Banana cream pie, grilled pineapple, applesauce.”

Peninsula Ridge Inox Reserve Chardonnay Niagara $18.95. This is always very good!

Bestheim Brut Cremant D'Alsace $19.95. Perfect with Hors D'Oeuvres.

Cape Point Sauvignon Blanc 2012 S.Africa $15.95. Lovely gooseberry profile.

Dr. Hermann Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2007 Mosel $18.95. Only 8% Alcohol. WOW!

Tommasi Adorato Appassionato Bianco 2012 Veneto $15.95. “Lovely depth & balance.”

#1 Red Wine: Muriel Rioja $19.95. #6 in Decanter's Top 50 wines of 2013. “A great, classic Rioja. Savoury, traditional style...complex & intriguing. This really is old style with a rich, menthol,vanilla/oak, deep flavour.

Several Wonderful Red Wines!

Capana Brunello Di Montalcino 2008 $48.95. This will need patience. Many years ageing.

Ch. La Nerthe Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2011 $49.95.”Suave blend of richness & vivacity.”

Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz 2010 Barossa $21.95. “Licorice, spice & charcuterie.”

Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Napa $31.95. A Big BIG wine!

Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $23.95. Also smooth, round & large wine!

Union Squared Red 2012 Niagara $17.95. A unique blend from a good new winery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah 2011 Washington $17.00. “Blackberry, black olive, licorice flavours.”

La Posta Angel Paulucci Malbec 2011 Argentina $15.95. “Rich, ripe and substantial.”

Ch. D'Angles La Clape 2010 Midi. Very interesting blend of Syrah/Grenache/Mourvedre that would go beautifully with your next prime rib meal.

Cave De Rasteau La Domleliere 2012 Rhone $17.00. “Hugely flavourful and lively.”

Da Vinci Chianti 2011 $16.95. Taste this on it's own and then with some barbecued food. It is loads better with food!

Aleno tinto 2011 Portugal $15.95. Another BARGAIN!!! from Portugal. Sip this while watching Christiano Ronaldo zipping around the pitch!

Borsao Berola 2009 Spain $18.95 “Hefty, rich, impressive wine.

Great Reads: Astoria by Peter Stark. A lively, interesting history of John Jacob Astor's attempt to set up a fur trading empire in the unexplored West.

Between Summer's Longing And Winter's End by Leif GW Persson. Police procedural based in Stockholm. Great characters!

Thanks,

Justin

PS: remember to catch future publications online at Justin's Wine Picks.