JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS JANUARY 1, 2013

Wines available to purchase on January 5, 2013 in Ontario.

The LCBO is busy restocking shelves and counting all the money that they made in the Holiday season. The emphasis on this release is affordable wines that really do offer excellent value for your money!

So if you haven't already worn the strip off of your credit card dive in and shop till you drop.

Wine Snobdom 101: “While your neighbour may go out and buy the same colour Mercedes as the one that's sitting in your driveway, can he claim to have tasted the silken treasure of Clos de Loch Glenmorangie, one of Scotland's most magnificent green wines, aged in a sheep's stomach still within the sheep, and then burned to a crisp over a peat fire.” from Good Gothe by Jurgen Gothe.

Best White Wine: Werner Anselmann Edesheimer Rosengarten Siegerrebe Spatlese 2011 Pfalz $14.95. Seldom seen grape with tremendous fruit that goes perfectly with highly spiced foods.

Very Good Whites.

Hermanos De Domingo Molina Torrontes 2011 Argentina $14.95. Lively, floral.

Dr. Hermann Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese 2007 Mosel $16.95. Luscious!!

Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2011 Loire $22.95. Tingly fruit palate.

Fratelli Ponte Moscato D'Asti 2011 Piedmont $14.95. Sweet, with a mild bubble. Tastes tremendous with fruit desserts.

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Chile $13.95. Fresh, citrus zip!

Leth Klassik Gruner Veltliner 2011 $14.95. “Vibrant, fresh lemon, lime, apricot, mineral.”

Pierre Sparr Reserve Pinot Gris 2011 Alsace $14.95. BEST BUY!!!

Best Red Wine: El Molet Tinto 2009 Spain $14.95. #33 in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Best Buys of 2012.

Great Reds.

Arnaldo Caprai Rosso Montefalco Umbria 2009 $19.95. For my money one of the top wineries in the World! 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot. This one is a wow. Drink 2013-2016.

Quinta Do Coa Vinho Tinto 2008 Portugal $17.95. Rich and well-stuctured.

Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa $19.95. Superb with beef!

Tscharke Barossa Gold Marananga Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Australia $15.95. “A thunderous wine at a terrific price.”

Finca Villacreces Pruno 2010 Spain $19.95. Big, full-bodied, a steal at this price!

Macmurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2009 California $21.95. Yes it's Fred's Winery and one of my favourite vinos!

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Petite Syrah 2009 California $18.95. “silky, fruity, yet dry.”

Vignamaggio Terre Di Prenzano Chianti Classico 2009 $17.95. “Plum & Blackberry.”

Bozeto De Exopto Garnacha/Tempranillo/Graciano. Outstanding Value!

Great Reads:

Mission To Paris by Alan Furst. Superb Pre WW2 Spy Stuff in Paris. Beyond The Blue Horizon by Brian Fagen. Ancient History of sailing. Any sailor in your crowd will love this

Thanks and a happy New Year to one and all,

Justin

Justin's Wine Picks, November 20, 2012

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS, NOVEMBER 20, 2012

Wines available for purchase on Saturday November 24, in Ontario.

Well kids you are going to need very large denominations of cash to shop this time. You know you are in trouble when the bargain buys are in the $40.00 range!

Nonetheless we will forge on. The first section of wines reviewed this time will be for those whose lucky numbers came up in Lotto Max, or whose last name is Romney. Some of these wines would be just the thing to slack your thirst after a hard day shifting the Rolls and Mercedes around the garage. Thank God for that car elevator!

Stupidly Expensive and Very Tasty Section.

The finest liqueur I have ever tasted is Grand Marnier Cuvee Du Cent Cinquantenaire, a steal at only $239.95. This tastes like essence of Orange Marmalade, squared. Absolutely amazing in your mouth!

Glendronach 18 Years Old Allardice Highland Single Malt $139.95 is described as the ultimate sherry cask whisky! “Faultless and truly astounding!”

Buy two of Bowen XO Cognac $184.95 in case it gets really cold! “ The layers of flavour sail on throughout the sensationally long finish.”

Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port 2000 $79.95. Absolute Ambrosia!

Dom Perignon Brut Rose Champagne 2000 $299.95. Just the thing to wash down those leftover turkey sandwiches on Boxing Day!

Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2010 $85.95. “aromas of coconut toast, baked pear and apple.”

Far Niente Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Napa $139.95. A cult classic.

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2008 $224.95. Anticipated Maturity 2018-2038.

Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008 $89.95. Vines planted in 1894.

Yalumba The Octavius Old Vines Shiraz 2006 S. Australia $110.95. Parker Score 95.

Philippe Colin Chassagne-Montachet Les Chaumees 1er Cru 2008. Chardonnay perfection!

Chateau De Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape 2010 $89.95. Age at least 5 years and drink over the following three decades.

Ornellaia 2009 Bolgheri $189.95 and Sassicaia 2009 $179.95. Super Tuscan hedonism!

Masi Mazzano Amarone 2004 $99.95. “Silky texture...very stylish.”

Best of The Rest!

Top White: Cave Kientzheim-Kayserberg Anne Boecklin Schlossberg Riesling 2009 $23.95. Lovely apple & pear on the nose and palate. Fine acidity.

Excellent Whites.

Filippino Moscato D'Asti 2011 Piedmont $17.95. Luscious, mildly bubbly, gently sweet, low alcohol treat! Serve with fruit.

Malivoire Moira Chardonnay 2009 $39.95. In my books this is consistently the BEST Niagara Chardonnay out there. Resembles fine Burgundy.

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2011 Australia $19.95. “Vibrant, bracing and compelling.”

Framingham Pinot Gris 2010 N.Z. $19.95. Kiwis are doing fine things with this grape.

Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc N.Z. 2011 $18.95. Great with hors d'oeuvres before Christmas dinner.

Domaine Vincent Sauvestre Chablis 2011 $19.95. Mineral with almost crunchy apple notes! C.H. Berres Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2009 Mosel $19.95. “snappy, apple, peach, pear.”

Dr. Fischer Ockfen Bockstein Riesling Spatlese 2010 Mosel $24.95. For your turkey or ham.

Castel Sole Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Classico 2011 $15.95. Very Dry! Seafood heaven.

Top Red: Citille Di Sopra Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 $39.95. Great Vintage! This is stunning wine but you can't even think of drinking it for at least 12 years.

Excellent Reds.

Mas Estella Quindals Spain 2007 $17.95 Rich, oaky lush wine.

Cortes De Cima 2009 Portugal $21.95. A rock solid, fruity vino that loves your palate!

Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006 $24.95. Wonderful wine that should be drunk now.

Cennatoio Chianti Classico 2010 $15.95. This wine is a superb food match!

Domaine Rotier Les Gravels Gaillac 2009 $15.95. “...intense and concentrated.”

Villa Ponciago La Reserve Fleurie 2011 $21.95. lovely Cru Beaujolais!

Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2011 N.Z. $19.95. Try all of the Oyster Bay Products. Great quality!

Ballast Stone Shiraz 2009 McLaren Vale $18.95. Very, VERY rich wine!

Hardy's HRB D641 Shiraz 2007 $35.95”A very fine and elegant Shiraz.”

Santa Carolina Specialties Dry Farming Carignan Chile $15.95. “Penetrating and spicy.”

Great Reads: The New York Times Guide To Essential Knowledge. Everything you ever wanted to know about everything important!

The Case Of The Deadly butter Chicken by Tarquin Hall. Vish Puri, India's Greatest Detective is back for more Delhi adventures. Fabulous series! The first two books in the series are The Case Of The Missing Servant and The Case Of The Man Who Died Laughing.

All books available at your local library.

Over the year I get offers of payment of very kinds for this newsletter and I thank those who make the offers. The reason that I publish it is to keep in touch with old friends and customers and I get a lot of feedback and fun from the exercise.

If you wish to show your support for the Newsletter, how about sending a donation to:

The Boys and Girls Club Of Kingston And The Area,

559 Bagot St. Kingston Ontario K7K 3E1. Any small or large donation will be well spent and help a Kid, not only at Christmas but throughout the year!

Thanks,

Justin

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS, DECEMBER 4, 2012

Wines available in Ontario on Saturday, December 8.

I realize that the LCBO has inundated you with a deluge of Vino over the last few weeks but get ready for another salvo!

The emphasis here is on wines under $20.00 in order to give your purse a break!

So here is just a quick list of wines that I would be very Happy to find under the tree!

Whites.

Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne $59.95

Oyster Bay Brut N.Z. $21.95 BEST BUY!

Naveran Dama Extra Brut Cava 2010 $17.95 Spanish Bubbly.

Cave Spring Chenin Blanc 2009 Niagara $17.95. Superb wine!

Natura Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 Chile $14.95. A wonderful winemaker!

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2011 $19.95 Australia. Gold Medal Winner.

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2012 N.Z. $16.95.

Domaine Gobelsburg Gruner Veltliner 2011 $13.95 Austria. Danube Memories!

Charles Wantz Excellence Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace $17.95. This will be on our table on Christmas Day. Spicy, flowery, lychee aromas and huge flavours.

St. Urbans-Hof Riesling 2011 Mosel $16.95. A treat!

Reds.

Offley Late Bottled Vintage Port 2007 $19.95. Remarkable Value!

Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon California $49.95. Don't open for at least 10 years.

Ch. Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Washington $19.95. Gorgeous Cab!

Susana Balbo Malbec 2010 $19.95 Argentina. “A sensational table wine. Score 94”

Domaine Durieu Lucille Avril Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2009 $42.95. “Powerful, opulent, sexy.”

Pierre Laplace Madiran 2009 $14.95. Very well-structured!

Terredora Aglianco 2009 Campania $15.95. “Vibrant and juicy.”

Leone De Castris Maiana Salice Salentino 2009 $13.95. “Huge overachiever.”

Herdade Do Arrepiado Velho 2010 Portugal $19.95 I am buying this.

Quinta Das Camelias Reserva 2009 Portugal $13.95. BARGAIN!!

Castel Del Remei Gotim Bru 2009 Spain $17.95. Always a GREAT BUY!!!

Rodriguez Santo T-Sanzo Tempranillo 2007 $14.95. “Generous, richly-fruited.”

Great Reads: Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel. Sequel to the superb Wolf Hall featuring Thomas Cromwell, Henry the Vlll, Anne Boleyn etc. Great Story!

Rome by Robert Hughes. Intensely interesting history of the city, covering everything from politics to fine art.

Thanks,

Justin

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS NOVEMBER 6, 2012

Wines go on sale in Ontario on Saturday, November 10.

There are a whole bunch of wines to choose from this time but I found it hard to get enthused about a lot of them. I am not really sure why except for a feeling that buying here would not give me a lot of bang for my buck. For example Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay 2008 Napa $65.95 is surely a very good wine but for that cash I will be buying Montrachet or Meursault thank you!

Having said that here is a small tranche of wines that I would love to have in my cellar.

Best White: Dopff & Irion Vorbourg Pinot Gris 2009 Alsace Grand Cru 2009 $17.95. “Rich and concentrated...still young but with plenty of power and long lasting finish.”

Extremely Tasty Whites

Domaine De Riaux Pouilly-Fume 2011 Loire $21.95. Racy, mineral and citrus!

Henry Of Pelham Family Tree White 2010 Niagara $17.95. An intriguing blend of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Chardonnay Musque. Loads of Fruit!

Domaine Latour-Giraud Cuvee Charles Maxime Meursault 2010 $44.95. The epitome of Chardonnay.

Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2011 N.Z. $17.95. Compare with the Pouilly-Fume.

Vieil Armand Medaille Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace $17.95. Perfect with spicy food!

Domaine Sylvain Gaudron Vouvray 2011 Loire $15.95. Dry and tasty Chenin Blanc.

Markus Molitor Edition #3 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2003 $29.95. Complex fruit profile, aged for you by the Vintner.

Pazo Pondal Leira Albarino 2011 Spain $15.95. This is truly wonderful white wine. “Fresh acidity, mineral clarity and orange and lemon notes. Outstanding.”

One of my favourite writers, Roald Dahl, took the mickey out of pompous wine writers in his short story Taste. Two wine descriptors were:

“A prudent wine, rather diffident and evasive, but quite prudent.”

“A good- humoured wine, benevolent and cheerful-slightly obscene, perhaps, but nonetheless good-humoured. “

Best Red: I couldn't decide between 4 wines of widely divergent styles. You choose.

Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 $53.95. Parker Score 93-95. Don't touch it for at least 5 years.

Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2007 $49.95. I am buying this one even though I can't drink it until at least 2022. Elegant, classy. A GREAT WINEMAKER!!!

Dunham XIII Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Columbia Valley Washington $53.95 . Exquisite!

La Formica Amarone 2008 $47.95. “dark, ripe berry and black cherry fruit.”

Praiseworthy Reds

Pocas Colheita Port 1994 $27.95. Aged in wood for 14 years. Delicious!

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010 $29.95. Just like bottled blackberries!

Valle Las Acequias Oak Malbec 2007 Argentina $15.95. “Velvety-textured.”

Montgras Quatro 2011 Chile $14.95. Huge, deeply rich blend.

Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz 2010 Barossa $24.95. Big, very rich wine.

Vasse Felix Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River $24.95. “Intense blackcurrant fruit.”

La Ferme Du Mont Premiere Cote Cotes Du Rhone 2009 $15.95. Wow! BARGAIN!!!

Pierre Amadieu La Grangeliere Vacqueyras 2010 $19.95. A superior bottle of wine!!

Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano D'Abbruzzo 2008 $15.95. DON”T MISS THIS!

Giordano Primitivo Di Manduria 2009 $17.95. Puglia. Designed for beef!

Da Vinci Chianti 2010 $16.95. Simple but good!

Rocca Di Castagnoli Poggio A'Frati Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 $29.95. “ Stupendous wine for the money.”

Baron De Lay Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja $29.95. “Superb vintage. Smoke, Asian spices, incense, violets, black cherry and blackberry notes.”

Great Reads: The New York Times Guide To Essential Knowledge. A great BIG!!! book, 1300 pages of really neat info.

Red Star Burning by Brian Freemantle. The latest in a long series of Charlie Muffin spy adventures. Charlie works for British intelligence and is really good at what he does, including making bureaucrats on both sides of the fence look very silly and sometimes dead. Try to read the earlier books first, as the story grows with each book.

Thanks,

Justin

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS OCTOBER 24, 2012

Wines will be released for sale in Ontario on October 27 2012.

You have heard this here before but nonetheless it is true: Christmas doth approach us and waves of high-end vinos are being offered up for our purchasing pleasure! If you are in the Christmas shopping mode or need a hint for someone buying for you here's your chance.

I think I will give you three price groups for reds, starting with the most expensive, since there are a ton of wonderful wines. There is also a special release of 2009 Bordeaux, touted as a remarkable Vintage Year! So slip on your shop to you drop outfit and ensure that good old Ontariario has a Happy and profitable Christmas! ( Note: there is no need to panic shop here! There will be several more offerings before Christmas.)

2009 Bordeaux.

Ch. Lestruelle 2009 Medoc $18.95. “ Core of raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit.”

Ch. La Croix Chaigneau 2009 AC Lalande de Pomerol $ 23.95. “bright, spicy fruit.”

Ch. Cheval Brun 2009 AC St.-Emilion Grand Cru $24.95. Drink 2014-15.

Ch. Teyssier 2009 AC St-Emilion Grand Cru $39.95. Parker Score 92.

Best White: Cave De Ribeauville Giersberger Brut Cremant D'Alsace $19.95. This is made in the traditional Methode Champenoise and is very dry and very delicious! Goes remarkably well with a wide range of foods.

Fine Whites.

Coyote's Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Gris 2011 Niagara $17.95. Light & refreshing. Good Wine!

Domaine Delorme Et Fils Sur La Roche Pouilly-Fuisse 2009 $29.95. “Dry & quite ripely fruity with a rich, long finish.”

Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner 2011 Austria $13.95. I am a fan of this grape since our Sept. Danube cruise. Very well balanced!

Preiss-Zimmer Riesling 2008 Alsace $18.95. Try this with crab-cakes.

Dr. Loosen Red Slate Riesling 2011 Mosel $19.95. Perfect with Christmas dinner!

Mountadam Riesling 2010 Australia $24.95. Complex, nuanced flavour profile.

Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2011 N.Z. $19.95. “passion fruit & lime.”

Tedeschi Filadonna Pinot Grigio 2011 Veneto $15.95 Compare with the Coyote above.

Best Red: Antinori Solaia 2009 Tuscany $251.95. This is one of the best wines in the world, no question! In the same class as top flight Bordeaux, and when you compare it's price to the $1000 range they demand it's a bargain

Fine Reds In The High-Rent District.

I Castei Campo Casalin Amarone 2007 $47.95. Drink 2020 to 2030.

Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 $34.95. Wonderful Vintage!

Domaine Du Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2009 $79.95 Drink around 2020+.

Howard Park Scotsdale Shiraz 2009 Australia $39.95. Huge, powerful and strong. A big, juicy treat. Will last until 2030 or so.

Melville Verna's Estate Pinot Noir 2010 Santa Barbara $34.95. “jammy raspberries & cherries.”

Great Gift Reds $20 to $30.

Freemark Abbey Merlot Napa $29.95. “Lovely, elegant merlot.”

Clos De Los Siete 2009 Argentina $21.95 “ Ripe, succulent, balanced.”

Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenere 2009 Chile $29.95. A real sleeper! This is lovely, fruity, balanced and just delicious!

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Shiraz 2009 $20.95. This is for those who like them thick and juicy with big spice. Just IMMENSE!!

Leconfield Merlot 2010 Coonawarra $22.95 Superb cherry/cassis profile.

Louis Jadot Ch. Des Jacques Morgon 2009 $23.95. Morgon wines are considerably more dense and longer lived than most Cru Beaujolais. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE!!

Domaine Cros De Romet Cairanne Cotes Du Rhone Villages 2010 $21.95. Fabulous Wine!!

Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva 2008 $29.95. “terrific length and balance.”

Great Gift Reds under $20.00

Peninsula Ridge A.J. Lepp Vineyards Reserve Merlot 2010 Niagara. A fine, hot vintage.

Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 California $17.95. A MUST BUY WINERY!!

Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Malbec 2007 Argentina $17.95. “Dry, big & powerful.”

Melk's Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz 2010 S. Africa $15.95. Spicy berry. Very Tasty!

Delas Freres Saint-Esprit Cotes Du Rhone 2010 $15.95. BEST BUY!!!

Lornano Chianti Classico 2007 $15.95. Perfect with lamb!

Great Reads: Beast Of Burden by Ray Banks is a really dark/noir detective story set in Manchester.

It's part of a series which has me hooked but be warned that the story is REALLY GRIM!

One of my all-time favourite reads is Bachelor Brothers Bed and Breakfast by Bill Richardson. There are actually three Volumes. You'll laugh and you'll cry!

Thanks,

Justin

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS, OCTOBER 10 2012

Wines released for sale in Ontario on Saturday, October 13.

Just back from three, very fun weeks in sunny Scotland! The sun really did shine on us. Rain for two days only, in a water filled year.

Back to the land of the LCBO, OH MY!! The selection of wines available on websites alone in Britain dwarfs the measly offerings of our big brother monopoly, not to mention buying wine in grocery stores where they treat it as a food rather than as an evil drug.

Anyway we do return to a selection of new wines that include some real winners!

Best White: Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee $69.95. “ Hints of marzipan,honeyed malt, bread dough, baked apple and gingersnap. Intense acidity, refined texture and a lingering finish.”

Great Whites

Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 $17.95. “ Intense, juicy, fresh and exceedingly bright.”

Domaine Viticole De La Ville De Colmar Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace $17.95 “Long, delicious finish.”

Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Gewurztraminer 2010 $18.95. Needs a spicy dish!

Beauvignac Picpoul De Pinet 2011 Midi $12.95. I fell in love with this grape a long time ago. Very dry with grapefruit/citrus on the nose and a glorious hit of fruit on the palate.

H. Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2010 Mosel $24.95. Here is a wine that is truly grown for aging! These Rieslings change and develop over years, in a most interesting fashion.

Buy a case of 6 and open one every two years.

This has absolutely nothing to do with vino but I love an optimist!

“A Scottish football (soccer) fan made a slight mistake in 1992 when he altered his coupon in an attempt to convince Ladbrokes ( bookies firm) that he'd correctly predicted all 61 results in the Boxing Day English and Scottish league program. His stake was 50p and Ladbrokes calculated that, if he was right, he had won 3,826 billion pounds: 10 times Britain's gross national product and 6.5 times the nation's annual tax revenue. He later pleaded guilty to forgery.”

from The Lore of Averages by Karen Farrington.

Best Red: Michelle Castellani Cinque Stelle Amarone 2007 $54.95. “Tar and leather notes, with dense tannins...layered with subtle hints of kirsch, coffee liqueur, dried herbs. Drink from 2015-2032.

Two interesting Barolo's made in contrasting styles are featured this time. ( Good timing Gord and Henry!) Marchesi Di Barolo Barolo 2006 $34.95 is old/style heavy-hitting Nebbiolo with lots of cherry/licorice and a long finish. Very tannic, don't drink until maybe 2020 through 2030.

Sobrero Ciabot Tanasio Barolo 2007 $39.95. Rich cherry/rose fruit with solid tannins. Drink from now, although 2016 would be better, through 2021.

Masi Grandarella 2008 $24.95. New to me this is a Super-Veneto, made in the Amarone method of drying the grapes, albeit with a radically different grape mix. “Big, rich and delicious.”

Continuing with the Italian theme, DON”T MISS! Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 $24.95 “Best Chianti Classico ever from here. Georgeous wine. “

Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Sweet Sherry $17.95 is a truly decadent, super/sweet dessert wine!

Red Wines of Note:

Quail's Gate Pinot Noir 2010 BC $24.95. One of Canada's Top Vintners!

Kenwood Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $37.95. This was one of the first reds I tasted in my younger days which opened my eyes and tongue to real quality.

Benmarco Malbec 2010 Argentina $17.95. “succulent, intensely flavoured.”

Ch. Brown Pichon 2008 AC Lussac St.-Emilion $16.95. “plum, cherry, cedar.”

Cave De Rasteau La Domeliere Rasteau 2009 $15.95. BEST BUY!!

Ch. De La Gardine Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 $32.95. This has to age a long time but will be worth waiting for. You need to be under 60 to anticipate sipping it in this lifetime.

Maritavora Tinto 2008 Portugal $15.95. This is the country that should be filling up your wine cellar now! Really rich but also very well balanced.

Quinta Dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2009 Portugal $15.95. See above. Exquisite flavours.

Arrocal 2009 Spain $16.95. 100% Tempranillo from the Ribera del Duero. BARGAIN!!

Pedro Martinez Alesanco Reserva 2006 $17.95 Rioja. Absolutely superb wine!

The best book that I read in Scotland was Gentry by Adam Nicolson, a great portrait of the English, featuring aristocrats on the way down and new money on the way up.

Also very good is Scribble, Scribble, Scribble by Simon Schama.

Thanks,

Justin

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS JULY 31, 2012

Wines released for sale in Ontario on Saturday, August 4, 2012.

Hey, as the Beatles would say “I read the news today, Oh Boy!” Apparently the latest newscast has variety stores petitioning the government to allow the sale of wine & beer on their premises. 100,000 signatures so far. Where do I sign? ( you people who live outside of Ontario will be scratching your heads in wonderment.) This could have happened like 60 years ago if not for the ennui of said governments who don't want to rock the boat.

You never know though; a bottle of Lindeman's Chardonnay on a Mac's Convenience store shelf might just send the populace over the edge, running amok through the streets and causing Rob Ford to cry out for their banishment to Quebec! Oh the Humanity!!

There are a bunch of very good wines for $15.00 or less this time, which will enthuse 99% of my readers. Just think, if we had 100's of internet wine providers competing for our business, as they do in Britain, do you suppose there might be new-fangled ideas like loss-leaders, sales promotions etc.?

Best White Wine: I can't make up my mind so choose any of these three German Rieslings, any one of which will make you very happy!

Bollig-Lehnert Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese 2009 Mosel. $21.95.

Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese 2008 Mosel $26.95. I collect this winery.

Schloss Reinhartshausen Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen Riesling Kabinett 2009 $17.95.

There are few wines that can combine excellent food matching and refreshing hot weather ( or cold) sipping like Riesling can.

Delicious Whites

Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 2011 Nova Scotia $25.95. A Moscato D'Asti imitation that I insert strictly from curiosity. Never heard of it before!

Clos Marguerite Sauvignon Blanc 2010 N.Z. $18.95. “peach, pineapple & lime flavours.”

Tormentosa Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2011. S.A. $14.95. “Fruity, refreshing.

Steininger Gruner Veltliner 2010 Austria $14.95. Memories of Danube Cruising!

Joseph Cattin Pinot Blanc 2010 Alsace $14.95. BARGAIN!!!

Domaine De Bois St. Denis Reuilly 2010 Loire $18.95. Dry, minerally with lots of citrus fruit.

Dezzani Morelli Moscato D'Asti 2010 $14.95. Low alcohol, mildly bubbly, floral bouquet. Ambrosia when served with a simple fruit dessert.

Culinary Jottings For Madras. 1878 recipes.

The book tells you more about the nature of imperial rule in India than any number of political histories. If you can feed a party of eight on snipe soup, fish fillets, mutton cutlets a la Moscovite, oyster Kramouskys, braised capon, and a brace of wild ducks with bigarade sauce , if you can finish off with prune jelly, iced molded pudding with strawberries, and cheese, and if you can serve and eat all that when it's 95 degrees in the shade, the you can conquer any country you like.

From Secret Ingredients, The New Yorker Book Of Food And Drink.

Best Red On Release: A tie between two outstanding reds in opposite spectrums of weight.

Coriole Vineyards Estate Grown Shiraz 2009 Australia $26.95. This is lush, smooth, with deep-running blackberry and cassis, tannins and oak. Try with rich ribs.

Deloach Pinot Noir 2010 $28.95. Russian River Pinot Noir from California is for me the obvious alternative to over-priced and under fruited Burgundy. “ Dry, with an elegant medium-bodied frame, well integrated alcohol, bright acidity and refined tannins providing structure.”

Fine Red Wines:

Burgo Viejo Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja $21.95. “Wonderfully rich and persistent.”

Filon Garnacha 2010 Spain $14.95. Full, cherry-berry! BEST BUY!!

Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2008 $18.95. I buy anything these folks make!

Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 $38.95 Classic!

Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorees Cote De Brouilly 2010 Beaujolais $18.95. Super-summer wine.

Ch. D'Angles La Clape Classique 2007 Midi $14.95. Don't miss this!!

Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2009 Midi $13.95. “ Perfumed & spicy, with notes of black olive, thyme and blackberry. VERY GOOD!!

Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Australia $24.95 “Full-bodied, complex, fruit driven.”

Concha Y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Carmenere 2009 $16.95. “Generous, rich, flavourful.”

Jennifer you will want some Cidrerie St-Nicolas Pom'Or Crackling Cider from Quebec $13.95. “It's a light and dry, refreshing, frothy apple-flavoured concoction that sings Oh Canada.”

Excellent books to read: A Good Man by Guy Vanderhaeghe has Mounties, Sitting Bull and Custer's Last Stand wrapped up in a great story!

The Magic Bullet by Larry Millett features a Sherlock Holmes type Minnesota detective.

Mexican Amigos will want to read Mexico What Everyone Needs To Know by Roderic Al Camp, a good summary of modern Mexican political history.

Thanks,

Justin

July 21, 2012 Wine picks

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS JULY 17, 2012

Wines released for sale on Saturday, July 21, 2012.

Interesting tidbit of a recipe for ancient coq au vin: reduce seven litres of Merlot down to one, whisk in the rooster blood etc.

I wonder if I can buy a pint of rooster blood at food basics?

A single line from Benjamin Renaudet's Secrets de la Bonne Table, published at the beginning of this century, effectively summons up the century that had just ended: “When the first partridges are shot in the early morning, send them down to the house.”

On first glance this offering of vino did not impress but it improved as I read through it. You will need real cash for some of them. For example I would dearly love to buy some Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 @ only $47.95, but I am simply too old! This baby will probably not be at it's peak until 2026 when I will more likely be sipping on Boost. On the other hand the stimulation of playing lots of bridge and the daily walks ( and wine sipping ) may keep me well preserved. Let's be optimistic and go for that approach.

Best White: Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Meursault 2009 Burgundy $45.95. If you have never tasted Meursault put it on your bucket list. Heavenly aromas and flavour!

A close Second: La Chablisienne Vaulorent Chablis 1er Cru 2009 $31.95. “Delicious and classy.”

Superb Whites:

Lucien Albrecht Cuvee Henri Riesling Alsace 2009 $23.95. “mouthwatering, smoky finish.”

Trimbach Reserve Pinot Gris 2008 Alsace $22.95. “green pear, apple, peach.”

Taltarni T Series Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2011 Australia. $17.95

Vincent Raimbault Les Terrages Demi-Sec Vouvray 2010. “quince, sweet pear, lime & honey.”

Comte Leloup Du Chateau De Chasseloir Cuvee Des Ceps Centenaires 2007 Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine, Sur Lie $18.95. Perhaps the most interesting wine on the release! “An exceptionally complex aged version, this wine represents the pinnacle of achievement for Muscadet.” ( Sound good Gord?)

Josephe Cattin Brut Cremant D'Alsace $16.95 Superior Bubbly!

Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2010 Washington $18.95. “Zing to balance the sweetness.”

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2011 N.Z. $19.95. “Herbaceous tropical fruit.”

Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc S.A. 2011 $14.95. Serve with asparagus.

Top Notch Reds:

Buller Victoria Tawny Victoria Australia $18.95. Fortified Dessert wine. I love this stuff! Sweet but still elegant. How about ripe cheese or butter tarts?

Fantino Cascina Dardi Bussia Barolo Riserva 2004 $48.95. Make sure you let this ethereal beauty breathe for a while before sipping.

Castello D'Alba Reserva 2009 Portugal $14.95. BEST BUY!!

Rutherglen Estates Petite Sirah 2008 Australia $20.95. Great Big Aussie Fruit!

Tahbilk Shiraz 2008 Australia $20.95. Also a heavy-hitter.

Fog Head Highlands Pinot Noir 2010 Monterey $19.95. Delightful cherry fruit.

Michel David Petite Petit 2009 Lodi California $24.95. Petite Sirah & Petit Verdot. Excellent!

Summers Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $29.95. “Amazing intensity.”

Wolf Blass Premium Selection Shiraz 2008 $22.95. A cornucopia of rich sensations!

Clos Henri Bel Echo Terroir Greywacke Pinot Noir N.Z. 2010 $18.95. Spicy berry-cherry.

Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Tautavel Grenache/Syrah/Carignan 2008 Midi $17.95. This is really tasty!!

Le Cirque Carignan/Mourvedre/Syrah 2010 Midi $14.95. Excellent Vintage! BEST BUY!

Delas Haute Pierre Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2009 $37.95. “Racy & Fresh! Drink 2019.”

Domaine La Guintrandy Cotes Du Rhone-Villages Visan Le Deves 2010 $14.95. “Rich & Heady”

Carpineto Chianti Classico 2010 $18.95. I would like to be at the Cafe Imperial in Prague and drink this with a stew of wild boar and dumplings.

Fado 2009 Portugal $13.95. Cherry, raspberry and fine acidity.

Great Reads: Capital by John Lanchester. Superb novel revolving around the 2008 crash and all the stupid money in London. Wonderful characters. This author also wrote A Debt To Pleasure, which is right up there in my 10 favourite books of all-time, and Fragrant Harbour, an amazing novel.

Thanks,

Justin