Sunday, July 14, 2013

Justin's Wine Picks July 16, 2013

JUSTIN'S WINE PICKS JULY 16, 2013

Wines go on sale in Ontario on Saturday, July 20.

Well wine fans there is a cornucopia, a glut, a veritable plethora of super wines available this time. I would wager that no one other than maybe Mike Duffy could afford to buy them all!
Those who love BIG/HUGE! Aussie Shiraz will be broke after they see these. One of them is reputedly so good that I hesitate to tell you about it until I get mine, but that would be very un-nice. The wine in question is Small Gully The Formula Robert's Shiraz 2008 $18.95. Don't get hurt in the door-crasher melee as fans sprint to buy this! ( Thanks to Kent the product consultant at Barrack St. LCBO for the tip.) If you want it, show up bright & early at your LCBO. It will be gone quick. Don't try to order it in advance. This just makes life difficult for your local consultant. His/her name is not Solomon!
Anyway, facing this glut of fine wine I will list the ones that I REALLY WANT in separate price points, bearing in mind that Sheila keeps a close watch on the Mastercard bill.
You may see me angsting a bit in the future over 2010 wines. Reason is simple: my Granddaughter Ruby approaches her third birthday so cellar construction will begin soon. I am thinking Ports, Napa Cabs, Bordeaux, Brunello and Chateauneuf-Du-Pape for a start.
To avoid terminal typing cramp I will just list the wines with minimal comment. They are listed in order of my desire to own them! I will segregate the reds by price-point.

Best White On Release: Billaud-Simon Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2009 $35.95. Take me back to Burgundy! Chardonnay haters should try this to see what they are missing!

Superb Whites.

Rolly Gassman Rotleibel De Rorschwihr Auxerrois 2007 Alsace $19.95.
Thomas Goss Chardonnay 2011 Australia $16.95. Great depth of flavour.
Elephant Hill Le Phant Blanc 2011 N.Z. $19.95. Viognier/ Pinot Gris/Gewurstraminer.
Framingham Sauvignon Blanc 2012 N.Z. $17.95.
Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2012 S.A. $12.95. This will not last long! BEST BUY!
Cave De Saumur Secrets De Chai Saumur Blanc 2011 Loire $13.95. Lovely aroma!

Best Red Wine: Domas Vitae Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 $45.95. Subtle but fabulous! Drink 2020+.

Thick, rich Aussie Shiraz

Small Gully The Formula Robert's Shiraz 2008 $18.95. The race is on!
Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz 2010 $18.95.
Leasingham Winemakers Selection Bin 61 Shiraz 2009 $25.95.
Sister's Run Epiphany Shiraz 2011 $16.95

Expensive Vino

Fantino Cascina Dardi-Bussia Barolo Riserva 2004 $39.95 Drink 2020 to 24.
Joseph Phelps Cab/Sauv. 2010 Napa $87.95 “This is a dazzling wine” ( sorry Ruby but it will be past it's peak before you are old enough. )
Ch. Balac 2009 Haut-Medoc $24.95 “...an alluring, dry finish.
Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2010 $24.95. Robert Parker Score 95-97

Ch. Simian Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 $42.95. Needs 12 to 15 years.
Bolla Le Origini Amarone 2007 $39.95. Needs meat with spices. ( Note to Ruby: I am watching out for 2010 Amarones )
Baron De Ley Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja $29.95. Excellent Vintage in Rioja.

Very Good Reds at a Decent Price.
Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes Du Rhone 2011 $15.95. Finely balanced. Rich wine.
Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional Portugal 2009 $19.95. This is a WOW!
Cerro Anon Reserva 2006 Rioja $17.95.
Vizcarra Senda Del Oro Roble 2011 Ribera Del Douro $17.95.
Porca De Murca Reserva Tinto Portugal 2010 $17.95.
Casamatta Sangiovese Tuscany 2011 $14.95.
Farina Parziale Appassimento 2011 $15.95.
Pedroncelli Petite Sirah 2010 Sonoma County $18.95.
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauv. 2009 Washington. I think this is the BEST VALUE FOR MONEY! On the release.
Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2011 Argentina $15.95.
Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Carmenere 2009 Chile $17.95. “Elegant, complex, aromatic.”
Casa Del Bosque Reserva Pinot Noir 2011 Chile $16.95.
Ch. De La Grave Caraxtere 2009 $17.95

Great Books To Read: Outrage by Arnaldur Indridason, an Icelandic mystery.
The Great Mutiny India 1857 by Christopher Hibbert. Absolutely riveting history.

Thanks,

Justin.