Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Justin's Wine Picks April 23, 2014



Wines released for sale in Ontario on Saturday, April 26, 2014.

We have returned! Four sunny, hot and blissful weeks in Bucerias Mexico ( also known as paradise!) have sped by all too quickly. The highlight of the holiday ( other than perfect weather everyday) was a visit to a beautiful city called Colima which sits comfortably under a very active volcano. Visiting one of these was high on my bucket list and man was it impressive!

Wine highlight of the trip? Sitting on the beach at Karen's restaurant at sunset, eating scrumptious ribs and sipping on a delightfully rich Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.
Thanks Aunt Marilyn, for the ideas and the the travel planning!

I return to a bunch of interesting new wines, including a package of reasonably priced, enticing Bordeaux. I picked the four Bordeaux reds that I think will be best value. Three Vintages are offered. Buy the 2009 and 2010 and avoid 2011. I would drink these from now until 2017.

Bordeaux:

Ch. de Maison Neuve 2010 Montagne Saint-Emilion $23.95.
Ch. Le Grand Moulin Grande Reserve 2010 AC Blaye $16.95
Ch. Lamartine 2010 AC Castillon $16.95
Ch. La Croix Chantecaille 2009 AC Saint Emilion Grand Cru $29.95.

Best White: Domaine Jean Collet & Fils Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2011 Loire $31.95. Perfect with grilled shrimp or crab legs.
A close second: Yalumba Viognier 2012 Australia $24.95. “Sexy, energetic aromas.”

Superb White Wines.

Tawse Spark Sparkling Riesling 2012 $19.95. “The acidity is terrific.”
La Marca Prosecco Veneto $17.95. Light and very lively!
Malivoire Musque Spritz 2013 $19.95. Delightful Wine! Mild Spritz, great acidity, sweet fruit. Drink this with fresh raspberries or strawberries in the spring.
Malivoire Riesling 2012 Niagara $15.95. “Gushing with lemon, lime, grapefruit, pear, mineral.”
Domaine Du Tremblay Cuvee vin Noble Quincy 2012 $20.95. HIGHLY INTERESTING, Complex!

Best Red: Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja $32.95. “deliciously decadent, with extraordinary vitality on the palate and a long, unique finish. A jewel at this price.”
Most Intriguing: Three Rivers Red 2011 Columbia Valley $19.95. After tasting the Two Vines mentioned above I want to sample more Washington Wine!

Reds I need to buy.

Callabriga 2010 Portugal $17.95 Gold Medal in Paris. “Expressive nose of red cherries.”
Delaforce Touriga Nacional 2011 Portugal $20.95. “Effusively fruity.”
Alamos Syrah 2012 Argentina $13.95. These Alamos wines are a super value!!
Benmarco Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Argentina $18.95. “Smooth & supple, with excellent balance.”
Casarena Ramanegra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Argentina $18.95 Classic Cab!
Camelback Shiraz 2008 Australia $24.95. Plums, blackberries, spice, Fine finish.
Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico 2010 $19.95. “A beautiful wine from a great vintage!”

Great Reads: Blood and Rubles by Stuart M. Kaminsky. Another in the series starring Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov of the Moscow Police. These stories are completely amazing, with a cast of characters you really care about!
The Case of the Love Commandos. My favourite Indian private eye in action! Priceless!!

Thanks,
Justin.