Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Saturday August 30, 2008 - Vintages Release


These days a Vintages release is like going to school, you have to pick a major and a minor. In this release Vintages takes us to Spain and Portugal (the Iberian Peninsula) with a minor side trip to Champagne, France for a bit of bubbly. So let’s take a look at what’s on offer from these features.

Spain …
Over the past few years I have bought some pretty dang good wines from Spain, nice age-worthy wines with plenty of body and spirit (alcohol). One of my favourites has been from Juan Gill, who is in the release, but I did not get a chance to taste because it was not on offer. I recommend his wines site untaste if it is anything like the past two I own. So on with what else you and your palate can get into trouble with from Spain. I find I am rarely impressed with Spanish whites, so let’s move right along to the reds shall we? The Torres 2005 Salmos ($32.95 - #060772) has a sweet oak flavour that accompanies the red and black fruit with a touch of vanilla – tasty. Emina 2005 Prestigio ($24.95 - #067066) is another winner with deep black fruit, cinnamon and black cherry being the most prominent, there is also a dusty-oaky finish. Looking for something with some age? Check out the Monasterio de las Vinas Gran Reserva 2001 ($21.95 - #082024), while it is softer and you’ll have to dig for the fruit a little deep there is a black fruit and oak subtly on the nose that is very approachable; soft tannins, nice balance, subtle fruit and good use of oak so as not to overpower. So far we’ve seen the over-twenty dollar bracket of wines, time to look at the under-twenty. My pick here is Mas Collet Barrica 2005 ($17.95 - #080705), soft and fruity with blackberry, cherry, plum and nice oaking … ready to drink now. For dessert try the Torres Moscatel Oro ($16.95 - #642173 – 500ml), this medium sweet wine is perfect for dessert on its own, with tangerine, nuts and honey for smell; orange peel bathed in caramel on the tongue – it really is a treat.

Portugal …
There are fewer wines on offer from this Iberian country and two that I recommend: Capela de Sta. Margarida Tinto 2006 ($18.95 - #082172) soft and red fruit driven with a sweet mid palate and chocolate nuances; and the Quinta da Fonte do Ouro Reserva 2005 ($19.95 - #080382), the nose is port like and plumy with sweet wood and cherries, very enjoyable.

Champagne …
Real champagne is not cheap. I have heard many say, “Champagne is not just a special occasion wine, it is a wine that should be consumed every day.” Well as much as I would like that, I can’t see myself plopping down the between $40 and $225 these bottles are asking for on a nightly basis. So for that special occasion when you do want to lay down a few bucks here are some thoughts. Heidsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top Champagne Brut ($49.95 - #068288), soft, yeasty and fruity (mostly under-ripe apple) very pleasant and enjoyable. I could not decide between the Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé Champagne Brut 2000 ($89.95 - #069831) and the Grand Vintage Champagne Brut 2000 ($83.95 - #069773), to put it simply, one is more red fruit and the other more white fruit; I guess it depends on your mood.

And now for the rest of the world, starting with Ontario and then going alphabetically from there. For full reviews of the Ontario wines please follow the wine’s individual link to my website, www.ontariowinereview.com.

Ontario …
Reds:
Daniel Lenko 2005 Old Vines Merlot - $51.95 - #075622

Rosé:
Wildass 2006 Rosé - $18.95 - #071712

Whites:
Creekside 2007 Butler’s Grant Riesling - $15.95 - #080267
Daniel Lenko 2006 Reserve Riesling - $19.95 - #075655
Daniel Lenko 2005 Signature Chardonnay - $39.95 - #075671
Lailey Vineyard 2006 Late Harvest Vidal - $14.95 - #072918
Mike Weir 2007 Sauvignon Blanc - $15.95 - #686972

Argentina …
La Mascota 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #066720) – very appealing nose that contains a beautiful balance of dark fruit, chocolate and cherries that follows through in the mouth.

Australia … Red …
Pikes 2006 The Assemblage Shiraz/Mourvedre/Grenache ($18.95 - #014332) – nice spice, good mouthfeel, well balanced wine and the best Aussie-value of the release.

Australia … Rosé …
Trentham Estate 2007 La Famiglia Sangiovese Rosé ($15.95 - #066811) – big on red berries with a touch of sweetness, chill and enjoy.

Canada … White …
(British Columbia) – Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery 2007 Larch Tree Hill Riesling ($16.95 - #070698) – good Riesling character with peach, lime and apple; nice finish with a touch of sweetness.

France … Red …
(Bordeaux) – Chateau Pibran 2003 ($49.95 - #594739) – earthy, black fruit and spice, smooth and delicious – round on the palate.
(Burgundy) – Domaine Henri Delagrange Volnay 2005 ($42.95 - #069138) – the nose is strawberry, cherry and blackberry, while the taste is red berry with smooth tannins and a black-fruited finish. Lovely.
(Loire) – Domaine de Saint-Just Saumar Champigny Les Terres Rouges 2007 ($16.95 - #081331) – very black cherry, touch earthy, good value.
(Midi) – Mas Janeil Cotes du Rousillon-Villages 2005 ($15.95 - #992800) – sweet red fruit nose, rich tannins, solid oaky finish with sweet oak on the mid-palate.
(Southwest) – Chateau les Roques Cahors 2006 ($14.95 - #948315) – good value Cahors wine with plenty of dark fruit and spice, needs time and the price is right for a multiple purchase.

France … White …
(Alsace) – Martin Steimer 2006 Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #709790) – apple, lychee, nice spicy palate.
(Burgundy) – Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc Clos de la Chais Dieu 2005 ($22.95 - #076240) – apple, slightly tropical fruit with some mineral in there for good measure, wonderful mouthfeel, and the subtle use of oak makes this a real gem.

Italy … White …
(Veneto) – Mazzolada 2007 Pinot Grigio ($16.95 - #746560) – good bit of citrus and apple with nice acidity and very crisp finish.

South Africa … Red …
Bellingham 2005 Dragon’s Lair ($19.95 - #068692) – black fruit and earthy, still with a hint of that “typical South Africa” but not enough to be off-putting and I say it’ll blow off in a couple of years, plus it will smooth right out.

USA … Red …
(California) – Chateau Montelena 2004 The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($132.95 - #709881) – big black fruit, cinnamon-filled and tannin-rich, there’s also really good spiciness in here. Big price, big wine.
Gnarlier Head 2005 Old Vine Zin ($27.95 - $067785) – spiced cinnamon, plums, cherries and a touch of sweetness in the mid-palate, should be a tasty one over the next 5 years.
Rosenblum Cellars 2006 Contra Costa Zinfandel ($26.95 - #070425) – jammy, plumy and the typical cherry cola-ish smell, very plumy in the mouth.
Simi 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #025221) – black fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, touch of herbs and chocolate with a subtle use of oak.
(Washington) - Waterbrook 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($27.95 - #090365) – rich and tasty black fruit and chocolaty … yum.

Take a Chance on Me …
Not the usual country when you think about tasty wines, but this Uruguay Tannat is probably the best wine I have tried from this country in a long, long time. The price is good too at well under $15. Give it a shot and let me know what you think: Ysern Blend of Regions Tannat 2004 ($13.95 - #068643)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on August 30, 2008
Mazzolada 2007 Pinot Grigio - $16.95 - #746560 (Italy – Veneto)
Chateau Les Roques Cahors 2006 - $14.95 - #948315 (France – Southwest)
La Mascota 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - $15.95 - #066720 (Argentina)

Happy Shopping.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Saturday September 13, 2008 - Vintages Release


As we ready for harvest in Ontario it’s time to look back at where we have come from before we start making the new wines – or that’s the reasoning I can figure for the timing of the LCBO’s annual VQA release. There are 10 wines linked back to my website (www.ontariowinereview.com) with full reviews – 4 of which already appear in the Vintages magazine. There is also a small Italian IGT release that follows my VQA picks; then we do the other dozen wines I recommend, including two Take a Chance wines,

Ontario …
Wanna know what’s happening in Ontario, then check out my website and sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter – it’s a simple as that. As for the wines that the LCBO is releasing here are the one’s I whole-heartedly recommend.

Dessert:
Magnotta 2006 Vidal Icewine - $29.95 - #0587154

Reds:
Colio Estate 2005 CEV Cabernet Sauvignon - $19.95 - #0619510
Flat Rock Cellars 2006 Gravity Pinot Noir - $29.95 - #0001560
Henry of Pelham 2007 Gamay - $14.95 - #0291112
Hillebrand 2006 Trius Red - $19.95 - #0303800
Mike Weir Estate 2006 Cabernet/Merlot - $18.95 - #0000109
Pelee Island 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - $24.95 - #0530576
Peninsula Ridge 2002 Reserve Cabernet Franc - $25.15 - #0086876

Whites:
Jackson-Triggs 2006 Delaine Vineyard Chardonnay - $19.95 - #0623454 - Weekly Wine Note August 26, 2008
Malivoire 2006 Chardonnay - $21.95 - #0573147

Italy’s IGT …
The IGT designation was started out of necessity in Italy. You see there was a time when there was no IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), there was wines of origin and quality wine designations, but these regions had lots of restrictions on them as to grapes that could be used, etc. So some maverick producers started stretching out of these restrictions – but they could not get the DOC or DOCG designation on their wines that had become recognized world wide. So these Super Tuscans, as they were starting to be known as, were labeled as Vino de Tavola (simple table wine); but these wines were so far above and beyond that description that they required something else. So in 1992 they developed the new IGT designation for those wine makers that were making fabulous wines of quality outside the restrictive older system. And now the LCBO celebrates some of these amazing wines in this release, some are names you may just recognize.

Take, for instance, the Ornellaia Le Volta 2006 ($25.95 - #0964221) … this $26 beauty tastes like a wine that should cost double the price, ripe and juicy, a delicious mix of red and black fruit that has flavours of anise and dark fruit; dry cocoa powder on the finish. Another beauty is the Apollonio Valle Cupa 2001 ($20.95 - #0084046), I think this wine is a steal at $21.00. A fun blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo this wine has intense black cherry and plum notes; there’s also some chocolate follow through into the flavour and smell for good measure. It tastes a touch sweet in the mid palate before it develops its dry dusty finish. The Banfi Centine 2006 ($17.95 – 0947440) is another under-priced spectacular wine. Rich in black fruit, good tannin firmness and ready to sit in your cellar for 5+ years to smooth out that earthy-dustiness. Finally, there’s the Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2004 ($24.95 - #0672931) a fruit forward flavourful red which is ultimately sippable right now; its well balanced with its red fruit, plum and cherry oriented tastes.

As far as the rest of the world goes, here they are, in alphabetical order:

Australia … Red …
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalima Shiraz ($34.95 - #0422782) – the notes in the mag say “good value”, while I can think of better values I can’t take away from this big, bold, black fruit monster that’s got herbs, spice and oak to spare. Age it a few years to bring out its smoother nature.

Austria … White …
Johanneshof Reinisch Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($19.95 - #0089466) – not a grape often associated with Austria but they’ve done a good job on this one. Good citrus, nice lemon finish and a restrained bit of grassiness.

Chile … Red …
Intriga 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0057901) – spicy chocolate, good black fruit and a very nice finish.
Santa Carolina 2006 Barrica Selection Merlot (#14.95 - #0027276) – good value in a reserve style Merlot. Lots of Merlot characteristics like spice and black fruit … can lie down for another 5+ years; if drinking now, decanting is recommended.
Tamaya 2005 Reserve Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah ($12.95 - #0062497) – incredible value … very fruity and well priced. This one is not going to blow you away but it sure as heck won’t disappoint either, smooth and delicious big on red fruit, full on taste.

France … Red …
(Rhone) – Alain Jaume & Fils Close de Sixte 2005 ($26.95 - #0076349) – three good Rhone wines are on offer, but I liked this one the best. First it’s the price but after that you have to like the red/black fruit mix and nice robust cherry sweet oak finish.

France … White …
(Alsace) – Willm Gewurztraminer Clos Gaensbroennel 2002 ($32.95 - #0308601) – the most interesting wine in this release. There’s a heavy bite of spice with some petrol, which highlights what happens to a Gewurzt when it ages. In the mouth there is an interesting sweetness and fun spiciness … it’s a cool wine but I have no idea where you would drink it or with what to serve it with. Neat little bit of sweetness.
(Loire) – Roger et Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2006 ($26.95 – 0082255) – a great Sauvignon Blanc so far removed from New Zealand that die hard Kiwi-lovers will have a hard time recognizing the grape. Nice freshness, a touch of sweet-kissed wood and fresh mown lawn with a great finish.

Germany … White …
Loosen Bros. Dr. L. Riesling 2007 ($14.95 -#0599174) – still one of the best value Rieslings on the LCBO shelves. Great taste, beautiful nose, lots of apple, nice lemon … from the front palate to the final lengthy finish this one is great.

Italy … Red …
(Veneto) – Michele Castellani Campo Casalin Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006 ($50.95 – 0946558) – when you hear people talking about the smoothness and deliciousness of Amarone, this is the kind of wine they are referring to. Smooth and plumy, black cherry and chocolate, rich, juicy and delicious. Sure it’s pricy but this is an exceptional wine.

Italy … White …
(Friuli) – Attems Cicinis 2006 ($29.95 - #0075432) – Speaking of exceptional, it seems the Italians may have a lock on that this release, with both reds and whites that out-perform their price-point. This white blend delivers good apple, some peach, vanilla woodsy finish with a touch of butter and creamy caramel can also be found in there. Yum – Mee.

Spain … Red …
Bodegas Castano Hecula Monastrell 2005 ($13.95 - #0718999) – I recommended this a few months ago when it was a $1 less and said it was great value; it’s still good value at a buck higher … buy it by the case and enjoy.
Onix Fusio 2006 ($27.95 – 0074872) – there’s a nice dark chocolate nose to this one that follows into the mouth with nice fruit and soft oak.
Raimat Vina 43 Tempranillo 2004 ($16.95 - #0743039) – super smooth and tasty, my notes say “yummy and juicy” red fruit, plumy, spicy, herbed – lots going on here, it’s sippable, enjoyable and not too expensive. Simply lovely.

USA … Red …
(California) – Jacuzzi Primitivo 2005 ($18.95 - #0067736) – Zinfandel’s Italian brother comes to California in this tasty little treat. It is a refined version of the usual plumy jammy Zins of California, sure there’s still lots of fruit, with chocolate and plum being the most dominant, but this one shows a bit of old world elegance.

Ports and Sherries …
Spain – Emilio Lustau East India Solera Sherry ($16.95 / 375ml - #0713636) – Sweet sherry with a copper colour, the taste of hazelnuts and almonds and a toffee/caramel finish – and even with all that it somehow manages to finish dry. Lovely for dessert or with cheese, dried fruits and nuts.

Take a Chance on Me …
Usually I recommend something that’s good value and tasty that you would not otherwise think of, this time I have two things to point you in the direction of, and that’s because I just couldn’t make up my mind as to which was more interesting. First there’s the Portal Lagrima Port ($17.95 - #0642397 - Portugal), a sweet white port that tasted of honeyed spiced peachs with a touch of apple, a sweet sensation; and very different from the usual white ports I’ve tried. My other selection may seem a little more straight forward, L.A. Cetto 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($10.95 - #0405597 – Mexico), a very Zin-like nose with a plumy taste, a very sippable bbq red, not for everyone’s taste, but if you look at the price you won’t mind passing this around at that last bbq gathering of summer, just to gauge others opinions on a Mexican wine.

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on September 13, 2008
Loosen Bros. 2007 Dr. L Riesling - $14.95 - #0599274 – Germany
Tamaya 2005 Reserve Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah - $12.95 - #0062497 – Chile
Apollonio Valle Cupa 2001 - $20.95 - #0084046 - Italy

Happy Shopping.



Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Saturday August 16, 2008 - Vintages Release


Help! It’s the annual Vintages Chilean release, for me one of the most dangerous, money-wise. I am a big fan of Chilean wine because they offer some of the best values on the market – many of them under $20 and most worth much more (but don’t tell the Chileans that or we just might see even higher prices, and for Godsake don’t tell the LCBO there is still money to squeeze out of these wines). There is also a secondary focus in Vintages: Austria, and, of course, the usual suspects of wines from other countries … 27 wines in total. Full reviews of Ontario wines can be found by linking directly to my website (www.ontariowinereview.com) - there are 7, 4 of which were previously recommended by me. So now let us on to Chile and see what kind of trouble we can get into.


Chile …
Chile is like a cross between a Mina bird and Joe Cocker – they have an uncanny knack of mimicking others, and yet like Joe Cocker doing a cover tune, they make it all their own (think: Help from my Friends). Starting with whites, there’s a very nice Casa Lapostelle 2007 Chardonnay ($14.95 - #0396986) that has a touch of sweetness amongst the buttery-oak, there’s also good fruit flavours too – though the nose seems a little muted. Another Chardonnay of note is the Cono Sur 2007 Chardonnay ($12.95 - #0061911), refreshing uplifting nose loaded with tree fruit which translates into the mouth as ripe and delicious … perfect for summer at a perfect price for sharing and serving.

Chilean red has long been a downfall of my bank account, here, amongst the 11 wines on offer I give you 5 of the best … and all great values too. Panul 2006 Reserve Malbec ($14.95 - $0061929), I’ve liked much of the stuff from Panul, but this is the first time they’ve been seen in Vintages. This is brambly black fruit with some holdability … this is Panul’s weakest wine I’ve tried – but even saying that it’s still very good and it offers up great value. Pinot Noir fans are starting to find out that Chile can grow this finicky grape, not only that, they can make some pretty good wines from it: Santa Rita 2006 Reserva Pinot Noir ($14.95 – 0065458) fits that bill nicely. Sweet black cherry on the nose and palate all finishing with a touch of vanilla. With little to no tannins to speak of this Pinot could turn your “I hate Pinot” friends into fans in no time. Ventisquero Quenlat 2005 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.95 - #0061937) is a friendly, ageworthy addition to your cellar: black fruit dominant, big alcohol (14.5%) and smooth – 5 years plus potential. Veranda 2005 Cabernet/Carmenere ($15.95 – 0001972) is a smooth, easy drinking black fruit and chocolate number with good cherry nuances … great price for something that’s both bbq and winter ready. My fifth red selection you’ll find in the Take a Chance on Me section at the bottom of this report.

Austria …
Noted mostly for their whites, Austria is mounting a major comeback on the world wine scene. In this release, three wines are worth taking note of. Lenz Moser Prestige Gruner Veltline Trocken 2006 ($14.95 - #0071233) – Austria’s signature white in it’s most perfect form, and at an incredible price: lemon and melon rind make up the nose; light grapefruit in the mouth, delicious. There’s also the rare Stadlmann Zierfandler Classic 2006 ($17.95 - #0071696) made from the almost extinct indigeneous Zierfendler grape. It’s a cross between Riesling and Gewurztraminer on the nose, with a pleasant mouthfeel; by no means am I saying this is outstanding wine, but it is a great little quaffer and is reported to age well in the cellar – and besides how many Zierfandlers are you going to get to try in your lifetime. Also from Stadlmann is the 2005 St. Laurent ($19.95 - #0071670 – light, fruity and easy drinking – if you don’t expect too much you’ll get a lot out of this one.

Now, on to the rest of the world – starting with Ontario, and then we’ll continue alphabetically:

Ontario … Red …
Coyote’s Run 2006 Red Paw Pinot Noir ($23.95 - #0079228)
Megalomaniac 2006 Sonofabitch Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0085134)

Ontario … White …
Coyote’s Run 2006 Reserve Chardonnay ($29.95 - #0049775)
Featherstone 2007 Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #0064592)
Fielding Estate 2007 Gewurztraminer ($16.00 - #0078501)
Tawse 2007 Sketches of Niagara Riesling ($18.20 - # 0089029)
Vineland Estates 2006 Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 0 0551168)

Argentina … Red …
Clos de los Siete 2006 ($24.95 - #0622571) – nice tannins structure holds up the black fruit, spices and herbs, beautiful, ageable and above all, tasty.
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2006 ($15.95 - #0017210) – big alcohol (14%) propels this one towards deliciousness with chocolaty black fruit.

Argentina … Rosé ...
Amancay Malbec Rosé 2007 ($11.95 - #0068890) – rich, ripe strawberry-raspberry nose, good red fruit/berry on the palate.

Australia … White …
Fifth Leg 2007 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon/Chardonnay ($20.95 - #0489062) – this 13.5% alcohol blend is grassy on the nose with lemon and floral on the finish. Quite nice.

France … Red …
(Bordeaux) – Chateau Lestage 2004 ($27.95 - #0086231) – black fruit, tannins and great drink-now-ability.

Italy … Red …
(Tuscany) – Ruffina 2004 Chianti Riserva ($15.95 - #0969469) – chocolate and spicy notes, easy, pleasant finish with a slight bite at the end.
(Veneto) – Quintus 2006 Valpolicella Ripasso ($17.95 - #0081455) – does classy label equal classy wine? In this case it does. Plum, chocolate, red fruit nose; all follows on the palate with a sweet black cherry finish. Hold 5+ years.

Italy … Sparkling …
Bellenda San Fermo Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Brut 2007 ($19.95 - #0082347) – fresh and lively with an apple nose and dry lemon in the mouth, good acidity make this a good palate cleanser, make sure to serve very cold.

Italy … White …
(Piedmont) – Fontanafredda 2006 Gavi de Commune di Gavi ($16.95 - #0075440) – pleasant easy sipper with floral notes and under-ripe apples.
Fontanafredda 2006 Moncucco Moscato d’Asti ($19.95 - #0673277) – as the alcohol goes down on these wines (5.5%) the price goes up. I love Asti though and this tasty sweet, slightly fizzy number has lots of grapy, peachy and yummy.

New Zealand … White …
Ra Nui 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0658542) – restraint has been shown here to deliver more where it counts, the mouth. No over the top aromatics, but on the palate it has all the grassy, grapefruit and gooseberry you’d expect – tons of finesse here.

Spain … Red …
Finca Antigua Crianza 2004 ($15.95 - #0981613) – great smell and wonderful taste: red fruit, plums, black fruit and chocolate; it has it all, and everything mixes well with the tannins.

USA … Red …
(California) – Beringer 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon ($28.95 - #0091058) – some spicy notes mingle with smooth chocolate, red and black fruit along with silky tannins. Yummy.
Freemark Abbey 2002 Merlot ($31.95 - #0001602) – great nose of chocolate, blackberries, cherries and a touch of vanilla all follow through in the incredibly smooth mouth.
(New York) – Brotherhood 2005 Pinot Noir ($18.95 - #0079939) – good price for this red berry, slightly tannic Pinot from New York … a nice introduction to the state.

USA … White …
(California) – Jekel Vineyard 2006 Gravelstone Chardonnay ($15.95 - #0421016) – pleasant peach, apple and melon notes on both the nose and palate.
(New York) – Sheldrake Point 2006 Waterfall Chardonnay ($16.95 - #0079947) – clean and fruity, made for summertime gulpability – a touch minerally, which helps clear the palate for the next sip.

Port and Sherries …
Portugal – Offley Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000 ($19.95 - #0070086) – spicy, black and red cherry, chocolate, plums, touch of bite from the lingering tannins on the finish. I just love this kind of Port.

Take a Chance on Me …
From our friends in Chile comes this Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($15.95 - #0018721) … now usually a Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile is a no-brainer, so I hear you asking, what’s the big deal about this one? If you pop the cork now you’ll find this one very tight and closed off, it needs some lie down time to show off its awesome potential … I’d suggest buying now and lying this one down in the cellar for 3 years before releasing that cork. Can’t wait that long – well there are plenty of other drink now Sauvs from Chile you can enjoy right now.

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on August 16, 2008
Ra Nui 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0658542) – New Zealand
Veranda 2005 Cabernet/Carmenere ($15.95 - #0091272) – Chile
Quintas 2006 Valpolicella Ripasso ($17.95 - #0081455) - Italy

Happy Shopping.