I can't believe it's already end of May and we are still in a "stay at home lockdown" situation in Ontario, Canada! Luckily the LCBO is still open and summer is just around the corner! Weather hasn't been the greatest and no air conditioning at my place yet..urgh when it's hot! It's snowing at the moment...that's another urgh from me!! The saying "April showers bring May flowers " well I'm still waiting for the flowers!! Where is my wine!!! All these beautiful bottles are available at LCBO or your local wine stores!
Here are some highlights from this weeks wine release and it looks brilliant!
Burrowing Owl, Syrah, Okanagan Valley, 2018, $43.95. Another long-living powerful red from them. This will need 2+ years in bottle to come around.
La Crema, Chardonnay, Monterey, 2018, $26.95. Usually about $2-3 cheaper then its Sonoma sister, but every bit as good, for those that like oaked chardonnay. Drink now
Altus Rise, Wildlight Shiraz, Margaret River, 2018, $19.95. Very near the ocean edge , which lends some cooling effects to the wine, bringing a bit more moderation to an otherwise powerful grape. Drink now
A couple of lesser explored whites from France: Cave de Ribeauville, Pinot Gris, Alsace, 2017, $17.95. Good value, drinking now, scored 90 by Decanter. And, Fabregues Selection, Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, 2020, $16.95. Both are on the lighter side, good summer whites.
Gerard Bertrand, Rose, Languedoc, 2020, $38.95. The outsized price for this rose is because this is a magnum bottle. A perennially good rose. Drink now
Two Italian whites to consider: Nals Margreid, Hill, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, 2018, $21.95. This region produces some of the finer pgs out there. Drink now, scored 92 by James Suckling. And, Mastroberardino, Falanghina del Sannio, Campania, 2018, $20.95. From the South of Italy, a well regarded white. Drink now, scored 90 by Wine Spectator
Antinori, Badia a Passignano, Gran Selezione Chianti Classico, Tuscany, 2017, $53.95. One of Antinori’s finer offerings combining excellence for a decent price. Drink after decant, or hold 1-2 years. Scored 95 by James Suckling
Kellerei Bozen, Lagrein, Alto Adige, 2019, $22.95. To be sure lagrein isn’t everyone’s thing, but I think it is such a great food red, and still holds it’s own alone. Drink now
Spanish reds are a large focus of this release, and there are a number to look at: Condado de Haza, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, 2016, $27.95. Drink after decant, scored 93 by James Suckling. Goru Gold, Monastrell/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, Jumilla, 2017, $17.95. This red will disappear, especially at this price. Jumilla has to be one of Spain’s better budget regions. Drink now or hold, scored 93 by Wine Spectator. Urbina, Gran Reserva, Rioja, 2004, $55.95. From the very long-living 2004 vintage, drink after decant. Muga , Prado Enea, Gran Reserva, Rioja, 2011, $65.95. Another fine rioja that could use a few more years, or decant if drinking now. Scored 99 by James Suckling.
Thanks Oli...Please enjoy and let me know what you think!
