Here are a few highlights of the wine release this week by my friend Oliver. Oliver does an amazing job of putting this together and it would be a shame not to share. I've also added the pictures of what the bottles look like(this one is for you Fabulous Gen)...like many I sometimes tend to buy based on what the bottle looks like..very similar to how I do my picks for sport fantasy pool! What can I say..if its appealing to the eye then it must be good! Alright..fine not always but I do love my wines! Please try one, two or all and let me know what you think! Most of these can be purchased at the local LCBO in Ontario but I'm sure they're available at your local liquor stores!
Bollinger, Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne, non-vintage, $91.95. Definitely my favourite non-vintage champagne, but unfortunately it has become increasingly expensive. But given the shit sandwich we’ve all ingested in 2020, indulgences are allowed. Drink now, or hold 2-3 years
Roco, Gravel Road, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2018, $34.95. Oregon has had an enviable string of recent vintages, and 2018 is no exception. $35 is entry-level for this region, and generally for this grape globally. Scored 91 by Wine Spectator, drink now, or hold 2-3 years.
Catena, Paraje Altamira, Malbec, Mendoza, 2017, $23.95. From the makers of the ubiquitous Catena malbec, this is a cut above, and for not much more money. A great wine over the next colder months. Scored 92 by Parker, drink now
Montes, Purple Angel, Colchagua Valley, 2017, $69.95. One of Chile’s most hallowed wines, but you have to love/like carmenere as a grape, because this is 92% carmenere. Hold 2-3 years
The Chocolate Block, Swartland, RSA, 2018, $79.95. This is a magnum, so will take a little longer to age. This blend is syrah led, but adds cinsault, grenache, cab sauv., and viognier. Scored 92 by Vinous, likely needs 2-3 years of bottle age.
E. Guigal, Gigondas, Rhone, 2016, $42.95. Gigondas is a fantastic alternative to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, saving some money in the process. Drink now after decant, scored 92 by Parker
Castello Della Sala, Bramito, Chardonnay, Umbria, 2019, $22.95. A chardonnay geared more to those that prefer non-buttery chard. Drink now
Ascheri, Barolo, Piedmont, 2015, $49.95. Despite the fact that this wine is 5 years old, it still needs tons of time, likely another 5 years anyways. Scored 93 by Wine Spectator.
Il Molino di Grace, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, 2015, $19.95. A great bargain for a fantastic vintage. Drink now, scored 92 by Wine Spectator.
Brigaldara, Valpolicella, Ripasso Superiore, Veneto, 2016, $19.95. This is one of the wines of the month, and should be in good supply, but it will still move quickly. Drink now, scored 90 by Wine Spectator.
Bodega, Burdigala, Campo Alegre, Toro, 2014, $25.95. The grape is a variant of tempranillo, and it is consulted by the famous Michel Rolland. So look for it to be modern, with density, and richness. Drink now, scored 93 by Wine Spectator.
Review by Oliver Herbst!
ENJOY!!!
Fabulous!! Thank you 💝