With the next Vintages release on June 8, we are truly into the new system by which the releases are distributed across the Province.
No longer will consultants place orders, but instead, the “Head Office” will decide what it will make available to each store.
I made a point to see how the last release was playing out, and found that, one week after the release, there are still some good wines on offer, despite their being generally fewer bottles of each wine shipped.
If you are interested in wines that are in the release, but perhaps not making their way to the Sault, you should call the store by Monday afternoon in order to put in a customer request.
Every effort will be made to fill those orders, though it may depend on what is still available in other stores two weeks after the release.
There is a very good cross-section of wines slated for our store for June 8, and so there are few that I would want to seek out that aren’t heading this way already.
One might be the Lealtanza Crianza 2009, a Rioja with a great track record for $16.95.
This will deliver some deep Tempranillo character, and was awarded 91 by the International Wine Review.
I normally don’t pay much attention to more expensive wines in this column, but The Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2011, $29.95, was deemed a “sensational Value by Robert Parker Jr, who rated it 94.
It combines Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and is really an exceptional wine.
Currently, the Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2011, $19.95, is in both the Great Northern and the Station Mall stores.
The Parker Guide gave it a 92, describing it as “sophisticated… feminine and seductive.”
The only other wine that I might consider ordering in would be the Eklektikos Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2011, $15.95, a flavourful dry Italian white from the Marche region which earned two glasses from Gambero Rosso, the very credible - and stingy - Italian wine publication.
That said, there are still 10 bottles of Miopasso Fiano 2011, $14.95, on the shelf, a gold medal wine that has been lauded by the Globe and Mail, and is described as having a “mineral, vibrant palate” and “creamy texture” by Britain’s Decanter magazine.
I really enjoy the white grape varieties from the south of Italy, including this Fiano which hails from Sicily.
If we ever get any more hot weather, this is a cork I’d pop.
Salomon Groovy Gruner Veltriner 2012, $13.95, is an affordable example of Austria’s signature white grape.
Smooth and fresh, it would be an interesting wine for those who like Sauvignon Blanc.
The same?
No, but it, too, is refreshing with some herbal and apple/pear notes.
Another wine still around from the last release is an intriguing Shiraz from Argentina, the Cristobal 1492 Oak Reserve 2010, $14.95.
It is quite earthy, and doesn’t push the jammy fruit style we sometimes find from Australia.
It has good structure and depth and would be a great wine to pair with a grilled steak.
The Rosemount Diamond Shiraz Cab, currently a Limited Time Offer on the regular list at $11.95 – you save $1 – pushes that jamminess with 10 grams of sugar per litre; the Cristobal only has 5.
This puts the Cristobal more in line with a wine like The Lucky Country Shiraz, a highly recommended wine with only 4 grams of sugar per litre.
This Aussie is also an LTO this month at $13.15, a reduction of $2.
Another great Australian Shiraz in Vintages in the drier style is Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2010, $16.95.
It won a Blue Gold at Sydney which reflects its pairing with food.
It is likewise low in the sugar department.
Though only 12 bottles were shipped, they are still on the shelf waiting for your enjoyment.
On the upcoming release, 13th Street White Palette 2011 is a great choice at $14.95.
A blend of 5 different aromatic grapes, it brings a lovely fruit flavour, but closes crisply.
It earned a 91 from the Globe and Mail.
The companion Pink Palette Rosé 2012, $14.95, is already in the store and shows some tart cherry, cranberry notes in a refreshing, lip-smacking style.
At $15.95, a dry and mature white is the Chateau de la Gravelle Muscadet Sèvre & Main Gorges 2006 from the Loire.
Unusual in that it is already 7 years old, it is described as having “A well-rounded palate, full, powerful, all on a mature rich, aromatic register,” according to fr.gilbert-gailard.com.
Luigi Bosca is a reliable producer from Argentina whose Pinot Noir 2010 is $17.95.
There’s an emphasis on the fruit with earthy, smoky notes on the finish.
Also reliable is the Alamos line of wines from Argentina.
The Selección Malbec 2010, $16.95, will deliver with deep flavour and grip on the finish.
If you’re a fan of Cotes du Rhone as I am, then you must try Les Halos de Jupiter 2010, $17.95.
Parker describes it as “a sleeper” of the vintage, “full-bodied and opulent”
Finally, consider a couple of Italian reds.
San Savino Picus Rosso Piceno Superiore 20120,a $15.95,earned the “two glass” Very Good to Excellent rating from Gambero Rosso.
A combination of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, it will sing with good Italian tomato-based dishes or pizza.
With a rare “three glass” rating, Leone de Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2009 from Puglia, $18,95 is the 50th vintage for this wine.
The winery describes it as having blackberry, cherry and hints of sweet basil and spices on the nose with harmonious flavours that are smooth, balanced and persistent.
There are a great many other wines available. If you know the style you like, you should have no trouble finding something that satisfies.
Enjoy!