Vintages Value List Release Sat Aug 15, 2009

Greetings

Chile is the feature in this release producing awesome wines from Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and their shining star, Carmenère. Bordeaux once home to Carmenère where it was a central component in the classic Bordeaux blend was lost to phylloxera in the 1860’s. In Chile Carmenère was thought to be a clone of Merlot and harvested together. It is only recently that growers have distinguished it from Merlot and rediscovered as Carmenère. Carmenère favours a long growing season in moderate to warm climates hence this is why it thrives in Chile. Here are some choices sure to please every palate as we move along with what has finally arrived ‘summer’ and a much awaited BBQ/patio season.

Here are our picks:

WHITE WINE

127506 Leyda Reserva Chardonnay 2008 (Leyda Valley, Chile) $13.95

A nice medium bodied chard featuring flavours of peach, pear, herbal notes and some smoky spice. Very good value!

136390 Delicato Viognier/Chardonnay 2008 (California) $14.95

Pretty, subtle aromas of apricot, crisp and refreshing acidity, featuring white grapefruit and orange citrus peel flavours that linger. Awesome sipper!

919514 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Marlborough, New Zealand) $17.95

This Sauvignon Blanc is everything New Zealand, fresh and crisp acidity, tasty gooseberry, lemongrass, crisp green apple and mineral.

701094 Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2008 (Rhône) $13.95

This one is big on flavour and aromatics, nice floral notes, oily mouth feel, making it smooth and silky. Drink solo or match with cheeses of the Rhône.

RED WINE

398800 Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Rapel Valley, Chile) $15.95

Big, bold and smooth flavours of dark cherry, plum, cassis and tobacco.

30957 Concha Y Toro Winemaker’s Lot 148 Carmenère 2007 (Rapel Valley, Chile) $16.95

Rich in dark fruit flavours, earth, and smoky oak. Very well priced!

960542 Montgras Reserva Carmenère 2008 (Colchaqua Valley, Chile) $12.95

Very smooth brimming of ripe fruit, spice, cocoa and vanilla.

127522 Terra Andina Carmenère 2008 (Central Valley, Chile) $11.95

A good value medium bodied Carmenère featuring flavours of plum, dark berries, cedar and spicy notes.

125492 Château Courrière-Rongièras 2005 (Bordeaux) $18.95

This 100% Merlot features flavours of ripe plums, coco, good tannins and a zip of acidity.

724674 Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2001 (Puglia) $13.95

Here is a go to fun wine featuring tons of dark fruit jam, but not over the top, coffee, mineral, and soft tannins. This is nicely balanced and has an overall nice mouth feel and a good finish.

947440 Banfi Centine 2006 (Tuscany) $16.95

Lovely and light, blackberry, earthy tones, and good length.

650713 Corte Zovo Sa’ Solin Ripasso 2007 (Veneto) $17.95

Here is a returning fave for all you Valpolicella Ripasso fans, red cherry fruit, some meat, herb notes and peppery spice.

673541 Torres San Valentin Garnacha 2007 (Spain) $13.95

Yum, flavours of plums, dark berries, coco and spice, soft tannins and a long finish.

ALP

Rose & Karen