V V List Release Saturday Dec. 5, 2009

Greetings Fellow Tipplers!

It’s hard to believe – this is our last list for 2009.

We’ve had a lot of fun tasting the Vintages releases this year – a lot of sniffing, sipping, spitting and discussion have occurred on this list’s behalf. This year, more than ever, we needed to find good value for our dollar spent given the deteriorating economic situation. The value wine discoveries were lovely affordable splurges for us; and we trust for you as well. It is our sincere wish that you have a safe and savoury holiday season. Imbibe responsibly and enjoy the discovery that different wines offer us.

WHITE WINE

141788 Helfrich Pinot Gris 2008 (Alsace) $13.95

Sweet floral and mineral aromas, medium sweet palate and some orange rind bitterness and refreshing acidity.

135426 Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Chile) $15.95

Yum, big on gooseberry, lemon lime citrus, and herbal palate. This is a very well made Sauv. Blanc and big on flavour. Jay Miller of erobertparker.com scored it a 90.

RED WINE

82586 Canepa Reserva Privada Carmenère (Chile) $14.95

This number is true to its varietal character featuring aromas of cassis, tar, cocoa and cedar. It is a very smooth wine and will pair well with sausages.

13656 Juan Gil Monastrell 2008 (Spain) $15.95

Huge green pepper nose leading out to dense dark berries, and chipotle smokiness on the palate and cocoa notes on the finish.

60202 Graffigna Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina) $17.95

This is a super Cab. Violets & dark berries on the nose and on the palate. Tabita – try this!

142810 Mont Tauch Tradition Carignan/Grenache/Syrah 2007 (Midi) $16.95

Spicy earthy notes and dense dark berries, big on flavour and quite easy drinking. Here’s the bling factor Winner of Gold Medal at the concours Général Agricole 2009 in Paris.

27516 J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2007 (Paso Robles, California) $19.95

A well made silky smooth Merlot packed with dark fruit and some sweetness on the mid-palate and licorice notes.

141895 Johner Estate Moonlight Pinot Noir 2007 (New Zealand) $19.95

This is a fantastic NZ pinot at a great price. Cherries & plum with a beety/smoky nose. It’s super smooth with an edgy finish. The label is interesting too – a graphic bacchanalian party going on.

76331 Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Côtes Du Rhône-Villages 2007 (Rhône) $19.95

A beautiful Rhone number featuring smoke, leather, tobacco on the nose – it is substantial here and then segues to a full-bodied, earthy palate. Robert Parker scored it a “91”.

720821 Château De Chambert 2004 (Cahors) $19.95

Inky, dark & brooding. This is a blend of Malbec (71%), Merlot (20%) & Tannat (9%). It’s big, unpretentious with a ton of character.

132266 Puerta Bonita G5 Garnacha 2007 (Spain) $19.95

Tart berries and a touch of spice makes this a lovely wine. R. Parker score: “90”.

See you in 2010!

Rose & Karen