Vintages Value List Release August 21, 2010

Greetings All!

We are sorry for the lapse in newsletters last release. We took a brief hiatus from tasting to give our palates a rest. We went happily back to the tasting room refreshed and revived and discovered several terrific selections. Enjoy!

WHITE WINE

171108 Ducourt Réserve De Famille Sauvignon Gris 2008 (Bordeaux) $12.95

We thought this was an excellent food-friendly white that is priced just right. It is an unusual grape – Sauvignon Gris – a cousin of Sauvignon Blanc. It is also unusual as it hails from Bordeaux – a region known for its iconic red blends. Regardless, it is an excellent value! Have it with chicken, fish or lighter pasta dishes.

64177 Angove Long Row Chardonnay 2008 (South Australia) $13.95

This Aussie Chard isn’t too big but it has seen a hint of oak. It has an interesting nose of apricot and pie crust with a nice clean finish.

179416 Accuro Torrontés 2009 (Mendoza, Argentina) $14.95

We do adore this white grape from Argentina and this one doesn’t disappoint. There is a vivid fruit depth accompanied by a fresh acidity that results in a finely balanced wine.

665166 Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois White 2008 (California) $17.95

This is a fun silly white wine. The nose is quite sweet due to one of the “trio” members being the Italian Moscato grape. The other grapes in this blend are Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc and they offer up tropical fruit, citrus and floral notes.

176925 Sparr Tradition Pinot Gris 2008 (Alsace) $17.95

Pretty and floral featuring sweetness up front followed by ripe peach and pear flavours replaying nicely, balanced by a good dose of acidity finishing off nicely.

182915 Domaine Des Charmilles Sancerre 2008 (Loire) $21.95

This beauty is wonderfully delish - featuring gooseberry, grass and mineral notes, bright acidity and a slightly oily mouth feel. This is a sure palate pleaser!

ROSÉ

169061 Domaine De Suriane Rosé 2009 (Midi) $12.95

There is a distinct cotton candy nose that is followed by light fruit flavours and a dry finish.

RED WINE

175679 Domaine Des Pentelines 2008 (Côtes du Rhône) $12.95

Mon dieu – a good solid Rhône value boasting loads of flavour.

169490 Los Rosales Chapel Vineyard Reserva Priada Carmenère 2008 (Chile) $12.95

YUM-O – we do so often LOVE Carmenère when it is done right. Distinct blueberry notes, some leather and a peppery spice make this a wonderful wine.

69377 Monte Antico Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon (Toscana) $15.00

This is a solid dry Italian table wine. Loads of dark fruit put together in a brooding fashion that is not bullying. Wine Spectator rated this a “90” and it ranked #61 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of 2009.

681346 Ètim Selección 2007 (Spain) $15.00

Nice and easy cherry fruit driven which is bright on the palate enhanced by mineral notes making for a smooth and subtle drinking experience.

665158 Folie à Deux Menage à Trois Red 2008 (California) $17.95

Here is a returning fave the `08 vintage was much more pleasing to us as the `07 did not make our list. This not so lonely threesome is big on ripe berries, plum, spice and good use of oak. Big and robust!

948240 J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah 2007 (Paso Robles, California) $19.95

This Cali gem is stunningly classy featuring aromas and flavours of ripe, juicy berries, bright acidity and kick ass length.

976845 Perrin & Fils L’Andéol Rasteau 2007 (Côtes du Rhône-Villages) $19.95

Ahh, that nasty rasty - big dark and brooding of licorice, ripe dark berries, spice and earth. Bring it on, this beauty scored 90 Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com

ALP

Rose & Karen

Don’t forget that the Vintages Value List past & present can always be found on www.cetoblog.com.