Vintages Values List Release July 23, 2011

Hello Fellow Tipplers!

Hope you’re all well in this sweltering miasma we have experienced this past week. Reaching for wine is not the best hydration strategy in this heat – but it does help to pass the time as you sit and do as little as possible to stay cool. We reviewed our notes and found that we only have one white wine on recommendation this week. There is no reason why you can’t cool down your reds a touch to make them a little more refreshing on a hot, hot day. Regardless, there are some great bargains to be had …

SPARKLING WINE

169128 TENUTA S. ANNA EXTRA DRY PROSECCO (VENETO) $15.95

This sparkler greets the palate with fresh citrus flavors and acidity and a creamy mouth feel! Serve as an aperitif or in your favorite Bellini recipe.

MAUSBERG BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CRÉMANT D’ALSACE (ALSACE) $17.95

Light and refreshing sparkler that is big on citrus aromas and flavours, complimented by zesty racy acidity that persists.

WHITE WINE

81539 ALAMOS TORRONTÉS 2010 (ARGENTINA) $13.95

This Argentinean gem exudes a lovely nose of spring blossom and honeysuckle followed by tender orchard fruit flavours and zesty citrus acidity. If you have not tried this varietal you won’t be disappointed – it is flavorful!

ROSÉ WINE

224980 DOMAINE DE LA PETITE ROCHE CABERNET D’ANJOU 2010 (LOIRE) $12.95

Once you get past the weedy nose you will be pleasantly greeted by flavours of strawberry, raspberry and cotton candy on a generous finish. Summed up this number is sweet and pretty which makes a great patio sipper or paired with grilled favorites.

117283 BARON DE LEY ROSADO 2010 (DOCa RIOJA) $13.95

Hola…this pretty number is beaming of strawberry and raspberry bowl, fresh acidity and a well rounded fruit finish.

RED WINE

Bargoons from Baja:

405605 L.A. CETTO ZINFANDEL 2008 (MEXICO) $10.95

An incredible value – $1 less than Yellow Tail and a 100 x better! This one is a definite quaffer – smooth and jammy.

983742 L.A. CETTO PETITE SIRAH 2008 (MEXICO) $11.95

This is $1 more than the poor cousin above. Look for sweet raspberry, strawberry and cherry notes.

226845 ÉRIC TEXIER TERROIR DE VAISON-LA-ROMAINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2007 (RHÔNE) $13.95

2007 from the Rhone for $13.95 – no way!! But it’s true!! Good deal here – barnyardy, spicy with subtle floral notes.

433920 TRIO RESERVA MERLOT/CARMENERE/CABERNET SAUVIGNON (CHILE) $14.95

Prune and plum notes resound in this terrific blend from a fabulous producer at a great price. It’s quite bold and fruity – very New World, VERY tasty!

214692 SAMPIETRANA TACCO BAROCCO PRIMITIVO 2008 (PUGLIA) $14.95

Large blackberry and briar notes from this Italian “Zinfandel”. It’s not a fruit-bomb like you would find in California, but it is quite fruit-forward and well-balanced.

242933 THATCHED HUT PINOT NOIR 2010 (NEW ZEALAND) $17.95

Here is another example of an un-Pinot Pinot – it may be the varietal characteristics of this finicky grape from this region! Any way we were taken by it – featuring flavours of sour cherry, plum and earth, nice acidity. Big on fruit flavor and pleasant to drink!

224022 PRELIUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 (TUSCANY) $17.95

This is a dusky Cab. Sauv. featuring dark fruits, herbs coming out of a well-rounded ample palate. Really quite delicious. Antonio Galloni scored it 89 on www.erobertparker.com.

222604 DELAS FRЀRES LES REINAGES GIGONDAS 2007 (RHÔNE) $29.95

From the phenomenal 2007 vintage this beauty raves with flavours of blackberry, blueberries, black cherry and crushed black pepper spice. Full bodied it is smooth, big and flavourful! Put this down as it can be drunk over the next 10-12 years, score 91-93 (Robert Parker erobertparker.com)

ALP

Karen & Rose

PS Don't forget the Vintages Value List can always be found on www.cetoblog.com