Vintages Value List Release March 31 2012

Hello Again Fellow Tipplers,

We had some recent feedback asking us to tell them what which wines we REALLY liked on the list. We explained how we put this list of recommendations together: we taste the Vintages release every Tuesday during our lunch hour, tasting around 50 wines and then we put together a list of our favourites under $25. We REALLY like all the wines we recommend, BUT we also realize that our lists are getting out of hand with too many to choose from. From now on we will try to commit to keep the recommendations more compact.

SO – we REALLY like these wines:

Sparkling Wine

264572 Joseph Cattin Brut Rosé Crémant D’Alsace (Alsace, France) $17.95

This is an atypical sparkler – rather unusual in fact – but it’s tasty. It has an excellent fizz factor with a raisiny, Amarone-like fruit character. Give it a whirl!

White Wine

240374 Château Roquetaillade La Grange Blanc 2010 (Bordeaux) $14.95

Look for refreshing acidity coming through a clean, crisp, biright finish. Peach pit and grapefruit flavours predominate.

199810 First Press Chardonnay 2010 (Napa Valley, California) $19.95

This Cali stunner features aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, banana, pineapple; fresh fruit shines through on the palate balanced by clean crisp acidity and a hint of spice on the finish. A Cali Chard in all its beauty!

259770 Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer Hatschbourg 2009 (Alsace, France) $19.95

Oh so beautifully rich and succulent, spring blossoms come to mind – flavors of mango, candied fruit, ripe apricot, tied in with racy acidity following through to a zesty finish. Score 91 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com)

Red Wine

261867 Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2009 (Argentina) $15.95

Quite pleasant. It’s dark and woodsy in nature – well-made and well-balanced. Score:91 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com)

705228 Domaine De La Janasse Côtes Du Rhône 2009 (Rhône, France) $15.95

From another awesome vintage in the Rhône this one is big on flavors of blackberry and spice with zippy acidity keeping it nice and longing for more!

33852 Domaine Grosset Cairanne Côtes Du Rhône-Villages 2009 (Rhône, France) $17.95

We love the Rhone valley. This wine features subtle acidity that provide a tinge of “zing” on the palate. Currant, blackberry and pencil lead are the major flavor players here!

273425 Tamari Ar Malbec 2007 (Argentina) $21.95

Tamari almonds anyone? No Tamari in the name of this big bold and oh so flavourful Malbec featuring big bold dark berries and dark fruit, cocoa, coffee and savory spice. Score 92 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com)

HAPPY EASTER

Rose & Karen

Ps Don’t forget that the Vintages Value List can be found on www.cetoblog.com