Welcome to our first Vintages Release blog post! This release is a popular one as it contains wines rated at 90+ from around the world. Although the ratings may give an indication of quality, the method to my madness is where does it come from (is it a region I loves), what is it going to smell/taste like (what's the aroma/flavor profile) and what's it going to cost me (if possible, $20 and under). So, here are the Tasty Wines that made it home:
Well, that's it folks. I had two others on my list (the Blue Mountain Chardonnay from B.C., as well as a Tempranillo from Spain), but sadly my local LCBO couldn't not find them in their store.
Wishing you all a wonderful end of Summer long-weekend filled with tasty wines!
- 2012 Castaño Solanera Viñas Viejas ($17): From Yecla, Spain. An area I wasn't familiar with (thank you Interscape), but Wine Folly (LOVE Wine Folly!) tells me it's a town South of Valencia, located in Spain's Mediterranean Coast wine region. This region grows Monastrelle (aka: Mourvèdre) and Garnacha (Grenache), among other varietals, and this is a blend of these two, plus some Cab Sauv. I fell in love with Spanish reds when we were in Southern Spain in 2012, so the descriptors of berries and pencil shavings combine with the 10 months in combined French & American oak sold me.
- 2011 Sister's Run Cow's Corner Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro ($17): From the Barossa Valley in South Australia. As above, a blend made with Grenache although this varietal is front and center (85%). 10% Shiraz and 5% of Matarro (aka: Mourvèdre. I know, too many different iterations). I think it would be great to do a side-by-side with the Spanish blend above. Although different vintages, and different blends, seeing similarities and/or difference could make for interesting convos. This one will have more earthy, pepperyness thanks to the Shiraz but still plenty of red fruit. Yum.
- 2011 De Buxy Buissonnier Montagny 1er Cru ($20): The only white to make it home, I'll buy almost anything from this Region. It's a Chardonnay. It's from Burgundy. It's $20. 'nuf said. Should have bought 2 bottles...
- 2012 Maipe Reserve Malbec ($15): From the Mendoza region in Argentina, the grapes were all hand-picked for this one, which should mean the best grapes ended up in the tanks. Berries and chocolate notes: Yum!
- 2011 Cantina del Dolcetto di Dogliani Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore ($20): Italy doesn't currently take up much room in the cellar, but I'm making an effort to test the waters and try more varietals from here. Piedmont region is becoming a favorite for whites (hello, Moscato d'Asti!), so why give the reds a try. Piedmont is on my "must visit" list. I've never tried Dolcetto and the tasting notes intrigued me, so why not?
Well, that's it folks. I had two others on my list (the Blue Mountain Chardonnay from B.C., as well as a Tempranillo from Spain), but sadly my local LCBO couldn't not find them in their store.
Wishing you all a wonderful end of Summer long-weekend filled with tasty wines!