Saturday, November 10, 2007

Vintages Release - November 10th

I haven't commented on a Vintages release since September, but today's release is the best I've seen in months. I only hope that this post is not too late!

For my Toronto and other Ontario friends, this week's Vintages release features "Burgundy's Miracle Vintage". While the 2005 Burg selection seems "ok", the rest of the offering has some gems. Here is a partial list of bottles from this offering that I recommend:

Large Format (1.5L)

The 2005 D'Arenberg D'Arry's Original and the 2004 Zenato Ripassa are long time favourites at Joe's and perfect for the upcoming holiday season - find two decanters! The 2004 D'Arenberg Dead Arm is a collector's item to put away for the 18th birthday of your child of same vintage.

Baby Bottles (375mL)

Half bottles are great to have around. The 2004 Zenato Ripassa is also available in small format, and you could get that mini-Tig (2004 Tignanello) for a special occasion. I would also check out the mini-sparklers on offer - the 2006 Nivole Moscato d'Asti is a great after dinner off-dry sparkler, and the Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut would be an inexpensive aperitif.

Other Great Ideas

2006 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec: a reliable malbec, just $14
2004 Elderton Shiraz: loved by Joe, see here
2006 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz: great new world shiraz, it will sell out quickly

Experiment

2006 Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony: Never heard of the "Symphony" grape, a cross of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. That's a $15 experiment I would love to try.

Happy Shopping!

4 comments:

Temporal said...

As you like the Zenato Ripasso you may also like these if you ever come across them.

Brunelli - Amarone and Amarone 'Campo del Titari'. Also the Recioto is very good.

http://www.brunelliwine.com/ibrunelli.html

Joe said...

You are teasing me, Temporal! Once again, not available, but I will look out for those. Thanks for the suggestions.

Temporal said...

Hi Joe

Sorry don't mean to be teasing. I am fortunate that where I live in Amsterdam there is an independent wine merchant and importer who specializes in mostly small wine producers from Italy and France.

Joe said...

No problem, Temporal. Our supplier here is pretty good, but you have to keep an eye out for some of these items - they are not always in stock, but they do appear, will keep an eye out...