Vintages Feb 16th Release

It's a pretty good Vintages release for my Ontario friends this Saturday, featuring two of my Top 50 Cellar Picks and some interesting Aussie selections. I would particularly like to highlight the following releases:

While Argentina is best known for Malbec, I absolutely love the Catena Cabernet Sauvignon (2005, #985002, $19.95) - perhaps one of the most structured and interesting cabs I have tasted at this price point. It is also one of my Top 50 Cellar Picks. Decant.

I love a Madiran with a grilled steak, and the regular bottling of Chateau Bouscasse (2003, #743385, $18.55) is a great Madiran at a good price. This interesting, rustic, wine should be given a good decant.

The Castano Hecula, a mourvedre (or monastrell. 2005, #718999, $13.85) from Spain, is a consistently great wine - can I steer you wrong at $14?

Napanook, the second wine of Dominus, is a great California claret (2004, #63065, $39.95), marrying French style with California fruit in an accessible wine that will drink well today (with a good decant) or over the next few years. Another one of Joe's Top 50 Cellar Picks.

I also love the Dominus, and the 2004 Magnum (#63487, $201.95) is a deadly serious wine for long term cellaring. I may pick up a bottle for my daughter, another 2004 vintage.

Happy shopping!