Buyer and Cellars Vintages Report March 7 2015

With the launch of my new project, Buyer and Cellars, I'm pleased to reinvigorate the Red Devil Blog with a free preview of each new Vintages release as part of my Wine Concierge Service. Every 2 weeks, LCBO Vintages releases a new block of artisinal wines that tend to outshine just about everything available in the general list.  These wines are smaller productions and do not last long on the shelves which presents a conundrum to the average consumer who lack the time to track the best small producers around the world. I'm always asked by friends to recommend wines for them. The hope is that this column will be the evolving answer to clients and friends alike.

Here's whats worth chasing in the newest release from Vintages.


Bisol - Jeio Colmei Extra Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
NV
Veneto, Italy
$16.95

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I must admit I'm far from a Prosecco fan. I get it, Champagne is expensive, but that doesnt mean you have to go bland when looking for discount bubbles. Yet every once in awhile, I stumble upon a Prosecco which elevates beyond its proletariat pedigree. This crisp offering from Bisol is absolutely one of them. Fizzy and firm yet friendly all the while,  the fresh lively attack brings rich melon and honey along a razor's edge of balancing minerality. Its a party starter for any occasion from celebrations to just because.








13th Street Gamay Noir
2012
Niagara, Canada
$19.95

I will never forget Peter Bodnar Rod's excitement back in December of 2012, the grapes barely off of the vine, as he gushed about the class of 13th Street's class of 2012. Gamay has long been one of Niagara's signature wines, and 13th Street has long been one of the leading local Gamay producers. I've been waiting to load up on these ever since. I got my first taste back in the fall, and they were every bit as commanding as I'd hoped. Bright fruit with leesy/baconfat infused texture make this a wine fun for now but promise an interesting journey for some years to come.










Rosewood Estates Select Series Merlot
2012
Niagara, Canada
$21.95

Another gem from a classic vintage here in Niagara. Their 2010 Reserve Merlot was honored by the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario and that pedigree shines through again in 2012. Wild fermentation and some of the best juice available on the Beamsville Bench delivered a classic luscious red, drenched in complex aromas and texture. A true classic. Sadly with this vineyard a tragic victim of the oppressive winter of 2013/2014, this will be the final chapter in world class Rosewood Merlot for some time.





Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay
2012
Sonoma, California
$22.95

My visit to Rodney Strong 3 years ago was perhaps the most astonishing of my trip to Sonoma. I knew of Rodney Strong mostly as a bulk producer of little note. What I learned was that under the stewardship of the Klein family, there has been a renewed focus on both quality and sustainability. While these aren't wines that will change your life, they are certainly tasty and heads and shoulders above most of their California peers at this price range. Certified Sustainable in California, you can feel just as good about whats in your glass as where it came from. '



Primarius Pinot Noir
2012
Oregon, USA
$24.95

Cool climate pinot noir with distinction arrives with a smoke infused rush of lean bright berry fruit. Distinguished and sophisticated it represents an all too rare quality pinot under $25.






Beni Di Batasiolo Gavi di Gavi
2013
Piedmont, Italy
$17.95

Cortese is just one of the countless and exciting unheralded white grapes bestowed upon the vineyards throughout Italy. It is one worth getting to know. Floral and persistent with a long clean finish, imagine drinking mineral water infused in white peach, poured over rose petals, getting drunk along the way.











All in all there is some nice value here, and all of it away from the main themes of the release (Tuscany, BC and Israel). Don't judge a book by it's cover.

Happy drinking!