Buyer and Sellers Vintages Report April 18, 2015

After a somewhat lacklustre release last time around, the folks at Ontario's Liquor Board have outdone themselves on this one.  This Saturday's release is bursting at the seams with not only must have wines, but also fantastic VALUE wines. Problem is you want to drink so much of wine like this at prices like this, you'll probably spend a whole lot more simply stocking up for the long summer ahead. I know I will. Shit.

Also of note, this release is absolutely steered toward the old world. There are some new world offerings, but none with the calibre of what is coming from across the Atlantic. Shop thrifty and drink sophisticated. Sounds pretty swell to me.



Muga - Rose
2014
Rioja, Spain
$13.95

I cannot overstate this. There is no better value for dollar proposition in the world of wine than Muga's Rose. Those in the know, ranging everywhere between serious wine snobs and weekend warriors, literally load up cases at at time when this wine comes to market. Its probably time you joined in on this horribly kept secret. Pronounced minerality guides the subtle fruit with just the most subtle kiss of acid that keeps you coming back for endless second helpings. Drinkable like water, yet with the kind of finesse that makes $60 Bandol Roses something people yearn for. Jump on it. 




Brigaldara - Valpolicella
2013
Veneto, Italy
$14.95

This is what Amarone fans drink in the summer. All that fabulous roundhouse of rich and stunning fruit, with a lighter weight that won't weigh you down when the 30 ferenheit becomes 30 celcius. Dressed in smoke and tar notes it practically screams for the bbq, Yet juicy and fresh enough to just guzzle on its own after a long day on the lake. 







M Charpoutier - Domaine Bila-Haut Cotes Du Rousillon Villages
2013
Languedoc-Rousillon, France
$15.95

Fans of densely extracted brooding types will enjoy this one immensely. Deep and dark blend of Grenache Syrah and Mourvedre, this one oozes depth and Parker fans may want to take note he scored this one at 92 points. 92 points at $16 from one of the biggest names in the Rhone Valley? How is that possible? Its all in the real estate. For decades the South of France was no man's land, but with more and more of the country's best turning their attentions to the affordable lands here, the smart buyer begins to enjoy boss wine on a proletarien price.






Hugel Et Fils - Gentil
2013
Alsace, France
$15.95

12 generations dating back to the 17th Century have tended the vineyards of the Hugel family. Nearly every generation in the past hundred years have been pioneering visionaries held in the highest esteem throughout Alsace and the world at large. Blending is a rare thing in Alsace, and this new edition which made its debut in 2011 is a bit of "fuck you" to the regulatory channels in the region. Blending all of their fine varietels, this is as unique and ubiquitously ALSACE as you will ever find. Fully rounded yet fresh and lasting, its an absolute triumph that will please just about any crowd.



Hugel Et Fils - Riesling
2012
Alsace, France
$24.95

Another stunner from the Hugel family, Bright, snappy and vivacious, this one rides a meticulously cut line between bold fruit and minerality. While no doubt tasty right now, my advice is to tuck a few of these away until they turn at least 8 years old. Riesling has an evolution that is unmatched in the world of wine and this thing will become something entirely spectacular as the beeswax begins to emerge over the bounty of fruit.










Domaine Michel Prunier - Hautes Cotes De Beaune
2012
Burgundy, France
$24.95

The Prunier family looks over the twelve acres they've obtained over 4 generations of crafting small lot Burgundy gems. Only 250 cases wee made of this entry level Pinot which though fresh is not for a moment lacking in flesh. Persistent and tasty it represents that rare opportunity to enjoy quality pinot under $50 a bottle.


 



Condado De Haza - Crianza
2010
Ribera Del Duero, Spain
$24.95

Another annual classic, the smoked cherry heart beats through a wild child that is hellbent on charming your pants off. Rough around the edges in all the right places, it dances like no one's watching with just about any food pairing, and that hint of chocolate is bound to please even the most bitter sophisticate. Great fun and a whole lotta heart.






Plenty to enjoy on a budget no doubt, but there are some crowd favourites for the big spenders too. From Caymus Vineyard's 40th Anniversary Napa Cabernet to the new Chateauneuf Du Pape from Rhone icons Famille Perrin. Its a bounty not likely to be matched soon.

Get shopping!