Vina Santa Rita Syrah Reserva 2009

Vina Santa Rita Syrah Reserva 2009 (WS92, $14.99, SKU 760546) One of my tasting panel member found this and alerted me to it. We opened a bottle to see if there is such a good deal around. Syrah (same as the Australian shiraz) is a heavier grape and the wines are usually are heavier. The nose was strong upon opening and the body was medium to full. It tasted like a good syrah with a hint of pepper. My tasting panel did not think that this was a 92 point wine, more like 88. But at this price, it is impossible to resist, especially to complement a nice barbeque steak or rack of lamb. Wine Spectator indicated it can be opened now or cellared until 2020. There is a lot of stock in the LDB system. It will probably make the Wine Spectator Top 100 list for 2014.

Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Reserve de Vaudon 2012

Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Reserve de Vaudon 2012 ($29.99, SKU 519686) I read about this in a local newspaper column and decided to try it. This was a white wine from the Burgundy region in France and some of those wines can get very expensive. So I wanted to try a more economical version to get a taste. Chablis are made from chardonnay grape but they taste different from the Canadian or American method. They usually taste quite dry and is not creamy like the new world offerings. This one was dry but there was a taste of citrus and some type of fruit behind it. So it went well with a barbeque salmon. There was no Wine Spectator rating for the 2012 vintage but the 2011 was rated at 90 points. So this is a very attractive Burgundy white wine at this price. There is ample stock in the LDB stores.

Chateau Joinin Bordeaux 2010

Chateau Joinin Bordeaux 2010 (WS90, $19.99 SKU 738278) I found this as I wandered through the 39th & Cambie LDB store. The name was a bit unusual, looks like "join in". But it was a serious merlot based Bordeaux 2010. The nose upon opening was quite full. The body was medium but the wine was quite fruity due to the grape variety. It was a wine made for immediate consumption, so cook a good steak and open a bottle. Wine Spectator said it should be opened from 2013 to 2014. There is ample stock in the LDB system but none at 39th & Cambie.

Frescobaldi Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni Toscana 2010

Frescobaldi Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni Toscana 2010 ($26.99, SKU 380824) This was recommended to me by a tasting panel member. The nose was fruity to start and the taste was balanced. The body was medium to full. There was still a lot of tannin but it started to mellow out after about an hour in the glass. There was no rating from Wine Spectator yet but it should come in around 92 points. Again, how long can one resist drinking a $27 wine. I recommend patience of 8 to 10 years and you will be rewarded. There are over 360 bottles distributed throughout the LDB stores.

Villa Antinori Toscana 2010

Villa Antinori Toscana 2010 (WS92, $26.99, SKU 104885) I found this vintage at the liquor store recently and figured that it was worth a try since Wine Spectator gave it a "Smart Buy" rating for three years. This was the best of the past three vintages. When opened, the nose was tight and needed decanting for an hour. It was a Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah blend with strong tannin. It did not quite open up at the end of dinner but there was definitely some substance. It should be paired with Italian food. It will require long term cellaring as Wine Spectator suggested maturity between 2016 to 2024. At this price, it should make Wine Spectator's Top 100 for this year. The questions is how long can one cellar a $27 wine. The temptation is great to open a bottle whenever there is Italian food. There is ample stock at the liquor stores.