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"WORST CASE ONTARIO" HOTSHEET

Amarone, 94 pt. Malbec-blend, Apex Buys & Bordeaux




2011 CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION MALBEC BLEND
$25.99 BTL./$155.94 – SIX PACK CASE

94 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE


Only in existence since 2002, Chakana has quickly and quietly risen to top-level status in Argentina. A formidable line-up of wines is presented but for now, it is the Estate Blend that is receiving a boatload of attention, especially with it receiving a 94 point score from The Wine Advocate: “Chakana’s top cuvee is their 2011 Estate Blend, which is 60% Malbec from the Agrelo vineyard and the rest equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Aged 10 months in French oak, this wine displays notes of toast, blackberries, sweet cherries and Asian plum sauce as well as notes of white chocolate and barrique. The wine has great fruit, an opaque purple color, medium to full body, and loads of glycerin, fruit and length. It will drink well for 7-8 years, possibly even longer, and it is a sensational value. – 94 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE"



GRAHAM BECK BRUT ROSE
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE – SPECIAL LOWER PRICE!


Founded in 1983, Graham Beck was a pioneer in the industry. Unable to import the world's great wines because of apartheid, and with South Africa not having access to Champagne (unless it was brought in via the black market) Graham Beck became a major influence on South Africa's Sparkling wine industry. 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir.

Flirtatious, fun and full of finesseful aromas of hawthorn, wild strawberry, subtle brioche and lemon that follows through to a texture that is laden with small, refined bubbles that normally occur in much more expensive versions of the jumping grape. At $15.99, this fizz is an absolute steal. Stock up for June weddings, graduations, picnics, etc.



2011 POGGIO ROMITA CHIANTI “IL FIORINO”
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE


Everyone’s favorite best buy Chianti returns with an exciting new version! More often than not in Tuscany, 11 bucks gets you a formulated, industrially-made wine that is driven by a focus group more than a vineyard and winery. Not the case with Poggio Romita. An assemblage of fruit (only Italian varietals) from the Chianti Fiorentina and Chianti Classico districts, this Sangiovese-powered wine offers up real-life Chianti aspects. Chewy cherry fruit, sage, underbrush and tangy Italian herbs. Fills the mouth nicely but maintains briskness and smoothness throughout, this is a great everyday offering that one can enjoy with great everyday fare.



2012 ZUM MARTIN SEPP GRUNER VELTLINER
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE (LITER BOTTLE)


Lately Austria feels as though it has been pushed aside in favor of other areas. Still, this country is making fabulous wines on all levels. This week we’re focusing in on a couple of delicious values that come in liter-sized bottles that give you just a bit more, both in character and volume. A sassy white wine that almost makes us get down and dance every time we taste it, enticing and inviting aromas that are very fresh and laden with lime, pine needle and subtle granny smith apple shimmer from the glass. The mouth is blazing dry, refreshing and having nice substance as well along with subtlety and length. This wine will go with an array of seafood, but don't be afraid to have it with something spicy!



2011 ZUM MARTIN SEPP ZWEIGELT
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE (LITER BOTTLE)


Austria’s Zweigelt grape (a cross between Blaufrankish and St-Laurent, a native varietal linked to Pinot Noir) comes in all shapes and sizes, but when done in this form, it’s mad-slurpable fun! Bursting, medium-bodied and promiscuous. Slammable juice that's chock full of cranberry and blueberry notes and all about unabated pleasure. Think of blending unoaked Cotes-du-Rhone with unoaked Barbera. Enjoy this versatile, sumptuous red with a piping bowl of pasta, fried chicken, tacos, grilled steak, and on and on and on…



2010 CHATEAU GAILLARD ST-EMILION GRAND CRU
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE


Situated on the lower half of the slope below the historic village of St. Emilion, Château Gaillard possesses 20 hectares of vines. Neighboring Chateau Canon-Gaffeliere and dragged from obscurity by owner/winemaker Catherine Nouvel-Papon's determination to estate-bottle the vineyards' total production, Château Gaillard's commitment to excellence was brought to the next level and thus this small Château found its way on Bordeaux lovers' wine-maps with the 1996 vintage. Commencing in 2008, Chateau Gaillard became a rarity within Bordeaux, Catherine's began converting her vineyards to practice biologique/organic farming. These days the wines are even more impressive and extremely undervalued given their high quality and propensity to age.

If you haven't heard by now, the gods were fantastically kind in 2009 & 2010 for Bordeaux. Given all the fine vintages that we have sold from Catherine, this one may be her best work to date. Most of my notes from both my visit to Chateau Gaillard and of a recent tasting are unprintable, however, here's an edited version: "10% new oak, 14 months. Holy merde excitement from points A, B and C!! All about sensuality. Moves from plum to raspberry; splendid penetration and old vine (50 yrs) depth. Underlying mineral and cocoa powder present. Brilliant depth and generosity, compact and structured. Lots of reach with full texture and movement, however, there is mighty grip and backbone here which bode well for the future." Given my experience with this producer and a vintage such as this, there is no problem to savor this wine through 2026.



2009 VAONA AMARONE “PAVERNO”
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE


A terrific Amarone from one of the area’s rising producers and better yet, one that you don’t have to sell off a kid or two to obtain. Situated in the heart of the Valpolicella/Amarone region, specifically Marano, the wines from this grower continue to pick up momentum with each subsequent release. 2009 is a powerful and exciting vintage for these wines and Vaona’s Paverno Amarone is a classic blend of 40% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara from vines with an average age of 25 years.

Aged in 1250 liter barrels so not to impart overt oakiness and to enhance the maintenance of soul, this hearty, thunderous wine serves up blackberry, tobacco, raisin, almond, spice , mineral and chinato-like herb aromas. On the palate it is rich and chewy with depth and a superb aftertaste which confirms all of the characters of the nose. Not undrinkable early, it will age quite well, too. Decant if opening and have it with a heavy risotto dish, maybe an Italian beef stew, or grab some fine Gorgonzola.



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