Michael Vaughan's Weekly National Post Feature

CLICK ON THE NAME
All listings are automatically linked to the LCBO database
If there is a product that interests you, just click on the name below and you will instantaneously connected with the LCBO database. The product will appear in blue and all you have to do is click on the name again and then the next screen will provide details along with the store search. Just click on store search. The number of bottles in each store is updated nightly. Call the store first to see if stock still remains (each store phone number is listed).

Who knew how successful the lyrics "que sera, sera" would be when they first passed Doris Day's lips in Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 wonderful film, The Man Who Knew Too Much? While the grape Syrah is best known in France as the essence of the Rhone, many erroneously believe the song to be French. In fact, "que sera, sera" is a Spanish translation of the Italian "che sera, sera" from the film The Barefoot Contessa. Which I guess is no worse than the new world's use of Shiraz.

When making predictions for the millennium, I said that wines based on Syrah would become the greatest thing since Swiss cheese. Well it seems that I was right and that Syrah is on a rampage. The reason? Terrific flavours from ripe plums to smoky black cherries, along with well-structured, rich but harmonious wines, that work with a wide variety of dishes. Thankfully, today's Vintages release has some true destination bargain-priced Syrah that should not be missed.

Of course, I am tempted to replace my three-star system with puffs of smoke - I love the smokiness that one finds in a great Syrah. While some will not share my passion, in general people love it. Better yet, you don't have to have a degree in oenology to understand it. It is a very user-friendly grape. Of course, a lot depends on what you are eating - a subtle fillet of pickerel in a beurre blanc sauce is the wrong pairing.

BBQ ribs however, which are now at their glorious summer best, marry perfectly with Syrah. If I had to chose an all-round Syrah that is almost guaranteed to please every palate - and budget at a mere $12.95 - my number one choice would be the Concha y Toro Argentinean masterpiece from the heart of Mendoza, Trivento 2005 Reserve Syrah (663112). This remarkably fine wine has an extremely deep intense purple colour. The intense, spicy, licorice-driven nose is loaded with plummy, black cherries. All of which are reflected on the palate, which is solid, dry and well structured. The extra magic? Wonderful harmony and a blush of smokiness. Don't wait for the results of those paid-entry "best value" wine awards, the winner is staring you in the face. Get it while it's hot and available.

I wish I could say that you could stop reading, but there is more to come. In terms of style, elegance and finesse, a tip of the glass to J.L. Chave 2004 Saint-Joseph Offerus (937474) at $31.95. This well made wine typifies what a fine Northern Rhone Syrah is all about and works perfectly with food.

My last two recommendations, however, are perhaps the most exciting of the release - both Syrah with an abundance of complexity and smokiness. I lined up these two biggies side-by-side three times and tried to decide which was best. It wasn't easy, but in number-two position is Santa Barbara Winery 2004 Syrah (630616) at only $20.95 is something to behold - rich, smoky and cedary with lots of plummy, cassis, cherry flavours. Above all, it's smooth and ready to enjoy.

My number one choice comes from the Pyrenees Mountains of Australia's Victoria region. Wouldn't you guess that this extremely classy blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier has some serious Rhone roots in the form of the partnership with winemaker extraordinaire Michel Chapoutier. Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier 2005 Shiraz/Viognier (18887) at $25.95 is even better than the 2004 released earlier this year. This one has higher alcohol (14.5% vs. 13.5%) and more flavour concentration with a lingering, creamy, bitter chocolate finish. Wow!

Best Buy of the Week
Exclusive Website Recommendations

Dona Paula Estate 2005 Malbec (Vintages 661819 - $16.95). This Recommended - Best Buy wine rates *+/** out of *** and might best be described as spicy cherries. There are 400 cases available. The agent is Authentic Wines. My tasting note: Extremely deep purple colour. Dried cherry nose with some spicy vanilla notes. Dry, well structured, harmonious, ripe plum and warm black cherry flavours with a lingering finish. The similar 2004 was released on March 4, 2006 at $15.95. A great BBQ red. Drinkability: { N S SM M }

Del Fin del Mundo 2005 Reserva Pinot Noir (Vintages 684548 - $14.95). This Recommended - Best Buy wine rates *+ out of *** and might best be described as rich mocha. There are 250 cases available. The agent is Bogdan Cojocaru. My tasting note: Deep red colour. Spicy, gently complex, baked plum and dried ripe cherry nose. Gently juicy, medium bodied, spicy, ripe plum and baked cherry flavours with a lingering extracty mocha finish. This 2005 appeared as an InStore Discovery on August 4, 2006 at $13.95. Drinkability: { N S SM }

Andre Brunel 2004 Cotes-du-Rhone L'Enclos (Vintages 40972 - $16.95). This Recommended wine rates *+ out of *** and might best be described as juicy fresh strawberries. There are 350 cases available. The agent is John Hanna and Sons. My tasting note: Medium deep purple colour. Spicy, rather intense, attractive, fresh ripe crushed strawberry aromas. Medium bodied, dry, juicy, ready to enjoy, plummy, fresh strawberry flavours. Drink up, at peak. Drinkability: { N S SM }

Vintages Delisting

Starting this Monday, July 23rd, 88 Vintages products will be put on the delisting sale. To see the detail list click here.

Coming Up

Saturday, July 21 - Fiesta Buckhorn 2007
[Buckhorn, Ontario] Fiesta Buckhorn is an event that features Canadian wine, beer and local cuisine, held annually in Buckhorn, Ontario, Canada. This sampling event features more than 75 exhibitors and live jazz music in the park. Held from 12:00 to 7:30 pm. Admission is $12 per person. For more information www.fiestabuckhorn.com

Sunday, July 22 - Canadian Smooth Jazz and Wine
[Niagara-on-the-Lake] The Bosc family invites you to the Canadian smooth jazz and wine with Amy Sky and Marc Jordan. All net proceeds go to the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation. Held at Chateau des Charmes, 1025 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, concert door opens at 1:30 pm (lunch starts at 12:00 pm). Tickets $40.00 per person or $75 with lunch (prepared by Stephen Treadwell). For tickets call 905-323-3863 or visit www.scghfoundation.com or click here for more information.

Monday July 23 - The Outer Limits of Ontario Wine
This event will feature about 30 wineries, presenting their non-VQA eligible wines. There will be a number of fruit wines, blends of fruit and grape, grape wines, fortified grape wines from non-traditional areas and wines from Ontario's more traditional areas that are not allowed VQA varietals. Held at Savoy Bistro & Lounge - 253 Victoria St., from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $30 per person, and to register please click here. For more information, please call the Wine Line at 416-921-9798.
A trade only tasting will be held earlier from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

2001 - 2007 Tasting Note Database
Our tasting note database from December 31, 2000 to July 2007, covers every Vintages release product for the past 80 months. There are more than 15,000 notes in the database data. Just enter the name of the product, supplier name or CSPC number. Or you can search by type of wine, country of origin, even wine agent! Nothing could be easier. Also you can get information on the agent by clicking on the agent’s name, as well as current LCBO store inventory by clicking on "Check LCBO Availability", which will automatically tell you the number of bottles at LCBO as of last night.

To use our Tasting Notes Database: click here

** For All Visitors **
Vintages Releases
To see the complete list of upcoming products from the
July 21 release, including In-Store Discovery items,
click here (sorted by date of release).
You can also see it sorted by agent click here
To see the complete list of upcoming products from the
August 4 release, including In-Store Discovery items,
click here (sorted by date of release).
You can also see it sorted by agent click here
To see the complete list of upcoming products from the
August 18 release, including In-Store Discovery items,
click here (sorted by date of release).
You can also see it sorted by agent click here

Copyright Food & Beverage Testing Institute of Canada 2007
Prior written permission is required for any form of reproduction
(electronic or other wise) and or quotation.
Contact Michael Vaughan at
mbv@total.net