ThinkTank

ARGENTINA - MENDOZA
2007 CATENA SYRAH 055483 - $19.95
Another safe bet from Bodega Catena Zapata. This time it’s their Syrah.
I haven’t tried it before but based on there Malbec, Cab Sauv and Carmenere, I have no doubt that it would be a great full flavor wine.
I would try it with the next BBQ.

2007 LUIGI BOSCA RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 128629 - $17.95
JM=90+ ; 2012 to 2022
SO here is my challenge… I’ve been trying these wines based on JM reviews and was never “wowed” and it never matched my expectations based on the review. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good wine, just not an amazing one. I like the fact that it’s for long term cellaring and the price therefore is excellent.
Try one and decide yourself, because if you do like it, it’s worth buying a case.

CHILE - LONCOMILLA VALLEY
2008 CARTA VIEJA LIMITED RELEASE RESERVA CARMENÈRE 094177 - $13.95
JM=89 ; now-2012
From a single vineyard, seems like the right “package” – lots of flavors fir the right price.
Seems like a day-to-day option to an “upgraded Merlot”.

Australia - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
2006 PIRRAMIMMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 730374 - $23.95
JH=95 ; now – 2016
Pirramimma is one of my favorite producers in McLaren Vale. Their Shiraz and Petite Verdot are outstanding. It may not be the cheapest cab sauv but with this high quality wine will compete with any $35+ cab from California.


AUSTRALIA - BAROSSA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
2008 ST. HALLETT GAMEKEEPER’S SHIRAZ 166991 - $14.95
Winefront=90 ; now.
St. Hallett is another consistent QPR wines. If you’re a Shiraz fan, here is one you want to try. Excellent value.

2007 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE QUARTAGE 024091 - $19.95
WS=90
An interesting Bordeaux left-bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit
Verdot, Merlot and Malbec . Yet another example of how same varieties can produce completely different wines (i.e. Bordeaux vs. Barossa). Thorn-Clarke Shotfire is another consistent wine that delivers what you would expect from Australian wines. It’s usually “in your face” fruit flavors.

AUSTRALIA - MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
2006 HOWARD PARK LESTON CABERNET SAUVIGNON 923565 - $29.95
JH=94 ; now-2015
I have tried this wine from the very successful 2001 and 2002 vintages and didn’t think it was worth $30. Again, it’s a good wine, but nothing special. I’d prefer to buy two bottles of the 2008 ST. HALLETT GAMEKEEPER’S SHIRAZ instead. This one is a ‘skip’ for me.

FRANCE - BORDEAUX
2008 CHÂTEAU LE TROS 171173 - $13.95
This is a white wine made of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and the rest Sémillon.
Seems like an excellent summer wine while taking care of the BBQ (especially if you nibble on some shrimps and/or scallops).
John M – go go go…
FRANCE – MIDI - SOUTHERN FRANCE
2007 DOMAINE DES AIRES HAUTES MINERVOIS LA LIVINIÈRE 017137 - $19.95
DS (Parker)=90-91 ; now - 2016
A blend of Syrah, Carignan, and Grenache.
Great review by Schildknecht. What I liked most was the fact that it delivers what I would expect from such a blend. On my list to try.

2007 DOMAINE LES YEUSES LES ÉPICES SYRAH 177584 - $12.95
Being a Vins de Pays d’Oc means that it has the most basic classification (compared to the more valued AC). However, I found many hidden treasures under that basic classification. For $13 definitely worth trying. Don’t expect too much, but I think it can be an interesting “house wine” option.

2007 MAS DE LA DEVÈZE 66 065797 - $17.95 (MUST TRY!)
DS (Parker)=92
A blend of Grenache with 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan.
It would be interesting to compare this wine with the 2007 DOMAINE DES AIRES HAUTES MINERVOIS LA LIVINIÈRE – similar variety blend with a different percentage mixture.
A great review by Schildknecht. I like ‘fat’ wines especially if they cost $18.

2005 MAS JANEIL MAURY 175224 (500 mL) - $18.95
What got my attention was the fact that it’s a red sweet wine with flavors of raisins and hints of chocolate. I had a similar type of wine from Italy, but never before from Midi in France. Seems like an interesting alternative to Port at the end of a nice dinner with dessert.

FRANCE – RHÔNE - SOUTH
2007 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL 048884 - $29.95
RP=92 ; now – 2024
A cheaper alternative to its bigger brother Beaucastel CdP (costs around $90).
It’s a blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and a few other authorized varietals (they have 13 varietals to play with).
I had previous vintages of this wine and it is outstanding – worth every penny especially when it can be cellared for so many years.

ITALY – TUSCANY
2004 LAZZERETTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 149534 - $38.95
WS=93
I’m so happy to see more accessible 2004 Brunellos for up to $40. In the past we had access mainly to the $60+ Brunello from this year.
An excellent supportive review by Suckling with all the right descriptions of a great Brunello from a classic year.

SPAIN – TERRA ALTA
2008 CELLER PIÑOL LUDOVICUS 067033 - $13.95 (MUST TRY!)
JM=90
A blend of 35% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 25% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Terra Alta is located at the far south-west part of Spain (Catalonia) on the border with Portugal.
I’ve never tried wines from this area and I like the review, the blend and the price! That’s a wine that if it meets your palate expectations, you should buy a case.