FUN STUFF – California Fishing Spots

2012 Paco & Lola Albarino

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:45:47 +0000

An exquisitely crafted white from Spain that features a very tropical array of flavours such as peach, lychee, flowers, citrus and mango. A rich, zippy acidity and all the delicious fruit elevate this to a Mike’s Must Have! Drink tonight chilled, on its own, or with seafood paella.

Price: $18.95
Vintage: 2012
Region: Riax Baixas
Varietal: Alvarinho
Abv: 12.5%
Mike’s Score: 91

2012 Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:44:12 +0000

A very fruit forward Pinot that boasts deep cherry jam flavours with a touch of spice. A nice wine just to sip or to drink with Cajun chicken wings.

Price: $17.95
Vintage: 2012
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Abv: 13.7%
Mike’s Score: 87

2013 Gassier Sables d’Azur Rosé

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:35:55 +0000

Another classic example of a textbook rosé provençal. Zesty lemon, spice and strawberries are the focus here, as well as the vibrant acidity. Very nice!

Price: $14.95
Vintage: 2013
Region: Provence, France
Varietals: Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan
Abv: 12.5%
Mike’s Score: 88

2009 Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:34:55 +0000

One of the best value Chiantis I’ve ever come across. At only $15.95, this beauty features flavours of cherry, tobacco and smoky pepper. Medium bodied with soft tannins, this is the perfect wine to have with pizza tonight. A Mike’s Must Have!

Price: $15.95
Vintage: 2009
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal: Sangiovese, others
Abv: 13.5%
Mike’s Score: 90

2011 Viticcio Bere Toscana

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:30:39 +0000

Hefty aromas of spice, cherries, strawberries and slight floral notes open to juicy red fruit and vanilla flavours. Beautiful tannins, great balance and a long, lingering finish help establish this gem as a Mike’s Must Have! Could drink now or drink through 2018. Drink with lasagna or hearty pizzas.

Price: $18.95
Vintage: 2011
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Varietals: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Abv: 13%
Mike’s Score: 90

2010 The Hedonist Shiraz

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:48:56 +0000

A textbook example of an Aussie Shiraz done well. A giant bouquet of black fruit with some pepper to back it up. Blackberry and more pepper on the palate, with a smooth, medium-long finish. Drink through 2018-2019 with rack of lamb or pepper steaks.

Price: $23.95
Vintage: 2010
Region: McLaren Vale, Australia
Varietal: Shiraz
Abv: 14%
Mike’s Score: 88

2011 Zig Zag Zin

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:45:14 +0000

A full-bodied, juicy Zinfandel with aromas of cherry and raspberry jam that expands to blueberry and licorice on the palate. Rich tannins with a delicious, fruit-driven finish. A Mike’s Must Have! Drink within the next year or two with pork tenderloin or spicy BBQ sausages.

Price: $19.95
Vintage: 2011
Region: Mendocino County, California
Varietal: Zinfandel
Abv: 14.5%
Mike’s Score: 91

2013 Momo Pinot Gris

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:41:24 +0000

A rather subdued Pinot Gris, featuring mild aromas of peach, lemon and sweet honey. Smooth, with a short finish. Not bad, bit nowhere near great. Drink tonight with friends on the patio.

Price: $19.95
Vintage: 2013
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Varietal: Pinot Gris
Abv: 14.5%
Mike’s Score: 88

2012 Francis Ford Diamond Collection Gold Label Coppola Chardonnay

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:38:26 +0000

A smooth Chardonnay loaded with flavours of apple and peach and secondary flavours of buttered toast and a touch of minerality. A very solid Chardonnay offering. Drink tonight with pork chops or chicken salad.

Price: $19.95
Vintage: 2012
Region: Monterey County, California
Varietal: Chardonnay
Abv: 13%
Mike’s Score: 89

2012 La Crema Sonoma Chardonnay

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:35:03 +0000

La Crema consistently delivers world class Chardonnay and this Sonoma offering is no exception. Buttery and smooth with toasty aromas that lead through to tropical fruit flavours and notes of apple sauce. A gem of a Chardonnay, with a creamy, medium-long finish. A Mike’s Must Have! Drink tonight with scalloped potatoes or creamy shrimp Alfredo.

Price: $28.95
Vintage: 2012
Region: Sonoma County, California
Varietal: Chardonnay
Abv: 13.5%
Mike’s Score: 93