Over $20 – California Fishing Spots

2011 Bosquet Des Papes Cuvee Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Sun, 25 May 2014 19:19:37 +0000

Where do I begin? This is a sensational offering from the Southern Cotes Du Rhone and features an evolving bouquet of spice, earth, pepper, black currant, plum, lilac and anise. The palate beautifully reiterates the bouquet while keeping a flawless balance of fierce, grippy tannins and sharp acidity. It finishes long and the taste lingers for quite some time. A masterpiece! A certified Mike’s Must Have! I would save this gem for anywhere from 5-7 years and drink with hearty beef stew or other gamey dishes.

Price: $50.95
Vintage: 2011
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France
Varietals: Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault
Abv: 14.5%
Mike’s Score: 94

2011 Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre

Thu, 22 May 2014 23:25:11 +0000

Year after year, this wine never disappoints. Bursting with sweet, herbal notes and featuring flavours of plum, jammy black fruits and complimented with a slight gamey, meatiness, this wine delivers. Australia’s take on the Cotes du Rhone style. Smooth and delicious, with a medium-long finish and superb balance. Drink tonight with pepper steak or roast chicken. A Mike’s Must Have!

Price: $30.95
Vintage: 2011
Region: Barossa, Australia
Varietals: Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre
Abv: 14.5%
Mike’s Score: 92

2010 Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz

Thu, 22 May 2014 23:16:22 +0000

A sensational offering from Mitolo. A benchmark for Australian Shiraz, this wine features intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, pepper and cigar box. It finishes long, strong with an unmatched smoothness and great balance. A big bold wine that needs to be drunk with a big bold steak or lamb. This wine is delicious now, but I can’t imagine how good it would be in 5 years. A Mike’s Must Have!

Price: $39.95
Vintage: 2010
Region: McLaren Vale, Australia
Varietal: Shiraz
Abv: 15%
Mike’s Score: 93

2009 Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec

Thu, 15 May 2014 22:33:10 +0000

An unbelievably bold and complex wine. I don’t like to spend a lot on a bottle but in this case, it may actually be worth it. Bursting with blackberry and raspberry with notes of cigar box, charcoal, tobacco, smoke and cedar. The finish seems to never end, the balance is in check and the wine continues to evolve. Almost left me speechless. This could be drunk tonight,

or it could easily last up to 10+ years. A stellar wine and a certified Mike’s Must Have! Drink with a nice sirloin steak or a hearty prime rib.

Price: $87.95
Vintage: 2009
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Malbec
Abv: 14.7%
Mike’s Score: 94

2012 Henry of Pelham Cabernet Icewine

Fri, 09 May 2014 20:34:25 +0000

A vibrant salmon/orange colour bursting with strawberry, rhubarb, apricot, grapefruit and flowers. A beautiful bouquet that gets accentuated by the exquisite palate. Tons of ripe strawberries, grapefruit, cherry candies and sweet honey followed by a sweet n sour, tart finish that lingers for minutes, highlited by a nice touch of cranberry. An absolute treat and a certified Mike’s Must Have!

Price: $39.95/200ml
Vintage: 2012
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Abv: 9.5%
Mike’s Score: 94

2011 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 01:32:27 +0000

Quite frankly, one of the best Chardonnays that I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Bursting with buttery coconut flavors teamed with banana and other tropical fruits. Full bodied and uncomfortably smooth with a long finish and creamy texture, this Chardonnay is sure to elevate any dish to an extraordinary meal. This will keep for years to come, or simply enjoy tonight with Chicken Alfredo or pan seared scallops. Outstanding!

Price: $34.95
Vintage: 2011
Region: Napa Valley, California
Varietal: Chardonnay
Abv: 14.5%
Mike’s Score: 95

2011 Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 22:25:35 +0000

A big, bold, reasonably priced offering from Napa Cellars. Coming in at only $25.95, this exciting Cab will give the big guns a run for their money! Aromas of cassis, blackberry, spice and lingering notes of cedar follow through to a vibrant, fruit forward finish that stays with you for minutes! Enjoy in the next 2 years with rare/medium rare steak or roast beef.