V V L Release Saturday Sept. 27, 2008

Hello Everyone!

It has been a rough ride for the economy in the past little while and it doesn't appear that the situation will ease any time soon. SO, it is now – more than ever – that we need the Vintages Value List. We need it to help ease the pain of shrinking portfolios, the spectre of the slowing economy and shrinking wallets. Sure there are cheaper wines from the "other" side of the LCBO – but where is the discovery, the thrill of finding the Vintages release product that is still available and won't break the bank? You don't have to settle for mediocrity in these hard economic times – Vintages has a many reasonably priced wines. Don't compromise – if you can!

That being said, the focus of this week's release is Burgundy and the pinot noir and Chablis present strains to the pocketbook as most of them are well over $30. Don't despair – there is more to this week's release.

WHITE WINES

88864 Ridgepoint Medium Dry Riesling 2006 (VQA Niagara) $15.00

This Riesling has a nice mineral note, apple and fresh lemony juicy acidity rounding off nicely on the palate.

1578 Flat Rock Cellars Twisted 2007 (VQA Niagara) $17.15

Twisted is quirky, fun and out there, 60% Riesling, 20% Chardonnay and 20% Gewurztraminer featuring aromas and flavors of exotic fruits, peach and apricot and some citrus. This is a sure sipper or paired with light fare.

RED WINES

630616 Santa Barbara Winery Syrah 2005 (California) $20.95

Large, round and mouth-filling. Lots of big, black fruit and a touch of oak. This is from a cooler Cali clime, so it isn't a total fruit bomb – just concentrated.

70573 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Washington State) $15.95

This is an easy drinking, well priced Cab. which features black fruit, cherry, spice and velvety tannins all in harmony to produce an enjoyable drinking experience. Pretty & smooth with a good dollop of oak. Good value as most offerings from Washington are well in excess of $25.

398800 Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Chile) $15.95

From the house of Lapostolle this gem is a basket full of red berries, spice, licorice and chocolate. Oh so yum, a real palate pleaser!

23226 Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2001 (Puglia, Italy) $17.95

Earthy with leather notes. Soft tannins and great length. Good food wine.

963348 Condado De Haza Crianza 2005 (Spain) $27.95

OK – it's a tad pricey – but well worth it! Bob Parker gave it a "90" so it won't be around for long. Great tannins, concentrated fruit and wee bit of shtank. Sounds perfect!

PORT

87205 Messias 10 Anos Tawny Port Btld. In 2008 (Portugal) $23.95

This charming elixir resounds with the taste of roasted nuts and sweet caramel. Like Flan in a bottle – but so much better! This will go well with "afters" like stilton, or crème brulee or make it the "after" tout seul.

ALP

Rose & Karen

Don't forget – the Vintages Value List can always be found on www.CETOBLOG.com!