In tomorrow’s April CLASSICS release, we have two great wines you do NOT want to miss!

Have you ever heard of lucky number 94?  Neither have I but it seems as though this is a thing… see the scores below. Both wines received 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and James Suckling. If it wasn’t before, it’s a thing now! :O)

The 2008 vintage of FitaPreta’s Palpite Red Grand Reserva was offered through VINTAGES a few years ago, and sold out in a couple of weeks. The 2012 vintage received its highest score to date, and we expect it to sell out quickly as well. A blend of Portugal’s three strongest varietals with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a full-bodied and full-flavoured red with heaps of flavour and character; despite its volume, it finishes with freshness and finesse. This is due to the cooler evenings that bless the Alentejo in south-east Portugal.

The other wine to be released tomorrow is Fanti’s Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany’s highly touted 2010 vintage. We were only able offer the LCBO 20 cases of this wine and we were already sold out of it through our consignment channel (by the case) in the late fall! Both Wine Spectator and James Suckling both love the wine, with Spectator saying that it will hold until 2038! I’ve tasted it several times and although yes, it could use a couple of years for the tannins to soften and integrate, you need to have a lot of personal resolve and will-power to stop yourself from enjoying it now!

Purchasing wines through Classics has changed from what used to be a lottery system to a first-come, first-served ordering process, either by phone or online. Ordering begins at 8am on Thursday, April 7. Click HERE for details.

Sincerely,

Bernard Stramwasser
Le Sommelier

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Notes and Reviews…

Palpite bottle shotFita Preta Vinhos Palpite Red Grande Reserva Alentejo 2012

Review: “Aragonez is the main force behind this smooth, rich, wine. It has great tannins that are cushioned comfortably by the rich, juicy berry fruits. Spice and acidity roll around the mouth, giving a lift to the rich, still firmly tannic wine. Drink this impressive wine until from 2018. Cellar selection.” Score: 94 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Oct. 2015)

Varietal: Aragonez (AKA Tempranillo)  
Region: Alentejo, Portugal
Price: $37.00 (per bottle)
LCBO#: 326645

  • Click here to locate this wine in CLASSICS.

Fanti bottleFanti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010

Review: “A big, powerful red, with dense tannins and black cherry and blackberry flavors. Balanced in a muscular way, this remains tight and brooding despite the long, fresh finish. Shows potential. Best from 2020 through 2038. Highly recommended.” Score: 94 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, June 30, 2015)

Review: “A layered, rich wine with dried berry, peach pit and slightly bitter toasted oak. Full body, silky tannins and lots of rich, buttressed fruit. A structured, powerful wine. Needs three to five years to soften.” Score: 94 (James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, Jan 19, 2015)

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Price: $64.00 (per bottle)
LCBO#: 112607

  • Click here to locate this wine in CLASSICS.

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