Whether we’re buying wine at $20 or $40, we always want to be sure we’re getting the biggest bang for the buck. In this Saturday’s VINTAGES release, we’ve got two tremedous wines to share with you, both with incredible accolates. The “outstanding value” (as quoted by the Wine Advocate) is the Ksana Malbec Classico at $15.95. It’s a full bodied, old vine Malbec from Argentina’s Malbec mecca, Mendoza. The Wine Advocate gave this wine 90 points, suggesting to enjoy it now, “there is no reason to delay gratification.”
In my opinion, the 2006 Pinino Brunello di Montalcino is one of the best values of this entire release. Yes, it’s $38.95 but really, that’s one of the least expensive Brunellos I’ve come across, especially with this level of complexity, from such an amazing vintage. And the critics agree: 92 pts Wine Advocate, 92 pts Wine Enthusiast and 91 pts John Szabo!
Sincerely,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
Ksana Malbec Classico 2009
Tasting Note:
”The 2009 Malbec was sourced from vines averaging 52 years in Agrelo and Las Compuertas. It was aged for 8 months in French and American oak. Opaque purple in color, it sports a racy perfume of spice box, tobacco, floral notes, black cherry, and black raspberry. Medium-bodied with a sense of elegance, it has the structure and balance to evolve for 1-2 years, although there is no reason to delay gratification. Drink this outstanding value from 2012 to 2019. -JM.” (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2011)
Score: 90
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Price: $15.95 (per bottle),
LCBO# 287441
Pinino Brunello di Montalcino 2006
Tasting Note: “Pinino’s 2006 Brunello di Montalcino reveals plenty of depth and richness in its red fruit. Today the tannins are a bit raw, so the wine is best left to rest another few years in the cellar. Sweet, floral notes add lift and freshness on the firm yet textured finish. There seems to be enough juciness and purity in the fruit to support aging. The estate’s Brunello is aged in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. -AG” (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, May 2011)
Score: 92
“Elegant, fragrant, old school, floral, pot pourri-scented example here, with fine but firm, light dusty tannins, juicy acids and marked herbal, almost vermouth-like character. The finish lingers on nicely. Fine wine, mature now but should continue to develop slowly if you want to hang on to it for a half dozen years or so. Tasted July 2012. Value Rating: **1/2” (John Szabo, MS, WineAlign.com, July 2012)
Score: 91
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Price: $38.95 (per bottle)
LCBO# 32508
Le Sommelier is a Certified Good Food Fighter. Please support the businesses and organizations that support Good Food Revolution.
