We are smack dab in the middle of winter. Far enough into the cold and snow to forget the glorious crisp days of fall, the smell of falling leaves and the novelty of wearing cosy new sweaters. We are far enough from spring and summer that the idea of ever being warm outside again seems impossible.
Yet I know that the warm days will come, the days will get longer and the sun will melt the snow. In the meantime, I find that a good cozy red wine helps a lot on these cold dark evenings!
Here is a list of my current 5 faves at close to under 25 bucks. These wines are delicious, comforting and gentle on the newly reduced budgets that so many of us are struggling to maintain. Best of all, they can be delivered by the case to your front door.
#1) 2004 Bodega y Cavas de Weinert Malbec, Mendoza Argentina
Price: $18.95 Availability: CONSIGNMENT/case of 12
• This is a very well structured Malbec, remniscent of an Old World wine, but with the big, deep, bountiful fruit that one would expect of an Argentinian Malbec. It offers huge value in the quality of the oak treatment, the balanced acidity and the generous dark fruit flavour. Drink this one with a big steak dinner. Also delicious on its own.
#2) 2005 Organic Vignerons Australia Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia
Price: $19.95 Availability: VINTAGES (31/01/09)
• Here is a great wine for the price. Not only is it organic, but it has about 1/3 the usual sulfur levels of a red wine. Translation: you can drink a lot of this wine and not feel anything more than dehydrated in the morning!
The 2005 vintage yields a wine filled with big, delicious fresh dark fruit, soft,pliable tannins and a decent, gentle finish. Get it while it lasts.
#3) 2005 Penley ‘Hyland’ Shiraz (WS 90, JH 93, IWC 91), Coonawarra Australia
Price: $24.95 Availability: CONSIGNMENT/case of 12
• The 2005 Hyland is a no-brainer. For under $25, you get a big Aussie Shiraz full of black plum, dark berry, toasty oak, light smoke, hints of pepper and warming 14.5% alcohol. Enough said.
#4) 2006 Domaine Les Aphillantes ‘Cuvée des Galets’ GSM (RP 89), Côtes-du- Rhône Villages France
Price: $27.95 Availability: CONSIGNMENT/case of 12
• The varietal breakdown of this biodynamic wine (see note on benefits of organic wine consumption with #2 above) from esteemed producer Daniel Boulle is 55% Grenache, with the rest evenly split between Syrah and Mourvèdre. I love this wine. With lots of dark black/blueberry fruit and pepper spice, a fine tannic structure, medium/full body, warming alcohol, and just enough acidity, this is a sophisticated little wine.
#5) 2004 Bodegas Piedemonte Crianza Merlot/Tempranillo/Cab. Sauvignon,
Navarra Spain
Price: $21.50 Availability: CONSIGNMENT/case of 12
• Silky. Soft. Lush. Easy. I’m talking about the wine.
This is a delectable little fruit bomb. Bright red and dark fruits abound. Generous amounts of vanilla, warm spice and soft tannin also. This is a New World styled Spanish Crianza. Drink this with braised, saucy dishes especially. This wine definitely belongs in the ‘yummy’ category.
To order any of these wines, please contact myself or Jarrod at: 416.531.5553
You can also order online at www.bwwines.com
Cheers to braving the endless winter (with the help of some good vino),
Kristin