Thursday, March 25, 2010

What wines we're drinking this week



Just in case you were wondering - no, the Wine Barbarian did not stop drinking wine over the past three months!

I regret that my polical blog, my work and family obligations sometimes mean updating the Wine Barbarian blog is delayed - this time for quite awhile.

But here are two great wines for you to try as small compensation for my absence.

First, on your right, the fabulous
Monte Antico 2006 - ranked at Number 60 on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009 - this blend of 85% sangiovese, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% merlot from Tuscany is rated 90 points.

But the real news is its amazingly low price for such great quality - it retails in BC Liquor Stores for just $16.99!! Get it fast - the Liquor Board says it has just over 1600 bottles in stock.

Plum, cherry and berry flavours coming from wine that spends a year in oak make this a crowd pleaser anywhere.

And on your left, another wonderful red wine - Bodegas Norton Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006. The Wine Spectator scores it at 88 points and I'd say its even a bit better than that. Dark current, plum, fig, cocoa and mocha notes can all be found - or so they say - and it's definitely a concentrated but accessible wine - perfect for grilled meats or fowl.

The BC Liquor Stores current indicate just over 1000 bottles are available at $18.99 each. Try out Norton's other fine wines too - especially their 2006 Privada blend at $25.99 if you have an extra few dollars. It's rated 92 points by the Wine Spectator.

Cheers and hopefully more reviews - and our New Orleans restaurant reviews - very soon!
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