Top Marks New 90+ Wines and Sparklers: July 9 Vintages Wine Release

The upcoming Vintages Release on Saturday, July 9 looked promising when I first gazed at the cover. However, I found the bulk of the 90+ wines were well over $20, and tasting notes that seemed a little dated based on the ageability of the wine.

On the other hand, the feature on Sparkling Wines, including Champagne is outstanding. Lots of variety with great value! On page 18, you will also find a table on various different methods used to make Sparkling wines.

If you're looking for something to cellar away for a couple of years, the Bordeaux red (#231886) from the great 2009 vintage, the 2007 Lirac (#213082) from Rhône, or the 2005 Lan Reserva (#042929) from Spain are good candidates.

Red Wine:

• LAN RESERVA 2005 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#042929) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU AUGUSTE 2009 - AC, Cuvée du Moulin, Bordeaux, France (#231886) (D) - $16.95
• LOMOND SYRAH 2008 - WO Cape Agulhas, South Africa (#146464) (XD) - $19.95
• BAGLIO DI PIANETTO SHYMER SYRAH/MERLOT 2008 - IGT Sicilia, Italy (#219501) (D) - $15.95
• DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR ANTARÈS LIRAC 2007 - AC, Rhône, France (#213082) (D) - $19.95

White Wine:

• LEONE DE CASTRIS MESSAPIA VERDECA 2009 - IGT Salento, Puglia, Italy (#221879) (D) - $14.95
• GURRUTXAGA TXAKOLI 2009 - DO Bizkaiko Txakolina, Spain (#240333) (XD) - $18.95
• MOLTÈS RÉSERVE RIESLING 2009 - AC Alsace, France (#223925) (D) - $17.95
• DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER RIESLING 2009 - QbA Mosel, Germany (#596601) (MD) - $12.95

Sparkling Wine:

• FERRÉ I CATASÚS BRUT RESERVA CAVA - Spain (#224717) (D) - $16.95
• LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D’AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - AC, Burgundy, France (#048793) (XD) - $18.95
• CERRINO BRÎCH MENU MOSCATO D’ASTI 2010 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#159822) (MS) - $13.95