By Gaby Israel The repeating question is what to do with so many wines and a limited budget. Here’s my best cellar wines list for this release as a shopping list that you can print and these are my recommendations in order of preference for an up-to $100 release budget: Spain – 2001 Heredad de [...]

By Gaby Israel Here are the top 5 wines that would be hard to resist. Most of them have at least 2 of the 3 triple “winning elements” – Price, quality and cellaring potential: 2009 Montebuena – $12.95 This $13, 100% Tempranillo from Rioja received 90 by WS and RP. Natalie MacLean gave it 86. Worth [...]

By Gaby Israel Great Whites under $20 Here are 3 different white wines. Two  from France that are more similar in their Old World style and one from Argentina that is more modern. All three are perfect for the spring. 2010 Catena Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina – $19.95 2009 Michel Picard Chardonnay Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France [...]

By Gaby Israel For the cellar France - Chateau Haut-Surget 2009 – $24.95 So much has been said and written about this amazing vintage in Bordeaux especially in terms of  comparing its quality to other legendary vintages such as 1990 and 1982. This wine from Lalande-de-Pomerol is a typical Right-bank blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cab [...]

By Gaby Israel United States 2007 Villa Mt. Eden Zinfandel Antique Vines Grand Reserve, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Amador County, Napa County, California -$19.95. I can’t skip any opportunity to buy a good hefty Zin. This wine is for you John M to try! Great supportive review, fair price. What’s not to like? Australia 2008 [...]

By Gaby Israel Australia Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2011 – $15.95 You cannot go Wrong with Yalumba, even with this entry level Viognier. I like serving it chilled and have it with any type of dish – from grilled fish, to seafood pasta. Chile Errazuriz Single Vineyard Carmenere 2009 2009 – $18.95 Errazuriz Don Maximiano Single [...]

By Gaby Israel 2006 Beronia Reserva, Rioja, Spain – $19.95 After an amazing 2005 vintage in this Spanish region, 2006 is  not as promising, nevertheless, my number one choice from this release based on quality and price. This is what traditional Rioja is all about – you get value for your money. This wine is [...]

By Gaby Israel 2009 Epsilon Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia – $24.95 2009 was the third in a row series of ‘Good’ yet not amazing vintages in the Barossa region. Nevertheless, based on James Halliday’s review as well as Natalie’s, who gave it 90 and 92 respectively, it seems a successful effort for the vintage. [...]

By Gaby Israel 2009 Turkey Flat Butchers Block Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre – $19.95 For all of you out there that love a GSM blend. This one is by Turkey Flat – an excellent consistent wine producer. Obviously, for this price it’s their entry level wine. Nevertheless, got a very good review by JH (94) and [...]

By Gaby Israel The “Day After Tomorrow” is not only a name of a apocalyptic movie. It’s also a phenomena known at the LCBO as the month of January. After all the December hype with a huge variety of expensive wines a person can find in one single release, there isn’t any money left in [...]