My Picks: Vintages On-Line Exclusives -- April 21

This is post #100!  Wohoo!

Here’s my shopping list for this week’s Vintages On-Line Exclusives Release.

What am I looking for? Three things.
Organic: wines certified biodynamic or organic
Off the Beaten Track: lesser-known or underappreciated traditional varietals, unusual blends, or underappreciated regions
Value: good wines at less than $30.

Organic
Nothing new this week, but I did find this gem from a previous release:

KRINKLEWOOD BIODYNAMIC VINEYARD SEMILLON 2009, Hunter Valley (Australia); #148973; 10% ABV; $26
Semillon is the signature grape of Hunter Valley (north of Sydney) and oh so worth trying. Meant for aging, it's typically closed when young (not showing any aromas or flavours) so hold on to this until at least 2014. Should match well with shellfish.

Off the Beaten Track

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2007, Mendoza (Argentina); #79798; 15% ABV; $23
From Susana Balbo, one of my favourite producers, this Malbec has 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

QUINTA QUIETUD 2003, DO Toro (Spain); #162701; 14% ABV; $29
100% Tempranillo, aged in American and French oak for 20 months

B CRUX 2004, Mendoza, Argentina; #163709; 14% ABV; $24
A blend of Tempranillo (50%), Malbec (40%), and Merlot (10%). Aged 12 months, 80% in new French oak and the rest in new American oak. Unfiltered.

CA' RUGATE MONTE FIORENTINE SOAVE CLASSICO 2008, DOC Soave Classico (Veneto, Italy); #163832; 12% ABV; $22
Like Pinot Grigio, the wine stores used to be full of very ordinary Soave. But behind the old perception are some very good wines. The Classico designation means it comes from the traditional Soave region. 100% Garganega. No oak.

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