Red Wine
Shiraz/Viognier 2004, Western Australia, Australia: If you like Wolf Blass Yellow Label or Yellow Tail, you'll love this wine. It has a lovely lift in flavor from the bit of viognier (a white grape) added to it. Balanced and juicy. Shiraz/Viognier food pairings: Hearty meat dishes, hamburgers, steak, beef tenderloin with a blue cheese crust. 20180 0 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Shiraz Reserve 2004, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Aramis Vineyards’ specializes in only two varieties, Shiraz and Cabernet. The Leeroy Reserve shows layered aromas of blackberry, creme de cassis, cherry, tobacco, and vanilla It’s packed with ripe dark berry and cherry flavors balanced by soft tannins and enough acidity to keep things harmonious and refreshing. My note: Stunningly rich and full-bodied. Shiraz Reserve food pairings: lamb kebabs, beef tenderloin, beef stew, cheddar cheese, dark chocolate. 20578 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Greg Norman Cabernet Merlot 2004, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of blackcurrants, vanilla and cedar lead to berry, berry lovely flavors and a hint of mint. Serve it with chargrilled meat and you’ve got yourself a hole in one. My note: A solid effort by former golfer known as "The Shark" and now a brand-making machine. Capitalism at its purest. Aromas of mint and dark plums. Full-bodied but balanced. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: barbecued meat, hamburgers, sourdough bread, marinated chicken on the grill, beef stroganof. 552075 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
John Riddoch Shiraz 2003, Limestone Coast, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Rich and vibrant, with aromas of blackberry, plum, strawberry preserves, dark chocolate and a hint of spice. Sweet plum flavour and gentle tannins blend in harmony leading to a long elegant finish. A perfect match to veal roasted with fennel, shallots and carrots. My note: A terrific wine with vibrant red fruit. Full-bodied. Shiraz food pairings: veal, meat dishes in a wine reduction sauce, spicy turkey sausage, brisket, grilled steak. 575092 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Grenache Mouvedre Shiraz 2003, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Round, ripe and full-bodied. A palate-whacking wine that is nonetheless balanced and delicious. Aromas of black plums. Grenache Mouvedre Shiraz food pairings: game casseroles, peppercorn steak, braised lamb shanks, black pudding. 723890 XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 92/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Merlot 2004, Mendocino County, United States: Here's another wine I recommend year after year, especially for those looking for wines made from organically grown grapes. It's solidly made with good balance and pleasant aromas of red plums and berries. Full-bodied. Merlot food pairings: game dishes, cornish hen, chili dog, cheeseburgers. 25247 0 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pinot Noir 2005, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from a small vineyard high up in the Andes where the altitude helps create the cool conditions that Pinot Noir adores, this is an unbelievable value. This dry Pinot has lovely cherry and earth notes. My note: Aromas of jammy-ripe fruit. Medium-bodied and easy-drinking. Terrific price! Pinot Noir food pairings: hamburgers, smoked salmon, mexican dishes, pizza. 32979 13.3% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Carmenère Reserva 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Located in the heart of the Colchagua Valley, Casa Silva is one of Chile’s finest estates. This family winery has received numerous awards including ‘Best Winery of the Continent’ honors in the South American Guide. With every vintage they seem to raise the bar. This ultra-ripe Carmenère is a blockbuster with loads of blackberry, prune, graphite, leather, and spice aromas. It is dry with rich fruit tones surrounded by intriguing herbal notes and fine tannins which add complexity and intrigue. My note: Stunning vale/taste for the money. Full-bodied with dark plum and mint aromas. Lovely long finish. Carmenère Reserva food pairings: meat dishes, meatballs, beef bourguignonne, pot roast. 24679 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. March 2007. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Michel Picard Gamay 2004, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Moulin-à-Vent AC has long been recognized as Beaujolais’ finest production region, creating wines that age longer, taste fuller and are more concentrated than the other village ACs. Michel Picard’s 2004 is an excellent example of this style. Try it with grilled ham or veal tenderloin. My note: A lovely light wine with aromas of bright red cherries and mouth-watering juicy red fruit. Gamay food pairings: salmon, cold chicken, rabbit, goulash, romano cheese. 16865 D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Parent Pinot Noir 2003, Ac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby in color. Notes of floral,
dark chocolate, black tea, and plum. Dry and medium-bodied. My note: Darker with more body than the Pavillon with aromas of dark red berries and plums. Pinot Noir food pairings: spicy mushroom risotto, leg of lamb, mild cheeses, duck with mango. Drink: 2007 - 2010 903492 13.3% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 90/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pinot Noir 2004, Do Penedès, Spain: A full-bodied pinot noir that's more like those from California than Burgundy. Nicely balanced and hefty enough for a wide range of dishes. Gorgeous aromas of cherries, smoke, cedar and plums. Stunningly delicious. Pinot Noir food pairings: cinnamon and cumin spiced dishes, mild curries, pork with hoisin and honey sauce, roast beef, rustic bread. 673483 13% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Greg Norman Cabernet Merlot 2012, South Australia, Australia Cabernet Merlot food pairings: barbecued meat, hamburgers, sourdough bread, marinated chicken on the grill, beef stroganof. 552075 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Chardonnay 2006, Twenty Mile Bench, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: We’re told that the previous vintage of
this wine blew out the winery doors and it looks like the 2006 vintage is poised to do the same. It’s bursting with youthful aromas of sweet apple, cinnamon, melon, peaches and cream as well as perfumed floral notes. Dry,
medium bodied, it’s fresh and youthful with the apple and melon flavors. Delicious and refreshing. My note: Lovely orange peel aromas with exotic floral notes. Chardonnay food pairings: shellfish, seafood, salads, tuna, fried chicken. 37879 D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Riesling Spätlese 1999, Qmp, Erbacher Marcobrunn, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Schloss Reinhartshausen is located right on the Rhine River. In fact, portions of its ancient cellars are located directly under the river, thus giving them near perfect
temperature and humidity conditions. This Spätlese is dominated by ripe apricot, citrus and peach aromas and flavors. My note: Lovely and enticing wine with aromas of tree fruit. Riesling Spätlese food pairings: grilled duck breast, stuffed chicken, roasted lamb shanks, pasta. 29033 M 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. March 2007. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart