Dessert Wine
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 1995, Port, Portugal: A rich, round and smooth port. 121749 20% S 750 mL $34.95 Score: 95/100. September 2008. Favorite Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Raphael Dubois Pinot Noir 2006, Burgundy, Nuits-Sait-Georges, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The name Nuits-Saint-Georges is synonymous with quality and sturdiness. Even though the appellation does not boast any grands crus, it does produce exceptional premier crus and village wines that are typically quite “meaty”, powerful and slightly tannic. My note: A robust and complexly layered Pinot. A red filled with dark red fruit notes. Pinot Noir food pairings: game with wild mushroom sauce, cheeses. Drink: 2008 - 2012 84608 13% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 89/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château de Melin Chemin De La Justice Pinot Noir 2006, A.C. Gevrey-Chambertin, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Built in 1550, Château de Melin is located a few kilometers from Burgundy’s vinous capital, Beaune, and its lovely wines are estate bottled and vigilantly made according to traditional methods. My note: A deep, rich Pinot with notes of black cherries and slight mocha. Beautifully structured. Drink: 2008 - 2012 42077 13% XD 750 mL $55.95 Score: 91/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Paul Misset Vosne-Romanee Pinot Noir Les Barreaux 2002, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Les Barreaux is sourced from a mere two parcels of vines that range in age from 40 to 60 years. This is a classic example of Vosne-Romanée with its mellow, fleshy and opulent mouthfeel and beautiful flavours of cherry, strawberry, violet and undergrowth. This exquisite wine is drinking really well now. My note: A beautifully brooding Pinot with temperamental notes of earth, mushrooms, violet and black raspberries. Pinot Noir Les Barreaux food pairings: game bird. Drink: 2008 - 2012 87130 12.7% XD 750 mL $67.95 Score: 93/100. September 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Antonin Rodet Santenay Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Clos Rousseau, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Located at the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune, Santenay traditionally produces scented and supple Pinot Noir. Based on brown calcarerous soils, with an ideal southeastern-facing exposure, Clos Rousseau Premier Cru is slightly more powerful, denser and more vigorous than the village wines. My note: An intensely aromatic red with beetroot and raspberry notes. Pinot Noir food pairings: Asian-glazed chicken, brie de Meaux. Drink: 2008 - 2012 84566 13.4% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Chanson Beaune Teurons Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: AC, 1er Cru Beaune’s Chanson Père et Fils has been making fine wines since 1750. Recently, the Henriot family of Champagne took over the reigns of this family firm, ensuring that its reputation as one of the region’s best négociants would be upheld for years to come. Located at the heart of Chanson Père et Fils’ holdings, this four-hectare vineyard is based on a mixture of limestone and clay. Filled with generous ripe raspberry and
cherry flavours with hints of black pepper and vanilla. My note: Lifted ripe red fruit notes. Gorgeous layers with a long finish. Pinot Noir food pairings: roasted white meats, semi-soft cheese. 84426 13.5% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 92/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alain Geoffroy Pinot Noir 2006, Burgundy, Bourgogne, France: A lovely clean, medium-bodied red with cherry aromas. Pinot Noir food pairings: roasted fowl, veal cutlets. 84475 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sanford Pinot Noir 2006, Sta. Rita Hills, California, United States: Gorgeous Pinot with dancing cherries. Pinot Noir food pairings: pork, duck. Drink: 2008 - 2012 709618 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir 2006, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Santa Cruz Mountains is home to an annual event known as Pinot Paradise where hundreds gather to
immerse themselves in all things Pinot. No wonder. This rugged appellation produces some of California’s best Pinots. Winemaker Michael Martella crafts this creamy supple version. Unfined and unfiltered, it
offers plentiful ripe cherries, oak spice and earth notes. My note: A rich Pinot with black cherries and beetroot. Drink: 2008 - 2012 75994 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine was named after the wild mustangs, which typically measured ‘14 hands’ in height, that once roamed the rolling hills rising up from the Columbia River. Aged for approximately 12 months in a combination of American and French oak, this Cab features classic black-fruit aromas. Its flavors of cherries and spice are accentuated by fine, supple tannins. My note: A lovely, medium-bodied Cabernet that's balanced and subtle. Plums will burst in your mouth. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb, turkey. Drink: 2008 - 2012 70573 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Rapel Valley, Chile: A full-bodied red filled with black fruit and mocha. Tannic so decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2008 - 2012 398800 14.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Perez Cruz Reserva Syrah 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of gold medals at both the Syrah du Monde and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competitions in 2008, this deeply coloured and highly extracted red will enthuse you with its intense aromas and flavors of blackberry purée, black pepper and smoke. My note: Aromatic red with lifted notes of plums and blackberries. Reserva Syrah food pairings: sausages, steak, lamb chops. Drink: 2008 - 2012 589812 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clarence Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Clarence Hill Vineyard in McLaren Vale boasts the red soil known as “Terra Rossa” that is usually associated with the Coonawarra region. This iron-rich soil produces top-notch Cabernet like this rich, full-bodied
version with its ripe blackberry, plum and oak spice notes. My note: Deep, dark and brooding. Full-throttle Cabernet with black fruit notes. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rich lamb, beef dishes. Drink: 2008 - 2012 43729 13.9% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dark Side of The Moon Shiraz 2005, Clare Valley, Australia: A dark, delicious Shiraz with juicy, hunger-inducing notes of black plums. Drink: 2008 - 2012 72652 15% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nugan Estate McLaren Parish Vineyard Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Round, inviting with ripe red fruit and mocha. Drink: 2008 - 2012 72603 15% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, Barossa, Australia: Blend of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon (62.2%), Malbec (12%), Petit Verdot (10.5%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Merlot (5.3%). A rich deep red with cassis and plum aromas. Drink: 2008 - 2012 24091 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Omaka Springs Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: A gorgeous Pinot bursting with tart red fruit and intriguing spices. Smooth and velvet. Closed with a screwcap. Pinot Noir food pairings: smoked duck breasts. Drink: 2008 - 2012 61085 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ra Nui Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: A smooth, seductive Pinot with bright strawberry notes. Medium-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008 - 2012 7500 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2007, W.O., South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes were sourced from a single vineyard in the Wellington district, then aged for 27 months in used French oak barrels. The result is a full-bodied, spicy and floral red. An amazing wine for the price! Rich notes of plums fill the glass. Syrah food pairings: braised beef. Drink: 2008 - 2012 595280 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hidden Valley Pinotage 2006, W.O., South Africa: A robust red with dark red fruit and smoke notes. Pinotage food pairings: cheeder cheese, spicy dishes, ostrich. Drink: 2008 - 2012 655639 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De La Madone Gamay Noir 2006, A.C. Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine de la Madone experienced a dramatic growing season during the 2006 vintage. They literally weathered storms in the spring, but were blessed by gloriously sunny conditions in the late summer and autumn. This balanced, refined Gamay is a testament to their skill. Rich with dark berry fruit, there is a vibrant intensity to this wine that makes it an excellent partner for rich cheeses or cream
sauce dishes. Truly exceptional value. My note: A simple, lip-smacking delicious red with rip red berries. Medium-bodied. Gamay Noir food pairings: rich cheeses, cream sauces. 981175 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino Sangiovese 2003, D.O.C.G., Italy: Perfectly calibrated and balanced. Luxurious aromas of dark red fruit and light spices. Drink: 2008 - 2012 32508 14% XD 750 mL $65.95 Score: 92/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Azul Portugal Touriga Nacional Tinta Roriz Reserva 2006, D.O.C. Dao, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker Anselmo Mendes believes that the enormous winemaking potential of the Dão region is only just being discovered. This wine, made from a blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, offers aromas of
black tea and cocoa, and dried fruit (figs, blueberry, strawberry) flavors on the palate. My note: Full-whack wine with black fruit notes. Tannic so decant 2 hours. Touriga Nacional Tinta Roriz Reserva food pairings: bean stews, roasted chicken. Drink: 2008 - 2012 82198 12.4% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Falcoaria Fernão Pires Reserva 2005, D.O.C., Portugal: A rich, soft texture. Full-bodied with aromas of black raisined fruit. Drink: 2008 - 2012 80390 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Senorio De Sarria Vinedo Sotés Tempranillo 2004, D.O., Spain: A juicy, full-bodied robust red filled with black cherries. Good structure. Drink: 2008 - 2012 80366 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Domaine Sorin Terra Amata Rosé 2007, A.C. Cotes De Provence, France: A pretty rosé with lovely aromas of ripe strawberries. Bone-dry and succulent. 71191 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Favorite Rose Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Mersault 2004, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous Chardonnay with pears, minerality and green apples. 12369 13% D 750 mL $74.00 Score: 92/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château de la Crée Chassagne-Montrachet Pinot Noir 2006, A.C. Morgeot, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Like the grands crus, the premier cru vineyards of Chassagne-Montrachet sit on a southeast-facing ridge, but at a higher elevation and on a less pronounced slope. Morgeot produces whites that are fatter and richer than many other premier crus, and with fewer mineral notes. My note: Subtle but gorgeous. Balance personalified (bottled?). A vibrant white filled with ripe pears, minerality and smoke. Pinot Noir food pairings: roasted salmon, cream sauces. Drink: 2008 - 2012 87163 14.2% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 94/100. September 2008. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lincourt Chardonnay 2005, California, United States: Gorgeous, layered Chardonnay filled with ripe pear and toasty oak notes. 69195 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lailey Winery Old Vines Chardonnay 2006, Niagara V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: Gorgeous richness and texture. Layers of ripe pears, oak, smoke and butter. 706242 13% XD 750 mL $40.20 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Henry of Pelham Off-Dry Reserve Riesling 2007, Niagara V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A pretty Riesling with attractive notes of ripe melon and pear. Closed with a screwcap. Off-Dry Reserve Riesling food pairings: glazed pork, roast chicken. Drink: 2008 - 2012 557165 11.5% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 2008. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ridgepoint Wines Medium Dry Riesling 2006, Niagara V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A soft, light Riesling with a pleasant touch of sweetness. Ripe notes of melon. Drink: 2008 - 2012 88864 12.5% MD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2007, Eden Valley, Australia: Bone-dry and inviting. Pure essence of limes. Mouth-watering. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008 - 2012 558650 13.5% D 750 mL $50.00 Score: 89/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: A juicy vibrant Chardonnay that is also smooth and round. Full-bodied with ripe pears and light smoke. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008 - 2013 359513 14% D 750 mL $40.95 Score: 93/100. September 2008. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Raimat Vina 27 Chardonnay 2007, D.O., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Raimat’s visionary founder Manuel Raventós was one of the early pioneers that brought viticulture to the rugged Costers del Segre region in the early 20th century. Today, his winery is a pillar of this now popular region. This modern unoaked Chardonnay displays ripe apple and peach fruit flavours on a round, creamy textured,
medium body. My note: An aromatic white filled with pears and spices. Full-bodied. Chardonnay food pairings: chicken in almond and wine sauce. Drink: 2008 - 2012 15413 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 2008. Best Value White Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Condado De Haza Crianza 2005, D.O., Spain: Rich, smooth and full-bodied. Layered with dark red fruit and dried herbs. Drink: 2008 - 2012 963348 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. September 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart