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Vintages Release April 14, 2012

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Argentina

Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely especially for the price. Rich and round with green apple aromas and a toasty richness. Drink: 2012 - 2015 1461 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Filus Torrontés 2011, Salta, Argentina: Pretty and simple with lots of light laughter and pleasure. White flowers and lime lift. Drink: 2012 - 2014 273581 13.1% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Catena Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Oh yum! Buttery richness drips around a green apple core of vibrancy. Full-bodied, but not heavy. One of the best chardonnays I have tasted in a while. Drink: 2012 - 2017 918805 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chakana Yaguareté Collection Bonarda 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied and smooth with dark plum aromas. Great party wine. 3525 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Puerta Alta Bonarda 2009, Famatina Valley, La Rioja, Argentina: Blackberry liqueur richness with smooth, full-bodied weight. Intensely concentrated with a full on palate whack. Drink: 2012 - 2015 261990 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Decero Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Remolinos Vineyard, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina: Black fruit with generous oak treatment. Smoky with a nice finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 195677 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: A rich, deeply concentrated red with blackberry liqueur and blueberry preserve aromas. Smooth and full-bodied. Fantastic for barbecues. Drink: 2012 - 2015 135202 14.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Norton Privada Named Varietal Blends-Red 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely round richness with fleshy ripe black plums, figs and mocha-dark chocolate. Full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2015 376269 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fabre Montmayou Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied and pleasant with Bordeaux leanings. Black fruit with balanced oak. Good price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 261891 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Piedra Negra François Lurton Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied, robust and cedar-rustic with terrific, savoury black fruit aromas. Nice smoky finish. Do yourself a favour and decant it for 2 hours first. Drink: 2012 - 2015 924001 13.8% XD 750 mL $36.75 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Crios Domino Del Plata Torrontés 2011, Argentina, Argentina: A profusion of white flowers and happiness. Just the right amount of acidity for almost all dishes, except maybe steak. Lively and pretty. Life is beautiful. Drink: 2012 - 2015 1834 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: An incredibly rich and concentrated with intense aromas and layers of blackberry liqueur flavour. Demands hearty meat dishes and won't be satisfied until you are. Bring it on! Drink: 2012 - 2016 236257 14.5% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 94/100. April 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pirramimma Katunga Gts Named Varietal Blends-Red 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Blackberry liqueur and full-bodied concentration. Smooth and juicy. Great meat dish companion. Drink: 2011 - 2015 203174 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Tannic and full-bodied with class cabernet aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry. Surprisingly elegant for a New World cab. Like it lots! Drink: 2011 - 2015 590471 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Brokenwood Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale Beechworth, South Australia Victoria, Australia: Lovely and balanced: not too heavy but definitely full-bodied. Love the mouth-feel on this luxurious red. Layers of fleshy blackcurrants and plums. Yum! Drink: 2012 - 2016 265975 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pillar Box Reserve Henry's Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Incredible richness, complexity and depth with seductive, draw-me-into-the-glass aromas of black fruit and dark spices. Smooth and full-bodied with a relaxed luxury that says life's good, enjoy. Drink: 2012 - 2016 199745 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wine Men of Gotham Wineinc Shiraz Grenache 2008, South Australia, Australia: Rich and warm with a wrap-around-you comfort. Black fleshy ripe fruit with a comforting blanket of smoky oak. Terrific wine, especially for the money. Drink: 2012 - 2015 269324 14.2% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

St. Hallett Semillon 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Love the lanolin-lemon richness here: bright yet luxurious. Unlike most white wines that you'll try. Come on, live a little... At least this weekend. Drink: 2012 - 2016 658005 11.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tyrrell's Wines Brookdale Semillon 2011, Hunter Valley, Australia: Lemon freshness in a glass with a lovely rich lanolin texture. The perfect wine that is stylistically between sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Brookdale Semillon food pairings: seafood, salads. Drink: 2012 - 2015 269316 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Stratus White 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: A pleasant blend of white grapes with enticing aromas of white melon and dry peach. Over-priced by $20. Drink: 2012 - 2015 660704 13.5% XD 750 mL $44.20 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Mocha and dark chocolate on the nose with dark plums and berries on the palate. Toasty oak and smooth texture with full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012 - 2015 126763 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Cellars Merlot 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Mocha-espresso with dark fruit and a smooth texture. Medium- to full-bodied. Pleasant. Drink: 2012 - 2015 235051 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vineland Estates Winery Chardonnay Musqué 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Lovely! Spring apple blossoms and honeysuckle with a crisp, dry finish. Mouth-watering and food-friendly. Drink: 2012 - 2015 381897 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Tamaya Reserva Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2009, Limari Valley, Chile: Pine forest with a mocha snowfall dusting. Full-bodied, smooth and savoury. Bring on the meat! Drink: 2012 - 2015 62497 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quintay Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Grassy and herbal with chives and lemongrass. Refreshing and crisp, no oak. Drink: 2012 - 2014 276493 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Michel Delhommeau Cuvée Harmonie Muscadet De Sèvre-Et-Maine 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Mouth-watering and a perfect foil for shellfish. Clean and crisp with lemon and lime notes. Drink: 2012 - 2014 164624 12% XD 750 mL $13.25 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Absolutely fantastic, and a steal at this price! Gorgeous aromas of white peach and melon with just a hint of light spice on the finish. Medium- to full-bodied and delicious. Drink: 2012 - 2016 983395 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michel Picard Bourgogne Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: This has got to be a typo on the price! Hazelnut richness wraps itself gorgeously around green apple and peach notes. Full-bodied and generous and round and you won't get another Burgundian chardonnay at this price for a very long tim my friend. Drink: 2012 - 2016 264440 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Chauveau La Charmette Pouilly Fumé 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Classic Old World Sauvignon Blanc that's pure lemon light and crispness. Not much oak evident here; great mouth-watering juiciness for food. Not grassy, just refreshing and focused. Makes me focused too ... on the bottle. Drink: 2012 - 2014 274357 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Beausejour Vign. Sudrat-Melet Meritage 2009, A.C., Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: A terrific wine for the money! Full-bodied with black fruit and smoke. You won't find Bordeaux at the price-quality ratio often. Decant for 2 hours Drink: 2012 - 2015 264267 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Trimoulet Grand Cru Meritage 2008, A.C., St-Émilion , Bordeaux, France: Lots of mocha richness with a savoury, meaty note on the mid-palate. Dark plums and blackberry aromas. Full-bodied. Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2016 35675 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Le Dit De La Clapassière Séguret 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: A fantastic wine for the money! Here's your party and summer barbecue vino. Full-bodied and layered with lip-smacking delicious layers of black fruit. Drink: 2012 - 2016 652339 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Delamotte Brut, A.C., Champagne, France: Toasty and crisp with terrific complex and refreshment. Very elegant. Drink: 2012 - 2016 183434 13% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château De Mercey Mercurey Domaine Rodet Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: A juicy pinot with pleasantly sour cherry and cranberry aromas and flavours. I love this style but its an acquired taste as it' not fruity or ripely sweet. Drink: 2011 - 2018 264531 13% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. April 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Volnay Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Such a pretty pinot! The best of New and Old World styles: ripe luscious berry aromas without being too fruity. Terrific balance, silky, seductive texture and a long finish. A touch of earth and smoke but not a lot. Lovely! Drink: 2012 - 2016 91090 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. April 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Winemakers' Collection Cuvée No. 4 Stéphane Derenoncourt Meritage 2008, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: A big, black Bordeaux with New World power and fruit. The flying winemaker, international influence is evident. Delicious and boldly assertive. Drink: 2013 - 2018 136549 13% XD 750 mL $43.00 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château De Bord La Croix De Frégère Laudun, Brotte, Aimé Et Pascal Fayolle, Prop.-Récolt. 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: A rich and delicious red with robust layers of black cherry, smoke and cherry. Mouth-watering and juicy with delicious flavours, especially for this price point. Drink: 2012 - 2016 264218 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hungary

Csányi Pincészet Teleki Villányi Cabernet Franc 2008, Hungary, Hungary: A tasty, full-bodied red with dark fruit and smooth texture. Drink: 2012 - 2014 74823 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Antinori Badia A Passignano Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G.,Tuscany, Italy: A lovely and elegant wine with a silky smooth texture and medium- to full-bodied weight. Aromas of dark fruit and just the right amount of oak. Drink: 2012 - 2016 139104 14% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2009, D.O.C.G.,Tuscany, Italy: Juicy and savoury with full-bodied richness. Dark berries with a smoky finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 222810 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monte del Frá Bardolino 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Love it! Peppery and peppy with ripe blackberry and black plum aromas and flavours. Very delicious! Drink: 2012 - 2014 134544 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

L'antico Di Burchino Vigna Casanova Chianti 2010, D.O.C.G.,Tuscany, Italy: This lovely, juicy, full-bodied organic/biodynamic wine has just 6 mg/l of free sulphur. It's a pleasant treat for the senses, both nose and mouth. Great food wine for pork chops or grilled chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2014 160457 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Corasco Tedeschi Appassimento 2008, I.G.T., Rosso Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Loads of black pepper on the nose and palate: terrific liquid condiment to any dish that cries out for pepper. Black fruit, juicy, smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2016 216440 13% XD 750 mL $24.65 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Campolieti Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Black cherry and purple plum liqueur richness and concentration. Full-bodied and smooth with layers of intense flavour. Pair with prime rib or brisket. Drink: 2012 - 2015 695890 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jorio Umani Ronchi Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2009, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: A pleasant, smooth, medium0 to full-bodied red for a great price. Dark fruit aromas and toasty oak. Drink: 2012 - 2014 134577 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 86/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Corte Old Vines Di Manduria Casa Vinicola Botter Carlo & C. Primitivo 2010, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Full-bodied with dark fruit. Don't analyze it; drink it. Good party wine. Drink: 2012 - 2014 269019 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Duca Di Quadri Catemario Collezione Privata Pinot Grigio 2010, D.O.C., Friuli, Italy: Clean, fresh and crisp without any heavy oak. Great aperitif or food companion. Drink: 2012 - 2015 120782 12.4% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

Herdade Penedo Gordo António M. Esteves Monteiro Vinho Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Alentejo, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A roast leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary would complement this fine wine, which will also reward 3+ years in a cellar. My note: Love it! Mocha-rich and fleshy dark berries. I want to sink into this wine and come out after I’ve had my fill. As a voluptuary, this is my kind of wine. Rich, full-bodied and velvet smooth. What an amazing price. Vinho Tinto food pairings: lamb. Drink: 2011 - 2014 218339 13.8% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Astrolábium Reserva Dão Sul Vinho Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Dão, Portugal: Tasty and full-bodied with dark, savoury aromas and flavours of black fruit and smoke. Good value for the price. Drink: 2011 - 2014 276121 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Passadouro Vinho Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: A dark and full-bodied with appealing licorice, dark spice and black fruit aromas. Meaty and mouth-watering. Yum! Drink: 2012 - 2016 267997 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portal Vinho Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Full-bodied and pleasant with dark fruit aromas. Drink: 2010 - 2014 190769 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cálem Colheita Single Vintage Sogevinus Btld. 2011 Tawny Port 1998, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: One of my favourite tawny port producers! This lovely toffee-rich, toasted almond wonder is a superb after-dinner drink or pair it with crème brûlée or biscotti. Drink: 2006 - 2017 264259 20% S 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. April 2012. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Spier Wines Creative Block 3 Named Varietal Blends-Red 2008, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Juicy and ultra-delicious! Wow, it comes on with so many different aromas: mocha, fleshy blackberry and savoury goodness. Drink: 2012 - 2015 263632 14% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 93/100. April 2012. Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blue Crane Full Flight Red 2008, W.O., Tulbagh, South Africa: Dark chocolate and black plum notes with a smooth texture and full-bodied weight. Very pleasant. Drink: 2010 - 2014 267831 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Faustino V Tempranillo Rosado 2011, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: A robust and deeply satisfying rose, yet not heavy. Bone-dry and refreshing with gorgeous aromas of dark raspberries. Perfect. Drink: 2012 - 2014 700534 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rotllán Torra Crianza 2007, D.O.C., Priorat, Spain: Savoury and juicy with great complexity and depth. Smooth and full-bodied with lusciously ripe and fleshy dark berries. Drink: 2011 - 2017 267989 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rioja Bordón Gran Reserva Bodegas Franco-Espanolas Tempranillo 2003, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Love that mature leather and tobacco flavour! Palate is more seductive than the nose. Age and wisdom have their benefits when it comes to wine as well. This is seductively smooth and complex; a contemplative wine. Full-bodied and elegant. Drink: 2012 - 2023 12295 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Ridge Vineyards York Creek Zinfandel 2007, York Creek, United States: This is a huge, towering wine with black and purple plum liqueur concentration. When you want the full-on palate whack, this is your bottle. Drink: 2012 - 2016 269381 14.6% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: A classic California cabernet with juicy, savoury notes of cassis and blackcurrant. A long, dry finish. Drink: 2011 - 2017 149955 14.6% D 750 mL $119.95 Score: 91/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cyrus Alexander Valley Vineyards 2007, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Complex, deep and rich with irresistible aromas and flavours of savoury dark fruit and fleshy ripe black plums. An extremely long finish that will last almost as long until you open the next bottle. Drink: 2012 - 2016 269233 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Rich, round, full-bodied and balanced with a chalky finish. Dark fruit aromas and flavours; nice layering of sensual pleasure. Drink: 2012 - 2016 731810 14.2% XD 750 mL $158.00 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: A gorgeous and beautifully concentrated pinot noir that displays the best of what California is capable of with this varietal. Fleshy ripe dark cherries with a lick of spice on the finish. Top me up! Drink: 2012 - 2017 212076 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 94/100. April 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Saintsbury Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir 2007, Carneros, California, United States: Luscious, elegant and superb. This is Californian pinot noir raised to its highest Platonic ideal. Forget philosophy though, and top up your glass: this is great wine! Drink: 2012 - 2016 261594 14.9% XD 750 mL $79.00 Score: 95/100. April 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Alexander Valley, California, United States: Chalky dry on the finish with attractive dark berry notes before you get there. Full-bodied but heavy and smooth especially if you decant for 2 hours first. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak, lamb. Drink: 2015 - 2018 50427 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bonterra Zinfandel 2009, Mendocino, Amador, Lake Counties, California, United States: This organic wine has just 11 mg/l of free sulphur. Juicy and forgiving, this is an amazing barbecue wine that will dance with hamburgers, steak and your tastebuds. Slather on the fixins and top up of your glass! Drink: 2012 - 2015 530139 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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