Dessert Wine
Café Culture Castello Di Pomino 2007, Vinsanto, Italy: A honeyed-orange, dessert wine that's not to heavy. Food pairings: citrus and fruit desserts, biscotti, orange cake, strawberry poppyseed cake. 65086 12% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny Port 1978, Portugal: A rich and round port filled with caramel, almonds and toffee. Notes of hazelnuts, toffee and molasses. 88179 20% s 750 mL $171.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Favorite Dessert Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Stratus Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A blend of the Bordeaux red varietals plus Gamay and Syrah. A stunning red, one of Canada's best. Incredible layers of length. Notes of mocha, coffee, blackberries and smoke. Supple and smooth. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: tacos, peking duck, black pudding, veal marsala, baked or grilled eggplant. Drink: 2008 - 2018 85092 12.5% D 750 mL $44.00 Score: 93/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The rugged conditions of the mountain-grown vineyards at Mount Veeder estate consistently produce intensely concentrated Cabs with complexity and depth. The long growing season coupled with the high altitude ensures the grapes are perfectly ripened, producing a wine that is full and supple with impressive structure in the guise of luscious tannins and well-balanced acidity. My note: A black, mocha-coffee driven red with rich, full-bodied layers and depth. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast rack of lamb, meat fondue, barbecued beef ribs, brisket, corned beef. Drink: 2010 - 2015 708842 14.5% D 750 mL $69.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montes Syrah 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A gorgeous, savory wine with luscious red plums, berries, spices earth and mysticism. Full-bodied. Syrah food pairings: roast beef, hamburgers, meatloaf, lamb chops, lasagna. Drink: 2008 - 2012 612 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, Mclaren Vale, Australia: A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc. A delicious, meaty wine with notes of chives, black cherry and spice. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: spicy sausages, quesadillas, beef wellington, dark chocolate almonds, grilled steak, kidneys. Drink: 2008 - 2012 907584 14.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2003, Barossa Valley, Australia: A blend of 39% Grenache, 37% Shiraz, and 24% Mourvedre. This Australian classic has exotic notes of violets, lavender, black cherry and raspberry. Full-bodied. Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre food pairings: herb-rubbed chicken, roast beef, shepherds pie, stew, minced meat. Drink: 2008 - 2012 726802 14% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Akarua Pinot Noir 2004, Central Otago, New Zealand: A rich, silky Pinot bursting with ripe cherries and wild berries. Small kick of spice. Full-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. Pinot Noir food pairings: duck with mango, fried turkey, matzo ball soup, pepperoni pizza, peking duck. 79541 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Café Culture Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A pleasant, full-bodied red with notes of mocha, black plums and smoke. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: turkey, parmesan cheese, shepherd's pie, sausages, corned beef. Drink: 2010 - 2015 501940 13% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cordier Mestrezat Chateau Le Clos Du Merle Merlot Blend 2005, A.C., France: A simple, black, brooding, delicious red. Full-bodied and tannic. Blackcurrants, cassis and oak fill the glass. Great price. Decant for 2 hours. Merlot Blend food pairings: veal chops, grilled steak, sliced cold meats, marinated chicken on the grill, meatballs. Drink: 2008 - 2012 86629 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hauts De Pontet-Canet Cabernet Blend 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet, the second wine of the great Fifth Growth Paulliac producer, is a class act in the superb 2005 vintage. It features aromas of sweet tobacco, blackberry and a hint of plum. Elegant and very refined, this wine is both a drinker and a keeper. My note: Enticing black plums, cassis and a hint of mint on the nose. Full-bodied with velvet tannins. Decant 2 hours. Cabernet Blend food pairings: stew, stew, grilled meats. Drink: 2008 - 2012 90167 13% XD 750 mL $69.00 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Vignerons D'estezargues Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., France: A mysterious, full-bodied red with vibrant ripe black plums and berries. A hint of pepper on the nose. Syrah Blend food pairings: hamburgers, steak. ostrich, wild boar, bolognese sauce, meat fondue. Drink: 2008 - 2012 82560 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Altaïr Domaine De La Colline Saint-Kean Vacqueyras 2004, A.C., France: Ultra full-bodied with a cherry methanol core. Ripe black plums and berry notes. Best aged. Food pairings: bison steak, beef wellington, rare roast beef, roast goose, kangaroo, steak fajitas. Drink: 2008 - 2012 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Terra D'Aligi Tolos D'abruzzo 2004, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Challenge International du Vin. This full-bodied, powerful red is a flagship wine, offering up intense aromas and flavors of ripe red fruit and berries, vanilla and sweet spices with lots of toasted oak on its lengthy finish. My note: Lovely black cherries and ripe plums with hints of vanilla, smoke and pepper in background. Full-bodied. Great price. D'abruzzo food pairings: grilled steak, stew, goulash, tomato crostades, beef tartar. Drink: 2008 - 2017 19166 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ceretto Nebbiolo Bararesco Asij 2005, D.O.C.G., Italy: A pleasant juicy, light- to medium-bodied red with tart cherries and field berries. Nebbiolo Bararesco Asij food pairings: pork, chicken, lasagna, pasta with tomato sauces, spareibs. Drink: 2009 - 2015 726133 13.5% D 750 mL $52.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Isole e Olena De Marchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, I.G.T., Italy: A savory, mouth-watering beauty with notes of leather, dried cherries, bacon, smoke and earth. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: sausages, steak, roast beef, pork tenderloin with a pork reduction, beef wellington. Drink: 2008 - 2020 25668 14% XD 750 mL $72.95 Score: 94/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, United States: A rich and dignified wine showing Old World balance and structure. There's no mistaking the New World fruit though. Black plum, currants and mocha notes. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef daube, sausages, meat fondue, chateaubriand, rich pates, mustard greens. Drink: 2008 - 2012 16405 14% XD 750 mL $75.00 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc. 2004, Barossa Valley, Australia: A blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. An amazing producer that represents the very best of Australia. Alluring aromas of eucalyptus, blackberry, plums, cassis and leather. Closed with a screwcap. Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc. food pairings: lamb vindaloo, steak fajitas, turkey with traditional trimmings, grilled cheese sandwich, roast goose, bison steak. Drink: 2008 - 2012 720433 14.5% XD 750 mL $56.95 Score: 94/100. November 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wolf Blass Black Label 2004, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: 1998 vintage is the year this wine won the Jimmy Watson Award, the most prestigious award in Aussie winedom. My note: A full-on, full-bodied red with rich, deep layers of ripe black fruit. New World vitality and style. Closed with a screwcap. Food pairings: ratatouille, beef fajitas, roas beef, roast goose, creamed onions, lamb shanks. Drink: 2008 - 2012 960468 14% XD 750 mL $98.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Altaïr Red 2004, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Alstair is a joint venture between Laurent Dassault of Chateaux Dassault and La Fleur and Vinas San Pedro. My note: I know this is crazy expensive for Chile, but it's worth it. Rich, layered and intoxicating (naturally). Black cherries, spice and smoke notes. Red food pairings: Grilled steak, pork tenderloin, rib roast, pasta with tomato sauce. Drink: 2010 - 2015 38430 14.5% XD 750 mL $103.00 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Croix De Beaucaillou Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A remarkable wine with the same care and attention of its first wine sibling. Stunning length and depth with gorgeous aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, blackberry, smoke and cigar box. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: roast beef au jus, chateaubriand, brisket, turducken, seared tuna with a pepper crust. Drink: 2008 - 2022 502054 13% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 93/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alain Hudelot Noellat Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Chambolle Musigny, France: Incredibly mouth-watering and juicy with lovely tart cherries, earth, cedar and violets. Length, balance and finesse. Pinot Noir food pairings: brussels sprouts, pecan stuffing, partridge, cobb salad, veal marsala. Drink: 2010 - 2015 979252 12.9% XD 750 mL $76.95 Score: 93/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De La Vougeraie La Justice Gevrey Chambertin Pinot Noir 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from a block within the La Justice vineyard, this Pinot is a spectacular evocation of both a great vintage and the virtues of a restricted vineyard space. It is now well-known that the 2005 vintage was stellar, but what a producer can extract from a tiny vineyard is less understood. The grower can literally coax the very best out of each vine. The result here is a beautiful wine. My note: A full-bodied Pinot with black cherry and smoke. Incredible length and layers. Pinot Noir food pairings: prime rib, beef fajitas, matzo ball soup, veal chops, brussel sprouts. Drink: 2008 - 2012 88740 13.5% XD 750 mL $61.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De La Vougeraie Les Evocelles Gevrey Chambertin Pinot Noir 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: As Domaine de la Vougeraie's first vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Evocelles, comprising about 3 hectares, affords the domaine a broader palate with which to build their blends. Each portion of the vineyard boasts a different micro-climate. My note: A juicy, rich, full-bodied Pinot with incredible depths of black cherries and raspberries. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled tuna, matzo ball soup, swordfish, salmon carpaccio, pork chops with a mustard sauce. Drink: 2010 - 2015 88732 13.5% XD 750 mL $63.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fuligni Sangiovese 2003, D.O.C.G. Brunello Di Montalcino, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with a unique clone of Sangiovese, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino continue to be among the greatest that Tuscany has to offer. My note: A juicy, layered red for aging. Tart cherries, earth, leather and tobacco. Sangiovese food pairings: quesadillas, grilled kobe beef, grilled vegetables, asaparagus. Drink: 2008 - 2020 988808 13% XD 750 mL $75.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodegas Castano Alion Tempranillo Blend 2004, D.O., Spain: Founded by the famous estate of Vega Sicilia in 1991. A perfectly balanced and long-lived red with incredible finesse, depth and layers. Aromas of black plums, smoke, blackcurrant, mocha, coffee and cigar box. Full-bodied. Tempranillo Blend food pairings: Mexican dishes, grilled steak, turkey, lamb, bacon, grilled eggplants. Drink: 2010 - 2022 707166 14% XD 750 mL $80.95 Score: 95/100. November 2008. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hermanos Pecina Senorio De P. Pecina Rioja Gran Reserva 1998, D.O.C.A., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Why cellar it yourself when the wineries will do it for you? With Spanish wines, such as this Gran Reserva, that is exactly what you get. Made only in the very best years, these wines spend substantial time in both barrel and bottle before release. My note: Love those old leather saddles! Dried herbs, lovely tart cherries, earth and cigar box aromas. Full-bodied. Rioja Gran Reserva food pairings: teriyaki kabobs, roast chicken, rabbit, chicken stir-fry, chorizo. 82164 13.3% D 750 mL $55.95 Score: 93/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Bonny Doon Vineyard Vin Gris De Cigare Rosé 2007, California, United States: One of my favorite rosés year after year. Old World balance and length with New World vitality and fruit. Ripe raspberries and earth. Closed with a screwcap. Rosé food pairings: salmon, paté, stuffed chicken breast, oysters, shrimp pasta. 707018 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Favorite Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Segura Viudas Heredad Brut Reserva 2005, D.O., Spain: A good value compared to Champagne. Toasty and refreshing. Brut Reserva food pairings: seafood tapas, salty light meats, caviar, oysters, Chinese dishes. 558825 12% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Favorite Sparkling Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Kim Crawford Anderson Vineyard Bone Dry Riesling 2004, New Zealand: A mouth-watering (and eye-watering) puckeringly fantastic wine that you better drink with food or I'm not to blame. Notes of limes, grapefruit and grass. Closed with a screwcap. Bone Dry Riesling food pairings: seafood, vegetarian, chicken, smoked salmon, grilled shrimp. 62608 12% D 750 mL $19.80 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Tied Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
E. & J. Gallo Winery Laguna Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, California, United States: A lusciously rich and concentrated Chardonnay with green apple, butter and vanilla notes. Round and warm. Chardonnay food pairings: cream sauces, corn dishes, lobster in butter, chicken, seafood risotto. Drink: 2008 - 2012 544981 14.4% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Leyda Valley, Chile: A zesty vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with herbal and grassy notes and a touch of lime. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood, vegetarian, grilled cheese sandwich, chicken and feta tostades, beef tartare. 77693 14.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nick Faldo Chardonnay 2005, Coonawarra, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Legendary golfer and three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo partnered with Katnook Estate to develop his own signature wines. Faldo works closely with winemaker Wayne Stehbens to select the wine that appeals to his taste and reflects his personal style. Look for attractive peach and tropical fruit aromas and flavors as well as light toasty oak notes in his full-bodied, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay. My note: A generous, round Chardonnay with green apples, pear and vanilla. Closed with a screwcap. Chardonnay food pairings: duck a l'orange, roast chicken, Asian dishes with black bean sauces, seafood risotto, cheese pizza, grilled salmon. 90936 13.6% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Smithbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Pemberton, Australia: Grassy, herbal notes filled with sunshine. Refreshing and zesty. Closed with a screwcap. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: shellfish, vegetarian, goat cheese stuff porked tenderloin, fried chicken, brie cheese, shrimp cocktail. 34876 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2007, W.O. Western Cape, South Africa: Herbal, canned peas to the extreme. With the right food, it will be suitably and beautifully tamed. Mouth-quenching acidity. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: vegetarian, seafood, shellfish, salads, green vegetables, quiche. 933424 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2005, California, United States: A lovely, balanced Chardonnay with buttery notes and green apples. Full-bodied. Chardonnay food pairings: turkey tetrazzini, challah, creamed corn, crab cakes with spicy tartar sauce, fried clams. 709717 14% D 750 mL $73.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis Sipp Pinot Gris 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Louis Sipp is based in the village of Ribeauville and his Pinot Gris is sources from vineyards around it. The soils around Ribeauville are extremely varied, ranging from hard limestone to clay, marl, sandstone, silt and sandy alluvial deposits. This vintages features aromas of pear, sweet apples and fruit custard. Dry and intense. My note: Melon and grapefruit notes in this refreshing white. No heavy oak. Pinot Gris food pairings: stuffed pork tenderloin, pesto pizza, mediterranean tilapia, foie gras, turducken, poached salom. 731471 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rene Mure Gewurztraminer 2006, A.C. Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Mure family have been growing grapes in Alsace since 1648. Their wines always express the classic characteristics of each grape variety they use. This Gewurztraminer is sourced from 29 year old vines and displays aromas of intense lychee and rose petals. It's dry, full-bodied and spicy. My note: An exotic, alluring white with pronounced lychee, rose petal and lime. Gewurztraminer food pairings: curries, Asian dishes, lychee fruit, swiss cheeses, fried chicken, spring rolls. 61218 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Rougeots Chardonnay 2005, Meursault, Burgundy, France: A lovely Chardonnay with green apples, pears and flaked butter. Toasty and reassuring wine. Chardonnay food pairings: turkey burgers, nut sauces, lobster with mayonnaise, wild salmon with hollandaise sauce, vegetable risotto. 84491 13% XD 750 mL $62.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Selbach Oster Riesling Spatlese 2007, Q.M.P., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium straw with aromas of slate, crabapple, key lime, peach and apricot. A lighter alcohol wine, its finish is extremely long and wonderfully balanced. My note: Ripe pears, lovely apricot undertones with zesty acidity. Riesling Spatlese food pairings: curries, Asian dishes, Chinese dishes, sweet and sour dishes. Drink: 2008 - 2012 970368 11.5% MD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bouchard Pere & Fils Les Clous Chardonnay 2006, A.C. Meursault, France: Ripe zesty limes and green apples with a gorgeous zip line of acidity. Chardonnay food pairings: salmon, shellfish, cream sauces, baked ricotta on toast, breaded veal cutlets. Drink: 2010 - 2015 661322 13% D 750 mL $52.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Tie Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart