Red Wine
Good Hope Black Rock Red Shiraz Blend 2006, Swartland, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Rhône-based winemaker Édouard Labeye calls South Africa his second home after working a decade’s worth of vintages there. This Rhône away from home is comprised of 66% Shiraz, 13% Carignan, 11% Mourvedre, 9% Grenache and 1% Viognier. My note: A balanced, long, full-bodied wine with black fruit, mocha and smoke. Closed with a screwcap. 68502 14.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Long Mountain Pinotage Reserve 2007, Western Cape, South Africa: A lovely balanced, medium-bodied wine with notes of dark chocolate, black plums and cassis. Pinotage Reserve food pairings: bbq. 68742 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tukulu Pinotage 2005, Darling, South Africa: A full-bodied, massive wine with black fruit and smoke notes. 68700 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Man Vintners Shiraz 2006, Coastal Region, South Africa: A terrific value! A smooth, full-bodied red with ripe black plum notes. 71332 14% XD 750 mL $14.75 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nederburg Manor House Shiraz 2006, Coastal Region, South Africa: A terrific value for this juicy, delicious red loaded with ripe cherries and plums. Shiraz food pairings: rack of lamb, grilled steak, mature hard cheese, hearty meat dishes, grilled cheese sandwich. 68775 14.06% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Sérame Du Chateau Rouge Syrah Carignan Grenache Réserve 2005, Corbiéres, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A multi-award-winning blend of Syrah, Carignan and Grenache. The wine is big, juicy, fruity and very approachable with aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, cherry and oak spice. Full-bodied with a lingering sun-warmed finish. My note: A consistently good producer year after year. A full-bodied red with dark red fruit notes. Syrah Carignan Grenache Réserve food pairings: barbecued backribs. 51870 XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Sainte-Eulalie La Cantiléne Syrah Grenache Carignan 2005, A.C. Minervois La Liviniére, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The winery and this wine are named for a famous 9th century poem called “La Cantilène de Sainte Eulalie,” considered
to be the earliest written and published French poem. The 2005 vintage is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Its
intensity of aromas and flavors – including black cherry, plum, smoked meat and pepper – is sure to have you spouting poetic tasting notes of your own. My note: A smooth, full-bodied wine with dark red berries and cassis. Syrah Grenache Carignan food pairings: roast beef, leg of lamb. 8839 XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Canada: A mouth-watering red with beetroot and tart cherries. Medium- to light-bodied. Needs food. Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon, chicken, pork. 591404 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Artesa Vineyards & Winery Tempranillo Reserve 2004, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine was awarded Critics Gold at the 2008 Critics Challenge Wine Competition (winereviewonline.com) This bold and complex take on Tempranillo is aged for 20 months in French oak, resulting in a very dry, silky smooth, full-bodied wine. It displays rich red-cherry flavors
along with vanilla, spice and smoky notes supported by gentle tannins. My note: A balanced, full-bodied, delicious red with layers of black plums and black cherries. Tempranillo Reserve food pairings: chargrilled steaks. 67272 13.8% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Toasted Head Merlot 2005, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This big, round, mouth-filling Merlot features exuberant black cherry and raspberry aromas plus complex hints of
spice, licorice, lavender and chocolate. My note: A smooth, full-bodied merlot with lovely black plums and dark chocolate. Merlot food pairings: lamb, beef, chicken kebabs. 969816 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Toasted Head Shiraz 2005, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The name Toasted Head refers to the barrels in which this wine is aged. Common practice is to char only the barrelwalls, but in this case the heads are toasted too which imparts a more rich, toasty character to the wine. This Shiraz
offers bountiful black cherry flavors with nicely integrated notes of cocoa and cedar. My note: A solid value for this smoky, full-bodied red with dense black fruit notes. Shiraz food pairings: red meats, spicy pasta. 42937 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Casa Silva Los Lingues Carmenere Gran Reserva 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A smooth, full-bodied wine with sweet cherry and plum fruit notes and a hint of mocha. 236314 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from two different vineyards in McLaren Vale. Aged in oak for 2 years (60% new American), it’s a powerhouse with aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries and cedar. Dry and full-bodied, it has masses of ripe fruit balanced by gripping tannins, leading to a long finish. My note: A juicy, mouth-watering red with aromas of ripe blackberries. Full-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled steaks, game. Drink: 2008 - 2013 730374 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yering Station Pinot Noir 2005, Victoria, Australia: A juicy medium-bodied wine with lovely ripe cherries. Closed with a screwcap. Pinot Noir food pairings: pork, chicken, salmon. 20255 XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delta Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: A big wine with mouth-watering acidity (needs food) and vibrant cherries. Closed with a screwcap. 675231 13.2% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Margrain River's Edge Pinot Noir 2006, Martinborough, New Zealand: A smooth, complex, delicious wine bursting with cherries and raspberries. Closed with a screwcap. 684258 13% D 750 mL $30.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2007, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: A consistently excellent producer of pinot and sauvignon blanc. This vibrant pinot has lots of mouth-watering tart cherries. Closed with a screwcap. 694901 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Demoiselle D'haut Peyrat Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, Haut-Médoc, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Finely structured and complex, this is a great wine to keep on hand for impromptu gatherings and special dinners.
Spicy and velvety-textured, it delivers plenty of ripe black fruit and promises to age well. My note: Lots of smoky oak but this full-bodied layered wine can handle it. Classic cassis and blackberry notes. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: roast beef, fine cheeses. Drink: 2008 - 2012 82511 XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Nages Reserve 2005, Costiéres De Nimes, France: A cedary, blackberry packed red. Full-bodied. Reserve food pairings: beef. 427617 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Café Culture Syrah Blend 2006, Costiéres De Nimes, Rhone, France: A terrific value for a concentrated, powerful red with black fruit and smoke notes. 78766 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Pradelle Crozes Syrah 2005, A.C. Hermitage, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine comes from a small domaine (20 ha) now run by the brothers Jacques and Jean-Louis Pradelle. They produce
only 8500 cases a year of beautifully crafted, deeply colored, rich Syrahs. To add layers of flavor, they mature the
wines for nine months in a combination of new and seasoned French barriques. From the great 2005 vintage, this wine displays aromas of cherry, plum, leather and smoke, with a soft, well-balanced finish. My note: An aromatic red with gorgeous notes of ripe red berries, cedar and vanilla. Syrah food pairings: grilled steaks. 674192 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Rosé 2007, Navarra, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Bodegas Julian Chivite is the oldest continuously family-owned winery in Spain. Over 11 generations, they have
developed into one of the finest producers in Navarra and Spain. This wine is bursting with ripe cherry, vanilla, cocoa
and blueberry aromas and flavors. It’s dry, well structured with a lengthy finish. The easy-going, soft tannins make this wine very approachable. My note: I recommend this rosé year after year. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with lovely notes of raspberry and cherry. Rosé food pairings: roasted chicken. 479014 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quercia Al Poggio Chianti Classico 2003, D.O.C.G., Italy: A solid, well-rounded, medium-bodied chianti with black cherries and a smooth finish. 83998 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ripasso 2004, D.O.C. Valpolicella Superiore, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Ripasso uses grapes sourced exclusively from the hillside Montecorna vineyard in the Valpolicella Classico zone. It has an intense nose with aromas of black cherry, chocolate, coffee, red fruit reduction and smoke. Classy and well-structured with a plush mouth-feel, intense fruit flavors, hints of chocolate and good length, this wine bridges the gap between the Valpolicella Classico Superiore and the Amarone Classico styles. My note: A smooth, full-bodied red with aromas of ripe plum. Ripasso food pairings: barbecued leg of lamb. 56267 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Valapantena Torre Del Falasco Amarone 2005, D.O.C. Della Valpolocella, Italy: A stunning wine of great depth and breath of flavor. Aromas of mocha, cherry and cedar. Amarone food pairings: braised beef dishes. 922161 15.7% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 94/100. August 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Rosé 2013, Navarra, Spain Rosé food pairings: roasted chicken. 479014 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa: A delicious rosé with aromas of dried herbs and raspberries. 999821 D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bieler Pére Et Fils Sabine Rosé 2007, Provence, France: A lovely perfumed rosé bursting with raspberries and cherries. Dry and medium-bodied. Rosé food pairings: grilled birds, strong cheeses. 71423 XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Favorite Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Boschendal Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won Double Gold honors at South Africa’s prestigious Veritas Awards in 2007. Like summer in a glass,
this dazzling white is bursting with citrus-fruit aromas and flavors as well as Sauvignon Blanc’s typical grassiness. It’s
dry, medium full-bodied with focused acidity and a long finish. My note: A solid, balanced sauvignon blanc with grassy notes of grapefruit. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: northern pike, summer salad. 82438 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Chardonnay 2007, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright, fresh, fruit-driven style of Chardonnay with pretty aromas of apple, pear, melon and citrus. My note: Great value for this balanced, full-bodied white with lovely ripe pear aromas. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled salmon, bbq chicken. 611228 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage Terra Barossa Chardonnay 2006, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from a single vineyard in the relatively cool Eden Valley region, this refreshing lime- and apple-scented Chardonnay is not overburdened by oak or excessive fruitiness. My note: Round and full-bodied. Not too heavy. Good value. Closed with a screwcap. Chardonnay food pairings: pan-friend freshwater fish. 651349 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wolf Blass Chardonnay Premium Selection 2006, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This elegant Chardonnay is
a great value. Well-balanced and focused, it features pure fresh citrus and apple flavors as well as some spicy notes. Great for summer entertaining. My note: A robust chardonnay with full-on aromas of vanilla, butter, peach and smoke. Round and smooth. Chardonnay Premium Selection food pairings: lobster in butter, corn. 394908 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Coopers Creek Vineyard Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: Pure grass! A lovely white with layers of hay and herbal notes. Closed with a screwcap. 66092 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: An absolute delight! Refreshing notes of melon and limes. Closed with a screwcap. 680983 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Moselland Insignum Riesling Kabinett 2004, Erdener Treppchen, Germany Riesling Kabinett food pairings: Asian cuisine, bbq chicken, fruit salad. 72355 8% M 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Kabinett 2002, Erbacher Schlossberg, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: A vibrant, modestly sweet Riesling with aromas of peach and apricot. The fruit is beautifully balanced by a seam of acidity suggesting short-term aging potential. My note: A flavor-packed white with ripe pear and peach notes. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: grilled salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2011 657148 MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage Terra Barossa Chardonnay 2006, South Australia, Australia: An aromatic, bone-dry, austere, mouth-watering white with delicious lime and grapefruit aromas. 75986 12.7% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart