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Vintages Release February 16, 2008

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Dessert Wine

Fonseca Bin 27 Reserve Port, Portugal: A gorgeous port with layers of warm, ripe plums and malts. Perfect to sip by the fire. 156877 20% S 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Dominus 2004, Napa Valley, United States: A rich, full-bodied wine with notes of blackcurrant, cassis and smoke. Dominus food pairings: steak. 63487 14.5% XD 1500 mL $201.95 Score: 92/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Alden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The Alden Vineyard sits at 1,200 feet (365 metres) above sea level. The location’s cooler temperatures and shorter growing season means smaller berries come picking time, resulting in flavors that are highly concentrated. As a result, the wine achieves an elegant balance between pure fruit flavors, acidity and tannin. Dark fruit and spice notes typify this high altitude Cab which can be enjoyed now or aged for up to 10 years. My note: A whopping big wine with aromas of mocha and blackberries 599795 14.3% XD 750 mL $39.80 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bodega Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: This incredibly concentrated wine has rich aromas of blackberry and plum. 677567 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.25 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Eral Bravo derives its name from the family tradition of breeding Iberic bulls. Eral is the name given to the bull when he begins displaying his essential characteristics of bravado. The winery had a bull year in 2007, taking home a number of medals at the first annual Wines of Argentina Awards including a Silver for this Cab. It’s bold, with a deep inky color, ripe blackcurrant fruit, toasty oak notes and a rich, full body. My note: This wine has aromas of sweet black fruit and oak. Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rare beef dishes. 58081 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.55 Score: 89/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

d'Arenberg D’arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied wine has aromas of black plums and mint. D’Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak, stew, roast. 943456 14.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Saltram Of Barossa Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A delicious, full-bodied red wine with notes of black plums and blackberries. 48579 15.5% XD 750 mL $23.25 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Morandé Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this Cab comes from the Santa Laura Vineyard in the Maipo Valley. It has an attractive nose full of red fruit and berries and is rich on the palate with spice notes complementing the intense fruit flavors. My note: A full-bodied red wine with notes of black plums and cedar. Fantastic value. Morandé Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva food pairings: red meat, barbecue, pasta marinara, pasta. 57984 13.5% D 750 mL $13.85 Score: 89/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Yvon Mau et Fils Château Lalande Les Moulins 2005, Ac St-Julien, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Run by two young men from a family with a long history of winemaking, Château Lalande Les Moulins is a dynamic, up-and-coming St-Julien winery. Ludovic and Julien Meffre, two scions of a Rhône-based wine family, took over the running of the estate a mere seven years ago. Following in their grandfather’s footsteps, who first purchased the property in 1964, the Meffre brothers have introduced many refinements both in the vineyard and the winery to substantially improve the quality of the fruit and thus the finished wine. Enjoy this fruit-forward, yet perfectly structured wine from the great 2005 vintage. It will also reward 4-6 years in a cellar. My note: A deep red wine with concentrated aromas of black fruit and smoke. Château Lalande Les Moulins food pairings: rare steak, steak, lamb. 61036 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rizzuto Piconello Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, I.G.T Sicilia, Italy: A purple, lip-smacking and delicious wine. Rizzuto Piconello Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: BBQ, steak. 61523 13% XD 750 mL $15.85 Score: 87/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosell Mir Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Subirats, D.O. Penedès, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The Mir family have owned and operated this winery in the Penedès since the 15th century. Medium deep ruby colour with aromas of cassis, cedar, underbrush and cherry. Dry with good fruit tones to start, leading to well-integrated mid-palate tannins and a good crisp acidity. Lingering finish. My note: A full-bodied and straight-forward wine with notes of black fruit. Rosell Mir Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled lamb, lamb chops. 60970 13% D 750 mL $18.45 Score: 87/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ironstone Vineyards Merlot 2005, Lodi, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A terrific value for this bright and fruity merlot is well-balanced and food-friendly. It’s dry and medium-bodied, with a soft texture with clean plum and cherry flavors along with notes of licorice and vanilla. Enjoy with roasted pork, veal chops or a medium-rare steak. My note: This red wine is rich and round with notes of black fruit and mocha. Fantastic value! Ironstone Vineyards Merlot food pairings: roasted pork, veal chops, medium-rare steaks. 704353 14% D 750 mL $14.75 Score: 89/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zilzie Shiraz 2006, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Honkin' big shiraz with aromas of cherry liqueur and plum fruit. 58016 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fairview Shiraz 2005, Wo Coastal Region, South Africa: Round, smooth and full-bodied wine with black fruit notes. Closed with a screwcap. Fantastic value. 626358 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.85 Score: 89/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J. François Fayel, Prop.-Récolt. Domaine Des Cantarelles Rouge 2006, Ac Costières De Nîmes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Costières de Nîmes is located in the far eastern section of Languedoc. In fact, it is also very close to the Southern Rhône so, stylistically, the wines tend to have the ripe fruit of the Midi and the structure one typically finds in the Rhône. This wine is a blend of, principally, Syrah and Grenache. It shows ripe fruit tones with a cedary structure for ageing. My note: A dark brooding wine with notes of oak and black fruit. Pleasant bitter finish. Domaine Des Cantarelles Rouge food pairings: grilled steak, onions. 61275 13% XD 750 mL $13.75 Score: 86/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alazard Père & Fils Domaine De La Colline Saint-Jean Vacqueyras 2004, Ac, France: A rich, deep red wine with cherry liquor and cassis notes. 38661 13.5% D 750 mL $23.45 Score: 91/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alain Boisson Domaine Cros De Romet Cairanne 2006, Ac Côtes Du Rhône-Village, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine Cros de Romet’s Cairanne is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. It is matured exclusively in stainless steel in order to retain its characteristic bright fruitiness. The 2006 is filled with blackberry, sour cherry and plum flavors with a hint of pepper appearing on the finish to balance it off nicely. My note: A delicious, lip-smacking, full-bodied red wine with aromas of plums and blackberries. Decant for 1-2 hours. Domaine Cros De Romet Cairanne food pairings: braised beef, beef, roast leg of lamb. 42986 15.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 87/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Bouscassé 2003, Ac Madiran, France: Rich and round red wine with notes of mocha and blackcurrant. Château Bouscassé food pairings: steak, stew, roast. 743385 13.4% XD 750 mL $18.55 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Botter Carlo Primitivo Doppio Passo 2005, I.G.T Salento, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Primitivo (a.k.a. Zinfandel) is rich with aromas and flavors of dried fruit, blackcurrants and cherry. It is very concentrated, complex and nicely balanced by very soft tannins. The added intensity is achieved by the process called Doppio Passo, or double step. After the wine has been made, the winemakers add bunches of grapes that were left to dry to a raisin-like state on the vine. The resulting wine has increased richness and intensity. My note: This red wine is delicious, juicy and full-bodied, with aromas of ripe purple plums. Botter Carlo Primitivo Doppio Passo food pairings: grilled steak, gourmet hamburgers. 60780 14% D 750 mL $14.45 Score: 87/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castiglioni Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese 2006, I.G.T Toscana, Italy: CV: This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese is a critically acclaimed consumer favorite. Its ripe, impactful nose serves up aromas of bold blackberry and toasty oak. Full-bodied, flavorful and nicely balanced by ripe tannins. My note: Juicy, mouth-watering, full-bodied red wine with aromas of cherries and oak. Castiglioni Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese food pairings: lamb chops, lamb in mint sauce. 974394 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2005, D.O.C.G, Italy: This full-bodied red wine has notes of spice and tart cherries. Also look for the full 750ml size below in these notes. 677328 13% XD 375 mL $12.85 Score: 88/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Giovannella Stianti Castello Di Volpaia Chianti Classico 2005, D.O.C.G, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of 90% Sangioveto, 10% Merlot and Syrah is fresh and aromatic with raspberry and strawberry dominating. A delicious Chianti that is ideal for enjoyment over the next half decade. My note: A delicious red wine with notes of mocha, coffee and black plums. Castello Di Volpaia Chianti Classico food pairings: grilled lamb, lamb chops. 953828 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.45 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vale Do Bomfim Reserva 2005, D.O.C Douro, Portugal: A full-bodied red wine with aromas of black cherries and plums. Terrific value for this wine. 66944 13% D 750 mL $14.85 Score: 88/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Soc. Agr. de Silgueiros Quinta Da Falorca Vinho Tinto 2006, Do Dão, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz (a.k.a. Tempranillo) and Touriga Nacional, Quinta da Falorca Vinho Tinto is the perfect personification of the Portuguese style: forward fruit backed up by a good core of acid and moderate tannins. My note: A full-bodied, lip-smacking, delicious wine of purple goodness. Quinta Da Falorca Vinho Tinto food pairings: braised beef. 67512 14% XD 750 mL $16.55 Score: 88/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Columbia Valley, United States: This red wine possesses aromas of mocha and black fruit. 56515 14.4% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Chapoutier Chante Alouette Bl Hermitage (Chapoutier) 2003, Rhone, France: A richly concentrated wine with floral and citrus notes. Chante Alouette Bl Hermitage (Chapoutier) food pairings: chicken, pork. 140541 14.5% 750 mL $74.75 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grant Burge, Summers Chardonnay 2006, Australia, Australia: Round, buttery, full-bodied chardonnay. Closed with a screwcap. Grant Burge, Summers Chardonnay food pairings: pork, chicken, lobster. 57315 14.2% XD 750 mL $18.75 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris Réserve 2005, Ac Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot Gris delivers layers of peach, melon and nut aromas that replay beautifully on the palate. This full-bodied wine shows good intensity and balance. My note: A concentrated white wine with the aromas of lychee, peach and hazelnuts. Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris Réserve food pairings: pan-seared scallops. 983395 13.5% D 750 mL $18.85 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Prinz Salm Schloss Wallhausen Riesling Kabinett 2006, Q.M.P Nahe, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Here is an excellent opportunity to discover the Rieslings of Nahe. The first mention of this acclaimed winery was in the year 1200! It has remained in the Salm family’s hands to this day, making it the oldest, continuously family-owned estate in Germany. The estate produces vibrant Rieslings with lovely aromas of lime, tangerine and mineral tones. My note: A lovely medium-bodied sipper with thrilling ripe pear and peach aromas. Prinz Salm Schloss Wallhausen Riesling Kabinett food pairings: pan-seared scallops. 993766 7.7% MD 750 mL $21.75 Score: 90/100. February 2008. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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