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10 Wines for the Pool Boy

Natalie MacLean

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Two Hands Wines Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The gnarly dudes in question are the rather fierce and twisted-looking old vines that give us this wine’s concentrated fruit. Winemaker Matt Wenk has a well-deserved reputation for creating a tightly focused Shiraz that emphasizes the dark cherry fruit while perfectly integrating the oak and tannins. This dude is ready to be enjoyed anytime over the next five years. My note: Full-bodied with aromas of dark fruit. 660043 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007 Full Review
Water Wheel Shiraz 2006, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia: A dark and brooding wine with fleshy dark fruit as well as ground pepper, anise and dark spices. Delicious and full-bodied. 700815 15.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009 Full Review
Full Press Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada: A savoury, full-bodied red with attractive aromas of cassis and blackberry. Smooth on the palate. Great for potluck gatherings. 219949 13% MD 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 85/100. March 28, 2011 Full Review
Union Wine White Named Varietal Blends-White 2010, Niagara Peninsula VQA, Ontario, Canada: Pretty floral and white peach notes on the nose of this refreshing, vibrant white wine. Makes a terrific aperitif as well as an accompaniment to many dishes. A lovely blend of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay grapes. Drink: 2012-2016. 197145 12% MD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. June 22, 2012 Full Review
Mussel Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This new line from the respected Warburn Estate beautifully showcases all the strengths of Marl-borough Savvy. Features classic Kiwi SB aromas of grass, sweet herbs, asparagus and gooseberry, plus an intriguing array of tropical fruit flavours. Medium body with a fairly lengthy finish. My note: A grassy good Sauvignon with herbal flavours and some lime and lemon zest. Very refreshing and versatile with food. 181958 12.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. October 16, 2010 Full Review
Sexy Fita Preta Tempranillo Rosé 2010, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This flirtatious pink wine is as playfully seductive as the name implies. Strawberry and cherry aromas mingle with earthy notes and exotic floral accents. Juicy red berry flavours emerge on the palate, coupled with a delicate touch of spice. Comprised mainly of traditional Port grapes Touriga Nacional and Aragónez (aka Tempranillo), this rosé makes a delightfully satisfying sipper. My note: Yes it’s a marketing-driven wine but it actually has a lovely raspberry fresh flavour. Full-bodied for rosé. Drink: 2010-2013. 117077 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. June 25, 2011 Full Review
Bon Courage Prestige Cuvée Chardonnay 2011, W.O., Robertson, South Africa: A full-bodied, straight-forward chardonnay with green apple and toasty oak. Drink: 2012-2014. 278333 14.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 86/100. July 7, 2012 Full Review
Toasted Head Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, North Coast, California, United States: Mocha-coffee goodness wraps around black fruit and smoke. Full-bodied and smooth with a nice grip. Decants for a 1 hour. Drink: 2012-2015. 686824 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 7, 2012 Full Review
Sledgehammer Zinfandel 2009, North Coast California, United States: Gorgeous dark dark chocolate and black plum aromas on the nose, followed by a rich, smooth, full-bodied texture on the tongue: yum! There's some dark berries and dried tobacco notes on the finish. Superb quality for this price point. Drink: 2010-2014. 230466 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 1, 2012 Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

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