Vintages Wine Picks October 16, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Zolo Classic Fincas Patagónicas Torrontés 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: You can’t go wrong with the Torrontes grape: it’s floral and wild and lovely. Hedonistic leaps of joy in every glass. This finishes pleasantly bitter and makes me want a lot more. 183913 13.80% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. October 16, 2010 Best Value White Wine.
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See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Flavourful, well-made, award-winning Chardonnay (Silver Medal 2010 Chardonnay-du-Monde) filled with apple, toast, vanilla, pear and hints of tropical fruit aromas. Dry, with the fruit, acid and oak playing off each other in an ideal fashion. Bring on the seafood. My note: Big, buttery Chardonnay with blousy aromas of ripe peach and pear and a butterscotch finish. Round and voluptuous. Love it! 126912 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Rosehall Run Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A lovely Riesling just bursting with personality! Gorgeous notes of ripe peach, pear, dry apricot and stone fruit. Lovely vein of minerality running through it with perfect calibrated acidity for food. Gold Medal winner at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships. 191353 10.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Winemaker's Series Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This storied Ontario winery is thriving under the leadership of award-winning winemaker, Bruce Nicholson, and this single-vineyard Chardonnay shows why. The Montague Vineyard is a well- known source for exceptional Chardonnay. Aged in French oak for 8 months, the 2008 is rich and creamy, with ripe tropical fruit, toasty cedar and vanilla character, and a long finish. Delicious now, but should evolve over the next 3-5 years. My note: A gently flavoured Chardonnay with notes of peach, pear, green apple and butterscotch. Balanced and round with a satisfying length. 586347 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Jean-Max Roger Cuvée G.C. Sancerre 2008, A.C., Loire, France: A juicy, lemon-pure white with refreshing acidity. Great lime zest and green apple notes. 189126 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. October 16, 2010
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Terredora Falanghina 2008, I.G.T., Campania, Italy: And now, for something completely different. Lovely and exotic notes of almonds and dried apricot. So very different from typical white styles, yet intriguing and tasty. No heavy oak 642074 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 16, 2010
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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
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Babich Individual Vineyards Headwaters Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: I love this wine! I’ve had this winery’s more inexpensive Sauvignon and recommended it, but this is quite a revelation. It’s more lime-citrus than herbal with refreshing acidity and a clean line right through to the finish. This organic wine has just 14 mg/L of free sulphur. 183160 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 16, 2010 Favourite White Wine.
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Distant Land Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Robust and herbal with mouth-watering acidity. Some notes of lime and chives, very versatile with food. 677542 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Tokara Varietal Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Packed with tropical fruit, melon and floral notes, this crisp, clean Sauvignon Blanc is such a delightful sipper that you may not have any left by the time the main course is served. My note: Very herbal and grassy with refreshing acidity. A lime-infused finish. 183954 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 16, 2010
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Bonterra Viognier 2007, Mendocino, Lake County, California, United States: So very lovely! Some light spices, floral notes and peach. Perfect for Asian and mild curries and as an aperitif. This organic wine has only 9 mg/L of free sulphur. 128900 13.70% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Joel Gott is a legend as a restaurateur in San Francisco, where his ahi (tuna) burgers are a sensation. His wife is the legend in their winery, however. She crafts superb, flavourful, balanced wines that are rapidly gaining a reputation for being very food-friendly. For example, this Sauvignon Blanc features pretty aromas and flavours of grass, asparagus, and citrus. Naturally, it works wonder-fully with ahi burgers. My note: Grassy good with great refreshment. Mouth-watering and crisp with lime and chive notes. 191593 13.80% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Ironstone Chardonnay 2008, California, United States: A nicely balanced, rich, sound Chardonnay with notes of butter, clementine, and peach. Voluptuous but not too heavy. 355776 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Cuvaison Chardonnay 2008, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lovely buttery Chardonnay with classic aromas of green apple, peach and pear. Round and full-bodied. Bring it on! 988261 14.20% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Wits End Free Settler And The Convict Shiraz Grenache 2008, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Chalk Hill uses the brand name Wits End in North America to avoid confusion with the well-established California winemaker. Opaque purple in colour, this crowd-pleasing red features a black fruit nose, and smoky aromas of chocolate, black licorice and blackberry. Add to that further flavours of raspberry, strawberry, mocha and herbs and you’ve got palate pleasure! Enjoy this ripe and round red tonight. My note: A dependable, delicious red with juicy plums, berries and mocha notes. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Great party wine. 186130 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 16, 2010
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Charles Cimicky Autograph Shiraz 2004, Australia: Classic Aussie Shiraz: Black plums with a thread of minty cool running through it. Full-bodied and plush and a rich depth. Full-bodied and smooth. Lovely hedonistic satisfaction and pleasure. Drink: 2010-2015. 27326 14.50% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. October 16, 2010
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Cat Amongst The Pigeons Nine Lives Barossa Earth Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Big purple plums and blueberries dance across your palate like a cat on a hot tin roof. Full-bodied, juicy and supple. Great for catty discussions. I amuse myself if no one else. Drink: 2010-2015. 93138 15% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A Pinot Noir chock full of aromas of strawberry, blueberry, cherry and earth tones. Dry with very vibrant fruit supported by ripe tannins and fresh acidity. A very well-made, approachable, food-friendly Pinot Noir. Medium bodied with a medium-long finish. Could be cellared 1-3 years, but would be fine tonight. My note: Stunning for the money. I dare you to find a better pinot on the market at this price. Lovely ripe cherry fruit with some spices. Medium-bodied and velvet smooth. Drink: 2010-2016. 33894 12.50% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Le Clos Jordanne Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The hue in the glass calls to mind the old saying “red sky at night, sailor’s delight.” Aromas of rose petal, orange rind, mineral and raspberry. Dry and fresh with good fruit and a nice core of acid. Medium bodied with a long, elegant finish. Enjoy it with your Christmas turkey dinner. It could also be cellared 2-4 years. My note: What an absolute delight! Hedonists rejoice, here’s a wine to fulfill your sensory dreams. Lightly spiced cherry fruit, some cranberry and a whole lot of fleshy berries. A lovely tension and balance. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2010-2017. 33902 12.50% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 92/100. October 16, 2010
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Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby/orange colour with aromas of tea, cherry blossom, smoked meat and woodsmoke. Dry, quite fruity, with a fine core of tannins and bright acidity that bring structure. Medium-full bodied with a long, fruit/tannin finish. Will also reward 3-5 years in a cellar. My note: A stunning core of tart cherry and beetroot with some spices on the finish. This is one of Canada’s best Pinots, if not the best. Magnificent length, depth and voluptuousness. It’s like a room of satin cushions you want to dive into and let your senses play. Drink: 2010-2018. 34553 12.50% XD 750 mL $70.00 Score: 94/100. October 16, 2010 Favourite Red Wine.
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Estampa Estate Malbec 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Estampa are blending specialists, and this concoction of Malbec (60%) and Petite Sirah is a fine example of their expertise. An attractive wine brimming with blackberry, cherry and coffee notes, it is an exceptionally priced crowd-pleaser. Just the thing for your next gourmet burger night. My note: Terrific value for this full-bodied, smooth, juicy wine with dark fruit. Party pleaser! 169938 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. October 16, 2010
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Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Carmenère 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Mmm...a plush, satisfying Chilean Carmenère. Deep ruby with purple highlights in the glass, it gushes forth with expressive aromas of black cherry, black plum, licorice spice, gentle bramble, and freshly tilled earth. These characters make a delightful encore on the palate, which is dry, with an impressive core of ripe fruit, and ample structure-lending tannins. Nice concentration, and good length. Drink now or over the next 2-3 years. My note: Starts out like Cabernet Sauvignon with cedary, cassis notes on the notes and good structure but delivers those fleshy plums on the palate that make you say, “Please top me up!” Full-bodied and supple. Excellent value. Drink: 2010-2014. 34942 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 16, 2010
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Santa Alicia Gran Reserva De Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This Cabernet is so delicious, it may just surprise that friend (you know who you are!) who doesn’t typically like red wines. Deep ruby, it oozes decadent aromas of ripe black cherry, blackcurrants, chocolate and plum, highlighted by gentle wisps of cedar and woodsmoke. Dry, medium-full bodied and sporting plenty of fruit, it’s still delightfully fresh at 5 years on, with supple, supportive tannins lending structure. Nice, long finish. A great wine to try with cocoa-rubbed back ribs. My note: Lovely dark berries and plums, with espresso and smoke on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth. 60244 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Château Larose-Trintaudon Cabernet Blend 2006, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Larose Trintaudon was first marketed in 1841! This brand, and its mark of quality, have endured for good reason: lovely aromas of raspberry, strawberry, cedar and oak persist pleasingly in its flavours with good length, culminating in a clean, dry finish. Enjoy this distinguished Bordeaux tonight. It may also be aged 3-5+ years in a good cellar. My note: Rustic, robust and cedary with brooding black fruit. Could benefit from some cellar time and decanting. Drink: 2011-2015. 171215 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Ravoire & Fils Le Prieure Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A Gold Medal winner at the Foire aux Vins d’Orange 2008 competition. Impressively constructed Côtes du Rhône-Villages wine, featuring aromas of plum, cherry, strawberry/rhubarb and pepper. Dry, with lots of fruit expertly balanced by a nice seam of acidity and ripe tannins. Medium-full bodied with a long finish. Cellar it 3-5 years or enjoy it tonight. My note: Peppery cherries and cedar notes in this staggeringly great wine for the price. Full-bodied, savoury and tasty. Stock up for the holidays! Drink: 2010-2015. 175687 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010 Best Value Red Wine.
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Château De La Pierre Maison Loron Gamay 2009, A.C., Beaujolais-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Although this château dates back as far as the 12th century, its Beaujolais is as fresh as it is fruity. Lovely aromas and flavours of caramel, red plum, raspberry and cherry spice make this balanced, medium-bodied red a delight for the palate. A must-savour. My note: Sweet cherry fruit that would be amazing with turkey and game birds. Silky, medium-bodied and yet richly satisfying. A terrific wine for the money. Drink: 2010-2014. 183707 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Château Moulin De Canhaut Poitevin, Prop. Cabernet Blend 2005, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal: 2007 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Another fine example from the highly touted 2005 vintage. Deep ruby/garnet colour with intriguing aromas of blackberry, shoe polish/new leather, sour cherry and freshly ground coffee. Dry with firm tannins surrounding bright fruit tones (especially cherry). Medium-full bodied with a fairly long, well-structured finish. Cellar it 3-5+ years. My note: An easy-drinking, smooth, full-bodied red with aromas cassis, spice, smoke and blackberry. Old World styling. Drink: 2010-2014. 190983 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Château Reverdi Vign. Thomas Cabernet Blend 2006, A.C., Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Black brooding fruit and wood smoke with classic Bordeaux styling. Good tannic grip so it needs some cellar time or 1-2 decanting. A pleasantly bitter finish. Drink: 2011-2015. 194209 13.50% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. October 16, 2010
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Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Du Château, 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Some attractive tart cherry and cranberry with baking spices and a nice lick of acidity. Not overly fruity. Good zingy kick and smooth, medium body. Drink: 2010-2015. 901199 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Château De Cruzeau André Lurton Cabernet Blend 2007, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Hazelnut goodness with lovely peach and peach notes. Medium-bodied with lovely balance. 966010 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Le Fraghe Bardolino 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Tasty and straight-forward with savoury notes of dried herbs and dark chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied and smooth. Juicy-good! Drink: 2010-2013. 181198 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. October 16, 2010
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Le Arche Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Amarone continues to raise the bar of its worldwide popularity! This Amarone is filled with plum, chocolate, and raisiny spice, with a hint of tobacco. It’s a soft, round red with good structure and length. You can enjoy this fantastic style of wine with a wide variety of foods. My note: A big honkin’ wine for those who love the full-bodied palate wallop! Big black berries and fruit, smoke, spice and dark liqueur. This is a heart of darkness wine that’s deeply satisfying and intriguing. Drink: 2010-2020. 95836 15% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. October 16, 2010
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Tedeschi Capitel Dei Nicalò Appassimento Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Tasty, juicy and medium- to full-bodied. Cherry fruit and some spice. Knock-it-back wine. 984997 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. October 16, 2010
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Porcupine Ridge Limited Release, Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Viognier 2007, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Gorgeous concentration with blackberries, plums and dark cherries wrapped in spices and smoke. Full-bodied and supple. An opulent wine to be enjoyed with very good friends. 79442 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Torres Salmos 2007, D.O.C.A., Priorat, Spain: A full-bodied, tasty red with lovely notes of dark berries, plums and spices. Wonderfully balanced, concentrated and long. Drink: 2010-2015. 60772 15% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Paso A Paso Bodegas Volver Tempranillo 2008, D.O., La Mancha, Joven, Spain: Juicy, smooth and full-bodied with lusciously ripe notes of dark berries, spices and plums. A steal at this price. Drink: 2010-2014. 82206 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Helix Reininger Winery Syrah 2006, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Tasty and savoury with notes of dark chocolate and black plum. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2014. 186684 14.30% D 750 mL $30.00 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Barra Of Mendocino Pinot Noir 2006, Redwood Valley, Mendocino, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This award-winning wine features aromas of cherry, citrus, raspberry and hints of earth. Dry with good fruit at first enlivened by racy acidity. This wine has a well-focused, fairly long finish. It will reward cellar time (3-5 years). This organic wine has only 6 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: A sweet cherry infused red with mouth-watering notes of field berries. Smooth and medium-bodied. 191890 13.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Paul Dolan Zinfandel 2007, Mendocino County, Amador County, California, United States: This organic wine has just 14 mg/L of free sulphur. This lively zinfandel has ripe blackberry and blueberry notes with a supple, full-bodied weight. Great for barbecue. Drink: 2010-2014. 46342 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010
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Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Chalky dry with dark berries and cassis. Balanced and long. Elegant, not in your face. Drink: 2010-2016. 932400 13.60% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. October 16, 2010
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Louis Bouillot Perle Rare Brut Crémant De Bourgogne 2006, A.C., Burgundy, France: A good value for this crisp, toasty bubbly. Save yourself a bundle for the holidays or a wedding with this bottle. 178137 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine Tied.
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Moncontour Brut Les Caves Du Val De France Crémant De Loire Rosé, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This centuries-old château crafts its crémants using the painstaking traditional method. The colour in the glass is just like a newly minted penny. Youthful aromas of raspberry tart, strawberry/rhubarb pie, floral, and toast notes. Dry and crisp, with creamy mousse and delightful aroma replays on the palate that refresh like a freshwater stream. Make this an any-occasion aperitif. My note: Astounding value for such a pretty bubbly! Fresh field raspberries and strawberries. Stock up for the holidays and parties. 183533 12.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 16, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine Tied.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Domaine Pinnacle Ice Cider, Quebec, Canada: Richly layered flavors of ripe granny smith and golden delicious apples, apricot and cinnamon. A wonderful substitute for vidal icewine. This is apple pie in a glass. Yum! 6924 12% S 375 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Commemorative Edition Vidal Icewine 2006, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This delicious Icewine was crafted in commemoration of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and a portion of proceeds from every bottle sold will support our Canadian Olympic athletes and the Games. The unique label was commissioned from Canadian artist Gordon Halloran, who uses ice as his canvas to make beautiful abstract works. Definitely a collectible, this is also a sophisticated and impeccably balanced Icewine for those who like to bring home the gold and savor it in a glass. My note: Redolent of ripe peaches, pears, apricot and honeysuckle. Unctuous layers of flavor with a tangerine-tinged finish. 87775 10% S 750 mL $59.95 Score: 95/100. October 16, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks October 16, 2010

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