Vintages Wine Picks September 18, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Robert Oatley Vineyards Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Pemberton, Australia: Crisp and clean with refreshing aromas of white melon, grapefruit and lime zest. Not herbal or grassy. Good acidity makes it mouth-watering: this wine cries out for food! Drink: 2010-2013. 186106 12.20% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Le Clos’ most recent addition to their portfolio, now in its second vintage, Talon Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay features aromas of hazelnut, apricot, white peach and lots of elegant toasty notes. Dry with excellent fruit and fresh acidity surrounded by just-right oaking. The whole package works perfectly with each element complementing the other. Medium-full bodied with a creamy yet lively and long finish. My note: Another drop-dead gorgeous wine from Le Clos Jordanne. I don’t think they’re capable of producing average or even just very good. Lovely aromas of peach, hazelnut, toasted almond, melon, Asian pear. Watch your back Meursault! Drink: 2010-2016. 143974 13% XD 750 mL $37.00 Score: 93/100. September 18, 2010 Favourite White Wine.
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Château des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Success of Riesling in Ontario is beautifully summed up by Paul Bosc Sr., founder/winemaker at Château des Charmes: “The age of the vines in this wine has clearly been a factor in its success, including a vineyard block from the original 1978 plantings. Generally, older vines produce more complex wines. Also, the limestone from the Niagara Escarpment found in soils located in the St. David’s Bench sub-appellation adds the superb minerality in the finished wine.” This features peach, pear, apricot, mineral and citrus aromas with a nervy intensity on the palate. My note: Love that flinty-petrol nose! (Yes, that’s a good thing.) Lovely aromas of white peach, Asian pear and baking spices. Very clean, crisp and pure. Terrific as an aperitif or with many dishes. Drink: 2010-2013. 277228 12.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Vineland Estates Winery St. Urban Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: A superb effort from one of Niagara’s superstars. Loaded with aromas of lemon, lime, chives and white peach. Perfect as an aperitif or with a variety of food. Best consumed with people you like. A fine match for pad Thai noodles with lemongrass chicken. Drink: 2010-2015. 38117 8.70% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 18, 2010
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Cave Spring Cellars Csv Cave Spring Vineyard Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Superb, benchmark Riesling from one of Canada’s best producers. How do they manage to squeeze so much flavour and pleasure into a bottle without going overboard? Lovely, lovely aromas of wake-up lime, chives, green apples and a fresh-running field stream where you dip your feet to cool off from a warm day. Relax and enjoy. Drink: 2010-2015. 566026 11.50% MD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. September 18, 2010
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Flat Rock Cellars Unplugged Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Pretty, Chablis-like unoaked Chardonnay. Aromas suggest pear, mineral, green apple, lees (giving the wine a lovely texture) and citrus. Dry, racy and very fresh with the fruit and minerality coming in on the mid-palate to bring structure to the wine. This is a medium-long-finishing Chard. My note: Bravo! Way to make unoaked Chardonnay interesting and tasty! Pure fruit flavours of green apples and white peach. Love it! These guys are on a roll. Drink: 2010-2014. 68015 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2009, Niagara Escarpment, Canada: This is such a pretty Riesling! Lovely ripe melon and white peach with field flowers. Light in alcohol but packed with flavour. Perfect for a spring day, or a summer day, or a fall day ... 80234 10.50% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. September 18, 2010
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Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Of Niagara Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Love this style of Chard! Rich, full-bodied but not heavy. Infused with gorgeous hazelnut and toast almond with green apple and peach notes. Truly one of our best Canadian producers. Drink: 2010-2015. 89037 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 18, 2010
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Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Chardonnay 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A vibrant and deliciously layered Chardonnay from one of Chile’s newest viticultural hot spots, the Limarí Valley. Ripe pear, melon, citrus zest, buttered toast, and smoke ascend from the glass. On the palate, it’s medium-full bodied yet quite elegant, with bright acidity bringing balance. A toasty oak note emerges on the lingering finish. Expertly made, and a very fine value. My note: Pleasant quaffer without being too heavy. Aromas of green apples, peach, butter and some smoke. Drink: 2010-2013. 342857 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Domaine Charles Sparr Tradition Riesling 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The best part of any tradition is the trappings – and this wine is no exception. Loaded with aromas of sweet lime, apricot, mineral, honey and apple, it is inviting and generous. The dry palate is enlivened by refreshing citrus zest tones and a lovely minerality. Finishes fresh and crisp. Enjoy it with an authentic Chinese chicken salad. My note: Crisp and refreshing with lovely aromas of peach, pear and pink grapefruit. Refreshing and clean. Drink: 2010-2014. 176933 12.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010 Best Value White Wine.
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Chateau Bonnet Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008, Bordeaux, France: Refreshing and crisp with classic Sauvignon Blanc flavours of grass, chives, lime and herbs. Also some Semillon in the blend. 83709 12% 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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San Fabiano Calcinaia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Divine! Payload of blackberries berries, smoke, anise and fleshy dark plums. Full-bodied and supple with a terrific long finish. Well worth the price. Drink: 2010-2015. 181420 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. September 18, 2010
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Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay 2008, California, United States: Round and full-bodied with peach and green apple notes with a rich roundness. Drink: 2010-2013. 356501 14.20% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay 2008, California, United States: Round and full-bodied with peach and green apple notes with a rich roundness. Drink: 2010-2013. 727891 14.20% D 375 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Benmarco Dominio Del Plata Malbec Bonarda 2008, Argentina: A blend of Malbec with 10% Bonarda that was aged 11 months in 50% new French oak and 50% new American oak. Lovely concentration and depth, especially for this price. Deep, rich, and full-bodied with aromas of dark berries and purple plums. Drink: 2010-2016. 657601 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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Vinrock Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Richly concentrated with black berry jam and preserves. Warm and inviting with full-bodied, supple texture and weight. Drink: 2010-2014. 180414 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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Paringa Shiraz 2008, Riverland, South Australia, Australia: An amazing wine for the money! Rich and concentrated with black cherry liqueur and fleshy ripe blackberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2015. 180422 15% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010 Best Value Red Wine.
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Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A wonderful, vibrant Shiraz with nicely balanced fleshy fruit and acidity for food. Lots of layers of flavours and ultra-satisfying. Perfect for potluck get-togethers and movie night. Nice to have a great half-bottle selection. Drink: 2010-2014. 180430 14.50% D 375 mL $11.95 Score: 91/100. September 18, 2010
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Frogmore Creek Pinot Noir 2006, Tasmania, Australia: Very full-bodied with warm notes of fleshy ripe cherries and raspberries. Smooth and satisfying. Drink: 2010-2014. 182972 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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Burge Family Olive Hill Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Big honkin’ red with supremely satisfying flavours of dark plums and berries. Smooth and ready to go when you are. Drink: 2010-2014. 183418 15.80% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. September 18, 2010
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Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2008, Prince Edward County, Canada: This pinot jumps out of this glass with a gorgeous floral bouquet of wild violets and rose petals. There's also lusciously ripe, fleshy cherries and field strawberries. I love when I have to give up describing a wine and just say, please go try it while you can! Drink: 2010-2014. 11.50% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 94/100. September 18, 2010
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Wayne Gretzky Estate No. 99 Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Gretzky’s 2007 Pinot Noir could double as a good quality Bourgogne. The medium ruby color is followed by aromas of black cherry, earth, strawberry preserves and cedar. It’s dry with surprising tannic grip and bright acidity providing ample structure. Medium-bodied with a solid core of cherry fruit, earth and beetroot notes. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years with rare roast beef, veal tenderloin, or grilled portobello mushrooms. My note: Tart and juicy with lip-smacking delicious aromas of tangy cherries and dark spices. Supple, smooth and clean with great refreshment value. Score another one for the Great One. 129056 12.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010
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Lailey Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A lovely, silky red with bright notes and field raspberries Medium-bodied with terrific length on the finish. Makes you very thirsty for more. Drink: 2010-2014. 591404 13% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010
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Coyote's Run Estate Winery Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Ever-adaptable, Pinot pairs with everything. My note: Classic cherry-berry style with plush layers of fruit flavour. Satin texture and medium body. Wonderful quaffable. This wine is proof that you don’t need palate-whacking alcohol to offer lots of flavour. Drink: 2010-2014. 79228 12% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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Foncalieu La Réserve De Crouzau St. Gervais 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, France: Coffee-espresso warmth with black cherry goodness. Rich, deep and dark with a long satisfying finish. Full-bodied palate-whacker. An absolutely incredible price. Love it! Drink: 2010-2018. 142943 15% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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Domaine Pavelot Les Vergelesses Pernand 1Er Cru 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Wonderfully ripe and plush aromas of satin cherries, fleshy raspberries and strawberries. Gorgeous depth too with a medium body that verges on full-bodied. Absolutely liquid velvet on the palate, divine! Drink: 2010-2016. 155226 13% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 93/100. September 18, 2010 Favourite Red Wine.
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Château Barateau Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2008 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This lovely wine is laden with red fruit and berry aromas. Some chocolate and toffee round out the experience for a decidedly delectable offering. Dry, medium bodied with good length and fruit throughout. My note: Rustic and robust with classic Bordeaux styling. Aromas of cassis and blackberry. Somewhat sauvage, but very pleasant. Needs 1-2 hours decanting. Drink: 2012-2015. 170282 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Vignoble Faytout Chateau Tour D'horable 2005, AOC Cotes-de-Castillon, France: A plummy, rich red that's balanced and full-bodied with delicious dark berries and cassis and smoky long finish. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010-2016. 174656 12.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010
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Château Toumilon Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot 2005, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: A rugged and tasty Bordeaux with aromas of purple plum, cassis, blueberry and blackberry. Fairly smooth though decanting for 1-2 hours will help. I love the cedary finish and wood smoke that wraps around this wine. Drink: 2010-2014. 177030 12.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Domaine Du Crampilh L'originel Madiran Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Southwest, France: Juicy purple good! Such a tasty, mouth-watering red with aromas of purple plums, blueberries and black raspberries. Fun knock-it-back wine for pizza night or barbecues. Drink: 2010-2013. 70037 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Estate Papaioannou Ancient Nemea Agiorgitko 2006, A.O.C., Nemea, Greece: Lovely leather and dried fruit aromas with some violets and cigar box on the finish. Medium- to full-bodied. Superb and subtle, not overly fruity. I love this style of wine! Drink: 2010-2016. 47977 12.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010
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Tulip Winery Just Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Upper Galilee, Israel: Dark chocolate and mocha with black plums and berries. Full-bodied and smooth and some juicy deep flavours and satisfaction. Drink: 2010-2014. 35097 15% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Montepeloso Eneo Montepulciano Sangiovese 2006, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Deeply concentrated with a rich flavour extraction of blackberries, black cherries and some dark spices. Full-bodied and satisfying. Drink: 2010-2018. 114660 14% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. September 18, 2010
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Villa Girardi Mastino Amarone 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The Villa Girardi family winery was established in 1986. The villa itself was designed by the Veronese architect Luigi Trezza in the late 1700s. This soft, creamy Amarone offers up gorgeous cherry notes on the nose. Soft, structured, and rich, the fruit carries through to a wonderfully persistent finish. Made for meals, but will work beautifully as an after-dinner wine. My note: Big, black and rich with a river of black cherry liqueur. Full-bodied and supple with a long finish. Decant 2 hours and put on the Italian tenors. Drink: 2010-2017. 179382 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. September 18, 2010
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G. D. Vajra Albe Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Mature Barolo with violets, tar and black cherries. Not fruity, more earthy. Full-bodied with a leather-infused finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 179879 14.50% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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San Biagio Montersino Barbaresco 2006, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Dense and delicious with black cherry and dark spices. Rich and supple with a long finish. Needs time. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2012-2017. 181370 14% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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Monte Zovo Sa' Solin Valpolicella Ripasso 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Year after year, this fabulous Ripasso is a major hit with customers. It’s fruit-forward with layers of cranberry, cherry, herb, peppery spice and meaty notes. Dry with a medium-full body and a lingering finish, it has the structure to match flavourful dishes. Its upfront fruit-forward style also makes it a pleasant sipping wine. My note: Very purple and tasty! Bring on the blueberries, blackberries and purple berries. Full-bodied, juicy and somewhat like zinfandel. Smooth and fun. Drink: 2010-2015. 650713 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Ricossa Superiore Barbera D'asti 2007, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Barbera may be given the Asti appellation Superiore designation only if it has been aged in oak casks or barrel for at least one year. This wine was created with the cuisine of Piedmont in mind. My note: Absolutely and divinely delicious! Full-bodied and packed with purple plum extract followed by fleshy blackberries and blueberries. Supple and so enticing. Great price. Drink: 2010-2015. 70839 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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Banfi Centine 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: A pleasant quaffer with dark cherry, smoke, some spice and a supple palate. Full-bodied with good balance. 947440 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 18, 2010
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Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva Real Companhia Velha 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vibrant New World Style with fleshy ripe dark fruit and mocha dark chocolate on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth. A real crowd pleaser. Drink: 2010-2015. 167627 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010
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Sogrape Callabriga Aragónez Alfrocheiro Alicante Bouschet 2007, D.O.C., Alentejo, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Sogrape’s Callabriga is produced from mostly Aragónez (Tempranillo) with the rest comprised of Alfrocheiro and Alicante Bouschet. The wine is designed to demonstrate a modern Winemaking style using the grapes and vineyards that reflect the best of Portugal. Look for Aromas of blackberry, cherry and plum, plus hints of spice and nicely integrated oak tones. This Dry, medium-full-bodied wine is enjoyable now with flavourful meat. My note: Juicy, mouth-watering and savoury. Very tasty! Aromas of Dark and purple plums and berries. Lovely supple texture and a full-bodied texture. Drink: 2010-2014. 167643 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Quinta Do Noval Maria Mansa 2004, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Impressively, this is just the second vintage of Quinta Do Noval’s flagship dry red. Charming and fragrant, with floral notes followed by anise, mulberry, plum and maraschino cherry. Dry and spicy on the palate, with mocha and fig characters joining the aroma replays. Smooth tannins, round texture, and a wonderful, rich, long finish. My note: Good roundness and depth with a full-bodied weight. Aromas of dark fruit nicely balanced with some acidity. Drink: 2010-2014. 167650 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010
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Quinta do Crasto Old Vines Reserva 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Lovely richness and depth with layers of dark fruit flavour. Incredible balance and length. Love it. Ultimate dinner party wine or boss-I’d-like-a-promotion wine. Drink: 2010-2017. 990572 14.50% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. September 18, 2010
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Beronia Reserva Gonzalez Byass 2006, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep, purple-tinged ruby in colour, this expressive wine abounds with aromas of blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, wood smoke, mocha and a hint of vanilla. These nuances replay nicely on the palate, where they’re balanced by fine, structured tannins. Medium-full bodied, the wine offers up a deliciously savoury, spice-infused finish. My note: Pleasant quaffer with dark fruit and some smoke. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2014. 50203 13.70% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Provins Valais Dole Pinot Noir Gamay 2007, Swiss Valley, Switzerland: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, this lithe and savoury red is all about elegance. It’s light bodied, and features aromas and flavours of cherry fruit, smoked meat, and tilled earth. Those who love red Burgundy will find a glimmer of recognition in this nonetheless quite unique wine. My note: Very tart and mouth-watering with great acidity. You must like this style, having developed your palate perhaps on young Burgundy. I do. Aromas of zingy cherries and cranberries, but not fleshy sweet fruit ripe at all. Drink: 2010-2013. 160697 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. September 18, 2010
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Stonehedge Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Stonehedge Winery has established itself as one of the most reliable producers of affordable premium-quality wines in California. Their Reserve wines are from 100% Napa Valley fruit, and this version offers the ripe blackcurrant aromas and silky tannins that lovers of Californian Cabernet adore. This is big enough to stand up to a grilled steak, but soft enough to be enjoyed on its own. My note: A pleasant sipper with notes of blackberry, mocha, dark chocolate and smoke. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2014. 25122 14.30% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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Benziger Syrah 2006, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Benziger has long practised sustainable agriculture in the production of their wines. Their methods are not only good for the environment, they also help nurture grapes with more site-specific characters, flavours and aromas. This full-bodied Syrah shows ample blackberry fruit with hints of coffee, supported by supple tannins. Try it with beef steaks, from grass-fed cows. My note: Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Drink: 2010-2014. 67215 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010
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Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2008, Alexander Valley, California, United States: Holy cow, this is a huge wine! Ultra-delicious with blackberry liqueur and alluring satin texture. Very seductive. Drink: 2010-2016. 70391 15.50% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. September 18, 2010
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La Crema Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: We’re in good hands here because, for more than 30 years, La Crema has specialized in producing exceptional Pinot Noirs from the cool Sonoma Coast. Look for soft cherry, spice and herbal flavours and aromas in this velvety Pinot courtesy of winemaker Melissa Stackhouse. Perfect for a cozy evening meal. My note: I adore this Pinot and often order it when I see it on a restaurant list. It delivers so much pleasure and really, asks so little of you other than to sit back and enjoy it. Supple, silky and medium-bodied. Fleshy ripe cherries and strawberries. Oh yes! Drink: 2010-2014. 732040 13.90% D 375 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. September 18, 2010
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Methode Classique Sparkling Wine 2005, V.Q.A., Niagara, Canada: A terrific blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this toasty, tasty bubbly! It has a gorgeous and persistent mousse followed by enticing aroms of lime zest, green apples and white flowers. A clean finish leaves you longing for more. Pair it with oysters, suishi, fried chicken, potato chips and good friends. 587691 12.50% $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010
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Charles Mignon Brut Rosé Pinot Noir Blend, A.C., Champagne, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a real treat. Pretty pale pink in the glass with fresh strawberry and apples on the nose and palate, this dry, medium-bodied, well-structured Champagne has superb length and a wonderfully full finish. Savour sips of it with good company and conversation. My note: I love rose champagne! That means there’s more pinot noir influence in the blend which results in a more flavourful bubbly, in my opinion. Toasty and rich with some strawberry top notes. Lovely. Drink: 2010-2014. 173435 12% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010 Favourite Sparkling Wine.
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Jean Geiler Letzenberg Prestige Brut Crémant D'alsace, A.C., Alsace, France: Toasty and crisp with pleasant green apple notes. Very reasonable price. Drink: 2010-2013. 957746 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 18, 2010
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Ca' Dei Mandorli Dei Giari Moscato D'asti 2009, D.O.C.G., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Moscato d’Asti, with its gentle sweetness, fizz and low alcohol, is a perfect way to start (or finish) a fine meal. My note: Love this bubbly! Light, a touch sweet, somewhat fizzy with orange clementine and peach preserve notes. So very pretty. Drink: 2010-2012. 179259 5% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 18, 2010
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Ziraldo Estate Riesling Icewine 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Peach perfect! Can one wine define the essence of nectar fruit? I think so now. This is a revelation but I guess it shouldn’t be surprising coming from the man who co-founded Inniskillin. Gorgeous aromas of Asian pear, honey and apricot. You need nothing more. Drink: 2010-2016. 149609 8% S 375 mL $59.00 Score: 94/100. September 18, 2010
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Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Sparkling Vidal Icewine 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada. This intriguing sparkling version from the Icewine masters at Inniskillin displays all the virtues of their still Icewines, but the CO2 bubbles seem to have the effect of adding a touch of intriguing dryness to this generally very sweet wine. As a result, it is an excellent partner for pâté, or great for sipping after a Thanksgiving meal. My note: Superbly exotic and wonderful! Blends the refreshment of sparkling wine and the sweet indulgence of icewine. Try it after dinner with a fruit flan and feel yourself transported. Drink: 2010-2014. 560367 10% MS 375 mL $69.95 Score: 94/100. September 18, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine.
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Delaforce Vintage Port 2003, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Superb structure and balance with a finish that goes on forever! This wine needs cellar time: don’t rob the cradle! Cassis, blackcurrant jam and wonderful exotic dark fruit and spices. Drink: 2014-2025. 180794 20.50% S 750 mL $57.95 Score: 96/100. September 18, 2010
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Dona Antonia Ferreira Late Bottled Vintage, Btld. 2004 Port 2000, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Wow! Gorgeous layers of black plum preserves, blackberry jam and dark fruit richness. This is such a wonderful wine. If you haven’t had port at the end of meal, deny yourself no longer! Drink: 2010-2016. 675751 20.50% S 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. September 18, 2010 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks September 18, 2010

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