Vintages Wine Picks July 7, 2007

by Natalie MacLean


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[ Compress ] White Wine

Geyser Peak Chardonnay 2005, Alexander Valley, California, USA: A fantastic price for this round-textured, full-bodied and buttery chardonnay.  343475  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2007
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Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Chardonnay 2005, D.O. Casablanca Valley, Chile: VC:: This popular Chardonnay features a bright yellow color and tropical fruit on the nose and the palate. A fresh, crisp, and very well-balanced summer white. My note: A round- textured, buttery and full-bodied chardonnay. Simple but delicious.  928580  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. July 7, 2007 Best Value White Wine.
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Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: A fantastic wine for the money! Vibrant notes of guava, grapefruit, grass and lime.  981670  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2007
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Grove Mill Riesling 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: VC:: This wine received a Blue/Gold award at the Sydney International Wine Competition 2007. My note: A simple but delicious and off-dry white with pretty notes of lime and mango.  32771  12%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. July 7, 2007
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Kim Crawford S.P. Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: VC:: Spitfire Sauvignon is part of Crawford’s new SP (Small Parcel) line. From only the second crop from this new vineyard, this small lot of grapes makes an exceptional, intense wine. My note: A richer, round-textured sauvignon blanc from a sensational producer. Not as grassy as their next wine down.  38240  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 92/100. July 7, 2007 Favorite White Wine.
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Château Des Charmes Chardonnay 2002, V.Q.A. St. David's Bench, Ontario, Canada: A full-bodied, round textured, warm and buttery chardonnay. Delicious aromas of ripe pears.  430991  13%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2007
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Mulderbosch Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2006, W.O. Stellenbosch, South Africa: Love this wine year after year. Very refreshing with aromas of gooseberry, lime and grapefruit.  933424  12%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2007
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Goats Do Roam White 2006, W.O. Western Cape, South Africa: A blend of chenin, crouchen, clairette, viognier and semillon that smells and tastes like pinot grigio. A refreshing, mouth-watering and non-oaky wine.  943167  14%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 86/100. July 7, 2007
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2002, Barossa Valley, Australia: A jammy, mouth watering, robust red wine with black cherry aromas.  971705  14%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. July 7, 2007
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Georges Boulon Domaine Du Clos Verdy Chiroubles 2005, AC, Beaujolais, France: VC:: This Cru Beaujolais is made by Georges Boulon, the mayor of the town of Chiroubles. My note: Medium-bodied wine with aromas of fresh berries.  453241  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. July 7, 2007
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Château La Commanderie 2003, A.C. St.-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: A lovely wine with remarkable balance, finesse and finish. Aromas of dark fruit and smoke.  35774  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2007
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Château De Roquetaillade La Grange 2005, AC Graves, Bordeaux, France: VC:: Bordeaux does not have to be expensive to be good. Château Roquetaillade La Grange makes wonderful white and red Graves. This fruity, medium-bodied red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. My note: Decant this full-bodied wine for two hours. Aromas of black fruit and oak.  193102  12%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2007
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Kunde Zinfandel 2002, Sonoma Valley, California, USA: A full-bodied wine with aromas of vibrant, ripe raspberries and black-berries.  965921  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2007
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Château Du Cèdre Le Prestige Cahors 2004, AC, Midi, France: A dark, brooding wine with aromas of big, black fruit. Full-bodied.  969212  13%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2007
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Matua Shingle Peak Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, Sourth Island, New Zealand: VC:: Matua Shingle Peak Pinot Noir is fruit-forward with a gentle acid core for balance. It displays just the right weight and body. My note: A good, balanced pinot with aromas of ripe red cherries.  32441  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2007
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Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Excellence 2005, A.C. Costières de Nîmes, Rhone, France: VC:: A consistently delicious, fruit-forward balanced wonder from one of the southern Rhône’s best still-to-be-fully-appreciated regions and producers. My note: A wine wine with gorgeous aromas of dark, red fruit and cedar.  708750  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2007 Best Value Red Wine.
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Mas Des Bressades Cabernet/Syrah 2005, Vin de Pays du Gard, Rhone, France: VC:: The 2005 vintage was a classic for the Rhône; this wine is destined to be another classic from this well-regarded producer. My note: A delicious and full-bodied wine for the money. Aromas of dark red fruit. Drink: 2009-2012.  712174  14%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2007
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Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino 2001, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Notes of vibrant raspberries and smoky oak. Drink: 2009-2020.  32508  13%  D  750 mL  $59.95  Score: 92/100. July 7, 2007
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Terrabianca Campaccio 2003, I.G.T. Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: A full-bodied blend of sangiovese and cabernet Sauvignon. A rich wine with aromas of chocolate, and black plums.  905265  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2007 Favorite Red Wine.
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Château Des Charmes Cuvée D’Andrée Rosé 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: VC:: Owner/winemaker Paul Bosc Sr. dedicates this delightful rosé to his wife and winery matriarch, Madame Andrée Bosc. The blend is adjusted each vintage to incorporate the best fruit from that year. (In 2006, it was 45% Pinot Noir, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot.) Enjoy this aromatic, strawberry-scented wine. My note: An elegant, well-made rose.  333260  12%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2007
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Saint-Tropez Carte Noire Rosé 2006, A.C. Côtes de Provence, Provence, France: An Extremely light rose. Light-bodied with faint aromas of stawberries.  319384  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. July 7, 2007 Favorite Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Lanson Brut Rosé Champagne Rose Label, AC, Champagne, France: A vibrant wine with aromas of strawberries and toast.  172130  12%  XD  750 mL  $54.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2007
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Dante Rivetti Riveto Moscato D'asti 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: VC:: Moscato d’Asti is without question one of the perfect ‘Sunday Brunch’ wines. It is pleasantly fizzy, low in alcohol, delightfully sweet without ever being cloying. My note: A lovely, refreshing and sweet wine with aromas of melons.  30775  5%  MS  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2007 Favorite Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Quinta Do Noval Tawny Reserve Port, D.O.C. Douro, Portugal: VC:: This Tawny Port is a blend of wines aged for five to six years that gives the wine a smooth, nutty, creamy character. The aging and blending add elegance and finesse. It does not require decanting and will keep for several weeks after opening. My note: Full-bodied with aromas of almonds, hazelnut and caramel.  687608  20%  S  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2007
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