Vintages Wine Picks September 15, 2007

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Macrostie Chardonnay 2005, Carneros, California, USA: A round, buttery and rich flavored chardonnay. Also offered in 375mL for $16.95 product # 674937 663054 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007
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Anakena Single Vineyard Viognier 2006, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This crisp, well-balanced Viognier has intense citrus and apricot aromas with subtle hints of tropical fruit. My note: Gorgeous Viognier! A vibrant wine with mouthfilling flavors of guava and citrus. 45138 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 15, 2007 Best Value White Wine.
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Maculan Pinot Grigio 2006, DOC Breganze, Italy: One of the most consistently good producers of pinot grigio. Refreshing acidity and aromas of green apples. 734921 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 15, 2007
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Gunn Estate Unoaked Chardonnay 2006, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: A long, warm and dry summer has blessed this Chardonnay with wonderfully ripe fruit, great intensity and structure. Fresh and well-balanced, this white delivers succulent peach and citrus blossom aromas and flavors with hints of dried pineapple. My note: I'm not usually a fan of unoaked chardonnay since it's often like Coke without the caffeine, but this one is great. It displays lovely aromas of green apples and citrus. 694885 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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Château Des Charmes Estate Riesling 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Estate Bottled, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Château des Charmes has been growing Riesling in the Niagara Peninsula since the 1970s. Their 2005 Estate bottled offering has a rich, oily texture. My note: A vibrant, party ready wine aromas of ripe pear and citrus. 277228 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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Henry Of Pelham Off-Dry Reserve Riesling 2006, V.Q.A. Short Hills Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes for Pelham's Reserve Riesling are sourced from select vineyards with vines that are, at a minimum, 15 years old. The grapes are left on the vine well into October to allow them to achieve maximum ripeness. The wine shows flavors of ripe grapefruit with balanced acidity. My note: This is a riesling with intense aromas of lime and other citrus fruits with good minerality as well. 557165 11% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2004, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Flavors of fresh herbs and green apple are balanced by a rich mouth-feel and a hint of mild oak. These elements, coupled with mouth-watering acidity make this classic, cool-climate Chardonnay an ideal food wine. My note: This is a lovely, round, oaky chardonnay. It displays good balancing acidity with aromas of green apples. Closed with a screwcap. 681247 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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Château StE. Michelle Chardonnay 2005, Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA: Lovely, rich, and voluptuous chardonnay. It is oaky and buttery flavored but not overly so. Aromas of pears and peaches on the nose. 232439 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007 Favorite White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Santa Julia Malbec Reserva 2005, Familia Zuccardi, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Santa Julia's Malbec Reserva was a Silver Medal winner at the 2006 Japan Wine Challenge. Aged for 10 months in French oak, this rich, full-flavored wine offers intense aromas of plum and coffee with accents of spice and smoke. My note: This is an excellent value wine with aromas of cassis and plums. 665026 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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P. Haverlan Tentation Du Château Le Bourdillot 2003, AC Graves, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Tentation translates as 'temptation'. In order to retain the bright fruit flavors, the Château does not wood age this wine. My note: A rich, full-bodied wine unburdened by oak. 43661 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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Bernard Magrez, Prop. Château Les Grands Chênes Rouge 2004, Bordeaux, France: A full-bodied and tight Bordeaux with rich aromas of chocolate and cassis. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2007-2012. 43836 14% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007
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Château La Croix St-Georges 2000, AC St-Georges St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: St-Georges St-Émilion is a satellite appellation of the prestigious St-Émilion. In great vintages, such as 2000, they offer excellent value for money. This Bordeaux will now be showing some maturing so you can expect developed aromas of wet earth and dried leaves. Bottled without filtration, this wine will throw some sediment. Stand it upright for an hour or two before serving, then decant it, if you do not like sediment in your glass. My note: A rustic and tannic wine that still has Old World depth, length and balance. 45187 12% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. September 15, 2007
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Paul Dolan Vineyards Zinfandel 2005, Mendocino, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Paul Dolan is an icon in the wine world, not only for putting the acclaimed Fetzer Vineyards on the map, but also because of his long held commitment to organic wine practices. Naturally, this Zinfandel is made with organically grown grapes producing a wine of pure berry fruit and distinctive peppery spice flavors. My note: A full-bodied zin with aromas of chocolate and plums. 46342 15% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. September 15, 2007
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Clos Du Val Oak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Estate Btld., Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA: Gorgeous, balanced and rich, full-bodied wine. Gives aromas of plums and cassis. Drink: 2007-2012. 720961 14% XD 750 mL $67.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007
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Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: Few do merlot better in the New World. Pricey yes, but delicious with aromas of plums, plums, plums! 992529 14% XD 750 mL $64.95 Score: 91/100. September 15, 2007 Favorite Red Wine.
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Los Vascos Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Wow! Old World elegance with New World fruit. It is a full-bodied wine with aromas of chocolate and cassis. 32078 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007 Best Value Red Wine.
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Viña Tabali Carménère Reserva 2005, Limari Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver Medal winner at the 2007 Wines of Chile International Wine Challenge. Here's a little gem from a lesser-known Chilean producer. This elegant Carménère offers a palate that is smooth and rich. My note: This is a great value wine! Gives the consumer luscious aromas of dark plums. Decant for 2 hours. 44008 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 15, 2007
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Abbotts Turrilite 2005, AC Minervois, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache, the majority of the wines are matured in stainless steel, while a small portion is aged in seasoned barriques. As a result, the wine is quite fruit-forward with soft tannins. Raspberry and plum aromas and flavors dominate this pretty wine. My note: A simple, one-note wine that's great for quaffing. Full-bodied. 43042 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. September 15, 2007
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Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2006, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: A pinot with vibrant cherry aromas and refreshing acidity. Sealed with a screwcap. 694901 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007
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Château Des Charmes Estate Pinot Noir 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Noir is quickly establishing itself as Ontario's trademark red. The grape is notoriously difficult requiring specific climatic conditions to ripen properly. The fantastic 2005 vintage was ideal for Ontario Pinot Noir, as this effort by Château des Charmes displays. The dark cherry and mushroom aromas are backed up by a refreshing vein of acidity. My note: This pinot is lovely and rustic with the soul of the earth in its heart. 256834 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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Willow Heights Tresette Meritage Reserve 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel:The term meritage refers to the use of Bordeaux varietals. Willow Heights' Tresette is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (66%) with Cabernet Franc (24%) and Merlot (10%). It has classic aromas of dark fruits, with accents of licorice and cedar. The palate is round with soft tannins and a long silky finish. My note: Fantastically rich red with aromatic notes of chocolate and black plums. Oh yes! 49973 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007
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Sogrape Callabriga Tinto 2003, DOC Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Sogrape's Callabriga is produced from mostly Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) with Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional in a supporting role. The wine is designed to demonstrate New World winemaking styles using the grapes and vineyards that reflect the best of Portugal. My note: A lovely, mind-awakening red with aromas of ripe plums and black-currant. Full-bodied. 682591 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. September 15, 2007
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Domaine Pradelle Crozes-Hermitage 2004, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A small domaine (20 ha) now run by the brothers Jacques and Jean-Louis Pradelle, they produce only 8,500 cases a year of beautifully crafted, deeply colored, rich Syrahs. To add layers of flavor, they mature the wines for nine months in a combination of new and seasoned French barriques. The wine is cherry, plum, leather and smoke-scented with a soft, well-balanced finish. My note: Full-bodied with lively aromas of cherries and plums. 674192 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007
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Real Sitio de Ventosilla Prado Rey Roble 2005, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This great valued Ribera del Duero has plenty of ripe black fruit flavours with hints of black pepper and vanilla. It is medium- to full-bodied with soft tannins and a long, even finish. A great all-purpose wine that would be equally at home at dinner parties with good friends or romantic meals with loved ones. My note: A delicious, simple wine with bright plum notes. If you like merlot, you'll love this one. Full-bodied. 674465 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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Bodegas Castaño Hecula 2004, DO Yecla, Spain: A full-bodied offering with aromas of black plums. 718999 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 15, 2007
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Fumanelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore Squarano 2000, DOC, Veneto, Italy: Big Bordeaux-Style wine. It has austere tannins and oak with notes of cassis and blackcurrant. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2007-2015. 28944 13% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007
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Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2003, DOC, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A ripe, jammy, forcefully flavorful amarone with aromas of raspberry, cocoa, plum and blackberry. Dry, plump and generous. My note: Full-bodied with aromas of cherry liqueur. 995910 14% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2007
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Ridgepoint Wines Pinot Noir Rosé 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Special care was taken with this rosé to capture the character of Pinot Noir. The grapes were hand harvested and the juice was inoculated with a special yeast designed to bring out the red fruit flavors of the variety. Loads of red cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors are backed up by a refreshing vein of acidity. My note: This rosé reminds me of Tavel. Aromas of baskets of cherries and field flowers. 50021 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 15, 2007
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Trentham Estate La Famiglia Moscato 2006, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This Moscato is light and aromatic with lifted fruit characters and balanced sweetness. My note: A sweet, light wine with pleasing aromas of orange blossom. 43968 7% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 15, 2007
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Vintages Wine Picks September 15, 2007

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