Vintages Wine Picks December 11, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Alamos The Wines Of Catena Torrontes 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: A lovely light floral white with bright notes of lime, peach blossom and summer sunshine. Medium-bodied with good mouth-watering acidity for food. Drink: 2010-2015. 81539 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010 Best Value White Wine.
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Catena Chardonnay 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A 1983 visit to Robert Mondavi’s landmark winery in California inspired Nicolás Catena to start his own cutting-edge winery in Argentina. He set about researching the Mendoza region to find the very best locations for his winery and vineyards. It was in the Agrelo area where it all came together. The winery uses three Agrelo-area vineyards for the fruit: Uxmal, Adrianna and Domingo. This 2009 Chardonnay is filled with ripe fruit ably balanced by nicely integrated oak tones and fresh acidity. My note: Wonderfully balanced: generous fruit but good acidity and judicious use of oak. Love this style. Medium- to full-bodied. Lovely hazelnut-infused finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 918805 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Robert Oatley Vineyards Chardonnay 2008, Mudgee, Australia: Lovely pear and hazelnut aromas in this rich, round Chardonnay. Balanced and versatile with food. Drink: 2010-2012. 159798 12.20% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010
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Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2008, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, Australia: Gorgeously layered and flavoured yet absolutely refreshing! A petrol nose (a good thing) gives way to a profusion of white flowers, lime blossom and zesty energetic spring fruit. Mouth-watering and tasty. Superb! Drink: 2010-2015. 606269 11.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite White Wine Tied.
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Thirty Bench Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Wonderful balance and mouth-watering refreshing! Ripe peach and pear notes makes this wine very versatile with food. This wine garnered a Silver Medal at the 2010 Canadian Wine Awards. Drink: 2010-2014. 24133 11.10% D 750 mL $18.70 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Nk'Mip Cellars Winemakers Series Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver Medal winner at the 2009 Jerry D. Mead New World International Wine & Spirits Competition. This very approachable Chardonnay delivers toast, apple, pear and some tropical fruit on the nose. The palate is dry, medium-full bodied and buttery, with a touch of nectar added to the fruit replays. There’s a lovely crispness, minerality and some citrus here too. The finish on this very attractive Chardonnay is medium-long. My note: Green apples and all their zest edged with the warmth and richness of toasted almonds and hazelnuts. Rich but not heavy. Nice balance. Medium- to full-bodied. Great effort here! Drink: 2010-2015. 687699 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Chardonnay 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. 77654995391 13.50% D 750 mL $13.99. December 11, 2010
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Reif Estate Chardonnay Reserve 2009, V.Q.A.,Niagara River, Ontario, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. Drink: 2012-2015. 779320000136 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95. December 11, 2010
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Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Featherstone Vineyard Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2009, Niagara Escarpment, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. Drink: 2011-2014. 87434500052 13% D 750 mL $21.95. December 11, 2010
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Bougrier Signature Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Chenin Blanc at its best, as with this example, features aromas of peach, citrus, lanolin and pear. Chenin is known for its refreshing acidity, thereby making it a fine candidate for cellar maturation. Some Vouvray have been known to last for 50 years or more, but you can try them earlier than that – give this one a more conservative 2-4 years due to more approachable styling. You will, however, also get great pleasure with this highly versatile wine. My note: An absolutely delightful and pretty Vouvray! Lovely floral aromas with ripe peach and pear. Try this wine if you feel you’re in a white wine rut and want something different. Very versatile with food. No heavy oak or alcohol. Amazing price. Drink: 2010-2014. 106880 12% MD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Remoissenet Père & Fils Morgeot, 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France: Wonderful concentration and depth with an ultra-long finish. Toasted almond, lime and green apple. Complexity and layering of subtle nuances. Impress someone with this wine and propose marriage or a merger (same thing, I guess). Drink: 2010-2012. 113589 13.50% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite White Wine Tied.
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Anne Boecklin Réserve Cave Vinicole De Kientzheim-Kaysersberg Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gewurztraminer is an exceptional choice for any gathering; it’s great as a sipper, and it’s an expert match for a vast array of foods. This Gold Medal-winning version (Concours des Grands Vins de France 2009) is filled with classic aromas of lychee, grapefruit and spice, plus notions of pear and rose petals. The palate replays all these aromas beautifully, balanced by moderate acidity. Give this a whirl before a meal, or enjoy it with something exotic. My note: Classic gewürztraminer: lychee, rose petal and baking spices with an exotic essence. So very perfect for Asian dishes and curries or as a wake-me-up aperitif. Drink: 2010-2018. 141226 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010
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Domaine Martelet De Cherisey La Genelotte 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Meursault-Blagny, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous and generous with Old World classic styling of chardonnay an yet loaded with lots of flavour. Aromas of toasted almond and hazelnut, green apple and lime. Full-bodied but not heavy. Drink: 2010-2019. 206250 14% XD 750 mL $74.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010
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Dr. Hermann Kabinett Riesling 2008, Erdener Treppchen, Mosel, Germany: Classic German Riesling with ripe peach and pear and a laser-focused minerality through the core. Mouth-watering acidity. Packed with flavour yet not heavy. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2010-2016. 189647 7.50% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010
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August Kesseler R Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Rheingau, Germany: Splendid! Ripe, focused and fleshy apricot and pear fruit with mouth-watering acidity for food and a lovely long finish. Stunningly made wine. Medium-bodied. It knows no end. 192641 10.50% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: The best of NZ sauvignon blanc: refreshing and herbal without being grassy or too acidity. There’s a lovely citrus-lime lift through the middle that brightens this wine. Wonderfully crafted. Drink: 2010-2014. 919514 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Eikendal Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2008, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Big oaky, buttery chardonnay with a lovely warm finish. Fleshy ripe peach and pear on the middle palate with a full-bodied, generous texture and weight. Drink: 2010-2015. 984773 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Kendall-Jackson Vinter's Reserve Summation 2009, California, United States: This pretty floral white wine reminds me of Irsontone’s Symphony (which I adore). Lovely blend of lime, peach and daisies. Perfect aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. 210195 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Crisp and refreshing with a terrific mouth-watering edge! Zesty lime and green apples notes zing through this wine. Very versatile with food. 221887 13.50% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2008, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Classically made with great balance and structure. Lovely aromas of green apple and peach wrapped in toasty oak. Full-bodied and generous but not heavy. Drink: 2010-2015. 232439 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Superbly crafted, carefully walking the line between generous fruit and balance. Good acidity for food yet a voluptuous finish and richness. Drink: 2010-2015. 317131 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2009, California, United States: Lovely and subtle with white flower aromas and ripe spring peach. Medium-bodied with mouth-watering juiciness. Such a marvellous food companion. Drink: 2010-2015. 658112 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Luigi Bosca Reserva Syrah 2007, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina: A lovely, balanced red with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Dark fleshy aromas of blackberries and plums. Well-crafted! Perfect for movie night or potluck gatherings. Drink: 2010-2015. 143412 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Trapiche Fausto Orellana De Escobar, Single Vineyard Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich and delicious with layers of black fruit flavour. Full-bodied and supple. Wonderfully long finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 178145 14.50% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. December 11, 2010
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Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2008, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Big black beautiful bruiser of a wine. Aromas of blackberries and plums. Supple and delicious. Drink: 2010-2015. 50849 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Glaymond Landrace Shiraz Mataro 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Savoury, dark and delicious. There are unplumbed depths in this dark plummy wine. Oh my, love it. Mataro is another name for Mourvedre and it lends a savoury edge. Superbly crafted. What are you waiting for? Drink: 2010-2016. 144535 15.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. December 11, 2010
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Hazyblur Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Mint and dark chocolate with black fruit in the middle and a pleasantly bitter finish. Full-bodied and powerful. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010-2015. 198333 15.50% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2006, South Australia, Australia: Savoury and gorgeous with great length, depth and concentration. This has always been my favourite of the Penfolds line-up. Full-bodied and supple yet will cellar well. Drink: 2010-2016. 510875 14.50% XD 750 mL $74.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010
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Yalumba Shiraz Viognier 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: I’ve recommended this wine for a number of years now because it consistently delivers great flavour. Full-bodied, savoury and dark with a supple texture. Aromas of fleshy ripe blackberries and plums. Drink: 2010-2014. 524926 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Coriole Redstone Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia 59915 13% 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Creekside Estate Laura Red Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: For the first time, Creekside has produced a full Bordeaux blend – consisting of 39.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 0.5% Petit Verdot – and the results are spectacular. This wine won Double Gold at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships, and 1st Place at the 2009 Royal Winter Fair Wine Competition. The producer suggests enjoying with a hearty soup. My note: Savoury and delicious with fleshy dark berries and plums. Round and full-bodied. Superb effort! Drink: 2010-2015. 117960 12.70% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Nk'Mip Cellars Winemaker's Series Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Nk’Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep) is the first Aboriginal-owned and -operated winery in North America. Their impressive list of award-winning wines continues to grow; this 2007 Merlot won Gold at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships. It is deep ruby in the glass, and offers tantalizing aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, cocoa, blueberry, sage and meat. The palate is dry, full bodied and deliciously consistent with the nose. The medium-long finish closes out the experience in style. Enjoy this tonight. My note: Smooth and supple with a lovely medium body. Black plums and mocha. Smooth jazz, yes, but so nice! Drink: 2010-2016. 626416 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. 776545985507 13.50% D 750 mL $16.45. December 11, 2010
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Reif Estate Cabernet Franc 2010, V.Q.A.,Niagara River, Ontario, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. Drink: 2012-2015. 779320001157 13% XD 750 mL $19.95. December 11, 2010
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Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Reserve Series Meritage 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby purple, verging on opaque. The nose is awash in cassis, black cherry, pomegranate, tobacco, mineral and plum. Chunky, ripe and plush with firm tannins riding atop a solid fruit base. Medium-full bodied with excellent structure, this will cellar successfully for 3-5 years. Enjoy now. My note: Savoury and dark with notes of mocha, espresso, dark fleshy plums. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2015. 91132 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010
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De Martino Legado Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Classic blackberry, blackcurrant and mocha with a pleasantly bitter finish. Full-bodied and supple. A remarkable wine for this price. Stock up for parties. Drink: 2010-2015. 205674 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010 Best Value Red Wine Tied.
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Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Tasty and savoury with dark toasty fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2015. 59477 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010
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Cono Sur 20 Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: A blend of 8% Carmenere and 2% syrah with the rest cabernet sauvignon. A tasty and supple cab with cassis and blackberry and some mocha overlays. Medium- to full-bodied. Drink: 2010-2015. 94128 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Vincent Lacombe Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Pommard, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An inky purple colour, this Pinot Noir opens with notes of cherry, black plum and earth, plus a nice sprinkling of bright violet that gives the nose a delightful lift. The palate is dry, medium bodied, with lots of black fruit and lingering earthy-beetroot. The tannins are certainly not shy, but they are well incorporated and do not upset the overall balance. Thoroughly delicious right through to the end of the medium-long finish. My note: A lovely supple pinot with classic aromas of cherry, earth and light spices. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced. Drink: 2010-2016. 185637 13.50% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Château Rigaud Pierre Taix, Vitic. 2008, A.C., Puisseguin Saint-Émilion , Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep purple in the glass. The nose is quite complex with candied cherry, plum, smoked meat, vanilla bean, wild blueberry, and a floral tone riding above the other aromas. Dry and medium bodied, this is warm and fruity on the palate, with a big curtain of tannins that suggests it will reveal even more in 2-3 years. My note: Purple and black plums with wild field blackberries. Savoury, supple and delicious. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2015. 198366 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Vignerons Du Castelas Syrah Grenache Mourvèdre 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhone-Villages, Rhône, France: A savoury and straight-forward syrah-grenache-mourvèdre blend with terrific black cherry and cedar forest notes. Love this and it’s an amazing price. 199299 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010 Best Value Red Wine Tied.
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Doudet Naudin Château D'antigny, Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2008, A.C., Hautes-Côtes De Beaune, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours des Grands Vins de France, in Mâcon. A pretty, very approachable Pinot Noir with aromas of cherry, plum, spice, earth and beetroot. This dry, flavourful wine is a worthy candidate for mid-term cellaring (2-4 years). My note: Very light and acidic… I like that but you may not. Tart cherry with a fleeting nature. Drink: 2010-2016. 199554 12.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010
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Le Vieux Donjon Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Big and bold with enticing and dazzling aromas of black cherry and cedar forest. A wine to draw you in and never let you go. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2020. 700922 14% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied.
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Teliani Valley Mukuzani Saperavi 2006, Kakheti, Georgia: Simple, juicy and tasty with savoury red fruit and fleshy cherries. Full-bodied and smooth with a medium body. 181271 13% XD 750 mL $18.20 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010
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Domenico Filippino Nebbiolo 2007, D.O.C., Langhe, Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This fantastic Nebbiolo is deliciously true to form. Great fruit and herb notes on the nose, leading to balanced and well-integrated tannins on the dry, fruity palate. All the elements here work together beautifully, right through to the end of the lovely, medium-long, complex finish. My note: A savoury, dark, mouth-watering red with a pleasantly bitter/sour finish. Full-bodied and straight-forward. 184952 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. December 11, 2010
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Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2001, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Smoky, toasty and loaded with brooding big black fruit. A mature wine with great depth and power. The fruit isn’t fleshy or ripe but it is there in balance with the more mature aromas of leather and tar. Drink: 2010-2014. 185025 14% D 750 mL $43.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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La Valentina Spelt Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2005, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Savoury and delicious but it needs cellar time. Dark fleshy berries and some espresso on the finish. Full-bodied and concentrated. Drink: 2013-2017. 19349 13.50% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Bongiovanni Barolo 2006, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A juicier more lifted and brighter Barolo than most. I really like this style. Full-bodied and juicy with fleshy dark berries and fruit. A smoky long finish. Great wine for the cellar. Yum! Drink: 2010-2016. 204594 14.50% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010
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La Braccesca Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: This is a savoury, full-bodied red with mouth-watering layers of blackberry and blackcurrant flavours. It's deeply concentrated and powerful yet has a smooth texture. There are some pleasant tobacco and dried herb notes on the finish. Great for dinner parties or as a gift. Drink: 2010-2014. 566216 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Tenuta Sant'antonio Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Crafted from 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 5% apiece of the lesser-known Croatina and Oseleta varieties. This big, chunky Amarone combines dried red fruit notions with plenty of rich licorice, black pepper and dark chocolate. My note: Soooo tasty! Wow: full-bodied, juicy with ripe blackberries, plums and blackcurrant and a lovely underlay of mocha. Long and rich and satisfying. Leave me with the bottle, will you? Drink: 2011-2020. 685107 15.50% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied.
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Monte Antico Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2006 vintage of this wine appeared on the Wine Spectator’s 2009 Top 100. Since the 2007 vintage was equally good in Tuscany, expect similar praise for this yet-unreviewed version. This is a superb, food-friendly red that will work with a number of dishes. The tannic structure here will also allow the wine to age 3-5 years in a cellar, if you wish. My note: Smooth, full-bodied and a pleasant quaffer. Dark berries and dark chocolate notes. Great party wine. Drink: 2010-2014. 69377 12.50% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010
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Ascheri Vigna Dei Pola Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Dark and powerful; savoury and stunningly delicious! A good tannic grip here so cellar 5 years if you can; otherwise, decant for 2-3 hours. Fleshy dark berries and cassis with a cedary finish. Lovely. Drink: 2015-2022. 739920 14% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 91/100. December 11, 2010
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Trinity Hill Syrah 2008, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Love it! Voluptuous, mouth-watering and mysterious. Dark fruit yet soooo generous. Please buy two bottles so you’re not disappointed after polishing off the first. Drink: 2010-2016. 194274 12.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010
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Kim Crawford Small Parcel Rise And Shine Creek Pinot Noir 2007, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Step back! This is one of the best New Zealand pinot noirs I’ve tried. Why? It has lovely ripe berry fruit and mouth-watering juiciness without the searing acidity. A wonderful food companion or aperitif, this is a terrific wine. Got a dinner party? This is your wine. Drink: 2010-2016. 35337 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. December 11, 2010
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Quinta Do Cerrado 2007, D.O.C., Dao, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Dão is one of Portugal’s most important wine-producing areas. The ageable Quinto do Cerrado is a deep youthful ruby in the glass, with appetite-whetting aromas of raspberry, sandalwood, milk chocolate and dark fruit. The palate is dry, medium bodied and simply bursting with flavours of spice, dark fruit, raspberry, and chocolate. The oak is very nicely integrated, and the tannins are firm but not overwhelming. The medium-long, velvety, and very satisfying finish will leave you hankering for more. My note: Simple and tasty with a supple, medium-bodied weight. Ripe dark plums and field berries. Great party wine! 194720 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. December 11, 2010
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Diemersfontein Pinotage 2009, W.O., Wellington, South Africa: Big and oaky but I like it! It’s warm and fleshy and generous like a pair of jeans that fits just right. Aromas of ripe blackberries and voluptuous plums. So smooth. Top me up! Drink: 2010-2015. 956409 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. December 11, 2010
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Pittacum Barrica Bodegas Terras Gauda Mencia 2006, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: Centred around Mencía, the grape that is indigenous to Bierzo. Savoury and black as night with big tannins and brooding fruit. Full-bodied. Needs cellar time. Decent 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2017. 190751 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Viña Vilano Crianza Tempranillo 2006, D.O., Ribero Del Duero, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Ribero del Duero is synonymous with exceptional red wines. Deep ruby in the glass, this 100% Tempranillo is laden with red and black berry notes on the nose. Aromas of vanilla, currants, and spice add both pleasure and complexity, and are picked up and continued to great effect on the dry, medium-bodied palate. The medium-long finish is rich with flavours of woodspice. My note: Dark and savoury with lovely dark chocolate notes on the top. Underneath is fleshy dark fruit, especially plums. Full-bodied, smooth and satisfying. Drink: 2010-2014. 190777 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Bodegas Franco Espanolas Tempranillo 2004, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Savoury and dark with mouth-watering fleshy black fruit. Full-bodied and smooth with lovely balance. A long, satisfying finish. Fantastic dinner party wine: elegant! Drink: 2010-2015. 194753 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Baron De Ley Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2001, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: We’ve got leather and cigar box and the heady mixture of a mature wine to be sipped contemplatively in a wood-paneled study. Love this style and it’s such a rarity these days to taste a mature wine… everything is all fruit, right now. Try it and see what I mean. A long savoury, smoky finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 642496 13.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010
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Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Rich and spectacular! Full-bodied with aromas of blackberry, cassis, blackberry, smoke, tobacco and cedar box. Is it worth it? Depends on your budget. Drink: 2010-2017. 14209 15.20% XD 750 mL $126.95 Score: 94/100. December 11, 2010
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Clos Du Bois Zinfandel 2007, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos du Bois adds 3% each of Petite Sirah and Carignan to this Zin; they then age the wine in new oak barrels, thereby introducing accents of coconut and mocha. These combined measures add layers of complexity to this robust, blackberry- and raspberry-scented wine. My note: Supple and juicy. Wonderful layers of flavours and pleasure. Full-bodied. Drink: 2010-2015. 38000 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Alexander Valley, California, United States: Good grip with savoury dark fruit. Great depth and length. Full-bodied and well-made. 50427 14.40% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010
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Francis Ford Coppola Zinfandel 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Exceptionally well-made, fresh Zinfandel with intriguing aromas of dark chocolate, sweet cherry, plum, smoked meat and nettle tea. Dry, ripe, rich and almost sweetly fruity, but nicely pulled back from being jammy by velvety tannins and a fine, zippy acidity. A natural for winter-barbecue. My note: Zingy and savoury with fleshy ripe blackberry and blueberry aromas. Balanced, supple, smooth and wonderful. Drink: 2010-2015. 708289 13.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Rose 2010, Okanagan Valley, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. 7-76545-99587-2 750 mL $14.99. December 11, 2010
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Warre's Quinta Da Cavadinha Vintage Port 1996, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Terrific concentration with layered flavours of blackberry preserves, dark spices, plum preserves. Yummy! Drink: 2010-2025. 189605 20% S 750 mL $54.00 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine.
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