Values Wine Picks September 2, 2009

by Natalie MacLean

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Note: I publish batches of reviews that I call Good Values Wine Picks. These are from the regular section of the liquor store rather than the Vintages section, and tend to be lower priced and the most widely available of all wines. The last four reviews I did were: March 7, January 4, December 16 and November 20.

[ Compress ] White Wine

Rosemount Estate Diamond Label Pinot Grigio 2007, South Eastern Australia, Australia: This zippy, fresh white offers notes of white grapefruit and lime. Not a trace of oak. Light- to medium-bodied. Makes a pleasant aperitif. Closed with a screwcap. 112813 13% 750 mL $13.95 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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Harbour Estates Winery Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A lovely white peach-infused Riesling with crisp lime zest notes. Clean and refreshing. 60590 10% 750 mL $12.15 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Vistamar Viostamar Sauvignon Blanc Vistamar 2009, Santiago, Chile: A fresh, carefree white with zesty notes of white grapefruit and lime. Not a trace of oak. Makes a great aperitif. Drink: 2009-2010. 7804449002464 13% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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Pfaffenheim Cuvee Chevalier Pinot Blanc 2007, Alsace, France: Refreshing white melon and grapefruit. Zesty, no oak and medium-bodied. 22855 12% 750 mL $13.45 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2007, Alsace, France: Classic Gewurztraminer: rose petal and lychee with light spices. Medium- to full-bodied without oaky notes. A pear-infused finish. 373373 14% 750 mL $16.05 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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Pierre Sparr Riesling 2008, Alsace, France: Lime green refreshment with zippy notes of grapefruit and green melon. Mouth-watering and clean. Medium-bodied and no oak. 618546 12% 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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St Ursula Dunavar Connoisseur Pinot Blanc 2008, Hungary: A refreshing wine with grapefruit and lime, no oak. Medium-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. 565820 12% 750 mL $8.25 Score: 84/100. September 2, 2009
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Feudo Arancio Grillo 2008, Italy: Pleasant with white melon and green apples. Clean and fresh, no oak. 114710 13% 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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Cavallina Grillo Pinot Grigio 2008, Italy: Wonderfully aromatic with field flowers and lime. Lovely wine for the money.refreshing, clean and crisp. Wow. 123166 12.50% 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Herbal and grassy: yum! Liquid salad in a glass. Refreshing and mouth-watering. 129528 12.50% 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Pure grassy goodness! Herbal, lime, lemongrass with zesty refreshment. Very versatile with many dishes. 554444 12.50% 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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White Cliff Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2008, New Zealand: Hugely herbal and limey-zesty. Searing acidity is absolutely fine as long as you drink this with food (not an aperitif). It will stand up to the most acidic dishes and cut through cream sauces like a knife. Fantastic as a food partner. 610972 12.50% 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Flagstone Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Elim, South Africa: Herbal, grassy goodness in this lovely and refreshing South African Sauvignon Blanc. Notes of lime, green apples and lemongrass. Zesty with mouth-watering acidity and no discernible trace of oak. Drink: 2009-2010. 096537 12.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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Flat Roof Manor Pinot Grigio 2008, South Africa: Simple and refreshing with white melon and lime. Zesty and crisp with no oak. 27128 12% $11.90 Score: 84/100. September 2, 2009
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J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2007, California, United States: I love the campfire smoke on the nose of this wine: I can a cool starry night, a blazing fire and a cuddly sweater. Blended in with this toasty goodness is ripe peach and pear notes with some green apple. Full-bodied and rich. 258699 13.50% 750 mL $20.55 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio 2007, California, United States: A simple, immanently quaffable white with tasty notes of limes and white melon. It comes in a TetraPak (gasp): get over it. Perfect for camping and picnics. 622019 13% 1000 mL $12.95 Score: 84/100. September 2, 2009
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

La Puerta Shiraz 2008, Argentina: A simple, plummy wine with purple berry notes and a supple, full-bodied texture. Mouth-watering and tasty. Great for laundry night. 614636 14% 750 mL $9.95 Score: 84/100. September 2, 2009
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Jaure Jaure Malbec Gran Vecco 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A juicy and delicious red with aromas of black plums and black cherries. Supple with mouth-watering acidity that makes it a versatile partner for many hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2009-2011. 870635000030 14% D 750 mL $17.10 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Rosemount Estate Diamond Label Pinot Noir 2008, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A supple, medium-bodied red with pleasing notes of ripe strawberries and cherries. Very little oak. Plush and satisfying. 112821 13.50% 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2008, Australia: Purple plum goodness and sunshine in a glass! A terrific, knock-it-back wine for casual potlucks and barbecues. A consistent producer of tasty wines. 145367 13.50% 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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Rosemount Estate Diamond Label Shiraz 2007, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A dependable, full-bodied Australian shiraz with dark red berries and plums. Some pepper and mint for an added twist. Full-bodied and smooth. 302349 13.50% 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006, Australia: Classicly structured and balanced with terrific fruit. Not your average Australian Cab and not as fruit-forward. This wine has distinction and is terrific for the price. New World concentration and Old World tailoring and lines. Superb effort. 613240 13.50% 750 mL $16.45 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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Del-Gatto Estates Del-Gatto Estates Two Shades Of Red 2008, Prince Edward County, Canada: A juicy, berry-ripe red with full-bodied layers of dark berry fruit. A clean taste with no discernible oaky flavors. Easy-drinking and pleasant. Available only from the winery. 12% D 750 mL $16.00 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A beautifully concentrated wine in its rich flavors of ripe cherry and strawberry, yet ephemeral and supple in texture. This wine makes you want to dive into the glass head first. 1545 11.50% 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2, 2009
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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Burrowing Owl Vineyard Meritage 2006, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Destined to become a cult classic. This wine offers enticing aromas of cassis, black plum, blackberries and coffeed oak. A monumental structure gives shape and definition to these plush layers of dark fruit. An otherwise ordinary weeknight becomes a celebration when you uncork this big red. Beautifully structured with a finish that’s as long as the yacht you’re planning to buy. Get yourself on the winery’s bottle allocation list now. Drink: 2009-2016. 20073 14.50% D 750 mL $45.00 Score: 93/100. September 2, 2009
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Mission Hill Family Estate Osoyoos and Oliver Vineyards Oculus 2006, Okanagan Valley, Canada: This Bordeaux-inspired red from one of B.C.’s top producers blends Old World finesse with New World power. The winery hand-picks and sorts grapes from the best blocks in its Oliver and Osoyoos estate vineyards. The wine is aged in French barrels for 14.5 months before bottling. All of this coddling results in a wine that delivers hedonistic ripples of pleasure on the palate. A core of blackcurrant and cassis is enclosed in a cigar box. Perfect for when you cash in your Google stock. Drink: 2009-2018. 220037 14% 750 mL $70.00 Score: 96/100. September 2, 2009
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Inniskillin Wines Merlot 2007, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada: A tasty, mouth-watering red with juicy, ripe dark plums and blackberries. Supple and full-bodied with layers of hedonistic satisfaction. Miles (in Sideways) was wrong: Merlot can be terrific! Drink: 2009-2014. 3234444 13% D 750 mL $15.50 Score: 89/100. September 2, 2009
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Southbrook Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz 2006, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: Robust layers of dark, brooding blackberries and black plums. Toasty wrapped in a blanket of smoky oak. Full-bodied and looking to pick a fight with anyone who disagrees that this is a tasty red. 45609 12.10% 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Wild Horse Canyon Shiraz 2007, British Columbia, Canada: A simple and delicious quaffer with generous notes of purple plums and blackberries. Smooth and warm. 54429 13.50% 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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Inniskillin Wines Pinot Noir Reserve 2008, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada: Bursting with ripe cherries girded by a lovely seam of mouth-watering acidity. Balance, finesse, silky texture and length: it's got it all. A terrific wine for the money, especially for Pinot Noir. Very versatile with many dishes. Drink: 2009-2016. 623793 12.50% D 750 mL $18.25 Score: 90/100. September 2, 2009
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Prospect Winery Fats Johnson Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan, B.C., Canada: A vibrant, zippy Pinot Noir that will wake up your mouth with a flavor call. Bright, ripe cherries and strawberries that have a nervy tart edge. Perfectly versatile for so many dishes. Make friends with this wine today. 92304 13% 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Chile: Dark chocolate, smoke and blackberries in a full-bodied, lip-smacking delicious package. Yum! 257329 13.50% 750 mL $10.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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San Pedro Castillo De Molina Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Chile: Rich and plummy: simply delicious! Floods the senses with warm layers of mocha, black raspberry, cassis and blackcurrant. A pleasantly dry and clean finish. 339176 14% 750 mL $13.20 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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Carmen Reserva Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Toasty with mocha-rich deep notes of dark plums. Velvet texture wraps around full-bodied taste. Mouth-filling and satisfying with a pleasant finish. 439166 13.50% 750 mL $16.90 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Concha Y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Shiraz 2008, Chile: Layers of dark chocolate, black cherries and hickory smoke. Full-bodied, supple and rich. Perfect for movie night. 568055 13.50% 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Espiritu De Chile Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Chile: Dark chocolate, black raspberry and plums. Full-bodied and supple. Knock it back! 60657 13.50% 750 mL $10.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Mont Gras Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Chile: Rich, dense and generous in body and flavor. The Cabernet gives it structure and backbone. A reliable wine to bring to friends for a casual get-together. 619205 14% 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Vina Carmen Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Chile: An incredible value on the liquor store shelf: rich, round, full-bodied. Intriguing aromas of dark fruit, pine needles, mint and smoke. Lovely! 78980 14% 750 mL $10.85 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Concha Y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Malbec 2008, Chile: Tasty depths of black-purple plums, blackberries and black raspberries. Toasty hickory smoke wafts through the basket of fruit. Full-bodied, supple and warm. Invites to sidle up next to the bottle like an old friend at the bar. 94060 13.50% 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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French Tom Merlot 2006, Languedoc, Roussilon, France: A plummy, chocolate-rich red with full-bodied supple layers of flavors. Completely dry (not sweet). 114082 13.50% 750 mL $13.95 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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La Vieille Ferme Syrah 2007, Cotes Du Ventoux, Rhone, France: Rustic, robust and tasty! Black cherries, wild garrigue and cedar spice. Full-bodied and wonderfully Old World. 263640 13.50% 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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La Romaine Venus Syrah 2007, Cotes Du Rhone Villages, France: Rustic, simple and delicious. Black cherries and cedar spice with full-bodied layers. 28779 13.50% 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Domaine De Serame Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Languedoc, Roussilon, France: Black fruit, smoky oak and full-bodied foreboding. Layers of lip-smacking delicious flavor. 35006 13.50% 750 mL $13.95 Score: 84/100. September 2, 2009
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Bertani Valpantena Ripasso 2007, Verona, Italy: Medium- to full-bodied richness with black cherries and bitter tarry (lovely) finish. Supple and long-lasting. 12443 13% 750 mL $17.70 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Masi Campofiorin Corvino Blend 2006, Verona, Italy: Love the black cherries with the mouth-watering streak of tar through them! Full-bodied and deep, bring you to you knees kind of wine. Masi knows how to make fabulous wines at every price point. 155051 13% 750 mL $17.45 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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Farnese Montepulciano Dabruzzo 2007, Italy: An incredible wine for the money! Holy smokes Batman. Lovely bitter cherries and tarry notes give this full-bodied delicious red a mouth-watering savory taste. 621912 14% 750 mL $7.55 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Mineo Cavallina Syrah Nero D'avola 2007, Sicily, Italy: Plummy, round, rich and full-bodied with gorgeous notes with black cherries and blackberries. 74096 12.50% 750 mL $10.05 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Ogio Primitivo 2008, Puglia, Italy: Fantastic value! Rich, war, ripe notes of blackberries and black cherries. Mocha and light smoke with full-bodied goodness. 86421 13% 750 mL $8.85 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: This Pinot has improved every year. It's now a superb wine with all the mouth-watering cherry fruit New Zealand puts in every bottle without searing acidity. Fresh, cleansing and soul-soothing. This wine will make look brilliant in front of your boss or a first date. 54353 13% 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2, 2009
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Alandra 2007, Portugal: Simple but wonderfully delicious for the money. Full-bodied layers of dark fruit and moderate oak. Supple and lip-smacking good. Perfect party wine. 89961 13% 750 mL $7.95 Score: 84/100. September 2, 2009
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Flagstone Winery Shiraz 2007, Western Cape, South Africa: A full-bodied, dark shiraz with more earthy flavors than fruity ones in the classic style of South Africa. That said, there's some pleasant blackberry and blackcurrant notes here with some pepper underneath. This wine was aged for 24 months in oak, two-thirds of which was American. It's supple but will be even better if decant it for 1-2 hours before drinking. Enjoy. Drink: 2009-2011. 127654 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Montecillo Crianza Tempranillo 2005, Rioja, Spain: Old World finesse with mature aromas of leather and cigar box. Some dried herbs and pleasantly bitter cherries. 144493 13.50% 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Osborne Dominio De Malpica Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Spain: Chocolate and plums, full-bodied delicious. Simple and quaffable. 32011 13.50% 750 mL $14.95 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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Conde de Valdemar Crianza Tempranillo 2005, Rioja, Spain: Some lovely mature aromas here of leather, cigar box, dried herbs and black cherries. Old World elegance and patience. Mouth-watering and absolutely tasty. Full-bodied and supple. 356089 13.50% 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Torres Sangre De Toro 2007, Spain: A delicious and fantastic value! Full-bodied with blackberries and raspberries. Lovely weave of oak. 6585 13.50% 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Spanish Quarter Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo 2007, Spain: A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Tempranillo, this red has full-bodied layers of dark fruit and mocha. Dark cherries and raspberries and a smooth texture. 72546 13.50% 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009
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Castillo De Monseran Viura Garnacha 2008, Spain: Tasty and straight-forward with mouth-watering tart cherries and some smoke. Full-bodied and supple. 73387 12.50% 750 mL $8.95 Score: 84/100. September 2, 2009
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Napa Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, California, United States: You won't find Napa Valley Cabernet much lower priced than this, especially for the quality and taste. A mocha-infused, rich, round Cab, this one has lip-smacking delicious layers of dark fruit and smoky oak. Full-bodied and satisfying. 29975 13.50% 750 mL $18.15 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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Gray Fox Merlot 2007, California, United States: A simple, supple red with notes of dark plums and a pleasant bitter finish. 527507 13% 750 mL $7.95 Score: 84/100. September 2, 2009
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Cypress Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: Mocha-dark chocolate notes with blackberries, cassis and blackcurrant. Full-bodied, supple and delicious. Here's a wine for that steak dinner you've been planning. 620799 13.50% 750 mL $14.00 Score: 88/100. September 2, 2009
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Wente Vineyards Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: Bright blueberries, brambleberries and black raspberries. Wonderfully vibrant and full-bodied with a smooth texture and layers of tasty flavors. A pleasant spicy finish. 66118 14.50% 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2007, California, United States: One of the best values on the liquor store shelf! Deep, mouth-watering layers of dark berries and plums with a smoky note underneath. Rich layers of flavor that will keep you returning to your glass again and again and … 669499 14% 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. September 2, 2009
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De Loach California Series Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: A juicy, purple-plum ripe tasty wine. Supple and smooth with full-bodied flavor. A nice jammy finish. 89268 13.60% 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Vina Vistamar Vistamar Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Rose 2009, Central Valley, Chile: A deep and full-bodied rose with ripe cranberry and currant notes. Good acidity for a refreshing attack. Drink: 2009-2010. 7804449002952 13.50% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 85/100. September 2, 2009
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, Champagne, France: A robust and tasty champagne that floods the senses with freshly baked bread and hazelnuts. Drink: 2009-2014. 537605 12% D 750 mL $49.85 Score: 91/100. September 2, 2009
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Values Wine Picks September 2, 2009

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