Values Wine Picks May 7, 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

Trapiche Broquel Torrontes 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Such a pretty wine! Lovely display of white field flowers, apples, dried honey and light spices. Delicate and refreshing yet not wimpy. Gorgeous aperitif or as a companion to many dishes. 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 7, 2009
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Trapiche Torrontes 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely wine made from a grape that's often overlooked yet offers so much enjoyment. Aromas of daisies, lychee, white peach and orange zest. 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Trapiche Viognier 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely floral aromas with a rich, full-bodied, viscous texture. Terrific and alluring notes of orange zest, dried apricot and rose petal. 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Trapiche Pinot Grigio 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Bone-dry refreshment as an aperitif or a companion to many dishes. White grapefruit and melon notes. Light-bodied and mouth-watering. 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Hardys The Stamp Of Australia Chardonnay Semillon 2007, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A lip-smacking delicious Chardonnay with buttery, oaky goodness. Ripe apples and peaches. Ready to go when you are. 13% D 250 mL $5.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Sandbanks Estate Winery Dunes Vidal Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A lovely light white wine with pretty notes of white peach, field daisies and green melon. Makes a terrific aperitif. 110031 12% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Black Prince Winery Melon De Bourgogne 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A light white with notes of white peach and flowers. Refreshing. 12% D 750 mL $16.75 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Huff Estates Winery Wismer Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2006, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A fantasticly expressive Riesling with an intense aromatic depth, yet elegant and graceful. Aromas of rose petal, lemon peel, lime, flint and green apple. A spectacular effort. Available from the winery. 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 7, 2009 Favorite White Wine.
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Huff Estates Winery Lighthall Vineyard Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Buttery, hazelnut goodness with rich, creamy layers of pineapple, peach, vanilla and toasty oak. Full-bodied and voluptuous. Available from the winery. D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. May 7, 2009
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Rosehall Run Rosehall Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Buttery, toasty, rich and deep: bring it on! Full-throttle Chardonnay with layers of ripe tree fruit flavors. Full-bodied with a luxurious texture. 111914 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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Sandbanks Estate Winery Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Terrific price for this delightful, expressive Riesling with notes of green apples, limes, lemon and orange zest. Good minerality. Available from the winery. 139022 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Huff Estates Winery Off Dry Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A vivacious, lively white with aromas that jump from the glass: nectarine, peach, pear, kiwi and lime. Just a touch of natural sweetness makes this wine extra delicious and a more versatile partner for food. Winner of the gold medal at the 2008 Canadian Wine Awards. 625053 1% MD 750 mL $16.15 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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Huff Estates Winery Pinot Gris 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A zippy, refreshing white with crisp notes of grapefruit, green apples, lime and melon. Fresh aromas give way to mouth-watering flavors with a nice finish. Terrific aperitif. 625079 1% D 750 mL $20.15 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Black Prince Winery Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This Chardonnay sports clean, crisp green apple fruit as well as a hint of honey and nuts on its soft and generous frame. It's the official white wine of the 2007/2008 Legislative Assembly of Ontario. My note: A smooth, round and creamy Chardonnay with pleasant notes of ripe peach and toasty oak. 68882 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Huff Estates Winery South Bay Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Monstrous stainless-steel vats and traditional barrels that together are used to produce classic Bordeaux varieties such as merlot and cabernet franc as well as more traditional white wines such as chardonnay, riesling and pinot gris. The estate has won numerous medals over the years, and its 2004 chardonnay was named the official wine of the Ontario Legislature for 2005-06. My note: Terrific concentration and depth of flavor here, with aromas of baked apples, brioche, vanilla spice, hazelnut, almond and butterscotch. Half of this Chardonnay was aged in oak barrels and the other half in stainless to combine creamy richness with purity of fruit and good acidity. 88955 D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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Remy Pannier Sevre & Maine Sur Lie Muscadet 2007, Loire Valley, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw with greenish tint; closed nose with some mushroom, yeasty notes; light, crisp and dry. My note: A terrific, zippy little number with lovely notes of field flowers, citrus, white peach and a wonderful thread of minerality. Great mouth-watering juiciness. Light-bodied. 13821 12% D 750 mL $10.90 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Remy Pannier Anjou Chenin Blanc 2007, Loire Valley, France: A crisp and refreshing white with grapefruit and white peach notes. Light-bodied and mouth-watering. Terrific aperitif or as a companion to a variety of dishes. 5967 11% D 750 mL $10.90 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This perennial classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has exuberant aromas of gooseberry, grass, cream of asparagus, jalapeño peppers and melon. It's intense and lively with crisp acidity and a lingering, slightly minerally finish. My note: One of my favorite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, especially in this price range. Bursting with gooseberry freshness, lemon zest, passionfruit and lime. Medium-bodied. This one will wake up your mouth and stir your appetite. 316570 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 7, 2009
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Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw/green color; aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit and passionfruit with grassy notes; dry, crisp acidity, with juicy citrus, melon and green fruit flavors; long zesty finish. My note: Redolent of gooseberry, white grapefruit, lemon, fresh-cut grass and some lifted citrus notes. A lovely and refreshing package. Terrific, mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. 554444 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 7, 2009
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Nederburg The Winemaster's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw color; citrusy fruit with spicy, herbal notes; light pear and passion fruit flavors, well balanced with a crisp, clean finish. My note: Grassy goodness fills the glass and invites you to full refreshment with every sip. Herbal and mouth-watering with a terrific attack of acidity to get the juices flowing. Medium-bodied and very dry. Closed with a screwcap. 382713 13% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009 Best Value White Wine.
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Rutherford Hill Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, United States: Rich, buttery loveliness! Wrap yourself in this luscious layers of this wine: ripe peaches, pears and apricots. Don't over-chill this wine or you'll lose its richness. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. May 7, 2009
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Trapiche Broquel Bonarda 2007, Argentina: A juicy-ripe red with rich black fruit, licorice, blueberry, coconut, dark spices and vanilla smoke. The vines for this wine were 20 years old, and the wine was aged in oak barrels for 12 months. Good firm tannins. Decant for 1-2 hours. 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Deliciously rich with classic aromas of cigar box, leather, violets, black pepper, black plums and cassis. Full-bodied with a smooth texture and a terrific long finish. Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 7, 2009
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Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby red color; cassis, plum, raisin and bell pepper aroma; dry, medium body and medium intensity fruit flavor, forward tannin in the finish. My note: A vibrant and full-bodied red with blackberries and dark spices. Pleasingly polished tannins for a velvet-rich texture. 235671 14% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Trapiche Syrah 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby in color, the nose reveals aromas of blackberry, licorice and spices. Full-bodied, soft and spicy, the finish shows some tannic edge. My note: Alluring notes of black raspberries and cherries underlaid with licorice, dark spices and a kick of pepper. Soft polished tannins give this wine a velvet-smooth mouth-feel. 26898 14% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009 Best Value Red Wine.
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Trapiche Astica Merlot Malbec 2008, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby colour; ripe raspberry, strawberry and a slight mintiness on the nose; coffee, blackberry and a mild earthiness on the palate. My note: Fantastic value for the money! Deliciously ripe black fruit, vanilla smoke and dark spices. Full-bodied goodness delivered in every glass. Very satisfying. 359075 13% D 750 mL $7.45 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Trapiche Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright ruby color; jammy cherry aromas with mocha hints; medium bodied with bright acidity and cherry, mint and leather flavors on the medium finish. My note: Tasty, full-bodied goodness with black plums, cherry-vanilla and smoke. Lovely black pepper notes give this wine an extra umph. 501551 14% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Hardys Stamp Of Australia Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, South Estern Australia, Australia: A terrific, imminently gulpable quaffer in a convenient single serving size. You will need two (or three) though. Blackberries and plums and lots of toasty oak. 14% D 250 mL $5.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier 2007, Victoria, Australia: Full-bodied with blackberries, toasty oak, vanilla spice and cedar notes. Smooth-textured with a warm finish. 14% D 750 mL $22.00 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2006, Australia: Rich and full-bodied, with mouth-wateringly juicy ripe black plums, cherries, dark spices and a dash of pepper. Velvet-smooth texture. Lovely long finish. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. May 7, 2009
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Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep red purple color; dry and medium bodied; mulberry/cassis fruit aromas with pronounced eucalyptus, spice and oak; balanced with soft tannins and a long, fruity finish. My note: The wine that put Wolf Blass on the map in North America, and it remains a wildly popular wine today. Aromas of ripe purple plums, blackberries, blackcurrant, cassis and cigar box. Finely polished tannins give a smooth and elegant texture. So very delicious. 251876 14% D 750 mL $16.45 Score: 89/100. May 7, 2009
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Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, South Estern Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby purple color; dry and full-bodied with medium tannins, ripe blackberry and oaky vanilla aromas and flavors; long finish. My note: Vanilla-cherry and cool mint on the nose, followed by lovely ripe blackberries and plums on the palate, rich, smooth and inviting. 311795 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Langhorne Creek, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby color; plummy, blackberry, chocolate aromas with a hint of vanilla; dry, full bodied, rich and smooth palate, full-bodied with ripe fruit flavors and big tannins on the finish. My note: The grand-daddy of the Wolf Blass line-up, this Cabernet Sauvignon towers with its rich dark fruit concentration, elegance and incredible length. Minty cool blackberries on the nose are followed by fleshy dark plums on the palate. What more could you ask? 470120 15% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 94/100. May 7, 2009 Favorite Red Wine.
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Yalumba Shiraz Viognier 2007, South Estern Australia, Australia: Terrific and consistent producer of lip-smacking delicious and full-bodied reds. Love the way the way that the Viognier lifts and brightens the Shiraz flavors in this blend. Notes of black cherries and plums. 524926 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. May 7, 2009
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Sandbanks Estate Winery Baco Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Purple plummy goodness with lip-smacking delicious medium- to full-body. Delicious! 110049 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Sandbanks Estate Winery Reserve Baco Noir 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Rich mocha, dark chocolate nose with full-bodied layers of blackberries and plums. Available from the winery. 12% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Rosehall Run Rosehall Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: So pretty, so very lovely. Redolent of ripe cherries and field strawberries on a summer's day. Silky, seductive smooth texture. Perfectly calibrated with medium body and a finish that lasts through a sunset. Available from the winery. 12% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 93/100. May 7, 2009
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Black Prince Winery Chambourcin 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Intensely tart cherries on the nose with a pleasant light-bodied texture. Great aperitif. Available from the winery. 11% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Black Prince Winery Harwood St. Laurent 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A vibrant, cherries-jubilee wine that's playful, fresh, light-bodied and vivacious. Available from the winery. 11% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Huff Estates Winery Picard Maclaurin Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A exuberant Pinot with tart bing cherries, cranberry, beetroot, violets and a vibrant, refreshing acidic attack. Lovely fruit purity, silky texture and a nice length. Crafted by Karen MacLaurin and Frederic Picard. I love this style of wine! Available from the winery. 12% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 7, 2009
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Huff Estates Winery South Bay Merlot 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Lusciously ripe plums and black raspberries on the nose with dried herbs and a whiff of smoke on the palate. Medium-bodied. Aged 14 months in French oak. D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Rosehall Run Cuvee County Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Wonderfully vibrant and mouth-watering! Bring on the dancing cherries and exotic spices. Medium-bodied with an opulent silky texture. 125047 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 7, 2009
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Black Prince Winery Cabernet Franc 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Color: medium ruby. Nose: smoky oak, black fruits. Taste: smoky, tarry, redcurrant; firm structure, lively acidity; dry tannic finish. My note: Chocolatey-mocha rich red with layers of lovely velvety texture with medium body. Warm and inviting. 68874 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 7, 2009
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Rosehall Run Cuvee County Cabernet Franc 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This is Cabernet Franc in a lighter style. It has almost classic Cab Franc flavors, with well-paced fruit and moderate complexity. If it doesn't have the depth and intensity of many of the best Ontario examples of the variety, it attains a nice level of subtlety. My note: A tasty sipper with herbal and tart black cherry notes. Full-bodied and smooth. Ready to drink now. Great for casual get-togethers. 83949 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Chateau De Gourgazaud Syrah Mourvedre 2007, Minervois, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby color with purple hints; complex nose of cassis, cedar, spice & earth; smooth and velvety with soft tannins and a long finish. My note: Redolent of cassis, vanilla spice, smoke and blackberries. Full-bodied and satisfying. 22384 13% D 750 mL $12.55 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Louis Latour Pinot Noir 2007, A.O.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Light ruby red color; aromas of cherry, candied raspberry, with earthy, smoky notes, dry, medium bodied, with strawberry and red fruit flavors. Good acid balance; sour cherry finish. My note: Pleasingly tart cherries and fresh-turned earth: this is classic Pinot Noir Old World style. Not fruit forward but balanced, with mouth-watering acidity and a medium-bodied silky texture. Lovely long finish. A wonderful wine for an elegant evening. 69914 12% D 750 mL $18.45 Score: 89/100. May 7, 2009
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Oyster Bay Merlot 2008, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Well focused and beautifully textured, this is drinking well now and will do so on to 2014. You'll discover rich black plum aromas and flavors along with mixed spice box and herbal notes. It's particularly well balanced with everything melding together on the silky smooth finish. Hawkes Bay is New Zealand's über Merlot region. My note: Rich and plummy with notes of dark chocolate and black cherries. Gorgeously smooth texture. Medium- to full-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. 692343 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 7, 2009
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Nederburg Winemaster's Reserve Shiraz 2007, Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep violet-ruby color; smoky, plum, berry, leather and spice aromas; medium-to-full bodied with rich dark berry flavors and a long finish. My note: Toasty oak and black fruit on the nose with a rich palate of ripe blackberries, cassis and plums. Smooth and delicious. Perfect for barbecues. 527457 14% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Tangley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant wrapped in a warm, rich blanket of toasty oak and banilla smoke. Lovely finish. 14% D 750 mL $21.00 Score: 88/100. May 7, 2009
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Terlato Family Vineyards Syrah 2005, Dry Creek Valley, California, United States: Rich and full-bodied with layers of ripe blackberries and plums overlaid with coffee, mocha and dark spices. Terrific, balance and acidity with a satisfyingly long finish. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 92/100. May 7, 2009
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Hanna Winery & Vineyards Propietor Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Alexander Valley, California, United States: A rich, robust red with black plums and cherries, cedar spice and hickory smoke. Lovely layers of flavor. 14% D 750 mL $22.00 Score: 89/100. May 7, 2009
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Seven Daughters Syrah Merlot Zinfandel Carignane Sangiovese Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, United States: A tasty sipper with full-bodied black fruit and toasty oak. Great for casual get-togethers, barbecues and potluck dinners. 14% D 750 mL $14.99 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Rutherford Hill Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Astonishing purity of fruit: limpid and clear yet rich and flavorful. Such concentration with such finesse and deftness of craftsmanship is difficult to find. Aromas of black cherries, vanilla spice and smoke. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 93/100. May 7, 2009
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Sanford Pinot Noir 2007, Santa Rita Hills, California, United States: Gorgeous note of ripe cherries, fresh-turned earth, cinnamon and black raspberries. Velvet texture with deep layers of flavor. A fairly robust Pinot but not heavy. Superb effort. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 93/100. May 7, 2009
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Markham Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Smooth, rich and seductive, with layers of black plum, cassis, mocha and vanilla smoke. A little espresso weaves its way through to a black raspberry-infused finish. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. May 7, 2009
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Beringer Vineyards Third Century Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, North Coast California, United States: Beringer has long been known for its elegance over power. The fruit is still richly concentrated but if you want balance, finesse and a wine to enjoy over an entire evening or with a meal, this is the one for you. 47704 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Sandbanks Estate Winery South Bay Vineyards Rose 2008, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A delightful and refreshing rose with aromas of wild raspberries and strawberries. Perfect as an aperitif or with many dishes. Available from the winery. 11% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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Huff Estates Winery South Bay Vineyards Rose Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: It's brilliant, soft pink with a piquant nose of red currant, strawberry and rhubarb compote. Zesty acidity bolts onto the palate and carries the sour red fruit flavors to very good length. As a sipping wine, it's bracing and tart on the finish. My note: A lovely blend of Cabernet Franc (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Merlot (10%) for this intensely perfumed, bone-dry rose. Lovely notes of ripe strawberries and raspberries. Terrific aperitif. 63982 D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 7, 2009
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Remy Pannier Rosé 2007, Loire Valley, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Light salmon color; dry and light bodied with crisp hints of red cherry fruit; barely off-dry with fresh strawberry fruit flavors. My note: Absolutely delightful! Summer sunshine in a glass and great refreshment for when it's hot. Light and carefree with notes of ripe strawberries. 12641 10% D 750 mL $10.90 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Sileni Estates Rosé Cabernet Franc 2008, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Just a few years ago pink wines roses were still regarded in this country as little more than giggle juice, a vinuous equivalent to shandy. How times have changed, and with it our appreciation and understanding of these wines. This is another Hawke's Bay beauty with a bit of body and some spice. Dry. My note: A fresh, vibrant rose with notes of raspberry, cranberry and strawberry. Richly layered and bone-dry with a blackcurrant-infused finish. 599951 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Huff Estates Winery Cuvee Peter Huff, Lighthall Vineyard Chardonnay Sparkling Wine 2004, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Named for the owner's late son Peter, this spectacular bubbly bursts with aromas of green apples, orange zest, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Toasty goodness with an elegantly long finish. This is an incredible value compared to Champagne. Available from the winery. 12% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Cuvee Catharine Brut Sparkling Wine Rosé, V.Q.A., Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A lovely bubbly with notes of ripe field strawberries, fleshy raspberries and white roses. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with terrific persistence of flavor on the palate. Is there anything prettier than strands of pink pearls gliding up the side of your glass? Float a fresh strawberry or raspberry on top for an extra festive feel. Perfect for all those celebratory moments in life. Serve well chilled. In my Drinks Matcher tool, I've paired this bubbly with a wide variety of dishes. 83139 12% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
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Henkell Brut Sparkling Wine, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale yellow with hint of green in color; citrus/lemon with mineral tone in aroma & taste, light body & finish. My note: More robust than Henkell's Blanc de Blancs, this bubbly is also toastier and deeper with aromas of green apples, baked baked and ripe peaches. It also offers incredible value for a bubbly. 134403 12% D 750 mL $14.35 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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Henkell Blanc De Blancs Sparkling Wine, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale yellow green with a persistent mousse; aromas of fresh cut grass, apple and melon; light and fresh with flavors of green apple, apple and yeast ending with a zesty finish. My note: A refreshing and crisp bubbly with white peach and grapefruit notes. Perfect for large get-togethers when you want to celebrate but not blow the budget. 27052 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. May 7, 2009
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Sandbanks Estate Winery Winter Harvest Vidal 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A tasty dessert wine with gorgeous notes of apricot, honey, baked pear and peach. Available from the winery. 12% S 375 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. May 7, 2009
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