Vintages Wine Picks May 12, 2012

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2011, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia: Like it a lot! Zippy limes dance across your palate with a lemongrass blowing in the breeze finish. Bring it on and top me up ... I'm out on the deck. Drink: 2012-2015. 606269 12% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2010, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A solid chard with green apple and toasty oak. Good balance. Drink: 2012-2014. 116384 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Terrific quality for this price point! Lovely hazelnut richness, robust and generous layers of tree fruit flavour. A quivering vibrancy that makes it a chrming food partner. Drink: 2012-2015. 738393 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012
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Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2010, A.C., Alsace, France: Gorgeous gewurz! Lovely lychee, rose petal and light spices on the nose. Perfect for a variety of dishes, from Asian to curries. Drink: 2012-2016. 169748 12.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated White Wine.
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Monmousseau Vouvray 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Pleasant pear and peach aromas with a medium- to almost full-bodied weight. Lovely texture and richness. Drink: 2012-2015. 271940 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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Domaine Chenevières Chablis 2010, A.C., La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, Burgundy, France: Just smelling this wine made my mouth water! Gorgeous aromas and flavours of lime, lemongrass, tart white peach and a laser pure focus and purity. No oak. Superb aperitif or food companion. Like chardonnay? Try this one. Drink: 2012-2016. 277913 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Domaine De L'ardennerie Sèvre & Maine Christophe And Cédric Gobin Muscadet 2010, A.C., Sur Lie, Loire, France: Crisp like chblis with mild notes of melon and a big attack of acidity: needs food. Clean and crips for shellfish. Drink: 2012-2014. 279505 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 83/100. May 12, 2012
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Chateau De Sancerre Cuvee Du Coonectable, Marnier Lapostolle Sancerre 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Love this! Halzelnuts and almonds on the nose followed by some of the juciest, most mouth-watering flavours of white peach, green apple and Asian pear I've tasted. Get a case! Drink: 2012-2017. 3018300017298 13.50% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2012
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Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Terrific lemongrass vibrancy with great mouth-watering acidity. Bright and happy and very food-friendly. Drink: 2012-2015. 82255 12.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012
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Geil Bechtheimer Rosengarten Riesling Kabinett 2011, Prädikatswein, Rheinhessen, Germany: Lovely! Lime blossom and honeysuckle... So pretty. Medium-bodied with terrific acidity for food. Drink: 2012-2015. 994764 10% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Clos de Gat Chardonnay 2009, Judean Hills, Israel: Needs cellar time and is over-priced by $20 but it's a good wine. Full-bodied with dark fruit, the right amount of oak and a good finish. Drink: 2014-2018. 280321 14% D 750 mL $47.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012
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Wither Hills Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy and herbal with quivering lime vibrancy. Pure, fresh, no oak. Bring me a mega big salad! Drink: 2012-2014. 919514 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Marqués de Cáceres Antea Blanc Fermenté En Barrique, Unión Viti-Vinícola 2010, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: A pleasant medium-bodied white with mild white melon notes. Drink: 2012-2014. 518985 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 84/100. May 12, 2012
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2010, California, United States: Classic California with hazelnut and green apple notes. Full-bodied, rich and generous: exactly what you want in a life partner. 369686 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Sonoma-Cutrer Les Pierres Vineyard Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma Valley, California, United States: Glorious nuttiness and peach-pear mingle on the nose. Rich, long and complex. A chardonnay lover's chardonnay. Drink: 2012-2017. 608646 14.50% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated White Wine.
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Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: A chardonnay that's vibrant and alive! Great acidity yet lovely richness and complexity with green apple, baking spice and tree fruit aromas. Drink: 2012-2016. 655381 14.10% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated White Wine.
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2010, California, United States: Classic California with hazelnut and green apple notes. Full-bodied, rich and generous: exactly what you want in a life partner. 703710 13.50% D 375 mL $11.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: A stunning quality and taste for this price point! Rich and full-bodied with lip-smacking delicious black fruit aromas and just enough toasty oak. Vibrant and alive. Drink: 2012-2015. 143248 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Vin 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Needs cellar time. A blend of 70% malbec, 10% each of merlot, cabernk smoky fruit.et sauvignon and syrah. The grapes were picked by hand and tenderly cared for by flying winemaker Michel Rolland. Full-bodied with black smoky fruit. A flagship for Argentina. Drink: 2014-2020. 149831 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec 2008, Pedernal Valley, San Juan, Argentina: Smoky with dark fruit: perfect for barbecues! Lots of rich flavour here with a satisfying full-bodied texture. Fire up the grill and crack open a bottle! Drink: 2012-2015. 162149 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Smoky with black fruit and a full-bodied, smooth texture. A big, heavy hitter of a wine that's great for BBQ. Great price. 507707 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2012
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Heartland Stickleback Red 2009, South Australia, Australia: Incredible price for this quality. Loaded with big black fruit and lots of mouth-watering acidity. Great wine for big meals, especially those involving steak. Drink: 2012-2015. 116574 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Majella The Musician Cabernet Shiraz 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and full-bodied with ripe blackberries and cassis. Great wine for steak. Drink: 2012-2015. 142018 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Shotfire Quartage Estate Grown, Thorn-Clarke 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Love this! Gorgeously rich and full-bodied with layers of voluptuous black fruit flavours. Velvet caress on the tongue. Top me up! Drink: 2012-2016. 24091 14.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Classic Australian shiraz nose of dark, fleshy ripe blackberries, a hint of oak and a mouth-watering juiciness. Loaded with delicious dark fruit flavours, incredible depth, concentration and length. Benchmark shiraz. Drink: 2012-2016. 590273 15% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A lovely nose of mocha and ripe plums followed by a palate of lush dark berries with a hint of smoke and terrific finish. Meidum- to full-bodied and smooth. 505610 13.50% XD 750 mL $35.20 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Montes Alpha Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Savoury and delicious! Full-bodied and smooth with fleshy ripe blackberries and fruit. 143230 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Frano Milos Plavac 2006, Peljesac Peninsula, Dalmatian Coast, Coastal, Croatia: Peppery with black fruit with a smooth, full-bodied texture. A great gulper of a wine for BBQs. 261636 13.70% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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Dingac Winery Peljesac 2010, Middle & South Dalmatia's Coastal Vineyards, Croatia: Pleasant, full-bodied with dark red fruit. Simple but tasty. 983494 12% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 82/100. May 12, 2012
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Louis Jadot Boucherottes 2009, Beaune, Burgundy, France: Savoury and juicy with vibrant cherry aromas. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied with a long, lovely finish. Drink: 2012-2017. 121319 13.50% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 91/100. May 12, 2012
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Les Ormes De Pez 2008, A.C., St-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: Needs time: very tannic and acidic. Black fruit and smoke, but it will come together in a few years. I have faith. Drink: 2014-2018. 133819 13% XD 750 mL $43.00 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Château Belgrave 2008, A.C., Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France: Needs cellar time. Savory with black fruit, tar and smoky oak. Long and pleasantly bitter finish. Not fruit forward, more earthy and smoky. Drink: 2014-2019. 136101 13% XD 750 mL $39.00 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Domaine Boisson Cairanne 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Blackberry and black cherry liqueur richness, density and concentration. This is a heavy hitter with high alcohol but it's delicious. Just don't plan to drive home afterwards. Drink: 2013-2020. 264630 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Georges Duboeuf Domaine Mont Chavy Morgon 2010, Ac., Beaujolais, France: Juicy and mouth-watering with blackberries and a pleasantly bitter finish. Surprisingly full-bodied for beaujolais. 276477 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 86/100. May 12, 2012
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Clos de Gat Ayalon Valley Unfined & Unfiltered 2007, Judean Hills, Israel: Needs cellar time and is over-priced by $20 but it's a good wine. Full-bodied with dark fruit, the right amount of oak and a good finish. Drink: 2014-2018. 280339 14% D 750 mL $47.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Recanati Reserve Single Vineyard Kp Merlot 2007, Galilee, Israel: Smooth and full-bodied with a pleasant richness on the tongue. Plush dark plums with a good finish. 282590 14.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012
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Shiloh Shor Kp Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Judean Hills, Israel: Full-bodied with a tannic grip so decant 2 hours. Dark fruit and mocha. Pleasant. 282947 14.50% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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Arduini Classico Superiore Ripasso Valpolicella 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Juicy and delicious with tremendous mouth-watering juiciness. Dark red fruit, smoke and earth. Perfect for many dishes. Drink: 2012-2015. 267898 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Banfi Rosso Di Montalcino 2009, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: Very dry with mostly earth and smoke... Not a lot of fruit here yet it's not thin. Good acidity for food. Drink: 2012-2014. 681262 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2012
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Carlevana Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Central Region, Moldova: Full-bodied, smooth and rustic with dark red fruit aromas. 905638 12.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 82/100. May 12, 2012
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Mount Riley Seventeen Valley Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Tasty and mouth-watering with a mingling of mocha and dark cherry on the nose and palate. Very fruity with ripe and fleshy berry flavours. Drink: 2012-2015. 694703 14% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Juan Gil White Label De Cepas Viejas Monastrell 2010, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Deal of the Century! Full-bodied, juicy, savoury and delicious. Loaded with dark wild blackberries and forest-deep cherries and cedar. Oh yum. Drink: 2012-2015. 13656 14.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Cuvée Rémy Chapillon 2007, D.O.C.A., Priorat, Spain: Porty with very ripe prunes and plums. Full-bodied and smooth with black cherry liqueur richness. Very alcoholic. Drink: 2012-2014. 271114 15.40% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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Pinyolet Cva Garnacha 2010, D.O., Montsant, Spain: Juicy and full-bodied with a lovely smooth texture. Leather and earth aromas, not overly fruity. Nice maturity here. Drink: 2012-2014. 271791 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012
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Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Cork Dancer Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Big cherry-berry notes with a little mocha and oak. Juicy with a medium- to full-boided weight and ultra smooth texture. Drink: 2012-2016. 179812 14.20% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and dry with cassis and blackcurrant aromas. Elegant, balanced and refined with terrific length on the finish. Drink: 2012-2016. 45476 15.40% D 750 mL $84.95 Score: 92/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Gallo Family Frei Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very dry with balanced aromas of cassis and dark fruit and a weave of just enough oak. Full-bodied and elegant. No a fruit bomb by any means. Drink: 2012-2015. 555607 14.20% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Elegant, distinguished and full-bodied. Classic aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Very dry and long on the finish. Perfect dinner party wine. Drink: 2012-2017. 60020 14.20% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 92/100. May 12, 2012
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McManis Family Vineyards Syrah 2010, California, United States: Mouth-watering acidity with tart dark red fruit. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015. 658104 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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RavensWood Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: You can taste the old vine character in the complexity of this wine. Gorgeously complex with layers of dark red fruit and some smoke. Terrific finish. Drink: 2012-2015. 673798 14.50% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. May 12, 2012
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Storybook Mountain Mayacamas Range Napa Estate Zinfandel 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Big juicy zin with purple and black plum flavours, following by a roll of fleshy blackberries and blueberries. Smooth, ultra smooth. Drink: 2012-2015. 682989 14.90% XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 91/100. May 12, 2012
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Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Red Label Zinfandel 2009, California, United States: Juicy with mouth-watering flavour of black plums, blueberries and blackberries. Yes, this is from the producer of Dracula and other movies. Drink: 2012-2015. 708289 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2012
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Peachy Canyon Westside Zinfandel 2008, Paso Robles, California, United States: Tasty and robust with smooth layers of black fruit flavour. Great finish that leaves your mouth watering for more. Drink: 2012-2015. 930644 15.20% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012
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Seghesio Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, United States: Very complex with a great balance of acidity and fruit. Layers of delicious flavour and a long finish. One of the most elegant zinfandels I've ever tasted. Drink: 2012-2016. 942151 14.80% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Arrowood Unfined And Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Chalk dry with aromas of cassis and smoke. Full-bodied, balanced and complex. Drink: 2012-2015. 985408 15.50% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. May 12, 2012
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Mitolo Jester Giacomo Sangiovese Rosé 2011, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vibrant with light strawberry notes on the nose then more acidity and body on the palate. Dry, crisp and food-friendly. Drink: 2011-2014. 278101 12.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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Featherstone Rosé 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely sipper with soft strawberry notes and flavours. Great aperitif or food companion. 117861 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Rosé.
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Fielding Estate Rosé 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A pleasant soe with mild strawberry notes. Drink: 2011-2013. 53421 12.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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Megalomaniac Pink Slip, John Howard Cellars Of Distinction Pinot Noir Rosé 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Pleasant, dry and refreshing with strawberry notes. Drink: 2011-2014. 85126 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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Château D'aquéria Jean Olivier, Producteur Rosé 2011, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: The rose I drink for personal pleasure and stock up every year. Bone-dry, complex with field berry notes and a long, dry finish. Drink: 2012-2014. 319368 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Rosé.
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Château La Tour De L'évêque Vendanges Manuelles Régine Sumeire, Prop.-Récolt. Rosé 2011, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: So pretty! Aromas of tiny field strawberries and little white flowers. Run barefoot with your senses through this delightfully dry and refreshing rose. Drink: 2012-2014. 319392 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Rosé.
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Château D'aquéria Jean Olivier, Producteur Rosé 2011, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: The rose I drink for personal pleasure and stock up every year. Bone-dry, complex with field berry notes and a long, dry finish. Drink: 2012-2014. 712000 13.50% XD 375 mL $10.45 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Rosé.
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Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Cyril Marès, Vign. Rosé 2011, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Vibrant strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavours. Bone dry and refreshing. Pretty incredible quality and taste for this price. Drink: 2011-2014. 950576 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Rosé.
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Muga Rosé 2011, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Floral and lovely on the nose, more robust on the palate with field berry notes and a terrific mouth-watering acidity. Drink: 2011-2014. 603795 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. May 12, 2012
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Louis Bouillot Perle D'aurore Brut Rosé Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France: Superb value! Superb aromas of field raspberries and strawberries. An I can't believe it price. Get it now if you have wedding and celebration this summer. Drink: 2012-2014. 48793 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Quinta Do Infantado Ruby Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Smokin! Especially for this price. Rich and layered with lots of pleasure. Dark berry jam and happiness. Drink: 2012-2018. 979898 19.50% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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[ Compress ] Other Wines/Drinks

St-Nicolas Cidrerie St-Nicolas Rosé Crackling Cider, Quebec, Canada: Fall-in-love aromas of an apple orchard lte fall... Can you smell those ripe apples and the sun intensifying their aromas? Some lovely baking spices on the finish that take me back to my grandmother's kitchen. 275362 7% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Cider.
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Vintages Wine Picks May 12, 2012

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