Vintages Wine Picks November 12, 2011

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Viña Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This winery is co-owned by the great California producer Paul Hobbs. Attractive yellow-straw colour with a green tinge. Aromas suggest ripe pear, apple-cinnamon, buttered toast and coconut. Dry, crisply fruity with a gentle toastiness (only 20% of the juice receives oak contact). The bright acids ably surround the fruit tones. This nicely textured wine would be a good match for a vast array of other seafood dishes. My note: Nicely done! Good balance with pleasant green apple and toasted almond finish. Full-bodied and luscious. Drink: 2011-2015. 119099 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Luigi Bosca Reserva Chardonnay 2010, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Tasty and balanced with appealing green apple and lemon notes and just the right amount of toasty oak. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 142836 14.20% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Closson Chase Beamsville Bench Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Canada’s best Chardonnay from wine wizard Deborah Paskus. Rich, luxurious, opulent with honeyed goodness and apricot preserves. Drink: 2011-2016. 230904 13.10% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated White White.
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Tawse Estate Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Complex almond and baking spice nose followed by a sunburst of green apple and white peach. Superb! Drink: 2011-2016. 253518 13% XD 375 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A lively, expertly crafted Chardonnay. Notes of coconut, butterscotch, toast, pear preserves, grapefruit and yellow plum. Dry, medium bodied, crisp and elegant with racy acidity. The oak adds lovely accents to the tangy fruit. Layered, lingering finish. It will also reward 2-4 years in a cellar. My note: Something inside me melts every time I taste this wine, a slow dissolving to sensory bliss. Full-bodied, opulent, buttery and peach-apricot aromas. Drink: 2011-2016. 33936 13% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Terrific acidity and richness, like Ginger and Fred. Lovely green apple brightness hemmed in with toast almonds. Full-bodied and satisfying. Drink: 2011-2015. 68817 13% XD 750 mL $32.00 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Casas del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Grassy-good with refreshing herbals aromas. Oak-free and pure. Drink: 2011-2013. 974717 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 12, 2011
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Château Myrat 2E Cru 2007, Bordeaux, France: Love it! The Platonic ideal of ripe pear on the edge of great rot. Live held in the balance between sensory pleasure centres. Drink: 2011-2020. 100818 13% S 375 mL $28.00 Score: 93/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine.
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Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Clos Landry 1Er Cru 2008, A.C., Château De Beaune, Burgundy, France: Great finesse and length: an aristocratic Chardonnay with lovely green apple vibrancy and toasted almond. Perfectly balanced. Drink: 2011-2018. 124651 13% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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Cave Hunawihr Kuhlmann Platz Pinot Gris 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Vintages Wine Panel: Peach, apple, orange peel, honeycomb and floral aromas greet the nose here. The palate follows suit in fine style. Lovely ripe pear, honeycomb, cantaloupe and peach notes abound in this crisp and balanced Pinot Gris. Very refreshing. Enjoy this as a sipping wine. My note: Ultra-dry yet it has appealing peach-apricot notes. Lovely as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Drink: 2011-2014. 224204 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 12, 2011
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Maison Roche De Bellene Vieilles Vignes Chassagne-Montrachet 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This exciting, well-crafted wine is an ideal choice for any lover of white Burgundy. Opens with complex, lively aromas of oatmeal, lemon, mineral, coconut, hazelnut, cardamom, pear and yellow plum. Dry, medium-full bodied, crisp and racy thanks to vibrant acidity. The fruit core is nicely accented by the refined oak. Balanced and poised, with a long finish. My note: I smelled this wine and had to sigh and close my eyes. This is classic French Chardonnay: rich and round with ripe pear, peach and some green apple brightness all wrapped in a gorgeous blanket of toasted hazelnuts and almonds. Drink: 2011-2018. 241158 12.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 96/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Domaines Schlumberger Kessler Grand Cru Riesling 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: A juicy, peach-ripe Riesling with a lovely light- to medium body. Terrific with seafood and salads. Drink: 2011-2015. 61176 13% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Kumeu River Maté's Vineyard Brajkovich Family, Prop. Chardonnay 2008, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand: Spectacular! Loving this all the way to the last drop. Mouth-watering yet lusciously rich. Toasted almond finish. Perfect. Drink: 2011-2016. 204032 13.50% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 95/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Wonderfully floral with a pleasantly bitter bite on the finish. Try with Asian takeout Drink: 2011-2014. 32870 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. November 12, 2011
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Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely balance and not too grassy. Chives, lime and lemon sunlight. Liquid refreshment and very food friendly. Not oak. Drink: 2011-2013. 734798 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Wither Hills Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Extreme grass: you’ll need a lawnmower for this one. Refreshing with herbals and chive notes. Ever so food friendly. Drink: 2011-2013. 919514 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. November 12, 2011
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The Winery Of Good Hope Vinum Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Superbly fresh and crisp with lime lemon brightness. No heavy oak. Love Pinot Grigio? Try this. Drink: 2011-2014. 739995 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The winery gets the fruit for this wine from two of their stellar vineyards: Wapoo Hill and To Kalon. They add 10% Semillon to round out the wine. Sixty percent of the wine is barrel fermented. All wines are then aged, sur lie, in French oak. My note: Juicy and refreshing with vibrant, clean lemon and lime fruit. Very zippy: perfect for so many dishes. Drink: 2011-2015. 221887 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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Far Niente Estate Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lovely balance with green apple and toasted almond. Nice acidity and a mouth-filling richness on the mid-palate. Drink: 2011-2016. 539130 14.30% XD 750 mL $64.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Trapiche Fausto Orellana De Escobar Single Vineyard Malbec 2007, La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina: Luxuriously layered and rich with a thick mouth-coating texture and weight of flavours. A hint of mint on the nose wrapped on ripe black fruit, then a coffeed-espresso finish. Such a wonderfully unusual wine. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2011-2020. 178145 14.50% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 95/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Agrelo Lamadrid Single Vineyard Roque Saenz Peña Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Pleasantly bitter black fruit, toasty oak and full-bodied weight. Drink: 2911-2014. 234500 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 12, 2011
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Maipe Reserve Proviva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Succulently ripe black fruit with a lovely dark chocolate note. Like falling into a room of black satin cushions blind-folded. Drink: 2011-2015. 246116 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Mollydooker The Boxer Sarah & Sparky Marquis Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia: Blackberry liqueur and black raspberry jam co-mingle. Hue, high alcohol but tasty and somehow, weirdly, balanced. Drink: 2011-2016. 246595 16% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Smoky like two cigars wrapping a wreath of smoke around black fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 246876 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Stalking Horse Wineinc Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Smoky, oaky and tasty with black fruit. Smooth and full-bodied. Great price. Drink: 2011-2015. 251215 15% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Juicy and full-bodied with boisterous big blackberry fruit. Drink: 2011-2015. 47639 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Kilikanoon Parable Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Smoky black oak and vanilla toast with black brooding plums and berries. Full-bodied and smooth. A winner of big Aussie fans. Drink: 2011-2015. 59824 14.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Mitolo Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Ultra delicious with full-bodied juiciness and generousness. Smooth and wonderful with incredible layers of hedonistic happiness. Terrific with hearty meat dishes. 659599 13% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 94/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Henry’S Drive Pillar Box Red 2008, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Smoky cigar nose with savory black fruit. This is a fantastic wines for this price. Full-bodied and delicious. Drink: 2011-2015. 685941 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Two Hands Zippy's Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008, Roennfeldt Road, Maranga, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Over-the-top huge, but if you want “bang” for your buck, this is your wine. Huge, weighty and stupendous. Black as night fruit, oak and deep as the ocean. Get rid of the 10-pound bottle, it doesn’t help. Drink: 2011-2017. 89516 16.40% XD 750 mL $59.00 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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The Hedonist Walter Clappis Wine Co. Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Savory, meaty and juicy with luscious layers of black fruit. Mouth-watering and perfect for food. Bring it on. Drink: 2011-2016. 90191 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. November 12, 2011
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Cat Amongst The Pigeons Nine Lives Rosedale Wines Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Lip-smacking delicious with juicy purple and black plums that any cat would love. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Nice price. Drink: 2011-2015. 93138 14.90% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir 2009, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Seductive is the word. Satisfaction is the impression. This winery moves from strength to strength. Medium-bodied with a liquid silk texture. Fleshy cherries mingle with impertinent raspberries. A long, lingering finish. Oh yes. Drink: 2011-2016. 1560 12.90% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2011
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Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate Gold Series Merlot 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of plum, coffee bean, sour cherry, spice box, and toast. Medium-full bodied with good fruit presence on the palate, and a complex interplay between bright fruit and the rich, spicy elements. Very poised. Give this wine 2-3 years in cellar, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Savoury and juicy with fleshy black plums and dark field berries. Full-bodied and smooth. I am liking this wine a lot. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2011-2017. 255901 13.80% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Viña Chocalan Reserva Syrah 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby in the glass, this wine is a veritable anthology of classic Syrah aromas and flavours with its complex oak, blackberry, plum, mulberry, tea, chocolate and vanilla. The palate is vibrant and fruit-filled, with lovely echoes of the vanilla and chocolate. Medium bodied and toasty with a medium-long finish, it will make a lovely choice tonight. My note: Full-bodied and tasty with delicious black fruit flavours. This is not a wine to analyze, just drink it. Drink: 2011-2014. 38513 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 12, 2011
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Vina Requingua Toro De Piedra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Curicó Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The Curicó Valley’s reputation for producing some of Chile’s best Cabernet Sauvignon is championed by this 2008 offering. Complex aromas including blackcurrant, smoke and raspberry. The palate is dry with a nice depth of flavour. Rich, dense and delicious berry fruit with accents of woodsmoke and supporting tannins. Finely balanced and culminating in a satisfying, medium-long finish. Cellar for 3+ years, or enjoy tonight. My note: Juicy, tasty and mouth-watering. Good structure in this cab which balances the fleshy black fruit. A smoky finish. Amazing price. Drink: 2011-2015. 39362 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Montes Alpha Syrah 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2009 vintage of Montes Alpha Syrah has not been reviewed, but the 2005 through 2008 vintages all received scores of 90 or more on Robert Parker Jr.’s site. Look for attractive aromas and flavours of blackberry, woodsmoke, pepper, blueberry and mineral. Dry and impactful, with solid tannins that will permit 1-2 years cellaring. Will also provide pleasure tonight. My note: Wrap this wine around me and never let me go. Plush black plums with some smoke and mocha-dark chocolate. Endlessly delicious. Drink: 2011-2016. 612 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Santa Carolina proudly declares that they use glass that is now 35% lighter than in the past. This reduction in bottle weight helps to decrease transportation fuel usage. Very deep ruby colour with aromas of cassis, butterscotch, smoked meat, vanilla and blueberry. All elements are full-throttle. Dry, with big fruit surrounded by substantial tannins and ample acidity for freshness. Full bodied with a long, nicely balanced finish. Enjoy it tonight. My note: Delicious dependable and a deal. This is a terrific producer for those who want a wine that tastes twice as expensive as it costs. Full-bodied and generous with layers of black fruit. Drink: 2011-2016. 684597 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Oh my goodness, this is incredible! The price has to by a typo. Juicy, full-bodied, smooth with fleshy black fruit. Try with osso buco or a slow-cooked roast with root vegetables. Buy a case for your parties. Drink: 2011-2016. 957050 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes-Hermitage 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Fleshy black cherries in a cedar box jump out of the glass. This wine is so delicious! Mouth-watering on the palate with more juicy dark red berries. Full-bodied. Decant 1-2 hours. Amazing price. Drink: 2011-2016. 127712 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Château Malescot St. Exupery 3E Cru 2008, A.C., Margaux, Bordeaux, France: Exotic black fruit, violets and smoke. Superb craftsmanship that needs some time in the cellar, and even then you should decant 1-2 hours. Full-bodied and luxurious. Drink: 2012-2018. 136630 13.50% XD 750 mL $64.00 Score: 94/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Château Fongaban 2006, A.C., Côtes De Castillon, France: Incredible for the price! Full-bodied and juicy with black fruit and smoke. Lip-smacking delicious layers of fleshy ripe blackberries. Top me up! Drink: 2011-2015. 138735 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Château Lafon Cuvée Classic Theron-Listrac, Récolt. 2006, A.C., Listrac, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From the lesser-known region of Listrac, this wine offers great value and a depth of aromas including cassis, plum, leather, spice and berry. The palate is dry, medium bodied and balanced with medium acidity, herbal notes, and accents of earth and cedar. The finish is crisp and very satisfying. Cellar this for another 2-3 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: A rustic, acidic wine with pleasing cedar and black wild cherry notes. Medium- to full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2013. 165399 12.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. November 12, 2011
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La Gravette De Certan 2008, A.C., Pomerol,Bordeaux 2Nd Wine Of Vieux Château Certan, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A very pretty ’08 Merlot-based Pomerol that is exquisitely put together. Aromas suggest chocolate cherry, raspberry, woodsmoke and mocha. Quite dry, yet also very flavourful, ripe and fleshy. It’s all brought perfectly into line by ripe tannins and just-right acidity, giving a nice lift to the finish. Enjoy it, decanted, or cellar it for 3-5+ years. My note: Well now, this is mighty tasty! Mouth-watering juiciness yet that classic Bordeaux structure. Black fruit and smoke with a great finish. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2018. 187278 13.50% XD 750 mL $49.00 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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René Bouvier La Justice Gevrey-Chambertin 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Attractive berry and dark fruit with a lifted floral note on the nose. The palate is soft, approachable and dry, and offers a nice depth of dark fruit, integrated wood and floral tones, with a touch of sweetness to the fruit in the centre. A very nice length. Cellar this for 3+ years or enjoy it tonight. My note: Plush and generous with layers of dark cherry pleasure. Smoky and earthy with a terrific come-back-to-me yearning. Drink: 2011-2018. 241075 13% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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Roche De Bellene Volnay Les Pitures 1Er Cru 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Produced by Nicolas Potel, the wines of Roche de Bellene are understandably impressive on all counts. Great depth and complexity to the nose, which echoes deliciously throughout the palate. Extremely tasty with lots of big fruit and gritty tannins, this is a well-structured and balanced wine. My note: Liquid black silk with terrific acidity and long lines in the finish. Medium-bodied and smooth. Tart black cherries and smoke. Drink: 2011-2018. 241083 13% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Château La Cheze Priou-Rontein, Prop. 2005, A.C., Premières Côtes De Bordeaux, France: Rustic and mouth-watering with straight-up pleasure. Black fruit there but it doesn’t lead, rather than smoke and earth. Austere and stately. Drink: 2011-2015. 244038 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Château Rozier Grand Cru Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils, Vitic. 2008, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: The wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Pleasant bitter bite and austerity. Not fleshy but long and elegant with a smoky finish. Drink: 2011-2014. 24539 13% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 88/100. November 12, 2011
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Chusclan Les Genêts Vign. Laudun Chusclan 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Incredibly delicious for this price! Rich, ripe dark fruit with a nza.ice weave of smoke throughout. Perfect for potluck, and meat lovers’ pizza. Drink: 2011-2018. 245399 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Château Seguin 2008, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Black, brooding and smoky like the wines typical of this region within Bordeaux. Blackberries and black plums. Full-bodied and rich. Drink: 2012-2019. 245837 13.50% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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E. Guigal Gigondas 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: A good grip with tasty black raspberries and cigar box notes. Full-bodied and generous. This is incredibly superb craftsmanship for this price point. Drink: 2011-2020. 331900 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 12, 2011
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Château Le Caillou Giraud-Bélivier, Prop. 1998, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château Le Caillou is a tiny 7-hectare property that is principally located atop the gravelly Pomerol plateau. Producing a mere 3,000 cases a year, Château Le Caillou is known for creating richly textured wines featuring well-integrated tannins. The aromas and flavours are of ripe plum, fruitcake, and black cherries, complemented by n cedar and spice. Hailing from the Right Bank’s last great vintage of the 1990s, this Pomerol is an exceptional value. Enjoy it tonight. My note: Black pepper and smoke on the nose followed by jubilantly juicy blackberries and black cherry. This is a mature wine ready to drink now, so don’t hold it too long. Drink: 2006-2013. 45682 12.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Château De Haute-Serre Georges Vigouroux, Prop.-Récolt. Malbec 2008, A.C., Cahors, Southwest, France: Dark and full-bodied with black fruit and a lifted mid-palate of gorgeously ripe flavours and mouth-watering juiciness. Drink: 2011-2017. 693952 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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Le Vieux Donjon Michel Lucien, Prop.-Récolt. 2009, A.C.,Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Superb, luxurious, rich liquid velvet. Encase yourself in this wine and we’ll never see you again. Gorgeously ripe blackberries, plums and black raspberry liqueur. This one will keep a long time in the cellar … if you can wait. Worth laying down a case for a child or grandchild born in 2009. Drink: 2012-2025. 700922 14.50% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 93/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Delas Frères Saint-Esprit 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Stunning for the price! Cedar and wild cherries and black raspberries. Earthy and full-bodied with a juicy mouth-watering character. Drink: 2011-2015. 729962 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Château Beau-Site Cru Bourgeois Supérieur 2004, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is loaded with aromas of cassis, plum, cedar, new leather and anise. Dry with very good fruit replays, and held together beautifully by ripe tannins. Maturing in the best sense of the word, but will easily reward another 5+ years in a cellar if you wish. Otherwise, open it tonight and enjoy it, decanted. My note: Very tasty though over-priced by $10. Tart cherries and smoke with a juicy, full-bodied nature. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2017. 967844 13% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Agriverde Riseis Caldari Di Ortona Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2008, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Earthy aromas buoyed up by plum and ripe black-fruit notes. The palate is soft and supple, with satisfying echoes of the nose, and fresh raspberry mid-palate. Medium bodied with well-balanced acidity and tannins. My note: Lovely juicy, full-bodied wine with black fruit, smoke and some dark spices. Perfect winter warmer. Terrific price. Drink: 2011-2014. 134478 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. November 12, 2011
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Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The Ripasso technique involves taking leftover pomace from the production of Amarone and adding it to simple Valpolicella to kick-start a second fermentation; this method serves to boost the alcohol, body and tannins as well as add layers of complexity to the overall wine. My note: Love it! Savory, meaty, juicy: a wine to chew on with deep satisfaction. Cedar, black cherry layers float happily on full-bodied weight. Drink: 2011-2017. 161844 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Gemma Colarej Barolo 2006, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Classic violets and black tar (stay with me) black plums and tart blackberries. Nothing but Barolo delivers this exotic bouquet. Drink: 2012-2018. 232447 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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Podere L’Aja Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Italy: Double yum! Juicy and full-bodied with layer after layer of black cherry delight. Perfect for pasta night. A must for a Tuscan-inspired meal that includes eggplant, and tomato sauce-based pasta. Drink: 2011-2017. 234948 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Sampietrana Vigna Delle Monache Riserva Salice Salentino 2006, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Black and smoky from toasty oak with blackberry notes poking through. Full-bodied and generous, a dependably delicious wine year after year. Drink: 2011-2014. 247908 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. November 12, 2011
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Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2005, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Ponderously great Amarone! I hear Bach when I drink this wine. Big black cherry liqueur rushes through the heart of this wine. Endless finish for long, languorous nights. Drink: 2011-2022. 462812 15.50% XD 750 mL $69.95 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2011
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Poderi Colla Bussia Dardi Le Rose Barolo 2006, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Holy tannins Batman! If you can age this one, you’ll be fine. This is a turbo-charged, black rocket of a wine. Violets, tar and black fruit await your curious senses. Decant 17 hours… okay 2. Drink: 2013-2020. 596890 14% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove Dell'ornellaia 2009, D.O.C., Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy: Yeah baby! Smoky espresso nose with seductive black fruit. Full-bodied yet slippery smooth. Classically structured and a cellar keeper. Drink: 2012-2018. 606194 14.50% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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Castello Di Querceto Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Classic chianti with a juicy, mouth-watering, full-bodied character. Great acidity with dark red cherries. Drink: 2011-2015. 650754 13.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Capanna Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Dried tobacco brightened by tart black cherries and raspberries. A spice-box of sensory fun with full-bodied weight and a savoury long smoky finish. Don’t rob the cradle: put it in your cellar. Decants 2 hours. Drink: 2013-2020. 651588 15% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2011
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Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2009, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: This wine is made by the coveted Sassicaia winery. Juicy and savoury with smoky black fruit and full-bodied richness. Beautifully structured with a long finish. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese grapes. Drink: 2012-2018. 72439 14% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Ruffino Modus 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Big, black and brooding with full-on toasty oak, that gives a delicious smoky weave throughout this wine. Fleshy dark fruit wrap around of core of dark spice hedonism. Decant 2 hours. Bring it on! Drink: 2011-2018. 912956 13.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 93/100. November 12, 2011
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Sileni The Plateau Pinot Noir 2009, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Sweet cherry and raspberry fruit and a juicy acidity. Luscious with medium-body. Wonderful New World cherry-berry ripe pinot. Drink: 2011-2015. 132142 12.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Framingham Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Cherry-berry vibrancy with a nice underlay of toasty oak. Great mouth-watering acidity for food. Drink: 2011-2016. 699322 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Quinta De Cabriz Seleccionada Colheita 2008, D.O.C., Dão, Portugal: Smoky with black fruit. Full-bodied and delicious. Perfect for parties. Drink: 2011-2015. 247973 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Bodegas De Los Rios Prieto Prios Maximus Roble 2009, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Pesquera De Duero, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine received a score of 90 in the 2011 Peñin Guide to Spanish Wine. Grown in the respected Pesquera area, and aged almost 6 months in American oak and 6 months in bottle before release, this wine offers up notes of plum, baked prunes, leather, earth, spice and blueberry. The palate offers more spice, blueberry and earth with a touch of sweet vanilla adding complexity. Medium bodied and finely balanced, with a nice savoury finish. This wine will enhance meals. My note: Delicious with a smoky-espresso nose and dark fruit on the palate. Full-bodied and mouth-watering. Terrific price. Drink: 2011-2014. 103432 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Señorío De P. Peciña Reserva Bodegas Hermanos Peciña 2001, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine exceeds even Gran Reserva ageing requirements, but was bottled only as a Reserva. This illustrates the highest standards this house practices. A mature wine that is drinking beautifully right now. Look for aromas and flavours of blackberry crème, pipe tobacco, spice cupboard and dried red fruit. It can be aged for another year or two, but why bother when it’s this good now? The Peñin Guide to Spanish Wine 2010 gave this wine a score of 90. My note: Leather, smoke and memories of a dusty walk in Spain. The fruit is a flesh memory only, but the bones remember to their marrow. Smooth and smoky, for conversations that are comfortable with long silences. Drink: 2008-2013. 82156 13.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Valley, Monterey County, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Sweet dark cherry with dark chocolate-mocha on the nose. Supple, smooth and medium-bodied. Luscious. Drink: 2011-2017. 130138 13.90% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011
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Reininger Ash Hollow Vineyard Syrah 2006, Walla Walla Valley, Washington, United States: Chocolate mocha notes with black ripe plums and berries. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2011-2015. 233478 14.20% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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Four Vines Maverick Zinfandel 2008, Amador County, California, United States: Chocolate dipped blueberries with full-bodied weight and smooth texture. Ultra BBQ wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 249300 14.90% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

13th Street Cuvée 13 Rosé, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Very pretty, dry and toasty. Lovely notes of field raspberries. One of Canada’s best bubblies. A blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and a dash of syrah. Drink: 2011-2015. 147504 12.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Sparkling Wine.
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Domaine De Vaugondy Brut Vouvray Methode Traditionnelle, Perdriaux, A.C., Loire, France: Full-bodied, robust dry bubbly. Good value with straight forward pleasure. Great price. Drink: 2011-2013. 154567 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Godmé Père & Fils Brut Réserve, A.C., Champagne, France: Toasty great! Aromas of fresh baked bread and green apples. Superbly made at a reasonable price for Champagne. Drink: 2011-2015. 243881 12.50% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 94/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Sparkling Wine.
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Moët & Chandon Brut Grand Vintage Champagne 2002, A.C., Champagne, France: Superb, toasty and robust with assertive notes of green apple and baked bread. Drink: 2011-2014. 69773 12.50% XD 750 mL $81.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Lenz Moser Prestige Trockenbeerenauslese 2008, Prädikatswein, Burgenland, Austria: Sublime! Gorgeous dessert wine that’s complex and endless. Apricot and peach with that distinctive note that botrytis adds. Drink: 2011-2022. 729657 10% S 375 mL $19.95 Score: 96/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine.
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Open Vidal Icewine 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Superb! Apricot and honey with an underlay of rich butterscotch. Perfect with dessert or as dessert on its own. Half the price of most icewines. Drink: 2011-2018. 149799 9.50% S 375 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine.
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Teliani Valley Alazani Valley Red Semi-Sweet 2008, Georgia, Georgia: Vintages Wine Panel: Georgia is one of the world’s great and historic centres of both wild and cultivated vines, and Saperavi is an important and popular indigenous variety with great ageing potential. Rich aromas of berry and spice lead to the sweet, very tasty palate. Well structured and with good length, this is an excellent after-meal sipper. My note: Sweet red wine is an acquired taste. If you’ve acquired, this is your wine. Lovely sweet cherries and blackberry liqueur. Drink: 2011-2014. 143578 12% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. November 12, 2011
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Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Auslese Riesling 2007, Q.M.P., Mosel, Germany: Absolutely splendid! Apricot-peach sweetness, yet I don’t think of this as a dessert wine. Rather drink it with dishes that have some sweetness such as a glazed ham or sweet potatoes. Drink: 2011-2018. 249714 7.50% M 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011
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Tokaj Kereskedöház Tokaji Aszú 4 Puttonyos 2003, Hungary: Vintages Wine Panel: Once regarded as an elixir of human life, Tokaji provides a truly exceptional end to a fine meal, or a unique treat in itself. This one shows a deep yellow gold in the glass, with aromas of honeycomb, marmalade, sponge toffee, dried mango, and apricot jam. Silky-smooth texture, medium body, and a very tasty finish. Rejuvenating. My note: Beautiful! Gorgeous combination of honeyed sweetness a nice tang on the finish. Ripples of sugared clementine through the middle. Drink: 2011-2018. 73239 13% M 500 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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[ Compress ] Other Wines/Drinks

Moniack The Lyme Bay Winery Mead, England, United Kingdom: Pure honey essence… I can hear the bubble bees on a sun-dappled day. Drink: 2011-2014. 987263 13% S 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. November 12, 2011
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Vintages Wine Picks November 12, 2011

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