Vintages Wine Picks March 20, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Peter Lehmann Wines Semillon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A lovely, medium-bodied, mouth-watering white with melon and peach notes. Clean and refreshing. 662635 11% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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Wits End Free Settler & The Convict, Chalk Hill Wines Chardonnay Viognier 2009, South Australia, Australia: A simple but tasty white with tree fruit and some smoke. Nice body and texture 90928 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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Cave Spring Cellars Gewürztraminer 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: This white-wine specialist produces a lovely Gewürz with rose petal, lychee and a crisp acidity. Bone-dry and enticing. 302059 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010
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Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Is it possible to have a love affair with a wine? This would be mine. I don’t even drink Chardonnays much but this one drops me to my knees. Hazelnut, green apple, white perfect peach. Full-bodied with a long finish. Amen. 56929 14% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 94/100. March 20, 2010 FAVOURITE WHITE WINE.
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Hidden Bench Winery Rosomel Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A hazelnut-rich white with refreshing notes of white peach and green apples. Succulent and full-bodied with an opulent texture. 68825 13.70% D 750 mL $30.20 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010
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Hidden Bench Winery Locust Lane Vineyard Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Wonderful, pure wonderful! Juicy notes of peach, lime and green apples that go on and on. What a delightful, light-bodied Riesling. Well done! 68841 11.30% D 750 mL $32.20 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Uby Colombard Ugni Blanc 2009, Côtes De Gascogne , Southwest, France: A simple, but delightful white with fresh notes of white peach and pink grapefruit. Terrific aperitif. No oaky aromas. Clean and fresh 151019 11.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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Domaine Chêne Cuvée Prestige Mâcon-La Roche Vineuse, Gaec Chêne, Vitic.-Récolt. Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Refreshing with green apples and limes. No heavy oak. 159715 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Gorgeous style of Sauvignon Blanc: not too grassy but delivers lots of citrus and lime refreshment. Mouth-watering and versatile food-wise. No heavy oak. Medium-bodied. 744086 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010
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Grand Fief De La Cormeraie Sèvre Et Maine Sur Lie Muscadet 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Big mouth-watering acidity with crisp notes of lime and green apples. Begs for food; don’t drink it alone. 81745 12% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. March 20, 2010
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Domaine Allimant-Laugner Muscat 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Orange zest and white flowers. Perfumed and exotic and dry. Lovely! 930362 12.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010
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Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Mosel, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Off-dry with a succulent ripe fruit sweetness that will go divinely with dishes that have an element of sweet or heat. Light-bodied. 596601 9.50% MD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010 BEST VALUE WHITE WINE.
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Heyl Zu Herrnsheim Baron Heyl Estate Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Rheinhessen, Germany: An apricot-ripe white with delicate floral aromas. Some sweetness but not too much. Perfect for Asian and hot dishes. 89573 10% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010
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Caposaldo Pinot Grigio 2008, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: A refreshing and simple wine with white melon and grapefruit notes. Great aperitif. 159608 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. March 20, 2010
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Highfield Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal, grassy good with sunshine streaked through it. Crisp, mouth-watering and refreshing. 12674 12.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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Domaine De L'oujonnet Réserve Du Domaine Bursinel, Oujonnet/Uvavins-Cave De La Côte Chasselas Doral 2008, A.C., La Côte, Switzerland: Crisp and refreshing with notes of lime and grapefruit. No oaky flavours, just pure green fruit essence. 160572 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United States: A vibrant, zesty Sauvignon Blanc with herbal and citrus notes. Lovely and refreshing. 966036 12.70% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Saurus Select Familia Schroeder Malbec 2006, Patagonia, Neuquén, San Patricio Del Chañar, Argentina: A juicy, purple wine with liqueur jammy berry flavour. Full-bodied. 55459 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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3 Rings Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and generous with flavours that keep on coming. Bring on the plums, cue the blackberries! 15495 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. March 20, 2010
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d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Big attack wine with lots of mouth-watering acidity that needs food. Black plums and berries. 158238 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010 BEST VALUE RED WINE.
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Rolf Binder Halliwell Shiraz Grenache 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Grenache. Deep, brooding depths of plummy, cassis flavour. 27318 14.50% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Langmeil Three Gardens Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of 44% shiraz, 35% grenache and 21% mouvedre and was aged in French and American oak. Juicy blackberry liqueur with a smoky finish. Robust! 644047 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: The Viognier, a white grape, lifts and brightens the red grape shiraz: what a terrific blend! Juicy, fleshy plums and berries wrapped in a lightly smoky blanket 936971 14.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. March 20, 2010
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St. Hallett Faith Shiraz 2007, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: You can depend on this juicy red, year after year. Lip-smacking delicious with a core of blackberry pleasure. Pour some more please. 980631 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2007, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Minty, blackberry goodness with full-bodied texture and layers. 998476 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Le Clos Jordanne Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Here comes that silk ribbon of flavour and pleasure: let it roll over you and through you. Voluptuous aromas of dark cherries, forest earth and deeply felt hedonistic happiness. 33902 13.50% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 92/100. March 20, 2010
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Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: A tasty, full-bodied red with dark plums, berries, mocha and some smoke on the finish. 684597 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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Cru Du Paradis Tradition Tannat Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, A.C., Madiran, Southwest, France: Tasty with dark chocolate and black plum notes. Robust, simple and delicious. 150573 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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Domaine De La Colline Saint-Jean Vieilles Vignes, Famille Alazard, Props.-Récolts. Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France: Black cherry liqueur: rich, deep and dark. Hefty alcohol here but the wine is balanced. You have to love the palate-whacker style and sometimes, you just crave (and need) that. Wonderful with big meat dishes 155499 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Vignerons De Bel-Air Aurore Gamay 2008, A.C., Beaujolais-Villages, France: Simple, carefree and tasty! Light-bodied with mouth-watering acidity so be sure to pair it with food. Lovely light aromas of fresh strawberries. Delightful. 159756 12.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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Château Le Conseiller Supérieur Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, A.C., Bordeaux, France: A supple, plummy wine with lovely layers of flavour. You still get the Bordeaux structure and balance but this is a very generous, succulent wine ready to drink now. 563049 13% XD 750 mL $23.00 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Bouchard Pere and Fils Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Côte De Beaune-Villages, Burgundy, France: A lovely perfume with a heady mix of field flowers and fresh berries. I love this style of burgundy: medium-bodied with a silky texture, refreshing yet packed with flavour. I’m buying a case. 714998 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Domaine Des Chanssaud Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: A cedary, black cherry rich red with supple texture and full-bodied goodness. Extremely tasty. Treat yourself tonight. 959833 15% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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Teliani Valley Unfiltered Saperavi 2007, Georgia: Tasty, mocha goodness with fleshy ripe plums. A surprisingly good wine from this region. I hope they send us more wines! 143586 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010
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Rocca Delle Macìe Riserva Chianti 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Dark and brooding yet also supple and juicy. Black plums and berries with an enticing weave of smoke running through them. 111641 14% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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Feudi Di San Marzano Primitivo 2008, I.G.T., Puglia, Italy: Juicy, lip-smacking delicious! Bursting with purple plums and fleshy berries. Supple and full-bodied. Is there any better wine for barbecue or pepperoni pizza? I think not. 120915 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010 BEST VALUE RED WINE.
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Renzo Massi Erta E China Sangiovese 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Dark fruit, smoke, mocha and oak. Robust and lip-smacking delicious. Such an amazing wine for the money. Open it on movie night. 132308 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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Gerardo Classico Cesari Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Smooth, easy-drinking red as supple as merlot but with more red berry and sundried tomato notes. Terrific with Italian cuisine. 159434 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010
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Giordano Barbera D'asti 2007, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: A nice juicy, dark red wine with generous flavours and acidity that’s perfect for Italian dishes. Supple and full-bodied: you won’t be disappointed especially for this price. 159491 13.60% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010
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Monsanto Riserva Chianti Classico 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Juicy, dark red berries with succulent flavour and persistence of flavour. Love this wine and can’t think of a better wine to celebrate anything. 719864 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Vignamaggio Gherardino Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Juicy, dark wine with classic dark fruit flavours. Full-bodied and tasty. Mouth-watering. 963512 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. March 20, 2010
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Tenuta Di Castelgiocondo Lamaione Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Sangiovese 2006, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Magnificent, heart-stopping wine: the kind that if you bring it to dinner, you gain 20 social standing points as everyone murmurs, “Who brought this wine?” while you bask in silent glorious modesty. Black fruit, smoke, forest-hidden violets, and the element of elusive happiness. 978411 15% XD 750 mL $63.95 Score: 96/100. March 20, 2010 FAVOURITE RED WINE.
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Kim Crawford Hawke's Bay Merlot 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Juicy and plum. Robust and supple with a terrific seam of mouth-watering acidity. Yum! 680967 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Redondo Latitude Adega Cooperativa De Redondo Touriga Nacional 2008, D.O.C., Alentejo, Portugal: Juicy, simple and lip-smacking tasty. Ripe, mouth-watering cherries. Medium- to full-bodied. Yay! 162305 12.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. March 20, 2010
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Clos Du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos du Bois, located in Geyserville, released its first wines in 1974. Erik Olsen, who drew high scores and plenty of attention for his work at Washington State’s Château Ste. Michelle, took over as winemaker in 2003. This dry, medium-full-bodied, ready-to-drink Cab is brimming with ripe cherry, currant and blackberry flavours. A quality Californian Cab that’s oh-so-easy on the wallet. My note: Balanced and juicy with long persistent flavours. Supple and medium-bodied. Lovely perfume. 181685 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010
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Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Love it! Juicy, generous: it keeps on giving and giving with the purple plum and blueberry flavours. 434605 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre 2007, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Juicy and succulent, this is terrific! Get out of your cabernet rut. A river of fleshy dark plums. Velvet smooth 66084 15% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Château Bellevue La Forêt Negrette Syrah Gamay Rosé 2009, A.C., Fronton, Southwest, France: A lovely, balanced, raspberry-ripe rosé! Perfect aperitif or accompaniment to many foods. Medium-bodied without a tannin in sight and no heavy oak. 219840 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2009, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Draws you right into the glass, head first. Fleshy strawberries and raspberries. Resistance is futile. 950576 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010 Best Value Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

13th Street Cuvee 13, Traditional Method Pinot Noir Chardonnay Rosé 2006, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: This wine is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay grapes and spent 34 months on the lees in bottle. A robust, flavourful bubbly with ripe strawberries and raspberries. Bone-dry and refreshing. 147504 12.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010
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R. Pouillon & Fils Cuvée De Réserve Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Robust and deep bubbly with strong toasty notes and ripe tree fruit. Terrific mousse. Persistent finish. 160937 12% D 750 mL $48.95 Score: 90/100. March 20, 2010 FAVOURITE SPARKING WINE.
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Batasiolo Bosc D'la Rei Moscato D'asti 2008, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Pure summer afternoon essence! Lovely orange and apricot peel with a light frizzante that sends a shiver through your palate. 28175 5.50% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 20, 2010 BEST VALUE SPARKLING WINE.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Quinta Do Infantado Ruby Port, Portugal: A very pleasant after-dinner drink with ripe red fruit and tangy acidity. 979898 19.50% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010 BEST VALUE DESSERT WINE.
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Vintages Wine Picks March 20, 2010

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