Vintages Wine Picks July 9, 2011

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Catena Zapata Laura Catena Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A 1983 visit to Robert Mondavi's landmark winery in California inspired Nicolás Catena to start his own cutting-edge winery in Argentina, and his daughter Laura has continued the family brilliance. The winery uses three Agrelo-area vineyards for the fruit: Uxmal, Adrianna and Domingo. The 2010 Chardonnay is filled with ripe fruit ably balanced by nicely integrated oak tones and fresh acidity. My note: A rich, voluptuous, full-bodied Chardonnay with ripe peach, Asian pear, vanilla smoke, toasted almond and butterscotch. Lovely layers of flavour. Drink: 2011-2014. 918805 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Pondview Estate Gewürztraminer Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale lemon-yellow, this offers up notes of lime, white roses, citrus zest and mineral. Off-dry with nice balancing acidity, it has fresh and pretty citrus and floral notes with a gentle touch of spice. The finish is quite refreshing. My note: clean, crisp and clear with lovely lychee, rose petal, white melon and light spices. No heavy oak and alcohol here. Great aperitif. Drink: 2011-2014. 234625 13.50% MD 750 mL $14.20 Score: 87/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Megalomaniac Wines Narcissist, Edra's Vineyard, John Howard Cellars Of Distinction Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: You’ll adore yourself for choosing this wine. Pale lemon with green tints in the glass, it has an engaging nose that suggests fresh lime, minerality, apples and orchard blossom. The palate starts just off-dry, and shows beautifully reflected fruit and a great seam of refreshing, palate-cleansing acidity. My note: Juicy-terrific! Lovely melon and peach fruit unfold in waves of flavour. Love this style. Slightly off-dry so it is incredibly food-friendly and light-bodied. Drink: 2011-2015. 67587 11% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Fort Berens Estate Winery 23 Camels White 2011, Lillooet, British Columbia, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. Drink: 2012-2014. 770669 13.10% D 750 mL $16.00. July 9, 2011
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Malivoire Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Some kind of wonderful! Balanced Chardonnay with loads of flavour but not heavy. And who doesn’t love the small format? Full-bodied with notes of hazelnuts, apples and peach. Drink: 2011-2015. 960765 12.50% XD 375 mL $10.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Agustinos Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Bio Bio Valley, Chile: Grassy-great refreshment with lime and chives! Zesty and refreshing. You simply can’t beat this price. Drink: 2011-2013. 213595 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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R De Rieussec Société Du Château Rieussec, Prop. Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2007, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from non-botrytised Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, this fine dry wine from the great Sauternes house, Rieussec, must always be designated as AC Bordeaux. Although not reviewed en primeur, this wine will be as exciting as many of the other white Bordeaux in the 2007 vintage. My note: Absolutely perfect! Apricot ideal with honey blanket and peach preserves. Love it! Drink: 2011-2013. 100891 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.00 Score: 93/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Château Larrivet-Haut-Brion Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2007, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Why do I have to adore the expensive wines? Why can’t I have cheap, easily satisfied taste? Such is my curse. This is an extraordinary wine. I challenge you to try it even if you don’t love Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes wrapped in a rich blanket of butterscotch warmth. Drink: 2011-2018. 98350 13.50% XD 750 mL $55.00 Score: 94/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Domdechant Werner'sches Riesling Spätlese 2008, Hochheimer Domdechaney, Rheingau, Germany: A Gold Medal winner at the International Wine Challenge London 2010. Lovely summer sunshine with a touch of peach sweetness. Perfect balance for so many dishes. Drink: 2011-2015. 129510 8% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011
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Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Glorious pleasure that could be three times the price! Ripe peach, apricot and pear with some zingy moth-watering action. Light and fresh… float away on its flavours. Drink: 2011-2015. 596601 8.50% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2010, D.O.C., Valdadige, Alto Adige, Trentino, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The half-bottle size of our hugely popular Essentials product (+106450). It has a lovely minerality, fresh green apple, lime and peach aromas and flavours and a refreshing, cleansing finish. It makes the perfect backyard summer sipper for two. My note: Super convenient size for evenings on the deck when you’re on your own or just one glass each is all you want. White melon and lime zestiness. This wine is incredibly versatile. Drink: 2011-2014. 687558 12.50% XD 375 mL $10.45 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Attems Pinot Grigio 2010, I.G.T., Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The Attems Family can trace their lineage in the Friuli region back to 1106. Their tremendously popular Pinot Grigio offers bright tropical fruit, pear and apple aromas and flavours, and a hallmark rich texture and crisp finish. Wonderful for sipping at casual backyard gatherings. My note: A very mild and subtle wine with white melon. No heavy oak or alcohol. Drink: 2011-2014. 707950 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 9, 2011
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Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Very grassy and herbal with terrific refreshment and made from organically grown grapes. Mouth-watering acidity: this wine cries out for shellfish, vegetarian pizza or quiche. Drink: 2011-2013. 214437 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011
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Ironstone Estate Grown Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Sierra Foothills, California, United States: So very lovely! Voluptuous and rich with layers of toasted almond, green apple and vanilla smoke. Full-bodied and delicious. Drink: 2011-2015. 158774 14.50% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2007, Russian River Valley, California, United States: Classically made and structured with green apple and butter smoke aromas. Full-bodied, supple and generous with all the richness you want flavour-wise but none of the heaviness. Redolent of woodsmoke and hazelnut seduction with layers of generous pleasure. Drink: 2011-2015. 205815 14.90% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Star Lane Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: Grassy and herbal with a lemon lift on the finish. Mouth-watering and food versatile. Drink: 2011-2013. 225409 13.40% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 87/100. July 9, 2011
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Ironstone Chardonnay 2009, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The Kautz family was the first to plant Chardonnay in the Lodi region, and they now grow Chardonnay in many of Lodi’s sub-appellations as well as the Calaveras County area of the Sierra Foothills. Crafted in a crisp style with plenty of juicy, tropical fruit and ripe apple flavours balanced by medium acidity and just a hint of oak, this Chardonnay represents excellent value. Enjoy tonight. My note: Classically made Chardonnay with balance and finesse but also reveals lip-smacking delicious flavours of green apple and butterscotch. Yum! Drink: 2011-2015. 355776 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Far Niente Nickel & Nickel, Prop. Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The Far Niente offers a wonderfully smoky nose with ripe apple, pear, papaya and banana notes adding complexity. Dry and medium-full bodied with toast and tropical fruit wrapped up in a beautifully balanced package where the fruit is not overpowered by the oak. A medium-long and smoky finish. Drinking very well now. My note: Pricey and tasty… are you after cult Chardonnay? This is it. Vibrant green apple notes wrapped in hazelnut smoke. Full-bodied. Drink: 2011-2015. 539130 14.30% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011
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Firesteed Pinot Gris 2009, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: An intense nose rich with ripe apple, pear and minerality. The palate is a touch off-dry offering a gentle sweetness. Juicy and flavourful with good minerality, apple and citrus tones and an intense finish. Perfect as a sipper, it will work beautifully with a grilled trout with lemon butter. My note: terrific, clean sipper without any heavy oak or alcohol. White melon and grapefruit… a streak of sunlight. Drink: 2011-2014. 568071 13.10% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s leading producers and its Alamos range consistently offers outstanding value. Expect blackberry flavours aplenty with notes of toasty oak, cocoa and coffee on a long, lingering finish. My note: Year after year, a solid producer of delicious, full-bodied reds at incredible prices. Drink: 2011-2014. 467944 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific, robust red with gorgeous layers of ripe black fruit. Full-bodied but smooth and balanced. Great quality and taste for the price. 58081 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Black and brooding with full-bodied weight and alcohol level. Blackcurrant, cassis and cedar. Smooth and ready when you are. Drink: 2011-2015. 18796 15.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Dandelion Sister's Run God's Hill Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The Sister’s Run label is an inspired salute to winemaker Elena Brooks’ ready-for-anything approach to her work. Apparently on (at least) one occasion, upon returning from an event, while changing from high heels to work boots Elena was required to run into the winery and deal with a crisis while wearing one of each. Expect this wine to be full bodied with concentrated dark fruits and spice, and fun but serious enough for either a formal or informal barbecue. My note: A perky, full-bodied red that delivers lots of pleasure and no offense. Black plums berries roll across your mouth: no stops or starts, all liquid pleasure. Perfect for the barbecue. Drink: 2011-2014. 222018 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Valletta Sellick's Hill Wines Grenache Shiraz 2005, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This wine doesn’t stop: it’ll conquer all your senses. Resist to make the pleasure last longer, but it will win you over. Long lines of dark fruit, savoury juiciness and smoke rush into touch your tastebuds and pleasure center. So mouth-filling, satin smooth and satisfying. One word: more. Drink: 2011-2018. 225136 15% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 95/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Saltram Wine Estate Shiraz 2008, Australia: Wow! Generous depths of flavour in this robust red. This is a savoury, meaty wine with fleshy dark berry aromas. There's judicious weave of oak throughout that makes it toasty great! Drink: 2011-2016. 32227 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. July 9, 2011
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Peter Lehmann Wines Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The Barossa Valley’s reputation for producing some of Australia’s greatest red wines was built on the back of producers like Peter Lehmann, who took a chance on the region. The Queen of Clubs, or “Gambler’s card” that appears on the Art Series wines, represents the gamble Peter took when he founded the winery in 1979. You can expect a well-structured, balanced wine with rich and complex fruit complemented by spice and chocolate notes. It will reward 3+ years in the cellar or can be enjoyed tonight. My note: A classically structured Australian Cabernet: it rises so far beyond the ranks of the simple fruit sweet cousins. We’ve got power and depth here from the Australian sun, yet the balance and elegance of a master winemaker. Love it, especially at this price! Drink: 2011-2017. 605741 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011
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Kilikanoon Prodigal Grenache 2007, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A stunning wine of extraordinary depth and voluptuous texture. This wine doesn’t stop enticing you head first into the glass. Fleshy dark plums roll across your mouth followed by layers of fleshy berries. Oh my. Drink: 2011-2016. 927582 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. July 9, 2011
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Hidden Bench Winery Terroir Caché Meritage 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a very fine 2008 Meritage (Bordeaux blend) from one of Ontario’s best red-wine producers. Aromas of raspberry, spicy cherry, hickory, autumn leaves and floral are front and centre. Dry and quite fruity at first, but then silky tannins come in at the mid-point bringing ideal balance. Medium-full bodied, medium-long finishing. Cellar it 2-3 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Big oak treatment with luscious and plush black plums and berries. A hedonist’s wine to make you happy til the next day, so buy two. Drink: 2011-2016. 505610 13.50% XD 750 mL $35.20 Score: 92/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Concha Y Toro Marqués De Casa Concha Syrah 2008, Buin, Maipo Valley, Chile: Lip-smacking sensuous with full-bodied, roll-on flavour. Dark field berries that squeeze their precious juice and concentrated flavour onto your palate as you swallow. Drink: 2011-2015. 19042 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Château Pipeau Grand Cru, Mestreguilhem, Prop.-Récolt. 2007, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Notes of cassis, woodsmoke, coffee been and cherry on the nose. Dry and medium bodied with grippy tannins embroidering a core of forward fruit. Culminates in a medium-long and smoky finish. Enjoy tonight, or cellar for up to 5 years. My note: Full-on oak treatment, but it’s toasty and inviting. Underneath, you’ll discover lots of dark fruits and berries. Smooth and full-bodied with that classic Bordeaux styling. This one will do well in the cellar. Very fair price for this quality. Drink: 2012-2016. 102756 13% XD 750 mL $28.00 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Domaine Boudau Le Clos Véronique Et Pierre Boudau, Vign.-Récolt. 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Youthful medium ruby/purple colour with aromas of warmed blueberry pie, currants, mocha and a hint of balsamic. Dry, fruit-forward, ripe and round. This is a soft, crowd-pleasing wine with just enough tannins to give it a good structure. Enjoy it tonight. My note: A tasty, rustic, full-bodied red with aromas of blackberries, blackcurrant and cedar. Smooth, yet it has a pleasing grip. Perfect for barbecues. Drink: 2011-2014. 149989 15% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011
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Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Worth every penny! Juicy, fleshy black cherries will wrap themselves around your sensual core. There’s woodsmoke and a velvet texture. Depth without heaviness. This is an extraordinary wine that you can drink now or age for more than a decade. Drink: 2011-2022. 983650 14.50% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 93/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Le Tobele Amarone Della Valpolicella Ripasso 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: An exceptionally priced, complex Ripasso that gains its extra depth and richness of flavour from the grape skins of Le Tobele’s Amarone. Chocolate and black cherry fruit with hints of raisins on the nose. Medium-full bodied and offering dried fruit, spice, and a sweet core. Dry and fruity on the finish. My note: A juicy and mocha-filling sensation wafts out of the glass. Liquid plums play with your tastebuds until you are very happy. Full-bodied and smooth. Fantastic price. Drink: 2011-2014. 106914 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Zenato Cormi Corvina Merlot 2007, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The always quality-minded Zenato winery deftly combines the international variety Merlot with Veneto’s own Corvina to craft a smooth and supple red that’s a perfect addition to your barbecue. Deeply coloured, with aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, coffee and black cherry, this stylish blend is dry and invigorating with a ripe and round texture and a lengthy finish. My note: Mocha, espresso nose with plush black plums. Full-bodied and smooth. Very reasonable price for this quality. Drink: 2011-2014. 108282 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011
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Villa I Cipressi Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Love it! It’s making me smack my lips… full-bodied and juicy, mouth-watering. Dark, savory fruit and spices. Oh how lovely. Drink: 2011-2017. 214619 14% D 750 mL $47.95 Score: 94/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Paolo Leo Riserva Salice Salentino 2006, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Another typo with price! Grab up a case while you can for your parties. Full-bodied and smooth with an incredible elegance and finesse. Dark fruit and a long finish to contemplate just how much you saved buying this wine. Bonus: the label looks expensive so it also makes a great gift wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 214700 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Lovely richness with a terrific zingy richness. This would be amazing with tomato sauce dishes. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 222810 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Viticcio Bere Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Ultra-smooth and light- to medium-bodied. Like Merlot’s little cousin with beautiful dark fruit. Drink: 2011-2014. 224311 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Zenato Superiore Amarone Valpolicella Ripassa 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: What a perfect wine for the half size: robust and tasty … a party for one! This wine, like Amarone, is made with partially dried grapes for extra concentration of flavour. Dark cherry liqueur and some licorice. Big and beautiful! Drink: 2011-2017. 43547 14% XD 375 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Noir is Marlborough’s red-wine specialty, and this Vintages customer favourite comes from one of New Zealand’s most consistent producers. With pure fruit characters of brambly raspberry, black cherry and spice, it will make a fine partner for ratatouille. My note: Tart cherries wake up your mouth and cry out for food. Generous and delicious with medium- to full-bodied weight. Drink: 2011-2015. 590414 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Lomond Syrah 2008, W.O., Cape Agulhas, South Africa: If you want big oak, this is your wine. Full-bodied with lots of, um, oak and woodsmoke and cedar. Some dark fruit in there somewhere. Drink: 2011-2014. 146464 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011
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La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva Henri Gualco, Récolt. Tempranillo 2003, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Love that old leather, dried herb and black fruit combination. This is classic Rioja with that seductive mature character. There’s simply nothing like it. Drink: 2011-2015. 161893 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011
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Lan Reserva Tempranillo Mazuelo 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Mature and classic with subtle notes of dried herbs, leather and dark fruits. I love it because it’s packed with flavour yet so elegant and balanced. I could drink this all night, and in fact, I think I will. Drink: 2011-2015. 42929 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011
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RavensWood Vintner's Blend Shiraz 2008, California, United States: A juicy-delicious, full-bodied red with lip-smacking tasty notes of black plums and cherries. Good grip and a savoury note running through the middle. Fire up the barbecue! Drink: 2011-2014. 135350 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Siduri Pinot Noir 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Black cherries glide across your mouth wrapped in dark spices, light woodsmoke and purring satisfaction. Medium- to full-bodied. Slinky and delicious. Drink: 2011-2016. 159293 14.30% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 92/100. July 9, 2011
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Alexander Valley Redemption Zinfandel 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Whoa! Big, galloping flavours here: blackberry liqueur, brambleberry and blueberry with velvet texture. Perfect for barbecues and meat lovers’ pizza. Drink: 2011-2015. 224147 15.70% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011
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Grove Street Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Sweet cherry fruit and baking spices, though the wine is dry. Smooth and voluptuous. This is a drop-dead great price for this wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 231613 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Shafer Vineyards Merlot 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Definitely a full-blown blockbuster of a Merlot. Deep ruby in the glass, it shows plenty of blackberry, woodsmoke, tar, vanilla and graphite on the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied and mouth-filling, with a wallop of warm, dark fruit; a plush texture; and silky tannins. Long, layered finish. Cellar for 5+ years , or pair it with flavourful meat dishes. My note: Big juicy wine with ripe blackberries and black raspberries. Full-bodied and smooth with terrific cellar potential. Drink: 2011-2018. 346262 15.30% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011
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Rodney Strong Merlot 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Rodney Strong established Sonoma’s 13th bonded winery in 1959. The winery has been privately owned by the Klein family since 1989, and their passion for sustainable agriculture led to Rodney Strong becoming Sonoma County’s first carbon-neutral winery. The 2007 Merlot offers impressive structure and balance, with gentle tannins, crisp acidity and elegant fruit. Ideal for filet mignon. My note: A well-crafted and balanced Merlot with lovely plum and berry fruit. Medium- to full-bodied and smooth. Great smooth jazz wine or pair it with watching Eat, Pray, Love. Drink: 2011-2015. 497933 13.80% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011
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Cooper Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: This is wine is made from 100% organic and biodynamic certified grapes. It’s light and lovely with ripe cherries and fleeting summer memories. Good mouth-watering action and perfect for so many dishes, from seafood to roast beef. This organic wine contains just 10 mg/L of free sulphur. Drink: 2011-2014. 510750 13.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011
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Souverain Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Gorgeous depth and concentration with a finish as long as Sunset Boulevard. Classic dark fruit, smoke and mocha. Incredible craftsmanship. Drink: 2011-2016. 718197 14.70% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. July 9, 2011
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Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, United States: Love it! This is what the best and classic Californian Cabernet is: a tiger wrapped in velvet, power and elegance. An incredibly well-made wine with seductive aromas of blackberries, black plums and cedar. Drink: 2011-2016. 906198 13.70% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Bandol Cuvée Grande Tradition La Cadierenne Rosé 2010, A.C., Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2010 Cuvée Grande Tradition Bandol rosé is an intensely expressive wine offering a delightful nose of fresh flowers, strawberries, watermelon and minerality. The palate is dry, round and delicious. The tangy fruit and the minerality are well supported by a bracing acidity. Refreshing and complex, this makes a fantastic sipper. My note: Lovely and light with strawberry fields forever. Good acidity and great for food. Drink: 2011-2013. 119453 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Rosé.
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Saint-Tropez Carte Noire Rosé 2010, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This fresh and crisp rosé is ideal for taking you on a sensory journey. With aromas of cherry, red pepper and rose petals, this great anytime holiday-in-a-glass is a wonderful sipper. My note : More robust than many Provencal roses, and I love it! Dried herbs and strawberries. Drink: 2011-2013. 319384 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Rosé.
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Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Les Vignerons De Tavel Rosé 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From the world’s most famous appellation for rosé wines this is a rich, rose-petal pink colour with quite an intense and fruity nose. Prominent notes of strawberry, raspberry and spice along with a good sense of mineral. Medium bodied and ready to drink. Enjoy it tonight. My note: You can’t beat Tavel for rose, or go wrong with it: I’ve never had a bottle yet I didn’t like from this small region, knock on tetrapak! Raspberry aromas and lovely mouth-watering zestiness. So perfect for so many foods and occasions. Drink: 2011-2014. 739474 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Louis Bouillot Perle D'aurore Brut Rosé Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France: The steal of the century! This bubbly is one of those gems that you should stock up on. Lovely fresh and fleeting raspberry and strawberry notes with a zesty refreshment. I can’t believe the price. Drink: 2011-2013. 48793 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Bellenda San Fermo Brut Superiore Prosecco 2010, D.O.C.G., Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw colour with a very plentiful and vibrant fizz. It is dominated by aromas of apples, mineral, pear, lanolin and a touch of fresh pastry. Dry with good fruit and a round mouth-feel. A rather robust Prosecco for moderately rich seafood dishes. It is also a nice choice for the classic cocktail, Bellini. My note: I’m loving it! Glorious bubbly for the price. They will never know how little you paid as they admire the extra-pricey earrings (cufflinks?) you were able to buy as a result. Toasty green apple goodness. Cheers! Drink: 2011-2013. 82347 11.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Roederer Estate Sparkling Brut, Anderson Valley, California, United States: It’s back and I’m happy! Want to host a classy wedding or big party: here’s your bubbly. Be supremely confident as the glasses are poured. Really who needs Champagne when you have this? Drink: 2011-2014. 294181 12% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Château Filhot 2E Cru 2007, A.C., Sauternes, Bordeaux, France: Beautiful concentrated sunshine after a spring rainstorm. Sweet peach preserves and honeyed goodness. Layers of pleasure. Drink: 2011-2020. 97907 13.50% S 375 mL $22.00 Score: 94/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks July 9, 2011

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