Vintages Wine Picks June 9, 2007

by Natalie MacLean


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[ Compress ] White Wine

Stonier Chardonnay 2004, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: Lovely and creamy with notes of soft oak, green apple and ripe pear.  25353  13%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 93/100. June 9, 2007 Favorite White Wine.
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Bay Of Fires Tigress Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Tasmania, Australia: A mouthwatering, herbal and zippy wine. Aromas of grapefruit and lime zest.  27490  XD  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 91/100. June 9, 2007
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Caliterra Arboleda Chardonnay 2006, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A round and oaky chardonnay. Comfortable fit like a pair of faded jeans.  606772  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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ST. Urbans-Hof Riesling Kabinett 2005, QmP, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Estate Btld., Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: A lovely wine that is a touch sweet. It's zippy and refreshing with aromas of green apples. Great as an aperitif.  955328  MD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007
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Sileni Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: I like this wine with herbal and grassy notes. Great for sipping after a workout on the lawnmower.  662882  12%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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Zenato Pinot Grigio 2006, Veneto, Italy: Refreshing and mouth-watering with aromas of pear fruit.  37648  12%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007 Best Value White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Terrazas De Los Andes Malbec Reserva 2004, Mendoza, Argentina: A juicy, full-bodied wine with aromas of ripe, red fruit. Great price for the value.  29280  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007
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Don Eugenio Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2004, Uco Valley, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A phenomenal value, this Cab comes from Argentina’s Uco Valley where the vineyards are planted at very high elevations. The daytime sun exposure and cool evening temperatures foster the creation of wines with impeccable balance. This deeply coloured red delivers aromas of cassis, blackberry, toast, mint and wet stones. It is dry, medium full-bodied with a nice core of acid and ripening tannins to provide structure. My note: A tannic wine with aromas of black fruit. Decant for 1 -2 hours and enjoy. Drink: 2007-2010.  32094  14%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. June 9, 2007
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Billy Goat Hill Cabernet/Merlot 2005, Geographe, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: It’s dry with ripe black plum, cassis and vanilla flavors, medium acidity, soft tannins and a spicy finish. My note: A lip-smacking, full-bodied yet supple wine with notes of dark red, ripe fruit and chocolate.  25072  14%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007
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St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2004, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Solidly delicious and full-bodied. Aromas of black plum and herbs. Drink: 2007-2014.  535104  14%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007
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Peter Lehmann Gsm Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2003, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This classic blend is comprised of 34% Grenache, 33% Shiraz and 33% Mourvèdre. It boasts aromas of maraschino cherries, toast and blueberries. Aged for 12 months in both French and American oak, this beautifully structured wine is smooth and flavourful with a note of peppery spice and a lingering finish. My note: A round and lush wine containing aromas of chocolate and dark fruit.  650028  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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Taltarni Shiraz 2002, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia: A richly concentrated and dense wine. Full-bodied with aromas of mint and black fruit. Drink: 2007-2012.  937219  14%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 91/100. June 9, 2007
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Grant Burge Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This terrific Cabernet is sourced from the 30+ year-old vines of Grant Burge’s Cameron Vale vineyard. The maturity of the vines is evident in this intensely flavored wine. It has complex layers of dark berries, cassis, earth, chocolate and mint notes. Aged in French oak (35% new), it’s an excellent value from one of the Barossa’s top producers. My note: A delicious, juicy, lip-smacking full-bodied wine.  937276  13%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 91/100. June 9, 2007 Favorite Red Wine (Tied).
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Chateau Du Périer 2004, AC Médoc, Cru Bourgeois, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This attractive wine displays dashes of cassis, raspberry and peppery in this ripe, fresh, structured and complex wine. My note: Great price! Aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. A wine with good balance and short finish.  35634  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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Chateau Du Pavillon 2003, AC Canon-Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: A balanced wine with aromas of black fruit and wood smoke.  722546  12%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Shiraz 2003, VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Sun-loving Shiraz is thriving in the vineyards of BC and this award-winning wine from Jackson-Triggs’ Okanagan Estate is a prime example. Hand-picked from the Osoyoos Lake Bench vineyards, this wine combines the best of the northern Rhône and New World styles with its spicy bouquet and its lush cherry and black currant fruit flavours. This BC beauty won Gold at Montreal’s Sélections Mondiales 2004. My note: An awesome wine, round and full-bodied. Plentiful aromas of chocolate and lush dark fruit.  33241  14%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 92/100. June 9, 2007
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Round Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, California, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a great Cab to have around the barbecue this summer. Intense and concentrated, with ripe cherry and raspberry flavors and a hint of spice. My note: A smooth wine that is simple but delicious with aromas of chocolate.  526418  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. June 9, 2007
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Storybook Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel 2005, Mayacamas Range, Napa, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Robert Parker includes Storybook Mountain Vineyards on his short list of California’s best Zinfandel producers. The winery was also named ‘Artisan Winery of the Year’ in 2006 by Wine & Spirits magazine. This 2005 Mayacamas Range Zin has complex layers of raspberries, strawberries, mineral and toasty oak with a luscious mouthfeel and a seam of balancing acidity. A must-have for Zin fans. My note: A brambly, very berry wine. Full-bodied, rich and vibrant.  682989  14%  XD  750 mL  $43.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007
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William Cole Albamar Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Curico Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This approachable Cab is a terrific value with ripe berry and black fruit flavours,lively acidity and a fair amount of tannic grip. It’s well-balanced with a lengthy finish. My note: Savory, delicious and full-bodied. Aromas of black fruit.  595298  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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Château De Corneilla Cuvée Prestige 2004, AC Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Corneilla’s Cuvée Prestige is fashioned from 30% Mourvedre, 30% Syrah, 30% old-vine Carignan and 10% Grenache. It features lots of fruity scents and flavours – blue and blackberries, raspberries, cherries – with hints of spices and anisette. Complex but open and friendly. My note: A full-bodied and delicious wine. Aromas of red berries.  627752  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. June 9, 2007
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Morton Estate Stone Creek Pinot Noir 2002, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This single-vineyard Pinot was fermented in stainless steel and then matured in French oak for 12 months. Maturing nicely, it has subtle raspberry and earth characteristics. Give this medium-bodied red 15 minutes in the fridge and you have a great summer red to savor. My note: Full-bodied with aromas of chocolate and dark fruit.  27441  14%  D  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 91/100. June 9, 2007
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Perrin Rasteau L'andéol 2004, AC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, Rhone, France: A wine with aromas of bright red cherries and cedar spice. Drink: 2007-2012.  976845  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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Domaine Du Grapillon D'or Gigondas 2004, AC, Rhone, France: A classic Rhône vintage, this wine combines tons of fruit with the balancing tones of ripe tannins creating a wine that is simultaneously easy-drinking and agreeable. My note: A lovely balanced wine, smooth but full-bodied. Full of red berry fruit and spice. Drink: 2008-2010.  981787  14%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007
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Cave De Crouseilles Madiran 1907 2004, AC, Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Traditionally the wines required many years of cellaring, but modern technology has allowed winemakers to extract maximum flavors from the grapes without the harsh tannins. Black in color with deep blackberries and a touch of tar on the palate. My note: Full-bodied with aromas of spice and dark red fruit.  30890  14%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. June 9, 2007
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Chateau Haut-Monplaisir Cahors 2004, AC, Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château Haut-Monplaisir is in the commune of Lacapelle-Cabanac, west of Cahors. Wines from Cahors are known as ‘black wines’ as they are among the darkest coloured reds made. The vineyards here were first planted by the Romans, and popes, tsars and emperors became fans over time. This inky Malbec displays aromas of cherry, herbs, fig, and peat. In the vanguard of quality for southwestern wines. My note: A truly black colored wine..a good companion for a dastardly plot. Tannic with aromas of black fruit, smoke and oak.  673590  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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Raimat Tempranillo/Syrah 2004, DO Costers del Segre, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Spain’s reputation for red wines is built on the Tempranillo grape. With its rich, cedary/berry intensity, it can be enjoyed now or aged for several years. When blended with the French Syrah, a grape that brings blackberry and pepper nuances, the result is a vibrant, fruity and balanced wine. My note: Spunky and vibrant wine. Medium to full-bodied and smooth. Aromas of red fruit with blackberry and raspberry.  14696  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007 Best Value Red Wine.
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Banfi Colvecchio Syrah 2003, DOC Sant'Antimo, Tuscany, Italy: A round and smooth wine. Notes of chocolate and dark red fruit. Full-bodied with a long finish.  710988  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 89/100. June 9, 2007
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Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2003, DOC, Veneto, Italy: A long-time favorite of mine. Rich, smooth and full-bodied. Aromas of cherries, dried herbs and leather.  413179  16%  XD  750 mL  $48.95  Score: 93/100. June 9, 2007 Favorite Red Wine (Tied).
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Familia Zuccardi Santa Julia Syrah Rosé 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Vibrant hot pink color. A real cha cha cha wine with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and strawberry, plus a hint of spice and pepper. It is ripe and dry with a sassy hint of bitterness on the medium finish. This medium-bodied wine will have you wanting to move to Latin rhythms. My Note: Gorgeous and full-bodied, loads of fresh raspberry and berry fruits.  34322  12%  D  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007
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Selaks Premium Selection Merlot Rosé 2006, New Zealand, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium pink/ruby color with classic Merlot aromas of plum and black cherry. This dry, fruity, flavorful wine exhibits exceptional aroma replays, especially the cherry. It is medium-bodied with a fairly long finish. My note: A lovely, robust and complex rosé.  25478  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007
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Chateau D'aqueria Tavel Rosé 2006, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Hot pink color that speaks of summer. The aromas suggest raspberry, red pepper jelly, maraschino cherry and sweet lemon. Very dry with a touch of tannin, this rosé is medium-bodied with a good combination of acidity and fruit tones. My note: A gorgeous wine for a dry summer day. Aromas of raspberry and maraschino cherry.  319368  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. June 9, 2007 Favorite Rosé.
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Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2006, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: An engaging, food-friendly rosé. This wine is not only beautiful to look at, it is also a classic Cabernet berry-forward rosé with a hint of tannin for some grip. My note: pleasant and full of berry aromas.  999821  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 86/100. June 9, 2007
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