Vintages Wine Picks June 6, 2009

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

d'Arenberg The Last Ditch Viognier 2007, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A tasty-wow wine with expressive notes of apricot, rose petal, peach and vanilla smoke. This wine was barrel-fermented in seasoned oak but it doesn’t come off as too oaky. Closed with a screwcap. 25064 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Rabl G. Grüner Veltliner 2006, Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: G-force usually refers to the power of gravity but in this case it should mean the power of Grüner Veltliner. This blockbuster version from Rudolf Rabl was picked at the peak of maturity and aged in 500-litre new oak casks. My note: You either love this grape or you don’t. This is a great example of its type: classis green aromas of lime, pleasantly tart grapefruit and green apple. Vibrant attack and mouth-watering. 117390 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery Riesling 2006, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Absolutely delightful Riesling! Lime, chives and green apples with some petrol notes (that’s a good thing). Wonderful refreshment. Perfect for movie night. 112698 12% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009
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Ridgepoint Wines Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This juicy ’07 Riesling is pale straw in color with fairly intense, youthful aromas of candied citrus, yellow apple and pear. Slightly off-dry with a snappy acid core balancing the juicy fruit flavors, this medium-bodied wine is refreshing and quite lively, with a lingering finish. My note: Light and zippy with ripe peaches and pears. A wine not to analyze but to throw back and gulp down between laughs and good conversation 117994 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. June 6, 2009
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Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The excellence of the 2007 vintage shines through in this superb and oh-so-toasty Chardonnay. Fermented in French oak barrels (1/3 new), the wine is aged in barrel for a further seven months before bottling. Dry and full-bodied, it’s packed with apple, pear and citrus fruits that sing in perfect harmony with the spicy, warm oak notes. It finishes long. My note: Toasty rich with warm layers of ripe peach and pear with gorgeous hazelnut and vanilla smoke in the background. 268342 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Château Du Chassagne-Montrachet En Pimont Michel Picard, Récolt. Chardonnay 2003, A.C., Burgundy, Chassagne-Montrachet, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This ’03 Chard has a very intense and appealing nose. Aromas suggest apple pie, pear, spice and Portuguese custard. On the palate, it’s a bit more restrained but in that very attractive way. This is a big wine with elegance and finesse. Full-bodied and long finishing. Enjoy it tonight. My note: An elegant, well-structured Chardonnay with ripe peach and pear, vanilla smoke and hazelnut. Opulent and satisfying. Perfect for outdoor dinner parties. Drink: 2009-2016. 110213 14% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. June 6, 2009 Favorite White Wine.
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Francis Blanchet Pouilly Fumé Sauvignon Blanc 2007, A.C., Loire, France: Incredibly vibrant and mouth-watering with zippy, spring-fresh notes of lime, green apples, lemongrass, chives and citrus peel. Makes an amazing aperitif or a great companion to many dishes. 12013 12% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. June 6, 2009
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Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Gris 2006, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaines Schlumberger is one of Alsace’s iconic producers. The domaine boasts the largest vineyard holdings in the region with 120 hectares. While bigger is not necessarily better in the wine industry, this estate proves that size and quality can coexist by producing award-winning, critically acclaimed wines at all price levels. This is an excellent Pinot Gris. My note: Zesty refreshment with green apple, boysenberry, chives and lemon peel. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. 21253 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. June 6, 2009
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Domaine Du Château De Melin La Corvée Des Vignes, Paul Dumay Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, Puligny-Montrachet, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An exciting Chardonnay featuring aromas of custard tart, tangy apple, flint and citrus. Dry and ripe with a nice citrus undertone for balance. Medium full-bodied with a very long, very elegant, very enticing finish. Cellar it 2-4 years. My note: A mouth-watering Chardonnay with hauntingly deep aromas of ripe pear, hazelnut and light spices. Creamy and voluptuous without being heavy. Layers of flavor. 42093 12% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Lacheteau Les Loges Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2007, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Forward lemon drop, peach, pear and candle wax aromas – aromas right out of the Chenin Blanc playbook – dominate this well-made wine. Just off-dry with a nice tropical/pear flavor at the fore. The wine is balanced by a good seam of acidity. Give it 3-5 years in a cellar, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Lovely light sipper with sunny-ripe apricot, white flowers and lanolin. Medium-bodied and delicious. A touch of fruit sweetness makes it very versatile with many dishes. 525105 12% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009 Best Value White Wine.
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André Blanck Riesling 2007, A.C., Alsace, Grand Cru, France: Vintages Wine Panel: In January 2008, the La Confrérie Saint-Etienne d’Alsace conferred their prestigious special seal for excellence on this wine. At an altitude of 200-300 meters above sea level and sitting atop mineral-laden soil, the terraced vineyards of Schlossberg are known for their magnificent Rieslings. 2007 was a tremendous vintage for Alsace, and it shows in this fragrant wine with its bright citrus fruit and flinty mineral aromas. Dry with concentrated fruit flavors and a long finish, it can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to a decade. My note: Bone-dry with zesty notes of limes and green apples. Pure and unoaked. Great refreshment and versatility with many dishes. Terrific back deck sipper. 744995 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Patrick Lesec Chardonnay 2005, A.C., Burgundy, Meursault, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty Meursault that displays all the virtues of this region’s Chardonnay. It features aromas of apple, pear compote, thistle and gentle smoke from the well-handled oak. Dry, crisp and nicely balanced, this is a full-bodied, long-finishing wine. My note: Stunningly opulent Chardonnay with a rich core of hazelnut and almond essence wrapped in ripe pear and green apple. Sophisticated, full-bodied and enduring on the finish. You have to love oak with this wine but it’s judiciously integrated with the fruit and weight of the wine. Drink: 2009-2016. 84533 14% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Domaine Allimant-Laugner Muscat 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The aromatic Muscat variety gets its name from the French word ‘musqué’, which captures the wine’s characteristic perfumed, musk-like aroma. It is also typical to find aromas and flavors of grapefruit peel, exotic fruit, and even a whiff of green table grapes. This expressive version from Alsace’s stupendous 2007 vintage is an excellent aperitif. My note: I love this pretty style of wine with its aromas of field flowers, orange peel and musk. I can’t think of a more interesting aperitif to serve at a reception or cocktail party. Medium-bodied. 930362 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009
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Astoria Pinot Grigio 2007, I.G.T., delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This modern and refreshing Pinot Grigio is a proven standout, winning Gold at the Concorso Internazionale Vino Pinot Grigio 2008. Fermented on its skins, the wine gains intensity with notable peach, hay and mineral aromas and flavors. A great summer white. My note: Light, refreshing, with grapefruit and lime notes. Mouth-watering. 117226 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. June 6, 2009
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Frescobaldi Castello Di Pomino Chardonnay Pinot Bianco 2008, D.O.C., Pomino Bianco, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Year after year, this delicious white from the Frescobaldi family offers great value. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco (a.k.a. Pinot Blanc), it’s made entirely from estate-grown fruit. Featuring aromas of pear, apple and peach. My note: A zesty, refreshing white with grapefruit and lime notes. No oak, lots of mouth-watering acidity, bone-dry. Medium-bodied. 65086 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. June 6, 2009
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Ngatarawa Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Rev your lawnmowers! Fresh-cut grass, chives and lemon zest abound. Incredibly refreshing with a great mouth-watering attack. A lovely passionfruit-infused finish. 96636 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 6, 2009
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Eberle Estate Chardonnay 2007, Paso Robles, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Lusciously ripe pears and peaches are balanced by a surprisingly refreshing (and welcomed) mouth-watering acidity. Terrific layers of flavors and full-bodied richness, yet balanced. 115964 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Mcmanis Family Viognier 2007, California, United States: Stunningly aromatic and different from so many other white wines; you should try it! Aromas of rose petal, lychee, dried apricot, green apple, lime and lemon zest. Great for casual dinners. 658112 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2006, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, Barrel Fermented, United States: Mom’s apple pie! Even if Mom didn’t bake, she’d love this wine: rich, comforting and warm with layers of buttery goodness. Vanilla smoke, green apples, ripe reach and honeysuckle. Full-bodied with a long finish. 958975 14% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. June 6, 2009
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Bodega Catena Zapata Syrah 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: In the April 2009 issue of Decanter, Nicolás Catena was declared ‘Man of the Year’ for 2009, with the U.K. magazine crediting him with changing the direction of Argentina’s wine industry. This Syrah, sourced from the family’s own vineyards, is layered with black cherry, raspberry, spice and floral notes supported by dusty tannins and well-balanced acidity all leading to a lengthy finish. My note: Juicy, generous and lush with ripe aromas of dark berries and plums. Some pepper spice and fine polished tannins for a velvet mouth-feel. Can’t think of a better wine for barbecues and campfires. 55483 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: A consistent producer year after year. This Cabernet Sauvignon has blackberry and cassis and herbal aromas with cedar brush and a tarry finish. Full-bodied. Perfect for barbecues. Decant for 1-2 hours. 677567 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009
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Wyndham Estate George Wyndham Founder's Estate Shiraz 2006, Southern Australia, Australia: A gorgeously rich and full-bodied red with aromas of blackberries, ground pepper, mint and fleshy plums. Loaded with supple layers of flavor and a smoky finish. Perfect for barbecues, dinner parties and graduation gifts. Drink: 2009-2012. 107912 15% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Glen Eldon Dry Bore Shiraz 2005, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied and delicious Shiraz with black plums and cassis. Aged 18 months in French and American oak. 54197 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2009
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Peter Lehmann Wines The Mentor Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz Malbec 2002, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A towering wine of monumental flavors, depth and length. The wine was aged 18 months in new French oak barrels and is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Shiraz, and 8% Malbec. Fig, blackberry, blackcurrant, violets and dark spices offer a heady mix of aromas. Drink: 2009-2015. 724336 14% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 94/100. June 6, 2009 Favorite Red Wine.
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Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: This wine won a Gold Medal at the prestigious International Wine Challenge 2008 in London, England. Full-on Shiraz for when you’re not fooling around (and for when you are). Ring on the blackberry, black plum, pepper, and black raspberry. Cue the velvet tannins and now for the finish to bring it all to close. Thank you and good night. 998476 15% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. June 6, 2009
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Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Loaded with ripley sweet cherry fruit, zingy cranberry and dried herbs. Incredibly mouth-watering and appetizing. Superb effort from this producer. 112177 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2009
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Tabalí Reserva Especial Syrah 2006, Limari Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a Syrah-dominated proprietary blend. My note: Aromas of dark chocolate, coffee, blackberry and dark spices. Stunning depths of flavor. A great gift for birthdays and weddings. 107540 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s an excellent Cab from one of Chile’s most reputable producers. Aged for 12 months in French oak, this well-structured, full-bodied Cab is a fine display of the magic that top Chilean winemakers are able to conjure with this grape. Delicious berry fruit flavors lead to intriguing notes of chocolate, tobacco, vanilla and spice box, and all of these elements are woven beautifully together. Winemaker Aurelio Montes is a hot commodity and this wine shows precisely why. My note: A wonderful Cabernet with classic notes of cassis and blackberry but also an extra oomph: there’s something in this wine that gives incredible depth of flavor and enjoyment. Give it a shot. 322586 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Odfjell Armador Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Wow for the money! Incredibly deep and rich with lip-smacking delicious aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and plum. A wine to whisk you away to a Latin American vacation. 616078 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009
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In Situ Gran Reserva Viña San Esteban Carmenère 2007, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Coffee and black raspberries intermingle along with smoky vanilla and cedar in the background. Full-bodied. 93542 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009
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Antonin Rodet Givry Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A young Pinot Noir designed for early enjoyment. Look for aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and a hint of cinnamon spice. Dry and crisp with a pretty spicy fruit core. This is a medium-bodied, long-finishing wine. It will also improve for 2-4 years in a cellar. My note: I’m coming to trust this producer for my personal drinking pleasure. I love Pinot Noir, but don’t like Burgundy prices. This estate produces wonderfully flavorful wines at a terrific price. Redolent of tart cherries and dried herbs. Mouth-watering, medium-bodied and silky-seductive. 110395 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Château Haut-Bernat Merlot Blend 2005, A.C., Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours Géneral Agricole Paris 2007. Beautifully balanced with classic aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and cassis with a smoky blanket around it. Full-bodied, well-structured with a exceptionally long finish. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2009-2016. 117622 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2009
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Château La Dauphine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005, A.C., Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: Juicy and generous, more New World style than Old World. Lovely blackberry and cassis richness with well-applied toasty oak. Only 5,000 cases were produced of this full-bodied wine which is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. 121517 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2009
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Domaine D'ardhuy Aux Clous Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Burgundy, Savigny-Lés-Beaune 1er Cru, France: Lovely bouquet of cherry liqueur, violets and fresh-turned earth. Very full-bodied and rich for Burgundy but it’s terrific! Gorgeous velvety layers of seduction on the palate with a lovely long finish. Drink: 2009-2016. 122515 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2009
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Château De Sérame Réserve Du Château Minervois 2006, A.C., Midi, France: Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours Géneral Agricole Paris 2008. Redolent of black cherries and raspberries with some enticing undernotes of tar, violets and smoky oak. Full-bodied and rich. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2009-2014. 651125 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Domaine Tortochot Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Burgundy, Morey-Saint-Denis, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A dynamic ’06 red, from a terrific small grower, that proves that the vintage wasn’t just great for the whites. Filled with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, oak spice and savory herbs, this beautifully made, long-finishing Pinot Noir is an ideal choice for current consumption or mid-term cellaring (3-5 years). Its vibrant upfront fruit easily balances out the tannins to create a wine that will be pleasant tonight. My note: A wine of great purity and limpidity: I love this style of Burgundy! Opulent notes of tart cherries, black raspberry, cranberry and dried herbs. Drink: 2009-2018. 714634 13% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. June 6, 2009
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Tardieu-Laurent Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Syrah Blend 2005, A.C., Rhône, France: Dried herbs, black fruit, tar, hickory smoke and a length that doesn’t seem to end. This redefines full-bodied yet it’s beautifully balanced and structured which makes it an ideal candidate for long-term cellaring. Drink: 2012-2025. 739482 16% XD 750 mL $84.95 Score: 97/100. June 6, 2009
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Georges Duboeuf Jean Descombes Gamay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, Morgon, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Peppery black raspberry on the nose followed by a core of rich cherry liqueur on the palate. Full-bodied, smooth and delicious. Almost jammy with notes of violets in the background. Terrific Friday night quaffer. 946186 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Pio Cesare Barolo Nebbiolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Barolo is style you crave or don’t. Tarry notes rip across black fruit and smoke. It’s a wine that needs time but given that chance it is absolutely phenomenal, like this one. 736587 14% XD 750 mL $74.95 Score: 93/100. June 6, 2009
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L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2007, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: Vintages Wine Panel: Widely produced in California and usually blended with Zinfandel to add structure, Petite Sirah is making a name for itself as a stand-alone variety in Mexico; L.A. Cetto, in particular, has been extremely successful with the variety. Dense purple in color, it offers black pepper and tea notes leading to an impressive, well-rounded finish. My note: You can’t beat the value of this wine: you simply won’t find a better wine for the money. Juicy, round and ripe with aromas of black plums, black raspberry and vanilla smoke. 983742 14% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 89/100. June 6, 2009 Best Value Red Wine.
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Divinica Red, Sogevinus Fine Wines S.A. Touriga Nacional Tinta Roriz Touriga Franca Tinta Barroca 2006, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: What inspired the name Divinica? Is it the ethereal purity of this wine’s fruit flavors or is it all those exclamations of “Holy Moly this is good”? We may never know. What we do know is that Sogevinus is another Port producer that has found new success crafting fabulous dry wines using classic Port varieties. This blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca is bursting with red berry flavors plus a hint of cocoa. My note: Lovely combination of mocha-coffee smoke and blackberry, black cherry richness. Full-bodied, velvety smooth. 114421 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. June 6, 2009
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Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Douro Tinto Touriga Nacional 2003, D.O.C., Estate Btld., Portugal: Fascinating Old World flavors and complexity with tarry, leather notes and smoky black fruit. Love it! This is made from a blend of grapes traditionally used in Port. 21329 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Thomas Fogarty Vallerga Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Napa Valley, California, United States: A New World classic: monumental in its structure, plushy ripe in its depths. Lovely, lovely blackberry, cloves, tar, and cigar box. Bring it on. 104232 14% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. June 6, 2009
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Beringer Vineyards Third Century Pinot Noir 2006, Central Coast, California, United States: Love it! Juicy, generous cherries with field strawberries and spices. A summer’s day, ruby-glinting wine. Medium-bodied and ultra-smooth. 43786 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Bonterra Syrah 2005, Mendocino County, California, United States: Made From Organic Grapes, this organic wine is rich and deep with aromas of blackcurrant, violet, dusty black raspberries and smoke. Full-bodied, supple and smooth. 573709 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2009
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Foley Rancho Pinot Noir 2006, Santa Rita Hills, California, United States: Juicy ripe cherries with gorgeous mouth-watering acidity. Supple, seductive, a real come-on wine. Such complexity and juicy upfront tastiness is enthralling. Medium- to full-bodied. 60012 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. June 6, 2009
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Domaine Houchart Rosé 2008, A.C., Provence, Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a finely made, typically refreshing Provence-styled rosé for dining al fresco. The wine features aromas of apple-cherry, cranberry and strawberry. It’s dry and fruity with good acidity to bring it all into balance. My note: If the palest rosé is best, this one wins. Lovely summer sunshine in a glass plus wild strawberries and raspberries. Bone-dry. 118653 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009 Best Value Rosé.
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Château D'aqueria Jean Olivier, S.C.A. Syrah Rosé 2008, A.C., Rhône, Tavel, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This 2008 model marks the welcome return of a Vintages customer favorite. Dominated by blackberry drops, strawberry, floral and a hint of plum. Dry and quite vibrantly fruity with good weight and texture. There are some nice spice notes on the rather lengthy finish. My note: One of my absolute favorite roses year after year. Dive into it and lose yourself in its strawberry- cherry depths. Refreshing and lovely. 319368 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2009 Favorite Rosé.
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Château La Tour De L'évêque Rosé 2008, A.C., Côtes de Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The redesigned bottle is the first thing you might notice about this perennial favorite. Next is the lovely orange-salmon color. Then comes the nose: it displays a subtle array of aromas, including red berry, cherry, smoke and garrigue. On the palate, this medium-bodied rosé makes a great first impression with pretty fruit, nice balance, very good weight and an elegant, medium-long finish. My note: Classic Provencal rose, with pale layers of alluring strawberry goodness. Bone dry. 319392 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009
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Château D'aqueria Jean Olivier, S.C.A. Syrah Rosé 2008, A.C., Rhône, Tavel, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This 2008 model marks the welcome return of a Vintages customer favorite. Dominated by blackberry drops, strawberry, floral and a hint of plum. Dry and quite vibrantly fruity with good weight and texture. There are some nice spice notes on the rather lengthy finish. My note: One of my absolute favorite roses year after year. Dive into it and lose yourself in its strawberry- cherry depths. Refreshing and lovely. 712000 14% XD 375 mL $13.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2009
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Luigi Giusti Le Rose Di Settembre,Lacrima Di Morro D’Alba 2008, I.G.T., Marche, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: An eye-catching, vibrant pink. The grape here is Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, a lovely indigenous variety — Lacrima means ‘tear’, although rosé fans will be all smiles savoring this easy-to-love, value-packed pink. Aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate and tropical fruit enjoin the senses, replaying beautifully on the palate. This refreshing rosé is built for food. My note: Terrific intensity of flavor without weight. Cranberry and cherry intermingle with tart cherry. Delicious! 119685 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2009
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Kim Crawford Pansy! Merlot Rosé 2008, Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with Merlot, this medium-pink rosé shows subtle aromas of cherry, strawberry and melon on the nose. It’s dry, medium-bodied with a mouth-filling texture balanced by zesty acidity. Quite racy, it features redcurrant, raspberry and grapefruit flavors leading to a medium finish. My note: Love it! Vibrant strawberry-cherry aromas and zippy acidity keep this wine lively. 650325 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. June 6, 2009
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Sexy Fita Preta Touriga Nacional Tempranillo Rosé 2008, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This flirtatious pink wine is as playfully seductive as the name implies. Strawberry and cherry aromas mingle with earthy notes and exotic floral accents. Juicy red berry flavors emerge on the palate, coupled with a delicate touch of spice. Comprised mainly of traditional Port grapes Touriga Nacional and Aragónez (aka Tempranillo), this rosé makes a delightfully satisfying sipper. My note: A lovely, light and simple rose to serve well-chilled. Fresh field strawberries at sunset. 117077 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. June 6, 2009
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Folie À Deux Merlot Syrah Gewürztraminer Rosé 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The latest threesome from the Ménage á Trois series features Merlot, Syrah and some Gewürztraminer just to spice things up. Almost neon pink in color, the aromas suggest flowers, cherry, rhubarb and tropical fruit. Off-dry, approachable and easy to drink, this fruity, balanced wine has a slightly spicy, seductive finish. A great summer sipper with friends. My note: Light and happy, redolent of field strawberries and summer breeze. 120220 14% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. June 6, 2009
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