Values Wine Picks July 15, 2008

by Natalie MacLean

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Note: I publish batches of reviews that I call Good Values Wine Picks. These are from the regular section of the liquor store rather than the Vintages section, and tend to be lower priced and the most widely available of all wines. The last four reviews I did were: March 7, January 4, December 16 and November 20.

[ Compress ] White Wine

De Bortoli Traminer Riesling 2007, New South Wales, Australia: Parcels of traminer and riesling were selected for their varietal flavor profile. With traminer we are looking for spicy musk and floral/rose petal characters to complement the floral and citrus flavors of the riesling. Each variety was fermented separately over 12-16 days. The two parcels were then blended together, clarified and stabilized prior to final filtration and bottling. A soft, off-dry white with notes of sweet peaches, roses and daisies. Closed with a screwcap. 952580 12% D 750 mL $12.99 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Flat Rock Cellars Twisted V.Q.A. 2007, Ontario, Niagara, Canada: A blend of 60% riesling, 20% chardonnay and 20% gewurztraminer. An exotic and aromatic white with aromas of lychees and rose petals. Closed with a screwcap. 1578 11% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Vineland Estates Winery Semi-Dry Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: One of my favorite whites on the regular list. Lovely bite of citrus makes a great aperitif or a good companion to many dishes. 232033 XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Cave Spring Cellars Riesling 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A zippy, mouth-awakening white with vibrant notes of white grapefruit and lime. 233635 D 750 mL $14.05 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Riesling 2006, V.Q.A. Ontario, Niagara, Canada: Lovely citrus and floral notes. Refreshing as an aperitif. 277228 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Cave Spring Cellars Riesling 2006, V.Q.A. Beamsville Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A concentrated wine of lovely finesse and delicate flavors: white flowers, citrus. 286377 12% D 750 mL $18.00 Score: 90/100. July 15, 2008 Favorite White Wine.
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Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Ontario, Niagara, Canada: Grapes from this single vineyard were hand-picked on the 16th of October 2007 at 18.3 Brix, after which they were sorted on shaking sorting table to remove any unwanted material and less than perfect clusters. A juicy, mouth-watering white with lovely floral and melon notes. Closed with a screwcap. 3281 MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Red Rooster Winery Riesling 2007, Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, Canada: Red Rooster Winery is located above Okanagan Lake on the Naramata Bench, just north of Penticton. This area is famous for its southwestern exposure and unique microclimate. And why a rooster? Because the winery's founders kept Rodiseland Reds in Switzerland; because roosters are good luck symbols in many cultures; and because roosters have a long association with wine (for example, the rooster is the symbol of the Chianti region of Italy). Picked on October 29, the 2007 Riesling was whole-cluster pressed to extract aroma and flavor components and cool-fermented in stainless steel. A zippy, refreshing white with notes of lime, grapefruit and green apple. Closed with a screwcap. 498840 13% D 750 mL $15.99 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Mission Hill Family Estate Chardonnay Reserve 2005, V.Q.A. Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: An opulent, rich chardonnay with layers of ripe pears, apples and vanilla. Aged in French and American oak. 545004 XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Cousiño Macul Dona Isidora Riesling 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: The 2006 harvest in Chile's Maipo Valley was late to start but also stretched out over a long period of time before the last cluster was picked. To amplify the inherent floral character and to encourage a long, slow fermentation in small tanks, the winemaking team used two selected yeast strains. To maintain its fruitiness and balance, this wine did not undergo malo-lactic fermentation. After the wine had been lightly fined, it went through a cold stabilization procedure. Prior to being bottled, it was given a polish filtration. Cousino's vineyards are located in the Alto-Maipo, the area of the Maipo Valley closest to the Andes Mountains where certain sites benefit from the "Andes Effect." This refers to the cooling mountain air that descends during the evenings to create a wide range in daily temperature. For white wine, the difference between high and low temperatures means that grapes preserve unusually crisp acidity and the resulting wine is full-flavored and structurally-balanced. An excellent aperitif. A crisp, clean white with notes of grapefruit, lime and green apples. 57182 XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008 Best Value White Wine.
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Willm Riesling Reserve 2007, Alsace, France: Elegant and balanced white with refreshing notes of limes and green apples. 11452 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2007, Alto Adige, Trentino, Italy: A fresh and clean white with notes of melon and grapefruit. No oak. Closed with a screwcap. 302380 D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2007, Trentino, Veneto, Italy: A blend of 85% pinot grigio, 10% garganega, and 5% chardonnay. These grapes were pressed immediately after harvest and vinified in stainless steel tanks for 10-12 days at 18 degrees Celcius. Before release, the wine was matured for four months in stainless steel. A light, simple, refreshing white with notes of lemon and melon. 77990 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Sacred Hill Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: A supremely refreshing white with bright notes of limes and grass. Closed with a screwcap. 610972 XD 750 mL $15.35 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Monkey Bay is a small, pristine location tucked away on the Marlborough Coast of the South Island. It is part of the larger Cloudy Bay, located not far from where the Wairau River joins the Pacific Ocean. A grassy, simple, refreshing white with aromas of grapefruit and lemon. Closed with a screwcap. 620062 D 750 mL $14.45 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2005, South Africa: This chardonnay was aged in new French oak barrels for 9 months, before being stabilized and bottled. A luscious, mouth-watering wine with big aromas of ripe pears, peaches and oak. 328559 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc 2007, South Africa: The grapes were sourced from vineyards growing in the Durbanville, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Darling areas. Planted between 1980 and 1999, these vineyards grow in Clovelly, Hutton, Tukulu and Oakleaf soils. The grapes were harvested by hand and machine, balling from February to March. They were crushed and then cool-fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for two or three weeks at 13 degrees Celcius, with a small portion of the grapes receiving skin contact for 4-6 hours. Mouth-watering aromas of grass and gooseberry. 382713 13% MD 750 mL $11.45 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Loredona Riesling 2006, California, United States: San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey County, part of the San Bernabe AVA, is the most diverse single vineyard in the world, with more than 20 grape varieties planted in 21 different microclimates. This area is one of the coolest growing regions in California, perfect for developing excellent flavor concentration and balance in white wine varietals. A lovely with white with aromatic notes of roses, lychees and white peach. Refreshingly medium-bodied. 59782 XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Trapiche Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A simple, rustic, full-bodied red with notes of black plums. Decant 1-2 hours. 614651 D 750 mL $12.05 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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The Little Penguin Cabernet Merlot 2005, Australia: A simple but satisfying red quaffer. Medium- to full-bodied with ripe plum notes. Closed with a screwcap. PET bottle (plastic) so you can bounce this off the deck or poolside. 100071 MD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, South Australia, Australia: A smooth, full-bodied red with aromas of blackberries, currents and oak. 100074 14% XD 750 mL $0.00 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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The Little Penguin Merlot 2007, South Eastern Australia, Australia: This wine was matured with French and American oak. A juicy, plummy merlot. Smooth and supple. Closed with a screwcap. PET bottle (plastic.) 598912 13% D 750 mL $12.65 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Tapestry Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A very good year in McLaren Vale for their cabernet sauvignon. A concentrated wine with aromas of fleshy blackberries, black raspberries, vanilla and faint mint. Drink: 2008-2012. 59980 D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. July 15, 2008
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Flat Rock Cellars Red Twisted 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: The components of this wine were vinified and aged seperately in 10% new French oak barrels and the rest older, then blended. The wine then underwent further bottle maturation for 9 months prior to its release in May 2008. A delightfully flavorful, juicy red with notes of ripe cherries and beetroot. A smooth, medium-bodied red. 100072 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Pillitteri Estates Winery Gamay 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario, Canada: A pretty light- to medium-bodied red bursting with ripe raspberries and a hint of pepper. A beaujolais-style wine that's been aged in oak for six months. 100073 12% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Mike Weir Wine Cabernet Merlot 2006, V.Q.A. Ontario, Niagara, Canada: A rich, layered, full-bodied red with deep notes of black plums, vanilla and cassis. 109 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Peller Estates Cabernet Franc Private Reserve 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: The cabernet franc grapes were hand-picked from a single vineyard in Oliver. This wine underwent traditional red winemaking with 14 days of skin contact. It was then aged in two-year-old French and older American oak barrels (50% French, 50% American oak) for 14 months with full malolactic fermentation. Won the double gold award at the 2007 All Canadian Wine Championships. Aromas of mocha, plum, sweet cherry and cedar. This medium-bodied wine has soft, silky tannins. 128850 14% MD 750 mL $19.99 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Ontario, Niagara, Canada: A medium-bodied wine with lovely, concentrated notes of cherries. Closed with a screwcap. 1545 XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Hillebrand Winery Trius Red Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006, V.Q.A. Ontario, Niagara, Canada: A concentrated and delicious red with classic notes of black plum, blackberries and a kiss of oak. This wine gets better every year. 303800 D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Jackson-Triggs Propietors Merlot Reserve 2005, V.Q.A. British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Canada: A stunning wine of great balance and rich depths of flavor. Aged in French and American oak. 543876 D 750 mL $14.75 Score: 90/100. July 15, 2008
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Sandhill Three Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Part of the small lots program. Won the silver medal for the 2005 LA County Fair. A gentle crush and four day cold soak. Stainless steel with some open top fermentation. Aged in two-year-old American and French oak barrels for 20 months. I love this style of wine; it reminds me of Bordeaux in its balance and finesse. Mature aromas of oak, plum, black cherry and leather. A long finish. Drink: 2008-2012. 55571 14% XD 750 mL $34.99 Score: 90/100. July 15, 2008 Favorite Red Wine.
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Sandhill Cabernet Franc 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: The 2006 season began with light but steady rain, creating vigorous growing conditions that produced more bunches than desirable. To stay the yield targets, the growers cut almost 40% of the fruit produced on all red varieties. Aged 15 months in American and French oak. Deep garnet color with aromas of black cherry, black currant, violet, cedar, cigar box and mocha. This dry, medium-bodied wine is rich in the mouth, with texture. Very balanced. 556035 XD 750 mL $19.99 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Sandhill Merlot 2006, V.Q.A. Okanagon Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Aged 15 months in American oak barrels. Won the silver medal at the 2007 Canadian Wine Awards. Aromas of cherry, blueberry and blackberry with a hint of cedar. A medium-bodied merlot with soft tannins. Balanced with a long finish. 576751 XD 750 mL $19.99 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Jackson-Triggs Proprietor Meritage Reserve 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A blend of 32% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 48% full malo-lactic fermentation. Aged in French and American oak for 12 months. A delicious red with notes of black raspberries, vanilla and mocha. 594002 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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I Baci Cabernet Merlot 2005, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon (Chile), 35% merlot (Italy) and 10% cabernet/merlot (Niagara.) A delicious and aromatic red, bursting with ripe berry fruit. Full-bodied, smooth and round. Great value. Available at the winery or online at www.ibaciwines.com. LCBO release date is Friday May 9th. 78576 XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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St. David's Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A delicious and robust red with excellent structure and finish. Aromas of blackberries and cassis. Aged on year in French oak. Drink: 2008-2014. 935957 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Cousiño Macul Antiguas Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Harvested at physiological maturity when the tannins are ripe and soft, the fruit is given a gentle cold-soak to extract flavor. Cousino's vineyards are located in the Alto-Maipo, the area of the Maipo Valley closest to the Andes where certain sites benefit from the "Andes Effect." This refers to the cooling mountain air that descends during the evenings to create a wide range in daily temperature. The Andes effect encourages slow, incremental sugar development which contributes to color intensity, aroma profiles, excellent retention of natural fruit acidity and ripe tannin. Aged 12 months in small French oak barrels. This red is 100% cabernet sauvignon. A terrific, full-bodied wine with layers of dark red fruit. 212933 14% D 750 mL $15.35 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Rapel Valley, Chile: Terrific quality and taste for the money. Loaded with blackberries, vanilla and smoke. 218644 14% XD 750 mL $10.44 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Carmen Carmenére Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Fantastically luxurious wine with depths of mocha and black plums. Aged 10 months in French and American oak. 439166 D 750 mL $16.85 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Rapel Valley, Chile: A ripe, full-bodied red with sweet plum flavors. Oaky, velvety texture. 535344 XD 750 mL $9.85 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Tarapaca Merlot 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: A full-bodied number with notes of mocha and black plums. Smooth texture. Closed with a screwcap. 558668 14% XD 750 mL $9.90 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008 Best Value Red Wine.
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Mont Gras Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Terrific, full-bodied wine with aromas of mocha, blackberries and plums. Closed with a screwcap. 619205 14% D 750 mL $11.90 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Cono Sur Visión Merlot 2007, Chile: About 70% of the blend was aged in barrels and 30% aged in stainless steel for 10 months. A purply plum wine with a smooth, full-bodied texture. 928291 D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Beaujolais 2006, Beaujolais-Villages, France: A lovely, smooth, medium-bodied red bursting with ripe strawberries. There are 39 villages entitled to name their wine Beaujolais. Serve slightly chilled. 100076 12% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Mommessin Beaujolais Grande Reserve 2006, Beaujolais, France: Made from 100% Gamay grapes. A fun, simple, medium-bodied red with juicy ripe strawberry notes. Bottled in aluminum and closed with a screwcap. 63438 MD $14.95 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Folonari Regata Rosso Merlot Blend 2006, Veneto, Italy: A blend of 60% merlot, 20% corvina and 20% cabernet. A simple, smooth wine with red berry fruit notes. Closed with a screwcap. 31963 13% MD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. July 15, 2008
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Ruffino Ducale Chianti Classico Reserva 2005, Italy: A classic, balanced chianti with deep red fruit notes and good length. Aged two years in oak. 45195 13% D 750 mL $25.75 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Cesari Merlot 2007, I.G.T. Veneto, Italy: An amazingly great wine for the price. A full-bodied, smooth red with aromas of ripe plums and blackberries. 572453 12% XD 750 mL $7.45 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Gabbiano Chianti 2006, Tuscany, Italy: The vineyards for this vintage are a altitudes of 325-650 feet. Vinified on skins for 15 days at 28-30 degrees celcius with pump-overs four times daily to extract color and flavor. A 100% malolactic fermentation was completed after 30 days and small amounts of canaiolo, colorino and ciliegiolo grapes were added to enhance complexity and texture. Before bottling, the wine was aged for five months in stainless steel tanks. Excellent value for this full-bodied, delicious red loaded with ripe red fruit notes. 78006 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Roy's Hill Merlot 2006, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: The winery owns and manages almost 100 hectares of established vineyards at Gimblett Road. The majority of this vineyard is located within the unique Hawke's Bay sub-region that has become known as Gimblett Gravels. These vineyards are the result of gravelly soils laid down by the Ngaruroro river, exposed after a huge flood in the 1870s. Lovely layers of ripe plums and smoke. A supple and medium- to full-bodied merlot. Closed with a screwcap. 223602 13% MD 750 mL $18.99 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Alianca Bairrada Reserva 2006, D.O.C. Bairrada, Portugal: Simple, lip-smacking red with delicious notes of purple plums, oak and mocha. 158741 13% XD 750 mL $8.45 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006, South Africa: Planted between 1990 and 1998, the grapes were sourced from vineyards grown in decomposed granite, and are situated on a southerly slope at altitudes of 50m - 100m, grown under dryland conditions. The grapes were harvested by hand and machine, balling from mid-February to the end of March. They were crushed and then cool-fermented on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 14 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured in wood for a period of 12 months. 111526 14% MD 750 mL $12.75 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Nederburg Shiraz Reserve 2006, South Africa: A berry-ripe, full-bodied red with juicy layers of flavor. 527457 14% D 750 mL $12.75 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Robertson Winery Shiraz 2007, South Africa: A simple, flavorful shiraz loaded with black fruit and oak. Full-bodied. 610949 D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Bodegas Piqueras Castillo De Almansa Tempranillo Monastrell Garnacha Reserva 2004, D.O. Almansa, Spain: Blend of tempranillo, monastrell and garnacha. Aged 12 months in oak barrels. Rich aromas of black plums, berries, smoke and a touch of pepper. Full-bodied and smooth. 270363 14% XD 750 mL $11.85 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Tempranillo Blend Reserva 2001, Navarra, Spain: A blend of 80% tempranillo, 20% cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Aged 18 months in French and American oak barrels. A balanced, delicious, elegant wine. Terrific notes of ripe blackberries and smoke. 479017 D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Tapena Garnacha 2007, Spain: A plush, full-bodied red with generous layers of ripe plum. Excellent value. 72553 MD 750 mL $13.75 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Serego Alighieri Sangiovese 2005, Poderi Del Bello Ovile, Tuscany: With the acquisition of Poderi del Bello Ovile, the poet Danté's descendants, the Counts Serego Alighieri, return to their homeland of Tuscany after an uninterrupted stay in Valpolicella since 1353, where engaged in viticulture and winemaking. Now using sangiovese, canaiolo and ciliegiolo grape varieties from the hillside vineyards if Cinigiano they have begun to make a Tuscan wine with a ruby red color full of aromas of cherries and plums. Full-bodied, complex and long on the finish. 73106 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2006, Lodi, California, United States: These vineyards some with 80+ year old vines, also make a bold impression on first sight. Unlike modern rows of trellised vines, these old Zinfandel vines were grown as free standing "head trained" vines. Today, they resemble wild bushes with twisted old trunks and branches that spread out in all directions sprouting leaves like unruly umbrellas - gnarly heads. The grapes from these brash old vines create zinfandel with rich, concentrated fruit flavor that is easy to drink and pair. The 2006 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is crafted from grapes from 35- to 80-year-old vines. A juicy, generous blackberry and plummy wine. Full-bodied. 10007 XD 750 mL $19.76 Score: 90/100. July 15, 2008
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Francis Ford Coppola Rosso Shiraz 2006, California, United States: A delightful red filled with sweet cherry fruit and full-bodied simplicity. 57034 D 750 mL $15.30 Score: 86/100. July 15, 2008
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Sonoma Vineyards Merlot 2004, Sonoma County, California, United States: A balanced and delicious wine with notes of mocha and black plums. 60632 D 750 mL $14.99 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Twin Fin Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, California, United States: After fermentation, the juice was transferred into a mixture of new and old French and American barrels for approximately 12 months. A simple, tasty cabernet with a smooth texture and pleasant notes of blackberries and cassis. Closed with a screwcap. 613273 D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Dog House Maxies Merlot 2006, California, United States: A simple, smooth, medium-bodied wine with plum notes. Closed with a screwcap. 614156 D 750 mL $11.75 Score: 85/100. July 15, 2008
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Matchbook Blockhouse Syrah Tempranillo Malbec Petit Verdot 2004, California, United States: Aged in French and American oak for 7 months. Syrah adds rich flavor and aromas of black cherry and blueberry; the Spanish varietal tempranillo adds spicy red berry fruit flavors; the bordeaux varietals malbec and petit verdot add depth and structure. This wine won the silver medal 2007 at the California State Fair. A balanced and elegant red with notes of black cherry, plum, toast and a hint of oak. 66670 MD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 15, 2008
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Dancing Bull Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: Bold, mouth-watering flavors of plums, ripe berries and vanilla. A kiss of oak. Fantastic value. 669499 14% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Gnarly Head Gnarlier Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Dry Creek Valley, California, United States: Dry Creek Valley is nestled between the Pacific Ocean-exposed Sonoma Coast and Alexander Valley. It is one of the northern-most AVAs in Sonoma and benefits from both inland and coastal influences. Like Alexander Valley, it has hotter daytime temperatures. Like Russian River Valley to the southwest, it has cooling coastal fog in the morning and the evenings. The grapes for Gnarlier Head Zin were hand-harvested over three days from a single vineyard. After two weeks fermentation, the wine was pressed off into French and American oak barrels and malolactic fermentation, which balances acidity and adds richness to the wine. The wine spent a total of 14 months in small oak barrels before being carefully racked and blended into the finished Gnarlier Head Old Vine Zin. A full-bodied red with concentrated aromas of black plums, cloves and blackberries. 67785 XD 750 mL $27.75 Score: 91/100. July 15, 2008
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Cline Cellars Syrah 2006, Sonoma, California, United States: A gorgeous, rich red with layers of black cherries, spice and smoke. 733758 14% 0D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008
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Rodney Strong Wine Estates Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma, Russian River, California, United States: Generous aromas of sweet, ripe cherries. 954834 D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Cave Spring Cellars Rosé 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Used the Aaigneé method of unification on cabernet grapes. Lovely notes of strawberries. A bone-dry, medium-bodied wine. 295006 XD 750 mL $13.05 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Terra Ventoux French Folies Grenache Syrah Rosé 2007, Cote-Du Ventroux, France: Gorgeous, full-bodied rosé with deep aromas of ripe raspberries. Closed with a screwcap. 40410 13% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 88/100. July 15, 2008
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Folonan Pink Pinot Grigio Rosé 2007, Venezie, Italy: A light-bodied rosé with delicate strawberry notes and a beautiful pale salmon color. Great aperitif. 43588 D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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Marqués de Cáceres Rosado Tempranillo Blend, Rioja, Spain: A blend of 80% tempranillo, 20% garnacha selected from the highest slopes in the Rioja Alta. The grapes are macerated for several hours, after which they are separated from the skins to begin the slow process of alcoholic fermentation at low temperatures, in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then stabilized by refrigeration treatment. This type of wine is not aged in oak. A dry mouth-watering rosé with lovely notes of strawberries. Closed with a screwcap. 622142 13% XD 750 mL $15.99 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Segura Viudas Parellada Macabeo Xarel-Lo Brut Reserva, Penedes, Spain: A blend of 35% parellada, 50% macabeo and 15% xarel-lo grapes. Serve between 6-8 degrees celcius. A deep, full-bodied bubbly with notes of pear, toast and oak. Fantastic value. Drink: 2008-2012. 158493 MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 15, 2008 Favorite Bubbly.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Dan Akroyd Vidal Icewine Signature Reserve 2005, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: The frozen vidal grapes were harvested early in December 2005 after temperatures fell. After settling of the juice, cool fermentation was completed in mid-February when the wine was placed outdoors to stop fermentation. The wine was then transfered into small French oak barrels where it aged for a period of 12 months. Loaded with layers of apricots and honey, with a rounded oak finish. 58842 12% S 375 mL $79.95 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008 Favorite Dessert Wine.
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