Vintages Wine Picks May 14, 2011

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Nice restraint and balance in this lovely Chardonnay. Green apple, peach and pear highlights. Nice vanilla smoke on the finish. Top me up! Drink: 2011-2015. 468728 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Fielding Estate Winery White Conception 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Lovely blended white wine with aromas of pear, lime, mineral and lees. Fielding playfully invites you to try and “guess what’s in the blend.” Dry to slightly off-dry, with youthful acidity and very pleasing fruit replays. It has a fairly long, crisp, pear-fruit finish. A fine back-patio sipper. My note: Fresh and lively yet it also have deepness and richness. Aromas of green apple and toasted almond with a terrific long length. Superbly crafted. Drink: 2011-2014. 203737 12.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Rosehall Run Chardonnay Musqué 2009, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Juicy and mouth-watering with lovely tree fruit notes. I love this style of Chardonnay: not heavy or oaky, just pure fruit essence and refreshment. Drink: 2011-2014. 225532 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Quails' Gate Estate Winery Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Wow, packs a sensory punch with gorgeous aromas of green apple, smoke, butterscotch and toasted almond. One of Canada’s best wine producers across the board. Let’s stop analyzing it: just try it. Drink: 2011-2015. 377770 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Konzelmann Estate Winery Winemaster's Collection Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Beautifully concentrated apricot elixir with lychee and rose petal. Got Asian spice or heat or something sweet? This is your wine. Drink: 2011-2016. 392357 13% MD 750 mL $17.20 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Vincent Girardin Les Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuissé 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty, fresh Chardonnay with aromas of green apple, pear, light toast and a Pouilly-Fuissé minerality. Dry and crisp with fruit all around it. This medium-bodied wine is a ready to drink tonight. It will also reward 1-2 years in a cellar. My note: Lovely with white peach and a dry finish. Perfect calibrated with medium- to full-bodied weight. No heavy oak. Like it lots! Drink: 2011-2014. 207894 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Spätlese 2008, Q.M.P., Bernkasteler Badstube, Mosel, Germany: Love it! The sweetness is pure fruit ripeness not cloying. Pear and pear notes with perfect acidity. Drink: 2011-2014. 727370 8.50% M 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite White Wine.
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Craggy Range Te Muna Road Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Grassy great with crisp refreshing herbal, lime and lemon zest notes. Mouth-watering and medium-bodied. Extremely food-friendly. Drink: 2011-2015. 225706 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Leave it to Kim Crawford to make unoaked Chardonnay interesting. Pure fruit flavour without the toast, oak and vanilla. White peach and green apple. Refreshing. Drink: 2011-2014. 991950 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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La Crema Chardonnay 2009, Monterey, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Monterey, cooled by direct ocean breezes, is renowned for exquisitely balanced Chardonnays. This is a superb example. Bright gold in the glass with rich aromas of buttered toast, pineapple, poached pear and cinnamon. The palate is dry and medium-full bodied, with a ribbon of refreshing acidity and a rich creamy core of toasty fruit. Long, toasty and citrus-infused finish. My note: Solid and full-bodied with green apple, vanilla and butter aromas. Very typical. Drink: 2011-2014. 158683 13.90% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011
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Kenwood Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Good ol' oaky, buttery Chard: classic richness and comfort in a glass. Full-bodied goodness. Drink: 2011-2014. 158790 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2011
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Truchard Chardonnay 2008, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: I like it! Not only is it rich, it’s also vibrant and refreshing because it’s mouth-watering. Lovely peach, pear and green apple notes. Full-bodied, oh yes! Drink: 2011-2015. 60459 14.10% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Bonny Doon Vineyard Beeswax Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc Roussanne Grenache Blanc 2008, Arroyo Seco, Central Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker/iconoclast Randall Grahm continues his exploration of the Rhône varieties in a California context, with this white blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. The vineyard surely is appropriately named (Beeswax) because this wine features aromas of honeycomb, nectarine, mango and sweetgrass. Just bordering on off-dry, the wine is richly fruity, fresh and lively. Drink it as an aperitif throughout this summer and into the next one. Beeswax Vineyard is certified biodynamic by Demeter. My note: Lemon and tree fruit: lovely not buttery. Asian pear and quince wrapped in a whiff of smoke. Thanks Randall. Drink: 2011-2015. 95331 14.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite White Wine.
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Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: I love this wine! Yes, I have a soft spot for the fact it helped mitigate the screaming children at a Disney restaurant the first time I tasted it, but it’s more than that. Lovely ripe peach and pear aromas with nicely tapped butterscotch and vanilla spoke. So yum. But give that kid a soother please. Drink: 2011-2017. 958975 14.50% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Elementos Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the Argentina Wine Awards in 2010, this has a lovely opaque purple colour in the glass. Rich aromas of cassis, raspberry, sun-baked earth and chocolate abound. The palate is dry, medium-full bodied with huge ripe fruit and a curtain of ripe, youthful tannins drawn in the background. Cellar for 2-4 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Rustic and robust with tasty black fruit and oak. Great barbecue wine. Drink: 2011-2013. 218974 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Classic Aussie Shiraz: big black fruit, meaty with some dark spices on the finish. Full-bodied and supple. Knock it back! Drink: 2011-2015. 167189 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2007, South Australia, Australia: Superb balance with mint, blackberries, espresso. From a master of blending New World energy and fruit concentration and Old World balance and finesse. Truly one of Australia’s iconic wineries: taste and see why. Drink: 2011-2018. 309625 14.50% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011
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Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Superb craftsmanship that weaves together seductive black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Love the incredible depth and concentration of flavour. Celebrate cashing out your Google stock, then buy some in Facebook when you can. Drink: 2011-2015. 660043 14.80% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 93/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Red Wine.
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Chapel Hill Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Savory and gorgeously delicious. Give your tastebuds a real treat with this wine. Full-bodied with fleshy dark berries and plums. Perfect for movie night. Drink: 2011-2015. 743989 15% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011
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d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Who’s laughing now? You, if you bought this wine while you could. Minty-blackberry goodness oozes from the glass. Full-bodied and rich with a lift from the Viognier in the mid-palate. Terrific work. Drink: 2011-2015. 936971 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. May 14, 2011
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Grant Burge Filsell Old Vine Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A solid and delicious full-bodied red with meaty notes and dark fruit. The flavours persist on your palate and I like how they’ve woven in the oak subtly. This wine won a Gold Medal and the Trophy for Best Shiraz at the 2010 Perth Royal Wine Show. Drink: 2011-2015. 987453 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011
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Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Winemaker's Series Select Vineyards Shiraz Cabernet 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The limited edition Winemaker’s Series wines are sourced from several premium vineyards, and are a testament to winemaker Bruce Nicholson’s skill and desire to produce wines of character that are true reflections of the terroir. This blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Cabernet Franc is a mouth-watering offering. Delightfully deep aromas of spice, vanilla and dark fruit abound. The palate is dry with well-integrated tannins. Exceptionally structured. My note: So smooth and juicy: dare I compare it to smooth jazz? I happen to still love smooth jazz, whatever the trend. This wine has lovely plush plums and mocha. Glides down quickly. Drink: 2011-2014. 225482 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011
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Santa Carolina Dry Farming Carignan 2008, Cauquenes Valley, Chile: Dry farming is a technique that relies solely on natural rainfall for irrigation. Beautiful! Stunning concentration and depth but there’s also real elegance and finesse here. Your guests will think you paid double for this wine so get a case or two. Savory dark fruit with subtle hints of happiness. Drink: 2011-2015. 213520 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2007, Elqui Valley, Coquimbo, Chile: Cherry liqueur and blackberry jam: intensely concentrated and sweet fruit on the nose even though this is a dry wine. Full-bodied and smooth. Very big. Drink: 2011-2014. 90035 15% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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La Coterie Séguret 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Robust, rustic, cedary and tasty. Delivers big blackberries and brambly flavours. Perfect for barbecues. Drink: 2011-2014. 219428 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2011
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Domaine Martin Cairanne Unfiltered Grenache Syrah 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2010 Concours des Grands Vins de France de Mâcon. Deeply coloured Grenache/Syrah (65/ 35) with aromas of ripe black cherry, freshly crushed raspberry, dark chocolate and black pepper. Dry with exceptional aroma replays on the palate. The light tannins perfectly support the sweet fruit core. Medium full-bodied with a fairly long finish. Cellar it 2-4 years, or enjoy tonight. My note: A juicy black-fruited number with some pleasant bitterness on the finish. Deep, rich and concentrated. Good value for the money. Drink: 2011-2015. 223461 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2011
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Domaine De L'arnesque Laurent Biscarat Et Ses Enfants Grenache 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Grenache blend opens with lovely aromas of plums and licorice. The palate shows nice complexity with a light spice note layering neatly over the raspberry and sweet fruit core. Dry with mild tannins, this will reward 3+ years in the cellar, or pair it tonight. My note: Opens with bright red cherries and field berries. Love the mouth-watering juiciness of this red. Full-bodied red and a terrific finish. A steal at this price. Drink: 2011-2015. 223487 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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La Bastide Saint Dominique M.C. Bonnet, Vign. Grenache 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Yum! Big, brooding blackberries looking for a fight (if you disagree that this is a terrific wine). Supple and generous with an endless finish. Loaded with pleasure for hedonists. You’ll need a big slab of meat with this wine. Drink: 2012-2020. 231233 15.50% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 93/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Red Wine.
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Alain Jaume Grande Garrigue Vacqueyras 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Cedary with black forest cherries on the nose. Full-bodied and generous though it needs 1-2 hours decanting for maximum pleasure. Dried herbs and some smoke on the finish. Drink: 2011-2015. 233916 15% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. May 14, 2011
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Vignerons De Caractère Seigneur De Fontimple Vacqueyras 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Fleshy ripe cherries on the nose: lovely! A river of velvet red fruit on the tongue. Caress your senses and tastebuds with this full-bodied, delicious red. Terrific price. Drink: 2011-2013. 234013 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Domaine De La Pierre Mireille Et Jean Reynaud, Prop. Syrah 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Gold Medal winner (at the prestigious Rhône competition Concours des Vins Orange 2010) is classic Châteauneuf, featuring blackberry, dark chocolate and spice aromas. Dry with very good fruit replays. It is impeccably balanced by firm tannins and fresh acidity. Cellar it for up to 5+ years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Blackberry and black cherry liqueur-like concentration. Full-bodied and smooth with incredible depth. Wonderful for barbecues and meaty dishes. Drink: 2012-2016. 235036 15% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Marchesi Torrigiani Torre Di Ciardo Sangiovese Blend 2006, .I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Cellar it 2-4 years or match it tonight with a refined Tuscan-influenced meal. My note: big hulking oak and smoke like Bordeaux with blackberry and cassis. Well-structured and towering. Needs steak. Drink: 2012-2015. 212084 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011
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Luca Ferraris Bric D'bianc Ruchè Di Castagnole Monferrato 2009, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: So pretty! Rose petals and highly aromatic violets swaying under a summer sun. Medium- to slightly full-bodied but so packed with flavour. Get out of your red wine rut with this wine. Great companion to many dishes. Drink: 2011-2014. 214536 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011
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Palazzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Old leather and band-aids: that’s a compliment believe it or not. Gorgeous and exotic and other worldly. Full-bodied with a tannic grip, but nothing that 2 hours’ decanting can’t handle. Could use more cellar time, if you can stand to wait. Drink: 2011-2016. 660746 14.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 93/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Red Wine.
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Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Super delicious but huge acidity, so this wine needs (cries out for) food! Big black fruit, dark chocolate. Supple and need I say, full-bodied. Have yourself a giant plate of spaghetti and meatballs or spicy sausages. Don’t forget your napkin. Drink: 2011-2015. 695890 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011
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Palliser Pencarrow Pinot Noir 2009, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Stunning! Savory dark cherries and blackberries o the nose. Incredibly juicy and mouth-watering with a gorgeous medium- to full-bodied weight. Nice long finish. Drink: 2011-2016. 692301 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. May 14, 2011
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Vega Moragona Viñas Viejas La Magdalena Sociedad Cooperativa De Castilla-La Mancha Tempranillo 2007, D.O., Ribera Del Júcar, Spain: Rustic and robust with straight-forward pleasure. Cedary blackberries. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2011-2013. 211037 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 14, 2011
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Freeman Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Bright vibrant cherries with big, mouth-watering acidity. Cries out for food: do not drink on its own. Plush and lovely: get ready for a big wake-up call for your mouth and senses. Drink: 2011-2015. 215434 14.10% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Elegant and balanced with classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant. I love the mouth-watering juiciness for food. Fine silky tannins. This wine drinks well now, but it will also age. Drink: 2011-2015. 226944 13.80% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre 2009, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This Mourvèdre is sourced from some of Cline’s, in their words, “oldest, most historic and shyest-bearing vineyard blocks.” These natural low-yielders help create wine with more fruit concentration. The naturally low yields, and the cooling breezes off the Sacramento River, give the wine a wonderful balance between fruit and acid. The wine is filled with aromas of dark plum, cocoa powder, raspberry and earth. The dry and flavourful wine is given structure by the velvety tannins. Enjoy tonight. It will also reward 2-3 years in a cellar. My note: A beautifully textured, full-bodied red with brambleberry, garrigue, dried herbs and blackberry preserves. Lovely long finish. The ultimate barbecue wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 66084 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Erath Winery Pinot Noir 2008, Oregon, United States: Tart cherries and fresh earth with elegant balance and length. Some dark spices on the finish. Medium-bodied and silky smooth. Oregon offers such pleasure: try it. Drink: 2011-2016. 932541 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Finca Alcayata Bodega François Lurton Malbec Rosado 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: The Lurton brothers began working in Argentina with Catena in 1992 before establishing their own bodega there in 1996. This wine has a beautiful pale rose-petal-red colour. The nose is complex, offering suggestions of ripe red apple, earth, wild raspberry and sweet herbs. Dry and medium bodied, this is quite a robust rosé with great depth of fruit on the palate, and a fresh, tangy finish. My note: Spicy, juicy, full-bodied rose, almost Tavel-like. Love it! Fresh and fleshy ripe raspberries. Bring it on. Drink: 2011-2013. 229708 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. May 14, 2011
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Malivoire Ladybug Cabernet Franc Gamay 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A perennial customer favourite, the Malivoire Ladybug Rosé is seriously fun. Notes of red cherry, strawberry and watermelon on the nose. Great fruit on the palate, echoing the aromas. Just slightly off-dry, medium bodied with a bright acidity that makes for a crisp finish. This is a well-made, easygoing rosé with oodles of character. The blend here is Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Pinot Noir. Enjoy this wine tonight. My note: One of Canada’s best producers of Rose, if not the best. This lovely wine has it all: alluring field berry aromas, ephemeral lightness and a certain something that makes you come back to the glass again and again. Some kind of wonderful. Drink: 2011-2013. 559088 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Rosé.
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Château D'aquéria Jean Olivier, Prod. Rosé 2010, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Tavel, an AC located across the Rhône River from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, uniquely makes rosé wines its exclusive focus. This version offers up fresh strawberry, sweet cherry, rosehips, and spring flowers in abundance. Dry, light bodied, fresh and tangy on the palate with waves of vivacious acidity. The lingering finish sports a strawberry-rhubarb character embroidered by herbal and floral notes. My note: Such a perfect rosé. Don’t be a snob with the price: this is a seriously great wine. I could drink rose almost all year: it’s packed with flavour yet not heavy tannin or oak or alcohol so it goes with almost any dish except a big juicy steak. Join us! Drink: 2011-2013. 319368 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Rosé.
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Gassier Sables D'azur Rosé 2010, Ac Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pretty, pale salmon-peach colour with charming aromas of strawberry, lavender, fresh apricot, rosehips and tangerine. Dry, light bodied, fresh, elegant and zesty, showing sunny fruit edged with fresh herbal notes. This rosé has impressive poise. Perfect as a sipper. My note: Pure loveliness in a glass! Summer sunshine glinting off the Mediterranean. Let this wine take you there. Ripe field strawberries and raspberries. Don’t run out. Drink: 2011-2013. 33621 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Rosé.
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Château D'aquéria Jean Olivier, Prod. Rosé 2010, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Tavel, an AC located across the Rhône River from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, uniquely makes rosé wines its exclusive focus. This version offers up fresh strawberry, sweet cherry, rosehips, and spring flowers in abundance. Dry, light bodied, fresh and tangy on the palate with waves of vivacious acidity. The lingering finish sports a strawberry-rhubarb character embroidered by herbal and floral notes. My note: Such a perfect rosé. Don’t be a snob with the price: this is a seriously great wine. I could drink rose almost all year: it’s packed with flavour yet not heavy tannin or oak or alcohol so it goes with almost any dish except a big juicy steak. Join us! Drink: 2011-2013. 712000 14% XD 375 mL $9.95 Score: 91/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Rosé.
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Perrin Réserve Rosé 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From the famed Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel comes this very popular rosé. Bright pink-red in colour. Pretty aromas of red cherry, raspberry, marjoram, and floral. Dry, medium bodied, with fresh, tangy fruit and mouth-watering acidity. There’s a nice touch of brambly wild raspberry on the finish. A delightful sipper. My note: Thank-you Perrin brothers for producing this lovely wine. Raspberries and strawberries in a fresh linen basket. Medium-bodied and delightful. Drink: 2011-2013. 719062 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011
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Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2010, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium fluorescent-pink colour, with notes of red apple, ripe raspberry, cherry pie and a floral quality on the nose. The palate is dry with a rush of racy acidity that keeps it tart and tangy. This is a very flavourful, balanced and well-made rosé that really sings. My note: Bring it on! Delightful berries dance across your senses as you close your eyes in the warm summer sun. medium-bodied and perfect. Who needs conversation? Drink: 2011-2013. 950576 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Rosé.
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Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto Corvina Molinara Rondinella 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This delightful candy-apple-coloured wine is made from the same grape varieties as Valpolicella – Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella. Lively aromas of cherry, strawberry and blood orange greet the nose, along with a nice minerality and a lifted floral note. Dry, medium bodied with plenty of zippy acidity, it offers tart and tangy fruit to start, but sweeter notes emerge mid-palate and throughout the medium-long, crisp finish. My note: Big acidity so this wine needs food! Big strawberry and raspberry notes. Party in your mouth. Drink: 2011-2013. 45203 12% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Rosé.
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Kim Crawford Pansy! Rosé 2010, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The cheekily named Pansy! Rosé was originally made specifically for the New Zealand gay-friendly community in thanks for their support of Kim Crawford wines. Bright (nearly neon) pink-hued red in the glass, it is bursting with strawberry jam, cherry drop and sweet cranberry notes on the nose. The medium-full-bodied palate is loaded with sweet red fruit and a kick of superb acidity. My note: Fun and delightful with a playful sense of style. Fleshy ripe strawberries with sun-dappled goodness. Medium-bodied. Sit on that deck or patio all afternoon, you deserve it… just keep the bottle in an ice bucket within easy reaching distance. Drink: 2011-2013. 650325 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2011
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Muga Garnacha Viura 2010, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 60% Garnacha (Grenache), 30% the white Viura grape, and 10% Tempranillo. Red-pink colour with a salmon-pink hue. Intensely expressive nose of red cherry, pink grapefruit, strawberry, melon and mineral. Dry, medium bodied, and tangy with vibrant acidity. Flavour-packed and finely balanced. Long, tangy finish. A great food wine. My note: Pale and subtle with lovely notes of rose petals, and strawberries. A field of tiny flowers swaying the breeze, or maybe it’s just me who’s swaying and they’re perfectly still. Doesn’t matter; the pleasure is the same. Drink: 2011-2013. 603795 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2011
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Masottina Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco, D.O.C.G., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Masottina has been producing wines since 1946. Aromas of apples, peach, and floral. The palate is very dry, with a racy acidity and fantastic fruit throughout. Very well structured and expertly made. This lively and delicious bubbly is the ideal aperitif for casual or formal affairs. My note: Love the generous fruit with peach and pear. Incredible price. 216317 11.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks May 14, 2011

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