Vintages Wine Picks March 6, 2010

by Natalie MacLean


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[ Compress ] White Wine

Wynns Estate Riesling 2008, Coonawarra, Australia: an attractive petrol, flint, mineral nose followed by lusciously ripe apricot on the palate. Medium-body. Very distinctive. Drink: 2010-2013.  528216  13%    750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Henry Of Pelham Off-Dry Reserve Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes for this rich and vibrant Riesling are left on the vine well into October, allowing them to reach the desired ripeness. The result is an interplay of lush citrus and floral accents with a hint of sweetness balanced by a brilliant seam of acidity. An amazing value that will age well for 5-7 years. My note: Divine wine that will go do notes. This will go down a storm with Asian and spices. Balanced with fresh peach and pear notes. Lovely!  557165  11.50%  MD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010
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Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Hazelnut, smoke and vanilla spice with lovely barrelled roundedness. Green apples and peach. Luxurious layers. Full-bodied.  945659  13%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Errazuriz Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Herbal and refreshing without being too grassy. Some lime zest running through it.  143198  13.50%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. March 6, 2010
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Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: For the money! Full-bodied with voluptuous aromas of green apples, peach and kiwi.  396986  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. March 6, 2010
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Emiliana Novas Winemaker's Selection Chardonnay Viognier Marsanne 2007, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This organic wine contains 22 mg/L of free sulphur. Though not certified biodynamic, grapes for this wine are grown using biodynamic practices. A lively floral white with white grapefruit and peach notes. Great acidic attack, needs food.  63909  15%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Henri De Richemer Muscat Sec 2008, Côtes De Thau, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Deeply aromatic Muscat with lots of floral, peach and apricot aromas. Quite dry, but not austere. The aromatics return nicely on the palate. Good body and finish are also at play here. My note: So, so very pretty! Lovely orange zest and field flowers on the nose. You expect sweet from the nose, but it’s bone dry and refreshing. Good mouth-watering acidity. Such a versatile food wine. Love it!  150169  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2008, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Bordeaux’s 2008 vintage, especially on the Right Bank, is being touted as promising across the board, with great potential for reds, whites and sweet wines alike. This classically styled varietal Sauvignon Blanc offers you an early taste of the vintage. My note: A mouth-watering white with pleasant notes of green apples, white peach and lanolin. Nicely balanced and medium-bodied.  159640  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. March 6, 2010
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Domaine A. Cailbourdin Cuvée De Boisfleury Pouilly-Fumé 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The domaine was founded in 1981 and its 11 ha is planted mostly to Sauvignon Blanc. Cuvée de Boisfleury is the estate’s most upfront Sauvignon: elegantly aromatic, pure, light and crisp, with characteristics of citrus, herb, white flowers, and acacia. Yields are kept low to ensure the high quality evident here. My note: Green apples and lime with mouth-watering acidity. Clean and refreshing.  163527  13%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Lacheteau Les Loges Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Vouvray is the most significant white wine appellation in the Touraine. The appellation’s soil composition has proven ideal for the Chenin Blanc grape variety. Fermented at low temperatures to slowly extract all the flavours possible, this medium-dry, superbly balanced Chenin Blanc displays layers of peach, pear, lemon and apricot. A great sipper, or let it develop in the cellar (2-3 years). My note: I love it! Although it’s off-dry, there’s no cloying sweetness, only mouth-watering extra-ripe peach and pears. This is a lovely wine for those who love flavour but not heavy oak.  525105  12%  MD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010 BEST VALUE WHITE WINE.
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Domaine De L'idylle L'altesse Roussette 2008, A.C., Roussette De Savoie, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Roussette is the synonym of the grape now more commonly called Altesse. Roussette de Savoie is the AC that produces some of the finest wines in the Savoie. This white displays a haunting, exotic-ally perfumed nose with a nice seam of acidity that will allow it to mature gracefully in a cellar. Enjoy it tonight or cellar it for 2-4 years. My note: A neutral but refreshing wine with lime and grapefruit. Nice aperitif.  61630  12%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. March 6, 2010
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André Blanck Et Ses Fils Clos Schwendi Pinot Gris 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Classic aromas dominate this fine example of Alsatian Pinot Gris: pear, binned apple and a hint of smoke and tar. Medium dry with very good balance, this is an intense wine. My note: Paced with melon flavour and fine-grained texture. This is divinely great. Off-dry so it can work with a variety of dishes with sweetness (glazed ham) or spices and curries.  686311  13.50%  MD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Pfaffenheim Cuvée Bacchus Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: It’s definitely a good time to stop and smell the roses... and the grapefruit, and the spices, in this expressive, lively Gewurz. There is perfect harmony here between freshness, concentration and richness. Marvellous as an aperitif. My note: Classic notes of rose petals, lychee, and grapefruit. Stunning and perfect for any Asian dishes or curries. Not over-the-top in the floral notes. Lovely balance  996017  13.50%  MD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Konrad Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, herbal good with zesty notes of lime and grapefruit. No oak. Great aperitif.  616243  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2006, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Love it! Balanced with gorgeous notes of hazelnut, butter, green apples and white peach. If you’re a Chardonnay fan, this will please you deeply.  717090  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 91/100. March 6, 2010 FAVOURITE WHITE WINE.
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Beringer Vineyards Sbragia Limited Release Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Wow, an amazing Chardonnay: the essence of Napa Chardonnay. Balanced, generous, stunning and bursting with ripe peach, pear and hazelnut.  79178  15%  D  750 mL  $54.95  Score: 91/100. March 6, 2010 FAVOURITE WHITE WINE.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Kaiken is the Argentine venture of renowned Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes, and the Ultra line is made with the best grapes from his vine-yards east of the Andes. This full-bodied Cabernet is ripe and concentrated, with bountiful black fruit, seamlessly integrated oak and fine structure. Expect it to improve further still over the next 2-3 years in bottle, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Great depths of delectable flavour. Warming and satisfying with fleshy blackberries and blackcurrant.  135202  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Santa Julia Familia Zuccardi, Reserva Bonarda 2008, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a tidbit to share when you’re serving this crowd-pleasing red. There is some debate as to the identity of Argentina’s Bonarda grape. It may be different than the Bonarda grown in Italy. There are those who believe it is actually Charbono, another variety brought to South America by Italian immigrants. What is beyond doubt is that these wines are deliciously ripe, fruity and light. My note: A juicy, succulent red with blackberries and ripe fleshy raspberries. Supple and quaffable: undeniable and immediate appeal. Top me up!  141366  13.50%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010 BEST VALUE RED WINE.
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La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A delicious robust quaffer that goes down slippery fast. Dark blackberry liqueur and some dark spices. So good.  75515  13.50%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010
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Stonier Pinot Noir 2008, Mornington Peninsula, Australia: Lovely cherry spice basket! Silky smooth with vibrant field berries. Love it.  25338  13.50%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. March 6, 2010
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Rosemount Estate Show Gsm Reserve Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A beautiful big bruiser of a wine with blackberry liqueur and fleshy dark berries. Love it! Supple and long with persistent flavours that haunt long after the bottle (and your glass, sadly) is empty. This is a blend of 47% Grenache, 47% Shiraz, and 6% Mourvèdre and was aged in new and seasoned oak and tank.  583146  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Lindemans Reserve Merlot 2007, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This crowd-pleasing Merlot is one of the best values in recent memory to come from Down Under. Cherry and plum fruit aromas mix with notes of sweet, spicy oak and mint on the surprisingly complex bouquet. These characteristics carry on to the medium-bodied palate, which manages to balance the fruit and tannins wonderfully. This is a delightful, easy-drinking Merlot from a venerable Australian winery. My note: A wonderful, juicy red with fleshy plums and berries. Supple, with no heavy oak or tannins.  588715  13.50%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Cockfighter's Ghost Poole's Rock Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Only in its sixth vintage, this fruit-forward Shiraz (named for an ill-fated horse) has already earned a devoted following. This rich, juicy, mouth-filling wine is packed with ripe black and red berry fruit, mocha and spices. It’s bold, with balanced acidity and velvety tannins supplying ample structure. My note: Gorgeous layers of violets and black fruit with a finish that is as long as the highway. Mouth-watering acidity is great for food  595439  14.90%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Alkoomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Alkoomi’s proprietors, Merv and Judy Lange planted their first vines over 30 years ago. Today they are a leading producer in this increasingly popular region and boast one of the largest family-owned wineries. With this premium Cabernet, look for black and blueberry aromas along with some smoked meat and underlying earth and herbal notes. This is a long-finishing wine. My note: Blackberry-rich with robust flavours and layers. Rockin’ big wine.  904227  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Errazuriz Single Vineyard Don Maximiano Estate Carmenère 2008, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This is an exceptional Carmenère that displays the virtues of this grape. Deep ruby colour with raspberry, smoke, sweet herbs (marjoram), blueberry, vanilla and spice. Dry, intensely fruity and spicy, with balancing acids and mid-palate tannins. The fruit smoothes the whole package out beautifully. Full bodied with a surprisingly long finish. Ageable 2-4+ years. My note: Love the juicy, plummy, berry-ripe flavours! Lip-smacking delicious. Full-bodied.  143180  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010
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Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2007, Leyda Valley, Chile: Not pinot-like in the traditional sense of light and bright cherries, this is still a delicious wine with ripe plums, great balance and mouth-watering juiciness.  143214  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010
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Montes Alpha Carmenère 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A succulent, savoury red with aromas of black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Supple and enticing. Terrific price.  143230  14.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard, Chile: Juicy purple plums rush out the glass (be sure to catch them). Full-bodied with rivers of fleshy fruit flavour.  16071  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Good-value Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of plum, lilac, graphite and cassis. Dry and quite lively on the palate with crisp acidity supporting the fruit. There are also developing tannins here, suggesting 1-3 years of cellar capability. Medium bodied with a fairly lengthy and evolving finish. It may also be enjoyed tonight, decanted. My note: Black as a starless night and just as brooding. Dark berries and plums with smoke weaving through them.  398800  14.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Tabalí Reserva Carmenère 2007, Limarí Valley, Chile: Dark, brooding, full-bodied and a bruiser attitude. Black plums and berries. Supple.  44008  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. March 6, 2010
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Tabalí Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2008, Limarí Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The cooler climate Limarí Valley seems to be a winner for producing Chilean Pinot Noir. Pale- to medium-ruby colour, with a hint of opaqueness suggesting it was unfiltered. Aromas are in plentiful supply: blueberry, cherry, cracked pepper, raspberry, mineral/earth and smoke. Many of these scents emerge on the palate. It’s fruity but a vibrant acidity and gentle tannins bring balance. A creamy, well-handled oakiness comes on the mid-palate. Medium bodied with a rather lengthy, fresh, clean finish. My note: juicy and silky with the Platonic ideal of fleshy ripe cherries. No oaky flavours with some light baking spices. Absolutely delicious. Definitely the New World fruity style.  47514  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Tabalí Reserva Merlot 2006, Limarí Valley, Chile: Terrific value for this robust, fleshy ripe red. Black plums and berries. Supple.  93740  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Domaine Galévan Paroles De Femme Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Bright red cherries, cedar and perfumed flowers, this is a different wine that will appeal to those looking to get out of the usual rut.  125930  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.00  Score: 87/100. March 6, 2010
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Château Fabre Cuvée Des Jumelles 2008, A.C., Midi Corbières, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of Silver Medals at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Concours des Grands Vins de France, both in 2009. Raspberry, strawberry, spice, cranberry and herbs de Provence on the nose are all expertly replayed on the palate. Dry and structured, this is an excellent bargain-priced wine to put in the cellar for the short term (1-3 years). It’s also a good choice for tonight. My note: Stunning wine for the money! Rich, full-bodied and packed with gorgeously ripe, jammy berries and plums. Supple and satisfying. Yum!  148783  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Loron & Fils Fontcraine Gamay 2007, A.C., Morgon, Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of beetroot and red field berries as well as meaty notes jump from the glass. Dry and medium bodied, the palate opens up to nice aroma replays joined by an intriguing earthy character. Clean and pure on the tasty, persistent finish. My note: Lovely depth and freshness with gorgeously ripe field berries and raspberries. Medium-bodied with a velvet smooth texture. Absolutely terrific!  158923  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Château Lilian Ladouys Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: A black plum-rich, smoky wine that has gorgeous depths and full-bodied structure. Drink now. Wonderful dinner party wine.  162560  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Château Lilian Ladouys Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: A dark, brooding wine with black fruit, smoke and oak. Classically structured: more Back than Beethoven. Robust. Needs time. Drink: 2012-2018.  162578  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Château Faizeau Vieilles Vignes Merlot Blend 2006, A.C., Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Blackberry liqueur wrapped in smoke with robust layers of other dark fruits. A nice warm finish.  565838  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $25.00  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Tsantalis Rapsani 2006, Greece: A terrific wine for the money! Tasty, succulent and generous. Classic dark fruit and supple with a full body.  163931  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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San Martino Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva Negroamaro Malvasia Nera 2004, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with primarily the Negroamaro grape with Malvasia Nera in support, this wine has a very deep garnet colour leading to an intriguing nose that features floral aromas as well as plum, raisin, anise, leather and earth notes. It’s dry with spicy ripe fruit and savoury notes of bay leaf and oregano. Moderate tannins and lively acidity provide structure and the finish is impressive. My note: Black cherry liqueur with blackberry jam. Very tasty and supple with full-bodied flavour.  159467  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. March 6, 2010
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Vignalta Rosso Riserva 2005, D.O.C., Colli Euganei, Veneto, Italy: Juicy, black-hearted, mocha-rich red with voluptuous layers of black fruit, smoke and plums. Full-bodied, wrap-around your mind wine.  52571  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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I Castei Classico, Michele Castellani & Figli Amarone Della Valpolicella 2005, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine just may bring out your inner hedonist. It’s got plenty of sweet blackberry fruit and coffee on the nose, which carries forward on the decadently plush, ripe and spicy palate. Excellent structure keeps things in balance, and the wine finishes dry, with lingering replays of the yummy fruit. A superlative value in Amarone. My note: A big, beautiful bruiser with a black cherry liqueur running down its heart. Gorgeous and generous layers of luxurious flavour. Lap it up!  739979  14%  XD  750 mL  $38.95  Score: 92/100. March 6, 2010
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Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2004, D.O.C., Castel Del Monte, Puglia, Italy: A tasty, chalky red with plums and berries. Mouth-watering and juicy. Full-bodied and dry.  984120  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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Tedeschi Capitel Dei Nicalò Leggero Appassimento Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is a blend of 30% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, and the remaining 10% is a combination of Rossignola, Oseleta, Negrara and Dindarella. Tedeschi uses the appassimento method: they pick fully ripe grapes, then allow them to dry on mats for about one month prior to pressing. The resulting wine is even richer than traditional Ripassos. My note: Tart berry-rich wine with jammy notes and full-bodied goodness.  984997  13%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 86/100. March 6, 2010
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Encostas De Estremoz Quinta Da Esperança Touriga Nacional Trincadeira Aragónes 2005, Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada 2009. Ruby in colour, this wine blends 70% Touriga Nacional, 20% Trincadeira and 10% Aragónes (a local name for Tempranillo). Spiced plum and sandalwood are at the fore, with a collage of other spices (cinnamon, clove, white pepper) as well as an earthy character providing additional complexity. Dry, medium bodied with plenty of tannic structure. My note: Juicy and packed with flavour! Ripe, fleshy blackberries and blackcurrant. Supple and smooth. Fantastic for barbecues or pizza.  160465  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010
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Cathedral Cellar Kwv Shiraz 2007, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Looking for southern Rhône elegance all wrapped up in New World charm? Then the Cathedral Cellar Shiraz is your one-stop shop. Filled with blackberry, black pepper and new leather nuances, this wine is a terrific value that will work with everything. My note: I love this producer! Savoury, mouth-watering juicy black fruit with layers of succulent berries and plums.  561142  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
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Mulderbosch Faithful Hound Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2005, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Juicy with black, smoky fruit and a savoury, mouth-watering core. Some cedar notes in the background. Very delicious!  922443  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010
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Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Dark and delicious with blackberries and plums. Smoke-infused finish.  226944  13.80%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010
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Two Tone Farm Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The name Two Tone Farm was borrowed from a painting by Santa Fe artist Patrick McFarlin. The winery was so taken with his artwork, they recreated it on their labels. This is a solid Cab with pure blackcurrant and black cherry fruit along with notes of vanilla and sweet herbs. Made in a ready-to-drink style, this is an attractive Cab with an equally attractive price. My note: Mocha-good with some dark berries tucked in for extra pleasure. Full-bodied and supple.  673780  13.80%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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La Crema Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: With all its grapes grown within a half-hour drive of the Pacific, this Pinot was practically born in the surf. The fog and wind from the ocean provide the cooling effect ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. This 2008 displays elegant red fruit and earth notes, and a long finish. A fine match for roast beef or salmon steaks. My note: I loved this wine for a long time and whenever I see it on a restaurant list, I order it. Lovely bright, ripe aromas of cherries and some baking spices. Silky smooth texture. Absolutely divine.  719435  13.90%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 92/100. March 6, 2010 FAVOURITE RED WINE.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Villa Sandi Cuvée Di Valdobbiadene Prosecco, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: A delightful bubbly at an incredible price. Ripe apricots will dance across your tongue and entertain even if the person you’re with doesn’t.  738542  11.50%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010 BEST VALUE SPARKLING WINE.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Reif Estate Cabernet Franc Icewine 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara River, Ontario, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. Drink: 2010-2020.  779320001164  10.50%  S  200 mL  $29.95. March 6, 2010
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Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Icewine Trio, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, VQA, Canada Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store.  94110  9.50%  S  200 mL  $99.95. March 6, 2010
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Errazuriz Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty yellow-gold colour leads off this fine, gently sweet wine. Passion fruit, guava, red grapefruit and kiwi are the principal aromas here. Medium bodied, fresh and fruity, this Sauvignon Blanc is medium dry to medium in sweetness, without being cloying, and culminates in a lingering finish. Enjoy as an after-dinner sipper. My note: A lovely apricot rich dessert wine with some fleshy peach.  427054  11.50%  M  375 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010 BEST VALUE DESSERT WINE.
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Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2004, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Dark and purple with redemption in the middle. Deep and robust.  613927  20%  S  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. March 6, 2010
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