Vintages Wine Picks November 22, 2008

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Smithbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Pemberton, Australia: Grassy, herbal notes filled with sunshine. Refreshing and zesty. Closed with a screwcap. 34876 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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Nick Faldo Chardonnay 2005, Coonawarra, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Legendary golfer and three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo partnered with Katnook Estate to develop his own signature wines. Faldo works closely with winemaker Wayne Stehbens to select the wine that appeals to his taste and reflects his personal style. Look for attractive peach and tropical fruit aromas and flavors as well as light toasty oak notes in his full-bodied, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay. My note: A generous, round Chardonnay with green apples, pear and vanilla. Closed with a screwcap. 90936 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Flat Rock Cellars Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A juicy, vibrant white with limes and green apples. Wake up and smell this Riesling! Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 578625 10% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Leyda Valley, Chile: A zesty vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with herbal and grassy notes and a touch of lime. 77693 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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Rene Mure Gewurztraminer 2006, A.C. Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Mure family have been growing grapes in Alsace since 1648. Their wines always express the classic characteristics of each grape variety they use. This Gewurztraminer is sourced from 29 year old vines and displays aromas of intense lychee and rose petals. It's dry, full-bodied and spicy. My note: An exotic, alluring white with pronounced lychee, rose petal and lime. 61218 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Bouchard Pere and Fils Les Clous Chardonnay 2006, A.C. Meursault, France: Ripe zesty limes and green apples with a gorgeous zip line of acidity. Drink: 2010-2015. 661322 12% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008 Tie Favorite White Wine.
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Louis Sipp Pinot Gris 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Louis Sipp is based in the village of Ribeauville and his Pinot Gris is sources from vineyards around it. The soils around Ribeauville are extremely varied, ranging from hard limestone to clay, marl, sandstone, silt and sandy alluvial deposits. This vintages features aromas of pear, sweet apples and fruit custard. Dry and intense. My note: Melon and grapefruit notes in this refreshing white. No heavy oak. 731471 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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Les Rougeots Chardonnay 2005, Meursault, Burgundy, France: A lovely Chardonnay with green apples, pears and flaked butter. Toasty and reassuring wine. 84491 13% D 750 mL $62.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Lingenfelder Riesling Kabinett 2007, Q.M.P., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This Kabinett displays lovely aromas of pear, pink grapefruit, citrus pulp, melon and mineral notes. Medium dry with a medium-plus body, this developing Riesling has good flavor intensity and well-balanced acidity. The mineral-packed finish is quite lengthy. My note: Straight-forward with lovely lychee, lime and white petal floral notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 87593 10% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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Selbach Oster Riesling Spatlese 2007, Q.M.P., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium straw with aromas of slate, crabapple, key lime, peach and apricot. A lighter alcohol wine, its finish is extremely long and wonderfully balanced. My note: Ripe pears, lovely apricot undertones with zesty acidity. Drink: 2008-2012. 970368 8% M 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. November 22, 2008
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Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A benchmark for the country. Herbal, but balanced. Perfect food wine. Zesty and vibrant. Drink: 2008-2012. 304469 14% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008
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Kim Crawford Anderson Vineyard Bone Dry Riesling 2004, New Zealand: A mouth-watering (and eye-watering) puckeringly fantastic wine that you better drink with food or I'm not to blame. Notes of limes, grapefruit and grass. Closed with a screwcap. 62608 12% D 750 mL $19.80 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008 Tied Favorite White Wine.
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Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2007, W.O. Western Cape, South Africa: Herbal, canned peas to the extreme. With the right food, it will be suitably and beautifully tamed. Mouth-quenching acidity. 933424 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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E. & J. Gallo Winery Laguna Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, California, United States: A lusciously rich and concentrated Chardonnay with green apple, butter and vanilla notes. Round and warm. Drink: 2008-2012. 544981 14% D 750 mL $14.50 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Simi Chardonnay 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: A round, pleasant Chardonnay with ripe pears and butter notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 673806 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008 Best Value White.
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Cakebread Chardonnay 2005, California, United States: A lovely, balanced Chardonnay with buttery notes and green apples. Full-bodied. 709717 14% D 750 mL $57.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Bodega Catena Zapata Alta Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: A beautifully rich red unfolds on the palate like silk. Rich red plums and blackberries wrapped in smoke. Drink: 2008-2012. 982355 14% XD 750 mL $60.95 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2008
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Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc. 2004, Barossa Valley, Australia: A blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. An amazing producer that represents the very best of Australia. Alluring aromas of eucalyptus, blackberry, plums, cassis and leather. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 720433 14% XD 750 mL $56.95 Score: 94/100. November 22, 2008 Favorite Red Wine.
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Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2003, Barossa Valley, Australia: A blend of 39% Grenache, 37% Shiraz, and 24% Mourvedre. This Australian classic has exotic notes of violets, lavender, black cherry and raspberry. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 726802 14% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008
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d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, McLaren Vale, Australia: A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc. A delicious, meaty wine with notes of chives, black cherry and spice. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 907584 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. November 22, 2008
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Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2004, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: 1998 vintage is the year this wine won the Jimmy Watson Award, the most prestigious award in Aussie winedom. My note: A full-on, full-bodied red with rich, deep layers of ripe black fruit. New World vitality and style. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 960468 14% XD 750 mL $98.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Mike Weir Wine Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A highly perfumed and mouth-watering red with roses, sweet cherries and spice. Medium- full-bodied. 75 13% XD 750 mL $22.20 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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Stratus Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A blend of the Bordeaux red varietals plus Gamay and Syrah. A stunning red, one of Canada's best. Incredible layers of length. Notes of mocha, coffee, blackberries and smoke. Supple and smooth. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2018. 85092 12% XD 750 mL $44.00 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2008
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Altaïr Red 2004, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Alstair is a joint venture between Laurent Dassault of Chateaux Dassault and La Fleur and Vinas San Pedro. My note: I know this is crazy expensive for Chile, but it's worth it. Rich, layered and intoxicating (naturally). Black cherries, spice and smoke notes. Drink: 2010-2015. 38430 14% XD 750 mL $64.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008
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Montes Syrah 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A gorgeous, savory wine with luscious red plums, berries, spices earth and mysticism. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 612 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008
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Altaïr Domaine De La Colline Saint-Kean Vacqueyras 2004, A.C., France: Ultra full-bodied with a cherry methanol core. Ripe black plums and berry notes. Best aged. Drink: 2008-2012. 0 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Café Culture Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A pleasant, full-bodied red with notes of mocha, black plums and smoke. Drink: 2010-2015. 501940 14% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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La Croix De Beaucaillou Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A remarkable wine with the same care and attention of its first wine sibling. Stunning length and depth with gorgeous aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, blackberry, smoke and cigar box. Drink: 2008-2022. 502054 13% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2008
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Le Vieux Donjon Syrah Blend 2006, A.C. Rhone, Chateauneuf Du Pape, France: A savory red with black cherry, raspberries, bacon, smoke and leather. Full-bodied. Drink: 2010-2015. 700922 14% XD 750 mL $61.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Les Vignerons D'estezargues Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., France: A mysterious, full-bodied red with vibrant ripe black plums and berries. A hint of pepper on the nose. Drink: 2008-2012. 82560 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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Cordier Mestrezat Chateau Le Clos Du Merle Merlot Blend 2005, A.C., France: A simple, black, brooding, delicious red. Full-bodied and tannic. Blackcurrants, cassis and oak fill the glass. Great price. Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2008-2012. 86629 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008
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Domaine Taupenot Merme Gevrey Chambertin Pinot Noir 2005, A.C., France: A balanced, very dry red with pleasingly tart cherries and earth. Medium-bodied. Needs food with this mouth-watering acidity. Drink: 2008-2012. 87023 14% XD 750 mL $66.95. November 22, 2008
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Domaine De La Vougeraie Les Evocelles Gevrey Chambertin Pinot Noir 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: As Domaine de la Vougeraie's first vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Evocelles, comprising about 3 hectares, affords the domaine a broader palate with which to build their blends. Each portion of the vineyard boasts a different micro-climate. My note: A juicy, rich, full-bodied Pinot with incredible depths of black cherries and raspberries. Drink: 2010-2015. 88732 13% XD 750 mL $63.95 Score: 91/100. November 22, 2008
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Domaine De La Vougeraie La Justice Gevrey Chambertin Pinot Noir 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from a block within the La Justice vineyard, this Pinot is a spectacular evocation of both a great vintage and the virtues of a restricted vineyard space. It is now well-known that the 2005 vintage was stellar, but what a producer can extract from a tiny vineyard is less understood. The grower can literally coax the very best out of each vine. The result here is a beautiful wine. My note: A full-bodied Pinot with black cherry and smoke. Incredible length and layers. Drink: 2008-2012. 88740 13% XD 750 mL $61.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Hauts De Pontet-Canet Cabernet Blend 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet, the second wine of the great Fifth Growth Paulliac producer, is a class act in the superb 2005 vintage. It features aromas of sweet tobacco, blackberry and a hint of plum. Elegant and very refined, this wine is both a drinker and a keeper. My note: Enticing black plums, cassis and a hint of mint on the nose. Full-bodied with velvet tannins. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2008-2012. 90167 13% XD 750 mL $69.00 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Alain Hudelot Noellat Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Chambolle Musigny, France: Incredibly mouth-watering and juicy with lovely tart cherries, earth, cedar and violets. Length, balance and finesse. Drink: 2010-2015. 979252 13% XD 750 mL $76.95 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2008
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Terra D'Aligi Tolos D'abruzzo 2004, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Challenge International du Vin. This full-bodied, powerful red is a flagship wine, offering up intense aromas and flavors of ripe red fruit and berries, vanilla and sweet spices with lots of toasted oak on its lengthy finish. My note: Lovely black cherries and ripe plums with hints of vanilla, smoke and pepper in background. Full-bodied. Great price. Drink: 2008-2017. 19166 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Isole e Olena De Marchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, I.G.T., Italy: A savory, mouth-watering beauty with notes of leather, dried cherries, bacon, smoke and earth. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2020. 25668 14% XD 750 mL $72.95 Score: 94/100. November 22, 2008
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Torre Del Falasco Rondinella Molinara Corvina 2006, D.O.C. Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy: A simple, rustic, delicious, wine with mouth-watering red plums, cherries and berries. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2008-2011. 642421 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Ceretto Nebbiolo Bararesco Asij 2005, D.O.C.G., Italy: A pleasant juicy, light- to medium-bodied red with tart cherries and field berries. Drink: 2009-2015. 726133 14% D 750 mL $52.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Luce Della Lucente Sangiovese 2005, I.G.T., Italy: A blend of 45% Sangiovese and 55% Merlotrich. full-bodied, mouth-watering red with blackberries, mocha and smoke. Drink: 2010-2016. 747030 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Fuligni Sangiovese 2003, D.O.C.G. Brunello Di Montalcino, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with a unique clone of Sangiovese, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino continue to be among the greatest that Tuscany has to offer. My note: A juicy, layered red for aging. Tart cherries, earth, leather and tobacco. Drink: 2008-2020. 988808 14% XD 750 mL $75.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008
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Akarua Pinot Noir 2004, Central Otago, New Zealand: A rich, silky Pinot bursting with ripe cherries and wild berries. Small kick of spice. Full-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. 79541 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Juan Gil Mourvedre 2006, D.O., Spain: A plush, full-bodied red with a velvety texture. Notes of chocolate, black plums and raspberries. Drink: 2010-2018. 13656 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008 Best Value Red.
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Descendientes De J. Palacios Petalos 2006, D.O., Spain: Founded in 1998 by Alvaro Palacios. A rich, meaty wine of great balance and length. Savory with blackberries and pepper. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 675207 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. November 22, 2008
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Bodegas Castano Alion Tempranillo Blend 2004, D.O., Spain: Founded by the famous estate of Vega Sicilia in 1991. A perfectly balanced and long-lived red with incredible finesse, depth and layers. Aromas of black plums, smoke, blackcurrant, mocha, coffee and cigar box. Full-bodied. Drink: 2010-2022. 707166 14% XD 750 mL $80.95 Score: 95/100. November 22, 2008
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Hermanos Pecina Senorio De P. Pecina Rioja Gran Reserva 1998, D.O.C.A., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Why cellar it yourself when the wineries will do it for you? With Spanish wines, such as this Gran Reserva, that is exactly what you get. Made only in the very best years, these wines spend substantial time in both barrel and bottle before release. My note: Love those old leather saddles! Dried herbs, lovely tart cherries, earth and cigar box aromas. Full-bodied. 82164 13% D 750 mL $55.95 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2008
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Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: One of the granddaddies of Napa: a benchmark and a tribute to what the Valley can produce. Classic Bordeaux structure, with gorgeously rich textures and aromas of black currants, cassis and tobacco. Drink: 2008-2012. 189795 14% XD 750 mL $73.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008
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Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, United States: A rich and dignified wine showing Old World balance and structure. There's no mistaking the New World fruit though. Black plum, currants and mocha notes. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 268235 15% XD 750 mL $50.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008
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Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The rugged conditions of the mountain-grown vineyards at Mount Veeder estate consistently produce intensely concentrated Cabs with complexity and depth. The long growing season coupled with the high altitude ensures the grapes are perfectly ripened, producing a wine that is full and supple with impressive structure in the guise of luscious tannins and well-balanced acidity. My note: A black, mocha-coffee driven red with rich, full-bodied layers and depth. Drink: 2010-2015. 708842 14% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Bonny Doon Vineyard Vin Gris De Cigare Rosé 2007, California, United States: One of my favorite rosés year after year. Old World balance and length with New World vitality and fruit. Ripe raspberries and earth. Closed with a screwcap. 707018 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008 Favorite Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Segura Viudas Heredad Brut Reserva 2005, D.O., Spain: A good value compared to Champagne. Toasty and refreshing. 558825 12% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 89/100. November 22, 2008 Favorite Sparkling.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Café Culture Castello Di Pomino 2007, Vinsanto, Italy: A honeyed-orange, dessert wine that's not to heavy. 65086 15% XD 500 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A traditionally styled late bottled vintage. Aromas suggest poached/brandied plum, toffee, marzipan, raisins and dark chocolate. Quite sweet with supportive acids bringing it into ideal balance. My note: A richly layered port with baked raisins, fruit cake and toffee. 87551 20% S 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2008
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Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny Port 1978, Portugal: A rich and round port filled with caramel, almonds and toffee. Notes of hazelnuts, toffee and molasses. 88179 20% s 750 mL $171.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008 Favorite Dessert.
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Vintages Wine Picks November 22, 2008

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