Vintages Wine Picks June 20, 2009

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Marquee Artisan Wines Classic Silver Wings Winemaking Riesling 2007, Western Australia, Australia: Vibrant attack of lemon-lime acidity and refreshment. Terrific! Orange zest and lemongrass. Medium-bodied, no oak. 91009 12% MD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009 Favorite White Wine.
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Malivoire Wine Company Chardonnay Musqué 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This little wonder is quite unique. Malivoire's winemakers have nicknamed it "spritz" musqué due to its lively fizziness. This organic wine contains only 24 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: Fresh, clean and refreshing with pure fruit flavors of ripe peach and apricot. Zesty acidity gives it a great kick. Wonderful aperitif. 129759 9% MD 375 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009
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Château des Charmes Riesling 2006, V.Q.A., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Here is your opportunity to try two fabulous vintages of this consistently excellent Riesling from Château des Charmes. Contact your local Vintages location to find out which vintage they have in stock. My note: Love it! Bursting with ripe peach and pear with some tangy lime and green apples for balance. Perfect as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to many dishes. 277228 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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Domaine De Pellehaut Blanc Chardonnay Ugni Blanc Colombard Gros Manseng Folle Blanche Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Vins de Pays de Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Primarily Chardonnay with Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Gros Manseng, Folle Blanche and Sauvignon Blanc in support. Fresh apple and lime aromas dominate this nicely made wine. Dry and crisp, this is an ideal sipper to enjoy on the back deck after a long, hard day of yard work. My note: A refreshing, mouth-watering white with pleasant notes of grapefruit, white melon and peach. Medium-bodied and balanced. 126136 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009 Best Value White Wine.
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La Chablisienne Sauvignon Blanc 2007, A.C.., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Bet you didn't know they make Sauvignon Blanc in Burgundy. Now you can impress your guests with this unique Burgundian wine. And you'll only find them in the Saint-Bris appellation. My note: Vibrant, lemongrass and lime aromas leap out of the glass. Mouth-watering and juicy with terrific minerality and length. Medium-bodied and refreshing. 641753 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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Domaine De La Grange Vieilles Vignes Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie Remy Luneau, Prop.-Vign. Muscadet 2007, A.C., Loire, France: A steely dry and mouth-watering white with aromas of grapefruit, lime and flint. Light- to medium-bodied. 682625 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 20, 2009
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Attems Pinot Grigio 2008, D.O.C., Collio, Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The Attems family have an ancient lineage in the Friuli region dating back to 1106. Recently, they joined forces with another wine dynasty, Marchesi de' Frescobaldi. Bright tropical fruit, pear and apple flavors, a viscous texture and a crisp finish are the hallmarks of this popular Pinot Grigio. Serve it as a refreshing aperitif. My note: Crisp and refreshing with white melon and grapefruit notes. Light-bodied sipper. 707950 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Viña Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Californian winemaker Paul Hobbs' winery in Mendoza. Stunning concentration of flavors and aromas: black fruit, vanilla-spice and cigar box smoke. Wow. Drink: 2009-2017. 119297 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. June 20, 2009
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Viña Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A meaty, full-bodied number with gorgeously rich aromas of black raspberry, cherry and plum. Liqueur-like intensity and concentration. A violet-infused finish. Drink: 2009-2018. 119305 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. June 20, 2009
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Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec 2006, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A deeply powerful, concentrated and extracted wine with aromas with black fruit, smoke and mocha-rich coffee. This wine was aged 18 months in French and American oak and wasn’t fined or filtered. Full-bodied, supple with a warm finish. 123729 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. June 20, 2009
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Navarro Correas Gran Reserva Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied with meaty aromas of blackberries and black plums. Deep concentration with a licorice-infused finish 28928 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009
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Chakana Malbec 2008, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Tasty and full-bodied with pleasant aromas of black plums and blackberries. 3509 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. June 20, 2009 Best Value Red Wine.
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Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Incredibly balanced and savory with mouth-watering notes of ripe fig, blackberry jam and cocoa-coffee. Lovely balance. 588731 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from old vines grown high in the foothills of the Andes mountains, this terrific value consistently delivers. Enjoy it with hearty fare. My note: Fleshy black raspberries and cherries with some cedar smoke in the background. An eminently quaffable wine for barbecues and potlucks. Fantastic value for the money. 640490 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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JJ Hahn 1928 Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Dense with purple-black berries and plums. Full-bodied doesn’t begin to describe it: bring on the palate-whacker! Some pencil, violets and tar. 108035 14% D 750 mL $38.95 Score: 91/100. June 20, 2009
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Final Cut Shiraz 2008, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Australian film producers David Roe and Les Lithgow turned their attention away from the movie industry to focus on producing distinctive wines. They recruited award-winning winemaker Geoff Weaver and charged him with the task of crafting full-bodied, intensely flavored, mouth-filling wines like this impressive McLaren Vale Shiraz. Supple and ripe, it displays blackberry, blueberry, toast, and cedar notes culminating in a lengthy finish. My note: Full-bodied a juicy with terrific dark ripe plums and berries. Love it! 108084 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Evans & Tate Shiraz 2004, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Deep, rich and extremely concentrated. This full-bodied red offers aromas of black cherry liqueur, black raspberry jam and ripe figs. Satin texture with a warm finish. 606905 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. June 20, 2009
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Eldredge Shiraz 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Eldredge is a small family winery located in the picturesque Clare Valley. Winemaker Leigh Eldredge uses 100% Clare Valley fruit to create premium wines like the Blue Chip Shiraz. Blue Chip indeed, as this wine definitely reflects the unique character of this region. The 2006 is newly released and has yet to be reviewed, but past vintages have won countless awards and rave reviews internationally. Expect a full-bodied and generous Shiraz bursting with dark berry fruits, spice and toasty vanillin oak. Enjoy now or anytime over the next decade. My note: Holy smokes is this wine alive! Vibrant and deep aromas of purple-black plums and berries. Plush, opulent texture with a gorgeously long finish. Wow, simply wow. 963678 15% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 94/100. June 20, 2009
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Terrunyo Vineyard Selection, Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Pirque, Maipo Valley, Unfiltered, Chile: Terrific savory and meaty notes of bacon, blackberry and dark spices. Some leather and cigar box in the background. Good balance and nice acidity for food to balance its richness. 562918 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. June 20, 2009
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Perez Cruz Limited Edition Reserva Carmenère 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep purple in color this intensely concentrated Carmenère features aromas of plum, leather, smoke, rhubarb and mineral notes. It's dry and full-bodied with plush ripe black fruit and brambly flavors supported by grippy tannins leading to a medium-long finish. The Carmenere grape comes from France's Bordeaux region and was first planted in Chile in the nineteenth century. My note: Wonderfully rich and concentrated yet savory and mouth-watering too. Full-bodied goodness without being heavy. Nice balance and length. 670539 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Santa Carolina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: A big, black blockbuster with blackberries, black plums, and you got it, black currants. Deeply concentrated and richly layered. This wine was aged 12 months in French oak. 684597 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Echeverria Family Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Molina, Curicó Valley, Chile: Loaded with black fruit and spice flavor but balanced, supple and smooth. Full-bodied and rich, delivers lots of pleasure. Lovely vanilla-spice infused finish 737 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Pierre Sourdais Cuvée Tradition Bourgogne Chinon 2005, A.C., Loire, France: Aromas of tart strawberries and raspberries. Pale and bone-dry. Great acidity. 108506 12% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009
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Domaine Poulleau Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This medium-bodied Pinot Noir from Domaine Poulleau is just that with lovely red fruit, floral, nettle and leesy aromas that carry over beautifully onto the palate. A great value here. My note: A wonderfully mouth-watering Pinot with aromas of tart cherries, cranberries, earth. Silky, medium-bodied and supple with a lasting finish. 110270 12% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Château Courrèges Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Malbec 2005, A.C., Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A fine, value-priced house that generally makes its wines with a blend of 50+% Merlot with support from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It's now common knowledge that producers great and little-known produced exceptional wines in 2005. Here's a chance to try something special from one of the lesser-known producers. My note: Classic Bordeaux aromas of cassis and blackberry in this incredibly well priced wine. Terrific vintage. Nice harmony and complexity. One to drink now or to cellar, your choice. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2009-2016. 117606 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Domaine Galévan Paroles De Femme, Jean-Pierre & Coralie Goumarre, Vigns. Grenache Mourvedre Cinsault Carignan 2007, A.C., CÔTES DU RHÔNE, France: Paroles de Femme means "words of a woman." A deep, rich wine with aromas of cherry liqueur, black raspberry, grilled meat and cigar smoke. This is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Carignan. Drink: 2009-2014. 125930 14% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Château Beaumont Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Lovely balance and complexity here with aromas of blackcurrant and blackberries. Some dark spices and mocha-smoke. A long finish. Terrific quality for the money. Drink: 2010-2016. 500108 14% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Château Fougas Maldoror Merlot Blend 2005, A.C., Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux, France: A robust red with chewy tannins and meaty flavors: a real fork-and-knife kind of wine. Aromas of blackberries, smoke and coffeed-oak. Tasty! Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2010-2016. 500587 13% XD 750 mL $39.00 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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Château Faizeau Vieilles Vignes Merlot 2005, A.C., Montagne St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Terrific value for the money. Long, elegant aromas of ripe black cherries, plums and bacon. Full-bodied and supple with a lasting finish. Terrific balance and complexity. A fantastic vintage. Made from Merlot exclusively. 501882 14% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 91/100. June 20, 2009
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Ségla Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C., Margaux, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: You've got to hand it to him; your dad's a classic. Why not get him something that reflects his classic style? The wines of Margaux in Bordeaux are considered 'the most celebrated red wines in the world' and this selection from the makers of Château Rauzan-Ségla is worthy of celebrating a great father. My note: This winery has been owned by Chanel since 1994, and is the second wine of the coveted Bordeaux Chateau Rauzan-Segla. Gorgeously rich and dark berries, cassis and blackcurrants. Smoky oak lingers in the background until it finishes long and smooth with cigar box infused aromas. One for collectors. Drink: 2010-2020. 713263 13% XD 750 mL $58.95 Score: 93/100. June 20, 2009
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Vesevo Beneventano Aglianico 2006, I.G.T., Campania, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Aglianico continues to impress as a grape variety, and here's another fine example. Features expressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and smoky oak. This full-bodied, ripe wine with fine mid-palate tannins is a long-finishing wonder. My note: Gorgeously rich and full-bodied with sweetly ripe plums and berries and a mocha-infused finish. So very tasty. 120907 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Firriato Chiaramonte Nero D'avola 2006, I.G.T., Sicilia, Sicily, Italy: Full-bodied with aromas, of black plums, violets, licorice and dark spices. Gorgeously mouth-watering and supple. Smooth and slippery good. 121145 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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Pasqua Lapaccio Primitivo Negroamaro 2007, I.G.T., Salento, Estate Selection, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This is the perfect wine to toast the first day of summer. Made with Primitivo and a smidgeon of Negroamaro, this wine is filled with cherry, blackberries and a hint of raspberry. Dry and very rich, this wine does not overwhelm the palate, nor food. My note: If you love Zinfandel or Merlot, you’ll glom onto this wine in a second. Note as concentrated as Zin but flavor-packed and delicious with aromas of plums and blueberries. Supple and smooth. 588822 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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Vicchiomaggio San Jacopo Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from the estate's San Jacopo vineyard, this Chianti Classico is designed to be enjoyed within the first three or four years. Expect a lot of fruit and nice balancing acid tones in this friendly wine. My note: Rich dark chocolate-mocha nose gives way to ripe black and dark red berries and plums on the palate. Full-bodied, supple and delicious. 710194 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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Porcupine Ridge Boekenhoutskloof Winery Syrah 2008, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: South Africa is the new hot spot for red Rhône varieties. Reviews of this recently released wine have yet to surface. This full-bodied, spicy and floral Syrah does the Cape proud and gives its French cousins something to think about it. My note: Exceedingly pleasing notes of black cherries, violets and plums. Full-bodied, round and voluptuous. Wonderfully satisfying. 595280 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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Albet I Noya Grenache Cabernet Sauvignon Carignan 2006, D.O., Penedès, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Albet i Noya has been Spain's leading organic wine producer since 1979. This charming, medium-bodied blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan evokes ripe black plum, smoke, pomegranate and soft gamey notes. A solidly made, easy-drinking, and even vegan-friendly red. This organic wine contains only 17 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: A simple and tasty red with full-bodied notes of purple plums and black cherries. 1313 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. June 20, 2009
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Clayhouse Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Paso Robles, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This Cab belongs to Clayhouse's Vineyard Series. Aged for 16 months in a combination of American, French and other European oak, this rich and velvety red is driven by flavors of cherry and plum along with complementary oak and coffee notes, and its finish is characterized by toasty inflections and lovely dusty tannins. My note: Extraordinary balance and complexity. Layers of flavor with cassis, blackcurrant and mocha predominating. Full-bodied with a lovely length on the finish. 57869 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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La Crema Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: One of my favorite California Pinot Noir producers: consistently delicious. Redolent of ripe, fleshy cherries, plums and raspberries. Terrific acidity to balance the plushness of the fruit. Lingering finish to contemplate tomorrow’s plans. Sigh. 719435 14% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. June 20, 2009
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Greg Norman Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: In addition to the wine he makes in his native Australia, golfing-legend-turned-wine-impresario Greg 'The Shark' Norman has gone bi-continental with the launch of his California Estates. The 2005 (this wine's fourth vintage) is well-proportioned, exhibiting lovely aromas of herbs (sage and rosemary), red currants, black cherry and cedar notes. The tannins are nicely integrated into the whole package. Cellar it for up to three years. My note: I like it! Solidly made and deliciously lip-smacking. Aromas of purple plums, blackberries and pine needles. 8722 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Peter Lehmann Wines Grenache Rosé 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from old-vine Grenache in the Barossa, this vibrant-pink rosé is bursting with fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. It's dry with a round texture, medium body and a seam of natural acidity providing a refreshing backbone. My note: Bone-dry but tastes sweet because the fruit is so succulently ripe: perfect combo. Fleshy raspberries and strawberries. Have fun with this one! 34298 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009
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Mas Amiel Le Plaisir Grenache Rosé 2008, A.C., Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a fun and refreshing rosé to have on hand for summer sipping on the patio or for the ultimate barbecue bash. Bright pink, fresh, bursting with fruit and balanced by vibrant acidity, this stylish dry wine offers crowd-pleasing refreshment. My note: Light, carefree and happy. Joyously running down a green hill without caring where you stop. Ripe strawberries dance alongside some rose petals. Light-bodied, bone-dry. 117051 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009 Favorite Rosé.
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Tenuta Di Castiglioni Salta Grilli, Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Sangiovese Rosato 2008, I.G.T., Rosato di Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty rosé that calls out for a variety of food. Filled with lemon zest, black cherry and spice aromas and flavors, this wine is dry and finishes with a zingy fruitiness. My note: Light and lovely with notes of fleshy strawberries. 33555 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009
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Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2008, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Bone-dry and mouth-watering with aromas of wild strawberries and raspberries. Defines happiness in a glass. Clean and refreshing as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to many dishes. 999821 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. June 20, 2009 Best Value Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Louis Picamelot Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Rosé, AC, France, Burgundy, France: Charming notes of raspberries and strawberries with a zesty, refreshing goodness. Gorgeous salmon color is festive. Medium-bodied. 123398 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009 Favorite Sparkling Wine.
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Astoria Extra Dry Prosecco, V.S.A.Q., Italy, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: An exceptional Prosecco with aromas of pear, crisp apple, lees/bread dough and even a hint of spring flowers. Dry, creamy/fruity and ripe with a balancing acidity bringing refreshment. A food fizz for grilled prawns, herbed chicken or summer salads. My note: Grapey goodness drenched in spring blossoms. Lovely aperitif. Medium-bodied. 121020 11% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks June 20, 2009

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