Vintages Wine Picks March 29, 2008

by Natalie MacLean


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[ Compress ] White Wine

Domaine Jean-Marie et Hervé Sohler J.M. Sohler Riesling Heissenberg 2005, AC Alsace, Alsace, France: A delicious, mouth-awakening riesling with vibrant aromas of pear and green apple.  66126  12%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 91/100. March 29, 2008 Favorite White Wine.
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Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Réserve 2005, AC Alsace, Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A great intro to Alsatian Gewurz because the classic grapefruit, rose petal and lychee aromas are all present, but in a light, pleasing style. As a result, this is an excellent aperitif wine. My note: A luxurious, layered wine with aromas of lychees and flowers.  747600  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling 2005, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: An incredibly zesty and vibrant riesling with fresh aromas of green apples and citrus.  528216  12%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 92/100. March 29, 2008 Best Value White Wine.
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Evans & Tate Chardonnay 2006, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: A round, buttery chardonnay with generous notes of ripe pears.  677765  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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Matua Valley Shingle Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A zesty and refreshing white with citrus and herbal notes.  309591  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Spy Valley Gewürztraminer 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A gorgeous, spicy wine with notes of lychees and white flowers.  32870  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Malivoire Pinot Gris 2006, VQA Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada: A lovely, crisp white with notes of melon and green apples.  591305  13%  D  750 mL  $18.00  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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DR. Von Bassermann-Jordan Riesling Kabinett 2006, QmP, Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten, Estate Bottled, Pfalz, Germany: A zippy white with lovely floral, pear and citrus notes.  988147  10%  MD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Morgenhof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007, WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: South Africa has shown outstanding results in recent years with Sauvignon Blanc. This varietal from the Cape tends to find a style that is a happy middle ground between the Loire Valley and New Zealand. This one exhibits the crisp elegance of the former and the racy, grassy, gooseberry nature of the latter. My note: A terrific value for this simple, refreshing white.  18507  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. March 29, 2008
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Tommasi Pinot Grigio Le Rosse 2007, I.G.T. delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Tommasi is one of Veneto’s finest producers. They put their stamp on Pinot Grigio by creating an impactful, flavorful version that is excellent for sipping. My note: A vibrant white with mouth-wakening notes of melon and citrus.  910497  12%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Bodega Catena Zapata Catena Merlot 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This Merlot is deep purple in color with luscious red cherry, chocolate and vanilla aromas. Dry, soft and supple with jammy fruit flavors, a crowd-pleasing wine. My note: A juicy, generous red with notes of purple plums and berries. A full-bodied wine.  57976  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Budini Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Though not certified organic, the grapes for this wine are farmed under a code of sustainable agriculture to maintain the long-term viability of agricultural lands, protect the environment, conserve the area’s natural resources and support the local farming traditions. Another terrific value, this Malbec is juicy and generous with ripe red cherry and red currant flavors and a round soft finish. My note: A good value for this simple, full-bodied sipper.  58396  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. March 29, 2008
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Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2003, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz from Barossa vineyards. The 2003 inky/purple colored wine with impressive levels of richness and sweet notes of charcoal, acacia flowers, blackberries, tar and pepper. Aged 22 months in American and French Barrels. My note: A rich and delicious red with black fruit and pepper aromas. Drink: 2008-2018.  528356  14%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 92/100. March 29, 2008
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ST. Hallett G.S.T.Grenache/Shiraz/Touriga 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: St.Hallett sources old vine fruit from prestigious vineyards to capture the character of Barossa in this intriguing blend of 59% Grenache, 34% Shiraz and 7% Touriga Nacional. My note: A lovely balanced, full-bodied red with black plums and smoke.  660910  15%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Shingleback Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied red with rich aromas of black fruit, smoke and oak. Drink: 2008-2011.  662957  14%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 91/100. March 29, 2008
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Schild Estate Shiraz 2005, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A beautifully crafted shiraz, with deep rich aromas of plum, cherry, expresso and spice.  66555  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. March 29, 2008
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Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2003, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: A rich, robust red with blackberries, currants and smoke. Round and supple texture.  725721  14%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 92/100. March 29, 2008
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Château Vieux Cardinal Lafaurie 2005, AC Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This rich and subtle wine from the Right Bank of Bordeaux is a blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect aromas of red currants, toast and smoky oak. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with fleshy fruit flavors balanced by medium tannins. Drinking well now, this wine will continue to evolve over the next 5-7 years. My note: A well-structured and balanced red with classic notes of cassis and black currant. Drink: 2008-2015.  61713  13%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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Opus One Opus One 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This is the half bottle version of the wine above. Therefore, it has a different product code and price, but the tasting note remains the same. Drink: 2008-2014.  26294  13%  XD  375 mL  $151.95  Score: 91/100. March 29, 2008 Favorite Red Wine.
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Opus One Opus One 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec. My note: One of Napa's most spectacular wines that blends New World fruit and concentration with Old World finesse and elegance. Aromas of cassis, dried herbs, smoke and blackberries. A long finish. Decant 2 hours. This wine may be listed under the product codes: 1131,583195,583203,  26310  13%  XD  750 mL  $289.95  Score: 91/100. March 29, 2008 Favorite Red Wine.
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Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, VINTAGES ESSENTIAL, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This Cab uses only organically grown grapes and the extra effort rewards with pure aromas and flavors of cassis, plum, cherry and ripe blackberry all wrapped in silky tannins with a medium-long finish. If you need a food match, think ratatouille with organic beef. Contains 18 mg/l free sulphur. My note: A reliably great producer of organic wines. This red has rich aromas of black plums and mocha.  342428  12%  D  750 mL  $19.80  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Bonterra Syrah 2005, Mendocino County, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: The organic Bonterra Ranch vineyard in the Russian River benchlands of Mendocino County stands as one of the premier examples of organic viticulture in the world. At Bonterra, they firmly believe that organic farming practices allow them to produce better grapes and by extension, better wines. This juicy Syrah is dry, well-balanced and features blue- and black-fruit flavors supported by medium tannins. Contains 10 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: A full-bodied red with ripe dark berries and fruit notes. A supple and smooth wine.  573709  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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Concha Y Toro Winemaker's Lot 152 Carmenère 2005, Peumo Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile: A delicious full-bodied red with black raspberries, plums and smoke. A supple and round wine.  30957  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Puente Alto, Vintage 18, Chile: A delicious, honkin' big wine with robust aromas of black fruit, smoke, oak and mocha.  315176  14%  XD  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 93/100. March 29, 2008
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Emiliana Natura Carmenere Natura 2005, Colchagua Valley, Special Lot, Made with Organically Grown Grapes, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Contains 21 mg/l of free sulphur. My note: Terrific value for this full-bodied red.  56887  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008 Best Value Red Wine.
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Emiliana Natura Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Central Valley, Special Lot, Made with Organically Grown Grapes, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Emiliana is the largest organic grower in Chile with more than 1700 acres of vineyards certified organic and biodynamic. Contains 25 mg/l of free sulphur. Fresh herbs, cassis and brooding smoke aromas lead to a dry, medium-full body with cassis, tar and herbal flavors supported by chalky tannins and leading to a medium-long finish. My note: A plush wine with dark fruit notes and a smoky finish.  61069  14%  Xd  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. March 29, 2008
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Emiliana Coyam 2005, Central Valley, Chile: A delicious red bursting with ripe plums and berries.  63891  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. March 29, 2008
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Concha Y Toro Merlot Marqués De Casa Concha 2005, Rapel Valley, Chile: A beautiful, full-bodied red with luscious notes of dark red fruit and vanilla.  939827  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Domaines Roche Château Croze De Pys Prestige 2005, AC Cahors, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the Concours des Vignerons Indépendants. The blend here is 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot. The Roche family has been cultivating vines since 1773 in Cahors. In 1966, they took over the Château Croze de Pys vineyard. This fat, fruity Cahors, barrel-aged to infuse just the right amount of soft oak, can be aged for up to 10 years. My note: A rich, full-bodied red with black fruit and smoke aromas.  681668  13%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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Earl Bronzo, Vign. La Bastide Blanche Bandol 2004, A.C., Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Back in the 1970s, the Bronzo brothers, Michel and Louis, purchased La Bastide Blanche to craft top Bandol wines. Mourvèdre makes up the majority of the blend in these wines, which are typically rich, aromatic and profound and must be hand-harvested and aged for a minimum of 18 months in cask. The Bronzos keep yields low, plough regularly, use organic fertilization and no chemical weedkillers. Scents of cherry and tar emerge upon opening but decanting reveals minerally cassis and coffee characteristics. Taste the Mediterranean! My note: A warm, full-bodied red with notes of black fruit and smoke.  65375  14%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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Domaine Des Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, AC, Rhone, France: A gorgeous, beautifully structured red with powerful aromas of black cherries, cedar and smoke. Drink: 3008-2020.  677922  14%  XD  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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Les Sinards Chateauneauf (Perrin & Fils) 2004, 0, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Jean Pierre, François and Pierre Perrin created Les Sinards as an homage to their late grandfather. With some of the grapes sourced from their famous Château de Beaucastel estate, this is a classic Châteauneuf with cocoa, blackcurrant, cherry and leather aromas. It’s dry, medium- to full-bodied and packed with rich fruit flavors, as well as earth and smoke notes. My note: A deeply layered, robust red with notes of black plums, vanilla and cedar.  926626  13%  XD  750 mL  $38.65  Score: 91/100. March 29, 2008
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Perrin Perrin Côtes Du Rhône Nature 2005, AC, Rhone, France: A consistently great producer of organic wines. Full-bodied and packed with dark cherries and spice.  948059  13%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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KWV Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2003, WO Coastal Region, South Africa: My note: A consistently good producer. Notes of black cherries, cedar and smoke.  561142  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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Banfi Centine 2006, I.G.T. Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Banfi’s ‘Centine’ is designed as a crowd-pleasing quaffer. This wine is a fascinating blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. You will experience hints of licorice, cherries and plums and a terrific spicy nuance. My note: A terrific value for this rich red. Full-bodied.  947440  12%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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Quintarelli Primofiore 2004, I.G.T. Veneto, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: An exceptional blend of the Veneto trio: Corvina, Rodinella, and Molinara. Primofiore means first press, and it is packed with complex rich flavors of cherry, olives, exotic spices, and oak. Giuseppe Quintarelli designs this wine to be enjoyed much younger than most of his wines. There is a touch of Amarone added to this fresh blend for additional complexity before the wine begins its maturation in oak. My note: A full-bodied red with aromas of black fruit, spice and oak.  20867  13%  D  750 mL  $56.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

J. Lassalle Champagne Brut Préférence, A.C. Premier Cru, Champagne, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of 60/40 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is a distinctive Premier Cru Champagne characterized by intense red berry aromas with notes of citrus, toast and nuts. It’s dry and perfectly structured with a long intense finish. My note: A refreshing and zippy champagne.  27615  12%  XD  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 90/100. March 29, 2008
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Fonseca Terra Prima Reserve Port, Reserve Port, Portugal: Made from organically grown grapes. A warm, rich, full-bodied dessert wine, with layers of black plums.  67132  20%  S  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 89/100. March 29, 2008
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