Vintages Wine Picks October 24, 2009

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Tamar Ridge Devil's Corner Riesling 2008, Tasmania, Australia: A mouth-watering, lime-rich Riesling with passion fruit and grapefruit. Bring it on! 138289 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Gemtree Citrine Chardonnay 2008, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Great mouth-watering potential with loads of green apple, lime and a light layer of buttery goodness from oak aging. Full-bodied and balanced. 138305 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Sticks Chardonnay 2006, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Terrific balance and richness in this Chardonnay! Great buttery hazelnut depth with a lovely counterpoint of acidity and a great finish. 141275 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Xanadu Chardonnay 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Apricot-butter goodness! Lovely depth and length of flavor with lemon refreshment followed by a roasted almond-nougat finish. Seriously great juice. 27888 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 24, 2009
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Skuttlebutt Stella Bella Wines Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Generously mouth-watering: top me up! Herbal and lime notes but not aggressive. Refreshing with passion fruit and pink grapefruit. 47621 12.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Love it! Herbal and refreshing like New Zealand but with an added citrus twist for extra lift and brightness on the palate. Crisp and mouth-watering with clean oak-free flavors. 965335 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 24, 2009
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Stratus Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Please bring me more! Lime attack wakes up your mouth followed by mouth-wateringly tasty notes of green apples, grapefruit, daisies, and lemon. Medium-bodied with full flavor and a lovely long finish that lasts almost until the next bottle. 131011 11.50% D 750 mL $35.20 Score: 92/100. October 24, 2009 Favorite White Wine.
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Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Casa Lapostolle has established itself as one of the most dependable Chilean producers of quality wines. This light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc has an attractive nose of lemon zest and tropical fruit. It’s dry and somewhat round with a tropical-fruit medley of flavors and a citrusy finish. My note: Melon and chives with lovely lemongrass undernotes. 396994 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. October 24, 2009
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Chéreau-Carré La Griffe Bernard Chéreau Sèvre Et Maine Muscadet 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This tart-and-tangy, lemony flavored Muscadet is lovely. Adding a splash of this wine to the food while cooking will pay delicious dividends. My note: Mouth-watering and refreshing with notes of grapefruit and lime. No heavy oak. 948182 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. October 24, 2009
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Max Ferd. Richter Riesling Spätlese 1992, Q.M.P., Mülheimer Sonnenlay, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This medium-in-sweetness wine offers an excellent opportunity to taste a Riesling from the Mosel that’s in the mid-swing of its evolution. Look for fresh grapefruit, lime and elderflower notes co-mingling with secondary nuances of citrus rind and a hint of petrol, in addition to mineral notes. This gently sweet wine makes a yummy sipper. My note: Pretty and floral with light notes of ripe peach and pear. Soft acidity. Great aperitif. 140780 8% M 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009
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Dr. Loosen Riesling 2008, Q.B.A. , Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: ‘Dr. L’ is the exceptional entry-level Mosel Riesling made by the dynamic Ernst Loosen. If you are a Riesling newbie, this is an excellent place to begin. It shows all the bright fruitiness and refreshing acid one should expect from the grape. Wrapped up in a very easy-drinking style, it can be enjoyed as a sipper. My note: I don’t think there’s a better white wine value on the shelves today. This wine has it all at an incredible price: mouth-watering tasty notes of ripe limes, peach, Granny Smith apples and lemon. A light touch of sweetness makes it go with just about everything food-wise. Try it and you’ll be hooked. 599274 8.50% MD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009 Best Value White Wine.
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Lingenfelder Riesling Kabinett 2007, Q.M.P., Freinsheimer Musikantenbuckel, Pfalz, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This ‘07 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. Perfect with. My note: Such a pretty floral white with white peach and melon profusion. Ever so lovely and light but packed with flavor. 87593 10.50% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009
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Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Nelson, New Zealand: Grassy goodness and lots of herbal and chive notes with a strong acidic attack that’s ultimately refreshing. Green apples and limes come through on the finish. Awarded gold medals at Air New Zealand and Sydney International. 714295 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009
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Muros Antigos Anselmo Mendes Loureiro Vinho Verde 2008, D.O.C., Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This refreshing wine sports a pale lemon colour with youthful green tints. The aromas are fairly intense and complex featuring fresh cut grass, lemon, fresh green apple, binned apple and flint. It’s very dry, medium-bodied with juicy Granny Smith apple, pear and lemon fruit flavors balanced by crisp acidity that leads to a long, tangy finish. My note: A vibrant white of lime-green apple essence. Pure spring exuberance, though you can drink it at other times of the year too. Great aperitif. No oak. 132688 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Chakana Reserve Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Given that recent vintages of this wine received 90+ scores from international wine publications, you may do a double take when you see the price of this brand new 2008 vintage. Packed with ripe cherry and raspberry fruit offset by lovely cocoa notes, this Reserve Malbec is a smart buy with the stuffing to stand up to marinated beef dishes or hearty stews. My note: An incredible value for the money. Rich, dark and full-bodied with blackberry, blackcurrant and cassis. A smoke-infused finished makes it meditative until you come back again for more. 18671 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Juicy and inviting with mocha, violets, blackcurrant and blackberry jam. Luscious layers of flavor and pleasure. 29280 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Santa Julia Familia Zuccardi Reserva Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A satisfying, well-made wine for the money. Rich and balanced without being heavy. Juicy dark plums, berries and dark spices. 665026 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009
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Torbreck Old Vines Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Torbreck’s Old Vines GSM is big, dense, and concentrated, it hits the nose rather like an anvil of fruit and spice – in a good way – with tons of ripe raspberry, boysenberry, pomegranate, black pepper and coffee. On the palate it’s medium full-bodied, voluptuously ripe and velvety, with mixed berry fruit, spice, chocolate and meaty notes leading to a yummy, lingering finish. A lovely wine. My note: A tasty, meaty, savory red with notes of blackberry, bacon fat, cedar spice and black plum. Absolutely delicious! 10223 14.50% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Pirathon Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Minty midnight seduction with follow through aromas of blackberry, blueberry and violets. Owned by Stephen Ho and the winemaker is Troy Kalleske. The grapes are grown in Greenock Creek. 130278 15% D 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Wallace By Ben Glaetzer Glaetzer Wines Shiraz Grenache 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Grenache. The wine was matured for 12 months in French and American oak. Dark and aromatic with opulent aromas of blackberry, cedar spice, black raspberry. 47605 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Unmistakably Margaret River, this elegant Cab consistently garners acclaim. Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, it’s seamlessly crafted, displaying impressive purity of fruit, finesse and depth of flavor. My note: Mouth-watering and full-bodied with savory notes of grilled meats, blackberries and smoke. 686543 14% D 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Coriole Mary Kathleen Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2005, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Big, black and brooding with notes of blackberries, cassis and vanilla-spice. Full-bodied and layered. 745489 14.50% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, Tasmania, Australia: Cherry rubies dance across your palate with brightening acidity with a satin texture and damson plums. Medium-bodied and very versatile with food. 962415 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2007, Maule Valley, Chile: A plush wine with sink-into-them aromas of espresso, cocoa, black plum, blackberry and dried tobacco. Exuberant but balanced with lovely length. 957050 13.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Estate Papaioannou Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2005, Nemea, Greece: Pleasant, dark-chocolate infused nose with dark berries and plums. Round, supple and full-bodied. 47977 12.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. October 24, 2009
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Le Chiantigiane Loggia Del Sole Riserva Chianti Canaiolo Nero Sangiovese 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Le Chiantigiane crafts some of Tuscany’s most popular Chianti; their wines have a very strong following in Italy, and a growing fan base abroad. The winemaking team adds up to 10% Canaiolo Nero to the Sangiovese in this Riserva to achieve the desired soft, velvety texture. Try this supremely food-friendly wine. My note: A juicy, mouth-watering red with rustic satisfying flavors of tart cherries, sun-dried tomato, dried herbs and berries. Perfect for a casual potluck gathering and pizza night. 134700 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 24, 2009
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Zenato Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2005, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: A dark river of flavor with aromas of black cherry, raspberry, anise, espresso, dark spices and smoke. Seriously full-bodied and rich. Wonderful! 413179 16.50% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. October 24, 2009
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Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove Dell 2007, D.O.C., Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy: A silky, seductive red that’s the second wine of the Super Tuscan Ornellaia. Lovely notes of cocoa, blackberries, dark spices, kirsch and violets. Terrific balance, depth and length. Drink: 2009-2014. 606194 14.50% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. October 24, 2009
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Monte Antico Empson & Co. Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Flowing with flavors of mocha, peppered berries, plum, and violets. Fine, polished tannins with a lovely long finish. Incredible value for the money. 69377 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009 Best Value Red Wine.
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Corte Majoli Superiore Ripasso Reciotto Valpolicella 2005, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Vanio Tezza represents a new generation of Veneto winemakers. While still in his 20s, he took over the family estate 10 years ago after the death of his father. Respecting the traditions required to make Ripasso, he also brings a modern flair to every wine the property produces. Check out the ripe plum, raspberry and cocoa aromas in this medium full-bodied, round, rich and fruity wine. My note: A solid, pleasant and robust wine with notes of black raspberries, mocha and dark spices. A casual quaffer to sip in front of the evening fire. 84061 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009
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Terre Del Barolo Barolo 2001, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Lovely tertiary aromas like leather, violets and cigar box. Gorgeously mature and long, like a slow sunset. Some dark spices on the finish. 97535 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Cathedral Cellar Triptych Kwv Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz 2006, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: A fantastic value, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz is aged extensively in French oak barrels. Packed with blueberry, black cherry, mint and cedar aromas and flavors, this rich and full-bodied red matches hearty fare. My note: One of my favorite producers from South African for staggeringly great value. Rich and full-bodied with black plum and cedar notes. 53124 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Papa Luna Garnacha Monastrell Mazuelo 2007, D.O., Calatayud, Spain: A total of 5000 cases were made this wine, which is a blend of 70% Garnacha (70-100 year-old vines), 25% Monastrell and 5% Mazuelo. It was matured five months in French and American oak. Gorgeous notes of violets, kirsch, blackberry and hickory smoke. A supple, silky wine with full-bodied richness. Drink: 2009-2014. 39883 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Beronia Reserva Tempranillo 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: When you find such astounding quality at this price, you may think it’s a case of too good to be true – but you’re not dreaming. Deep, purple-tinged ruby in colour, this expressive wine abounds with aromas of black-berry, raspberry, black cherry, woodsmoke, mocha and a hint of vanilla. These nuances replay nicely on the palate, where they’re balanced by fine, structured tannins. Medium full-bodied, the wine offers up a satisfyingly savoury and spicy finish. Enjoy over the next 5 years. My note: Cedary and rustic with lip-smacking delicious aromas of black plum and raspberry. Robust, juicy and deep. One to knock back and enjoy. 50203 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009
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Pétalos Mencia 2007, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: A gorgeous wine that’s got it all: tasty, satisfying fruit, terrific structure, balance and length on the finish. Made 100% from the Mencia grape grown on vines that are 40 to 90 years old. Lovely aromas of blackberries, violets, bacon fat, hickory smoke. Silky, seductive, wonderful. 675207 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. October 24, 2009 Favorite Red Wine.
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Raimat Abadia Crianza Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Tempranillo 2005, D.O., Costers del Segre, Spain: Savory and lively with robust, deep flavors of black plums, kirsch, and mocha. Saturated flavor and color with some smoky notes from 10 months in American oak and 6 months in French oak. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo. 935460 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Belle Glos Meomi Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Dark spices and black cherries with a supple texture and medium- to full-body. The wine is name after the 90-year old mother of the Wagner family and co-founder of Caymus Vineyards. Superb effort! 130138 14.60% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. October 24, 2009
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7 Deadly Zins Michael & David Phillips Old Vine Zinfandel 2007, Lodi, California, United States: A blockbuster red that reminds me of a warming campfire with its smoky rich warmth. Loaded with blackberry, brambleberry and dark spices. Stunning. 59311 14.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 24, 2009
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Beringer Vineyards Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Beringer selects the finest vineyard sites for this Napa Valley Merlot. They also blend in small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for added complexity and structure. The wine expresses rushes of black cherry and blackberry fruit, as well as notes of mocha and licorice, all tempered by a layer of supple tannins. It has an easygoing appeal that would be equally suited to an autumn barbecue or a formal dinner setting. My note: A plumy, dark berry-rich Merlot with a mocha-infused finish. Full-bodied and supple. 919647 14.30% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009
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Toasted Head Merlot 2006, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This big, round, mouth-filling Merlot features exuberant black cherry and raspberry aromas plus complex hints of spice, licorice, lavender and chocolate. My note: Mocha-rich, dark and round with full-bodied layers of blackberry and spices. 969816 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Etude Carneros Estate Pinot Noir 2006, Carneros, USA: One of my favorite Pinot Noirs from California and one that I order frequently when I'm dining for pleasure rather than work. Succulently ripe cherries and black raspberries with some dark spices and a gorgeous smoky finish. Drink: 2009-2016. 71654 750 mL $69.95 Score: 93/100. October 24, 2009
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Domaine De Nerleux Méthode Traditionnelle Brut Crémant De Loire, A.C., Loire Valley, France: Crémant de Loire includes the regions of Anjou, Saumur, and Touraine. The grapes can include Chenin, Chardonnay and Menu Pineau (Arbois or Petit Verdet). A lovely frothy, creamy bubbly with toasty goodness on the palate. 48686 12.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Ruby Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Great value for this toffeed, almond port dried fruit and spicecake. 141028 20% S 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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Quinta Do Noval Tawny Tawny Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Quinta do Noval is considered one of the finest, if not the finest, Port house, and this non-vintage Tawny shows why. Medium ruby colour, unusually youthful for a ‘tawny’. Nose is bursting with raisin, menthol, chocolate cherry, dark chocolate, spice cupboard and marzipan. Medium sweet with a refined and impeccable balance. Great bones here, with tannins and bright acidity that suggests you could cellar it, if you must. But why wait? This long-finishing, delicious Port is ideal. My note: A lovely dessert wine with rich blackberry and blueberry preserves, kirsch and dark spices. 141119 19.50% MS 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 24, 2009
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Offley Baron Of Forrester 10 Years Old Tawny Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This fine Tawny shows a combination of intensity and finesse. Complex aromatics of orange peel, raisins, dates, figs and toffee greet the nose. The palate is equally impressive, with luscious yet gentle sweetness and a myriad of dried fruit and spice flavors, leading to a long and lingering finish. My note: Love it! Tawny richness and depth with generous notes of caramel, roasted almonds, smoke, espresso and toffeed happiness. 260091 20% S 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. October 24, 2009 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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Sandeman Vau Vintage Port 2000, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Rich and generous with layers of blackberry liqueur, black plums, figs and blueberry paste. 973768 20% S 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009
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Vintages Wine Picks October 24, 2009

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