Vintages Wine Picks October 11, 2008

by Natalie MacLean

Please login to see Natalie's scores and notes

[ Compress ] White Wine

Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2007, Adelaide, Australia: Zippy, refreshing white with vibrant lime and citrus notes. Drink: 2008-2015. 606269 12% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Mornington Estate Chardonnay 2005, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: An hour's drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, the most southerly point on mainland Australia, is surrounded on three sides by water. The cooler maritime climate here and prolonged gentle autumn allows the fruit to ripen slowly over a long period of time. This results in elegant wines with distinct fruit flavours and higher natural acidity. A vibrant and fruity Chardonnay, this is a great representation of this region with its juicy flavours of peach, nectarine and citrus fruit balanced by subtle oak and a seam of bright acidity. My note: Beautiful, buttery Chardonnay. Full-bodied and packed with pears. Drink: 2008-2010. 72850 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Granite Hills Riesling 2006, Victoria, Australia: A zippy, citrus-loaded Riesling. Bring it on! Drink: 2008-2015. 72876 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Cousiño-Macul's first Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay was made in 1969. This trademarked designation is reserved for the finest Chardonnay from a vintage. Only a small portion of this wine was aged for 7 months in small French oak barrels and a smaller percentage underwent acid-softening malolactic fermentation both of which contributed additional layers of complexity to the wine. Medium-bodied with flavours of apple, lemon drop, grapefruit, anise and hazelnut. My note: Great value for this full-bodied oaky Chardonnay. Drink: 2008-2010. 730044 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Anne Boecklin Furstentum Pinot Gris 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: The first written records of Furstentum vineyard date back to 1330 when they were counted part of the Convent of Basle's holdings. The vineyard's steep calcareous and pebbly soil provides great drainage and the slope's southern exposure contributes beneficial sunshine. Furstentum wines show finesse and powerful aromas. My note: Lovely balance and length. Citrus and floral notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 80507 13% M 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Pierre Sparr Altenbourg Riesling 2003, A.C., France: A very light white with mild melon notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 906016 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2007, Q.B.A, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This very popular Riesling, part of Rainer Lingenfelder's 'Vineyard Creatures' collection, is an excellent sippe. My note: Always a pretty quaffer! The ultimate aperitif wine. Ripe melon and pear notes. Drink: 2008-2010. 568634 11% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008 Best Value White Wine.
Add My Review

Domdechant Werner Riesling Spatlese 2003, Q.M.P, Germany: Delicious layers of pear and peaches. Drink: 2008-2010. 654830 8% MD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinett 1998, Q.M.P, Germany: Gorgeous breath of spring. Stay young and optimistic: drink this wine. Notes of ripe pears. Drink: 2008-2012. 940809 8% M 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Castello Della Sala Chardonnay 2006, I.G.T., Italy: Gorgeous, big, buttery oaky Chardonnay. Drink: 2008-2012. 512376 13% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 94/100. October 11, 2008 Favorite White Wine.
Add My Review

Maculan Pinot Grigio 2007, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Fausto Maculan is one of northern Italy's finest producers. His wines are appreciated for their elegance and finesse. My note: Mouth-watering and delicious. Drink: 2008-2010. 734921 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Distant Land Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Established by Croatian Petar Fredatovich in 1937, this family-owned winery makes fine Sauvignon Blancs with exciting personalities. This white, filled with sweet tropical fruit and tangy gooseberry flavors. My note: Pure grassy goodness, lime notes too. Drink: 2008-2010. 677542 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Kim Crawford SP Flowers Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: Always a top-notch Sauvignon Blanc. Adds intriguing citrus notes to the herbal notes. Drink: 2008-2010. 69245 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony Muscat Grenache 2007, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Originally created at the University of California at Davis, Symphony is an aromatic grape variety that is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. The latest vintage of Ironstone's popular Obsession is as fragrant as ever, soft and round with a touch of sweetness. My note: I recommend this year after year. The ultimate wine with rose petals and lychee. Drink: 2008-2010. 355784 12% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

[ Compress ] Red Wine

Norton Malbec Reserva 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Great value. Full-bodied with mocha, black cherry, vanilla and smoke. Drink: 2008-2010. 17061 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

El Retiro Tempranillo Reserva Especial 2004, Mendoza, Argentina: Simple but a delicious and juicy red with full-bodied notes of black fruit. Drink: 2008-2010. 57216 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Rich, ripe and focused, with a lovely purity to the blackberry, dark plum and sweet spice flavors, playing against bittersweet chocolaty notes on the long, expressive finish. My note: A flagship wine from Australia. Elegance with power, depth and finesse. Drink: 2010-2020. 564278 14% XD 750 mL $133.95 Score: 95/100. October 11, 2008 Favorite Red Wine.
Add My Review

Gemtree Uncut Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale, Australia: Lip-smackingly great. Deep and delicious. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 627844 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Glaymond Asif Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia: An elegant, balanced powerhouse. A delicious red with aromas of black cherry. Drink: 2008-2012. 64022 16% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Langmeil Three Gardens Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia: Delicious, full-bodied and filled with aromas of mint and black plums. Drink: 2008-2015. 644047 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

The Black Chook Viognier Shiraz 2007, Australia: Great value for this tasty full-bodied red. Drink: 2008-2010. 66738 15% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Pike & Joyce Pinot Noir 2005, Adelaide Hills, Australia: A vibrant, tasty Pinotwith lovely notes of cherries and currants. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 68064 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Syan Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Victoria, Australia: Minty cool with black cherry notes. Drink: 2008-2020. 72629 15% D 750 mL $43.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Langmeil Hangin Viognier Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia: A robust Shiraz loaded with blackberries, oak and a wisp of mint. Drink: 2008-2015. 77685 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: We were wowed by this deeply delicious wine. Classic black fruit aromas and flavours give this an extreme depth of flavour from beginning to end. It is not jammy or overdone, and everything is perfectly in place, especially the exceptional use of oak. My note: Gorgeous depths of black fruit. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 89599 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Pirramimma Shiraz 2005, McLaren Vale, Australia: A balanced and delicious red with black plums. Drink: 2008-2015. 987784 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Vineland Estates Winery Elevation Cabernet Merlot 2005, Ontario, Niagara, V.Q.A., Canada: It seems Vineland can do rich reds as well as they do zipy whites. Complex, layered and delicious. Notes of black fruit and mocha. Drink: 2008-2015. 88880 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Especial 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: A big, brooding red with black fruit and smoke. Drink: 2008-2014. 275594 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Santa Ema Merlot Reserve 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Great value! Sweet chocolate notes of ripe black fruit. Drink: 2008-2012. 642538 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. October 11, 2008 Best Value Red Wine.
Add My Review

Ninquen 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Ninquén (nin-ken) means 'Plateau on a Mountain' in the local native dialect and literally describes the geographic condition of this mountain estate. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon hand-picked at an altitude of 305 meters above sea level, this exquisite wine is aged for 22 months in 80% French and 20% American oak. Packed with rich black fruit, earth, leather and smoke. My note: A delicious, full-bodied red with mocha and dark red fruit. Drink: 2008-2012. 675553 15% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Guigal Brune Et Blonde Syrah Blend 2004, A.C., France: A consistently great producer year after year. black cherry, currants and smoke notes. Drink: 2008-2020. 352534 14% XD 750 mL $69.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Château Bréhat Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Côtes de Castillon is the 'go-to' appellation for great value, Merlot-based reds and this is an excellent opportunity to try a mature example. From the solid 2001 vintage, this wine will enthuse you with its smooth blackberry, floral, and dried-fruit flavours and hints of leather. My note: A rustic, delicious red. Full-bodied with cassis and garrigue. Drink: 2008-2014. 43828 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Bouchard Pere and Fils Beaune Teurons Pinot Noir 2006, A.C. Burgundy, France: A gorgeous Pinot bursting with ripe cherries, pomegranate and earth. Drink: 2008-2020. 653675 14% XD 650 mL $53.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Clos Du Marquis Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A classic Bordeaux with layers of cassis, smoke and vanilla. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 669671 13% XD 750 mL $70.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Château D'Argadens Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A remarkable wine for the money. Balanced, great length. Cranberry, cassis and black berry notes. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 681643 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Saint-Joseph Domaine Rochevine Syrah Blend 2005, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine Rochevine (which translates as Wine Rock) has a well-deserved reputation for making spectacular Syrahs at remarkably good prices. This is a fine evocation of the Saint-Joseph appellation, featuring aromas of blackberry, blueberry, barnyard, cured bacon and black peppercorn. My note: A stunning, peppery number with black cherries and cedar. Full-bodied and balanced. Drink: 2008-2012. 733923 12% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 94/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Domaine Large Cote-De-Brouilly Gamay Noir 2006, A.C. Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Well-made Gamay Noir with aromas of plums, table grapes, blueberries and an attractive slight earthy tang. Dry, charming, light- to medium-bodied with a lingering finish. My note: A pleasant, medium-bodied with cherry notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 742585 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Montirius Grenach Syrah 2005, A.C. Vacqueyras, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah is sourced from a certified biodynamic vineyard. This organic wine contains 13 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: Terrific, full-bodied red. Notes of garrigue, cedar and black cherries. Drink: 2008-2015. 76547 14% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Domaine Deforge Syrah Blend 2005, A.C. Cotes Du Rhone-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Jean Deforge was a famous French jockey of the 1950s and 1960s who after he hung up his saddle, started this winery. Today, the property is managed by his son. The prize possession of this property is its old vines Grenache and mature Syrah and Mourvèdre. The 2005 vintage in the Rhône Valley was spectacular, and this is an excellent introduction to its strengths. My note: A spicy, peppery, tasty red with black fruit notes. Drink: 2008-2015. 79053 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Les Hauts De Lynch-Moussas Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is the second wine of Château Lynch-Moussas. The estate cultivates nearly 60 ha of vineyards, inluding some that neighbour the vineyards of Châteaux Batailley and Grand-Puy-Lacoste. The vines are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The 2003 is a full-bodied, concentrated wine with plenty of ripe cassis and black plum fruit, stony minerality and chewy tannins. My note: Stunning depth, complexity and layers of richness. Classic notes of cassis and black berries. Drink: 2008-2012. 81885 12% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 93/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Clos Des Menuts Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos de Menuts consists of 38 hectares of vineyards that are partly encircled by the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. The limestone and clay soil with sand and clay subsoil are ideal for the growing of the grapes used in their Merlot-dominated wines. The resulting wines are deeply coloured with aromas of cassis, vanilla, smoke and cherry. My note: A rich, textured red with classic cassis and blackberry notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 86447 13% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Packed with full-bodied flavor. Layers of cassis and black plums. Drink: 2008-2013. 87304 14% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Domaine Jean Chauvenet Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Burgundy, France: Rich, full-bodied Pinot with ripe plums and violets. Drink: 2008-2012. 91322 14% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Poderi Colla borolo Dardi Le Rose Bussia Borolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Italy: Don't go near this tannic monster for another 5 years. It should evolve into a remarkable wine. Full-bodied with tar and black fruit notes. Drink: 2015-2025. 596890 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 94/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Corte Zovo Sa' Solin Ripasso 2004, D.O.C. Della Valpolicella, Italy: A round, ripe, full-bodied red in New World-style. Big, plump berries and plum notes. Drink: 2008-2010. 650713 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso 2006, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: 'Campolietti' means 'happy fields', a very appropriate name given to the vineyards from which the grapes for this wine are harvested. My note: Rich, sweet mocha aromas (dry wine) with blackberries. Drink: 2008-2015. 695890 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2007, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Barbera may be the best value to come out of Piedmont. Its full-bodied with a plush texture leading to a lengthy finish. My note: A pleasing, chocolately wine (dry though) with black fruit. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2015. 72348 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Castello Vicchiomaggio Delle More Ripa Sangiovese 2004, I.G.T., Italy: Big, red fruit, mocha and smoke notes fill the glass. Drink: 2008-2016. 983775 14% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Bon Cap Wine Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, W.O., South Africa: A solid, full-bodied red with black fruit and a smooth texture. Drink: 2008-2012. 11064 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Rust En Vrede Estate Merlot 2005, W.O., South Africa: A remarkable wine for the money. Full-bodied with black fruit and oak. Drink: 2008-2013. 68759 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Morgenster Lourens River Lalley Merlot Blend 2003, W.O., South Africa: A blend of 68% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc. Juicy and full-bodied. Blackberries and earthy goodness. Coffee and truffle notes. Drink: 2008-2015. 709303 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Darling Cellars Kroon Onyx Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, W.O., South Africa: Bordeaux elegance; South African power. Black fruit and smoke notes. Wow! Drink: 2008-2015. 900639 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Coto De Imaz Rioja Reserva 2001, D.O.C.A., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A wonderful Reserva with floral, black cherry and spice aromas and flavours. It has a silky, warm, tense centre with a balanced finish. My note: A juicy, luscious, full-bodied red with ripe plums and raspberries. Drink: 2008-2012. 23762 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Pesquera Tempranillo Blend Tinto 2004, D.O., Spain: An elegant and long-lived wine with aristocratic aromas of black fruit, smoke, violets and mystery. Drink: 2010-2030. 323345 14% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 93/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Senorio De P. Tempranillo Blend Pecina Reserva 1999, D.O.C.A., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This reserva is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and just a pinch of Graciano and Garnacha. While this property is an organically farmed estate, it is not certified organic. Aged 36 months in American oak. My note: A Bordeaux-like red of balance and elegance. Black fruit and oak notes. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2015. 82156 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Paso A Paso Tempranillo 2006, D.O., Spain: A great value for the taste and quality. Plummy and round. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2008-2015. 82206 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Justin Isosceles Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot 2005, Paso Robles, United States: A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot. Unfiltered, full-bodied and delicious. A spectacular wine. 684282 15% XD 750 mL $73.95 Score: 93/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Kenwood Vineyards Pinot Noir 2006, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A rich, fruity Pinot Noir that benefits beautifully from the oak aging the wine has seen. Dry and well-structured on the palate. My note: Sweet, ripe cherries with silky texture. Seductively slippery. Drink: 2008-2015. 943225 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

[ Compress ] Rosés

Turkey Flat Rose 2007, Barossa Valley, Australia: A dry, thirst-quenching rose with ripe raspberries. Drink: 2008-2010. 68916 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Pol Roger Rose Champagne Brut 2000, A.C. Champagne, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Churchill was in his bunker during the blitz on London and turned to his generals and said, "In the midst of a crisis there is always time for a glass of champagne..." My note: A spectacularly rich and toasty bubbly. Drink: 2008-2015. 82495 12% XD 750 mL $94.95 Score: 95/100. October 11, 2008 Favorite Sparkling Wine.
Add My Review

[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Mike Weir Wine Vidal Icewine 2006, Ontario, Niagara, V.Q.A., Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: You don't have to be a golf fan to appreciate this stunning Icewine from Canada's links superstar Mike Weir. It's intense and luscious with plenty of tropical fruit, honey, melon and apricot aromas and flavours, all balanced by a seam of bright acidity. My note: A voluptuous, fat icewine that coats your mouth. Light a fire. Relax. Drink: 2008-2010. 54981 16% S 750 mL $55.15 Score: 91/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Château Cantegril Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Stunning, layers of ripe apricots. Your foie gras is calling. Drink: 2008-2012. 86454 13% S 750 mL $56.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008 Favorite Dessert Wine.
Add My Review

Osborne Pedro Ximenez Sweet Sherry 2005, D.O.C.A., Spain: Christmas fruitcake, spices and prunes fill the glass. Drink: 2008-2010. 47944 17% S 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008
Add My Review

Vintages Wine Picks October 11, 2008

Natalie's Wine Reviews...

About Natalie...

Natalie's Website...

Email:
Password:
	Remember Me