Vintages Wine Picks February 6, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Katnook Estate Chardonnay 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Hazelnut melted butter goodness! Green apples perk up the mid-palate and then the wine finishes you off with a lovely sunset of peach and pear. 734830 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 6, 2010 Favourite White Wine.
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Berton Vineyards Viognier 2009, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Berton Vineyards’ ‘Black & White’ tier features just two wines, The Black Shiraz and The White Viognier. Viognier is making a name for itself in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. This attractive version features the variety’s typical apricot, peach, tropical fruit and floral aromas. Dry, full-bodied and smooth with juicy stone and tropical fruit flavours. An excellent value. My note: Such a pretty wine: stunning aromas of white floral, light spices, lychee, rose petals and spring rain. Perfect for Asian dishes. 93435 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Angels Gate Winery Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This youthful 2008 Riesling is pale lemon in colour with aromas of apple blossom, citrus peel and a hint of peach. It’s dry, light-bodied with crisp, whip-cracking acidity to balance the juicy green apple, citrus and yellow plum flavours. Finishes mouth-wateringly crisp. My note: Pure lemon goodness with laser-focused fruit purity. A sunbeam in a dark tunnel. Limes and chives. Light-bodied but bursting with flavour. Oh yes! 160523 11% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Konzelmann Estate Winery Reserve Winemaster's Collection, Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: So pretty! Lovely notes of rose petals, daisies, lychee and light spices. Divine with Asian dishes. Mouth-fillingly delicious! 392357 13% MD 750 mL $17.20 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Coyote's Run Estate Winery Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Love the hazelnut Granny Smith apple nose! Luscious with a judicious use of oak. Balanced with great length. Love it! 49775 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 6, 2010
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Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Chardonnay Pinot Grigio Pinot Blanc 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A stunning wine for the money! Rich notes of butter, peaches, smoky oak and pears. Full-bodied and round. Terrific! 433938 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Blanc 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Blanc is an exceptionally food-friendly wine and makes for a nice alternative to Chardonnay. This version from one of Alsace’s most formidable domaines displays subtle aromas of apple, sweet citrus, grapefruit, pear and mineral notes. It’s dry with medium weight, balanced acidity and good length. Quite refreshing. My note: Pure white melon and grapefruit: refreshing and vibrant. Clean without oak. Great aperitif. 134635 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. February 6, 2010
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Jean-Marc Brocard Vau De Vay 1Er Cru Chablis 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Love it! Vibrant, almost quivering in its energy. Lovely aromas of lime, lemon zest, and white peach. Clean and fresh without oak. 159012 12.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. February 6, 2010 Favourite White Wine.
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Dr. Fischer Estate Btld. Riesling Spätlese 2003, Q.M.P., Ockfener Bockstein, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Fat, powerful, very flavourful maturing Riesling, featuring aromas of peach, pear, apricot, petrol and mineral tones. Medium dry on the palate from the still-lively acidity. This is a round and pleasing Riesling. My note: A pretty, floral Riesling that’s light-bodied and beguiling. 146340 9.50% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Reinhold Haart Riesling Kabinett 2007, Q.M.P., Piesporter, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Lovely bright peach and pear notes with some other tropical fruit. Medium-bodied, off-dry and juicy. Absolutely delightful! 727461 8.50% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 6, 2010
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Zenato Pinot Grigio 2008, I.G.T., delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Grigio is enjoying unprecedented popularity, and Alberto and Silvano Zenato’s modernist approach to winemaking has helped take the grape in exciting new directions, creating wines of considerable intensity. This refreshing version is quite firm with citrus, floral, pear and mineral flavours leading to a lengthy, crisp finish. My note: Terrific refreshment with zippy notes of lime, lemongrass, chives and grapefruit. Wake me up! 37648 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Elephant Hill Chardonnay 2008, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Lovely! Now go tell your mother. Generous notes of green apples slathered in butter… yes this is a divine combo. Full-bodied and rich. 141978 13.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 6, 2010
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Omaka Springs Pinot Gris 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vibrant with mouth-awakening aromas of lime, green apple, lemongrass and green melon. Terrific aperitif. Lovely honey finish even though it’s a dry wine. 63347 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Grassy good, pure refreshment! Love the limes and grapefruit. Here’s how to keep your cool when the temperature rises. 96644 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Santa Vitória Versátil Branco Btld. By Herdade Da Malhada Chardonnay Arinto 2008, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2009 Wine Masters Challenge. This unique wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Arinto (an indigenous Portuguese grape known for its zippy acidity and citrus notes). Aromas of green pear, lemon and honeydew melon jump from the glass, then spring to life again as flavours on the palate. The balance of Chardonnay’s creamy roundness with Arinto’s acidic tang is intriguing. My note: A full-bodied, buttery, oaky white with rich notes of apples, peaches and tree fruit. Lovely! 146142 13% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010 Best Value White Wine.
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Thelema Sutherland Chardonnay 2007, W.O., Elgin, South Africa: Rich and buttery with long layers of green and peach flavour. Roll over and pour yourself another glass. 146423 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Luis Cañas Fermentado En Barrica Blanco Tempranillo 2008, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Searingly tart and refreshing with pure lime essence. Great on a hot day! 146217 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. February 6, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Alta Vista Atemporal Assemblage Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Petit Verdot 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: This rich red offers pleasant notes of black fruit, dark chocolate and smoke. Atemporal translates to timeless in Spanish. 144352 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Norton Reserva Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Black fruit and smoke dominate in this robust, tasty red. Decant for 2 hours. Great wine for all types of meat. 17061 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Paxton Jones Block Shiraz 2005, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied warm embrace of a wine bursting with black fruit, smoke and cavernous laughter. Paxton is a member of the “1% For The Planet” organization. One percent of their yearly profits is donated to international environmental charities. 149914 14.50% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz Viognier 2006, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Dense with a towering concentration of black fruit flavours, kirsch, tar, smoky oak and violets. Supple with layer after layer of lip-smacking flavour. 606301 15% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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The Black Chook Woop Woop Wines Shiraz Viognier 2008, South Australia, Australia: Huge and brooding with big black fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. A palate-whacker. This wine is 95% Shiraz with 5% Viognier for a lift in the flavours. 66738 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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d'Arenberg The Twentyeight Road Mourvèdre 2006, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Savory meaty notes wrapped in a basket of flashy blackberries and plums. Lovely effort. Full-bodied and smooth. 677617 14.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. February 6, 2010
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Langmeil Hangin' Snakes Shiraz Viognier 2008, The Long Mile, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Opaque ruby in colour, this bold combo of Shiraz and Viognier is textbook Barossa. There is good intensity and complexity on the nose, with aromas of ripe blackberry, roasted coffee beans, black cherry, vanilla, eucalyptus and pepper. It’s dry, full-bodied with a mouth-filling texture and rich black fruit flavours, pie crust, vanilla and spicy liquorice notes. Well balanced and supported by silky tannins. My note: Minty blackberry nose with plush plums on the palate. Generous, full-bodied and lovely. 77685 15% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Wynns Estate Vintage Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Dense and delicious with black cherry and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and smooth. 84996 14.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Elderton Ode To Lorraine, The Ashmead Family Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot 2005, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A river of black cherry liqueur. Did I mention that this wine is full-bodied. Holy smokes. It clocks in at 14.5% alcohol. You want depth, you got it. Can you handle it? 976423 14.50% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Kacaba Vineyards Merlot 2006, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: While there’s been much hoopla over the outstanding 2007 vintage in Ontario, there are many great wines from 2006 that are not to be missed, like this tasty, award-winning Merlot. The aromas show spiced plum, cherry drops, liquorice allsorts and leather. The palate is dry with ample ripe fruit flavours as well as notes of vanilla and black tea supported by bright acidity and moderate tannins. Smooth textured and with very good length, this is drinking beautifully. My note: A lovely, supple, medium-bodied red, with gorgeous aromas of mocha, espresso and black plums. Goes down so easy at a potluck gathering. 142687 13.60% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Flat Rock Cellars Twisted 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Flat Rock Cellars does not voluntarily divulge which varieties make up their Twisted blends. But if you visit their website (www.flatrockcellars.com) and hazard a guess by clicking on the “Get Twisted” link, you will find out if your suspicions were correct. Here’s a hint: they’re not all red grapes. The latest incarnation of Red Twisted is medium ruby in colour with aromas of cedar, strawberry, black cherry, earth and pepper. It’s dry, medium-bodied with fresh red fruit flavours balanced by bracing acidity and culminating in a medium-length, spicy finish. A lively, crowd-pleasing red to enjoy. My note: This is such an exciting winery! Every year their wines get even better, and they started off strong. I adore this red with dark red berries and fruit wrapped in a smoky oak blanket. Comforting notes of espresso and dark spices. A terrific finish. I can’t wait to see what they do next! 86918 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 6, 2010
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Chocalán Gran Reserva Malbec 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: A lip-smacking tasty red with terrific aromas and flavours of black plums, blackberries, smoke and dried tobacco leaves. A tarry middle gives this wine a black heart and lots of depth and concentration. Perfect for barbecues. 144394 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Merlot Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: So darn tasty! Yum! Dark chocolate on the nose gives way to fleshy blackberries and plums. Full-bodied and rich with good depth and concentration. This blend is mostly Merlot with a dash of Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. An incredible value. 433920 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010 Best Value Red Wine.
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Arboleda Viña Seña Merlot 2007, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Founded by Eduardo Chadwick, of Seña fame, Arboleda is dedicated to sustainable viticultural practices and preserving the natural environment of the Aconcagua Valley. This full-bodied Merlot is brimming with ripe blackberry, plum and wood-spice notes. Delicious and mouth-filling with a distinct purity to the fruit flavours. My note: A mocha-rich red with generous layers of black plums, blackberries and other dark fruit. Round and supple with a finish that rolls on to the end of the evening. Full-bodied. 45864 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Viu Manent Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Terrific mouth-watering, robust red that features cedary and blackberry notes. Turn an ordinary evening into something special. This would be a great wine to drink while watching the new series of 24. Jack, grab the decanter before the terroirists do! 59196 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Castillo De Molina Reserva Viña San Pedro Carmenère 2007, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The nose of this Carmenère entices with notes of blueberry, blackberry, roasted coffee bean and a whiff of incense. It’s dry, medium-bodied and supple with ripe black fruit flavours along with nuances of chocolate and tobacco leaf. Great value. My note: A lovely, rich, round plummy number with a velvet texture and a dark chocolate-infused finish. Terrific party wine. 960807 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Château Saint-Roch Chimères Maison Lafage Grenache Carignan 2007, A.C., Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Gorgeously big, plump, fleshy purple plums with a river of cherry liqueur running through it. Juicy and lip-smacking delicious. Full-bodied indeed. Bring it on! 119354 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Château De Fontarèche Vieilles Vignes Selection Carignan Syrah Mourvèdre Grenache 2007, A.C., Corbières, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the Concours Interprofessionnel des Grands Vins de Corbières 2008. This blend of Carignan, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache from vines (average age) 35 years old, features a highly expressive nose of raspberry, strawberry, mineral and garrigue. Dry, full flavoured and crisp with supple tannins. The fruits and minerality replay nicely on the palate. My note: A simple, rustic rough-and-ready red that’s very tasty! Robust aromas and flavours of blackberry, black raspberry and cassis. Some cedary notes lie underneath. Yum squared. 150540 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. February 6, 2010
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Domaine Grand Nicolet Vieilles Vignes Grenache 2007, A.C., CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES RASTEAU, Rhône, France: A palate-whacker that needs cellar time, but very tasty. Big black fruit, smoky oak and some dark spices on the finish. Drink: 2015-2025. 155481 15% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. February 6, 2010
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Le Secret Des Capitelles Cave Des Vignerons De Saint-Chinian 2007, A.C., Saint-Chinian, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A tremendous value from the great ’07 vintage. The wine features loads of plum, sweet cranberry, smoke and garrigue (the aromas of rosemary, lemon verbena, lavender and marjoram that pervades the air in the Midi). Dry with exceptional aroma replays on the palate. Good ripe tannins give the wine balance. My note: A tasty, cedary red with black and dark red berries and fruit. Gulpable and enjoyable. Serve it at your next pizza night. 156299 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. February 6, 2010
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Louis Max Beaucharme Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The aromas are subtle, but there are red berry, mineral and earthy notes on the nose. It’s dry, medium-bodied with lively acidity, with sour cherry, redcurrant and earthy mushroom flavours. It finishes crisp. Enjoy this Pinot. My note: Not fruit forward but with mouth-watering acidity, tart cherries and earth. It’s rustic but tasty, with an Old World style and light on the oak. Medium-bodied. Definitely needs food. 158915 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Domaine De Chevalier Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: A splendid Bordeaux with hedonistic aromas of blackberries and cassis, wrapped in a comforting smoky blanket. Elegance, finesse, structure: everything is here. The perfect wine to impress your boss or the man you want to marry, and not just date. Drink: 2012-2015. 564104 13% XD 750 mL $68.00 Score: 92/100. February 6, 2010
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Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5E Cru Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Pauillac, Bordeaux, France: A spectacular red with classic aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, cigar box, pencil lead and smoke. This wine just doesn’t stop: it goes on and on, leaving you longing for more. (Buy only one bottle if you like hedonistic torture.) It’s terrifically balanced with incredible depth, length and breadth. A cellar keeper! Drink: 2012-2015. 564302 13% XD 750 mL $85.00 Score: 93/100. February 6, 2010
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Château Smith Haut Lafitte D. Cathiard, Prop. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: A dense, brooding Bordeaux with great finesse. Black fruit, smoke, tar and tobacco leaves. Rock your world with this red, and change the entire conversation of a dinner party. Drink: 2013-2028. 564971 13% XD 750 mL $84.00 Score: 94/100. February 6, 2010 Favourite Red Wine.
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Louis Jadot Combe Aux Jacques Gamay 2008, A.C., Beaujolais, France: A delightful Beaujolais with bright, happy notes of dancing cherries and tart field berries. Good grip and balance. Medium-bodied and imminently quaffable. Perfect for movie night. 5918 12.50% D 375 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Château Armandière Bernard Bouyssou Malbec 2005, A.C., Cahors, Southwest, France: Big, black and bold with robust aromas of black fruit and smoke. Full-bodied- and delicious. Buy a case for your next party. 725580 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. February 6, 2010
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Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Rhône Valley, France: Perfectly balanced with terrific styling, balance and finesse. Full-bodied with black cherry and cedar. Endlessly delicious. This is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah. Love this producer! 973453 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Remo Farina Montecorna Classico Superiore Ripasso Valpolicella 2005, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Baked cranberries and cherries with a strongly raisined finish. Full-bodied. 56267 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. February 6, 2010
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Itynera Primitivo 2007, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This easy-drinking Primitivo offers great quality at a modest price. Deep ruby in colour, it’s bursting with attractive aromas of plum, blueberry, cherry and spices on the nose. Dry, medium-bodied with a supple texture, this flavourful wine from southern Italy sports concentrated berry fruit flavours that are joined by mocha and vanilla notes on the mid-palate. There’s some definite grip showing on the toasty finish. Try it with a hearty meatball recipe. My note: A simple, attractive, robust red with pleasing dark fruit. Knock it back! 70805 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. February 6, 2010
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Renato Ratti Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Beguiling with dark red fruit and smoke. Full-bodied but it’s smoothed out. Old leather and cigar box. Lovely. 713479 14% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. February 6, 2010
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Due Torri Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a fantastic introduction to the power and charm of Amarone. Offering unbelievable value, it features aromas of sweet black plums, cherry, figs, oatmeal and an earthy note. Dry, full-bodied and well-balanced with some moderate tannins, this Amarone’s sweet black fruit aromas repeat on the palate along with notes of mocha, spice and leather. The finish lingers. My note: A terrific value for Amarone! This lovely river of cherry liqueur and dark spices is infused with stunning depth of flavour. It’s supple, generous and full-bodied without being hot or too alcoholic. Love this style of Amarone. 724740 14% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 91/100. February 6, 2010
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Castello Di Monastero Chianti Classico 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A tasty and juicy red with tart cherry, sundried tomato and dark spices. Lovely vibrancy and persistence of flavour. 936724 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Fontanafredda Serralunga D'alba Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A mature and balanced Barolo with classic aromas of faded leather, dried tobacco leaves, truffles and some faint black cherries. Full-bodied and smooth. A contemplative wine. Drink: 2010-2015. 943290 14% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Antinori Solaia Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese Cabernet Franc 2006, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Drop-dead gorgeous! One of the world’s great wines to try before you die. Is it worth the price? Only you can decide that. Generous aromas of dark fruit, exotic spice, mint, and savoury meaty notes. Such incredible resonance across the palate: the flavours just play with each other for your pleasure. Then it all finishes in a spectacular fireworks of flavour and hedonism. I am undone. Drink: 2012-2030. 987586 14% XD 750 mL $244.95 Score: 98/100. February 6, 2010 Favourite Red Wine.
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Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2009, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The Cellar Selection Pinot Noir offers attractive red berry and cherry aromas. These aromas replay on the palate where deliciously ripe berry fruit flavours are ably supported by soft tannins. This is a great food wine that will pair nicely with game dishes. The 2008 vintage of this wine was very popular with wine drinkers. Expect more success with this latest vintage. My note: Just pops out of the glass saying “Try me, common’, give it a go!” Lovely, vibrant aromas of fresh field strawberries and cherries. Big wow and mouth-watering acidity on the palate. Love it! 694901 12.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Terras De Monforte Herdade Do Perdigão Trincadeira Alfrocheiro Tempranillo 2006, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2008 Mundus Vini competition in Germany. A blend of the local Trincadeira and Alfrocheiro grapes, plus Tempranillo under its local name, Aragónez. The wine is filled with black cherry, blackberry, sweet herbs, red plum and earth tones. Dry and tangy/fruity with moderate tannins bringing impeccable balance. A long-finishing wine. My note: A vibrant, purple plum wine with fleshy berries and a lick of spice on the finish. Full-bodied and supple. 157107 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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Flagstone Winery Dragon Tree Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Pinotage 2007, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Rounded, delicious and sumptuous! Sink your teeth and hedonistic heart into this red. Lovely aromas of blackberry, cassis, spice, and plum. This wine is a blend of 51% cabernet sauvignon, 24% shiraz, 22% pinotage and 3% merlot, and it aged in oak for 18 months. Bring it on! 37549 14.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: A rustic, robust red that offers blackberry and cassis aromas. Decant for 1-2 hours. 68767 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. February 6, 2010
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Cathedral Cellar Kwv Pinotage 2007, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a great introduction to Pinotage if you have yet to experience this unique-to-South Africa varietal. The nose is subtle, showing notes of bacon, black cherry and vanilla. It’s more expressive on the dry medium-full-bodied palate with flavours of mocha, ripe black cherry, crushed blackberry and vanilla leading to a medium-long spicy finish. Well-balanced with good complexity. My note: Rich and warm with inviting aromas of blackberry and dark plums. Smoky oak weaves it way through the wine. Lovely! 99267 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Juan Gil Tinto 2006, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Dark chocolate nose with fleshy blackberries and raspberries on the palate. Full-bodied, dark and brooding. Don’t mess with me kinda wine. 1677 15% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Más Que Vinos Ercavio Roble Tempranillo 2007, Tierra de Castilla, Spain: A dark chocolate nose with black plums and berries. Round, rich, supple and full-bodied. A coffee-infused finish. A total of 10,000 cases were made of this wine. It’s 100% Cencibel (aka Tempranillo) and was matured for five months in French and American oak. 67504 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend , Louis M. Martini Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa County, Sonoma County, California, United States: A lush red with aromas of ripe blackberry, cassis, garrigue and dried herbs. 135376 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Scrumptious! Bring me more quickly please. Lovely mocha/dark chocolate nose followed by blackberry and plum. Some spice and smoke on the finish. 640573 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010
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Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa County, Sonoma County, California, United States: Dark chocolate note with black fruit and smoke on the palate. A blend of 63% Napa County fruit and 37% Sonoma County. 909101 14.20% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Zenato Chiaretto Bardolino 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Always a pleasure, this light pink rosé is a delightful and easygoing wine that’s perfect for sharing over a casual meal or conversation. Using the same grape varieties as nearby Valpolicella, it’s bright and fruity with strawberry, raspberry and subtle floral notes. Dry, light and refreshing, it’s delicious. Incidentally, the term Chiaretto means “neither red nor white”, referring, of course, to the wine’s lovely pink hue. My note: A very pretty pink! Lovely aromas of field strawberries warming themselves on a summer’s day. Light yet packed with flavour. Very versatile with food. 45203 12% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010 Best Value Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Pierre Sparr Brut Rosé Crémant, A.C., Alsace, France: Light strawberry notes in this bubbly with a light, summer’s day feel. Great price. 39016 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. February 6, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Piemonte Cantina San Pancrazio Brachetto 2008, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This exotic sparkling red from Piedmont couples well with strawberry tart or dark chocolate. My note: What a delightful surprise! Lovely notes of fleshy ripe strawberries and raspberries with a light effervescence. Slightly sweet but perfectly balanced with the bubbles and acidity. Perfect for Valentine’s Day and other romantic interludes. 159566 6% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010 Favourite Sparkling Wine.
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Nino Franco Brut Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene, DOC, Veneto, Italy, Italy: Toasty with lovely notes of green apples and orange zest. Bright and vibrant. Terrific for the price. 349662 11% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Strewn Vidal Icewine 2006, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep yellow-gold in colour, this wine’s intensely fruity nose reveals layers of mango, dried apricots, mandarin oranges, honey and candy apples. Sweet, with ample acidity providing balance. The aromas replay on the palate with notes of sweet baking spices on the long finish. Delectable on its own. My note: Luscious, pure luscious! This is the liquid definition of hedonism. Apricot, peach preserves, pear. Moan! 467746 11.30% S 200 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. February 6, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks February 6, 2010

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