Vintages Wine Picks August 29, 2009

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Urban Uco Bodegas Y Viñedos O. Fournier Torrontés 2008, Cafayete Valley, Salta, Argentina: The northern province of Salta boasts some of the world’s highest vineyards. The grapes for this lovely Torrontés were sourced from vineyards at a dizzying altitude of 1750 meters — the CN Tower, in comparison, peaks at 553 meters! Floral but not over-the-top: beautifully balanced with some citric notes. Torrontes is the new Viognier, so give it a whirl. … Elegant and pretty: perfect as an aperitif or with many dishes that I’ve included in my Drinks Matcher. 128645 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009 Best Value White Wine.
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Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Canada: Big ole bounteous Chardonnay with lovely notes of butter, peaches and pears. Like your most comfortable pair of jeans. 268342 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Coopers Creek Vineyard Chardonnay Viognier 2007, Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand: Zesty, refreshing with lovely aromatics of field flowers and green apples. Nicely balanced with not too muck oak, just some tasty butter undertones. 127480 13.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Seifried Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Seifried Estates is the winery that initially brought the Nelson region to the attention of the wine world. Grassy goodness: exuberant; trumpeting aromas of lime, grapefruit and white peach. Mouth-watering/gushing acidity make sit a wonderful food companion but a little strong on its own as an aperitif. 957670 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Muralhas De Monção Adega Cooperative Regional De Monção Vinho Verde 2008, Sub-Região de Monção, Portugal: Refreshing white wine with distinct white grapefruit and white pepper notes. No oak. 80374 12% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 85/100. August 29, 2009
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Blackstone Winery Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma County, United States: Such a beautiful Chardonnay: this is what I love in Californian Chardonnay when I find it. Buttery with ripe peaches and pears yet balanced with great length. This is a blend of grapes from Carneros, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast. 128926 14.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009 Favorite White.
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Ironstone Vineyards Chardonnay 2007, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This Chardonnay is a great value from a progressive producer. It’s crafted in a crisp style with plenty of juicy, tropical fruit and ripe apple flavors balanced by medium acidity and just a hint of oak. Enjoy tonight with linguine and shrimp in a creamy pesto sauce. My note: A creamy Chardonnay that’s not too heavy with lovely notes of ripe pears and peaches and a buttery-vanilla overlay. 355776 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Pasión 4 R.J. Viñedos/Joffré Hijas Merlot 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This Merlot is made from hand-harvested grapes sourced from the lofty heights of the Uco Valley, where the vineyards are planted at over 1000 meters above sea level. Ripe and round, this medium full-bodied wine shows attractive cassis, chocolate and smoky oak aromas and flavors. Serve with pasta in a spicy beef and tomato sauce, or alongside some grilled lamb chops. My note: The wine cheapskate in me is very happy with this wine. Dark berries, oak and robust texture. 59287 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009 Best Value Red Wine.
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Ballast Stone Merlot 2006, Currency Creek, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Ballast Stone is not a name chosen lightly. In the 1800s, ships used ballast stones to keep them seaworthy. When they arrived in Australia, the stones were off-loaded to make room for goods such as grain and wool. The Ballast Stone winery buildings were constructed with the stones left behind. Filled with plum, blueberry and cherry aromas, this dry, flavorful, full-bodied and ripe wine is an excellent choice for your cottage barbecue. My note: Jumps out with rich ripe fleshy blackberries and black cherries. The it keeps going in a river of flavor across the palate to a lovely mocha-infused finish. Perfect for long evenings and quiet conversations. 127555 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Branson Coach House Greenrock Block Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Over-the-top blockbuster with black cherry liqueur. For those who like a full-blown palate whacker. Smooth and rich with tasty berry-jam aromas. 127563 16% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Quails' Gate Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Canada: Gorgeously ripe with tart cherries playing in the background to create a mouth-watering sensation. Silky layers of polished tannins in this medium-bodied red. Not oaky or smoky, just pure berry essence and finesse. Perfect for a romantic dinner. 560052 13.70% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009
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Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: According to winemaker Shiraz Mottiar: “Chardonnay takes the most effort. Pinot Noir takes the most thought.” This is an extremely thoughtful Pinot Noir, with rich layers of satin texture and aromas of bright, tart cherries. Medium-bodied and fleeting in a haunting way. 996777 12.50% XD 750 mL $32.00 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva, Apalta Vineyard Selection, Estate Btld. Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine earned Gold Medals this year at both the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Monde Selection International Wine Contest. Made with Carmenère and a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, this expressive wine features lovely aromas and flavors of cherry, blackberry, mint and cigar tobacco. Dry, rich and ripe, this wine is an exceptional value and an excellent partner for grilled rare leg of lamb. My note: Incredible minty-blackberry infusion with voluptuous layers of flavor. Full-bodied: fall into it! Incredible price. 129973 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Santa Alicia Gran Reserva De Los Andes Merlot 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Santa Alicia was named Chilean Winery of the Year at the 2007 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. My note: Dark plums, spices and mocha. Supple, rich and full-bodied. Terrific price for the quality. 663088 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Casa Silva Reserva Merlot 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Terrific value and taste for the money! Lush aromas of ripe cherries and black strawberries with some spice and licorice on the finish. Refreshing and vibrant. 718650 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes-Hermitage Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Rhône, France: Tempestuous black fruit and a kick-*ss finish. Full-bodied and deep. Violets and smoke; love and revenge. 127712 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Ogier Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes du Rhône Villages, France: Lovely balance: a Class A top-me-up-again wine. Full-bodied but velvet smooth with aromas of seductive dark cherries and raspberries. A pleasant peppery finish. 127738 750 mL $19.95. August 29, 2009
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Domaine Saint-Pierre Earl Fauque Syrah Blend 2005, A.C., VACQUEYRAS, Rhône, France: Terrifically rich and full-bodied with black cherry liqueur intensity and flavor. Concentrated, inky notes of black fruit with some tobacco smoke. Perfect to celebrate you early purchase of Google stock. 130013 13.80% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 94/100. August 29, 2009 Favorite Red Wine.
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Domaine Paul Henry Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., CÔTES DU RHÔNE, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Silver Medal at the 2008 Concours des Vins Orange in Rhône, France. It was also ‘Star’ reviewed in the 2009 Le Guide Hachette des Vins. This lovely Grenache-based wine features plum, strawberry, black fruit and a hint of kirsch eau-de-vie. Dry, soft, fruit-forward and pretty, it’s very approachable. In the final days of summer, or the early days of fall, this wine will show beautifully with grilled whole chicken; or hold it until Thanksgiving and match it with turkey dinner. My note: Warm and rustic and satisfying. Full-bodied notes of black raspberries and cedar. Perfect for a potluck gathering. 130021 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Domaine Montmartel Visan Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes du Rhône Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The village of Visan is prime Côtes du Rhône real estate. Domaine Montmartel has crafted a creamy, medium-weight beauty with dark notions on the nose: blackcurrant, black plum, black olive, and black pepper are interwoven with kirsch, smoked meat and oak spice. Soft on the palate, with tantalizing fruit and spice characteristics, this would be a perfect match for a spicy stew – and a viewing of your favorite film noir. My note: Love it! Fresh cherry-cedar notes give a savory, mouth-watering taste followed by more ripe dark berries and forest-at-dawn freshness. Full-bodied but smooth. So satisfying. 130062 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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Château Mourgues Du Grès Les Galets Rouges, François Collard Syrah Grenache Mourvèdre Carignan 2007, A.C., Costières de Nîmes, France: This wines is a blend of 78% Syrah with the balance being Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. This wine is warm on the palate and finish from the alcohol level but it’s rich and comforting too. Gobs of flavor and hedonistic happiness. 132548 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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Château L'archange Merlot Cabernet Blend 2005, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Supple and subtle with a lovely interplay of dark berry fruit, dried herbs and cigar box on the palate. Make you tongue happy tonight—or in 10 years! 501213 14.50% XD 750 mL $62.00 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009
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Château La Gravière Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Blend 2005, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Supple, luscious and inviting. Fall into the layers of flavor of espresso, blackberry, dark plum and smoke. Full-bodied. 501742 13% XD 750 mL $54.00 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Domaine De Cristia Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Rhône, France: Savory bacon fat and black cherry liqueur aromas. Rich, full-bodied and voluptuously textured. Perfect for hearty meals and barbecues. Some smoky notes play in the background. 67678 15% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Delas Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU PAPE, Rhône, France: Dark, brooding and seductive; just like Heathcliffe. This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Displays ravishing notes of black cherries, dried herbs, violets and saddle sweat. (Kidding about the saddle sweat.) Enjoy it on the moor with your favorite Victorian hero or in the backyard with a barbecue. Drink: 2010-2018. 74195 15% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009
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Le Gravillas Sablet Cave De Vignerons À Sablet Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes du Rhône Villages, France: Pretty ripe cherries and raspberries in a summer field of sun. Full-bodied but very supple and smooth. Terrific mouth-watering acidity, balance and finish. 78790 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Château St. Georges Merlot Cabernet Blend 2005, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château St. Georges sits in the Libournais satellite of St-Georges-St-Émilion. The château itself was built in 1774 on the former site of a feudal castle, and its vineyards are some of the oldest in France. Known for its consistent high quality, this cuvée combines glorious fruit aromas such as cherry and plum with fine tannins and precise acid crispness. This beautifully balanced wine is a fine candidate for cellaring 2 to 5 years, or enjoy it tonight with roast beef and root vegetables. My note: A lovely weave of dark fruit and smoke: balanced, elegant and long. A profusion of dark berries on the nose and the mid-palate is rich and satisfying. Yum! 960310 13.50% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Christian Moueix Merlot Cabernet Blend 2005, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: A balanced wine with dark plums, berries, vanilla-spice and smoke. Good dinner party wine that will appeal to many palates. Decant for 1-2 hours or age for 5 years. Drink: 2010-2016. 979955 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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Golan Heights Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Galilee, Israel: Vintages Wine Panel: With its hot days balanced by cool nights, Galilee is considered by many to be Israel’s finest wine- growing region. This wine from the Golan Heights Winery shows why. Match it to lamb kebabs. This wine is kosher. My note: A lovely wine with a supple, full-bodied textured and generous layers of dark raspberries and black plums. A superb effort from this producer. 611152 13.90% XD 750 mL $18.00 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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Sartori Superiore Ripasso Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Black cherry liqueur depth and concentration: full-bodied and smooth. Big palate-whacker. Violets and vanilla with bacon fat notes. 117234 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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Tommasi Le Prunée Merlot 2007, I.G.T., delle Venezie, Italy -- Veneto: Vintages Wine Panel: Any dinner parties on the horizon? With its deep ruby-red hue and its lovely chocolate, berry and cappuccino notes, this single-vineyard Merlot is sure to wow dinner guests. This easy-drinking, food-friendly red makes a natural partner with pastas. My note: Dependable and straight-forward with tasty notes of black cherries and dried herbs. Full-bodied and smooth. 24505 12.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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Babich Pinot Noir 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vibrant with black cherries and some dark spices, smoke and cloves. Lovely satin texture. 216 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Quinta Das Amoras Colheita Seleccionada, Casa Santos Lima Castelão Periquita Camarate Tinta Miúda Touriga Nacional 2006, Vinho Regional Estremadura, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This multi-award winning red wine is a blend of Castelão (Periquita), Camarate, Tinta Miúda and Touriga Nacional. The wine features concentrated aromas of blackcurrants, mixed berry fruits and oak spice. Dry and fruity with pleasant balancing acidity and soft tannins. Bring on the grilled meats! My note: An phenomenal value/taste for the money. Incredible. Buy a case, or two. Full-bodied and smooth with tasty notes of dark berries. Not too heavy on the oak. This is a party pleaser. 131862 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Touriga Franca Tinta Roriz Touriga Nacional 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: The vineyards for this wine, Quinta de Ervamoira and Quinta dos Bon Ares, are located in the heart of Douro’s Port-producing area. Ramos Pinto uses the traditional Port grapes Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional in this dry red wine. It has an intense nose of blackberries with a wisp of vanilla, and a long, silky finish. Try it with meat dishes with lots of garlic. My note: Savory and rich with full-bodied goodness and warmth. Redolent of aromas of blackberries and black plums and a whiff of smoke through it. 359893 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Kleine Draken Zandwijk Wines Pinotage 2007, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Zandwijk Wines produce kosher wines under the guidance of Rabbi Maizels of the Cape Beth Din. The estate is noted for its success with the challenging process of making mevushal wines. Their Kleine Draken Pinotage is a particularly successful example, featuring aromas of black- berry, sour cherry and leather, and a palate full of bright fruit nicely supported by silky tannins. Enjoy it with grilled steaks. My note: A pleasant wine with dark red fruit, some leather and oak. Straight-forward and satisfying. 613208 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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Fairview Shiraz 2007, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Smoky with dark berries and a lovely mouth-watering texture. Violets and dried herbs greet anyone who wants to think about the wine a little more than knocking it back which it is imminently suited to. Luscious and good-natured, like the goats that roam the estate. Closed with a screwcap. 626358 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Jj Hand Made Wines Stellenrust Merlot 2006, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2008 Veritas Awards, one of South Africa’s most important and respected wine competitions. This Merlot earns its ‘hand-made’ moniker through the low-tech, gentle winemaking techniques used to make it. No machinery is used in the process. Aged for 18 months in oak, and bottled unfiltered, this charismatic wine features plum, black cherry and blue-berry fruit flavors with notes of spice and cedar. It’s dry, round, medium bodied and ready to serve alongside roast pork or smoked cheddar. My note: A balanced and full-bodied red with rustic red fruit aromas and oak. Satisfying. Great for casual gatherings. 96586 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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Ètim Selección Falset-Marca Garnacha Carignan Syrah 2006, D.O., Monsant, Spain: A pleasant, full-bodied red with notes of blackberries and blackcurrant. Not a wimpy wine, this will please those like a good bang for their buck. This wine is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Carinena, [Carignan] and 10% Syrah and was matured for 6 months in French and American oak. 681346 14% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Lan Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2001, D.O.C.a, Rioja, Spain: Gorgeous depth of taste and savory notes of blackberries, espresso, anise and mocha. Full-bodied with a long, long finish. 928622 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: An unbeatable value from Napa, this intensely fruity Zinfandel is sourced mainly from the warmer sub-appellations of Calistoga, St. Helena and Pope Valley within the Napa Valley. Tank fermented and aged in a mixture of French & American oak, it shows ripe mixed-berry fruit, plum, spice and smoky notes supported by supple tannins. The finish is long and plush. This full-throttle Zin is a natural match with hickory-smoked barbecued pork. My note: Big, purple, black and brooding: this is a wine looking to pick a fight it’s so feisty. Full-bodied with blackberry jam. Pow! 126607 15% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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Candor Lot 1 Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: Dark chocolate and sweet purple plums on the nose with a liqueur-like texture and jammy figs on the palate and a warm finish. The grapes come from the Lodi, Sonoma County, and Paso Robles regions of California. 133389 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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Clos Du Bois Zinfandel 2006, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos du Bois adds 3% each of Petite Sirah and Carignan to this Zin; they then age the wine in new oak barrels, thereby introducing accents of coconut and mocha. These combined measures add layers of complexity to this robust, blackberry- and raspberry-scented wine. It’s a delicious partner for barbecued back ribs My note: Extremely pleasant Zinfandel with lovely rich berry aromas, not too much, not too little. Full-bodied with a nice finish. 38000 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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Howling Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Lodi, United States: A wonderfully balanced Zin with rich aromas of brambleberry, blueberry and blackberry. Nice spicy finish and full-bodied supple texture. 57356 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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Folie À Deux Red Zinfandel Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Ménage à Trois is aptly named, as it is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Very fruit-driven, featuring pretty aromas of plum, blackberries and blueberries with hints of spice box and oak. Soft and textured, this is a great wine for barbecued back ribs with your most impressive sauce. My Notes of chocolate and dark plums and blueberry jam. Rich and decadent. Knock it back! 665158 13.50% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Grgich Hills is a leader in eco-progressive viticulture, recognized as the largest biodynamic grape grower in the United States. Nearly all the winery’s power comes from solar energy, and their wines are made entirely from biodynamically grown fruit. Blended with 5% Petite Sirah, this formidable Zin abounds with sweet cherry, boysenberry and tilled earth as well as notes of black licorice, dried herbs and allspice. It’s dry and medium-bodied, with impressive structure and vivacious acidity. A natural to savor with grilled meats, or pastas with tomato sauce. My note: Incredibly dense and concentrated with blackberries and plums. Great finesse and structure. It’s pricey but intriguing. 903237 14.90% D 750 mL $48.95 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2007, Sonoma County, United States: Pure blackberry liqueur: incredible depth, richness and flavor. Some wild herbs and pepper on the finish. Oh so satisfying! 942151 15.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Cuvée Tableau Les Vignerons De Tavel Syrah Rosé 2008, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Tavel rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre plus the white grapes Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul. Electric pink color. Attractive aromas of strawberry/rhubarb, orange peel, citrus, mineral, and pear drops. Dry and juicy-fruity, with good crisp acids bringing it into balance. Enjoy this fine Tavel with pan-fried freshwater fish. My note: I’m a huge fan of Tavel for rose. I know it’s going to be great if it comes from this region in the Rhone Valley. Full-bodied with miraculously ripe notes of strawberries and raspberries. Fresh and lively like the first day of spring. 117309 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009 Favorite Rosé.
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La Cadierenne Cuvée Grande Tradition Bandol Rosé 2008, A.C., Provence, France: Gorgeous notes of ripe fleshy strawberries and raspberries but bone-dry and refreshing. A blend of mourvèdre, grenache and cinsault. Perfect for marriage proposal picnics. 119453 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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Mille X Les Vignerons De Jacqueras Saint Vincent Syrah Rosé 2008, A.C., Costières de Nîmes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This winery offers proof that the Romans made their mark in the Rhône millennia ago. The vineyards for the production of this vibrant rosé are situated 10 Roman miles (hence, ‘Mille X’ – a Roman mile is equivalent to 1000 paces) away from the city of Nîmes. In fact, a milestone marker, as depicted on the label, was erected by the Romans and still stands amongst the vines. The wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsaut, crafted using the saignée method. Enjoy this flavorful, citrus- and cranberry-infused rosé with grilled prawns and summer salads. My note: Lovely basket of strawberries and rose petals. Increase your happiness. Medium-bodied and supple. Bone-dry. 119552 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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Tommasi Corvina Rondinella Dindarella Chiaretto 2008, D.O.C., Bardolino, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Chiaretto, an Italian term for rosé, literally means ‘neither red nor white’. Made with the local Corvina, Rondinella and Dindarella grapes, this Chiaretto gets its pleasant pink color from the few hours that the wines spend on their skins. Serve this light and fruity wine with cold appetizers, cold cuts, or pan-fried freshwater fish. My note: Light and delicious with notes of fresh field strawberries. No oak and no heavy alcohol; just pure sunlight and flavor. 685057 12% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009 Best Value Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Poema Brut Cava, DO Penedès, Traditional Method, Spain, Spain: Toasty, zesty goodness with bubbles galore! Aromas of green apples, lemon-buttered bread, and limes. 121152 11.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Château De Malle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2005, A.C., Sauternes, Bordeaux, France: Rich elixir of honeyed goodness: apricot, marmalade, and peach preserves. Wonderful dessert wine. 500058 14% S 375 mL $38.00 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009 Favorite Dessert Wine.
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