Vintages Wine Picks October 1, 2011

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Cicchitti Torrontés 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a fine example of Argentina’s signature white grape, Torrontés. Wonderfully aromatic, it offers ripe peach, pear, mineral and lime with a soft nutty note. Off-dry, medium bodied and with a good texture and flavours of orange, peach, lime and mineral. It is also an excellent match for salads featuring sliced apples and oranges. My note: A basket of sun-dappled daisies and crisp white linen dress. Light and lovely… run your bare-feet senses through it. Drink: 2011-2014. 243204 13% MD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Yalumba Fdw[7C] Chardonnay 2008, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Superb! Hazelnut richness hemmed in by green apple aromas and some butter and smoke. Terrific concentration and full-bodied weight. Wow. FDW means Fine Dry Wine and 7c refers to a special batch of Chardonnay. Drink: 2011-2016. 244384 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Coyote's Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Gris 2009, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Ontario, Canada: Love it! Complex and exotic with intriguing aromas of white melon, lemongrass and chives. I find many pinot gris absolutely boring, but this one restores my faith in the grape. Drink: 2011-2014. 116582 12.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Another winner from Le Clos Jordanne's Talon Ridge Vineyard. This Chardonnay features aromas of pear, nectarine, coconut, mineral, gentle woodsmoke and a touch of butterscotch. Dry, fairly robust with a blast of freshness followed immediately by an elegant, round fruitiness. The oak is very well handled, giving dimension to the wine. Medium-full bodied with a lingering finish. Enjoy it tonight. It should also age gracefully over the next 5+ years. My note: I can’t help but close my eyes every time after I taste this wine, and often there’s also a purr… which is hard to translate into a tasting note, but soldier on, I must. Buttery, toast almond with white pear and pear. Endless layers and finish. Are you sure we’re not in Meursault, Toto? Drink: 2011-2017. 143974 13% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 95/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Angels Gate Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Classic youthful Riesling aromas of peach, pear, lime, chalk and grapefruit rind. Off-dry at first, then immediately a fresh and racy acidity brings on a welcome wave of dryness. Bright, charming, flavourful wine that will reward 3-5+ years in a cellar. My note: Staggeringly great for the price! How did they do it? Floral with lovely ripe white pear and Asian pear notes. Mouth-watering and divine. Drink: 2011-2015. 160523 11.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Vineland Estates Winery St. Urban Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Intense nose featuring pronounced minerality, lime, apricot and pear. Off-dry with a lively acid freshness bringing the wine into balance. Low alcohol (8.4% alc./vol.) is a nice asset. Juicy and tasty with good mineral tones coming to the fore. Medium bodied with a medium, aromatic finish. It will also reward 5+ years in a cellar. My note: Truly one of Niagara’s riesling masters. This incredible white is packed with flavour: bursting at the seams! Yet it’s also incredibly refined and ephemeral. Angel juice Drink: 2011-2015. 38117 8.40% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2011
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Valdivieso Reserva Chardonnay 2010, Leyda Valley, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This Chardonnay is packed full of layered aromas and flavours with juicy pear, nectarine, banana and peach in particular showing through on both the nose and the palate. Vibrant and well-balanced, this will offer you an interesting and delicious counterpoint to chicken in cream-based sauces. My note: Nice balance with good mix of pear, green, butter and oak. Full-bodied but not heavy. Great price. Drink: 2011-2014. 981621 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Henri Bourgeois Porte De Caillou Sancerre Blanc 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Cedar forest with wild black cherry notes. Full-bodied, rustic and tasty. Drink: 2011-2015. 244806 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011
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Kuentz-Bas Tradition Riesling 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Austere and bone-dry with mouth-watering notes of white grapefruit and peach. Clean, crisp and refreshing. Drink: 2011-2016. 910984 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011
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Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Spätlese 2002, Prädikatswein, Erbacher Schlossberg, Rheingau, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: A spectacular, maturing (but far from fully mature) 2002 Riesling. Filled with aromas of pear compote, candied orange rind, spun sugar, lime cordial and spring flowers. Medium in sweetness, but still wonderfully fresh from a lively seam of acidity. Juicy, layered and complex. Enjoy over the next 4+ years. My note: Terrific balanced between fruit sweetness and vibrant mouth-watering acidity. Complex with lots of tree fruit. Drink: 2011-2017. 129858 8.50% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 1, 2011
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Dr. Hermann Kabinett Riesling 2008, Q.M.P., Erdener Treppchen, Mosel, Germany: Wonderfully mineral and complex with concentrated ripe fleshy peach and pear notes. The calibrated sweetness makes this incredibly versatile. Drink: 2011-2014. 189647 7.50% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2011
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Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: Good value with mouth-watering refreshment with lime and lemon and chives. Drink: 2011-2013. 247221 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011
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Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Gris 2008, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Light, clean, crisp and refreshing with white melon and grapefruit. Wonderful! Drink: 2011-2013. 727255 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011
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Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Superb! Lovely lime lift right through the center: herbal but not grassy, more citrus. Medium-bodied and ultra-mouth-watering. Drink: 2011-2014. 9142 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2011
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Elk Cove Pinot Gris 2009, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Superb! Perfect for those who love a crisp and refreshing white with no heavy oak and butter flavours. White melon and grapefruit: glacially pure. Drink: 2011-2014. 955906 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Treana Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County Marsanne Viognier 2008, Paso Robles, California, USA: This glass of floral loveliness comes from a blend of 55% Marsanne and 45% Viognier grapes, the tradition Rhone Valley whites of France. Marsanne provides the backbone while Viognier contributes those gorgeous aromatics of dried apricot and honeysuckle. Drink: 2011-2017. 11247 14.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2011
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Zolo Classic Fincas Patagónicas Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Delicious Malbec. Look for aromas and flavours of mixed berries, plum, coffee bean and woodsmoke. Dry and quite tasty. Intriguing layers of complexity lead to a ripe, fruity finish. My note: Top me up! You can’t argue with a wine this delicious at this price point … and if you do, you haven’t had enough of it. Rich, full-bodied with luscious blackberry and plum aromas. Yum. Drink: 2011-2015. 183905 13.80% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Lamadrid Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Let’s scan what’s new on Netflix or Apple TV and crack this bottle open. It’s so versatile that it can pair well with both action thrillers and chick flicks. Dark, full-bodied, smooth with black fruit. Incredible price. A near-perfect partner for grilled gourmet burgers or sausages. Drink: 2011-2015. 234518 13.70% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Very powerful, full-palate whack. Black fruit with juiciness. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Enjoy it with back ribs. Drink: 2011-2016. 640938 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2011
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Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2008, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich and balanced with an attractive blackberry-cedar aroma. Full-bodied and smooth, terrific for gourmet pizza night. Drink: 2011-2015. 74922 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Hickinbotham Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Clarendon, South Australia, Australia: Deep and rich with purple plums and some mint. Classic juiciness with full-bodied richness. Ultra-smooth texture. Fantastico on the price! Drink: 2011-2016. 159632 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Mollydooker The Maitre D' Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, South Australia, Australia: A whip of black licorice and anise with black plums and blackcurrants. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2011-2016. 246629 15% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Beckett's Flat Margaret River Shiraz 2005, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: With six years under its belt, this wine is drinking beautifully. Opaque ruby, just starting to tend towards garnet in the glass. Deep, rich, spicy nose of raspberry, blackberry, licorice, mocha, black cherry, cola, and white pepper. Full bodied, mouth-filling, and still quite fruity and vibrant with plenty of spice on the finish. This will be a joy to savour over the next 5 years. My note: Savoury, lip-smacking delicious with mouth-watering aromas and flavours of wild blackberries, cedar and a touch of dark spice on the finish. Drink: 2011-2016. 585869 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2009, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Opaque ruby with a purple rim. Big, bombastic aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, milk chocolate, black pepper and tar. Full bodied, concentrated and flavour-packed, with velvety texture and ripe tannins. Spicy dark fruit mid-palate leads to a layered, long finish. Cellar 1-3 years or enjoy tonight. My note: Blackberry seduction with a hint of mint. Full-bodied, beautifully layered. Love the savoury finish. Drink: 2011-2016. 595306 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2011
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Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Seductively rich, black cherry liqueur runs through the heart of this brooding wine. Full-bodied, velvet-smooth and hedonistically pleasurable. Perfect for proposals and apologies. Drink: 2011-2016. 596031 14.50% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 93/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Superbly made with rich lines of blackberry and blackcurrant and smoky-sigh finish. Nice balance and mouth-watering juiciness. Great price-quality ratio. Drink: 2011-2016. 606939 14.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 2007, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Pow, right out of the glass! Classic Aussie blockbuster shiraz aromas: slight mint/herbal, fleshy, juicy black plums and blackberries squeezed in your palm with the juice running down your forearm. Oh my. Drink: 2011-2017. 716142 14.50% XD 750 mL $93.95 Score: 95/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: As durable as a Mac truck and just as weighty. Big black fruit aromas with a healthy bring-it-on dose of oak aging. Perfect for Steven Segal movies. Drink: 2011-2016. 971705 14.50% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Estate Series Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of black cherry, pine needles, spice box. In fact, it smells like Christmas. Dry, very flavourful with good intensity. This very elegant wine is given excellent structure by the moderate tannins and just-right acidity. Medium bodied with a long fruit/tannin finish. Give it 1-3 years in a cellar and then enjoy it for 5+ years. It may be enjoyed tonight. My note: A sweet cherry-cranberry liqueur nose with good mouth-watering acidity. Silky smooth and mouth-filling red berry flavours. Drink: 2011-2015. 129056 12.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011
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Pérez Cruz Limited Edition Syrah 2009, Maipo Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile: Fresh-turned earth and ground coffee aromas in this fantastic, full-bodied wonder. Smooth and slippery, just what you want. Drink: 2011-2015. 589812 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2011
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Domaine Les Yeuses Les Épices Syrah 2008, Vins De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: Big, black bruiser with blackberry liqueur and a pleasant almost tarry note. Deep and rich and ultimately satisfying, especially at this price point. Full whack to the palate. Drink: 2011-2015. 177584 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011
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Cave Des Vignerons De Bel Air 2009, Beaujolais-Villages, France: Tart and zippy with pleasantly acidic cherry notes. Perfect served slightly chilled and knocked back without care. Medium-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2013. 208058 12.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. October 1, 2011
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Domaine Gille Les Brulées Nuits St. Georges 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine Gille sources its grapes from properties planted primarily with old vines, some as old as 100 years. The 2008 Les Brûlées Nuits-Saint-Georges possesses a lovely ripe cherry/berry fruit nose. The palate is well structured, medium-full bodied and extremely tasty, and delivers a very pleasing medium-long finish. In every way this exceptionally well-priced wine is a delight to drink. My note: Vibrant and alive with dancing , happy cherries across your mouth. Mouth-watering juiciness with liquid layers of satin. Oh yes! Drink: 2011-2019. 240408 13% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 92/100. October 1, 2011
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Château De Pierreux Mommessin 2009, A.C., Brouilly, Beaujolais, France: Light, delicate and floral with rose petal and violets and an underlay of fleshy ripe cherries. Good acidity, medium body and satin smooth. Lovely, especially for the price. Drink: 2011-2015. 5496 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2011
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Domaine De Bonserine La Sarrasine 2008, A.C., Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, France: I love it! Cedar forest floor with luscious ripe and wild cherries. Succulent, mouth-watering, juicy and rich with smooth, full-bodied weight. This is why I drink so much the Rhone syrah! Drink: 2011-2019. 606442 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. October 1, 2011
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Domaine La Millière Vieilles Vignes Michel Arnaud, Prop-Récolt. 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Black cherry liqueur concentration yet incredibly refined. The unbearable lightness of Châteauneuf. Full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for anniversary dinners and celebrations (when you don’t have to drive afterwards). Drink: 2012-2022. 63396 14% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 96/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby coloured (mostly) Syrah with aromas of blackberry, white pepper, hickory smoke, dried black olive, tobacco and game. Dry with very good aroma replays on the palate. Moderate tannins and fresh acidity give it terrific balance. It is very tasty now, or cellar for 5+ years. My note: Peppery, mouth-watering juiciness with black cherry and black raspberry aromas. Gorgeous! Full-bodied and smooth. Happiness in a bottle. Drink: 2011-2019. 704908 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2011
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Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Du Château 1Er Cru 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Terrific! Gorgeous notes of cranberry and beetroot with tart cherry, earth and violets. Complex and silky with a medium body. Living luxe. Drink: 2011-2019. 901199 13% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2011
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Marchesi di Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Blackberry liqueur with a savoury, almost sour note that remains attractive. Full-bodied, mouth-filling and somewhat juicy. Drink: 2012-2017. 168179 14% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Baracchi Smeriglio Syrah 2008, D.O.C., Cortona, Tuscany, Italy: Dark, rustic and cedary with dark field berries. Full-bodied with a good grip and lots of depth. Drink: 2011-2016. 242073 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Masi Toar 2007, I.G.T., Veronese, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Toar was the first product to feature the ancient grape Oseleta, a variety saved from extinction by Masi. For this wine, Masi blends it with the classic Valpolicella grapes Corvina and Rondinella to create this wine. The wines mature for 12 months in new oak barrels. After blending, the wine is given a further 6 to 12 months in bottle before release. Cellar it 3-4 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: A pleasant medium- to full-bodied sipper that’s satin smooth with attractive notes of cassis and blackberry. Drink: 2011-2015. 342444 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011
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Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Subtle with a gorgeous spreading across your mouth like a Tuscan sunset. It fills every crevice with pleasure. Stay with me. Exotic aromas of leather, violets and dried cherry. Mouth-watering yet ultra-elegant. Love it. My birthday is coming up. Drink: 2011-2017. 579094 13.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 94/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Ornellaia 2008, D.O.C., Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2008 has not yet been reviewed, however, expect excellence. Impactful, elegant Bordeaux-blend wine with aromas of Ribena juice, cedar, chocolate, Christmas cake, plum and creamy vanilla. Dry, extracted with a blast of fruit followed immediately by firm, age-worthy tannins. Medium-full bodied with a long fruit/cedar/tannin finish. This wine will be even better in 5+ years, and will last 15 or more beyond that. My note: Ka-pow! Jumps out of the glass and pulls you back in head first. This wine floods the senses with black fruit, tar, dark spices and smoke. Can you see yourself negotiating in a smoky room with someone who wants a much higher rate of interest than you expected. Have another sip. Drink: 2013-2022. 707547 15% XD 1500 mL $438.95 Score: 96/100. October 1, 2011
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Ornellaia Tenuta Dell'ornellaia 2008, D.O.C., Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2008 has not yet been reviewed, however, expect excellence. Impactful, elegant Bordeaux-blend wine with aromas of Ribena juice, cedar, chocolate, Christmas cake, plum and creamy vanilla. Dry, extracted with a blast of fruit followed immediately by firm, age-worthy tannins. Medium-full bodied with a long fruit/cedar/tannin finish. This wine will be even better in 5+ years, and will last 15 or more beyond that. My note: Ka-pow! Jumps out of the glass and pulls you back in head first. This wine floods the senses with black fruit, tar, dark spices and smoke. Can you see yourself negotiating in a smoky room with someone who wants a much higher rate of interest than you expected. Have another sip. Drink: 2013-2022. 722470 15% XD 750 mL $184.95 Score: 96/100. October 1, 2011
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Remo Farina Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Ripasso (or “re-passing”) involves fermenting the Vapol wine a second time on dried Amarone grapes. This process deepens the wine’s colour, body, aroma, taste and ageability. Farina’s Ripasso features aromas of pepper spice, licorice, cherries, and ginger, all contributing to a medium-bodied, long-finishing wine. My note: Peppered black cherry liqueur with a nice bite that makes me want to bite back. Full-bodied, mouth-watering and a surprisingly rich, long finish. Drink: 2011-2016. 999946 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2011
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Goats do Roam The Goatfather 2010, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s an offer you can’t refuse. Cheeky Charles Back of Fairview Wines and his ubiquitous goats are at it again with this special family blend featuring the Italian varieties Sangiovese and Barbera, as well as international superstar Cabernet Sauvignon. You won’t fuhgeddaboudit. My note: Terrific vibrant peppery red and black berries. Alive and looking for a friendly fight. Full-bodied and smooth. You can’t beat the price. Love the sense of humour. Drink: 2011-2014. 11072 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Stags' Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, U.S.A.: Redolent with fleshy blackberries and cassis: This gorgeous Cabernet draws you head-first into the glass. Smooth texture, full-bodied weight, maximum pleasure. Make any night a celebration with this wine. Available in Vintages Oct 1, 2011. Drink: 2011-2019. 996405 14.20% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. October 1, 2011
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Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir 2008, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Fine, warm-climate Pinot with aromas of black cherry, sandalwood, blueberry, smoke and stewed beetroot. Dry, fruity, flavourful with a very good texture. Ripe centre and fruit-driven finish round out the package. Cellar for 1-2 years, or enjoy tonight. My note: Very pleasant sipper with medium-bodied weight and such a smooth texture. Ripe cherries dance across your mouth then slip down like an ocean sunset. Drink: 2011-2015. 161273 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2011
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Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Lovely pinot, just the way I love them! Not overly cherry-berry, just some fleeting, morning dew-ladened field berries as the fog clears and the sun breaks through. Silky smooth and medium-bodied. Delightful. Drink: 2011-2015. 234484 13.50% XD 375 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Lovely pinot, just the way I love them! Not overly cherry-berry, just some fleeting, morning dew-ladened field berries as the fog clears and the sun breaks through. Silky smooth and medium-bodied. Delightful. Drink: 2011-2015. 234534 13.50% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir 2008, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Drop-to-your-knees fleshy cherries, beg for mercy satin texture and lusciousness. This is a gorgeous pinot with medium- to full-bodied weight. Perfect for dinner parties featuring salmon or pork. Drink: 2011-2019. 438697 15.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Domaine De Nizas Rosé 2010, A.C., Coteaux Du Languedoc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Dry, fresh and fruit-filled blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre with cranberry and ripe strawberry notes prominent. Good structure and a lovely, long and fruity finish. A fine sipper that will also pair well with the cranberry sauce for your Thanksgiving dinner, and offer a tangy contrast to the more savoury elements of the meal. My note: terrific! Dry and robust with rose petal and raspberries and dried herbs. Fantastic refreshment served chilled. Drink: 2011-2013. 654988 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Rosé Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Megalomaniac Coldhearted John Howard Cellars Of Distinction Riesling Icewine 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at Intervin 2009. Pear, honey, spice and sweet citrus aromas and flavours, complemented by a bright, balancing acidity. So delicious that it would be truly coldhearted not to share. This is a perfect evening sipper, or adds a delectable touch to the finale of a meal. My note: Honey drizzled pear and peach with a sweet surrender on the finish. Drink: 2011-2017. 243519 8% S 200 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2011
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Château De Rayne-Vigneau 1Er Cru 2007, A.C., Sauternes, Bordeaux, France: Amazing! Gorgeous concentration of flavours with ripe fleshy apricot, peach preserves and marmalade. Yum! Drink: 2011-2020. 98236 13.50% S 375 mL $31.00 Score: 94/100. October 1, 2011
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Château Doisy-Védrines 2E Cru 2007, A.C., Sauternes, Bordeaux, France: Love it! Spread it on thick: apricot jam and peach preserves. Is there anything better in life than drinking the sweet side of the sun? Drink: 2011-2020. 98418 13% S 375 mL $29.00 Score: 94/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine.
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Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu 2006, Hungary: Ranked #28 on the 2010 Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Honeyed greatness with blinding fleshy sweet pure fruit essence. Apricot and peach jam. Drink: 2011-2020. 972836 10% S 250 mL $19.95 Score: 95/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine.
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Dow's Vintage Symington Family Estates Port 1997, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Benchmark vintage port: a river a blackberry liqueur and cassis preserves. Rich and superbly crafted. Drink: 2012-2024. 546788 20% S 750 mL $84.95 Score: 96/100. October 1, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine.
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Cálem Lbv Port 2004, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Blackberry jam and cassis preserves. All the pleasure of vintage but you don’t have to wait and it’s a third the price. Drink: 2011-2017. 912550 20% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2011
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Fleur Du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2008, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Double yum! Honeyed richness and apricot preserves. Incredibly depth and complexity. Note to self: buy more. Drink: 2011-2019. 173781 10% S 375 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. October 1, 2011 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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[ Compress ] Other Wines/Drinks

Maison Des Futailles Original Pomme De Glace Ice Cider, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pretty copper-orange colour. Lively aromas of apple-cinnamon, poached pear and peach, and a hint of yellow plum. Medium-sweet with very good fresh/racy centre bringing fine balance. Medium-full bodied with a long, luxurious finish. My note: Phenomenal: pure essence of apple goodness and warm kitchen memories. Nice acidity, what’s not to love here? Drink: 2011-2015. 259275 11% MS 375 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2011
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Vintages Wine Picks October 1, 2011

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