Values Wine Picks August 17, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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Note: I publish batches of reviews that I call Good Values Wine Picks. These are from the regular section of the liquor store rather than the Vintages section, and tend to be lower priced and the most widely available of all wines. The last four reviews I did were: March 7, January 4, December 16 and November 20.

[ Compress ] White Wine

Fuzion Torrontes Pinot Grigio 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Very floral with a dry lemon drop core. Aromatic and fascinating. 168419 13.50% $8.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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McWilliams McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Chardonnay 2008, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A good bite and mouth-watering green apple notes make this full-bodied Chardonnay a good companion for roast chicken and corn dishes. Drink: 2010-2012. 557934 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Rabl Bungt Reserve Gruner Veltliner 2008, Kamptal, Austria: A heavily oaked white that smells like New World Chardonnay. Some white grapefruit and white pepper notes add refreshment. Drink: 2010-2013. 000008 14% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 86/100. August 17, 2010
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Rabl Steinhaus Riesling 2009, Kamptal, Austria: Clean, crisp and refreshing with very subtle flavours. Good aperitif. Drink: 2010-2013. 000009 12.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 85/100. August 17, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Unoaked Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Pure green apple and melon freshness without a hint of wood: splinter-free wine! Tasty and refreshing as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2013. 066266 13% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Dry Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Love this style of wine! Mouth-watering white peach notes with an underlay of flinty minerality. It's packed with flavour yet not heavy. A wine that jumps out of the glass and pulls you in. Drink: 2010-2013. 083790 11.50% D 750 mL $12.45 Score: 88/100. August 17, 2010
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Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Auxerrois 2009, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Such a pretty wine! Highly aromatic with notes of white flowers, honeysuckle and dry apricot. Clean, crisp, dry and refreshing. A wonderful aperitif or companion to many dishes from seafoods to salads. Drink: 2010-2012. 096222 13.40% D 750 mL $16.99 Score: 89/100. August 17, 2010
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Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Vintner's Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Grassy goodness wrapped in citrus zest and refreshment! This is quintessentially Canadian Sauvignon Blanc, and a benchmark one at that. Lovely mouth-watering layers of flavour. Drink: 2010-2014. 09VPRSB 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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Norman Hardie Unfiltered Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., PEC, Ontario, Canada: Made from 100% bench fruit, this luxurious Chardonnay ripples with flavours of green apple, vanilla smoke and hazelnut. Robust and beautiful: love it! Drink: 2010-2014. 11.90% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 92/100. August 17, 2010
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Norman Hardie Cuvee L Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: When I received this sample for tasting, I opened it with sadness, secretly wanting to stash it away in my own cellar for 5 years. This spectacular wine is made by the Wine Genius of Prince Edward County, Norm Hardie. Why buy Meursault when you can get that elegance, finesse and gorgeous flavour for a fraction of the price. Yes, this is a bargain bottle at $49. This wine is made from 65% Niagara fruit and 35% Prince Edward County fruit. Drink: 2010-2014. 12% D 750 mL $49.00 Score: 95/100. August 17, 2010
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Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Classic Pinot Gris with dry, mouth-watering flavours of white peach and grapefruit. Clean and refreshing without any heavy oak or alcohol. Medium-bodied and wonderful for many dishes. Drink: 2010-2012. 118638 12.70% D 750 mL $16.99 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Mission Hill Family Estate Select Lot Collection Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007, Okanagan Valley, Canada: A smokey Sancerre nose with lemon zest brightness through its core. Superbly well-made and balanced. Ultra-refreshing. A Sauvignon Blanc with depth of character. Drink: 2010-2013. 144161 12.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Riesling Pinot Grigio 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: A juicy, mouth-watering wine with white melon and peach aromas. Light- to medium-bodied and refreshing. Drink: 2010-2011. 145458 11% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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FRESH Wines Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: Very pretty and aromatic with notes of lemon drops and apricots. Refreshing, crisp and clean. Great aperitif! Drink: 2010-2011. 192625 12% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. August 17, 2010
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Malivoire Wine Company Guilty Men White 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A lovely, vibrant blend of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Aromas of ripe peach, melon and a touch of pink grapefruit. Zippy and refreshing. Drink: 2010-2012. 192666 12.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Calamus Estate Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Clean and crisp with refreshing notes of white melon and white peach. A terrific aperitif with no heavy oak flavours or overly ripe fruit. Drink: 2010-2012. 210062 12.80% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Late Autumn Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Yes! Apricot and honeysuckle aromas waft from the glass in a lovely profusion for the senses. There's a touch of sweetness but not too much and it's in balance with the backbone of refreshing acidity, making it an ideal companion for many dishes. Drink: 2010-2013. 219543 11.50% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Oak Aged Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: A toasty, smoky Chardonnay with buttery goodness through its heart. Some green apple and pear notes with a vanilla spice finish. Full-bodied and rich. Drink: 2010-2013. 317768 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 17, 2010
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Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Blanc 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: A very subtle wine with delicate aromas of white melon. Not heavy or fruity. Clean and crisp. Nice aperitif. Drink: 2010-2011. 321612 13% D 750 mL $16.99 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Gray Monk Estate Winery Latitude 50 White 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Very satisfying and refreshing! Light lemon zest and melon notes. Clean and crisp and mouth-watering. Drink: 2010-2011. 321646 12.20% D 750 mL $13.99 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Niagara College Teaching Winery Select Vineyards Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: I'm floored by the quality of this wine for the price! Very pretty aromas of peach, flint and a deep vein of minerality. Lovely, long persistent flavour. A touch sweet but balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Superbly made. Drink: 2010-2020. 4273200005 11.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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Niagara College Teaching Winery Barrel Fermented, Donald Ziraldo Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Hazelnut gorgeousness on the nose drenches the senses followed by fleshy peaches and pears. Full-bodied, rich and luxurious with a toasty oak finish. Dive, what are you waiting for? Drink: 2010-2014. 4273200007 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 17, 2010
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FRESH Wines Gewurztraminer Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: Lovely sweet peach and field daisy aromas. Straight-up pleasure in a glass. Drink: 2010-2011. 572156 11.50% M 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. August 17, 2010
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Black Prince Winery Vidal 2009, Prince Edward County, Canada: A vibrant, crisp, clean white that makes for an excellent aperitif or companion to seafood, shellfish and salads. Get out of your Pinot Grigio rut and try this white. Drink: 2010-2013. 661825000080 11% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 17, 2010
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Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: A solid and classic Sauvignon Blanc with citrus notes rather than herbal, grassy ones. Green melon refreshment on the finish. Lovely persistence of flavours and juicy layers. Drink: 2010-2012. 776545992017 13% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 17, 2010
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Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Lovely white and green melon freshness with a round, medium-bodied weight. Goes down slippery fast. Terrific aperitif or companion to shellfish. Drink: 2010-2012. 776545995964 12.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Cono Sur Riesling 2009, Chile: I honestly don't know how this producer makes such great wines at such low prices. There's even a little German flint/peach thing going on here. Absolutely lovely for those who love aromatic, floral and refreshing whites. Nothing heavy. 156653 13.50% $9.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Chile: Herbal and grassy with refreshing, mouth-watering acidity. Great for salads and vegetarian dishes. 159954 13.50% $13.00 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Baden Gewurztraminer 2009, Germany: Very pretty! Rose petal, lychee, white flowers and peach. Exotic and intriguing Ultimate Asisan/curry wine. 336735 12.50% $10.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Boutari Paleopyrgos, Partheni, Zevgolatio Moschofilero 2009, Mantinia A.V.Q.S., Greece: Clean, crisp and refreshing with white melon and lemon notes. Nice aperitif or patio sipper. Drink: 2010-2012. 172387 11.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. August 17, 2010
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Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Venezie, Italy: Refreshing and zesty with notes of grapefruit, lime and white melon. Terrific aperitif. 77990 12.50% $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marborough, New Zealand: Grassy good with come-alive notes of lime, herbas and chives. This is a kosher wine. Refreshing and zesty. 28134 12.50% $19.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Rodney Strong Wine Estates Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California, USA: Terrific buttery Chardonnay infused with lovely hazelnut and green apple notes. Great balance and price for this wine. Drink: 2010-2012. 226936 13.80% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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Beringer Vineyards Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, USA: Round and full-bodied with lovely aromas of green apples, pineapple, lemon zest, peach and hazelnut. A vanilla spice-infused finish. Drink: 2010-2014. 348342 14.10% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. August 17, 2010
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Beringer Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Napa Valley, USA: A smoky and intensely mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc with lovely balance and freshness. Vibrant aromas of melon and white peach. Drink: 2010-2012. 394353 14.10% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 17, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Trivento Tribu Syrah 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Incredibly tasty for the money: amazing value! Smoky, mocha with fleshy dark berries. Full-bodied and rippling with terrific flavour. 145292 13% $8.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Callia Alta Malbec 2009, Argentina: Mocha and dark berries. Full-bodied and smooth and tasty. Great party wine! 160978 13.80% $11.00 Score: 86/100. August 17, 2010
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TILIA Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Mocha smoke with dark berries. Smooth and full-bodied. Very pleasant. 163428 13.50% $13.00 Score: 86/100. August 17, 2010
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Trapiche Syrah 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Excellent value for this full-bodied, dark-fruited number! Smooth and tasty. 26898 14% $9.00 Score: 84/100. August 17, 2010
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McWilliams McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Savoury and juicy with a medium-body and supple texture. Rich dark aromas of black plums and berries with some spice and smoke on the fnish. A real party pleaser! Drink: 2010-2014. 214577 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 17, 2010
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Teal Lake Shiraz 2009, Australia: Amazing value for this kosher wine: tasty, full-bodied and packed with dark fruit flavour! Smooth with mouth-watering goodness. Rock on! 891283 13.50% $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Kilikanoon Shiraz 2008, Kilikanoon, Australia: Gorgeous richness and depth with big black fleshy plums and berries. Some mint and pepper with full-bodied goodness and a smooth texture. 925453 14.50% $18.45 Score: 89/100. August 17, 2010
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Mike Weir Wine Cabernet Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara, Canada: Mocha, smoky, black plums and dark berries on the nose with full-bodied weight and texture on the palate. Balanced and tasty. 109 13% $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Norman Hardie Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2008, Prince Edward County, Canada: Grapes are grown for this lovely Pinot in the St. David's Bench and Park Vineyards. This is a more concentrated, deeper and robust Pinot than the County, but I love this one too! Black cherries and a Bach-like dark chord running through the middle. Velvet texture and a long finish. Drink: 2010-2014. 11.40% D 750 mL $39.00 Score: 91/100. August 17, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Varietal Series Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Packed with plums and berries. Smooth and full-bodied with some mocha and blackcurrant on the palate. Very pleasing wine. Drink: 2010-2013. 188177 13% D 750 mL $15.45 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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FRESH Wines Merlot Syrah 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: Vibrant and plush purple plum and blueberry aromas. Eminently quaffable: great party wine! Drink: 2010-2013. 192609 12.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. August 17, 2010
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Malivoire Wine Company Guilty Men Red 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: An incredibly tasty wine for the money! Wow. Luscious aromas and flavours of fleshy ripe plums and dark berries fill the glass and your senses. There's some smoky cherries on the finish that make you sidely up closer to the bottle for a top up. Wonderfully supple! Drink: 2010-2012. 192674 12.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 17, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Pinot Noir 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Loaded with rich cherry-berry flavour delivered on a satin texture with medium- to full-bodied weight. A blackberry-infused finish makes this wine go down slippery fast. Drink: 2010-2013. 261099 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 17, 2010
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Niagara College Teaching Winery Canadian Oak Project, Newburn Ridge Estate Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Love it! The first Canadian oaked wine to which I've given a score of 90. I hope this is a harbinger of tasty things to come. Gorgeous depth and persistence of flavour with a long finish. Classic aromas of cherry, baking spices and violets. Liquid silk texture with a medium body. Drink: 2010-2015. 4273200013 13% D 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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Niagara College Teaching Winery Newburn Ridge Estate Pinto Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Enticing cherry-berry flavours with a supple texture and medium-bodied weight. Terrific balance. Well-made wine. Drink: 2010-2015. 4273200055 13.50% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 89/100. August 17, 2010
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Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: tasty, full-bodied and rolling with fleshy plums, dark spices and mocha. Great vlue! 257329 13.50% $9.00 Score: 86/100. August 17, 2010
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Perez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Supple, medium- to full-bodied with juicy-ripe flavours of plums, fleshy berries and other dark fruits. Smooth and absolutely delicious! 694208 14% $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Chateau Pey La Tour Cabernet Blend 2007, Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux styling with cassis, blackberry and mocha. Smooth and full-bodied. Great price for budget Bordeaux. Lovely smoky-oak nose. Smooth and full-bodied. Decant for 1-2 hours. 264986 13% $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Perrin Reserve Syrah Blend 2007, Cotes De Rhone, France: Vibrant black raspberries and cherries with zingy acidity that makes this full-bodied wonder very food friendly. 363457 13.50% $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Boutari Agiorgitiko 2007, A.O.C., Nemea, Greece: A plush, juicy, delicious wine that's a fantastic value at this price! Bursting with aromas of dark berries. Merlot-like in its supple texture and medium- to full-body. Great party wine! Drink: 2010-2014. 172148 12.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Kir Yianni Ramnista Xinomavro 2007, Macedonia, Greece: Good grip and depth in this exotic and intriguing red! Aromas of dark berries, cherries and cranberries. Full-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. Excellent companion to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2020. 178020 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 17, 2010
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Sebeka Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage 2009, Western Cape, South Africa: Mocha-dark choclate notes with ripe, fleshy dark berries. Full-bodied and smooth. Great party wine. 132969 13.50% $11.00 Score: 85/100. August 17, 2010
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Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Paarl, South Africa: Leanings toward Bordeaux with a toasty nose and dark fruit. Good balance and acidity with full-bodied smoothly textured layers. Great value. 328567 14% $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Miguel Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2006, Catalunya, Spain: Mouth-wateringly juicy dark berries and black raspberries. A touch tannic so decant 1-2 hours to smooth the edges. Finishes with licorice and pepper. Full-bodied and magnificent for the price! Drink: 2011-2014. 29728 13.50% D 750 mL $13.25 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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Marques De Riscal Reserva Tempranillo Graciano Mazuelo 2005, Rioja, Spain: Love it! Mature aromas of leather, violets, and dark berries. Smooth and full-bodied with Old World elegance and styling. Long finish. 32656 13.50% $20.70 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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De Loach California Series Zinfandel 2007, California, United States: Very berry! Purple plums with blueberries and bramberries. Full-bodied and smooth with juicy flavours. 89268 13.50% $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Rodney Strong Wine Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Alexander Valley, California, USA: Delicious , mocha-rich nose with fleshy blackberry and savory notes. Robust and supple. decant for 1-2 hours. Yum! Drink: 2010-2013. 50427 14.20% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Gray Monk Estate Winery Odyssey White Brut Sparkling Wine 2007, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Sun-dappled sun fresh! Radiates vitality and refreshment with clean aromas of lime, Granny Smith apples and white flowers. A finish that's crisp and invigorating. Drink: 2010-2012. 711218 12.10% D 750 mL $24.99 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010
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Domaine de Grand Pré Champlain Sparkling Wine, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: Almond toasty with mouth-watering notes of green apples and lime zest. This wine is named after Samuel de Champlain who mapped Nova Scotia during the earliest French and Acadian settlements. The wine is a blend of Seyval Blanc and L'Acadie Blanc. A solidly-made bubbly that makes a terrific aperitif. Drink: 2012-2017. 834630000358 11.50% D 750 mL $29.50 Score: 87/100. August 17, 2010
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Domaine de Grand Pré Ice Cuvée, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: This blend of L'Acadie Blanc and Seyval Blanc grapes spent 12 months in the bottle on the lees, which gives it a rich, creamy texture. Vidal Icewine was added to enhance the sweetness and flavour. This lovely cherry-berry wine is rich and tasty without being too sweet or cloying. It's a wonderful after-dinner drink Drink: 2012-2014. 834630000365 11.50% M 750 mL $34.50 Score: 88/100. August 17, 2010
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Rabl Vinum Optimum Langenlois Traminer Trockenbeerenauslese 2007, Kamptal, Austria: A gorgeous elixir of honeyed depths and peach preserves. A wonderful companion to a fruit-based dessert or on its own. Drink: 2010-2015. 000011 9.50% S 375 mL $20.00 Score: 91/100. August 17, 2010
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Values Wine Picks August 17, 2010

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