Vintages Wine Picks July 10, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Robert Oatley Vineyards Mudgee Chardonnay 2007, Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia: A lively, well-balanced Chardonnay with enticing notes Granny Smith apple, Asian pear and white field flowers. The balancing acidity is a pleasant surprise, and there's a judicious use of oak. Full-bodied and satisfying. Drink: 2010-2012. 159798 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Inniskillin Wines Winemaker's Series Pinot Gris 2008, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Lovely depth and roundness in this refreshing white. So much more here than the standard Pinot Grigio: aromas of mouth-wateringly ripe melon and white peach. A perfect aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2013. 177766 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition 2009, this wine offers a fantastic starting point for those who’ve never tried Sauvignon Blanc from the Okanagan. Approachable and lively, it’s brimming with aromas of fresh-cut grass, grapefruit and green apple, leading to a crisp, citrus-infused palate with plenty of racy acidity on the finish. My note: A vibrant, mouth-watering white with notes of lime, green apples, grapefruit and chives. Lovely balance without any heavy oak. 57430 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Viña Peñalolen Viña Quebrada De Macul Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Full-bodied with savoury dried herbs and blackberry and cassis. Supple and round, tasty! 169565 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2010
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Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Casablanca, Rapel, Limarí Valleys, Chile: Staggeringly great value for the money! Herbal, zippy and grassy with wonderfully high refreshment value. Chill it and chill yourself. 678656 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value White Wine (Tied).
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Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Chardonnay 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This rich, flavourful, harmonious Chilean Chardonnay is a good bet. Two thirds of the wine is aged in French oak for up to ten months, adding a smooth caramel note. Ripe apricot, guava and passion fruit emerge on the nose and on the round, medium-full-bodied palate. The wine’s soft and creamy texture comes from its 8-12 months spent on the lees. This solid value can also be cellared for 2-3 years. My note: Consummate chardonnay for those who want loads of flavour for a budget price. This wine tastes at least twice as expensive as it costs. Gorgeous layers of green apple, smoke, butter and white peach. 928580 14.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value White Wine (Tied).
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Tiefenbrunner Chardonnay 2009, D.O.C., Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From one of Alto Adige’s finest producers, Tiefenbrunner, comes this crisp, fresh, appley Chardonnay. To retain their stylistic fruit and fresh acidity, the winery ferments and ages the wines strictly in stainless steel. Try this with freshwater fish, especially rainbow trout. My note: Clean, unoaked Chardonnay with refreshing notes of white melon, green apple and white peach. Great aperitif. 746545 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 10, 2010
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Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy great with refreshing herbal with mouth-watering acidity. Perfect for so many dishes from seafood to salads. 10421 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. July 10, 2010 Favourite White Wine (Tied).
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Latitude 41 Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Nelson, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy good with sunny aromas of lemongrass and chives. Perfect salad wine. 164244 12.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2010
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Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Apricot, floral, melon, grapefruit and tropical fruit aromas dominate this just-off-dry Alsatian-style Pinot Gris. Fresh acidity brings a touch of dryness to this pretty wine. Enjoy this pleasing wine. My note: Absolutely superb! Mouth-watering, intriguing and satisfying. Bring-me-closer aromas of white peach, daisies and lime zest. Perfect for sipping poolside, dockside or sofaside. 680983 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Wo Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa possesses a pale green colour and a forward nose, bursting with aromas of grass, green pepper and passion fruit. Round and medium bodied, it delivers flavours of lime and gooseberry, leading to a crisp finish. My note: Very grassy but good SB with refreshing notes of lime and well, grass. 354746 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. July 10, 2010
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Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Dry, refreshing and laced with lovely white peach and pink grapefruit notes. Perfectly balanced. Great aperitif. 221887 13.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Loaded with flavour yet not heavy at all. Bursting with hazelnut, green apples, peach and Asian pear. I can’t think of a better wine for lobster dipped in butter or fresh corn on the cob with a pat of butter melting over it. 26682 14.50% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. July 10, 2010 Favourite White Wine (Tied).
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Alfredo Roca Pinot Noir 2008, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: Incredible Pinot for the money: you simply will not get a better tasting pinot at this price. Grab a case or five. Lovely fleshy ripe cherries. New World style. 32979 13.20% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied).
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Alamos Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A solidly made wine with terrific balance. Ripe blackberries and pepper. Perfect for barbecue and movie night. 467951 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2010
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Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Ultra smooth and full-bodied with berry, plum and spices. Great party wine, especially given the price. 48322 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Dominio Del Plata Crios De Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: An absolutely incredible wine for the money! Juicy, savoury and delicious: full-bodied with rich layers of ripe plums, blackberry and other dark fruits. 640979 13.90% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied).
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Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Love it! Rich and deep with dive-into-it depths of fleshy black berries and plums, some mint. Fantastic price for this quality. 142034 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. July 10, 2010 Favourite Red Wine.
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Temple Bruer Enoomah Bore Shiraz Cabernet 2007, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This organic wine contains only 7 mg/L of free sulphur. A rich and vibrant, classic Aussie blend of Shiraz and Cabernet featuring aromas of blackberry, plum, cassis and vanilla. The tannins perfectly frame the bright fruit, bringing a solid structure to this wine. My note: this is the first wine I’ve seen that’s labelled as “vegan friendly.” (So I guess it's perverse that I paired it with back ribs and sausages.) Nonetheless, it’s a fantastically delicious wine with fleshy black plums and berries. Full-bodied, round and supple. Try it at your next potluck dinner. 165894 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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Shingleback Wine Haycutters Shiraz Viognier 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Hay and heifers are in this winery’s past. The name of this wine, Haycutter, pays tribute to the property’s previous life as a hayfield; the dairy cows on the land were fed the hay. Today, the cows and hay are gone. The owners discovered that the high calcium soil was also ideal for growing grapes, so now the land is covered with vines. This award-winning wine (Silver Medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2009) is rich and ripe with impeccable balance supplied by bright acids and supple tannins. Enjoy this wine now. My note: Big and beautiful with dark fruit and smoke. Juicy and mouth-watering with a smoky finish. 166132 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: From a historic single vineyard at the southern end of the Barossa, this deep purple Shiraz is bursting with ripe berry, lifted floral and coconut aromas. This is a rich and opulent wine with a chewy texture and ripe, juicy, mixed-berry and vanilla flavours balanced by firm, grainy tannins leading to a lengthy finish. It’s a “wow” wine that always impresses. Decant and serve, or cellar this big boy for up to 6 years. My note: Lovely rich and round with dark plums that cushion new heights and depths of pleasure. 725127 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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13Th Street June's Vineyard Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Searing, mouth-watering that demands and dances with food. Lime essence wrapped in lemon zest. Pure, unadulterated citrus sunbeams. Boxing Day sale price. 147512 11.20% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Malivoire Gamay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: See just how good gamay can be with this fantastic wine! Gorgeous layers of silky red berries, spice and mocha richness on the finish. Liquid velvet and lots of hedonistic pleasure. Serve it at your next potluck gathering. Drink: 2010-2015. 591313 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Arboleda Syrah 2007, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Savoury with fleshy dark plums and dried herbs. Fantastic balance and full-bodied weight. 172247 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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Loma Larga Merlot 2007, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Juicy and rich with dark fleshy plums and berries. Perfect for movie night. 172551 14.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Concha Y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148, Las Pataguas Vineyard Carmenère 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Juicy, straight-forward and delicious, this juicy wine comes from the single vineyard Las Pataguas. Voluptuous layers of dark fruit, espresso and smoke. 30957 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Viña Casablanca El Bosque Winemaker's Choice Syrah 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from the Rapel Valley, this Chilean Syrah is aiming more for the Rhône than Australian style. This charmer features aromas of pepper, blackberry and underbrush with only a hint of New World big ripeness. Enjoy this fine wine around the barbecue. This winery is certified Carbon Neutral. My note: Fantastic delicious at a ridiculously low price! Love this: it’s got all the power and lusciousness of New World fruit but it’s balanced and has great length on the finish too. What more could you want except a case of it? 46276 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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Domaine Des Terres Falmet Cinsault 2008, Vins De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: A simple but tasty red with intriguing spices and black cherry aromas. Smooth and medium-bodied. Knock it back at your next barbecue. Drink: 2010-2012. 172650 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 10, 2010
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Château Mas Neuf Cuvée Tradition Costières De Nîmes Syrah Grenache 2008, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Syrah/Grenache blend is a deep, youthful ruby colour, and opens with a blackberry nose with a hint of black licorice. Aromas of sweet spice follow, along with some peppery notes. Velvety, full bodied and a great value, this can be cellared for a while, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Terrific for the money: rustic and ready when you are! Dark cherries, cedar forest, dark spices and something brooding in the background, maybe unresolved conflict. Drink up and I’m sure it’ll all go away. Drink: 2010-2014. 177097 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2010
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Domaine Mont Chavy Georges Duboeuf Gamay 2008, A.C., Morgon, Beaujolais, France: Bright cherries with a heart of richer liqueur-like concentration of fruit. Silky and medium-bodied with some cinnamon on the finish. Lovely and supple, perfect as a aperitif or with many dishes. Drink: 2010-2014. 177535 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Georges Duboeuf La Trinquée Juliénas Gamay 2008, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Lovely tart cherries, pepper and dried herbs on the nose with a silky, smooth texture. Medium-bodied with a long, satisfying finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 177543 12.70% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais 2008, A.C., Moulin-À-Vent, Beaujolais, France: Full-bodied, which is surprising for Beaujolais, but this is terrific! Deep rich vein of sweet cherry liqueur (it is a dry wine), dark spices and lovely fat fleshy plums. Double delicious and perfect for movie night. Drink: 2010-2015. 178301 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 10, 2010
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Vignerons De Beaumes De Venise Cuvée Fut De Chene Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Grenache/Shiraz blend is a deep, youthful ruby red. Aromas of fresh ripe cherry, plum, and spice greet you, and then repeat in the pleasing combination of flavours. A wine with good concentration and length, and a sweet toasty finish. You can save this red in your cellar for a few years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Simple, spicy and tasty with black cherries and lots of good intentions. 652206 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 10, 2010
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Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2008, I.G.T., Terra Degli Osci, Molise, Italy: An amazing wine for the money! Rich, dark and bursting with black fruit flavour. Supple and full-bodied and ready to go now. Crack one open on the next movie night. 591974 12.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Travaglini Gattinara Nebbiolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Mature red with tertiary flavours of rose petal, leather, cigar box and dried fruit. Silky with the subtle whisper of age and grace. 713354 13.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Delta Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely black cherry and raspberry with balanced mouth-watering acidity. Love this style: so elegant yet packed with gorgeous fruit flavour. 675231 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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Monte Da Cal Reserva Dão Sul Syrah Trincadeira Alicante Bouschet 2006, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Monte da Cal is proudly Portuguese. When they use international varieties, their wines have a uniquely Portuguese twist. This blend of Syrah with the local Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet is rich, ripe and full bodied with a nice seam of acidity. My note: Very pleasant and full-bodied with black cherry and plum and smoky-mocha aromas. Velvet texture and a finish that will keep you warm and glowing all night. 30452 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Wolf Trap Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2009, Franschhoek, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This Rhône-style blend got our attention. Lovely lifted black fruit aromas layered with notes of peppery spice, tar, leather, red licorice, and woodsmoke. Dry, medium bodied, with supple tannins, bright acidity, and a core of spicy fruit. The perfect match for barbecued fare (bring on the back ribs!), but its refreshing acidity and easy-drinking nature also make it a lovely sipper. My note: Spicy dark plums and berries with terrific extraction of flavour, concentration and depth. A smoky, spicy finish that's deeply satisfying for those who love full-bodied wonders. Drink: 2010-2014. 626333 14% XD 750 mL $14.00 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Clos De Cabarcos Rotllan Torra Grenache Blend 2006, D.O.C., Priorat, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This Grenache blend from Spain exhibits a deep ruby colour. Plum, raspberry and strawberry aromas welcome you to its bright fresh fruit and moderate tannins. This dry, medium-bodied red has good length and a lovely finish. In keeping with a Spanish theme, try serving this wine with a variety of fuller-flavoured tapas. My note: Blackberry liqueur: rich, dark and deep. Hugely extracted flavours with a full-bodied whack on the finish. 170084 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 10, 2010
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Las Rocas San Alejandro Garnacha 2008, Do Calatayud, Spain: A peppery black cherry number that will dance its way across your palate and into your heart. Lovely supple layers of black fruit flavour. I can’t think of a better barbecue wine. 95190 14.10% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2010
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Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Espresso-chocolate with black plums. Plush, supple and full-bodied. 126607 14.90% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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Phelps Creek Becky's Cuvée Pinot Noir 2007, Columbia Gorge, Oregon, United States: Generous, juicy sweet cherry with some baking spices. Absolutely lovely and plush. The pleasure rolls on and on and on… yum! 181438 13.50% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010
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J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot Malbec Petit Verdot 2007, Paso Robles, California, United States: Great value for this delicious, well-structured red. Mocha-rich nose follows through with fleshy plums and berries. Perfect for movie night. 27516 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010
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[ Compress ] Rosés

13Th Street Cabernet Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright pink colour with aromas of strawberry, rosehip, blood orange, maple tree sap and roses. Very slightly off-dry wine with fruit surrounded by gentle acids. Plush texture to the finish. Try it with grilled chicken pizza or warm chicken salad. My note: Ripe cherry and cranberry notes with some spices. Dry and refreshing. 117846 12.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value Rosé.
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Montes Cherub Syrah Rosé 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Electric cherry-pink rose with tasty raspberry notes. Bone-dry and refreshing. 37887 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 10, 2010
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Château De Fonscolombe Cuvée Spéciale Rosé 2009, A.C., Coteaux D'aix-En-Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Provence is famous for its rosés, which account for the majority of the total wine production in the region. Château de Fonloscombe’s delights with aromas of plum, strawberry, peach and candied fruit. A dry, medium-bodied wine that’s fresh on the palate, with good length. My note: Simple, dry and pretty. Perfect aperitif on a hot day. Serve chilled. 180851 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. July 10, 2010
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Chateau De Trinquevedel Rosé 2009, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: Love this rose! Tavel never fails me. Gorgeously ripe raspberries and strawberries, bone-dry and refreshing. Here’s a fun little factoid to share with your guests when you’re enjoying this lovely wine: Tavel rosés were a favourite of King Louis XIV. 729947 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010 Favourite Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Quinta De Ventozelo Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Unlike regular LBV Ports, unfiltered (aka traditional) LBVs can continue to mature in the bottle for a few years after bottling. This one, for example, is delicious now, but would benefit further with 3-5 years of cellaring. Look for aromas of fig, dark chocolate and vanilla bean. Sweet yet with a good core of tannin too that supports further ageing. It may be enjoyed tonight with moderately intense blue cheeses. My note: Full-on, plummy-dark LBV with rich, unending flavours of spices, marzipan and fruitcake. Gorgeous! 169631 19% S 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks July 10, 2010

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