Values Wine Picks July 23, 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

Weingut Leopold Schätzle Leopold Gruner Veltliner 2008, Kamptal, Austria: Incredibly clean and refreshing with aromas of white grapefruit and a minerally flint. Some smokiness lends some richness. Terrific aperitif or companion to many foods. Drink: 2010-2012.  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.50  Score: 86/100. July 23, 2010
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Dürnberg GmbH Rabenstein Gruner Veltliner 2009, Niederosterreich, Austria: Crisp, clean, light and refreshing with notes of white melon and grapefruit. Makes a good aperitif. Drink: 2010-2013.  2222  12.50%  M  750 mL  $17.99  Score: 85/100. July 23, 2010
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Salomon Groovey Gruner Veltliner 2009, Kremstal, Austria: Clean and refreshing with notes of lime and grapefruit. No heavy oak or alcohol. Good aperitif. Drink: 2010-2013.  669606  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 85/100. July 23, 2010
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Union Wines Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Gewurztraminer Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Pretty floral and white peach notes on the nose of this refreshing, vibrant white wine. Makes a terrific aperitif as well as an accompaniment to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2013.  197145  12%    750 mL  $13.95  Score: 86/100. July 23, 2010
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Rosehall Run Musque Chardonnay 2009, Prince Edward County, Canada: So pretty! Lively and juicy aromas of lime and white peach. Zesty and refreshing as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Medium-bodied and ultra-tasty. Drink: 2010-2011.  834328002398  12.30%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. July 23, 2010
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Greenlane Estate Winery Chardonnay 2008, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A balanced, solid Chardonnay with a nice rounded texture and aromas of green apples, smoke and hazelnut. A judicious use of oak that's well-integrated into the wine. Well done, especially for the first vintage. Drink: 2010-2013.  988591000039  12.50%  D  750 mL  $16.00  Score: 87/100. July 23, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec 2006, San Juan, Argentina: Gorgeous velvet texture with layers of lovely, luscious black fruit. Smoke and some spices wrap around the core and lengthen the finish. Balanced, full-bodied and absolutely delicious! Drink: 2010-2014.  162149  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. July 23, 2010
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Union Wines Pinot Noir Cabernet, Merlot Gamay Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Good value for this supple, medium- to full-bodied red with dark cherry-berry flavours and aromas. This would be a crowd pleaser at a party. Drink: 2010-2014.  197152  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. July 23, 2010
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Rosehall Run Cuvee County Pinot Noir 2008, Prince Edward County, Canada: A gorgeous pinot with extraordinary elegance and balance. Ripe cherry aromas but not too berry-fruity: some subtle earthiness. Satin smooth and medium-bodied. Drink: 2010-2013.  834328002282  12.20%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. July 23, 2010
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Greenlane Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: Mocha-rich goodness on the nose with deep flavours of blackberries, blackcurrants and cassis on the palate. Velvet smooth with medium- to full-bodied weight. Impressive. Drink: 2010-2017.  988591000053  13%  D  750 mL  $24.00  Score: 88/100. July 23, 2010
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Greenlane Estate Winery Cabernet Merlot 2007, Ontario, Canada: This Cabernet Merlot blend is full-bodied, smooth and has delicious aromas and flavours of dark berries and plums. An auspicious start for this new winery! Well-made wines out of the gate at very reasonable prices. Drink: 2010-2015.  9888591000046  12.50%  D  750 mL  $15.00  Score: 87/100. July 23, 2010
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Mapoggo Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008, Paarl, South Africa: Savoury and absolutely delicious! Smooth, earthy and full-bodied with fleshy, ripe blackberries, black olives and smoke on the finish. Yum! Drink: 2010-2014.  14.50%  D  750 mL  $15.00  Score: 89/100. July 23, 2010
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Santa Barbara Winery North Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Barbara County, Los Alamos, USA: Rich cherry liqueur with full-bodied flavour and juicy goodness in this robust Pinot. There's some spices on the finish with a profusion of berry flavour that rolls on long after your glass is empty. Drink: 2010-2014.  194332  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. July 23, 2010
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Beringer Vineyards Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, USA: A spectacularly rich, robust and deeply flavoured wine with terrific structure and length. Aromas of black plums, blackberries and dark spices mingle with a lovely line of toasty oak. A wine to be savoured and remembered. Drink: 2010-2018.  919647  14.40%    750 mL  $161.00  Score: 92/100. July 23, 2010
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Stag's Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, USA: Beautifully balanced with classic aromas of blackberry, truffle, espresso and blackcurrant. Full-bodied with a polished, velvet texture. A long finish infused with black plums and deep satisfaction. Drink: 2010-2016.  996405  14.10%    750 mL  $49.95  Score: 91/100. July 23, 2010
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Greenlane Estate Winery Riesling Icewine 2008, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A gorgeous, beautifully scented dessert wine with aromas of apricot preserves, honeysuckle and peach jam. Perfect balance. Triple yum! Drink: 2010-2015.  988591000060  10.70%  S  200 mL  $30.00  Score: 91/100. July 23, 2010
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