Vintages Wine Picks February 19, 2011

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Alamos Viognier 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This crisp and clean Viognier shows off pretty aromatics with delicate citrus blossom, apricot, peach and floral notes. Medium bodied with deliciously concentrated fruit flavours and a medium-long finish. My note: Deep and rich for Viognier and I love it! Lychee, rose petal, baking spices. Medium-bodied. Perfect for Asian dishes and curries. Drink: 2011-2015. 507830 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011
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5 Stones Kpm Beckett's Flat Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The entire Five Stones line from Beckett’s Flat is certified Kosher for Passover, and Mevushal. Showing a layered nose with grassy tones, peach and apples, with a lovely herbal note. The palate is medium bodied, bordering on off-dry, and deliciously fruity with some spice on the medium-long finish. My note: Citrus bright with lime and chives. Mouth-watering acidity. Drink: 2011-2013. 218065 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Greg Norman Australia Estates Chardonnay 2008, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Round and luscious with layers of peach and pear. Just enough oak to round out the edges. Terrific wine for many dishes. Drink: 2011-2014. 552083 12.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Calamus Unoaked Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2010. My note: A pure expression of Chardonnay without oak. Lots of green apple and mouth-watering acidity. Very vibrant. 210062 12.80% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. February 19, 2011
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Château De Puligny-Montrachet Les Poruzots Meursault 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: An absolutely lovely Burgundian Chardonnay with classic aromas of green apple, a little butter, peach and some vanilla. Is it worth the price? Only you can decide that. Drink: 2011-2018. 21675 12.50% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 91/100. February 19, 2011
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Domaine Masson-Blondelet Villa Paulus Pouilly-Fumé 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Lovely juiciness with mouth-watering acidity. Aromas of green apple, lime and lemon zest. Bright and vibrant, not herbal. Drink: 2011-2015. 702878 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Riesling 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: In 1810, Nicolas Schlumberger bought his first vineyards, once cultivated by Monks in the middle ages (known as Les Princes Abbés). This distinctive Alsatian Riesling is a brilliant yellow, and teems with delicate apple, peach, citrus, caramel and vanilla bean notes with a lovely underlying minerality. A flavourful, off-dry white with crisp acidity and nice length. My note: Petrol (good thing), white peach, mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful vibrancy and concentration of flavour yet such balance and medium-bodied weight. Drink: 2011-2015. 981662 12.50% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, lime-citrus and still great at this price. Lively and zesty with mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful! Drink: 2011-2013. 199968 13% XD 375 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Kumeu River Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand: Big smoky oak and then bright shining fruit and acidity. Lovely combo like spring rain piercing the clouds. Aromas of smoke and green apple. Needs food. Drink: 2011-2017. 204032 13.50% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 92/100. February 19, 2011 Favourite White Wine.
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Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, lime-citrus and still great at this price. Lively and zesty with mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful! Drink: 2011-2013. 686675 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Porcupine Ridge Boekenhoutskloof Viognier Grenache Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Porcupine Ridge wines, with their charming and distinctive labels, continue to delight and impress across the board. Their intensely floral Viognier/ Grenache Blanc blend shows yet again that this winery is going from strength to strength. Ripe peach fruit and spicy notes on the nose are picked up again on the palate. Dry, creamy-textured, and spicy with a long finish. My note: Lovely floral, zesty white with notes of rose petal and spices. Mouth-watering and wonderful with Asian and curries. Drink: 2011-2015. 203893 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Brampton Rustenberg Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Herbal, zesty and simple with straight up refreshment. Lime and chives. That “ahhhhh” after you take a drink. Drink: 2011-2013. 203901 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

La Chamiza Polo Profesional Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Opaque purple colour indicates youth and intensity. Forceful, brooding aromas of plum, cedar, raspberry, blueberry pie and cinnamon toast. Dry fruity/fresh without being jammy. Structured with very good weight. A well-made Cab that has the potential to age 2-3+ years, but why bother? This full-bodied, flavourful wine is an ideal choice. My note : simple, robust and rustic with notes of cassis and blackberry. Decant 1-2 hours for maximum pleasure. 128595 14% v 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. February 19, 2011
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La Chamiza Polo Profesional Reserve Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at the Japan Wine Challenge. This award-winning wine has some real pedigree. Not surprising when you consider that the La Chamiza winery takes its name from a breed of polo pony and is built upon the site of a former polo pony stud farm. This wine is 100% Malbec and performs as one would hope a purebred champion would, with complex notes of intense blackberry, blueberry, cola, mint, spice, vanilla and violets. The palate is dry and medium bodied with intriguing spice notes. Wonderfully balanced, with great acidity. My note: Juicy and wonderful with round, supple layers of fleshy plums that tumbles across your palate. So smooth. This would please just about everyone at a party. 219998 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. February 19, 2011
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Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec 2008, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: There are very few sure things in life – but guaranteeing an awesome Malbec from Mendoza comes pretty close. Luigi Bosca delivers yet again with this beautifully made 2008 Reserva. Notes of plum, raspberries, violets, smoke and chocolate with a medium-long and spicy finish. Really, what more could you want? Go right to the heart of the matter and enjoy this peak performer. 79293 14.30% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011
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Michel Torino Don David Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Cafayate Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a sophisticated wine with depth and complexity on the nose and palate. Cassis, raspberry, vanilla and green pepper work to perfection with balanced acids and tannins. This wine delivers on all counts. My note: A fantastic wine for the money with dark plum and spices. Classic cassis and blackberry notes. Buy a few cases and make it your house wine. 974428 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Best Value Red Wine (Tied).
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Tait Basket Pressed Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Rich and chin-droppingly luxurious. (Keep your mouth closed when you drink please.) Fabulously fleshy berries and plums. Love this! Drink: 2011-2018. 138339 16.30% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. February 19, 2011
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Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Black and brooding with savoury dark berries, dried herbs and a little mint. Full-bodied and smooth. 590471 13.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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Jim Jim The Down-Underdog, Hugh Hamilton Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The name of this second-label Shiraz from Hugh Hamilton shares the trademark playfulness of his other wines – e.g., “The Villain,” “The Scoundrel,” and “Jekyll & Hyde” – albeit in a much more friendly fashion. This bright and playful Shiraz is named for the winery’s loyal dog, Jimmy. It’s full bodied, softly textured and ready to drink, sporting ripe black fruit and a touch of peppery spice. My note: Juicy purple and lip-smacking delicious! Full-bodied and generous. So smooth, it goes down quickly. Fantastic party wine. Drink: 2011-2014. 682005 14.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Wakefield Estate Shiraz 2009, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: At the 2010 Sydney International Wine Competition, this wine was also named one of the Top 100 Wines of the whole competition. My note: Minty and dark-berried. Fleshy and full-bodied. Top me up, would you please? Drink: 2011-2014. 943787 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Estate Series Cabernet Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Deep, dark and rich a savoury note. Blackberry, smoke, dark chocolate and cedar. I can’t help it: this wine scores! Way better than drinking beer while watching a game, come on. 128652 12.70% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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13th Street Gamay Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Serious oak but it’s integrated with the fleshy blackberry notes. Mocha and espresso smoke wrap around a black fruit core. This is a very full-bodied style of gamay noir and I really like it. This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Ontario Wine Awards. Drink: 2011-2014. 177824 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011
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Rosehall Run Cuvée County Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Love it! Light and acidic with bright cherry-mulberry-cranberry flavours. Vibrant: says hello! Right out of the glass. So versatile with food. Love the supple satin texture. This wine won a Gold Medal at the ARTEVÏNO Prince Edward County Wine Competition in 2010.. I’d pair it with reading Eat, Pray, Love. 225748 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Proprietors' Grand Reserve Shiraz 2006, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Spectacular! One of Canada’s benchmark wines. A deep core of hedonistic pleasure from the concentrated black plums and blackberries. It’s wrapped in smoke, meaty notes, dark spices and intrigue. The finish says: more please … now! Drink it on your first date, your 50th anniversary and other nights in between. Drink: 2011-2017. 33241 14.30% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. February 19, 2011 Favourite Red Wine (Tied).
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Veramonte Reserva Pinot Noir 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Lovely and juicy with medium-bodied weight and a silky texture. Pleasingly tart cherries dance across your pleasure centre. You do remember your pleasure centre? Terrific wine for birthday parties, your own or another where you want to bliss out. Drink: 2011-2014. 134973 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011
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Casa Silva Reserva Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Mocha wrapped in smoke: this powerful wine is extremely delicious. Blackberries with espresso and spice. A superb wine for this price. Crack one open when you’re watching your favourite TV show. Drink: 2011-2014. 24679 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011 Best Value Red Wine (Tied).
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Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Incredible texture that unfolds like velvet in your mouth. Lovely dark berry and plum notes with some dark spices. Old World balance and structure with New World fruit and concentration. A classic, benchmark wine. Drink: 2012-2028. 315176 14.50% D 750 mL $69.95 Score: 96/100. February 19, 2011 Favourite Red Wine (Tied).
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Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Savoury and juicy with black plums and blackberries. Full-bodied and very supple. 606764 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A Gold Medal-winning wine at the 2010 Concours des Grands Vins de France, Mâcon. Ripe, round and powerful, featuring aromas and flavours of raspberry, cherry and plum, plus hints of baking spices. This dry, vibrant wine is well-balanced by ripe tannins. A versatile, medium-bodied wine fit for rich winter stews. My note: I like it! Vibrant spicy fleshy-ripe cherry aromas, some brambly pie, yum. Full-bodied but so smooth: it goes down very quickly. Top me up! Drink: 2011-2015. 119354 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Château Mourgues Du Grès Les Galets Rouges François Collard, Vign. Syrah Grenache 2009, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Pow! Vibrant and vivacious with full-bodied richness. Lively black cherry aromas with some spice and pepper. Nice balance. A great wine for movie night, especially at this price. 132548 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Domaine De Gourgazaud Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Vins De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Minervois is one of the most ancient vineyards of the Mediterranean region, chosen by the Romans for the site of some of the first vines they planted in Languedoc Roussillon. Château de Gourgazaud itself was one of the pioneers of quality wine production from the Minervois. This Cabernet Sauvignon shows great varietal typicity, with a robust tannic presence that is kept in balance by complex and layered black cherry, cassis and cedary notes. Ideal for roast meat dishes or gourmet burgers. My note: Simple and delicious with big purple plums. It’s got a tannic grip but 2 hours of decanting with help. Full-bodied. Perfect for parties. 674085 13.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. February 19, 2011
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Château Fortia Cuvée Du Baron Grenache Syrah Mourvedre 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: This blend of 55% grenache, 35% syrah and 10% mourvedre grapes is a river of blackberry liqueur pleasure. Full-bodied and rich and smooth. So satisfying. Drink it with the heartiest of meat dishes. Drink: 2011-2020. 959999 15% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. February 19, 2011
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Galil Mountain Yiron Kp Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006, Upper Galilee, Israel: A lovely wine with terrific balance. Aromas of mocha, blackberries and spice. Not hugely fruity, but just enough. This wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. An elegant wine that’s perfect for dinner parties. Drink: 2011-2015. 95075 15% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 91/100. February 19, 2011
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Santa Margherita Cabernet Franc 2008, D.O.C., Lison-Pramaggiore, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Santa Margherita was founded in 1935 by Count Gaetano Marzotto Jr., an entrepreneurial figure who played a significant role in Italian finance. He earned the nickname “the humanist businessman,” thanks to his consideration of the impact of the continued economic development on the population as a whole. From the producers of Vintages’ #1 selling white wine (Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, 106450), this Cabernet Franc shows lovely notes of raspberry, cherry, and blackcurrant with a hint of violet. The palate is beautifully balanced with plum and strawberry showing thorough. Perfect for pizza night. My note: Bell pepper and herbal with blackberry back notes. Full-bodied and savoury. A terrific price for this wine. Absolutely needs food like hearty meat dishes. 203414 12.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. February 19, 2011
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Borgo Reale Kpm Giordano Vini Primitivo 2008, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Primitivo is noted for producing food-friendly and accessible wines. This delicious Kosher version from Borgo Reale features notes of blackberry, smoke, licorice and chocolate that greet the nose with typical Mediterranean warmth and charm. Exceptionally well made, with a dry and medium-full-bodied palate that shows a plethora of mixed fruit deliciously overlaid on superbly integrated tannins and acids. Great structure. My note: Smoky, espresso, mocha nose: love it like a warm kitchen (so inviting and comfortable). Aromas of blackberries and leather. This wine goes on and on (or maybe I do). I’d drink this one while watching the Godfather II (not I … needs a more vibrant chianti). Drink: 2011-2017. 218081 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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Valpantena Torre Del Falasco Ripasso Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: This wine consistently delivers well above its price. It sports aromas of plum, cherry, chocolate, leather and tobacco on the nose, and a fruit-rich palate with a ripe centre and medium body. A flavourful reminder of why Ripasso is so adored – and so appropriate for winter-seasonal sipping. Enjoy. My note: Savoury and delicious; tastes like twice the price. Blackberry, cedar, wild black raspberry. Some kind of wonderful! Drink: 2011-2015. 642421 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011
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Leone De Castris Villa Santera Primitivo Di Manduria 2008, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: With a history dating back to 1665, Leone de Castris has a rich and long-standing winemaking tradition. This complex Primitivo shows notes of licorice, plum and dried fruit. The palate is dry, rich and layered, with a spicy tone and a very long, herbal-nuanced finish. My note: Black, savoury, brooding and delicious. This is a blackberry liqueur blockbuster with a tobacco smoke finish. Fantastic with meaty dishes. Drink: 2011-2014. 730952 15% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Tedeschi Capitel Nicalò Appassimento, Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Generous, juicy and full-bodied with a river of pleasure running through it. Dark berries and plums. Full-bodied and smooth. Celebrate anything, including the fact it’s Friday, with this wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 984997 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011
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Terra D'Aligi Tatone Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2007, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep purple in the glass with rich notes of ripe red fruit, violets and spice. This is wonderfully well-balanced wine that is deliciously fruity on the palate. Full bodied, with a lovely, long, spicy finish. My note: Simple and delicious with big black and purple plums and berries. Full-bodied with some tannic grip. Decant for 1-2 hours. 994616 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. February 19, 2011
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Pond Paddock Te Muna Pinot Noir 2008, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Big bright cherries but not sweet. I like the balance here, including the mouth-watering acidity that makes this so ideal for food. Silky texture. So very lovely. Perfect for wives or mistresses. Drink: 2011-2015. 205435 13.70% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. February 19, 2011
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Herdade Paço Do Conde Tempranillo Blend 2007, Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This Tempranillo blend produces a simply delicious wine. Notes of earth and red fruit, herbs and coffee on the nose. The palate is tremendously balanced, with great fruit and a lighter sense of the coffee tones. Smooth and medium-bodied. Enjoy this tonight. My note: An unexpected gem of wine: I love discovering these vastly underpriced wines. Lovely berry rich aromas and some mocha with baking spices. Full-bodied yet incredibly supple. You could host many parties with this wine. 131821 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Callabriga Sogrape 2008, D.O.C., Dão, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Since opening its doors in 1942, Sogrape has expanded to include winemaking properties in Chile, Argentina and New Zealand. Intense notes of plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, black licorice and spice on the nose. The palate is supple with grippy tannins, intense fruit, minerality and a spiciness that makes the whole thing sing. Superbly well made and structured. My note: Black cherry liqueur on the nose and palate. This is a big, black brooding wine: Heathcliffe on the moor lost in the rains. Black fruit and smoke. Whompingly delicious! Drink: 2011-2014. 43638 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Cathedral Cellar Triptych Kwv Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Lovely aromas co-mingle on the nose: mint, mocha and blackberry. The vanilla smoke comes from aging in French oak. Superb craftsmanship. Great wines for weekend barbecues. 53124 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011
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Monasterio De Las Viñas Reserva Grandes Vinos Y Viñedos 2005, D.O., Cariñena, Spain: A terrific wine for the money! Juicy, full-bodied, savoury and smooth. Aromas of cedar and black cherry. Great pick for a potluck gathering. 166579 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. February 19, 2011
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Jean León Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, D.O., Penedès, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver Medal winner at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2010, this is a ripe and spicy wine. My note: Gorgeous black and red cherries with liqueur-like concentration of flavour. Full-bodied with a tannic grip so decant for 1-2 hours. Some savoury meaty notes and a nice long finish. Very balanced. Drink: 2011-2016. 401596 13.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Palacio Glorioso Reserva 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Mature aromas of leather, smoke and violet. Best to drink soon. Full-bodied and smooth. So elegant. Drink: 2011-2013. 930164 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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Candor Lot 2 Zinfandel, California, United States: Love it! Chocolate-mocha richness gets enveloped by fleshy blackberries and blueberries on the palate. Full-bodied and juicy great, very smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 133389 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend Louis M. Martini Winery Merlot 2007, Napa & Sonoma Counties, California, United States: Toasty, round and rich with notes of blackberry, espresso and mocha. Full-bodied with a smooth texture. Bring one to your next potluck gathering. 135384 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Cloudline Pinot Noir 2008, Oregon, United States: Enjoy this fresh (and refreshing) Pinot with grilled veal chops. Round and supple with bright ripe cherries. Medium-bodied. 159970 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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Columbia Crest Winery H3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State, United States: Supple and juicy with dark fruit and lovely layers violets and meaty notes. Full-bodied but ultra-smooth. This is a terrific price for this wine. Perfect wine for watching CSI but it doesn’t take a forensic scientist to figure out how good it is. Drink: 2011-2014. 210047 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011
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Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, United States: Deep, rich and full-bodied pinot with dark spices and black cherries. So so lovely. Deserves to be at an elegant dinner party. 212076 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. February 19, 2011
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Napanook Christian Moueix Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Bell pepper, herbal: needs time! A very Bordeaux style Napa cab: not fruity, but rather earthy, smoky. Quite a tannic bite now. Age then still decant 2 hours. Drink: 2013-2018. 212357 14.10% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lots of vanilla, espresso, oak on the nose but the fruit back it up and lifts it: fleshy blackberries and exuberant plums. Yes there are such things. Very sexy wine that shines with seduction. Drink: 2011-2029. 45476 14.90% D 750 mL $79.95 Score: 94/100. February 19, 2011
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St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The St. Francis Winery has a well-earned reputation for creating boldly flavourful, fruit-forward wines that showcase the unique terroir of Sonoma. This one shows intense notes of cassis, blackberry and cedar, with accents of tobacco and spice on the nose. The palate is layered and complex, adding vanilla and coffee to the mix. The tannins are beautifully harmonized en route to a lovely, medium-long, spicy finish. Delicious. My note: dark as night and just as mysteriously intriguing. Aromas of black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Full-bodied and supple. Will benefit from cellar time. Be sure to decant it for 1-2 hours. 671164 14.60% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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RavensWood Barricia Zinfandel 2007, Sonoma Valley, California, United States: Berry fresh, this zin, that has 10% petite sirah, is an exuberant example of California zin. So supple and smooth with full-bodied weight. A prime candidate for the barbecue. Drink: 2011-2015. 672733 14.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Bailly Lapierre Réserve Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France: Love it! Warm and toasty with baked bread, fresh apples and peaches. Stunning price. 641423 12% XD 375 mL $9.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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Bailly Lapierre Réserve Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France: Love it! Warm and toasty with baked bread, fresh apples and peaches. Stunning price. 991562 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Méthode Champenoise Blanc De Blancs 2005, Carneros, California, United States: Toasty with freshly baked brioche. Lovely zestiness and refreshment. A very full-bodied bubbly. Consistently great producer. This is an amazing price. Drink: 2011-2014. 223792 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011 Favourite Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Château des Charmes Late Harvest Estate Btld. Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal as Best Late Harvest Wine at the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards. Classic honeycomb, ripe peach, pear and mango dominate this delicious medium-sweet dessert wine. Its rich flavours are balanced beautifully by a seam of racy acidity. This long-finishing dessert wine is a great match for a cheese plate. My note: Absolutely perfect for when you don’t want the concentrated sweetness of icewine but still want that peach and peach preserve essence! This is a wine to come back to again and again. 432930 10.50% M 375 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011
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Smith Woodhouse Vintage Symington Family Estates, Btld. 2009 Port 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Spectacularly smooth and rich blackberry liqueur. 140277 20% S 750 mL $72.95 Score: 92/100. February 19, 2011 Favourite Dessert Wine.
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Delaforce Late Bottled Vintage Quinta And Vineyard Bottlers Port 2005, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: The excellent quality of this delicious LBV Port belies the very reasonable price tag. Deliciously ready-to-drink, it is sweet, balanced and full bodied with rich black cherry, plum, raisin, spice and nutty flavours kept in balance by lively acidity. The perfect finale to any feast. 140897 20% S 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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Hutcheson Colheita, Matured In Wood, Btld. 2010 Port 1999, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Hutcheson continues to make Port in the same fine traditional style, just as they have since 1881. Aromas of dried fruit and orange peel make way for delicious, complex flavours of raisin, plum, fig, chocolate, woodspice and a touch of fennel. Medium-full bodied, supple, and flavourful, with really excellent length. A decadent delight. My note: Lovely berry compote and fig jam. A wonderful after-dinner sipper. 196832 20% S 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011
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