Vintages Wine Picks August 7, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Chakana Yaguareté Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Sauvignon Blanc is more of a Chilean specialty in the South American context, but this exceptional Argentine version from Chakana shows they can do it just as well. Classic grass, passion fruit and gooseberry aromas are all on display here. This dry and fresh wine is a good sipper, or even better with grilled shrimp or calamari. My note: refreshing, zesty with notes of grass, grapefruit and lime. Good mouth-watering acidity. 178111 13.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 7, 2010
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Camelback Galli Estate Pinot Grigio 2009, Sunbury, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This clean, crisp, fresh white features grapefruit, green apple and citrus flavours, and a long, refreshing finish. A great match for stronger-flavoured fish dishes such as pan-seared mackerel with fresh tomato and bay leaves. My note: Zippy, come-alive aromas of grapefruit, white peach and lime. Mouth-watering green apple notes make this a wonderful aperitif and food companion. 108134 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Cave Spring Cellars Chardonnay Musqué 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from the aromatic Chardonnay Musqué grape, this wine is a refreshing alternative to conventional Chardonnay. Unoaked, it retains pure and lively aromas and flavours of field flowers, pear drop, limeade, jasmine and sweet apples. Medium bodied and richly flavoured, it’s balanced by a gentle crispness and sports a lengthy finish. My note: Super refreshing and different: I really like it. Notes of melon, grapefruit, Granny Smith apples. Zesty and summery. 246579 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010
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Cave Spring Cellars Estate, Cave Spring Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This Savvy exemplifies the stellar ’07 vintage. Loaded with aromas of nectarine, hay, crushed rocks, passion fruit, and a hint of black licorice. Dry, medium bodied, with a round yet lively texture and nice fullness of flavour. Bright fruit is balanced by ample zesty acidity. Medium-long fruity finish. Chill for about two hours to accentuate its varietal characters. My note: Crisp and delicious without being grassy. Mouth-watering acidity adds maximum refreshment and food versatility. Lovely! 71662 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Leyda Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Montes is one of the most exciting wineries in Chile right now, and they do an exceptional job with Sauvignon Blanc – especially this example from one of the country’s cooler climates. Look for grass, lime, gooseberry and passion fruit on the nose, with fine replays on the palate, plus racy, crisp acidity keeping things fresh. Chill it down and enjoy it with your favourite shellfish dish. My note: Very grassy and herbal: rev your lawnmowers! Clear, crisp and refreshing like the ocean on a July afternoon. 32060 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine Tied.
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Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Chardonnay 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This organic Chardonnay is balanced, full-bodied and tasty. Aromas of green apple, smoke, butterscotch and almond. Full-bodied and delicious. 4515 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010
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Cave De Beblenheim Heimberger Réserve Particulière Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Opens with aromas of lychee, grapefruit, spice and fresh peach. These replay brilliantly on the palate, surrounded by a vibrant, crisp acidity. Medium bodied with a luxuriously long finish. My note: Dazzling white with rose petal, lychee and baking spices. Brilliant for Asian and medium to light curries. 169763 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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Balthasar Ress Kabinet Riesling 2007, Q.M.P., Hattenheimer Schützenhaus, Rheingau, Germany: Loaded with citrus notes and great minerality. Refreshing vibrancy on the palate. 735241 10% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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Marchetti Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Classico Verdicchio 2008, D.O.C., Marche, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The Verdicchio grape gets its name from the Italian word “verde” (green), for its greenish skin. Opening up with aromas of fresh herbs and floral accents, with a delicate touch of lanolin, this crisp white delivers a ripe fruit centre, with flavours of citrus, pear, pine nuts and some good floral notes. Medium bodied, showing fresh acidity and good length. An unbeatable value. Try it tonight. My note: Fresh, green and acidic, this zesty wine delivers maximum refreshment. No oak or heaviness, it’s all lime and grapefruit. 104869 12.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Michele Da Lisca Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Melon, floral, citrus and pear aromas and flavours. The finish is remarkably lengthy. This is a great summertime wine, and an extremely solid value. Will suit a wide range of summer salads or antipasto dishes. My note: A light, benign white with mild notes of grapefruit and white melon. 117267 12% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. August 7, 2010
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Cantine Manimurci Impeto Greco Di Tufo 2009, D.O.C.G., Campania, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From the Campania region of Italy comes this refreshing white made from 100% Greco di Tufo. Intriguing aromas of ripe lemon, apple, pear and mineral. The palate showcases pretty flavours of yellow plum, lemon-lime and pear, enlivened by floral notes. A lovely, soft texture to this wine, with good balance and length. Ready for enjoyment tonight. My note: Grapefruit and acidic lime: refreshing and biting. 180752 12.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 85/100. August 7, 2010
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Caruso & Minini Terre Di Giumara Terre Di Giumara Inzolia 2009, I.G.T., Sicilia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Sicilian white is made entirely of the Inzolia (or Insolia) grape, and exhibits aromas of field flowers, gooseberry, and yellow plum. Light flavours of fresh apple, pear, and pleasing citrus brighten the palate, which culminates in a dry finish. A crisp, medium-bodied white with good length. Open this bottle up tonight. My note: Mesmerizing and addictive aromas of field flowers, lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Get out of your white wine rut today: try it! 180760 12.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine Tied.
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Wild Rock The Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy and herbal with zesty fresh acidity and no heavy oak. Terrific and versatile food partner. Drink: 2010-2014. 164012 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010
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Steve Bird Old Schoolhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Smoky and herbal in a dovetail perfection! A little grassy but mostly lime-alive with green apples and chives. Drink: 2010-2015. 178319 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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Tandem Porter Sangiacomo Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Toasted almond goodness and baking spices on the nose followed by green apple and white peach. Full-bodied, voluptuous and delicious. Oh yes! 173344 14.10% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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Chappellet Winery Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Unctuous in every sense of that wonderful word: full-bodied, rich, luxurious. Redolent of fleshy peach, pear, apple and baking spices. Pair with great conversation. Drink: 2010-2016. 186577 14.80% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. August 7, 2010 Favourite White Wine.
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Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Geyser Peak’s winemakers select grapes from the best cool vineyard sites throughout California and use only stainless steel tanks to preserve the youthful zip. The result is a racy wine bursting with concentrated ripe citrus flavours and zingy acidity. A fantastic wine. My note: Very pleasing, very balanced Sauvignon Blanc with refreshing notes of lemon, lime, chives and lemongrass. No heavy oak or smoke. Completely, utterly refreshing. 340208 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010
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Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Rich, buttery and full-bodied with delightful aromas of toasted almond, green apples and a lime-infused finish. Terrific value at this price. Yum! 421644 13.40% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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Beringer Vineyards Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Ultra-classic California Chardonnay: white peach, green apple, toasted almond, butterscotch a whiff of smoke. Lovely balance and full-bodied richness. Bring it on! 84988 14.10% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Boxhead Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Boxhead’s label is guaranteed to catch your eye. Fortunately, the wine inside is as compelling as the packaging. This is a solid, lush, ripe and full-bodied Shiraz with aromas of ripe raspberry, blackberry, plum and peppery spice for balance. This playful wine is the perfect choice for a backyard barbecue featuring plenty of meat. My note: A solid and delicious red that has a savoury, mouth-watering character I really like. Full-bodied with black plums and berries and some pepper. 166967 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010
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Hazyblur Baroota Shiraz 2006, Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Australia: Humungous wine with big, blackberry liqueur, black cherry jam and dark spices. Knock it back! 52126 15% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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Shingleback Wine Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, ripe and giving with lovely spill-over aromas of black plums, berries and spices. Inviting and warm. Long, satisfying finish. 57844 14.50% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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Richard Hamilton Gumprs Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, rich and redolent of dark berries and black plums. Round and ready when you are! Drink: 2010-2015. 600122 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2008, Padthaway, Australia: Phenomenal value for this delicious wine with full-bodied aromas of black plums, blackberry and mocha and some baking spices. 673897 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Grant Burge has earned a place among Australia’s top winemakers with his tireless pursuit of quality and innovation, and through a love of wine and winemaking that goes back five generations in his family. This distinctive Shiraz is always a reliable value. Packed with ripe raspberry and cherry aromas and flavours, this smooth and supple wine also shows hints of licorice and a dose of black pepper on the rich finish. Barbecued short ribs or lamb chops would both match up nicely to this ripe and round wine. My note: A terrific, vibrant red with full-bodied aromas of purple and black plums, blackberries and peppered black raspberries. Wonderful flavours! 738567 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value Red Wine.
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Tyrrell's Wines Rufus Stone Shiraz 2007, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia: Big, honkin’ black wine with seriously blackberry bruisers and black knock-out plums. For those who love a full-bodied whack of flavour, this wine delivers in spades. 91488 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. August 7, 2010
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Concha Y Toro Trio Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Cabernet Franc 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Fantastic value for the money! Delicious aromas of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant with mocha and smoke. Full-bodied and supple. Yum! 433912 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010
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Les Vignerons du Castelas Syrah Grenache 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours des Vins Gardois 2009. A simple wine that delivers pleasure and aromas of dark berries, spices and smoke. This is a blend of syrah and Grenache, and offers full-bodied weight. 142125 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Château Du Barry Château Roc De Bacudun Cabernet Blend 2006, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2006 Bordeaux are proving to be lovely early-enjoyment wines. Largely over-shadowed by the 2005 vintage, many of the class of 2006, like this Gold Medal winner (2007 Concours Général Agricole Paris), are nonetheless stellar wines that offer tremendous value. Filled with black cherry, spice and cranberry aromas and flavours, this dry, balanced wine is an attention-grabber. Enjoy it around the barbecue. My note: Staggeringly great price for Bordeaux. This one is straight-forward but does have those leanings toward Bordeaux with blackcurrant and cassis wrapped in cigar box. Full-bodied and balanced Drink: 2010-2014. 171165 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Domaine De Poujo Madiran Claude Lanux, Prop.-Récolt. Tannat 2007, A.C., Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: What an amazing value from a stellar vintage, and a Gold Medal winner too (2009 Concours Générale Agricole in Paris). Sourced from 20-year-old vines, this Tannat-dominated wine is blended with some Cabernet Sauvignon for added complexity. The nose is expressive with rich black fruits, spices and a hint of game meat. It’s very dry, with a medium body, fine tannins, a core of black fruit and a hint of pepper. A charming wine to enjoy. My note: Vibrant, bright, happy aromas of redcurrant, bing cherries and savoury bacon fat (trust me, this is a delicious thing). Love it and love the price. Drink: 2010-2015. 719674 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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Domaine De La Madone Le Perréon, Jean Bérerd & Fils Gamay 2009, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Always a great value, this Gamay shows deep colour, with rich black cherry, juicy strawberry and earthy characteristics leading to a long, crisp finish. It’s simply perfect when served, slightly chilled, alongside planked salmon or barbecued chicken breast. My note: Lively cherry-berry flavour in this medium-bodied red. Offers straight-forward, lip-smacking delicious flavour. Great quaffer on a Friday night. 981175 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Clos De L'Oratoire Des Papes Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Black raspberry liqueur with blackberry jam, pepper and dark spices. Full-bodied and supple with a finish that lasts from here to France. Drink: 2010-2020. 993279 14.50% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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Masi Campofiorin Marano di Valpolicella 2007, Veneto, Italy: A blend of Corvina 70%, Rondinella 25%, Molinara 5%. This balanced, medium- to full-bodied red has warm, rich flavours with layers of black cherry and dark spices. A velvet smooth texture delivers lots of satisfaction followed by a violet-infused finish. Polished and delicious! Drink: 2010-2030. 155051 13.30% D 750 mL $17.55 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010
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Francesco Minini Corte Dei Mori Nero D'avola 2008, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of plums, violets and spiced black cherry entice you to savour its array blackberry, ripe plum and vanilla, with notes of spicy pepper and cloves. A crisp, medium-bodied red with a bright fruity centre. Open this approachable wine tonight. My note: Light whiff of mocha over some bacon fat: sounds weird but it works. Dark berries and some spice. Very mellow, smooth and medium- to full-bodied. 180281 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 7, 2010
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Santa Maria La Palma Villassunta Cannonau Di Sardegna Cannonau 2008, D.O.C., Sardinia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This red from Sardinia is 100% Cannonau, which is the local name for Grenache. Garnet coloured, it boasts pretty aromas of cassis and herbs with floral notes. Flavours of spicy blackcurrant, raspberry and strawberry, along with some floral highlights continue to surface right up to its tangy, cleansing finish. This is a refreshing red with ripe tannins and a medium body. My note: terrific value with rich, full-bodied goodness! Dark berries and smoke with a smooth texture. 180299 13% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Château Ksara Réserve Du Couvent Syrah Blend 2007, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon: A simple, robust, rustic red with black cherry and raspberry notes. Supple and tasty. 443721 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 85/100. August 7, 2010
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Torres San Valentín Garnacha 2008, D.O., Catalunya, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Garnacha (Grenache, in France) is the second-most popular red grape in Spain, after Tempranillo. In lively wines such as this, it produces fruit-forward, finely structured crowd-pleasers, with notions of licorice and dried herbs, that are excellent for a wide variety of meals. My note: So dependable a producer: full-bodied, rich and deep with fleshy dark berries and some oak. Straight-forward, lip-smacking delicious flavour. 673541 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Gnarly Head Merlot 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine has won numerous awards at international wine competitions over the last year. At this price, it certainly delivers. There’s rich fruit – blueberry and blackberry accented by licorice and mint – but it’s in no way jammy or clumsy. Everything is handled well, right through to the nicely balanced finish. My note: Mocha, smoky and full of back fleshy plums and berries. Delicious! 104158 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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RavensWood Vintner's Blend Petite Sirah Blend 2007, California, United States: Terrific vibrant purple plums on the nose mingle with fleshy ripe blackberries, blueberries and violets. A voluptuously rich texture and full-bodied weight. Yum! Drink: 2010-2015. 161554 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010
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Stolpman Estate Syrah 2007, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: Rich and dripping with hedonistic flavour and pleasure. Black as night berries, spices, violet and tarry rich heart. Full wallop on the palate. Yum! 185264 14.50% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Good gracious, this wine is well-made! Classic aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry, violets, cigar box and a little spice. It has it all, and yes, it’s worth the price. Drink: 2010-2020. 45476 14.90% XD 750 mL $85.95 Score: 94/100. August 7, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied.
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Tandem Porter Auction Block Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Pretty medium-ruby colour (almost like freshly squeezed strawberry juice). Classic New World Pinot nose of black cherry, wild strawberry, underbrush and raspberry. Dry, medium bodied with lots of ripe fruit. The tannins are soft, and bright acidity brings balance en route to a spicy-fruity finish. My note: Mocha and dark chocolate wraps around black fleshy cherries and plums. Smooth and supple to maximize hedonistic pleasure. 58776 14.60% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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J. Lohr Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Paso Robles, California, United States: Classic and aristocratic in its styling, balance and finesse: a fancy way of saying that this is seriously good wine! Rich aromas of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant wrapped in cigar box with a dark spice-infused finish. Drink: 2010-2017. 686584 14.90% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. August 7, 2010
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Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Cakebread, a pioneering Napa Valley family estate, has been an iconic name since their first vintage in 1973. Their highly sought-after wines continue to impress. The grapes for this Cab are sourced from prime vineyard sites throughout the Valley, from Calistoga in the north to the cool Carneros district at the southern end. Winemaker Julianne Laks blends in small amounts of Merlot (12%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) to round out and add depth to this classic Cab. Benefiting from a sensational growing season, the 2006 is packed with complex layers of blackberry, wild cherry, blueberry, and roast coffee, along with toasty oak notes and supple tannins. Enjoyable now but will benefit with 5+ years in the cellar. My note: A phenomenal Cabernet with classic styling and aromas of blackberry, cassis, blackcurrant. Balanced with a lovely long finish. Is it worth $99? Only you and your wallet can decide that. 710426 14.20% D 750 mL $99.95 Score: 94/100. August 7, 2010
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Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Beautiful Cabernet with aristocratic styling and balance. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant. A long, long finish. 944843 14.50% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. August 7, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied.
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Kenwood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Always a charming wine and a smart buy, Kenwood’s Sonoma County Cab is a smooth, rich, full-bodied offering. Its cassis, plum and blueberry flavours, as well as its subtle spice notes and well-integrated oak, make this wine a perfect complement to lamb. My note: Smoky, mocha red with blackberries and plums. Rich, supple and full-bodied. 990440 13.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Santa Julia Familia Zuccardi Syrah Rosé 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Dry and refreshing with deep notes of cranberries and black raspberries. 34322 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely, juicy rosé redolent with cranberries and strawberries. Very refreshing. 117861 12.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010
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Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Beal Vineyards Cabernet Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely, light and refreshing with raspberry and field strawberry notes. 177840 12.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: A lovely Niagara rosé with lovely aromas strawberry, raspberry, dried herbs. Refreshing and enjoyable. 559088 12.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value Rosé.
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Château Routas Rouvière Murray Family Rosé 2009, A.C., Côteaux Varois En Provence, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Loaded with orange blossom and cherry aromas on the nose and fresh fruitiness and lively acidity on the palate. The 2009 vintage was even better than 2008, so expect more great results. My note: Provençal roses taste so delicate up front yet they pack a long and lasting flavour punch on the finish that seems to last as long as a sunset over the Mediterranean. Ripe strawberries waft out of the glass and over your mind and shoulders. Relax and unfold with the wine. 739128 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Favourite Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Ricossa Stefano Belbo Moscato D'asti 2009, D.O.C.G., Antica Casa, Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s the perfect wine for a summer afternoon. Ricossa’s frizzante Moscato d’Asti features fresh notions of orange zest and ripe melon. Its delicate sweetness is perfectly balanced by a seam of excellent, crisp acidity. A great patio sipper. It will also match to mildly spiced noodle dishes or, for a touch of flair, try it with a crushed strawberry or raspberry dropped into the glass. My note: Honeysuckle, tangerine zest and apricot preserves. Refreshing and a little sweet. Perfect summer sipper. 72272 13% MS 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010
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Graham Beck Brut Méthode Cap Classique Rosé, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Full-bodied and loaded with pinot noir goodness. Lovely cherry and strawberry notes and clean, crisp finish. 175588 11.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Ferreira Lágrima White Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: White Ports are traditionally enjoyed by the Portuguese as a long drink: combine equal parts White Port and tonic with a slice of lemon or lime, a sprig of mint and ice cubes. A bowl of salted nuts and dry-roasted almonds makes an excellent chaser. It’s also lovely on its own, chilled, as a digestif. My note: Definitely an acquired taste with its bitter almond and spicy peach flavours. Serve it over the rocks and you’re in heaven. 980136 19.50% S 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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