Vintages Wine Picks November 10, 2007

by Natalie MacLean


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[ Compress ] White Wine

Hugel Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive 2001, AC Alsace, Alsace, France: A low-acidity wine with rich layers of sweet pears, lychee and spice.  949495  12%  MS  750 mL  $69.95  Score: 91/100. November 10, 2007
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Maison Champy Bourgogne Signature Chardonnay 2005, AC, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes that make up the Signature Chardonnay come from vineyards in Puligny, Meursault, Chassagne, Auxey-Duresses, Saint-Romain and Mâcon. This wine serves up a modern approach to Chardonnay, with an abundance of fruit up front, a round, rich palate, and lots of style. My note: A lovely chardonnay with vibrant notes of green apples and a kiss of oak.  43455  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. November 10, 2007
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Maison Champy Pernand-Vergelesses 2005, AC, Burgundy, France: A gorgeous, round chardonnay with notes of ripe pear, green apples, smoke and vanilla.  8151  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2006, Sierra Foothills, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Originally created at UC Davis, Symphony is an aromatic grape that’s a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. The latest vintage of Ironstone’s popular Obsession is as fragrant as always, soft and round with a touch of sweetness. My note: I love this wine with its floral notes.  355784  12%  MD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007 Best Value White Wine.
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Calera Chardonnay 2005, Central Coast, 30th Anniversary Vintage, California, USA: Rich, round and luscious with notes of ripe pears and buttery oak.  713313  14%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 92/100. November 10, 2007
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Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault Genevrières 2005, AC, 1er Cru, France: A shimmering, rich and layered chardonnay. A vanilla warmth blankets your palate while spritely green apples dance along the sidelines.  705970  13%  XD  750 mL  $89.95  Score: 94/100. November 10, 2007 Favorite White Wine.
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Boutinot Les Coteaux Des Tufiers Vouvray Demi-Sec 2005, AC, Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a delicious, gentle, medium-dry Chenin Blanc from the superb 2005 vintage. Look for delightful honeyed aromas, a lush palate packed with apple and citrus fruit as well as nutty notes leading to a long, rich finish. My note: Lovely, aromatic wine with a rich, round texture.  57018  12%  MD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. November 10, 2007
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Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinett 2005, QmP, Ockfener Bockstein, Estate Btld., Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: The Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt estates originated with the purchase of the family’s first vineyard in 1349. Over the centuries, the estate has acquired prized vineyard sites throughout the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, including a section of the well-known Ockfener Bockstein vineyard along the Saar River. The 2005 vintage of this fresh and focused Kabinett is so outstanding, it won a Gold Medal at the 2007 International Wine Challenge. My note: Lovely, light wine with pretty floral notes.  606202  8%  MD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Tawse Échos Bistro White 2004, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a fresh, crisp, well-balanced white with nicely integrated oak and lovely tropical and white fruit flavors. My note: A lovely and balanced chardonnay.  55087  13%  XD  750 mL  $22.20  Score: 89/100. November 10, 2007
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Tawse Riesling 2006, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: A light, happy wine with citrus notes.  55103  10%  MD  750 mL  $20.20  Score: 88/100. November 10, 2007
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The gnarly dudes in question are the rather fierce and twisted-looking old vines that give us this wine’s concentrated fruit. Winemaker Matt Wenk has a well-deserved reputation for creating a tightly focused Shiraz that emphasizes the dark cherry fruit while perfectly integrating the oak and tannins. This dude is ready to be enjoyed anytime over the next five years. My note: Full-bodied with aromas of dark fruit.  660043  15%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Elderton Shiraz 2004, Barossa, South Australia: A big, palate-whacking shiraz. When you measure "bang for your buck," look to this wine.  713024  14%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Kilikanoon The Lackey Shiraz 2005, South Australia, Australia: A simple and delicious, full-bodied wine.  5199  15%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Rosemount Hill Of Gold Shiraz 2004, Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia: A full-bodied wine with lovely balance.  614784  13%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Rosemount Hill Of Gold Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia: A robust red full of Aussie sunshine and ripeness. Aromatic notes of blackberries.  614800  14%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 92/100. November 10, 2007
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S.C. du Chateau D'Issan Château De Candale 2000, AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Great value for this full-bodied, well-structured bordeaux. Notes of cassis and blackcurrant.  43679  12%  XD  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 91/100. November 10, 2007
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Château Le Carillon 2005, AC Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Bordeaux epitomizes great value from what many consider a perfect vintage. A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this luscious red presents aromas and flavors of ripe plum and cherry fruit and strikes a fine balance between its fruit, tannins and oak. My note: Beautifully balanced and elegant with a long finish. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012.  51417  13%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Maison Champy Bourgogne Signature Pinot Noir 2005, AC, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Maison Champy is one of a group of small, quality conscious négociants (merchants who buy wines or grapes from winemakers/growers and create their own wines) who are currently releasing a wonderful collection of wines, including this raspberry-, cherry drop- and beetroot-scented example. My note: A staggering value for this lovely, medium-bodied pinot.  1149  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. November 10, 2007
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J. Labet & N. Déchelette Château De La Tour Clos-Vougeot 2005, AC, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France: The 2005 is rich and round with sweet cherry fruit. Drink: 2010-2020.  43265  13%  XD  750 mL  $144.95  Score: 94/100. November 10, 2007
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Louis Jadot Beaune Boucherottes 2005, AC, 1er Cru, Burgundy, France: An elegant, medium-bodied red burgundy with a long finish. Notes of cherries and cedar.  47837  12%  XD  750 mL  $47.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Du Château 2005, AC, 1er Cru, Burgundy, France: A rich, full-bodied pinot. Packed with notes of cherries, plums, and smoke.  901199  13%  XD  750 mL  $41.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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J. Labet & N. Déchelette Château De La Tour Clos-Vougeot Grand Cru 2001 2001, AC, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France: It doesn't get much better than this for Old World benchmark pinot noir. Exotic aromas of earth, lovely sour cherries, beets (it's a good thing) and a certain je ne sais quois pas. Drink: 2008-2015.  970061  13%  D  750 mL  $129.95  Score: 95/100. November 10, 2007
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Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Cailles 2005, AC, 1er Cru, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous, sweet cherry fruit aromas and a silky, sexy, smooth texture.  974014  13%  XD  750 mL  $104.95  Score: 95/100. November 10, 2007
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Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: A lovely example of cabernet sauvignon.  36939  14%  XD  375 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Telavi Napareuli 2004, AOC Napareuli, Kakheti Region, Georgia: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver-Medal winner at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in 2007. Discover why Telavi Wine Cellars’ estate-grown, medal-winning wines were so popular in Russia. This red offers lovely aromas of cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant and its palate is silky with nicely integrated oak. My note: I love finding great values in unexpected regions. Rich and full-bodied.  48116  12%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. November 10, 2007
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Tawse Cabernet Franc 2004, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada: Full-bodied with notes of blackberry and cassis.  55079  12%  XD  750 mL  $29.20  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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Tawse Échos Bistro Red 2005, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Gorgeous concentration in this wine with notes of plums and chocolate. Full-bodied. A blend of 70% cabernet franc and 30% merlot.  55095  12%  XD  750 mL  $25.20  Score: 91/100. November 10, 2007
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Casa Santos Lima Quinta Das Setencostas Alenquer 2005, DOC, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with indigenous grape varieties, this is a unique offering from Casas Santos Lima in Portugal. It displays delicious dark berry fruit aromas with distinct notes of cinnamon and chocolate which all echo beautifully on the palate. My note: Fantastic value! So good it deserves another exclamation mark! Lovely notes of dark fruit and cocoa. Full-bodied and smooth.  50930  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007 Best Value Red Wine.
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Real Companhia Velha Porca De Murça Reserva Tinto 2003, DOC Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: The prime grape in this blend is Tinta Roriz, the Douro name for Spanish Tempranillo. The Port grapes Touriga Nacional and Francesa bring a juicy vibrancy to this cedary, delicious wine. It is richly fruited with lively tannins providing structure. My note: A medium-to full-bodied wine that's a delight to drink.  684753  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. November 10, 2007
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Château De Beaucastel Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, AC, Rhone, France: Rich, expansive and layered with aromas of red currants, black plums, cedar, spice and smoke. Full-bodied.  711317  14%  XD  750 mL  $91.95  Score: 96/100. November 10, 2007 Favorite Red Wine.
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Felix Solis Viña Albali Gran Reserva 1999, DO Valdepeñas, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This Gran Reserva won a Silver Medal at the 2006 Mundus Vini international wine competition. The nose is intense, with dark fruit, spice, and vanilla aromas. The palate is powerful and rich culminating in a long finish of ripe fruit and polished tannins. With all the work of cellaring done for you already, this is an outstanding value at this price. My note: A surprisingly good wine with mouth-coating flavors of plums and chocolate.  9621  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. November 10, 2007
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Antinori Solaia 2003, IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: Can't fault this wine except for the price. Notes of ripe plums and berries. Gorgeous structure, depth and finish.  987586  13%  XD  750 mL  $149.95  Score: 94/100. November 10, 2007
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Montezovo Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2004, DOC, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Monte Zovo’s Ripasso exhibits all the hallmarks of the wine style: rich plum and almond aromas, intensified flavors and a long, full-flavored finish. My note: A wonderfully rich red with notes of chocolate and plums.  23523  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. November 10, 2007
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Castello Di Ama Rosato 2006, IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: A vibrant wine with notes of raspberries. Great way to perk up any over-cooked salmon.  39800  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. November 10, 2007 Favorite Rose.
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