Vintages Wine Picks April 26, 2008

by Natalie MacLean


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[ Compress ] White Wine

Elena Walch Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio 2006, D.O.C. Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Italy: Elena Walch, along with a handful of others, helped pave the way for other women who dreamed of making fine wines. Her single vineyard Castel Ringberg is legendary for producing superlative Pinot Grigios and the 2006 vintage is no exception. Displaying ripe fruit, herbs and floral aromas and flavors, this is a fresh and focused Pinot Grigio. My note: Refreshing, mouth-watering with notes of citrus.  937904  14%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 88/100. April 26, 2008
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Sterling Chardonnay 2005, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a creamy, crowd-pleasing chardonnay that is packed with peach, pear and tropical fruit flavors as well as notes of toast and vanilla (imparted by the oak aging). My note: A chardonnay that is buttery, round and absolutely luscious!  330233  13%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Ironstone Vineyards Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2006, California, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Originally created at the University of California at Davis, Symphony is an aromatic grape variety that is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. The latest vintage of Ironstone’s popular Obsession is as fragrant as ever, soft and round with a touch of sweetness. My note: One of my favorites year after year. An exotic wine with aromas of rose petals, lychee and lime.  355784  12%  MD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008 Best Value White Wine.
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Cuvaison Chardonnay 2006, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker Steven Rogstad’s philosophy is based on “... expressing the unique character of our estate grapes and doing as little as possible to them.” This delicious and elegant wine consistently demonstrates why the cool-climate Carneros region is so respected for its Chardonnay. Look for aromas of wood-spice on the nose with flavors of lemon drops and tropical fruit combined with a long flinty finish. My note: A classic, buttery, oaky and fun-loving California chardonnay. Full-bodied with aromas of ripe pears.  988261  14%  D  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008 Favorite White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Margaret River, Western Australia: Mouth-watering with juicy black fruit aromas and a go-go vibrancy.  606624  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Montes Kaiken Malbec 2005, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Owned by the Chilean winery, Montes, Kaiken (pronounced Kay-ken) is named for a wild goose that flies a migratory pattern between Chile and Argentina (thus, the winery’s logo line, “The Best From Both Sides of the Andes”). Their Malbec features an attractive aroma profile of black raspberry, plum, spice box and smoke. It is dry with lots of fresh fruit that is balanced by a seam of acidity and ripe tannins. My note: Pure purple goodness! A delicious wine.  58339  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. April 26, 2008
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Willi Opitz Cuvee Red 2005, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: Throughout the wine world there are wonderful eccentrics like Willi Opitz. Opitz created a wine called Mr. President and gave it all to then-President Bill Clinton. From his tiny 8 hectare site he crafts unique wines, such as this fruity and well-balanced Cuvée Red that is a blend of Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch and Cabernet Sauvignon. My note: A lovely, juicy wine packed with bright red fruit. Medium-bodied.  71266  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Château Le Doyenné 2005, A.C. Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France: A tannic but good wine that will benefit from aging. Drink: 2010-2015.  61739  13%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 88/100. April 26, 2008
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Château Reynon 2004, A.C. Premières Côtes de Blaye, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Depending on the vintage, Château Reynon’s prime wine usually contains 82% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Made by Bordeaux legend, Denis Dubourdieu, the 2004 displays aromas of blackcurrant, elderberry, raspberry and pipe tobacco. Dry, medium-bodied and well-balanced, this wine is just beginning to enter its fine drinking phase. My note: If you love oak, buy a case. But wait, there's more! Loaded with black fruit and a rich finish.  663807  13%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Château Langoa Barton 2004, A.C. St. Julien, Bordeaux, France: A wine of distinction and breeding. Drink up! Rewards with aromatic notes of cassis, blackberries and oak. Drink: 2009-2020.  664128  13%  XD  750 mL  $59.95  Score: 93/100. April 26, 2008 Favorite Red Wine (Tied).
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Château De Sales 2004, A.C. Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: A balanced wine with classic notes of cassis and blackberry. Drink: 2009-2016.  671735  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Louis Jadot Couvent Des Jacobins Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2005, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine Louis Jadot is a top négociant which searches out the best grapes for all of its wines. This wine is made with grapes acquired from various top vineyards throughout the Côte d’Or and Côte Chalonnaise. My note: A pleasant, light red with simple, carefree notes of strawberries. This wine would be terrific with various types of mushroom dishes.  688853  12%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 87/100. April 26, 2008
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Sebastiani Merlot 2004, Sonoma County, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Sebastiani added 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Petite Sirah, 3.5% Syrah, 1.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petite Verdot to the Merlot to add a few more layers of complexity. This combination produces a wine that is full of cherry, cassis, plum and blackberry aromas and flavors. My note: Happy aromas of chocolate and black fruit.  219162  13%  D  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Big House Red 2006, California, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: With a prison breakout depicted on its label, the Big House Red is the perfect wine to enjoy while watching the classic film, The Shawshank Redemption. This blend of Carignane, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Touriga Nacional is big, jammy, spicy and stuffed with flavor. My note: A balanced and delicious wine.  308999  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Shafer Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, USA: A layered and concentrated wine with notes of black plums and spice.  346262  14%  D  750 mL  $54.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2005, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This zesty zinfandel is dominated by ripe, dark cherry-fruit aromas with hints of spice and black pepper. Dry, soft and creamy, with ripe red-fruit flavors and moderate tannins, this wine is easy to love. You may want to break out the barbecue early for this wine. My note: A juicy, generous wine vibrant notes of brambleberry and red fruit.  590216  14%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Alexander Valley, California, USA: A well-made wine with black fruit and mocha notes.  61002  14%  D  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 91/100. April 26, 2008
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Dutch Bill Creek Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma Coast, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Dutch Bill Creek are specialists in two varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their Pinot Noir clone of choice is the ‘Joseph Swan’ which is highly regarded in California for producing wines with great structure, fine tannins and good density. My note: A silky, full-bodied number with juicy ripe cherry notes. Doesn't taste as alcoholic as it is.  67207  14%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 91/100. April 26, 2008
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Buena Vista Pinot Noir 2005, Carneros, California, USA: A full-bodied wine with notes of earth, spice and cherries. Delivers a pleasant bitter cherry finish.  67421  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: White Oak produces ageable wines that are renowned for their balance and finesse. This 2003 is no different, showing fine cassis, leather, cherry and earth tones. It is dry and beautifully balanced. My note: A big, oaky wine packed with dark fruit.  684233  14%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Greg Norman California Estates Pinot Noir 2005, Santa Barbara County, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This warm-climate Pinot is brimming with aromas and flavors of black cherry, smoked meat, spice, coffee and a hint of tar. It is round, ripe and ready to drink. My note: A solid and pleasant pinot noir with satisfying cherry notes. Full-bodied.  687988  13%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 88/100. April 26, 2008
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Serghesio Family Vineyards Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2006, Alexander Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is sourced from truly old vines as this vineyard was planted 113 years ago. The yields are naturally very low, creating wines with aromas of blackberry, sour cherry, ripe plum and a plethora of spice tones. Ripe fruit surrounded by bright acidity and fine tannins lead to a remarkably elegant, yet full-bodied wine. My note: I have a special place in my heart (and liver) for this winery, having written about it in my book. This is a gorgeous wine: concentrated, delicious and packed with black fruit.  70391  15%  D  750 mL  $45.95  Score: 93/100. April 26, 2008
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Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, USA: A towering wine of both power and elegance with aromas of black fruit and smoke. Celebrate your corporate takeover with this wine.  711663  15%  D  750 mL  $155.95  Score: 95/100. April 26, 2008 Favorite Red Wine (Tied).
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Beringer Pinot Noir 2006, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This generous and ripe Pinot Noir has a style that is distinctly Napa. It features plum, blueberry and cherry aromas and flavors as well a spicy note and a touch of smoke. Nicely balanced by some zingy acidity. My note: Lovely beetroot and cherry aromatic notes with great balance and finish.  718668  14%  D  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 84% cabernet sauvignon with 9% merlot, 4% syrah and 3% cabernet franc, this ripe and ready-to-drink wine features rich cherries, blackberries, spices and oak aromas and flavors as well as silky tannins and a long luxurious finish. My note: A balanced wine and a good value.  73817  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Duckhorn Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Founders Daniel and Margaret Duckhorn have spent the last 30 years building Duckhorn Vineyards’ reputation for quality and excellence. During this time, they have been strong voices and champions for Napa Valley, excelling at producing top wines from classic Bordeaux varietals but with a particular gift for outstanding Merlot. This wine has consistently been the benchmark for Napa Valley Merlot since it debuted in the late 1970s. The 2005 is richly fruity with blackberry, plum and black cherry flavors as well as notes of herbs and toasty oak. My note: Duckhorn specializes in merlot. This one has gorgeous layers of ripe plums, and black raspberries.  992529  14%  XD  750 mL  $62.95  Score: 91/100. April 26, 2008
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Botalcura Reserve El Delirio Syrah/Malbec 2005, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Botalcura’s Reserve El Delirio shows that Chile is more than just Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Featuring Syrah and Malbec, generally not thought of in Chile but which work beautifully together, this fruity and balanced wine shows off the virtues of both grapes to perfection. The Syrah delivers the upfront fruit, while the Malbec provides a lovely earthy/cedary tone to the mix. My note: Simple, deep purple in color, juicy and delicious.  18630  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 86/100. April 26, 2008 Best Value Red Wine.
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Chateau De Beaucastel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, Rhone, France: A blend of grapes including syrah, grenache and mouvedre. Lovely layers of black plums and spice.  968750  14%  XD  375 mL  $46.95  Score: 93/100. April 26, 2008
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Poggio Al Tufo Alicante 2006 2006, I.G.T. Maremma Toscana, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Alicante is an extremely rare type of grape as not only is the skin red but so is the pulp. In fact, it is the only Vitis vinifera grape that is red fleshed and typically produces wines that are deeply coloured. It was created by Henri Bouschet in the late 19th century when he crossed Petit Bouschet with Grenache. This delicious red is a fantastic discovery wine for those looking to add another 'untried' grape variety to their life-list of enjoyed wines. My note: Silky rich with notes of black fruit and mocha.  70797  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Frederic Mabileau Les Graviers 2006, A.C. St-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Loire, France: Bandaids and oak in the best way! This wine is rich and full-bodied.  70029  12%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Seresin Leah Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A robust, full-bodied pinot noir with notes of black-berries, cranberries and oak. This wine would be terrific with various types of mushroom dishes.  655167  13%  D  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Diane de Puymorin, Prop.-Récolt. Château D’or Et De Gueules Les Cimels 2005, A.C. Costières de Nîmes, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2005 Les Cimels won a Coup de Coeur, the highest rating from France’s Guide Hachette 2007. Owner/winemaker Diane de Puymorin is part of the new wave of young French winemakers who have broken onto the scene in the last decade. She produces rich, concentrated wines resulting from low yields and careful vineyard management. My note: Lovely balance with lip-smacking delicious notes of ripe plums and berries.  597104  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Château Pesquié Les Terrasses 2005, A.C. Côtes-du-Ventoux, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Think of this as a mid-weight Châteauneuf-du-Pape and you will have a sense of what this ripe, round, fruity and delicious wine is like. A blend of stainless steel-matured Grenache and oak-aged Syrah from the great 2005 vintage, this wine shows aromas and flavors of plum, garrigue, pepper and vanilla. My note: A delicious BBQ-perfect red: juicy, vibrant and delicious.  652313  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Cave de Rasteau Cave De Rasteau Rasteau Ortas Prestige 2006, A.C. Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The famous co-operative, Cave de Rasteau, has redesigned their whole line of wines under the new Ortas label. The labels may have changed but the wines remain some of the finest coming out of Rasteau. Their Prestige Rasteau, a blend of principally Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in a supporting role, is rich, ripe and very robust. My note: Robust and packed with flavor dominated by black fruit.  985929  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Perrin & Fils Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Les Sinards 2005, A.C., Southern Rhone, France: There are so few spectacular half bottles - nab a case of these while you can. Full-bodied with deep notes of currants and black raspberries.  5975  14%  XD  375 mL  $19.95  Score: 92/100. April 26, 2008
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Georges Vigouroux, Prop.-Récolt. Château De Haute-Serre 2004, A.C. Cahors, Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château de Haute-Serre is located in one of the prime locations in Cahors, an area called the ‘Mountain of Cahors’. The wine, a blend of 80% Malbec, 10% Merlot and 10% Tannat, has aromas of red fruits, perfume and vanilla. It is dry and round, but with a very good tannin core for balance. My note: Juicy, full-bodied, deep and rich in flavor.  693952  13%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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Lan Gran Reserva 2000, D.O.C.a Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The wines of Bodegas Lan tend to lean towards the more traditional style. This Gran Reserva is clothed in a medium-ruby color with garnet tones appearing on the rim. The nose is redolent of spice rack, red plums, strawberry and tobacco and the palate sees a replay of these aromas, and the finish is long and oaky. My note: Rich and full-bodied with notes of dried fruit, leather and earth.  928622  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Alain Baccino, Vign. Domaine Des Peirecedes Rosé Le Fil D'ariane 2007, A.C. Côtes de Provence, Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this dry, raspberry-scented rosé is an excellent companion for while you kickback on your patio after digging up the garden. My note: A lip-smacking wine that will make you wonder why you don't drink more rosé.  950733  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. April 26, 2008
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Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado 2007, D.O. Navarra, Spain: Classic and dry, it keeps brining you back for more.  256149  12%  D  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 88/100. April 26, 2008
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Dom Perignon Champagne 2000, France: A long, luxurious champagne with gorgeous layers of ripe pear, white pepper, daisies and toasty notes. A full-bodied and robust champagne with a finish that could last until your next bottle. Although this wine is not part of the April 26 release, I thought it was better to include here than say with the good value wines. Drink: 2008-2025.  10001  12%  D  750 mL  $150.00  Score: 97/100. April 26, 2008
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Feist Vintage Port 1985, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: The 1985 vintage is considered one of the greats of the latter half of the 20th century. This sweet wonder is really beginning to hit its stride. My note: Rewards the palate with gorgeous layers of plum and caramel.  70219  20%  S  750 mL  $65.95  Score: 94/100. April 26, 2008
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Cave de Monbazillac Château Septy Monbazillac 2003, A.C., Southwest, France: Made with a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, which have all been touched by noble rot, Château Septy’s Monbazillac offers aromas of rich peach, pear, honey and apricot. It is a worthy substitute for Sauternes, and a terrific value. My note: An amazing dessert wine. Bursting with apple pie and pear crumbler notes.  31625  13%  S  375 mL  $9.95  Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008
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