Vintages Wine Picks January 7, 2012

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Enticing smoky buttered notes on the nose with ripe Asian pear, vanilla and almond on the palate. Full-bodied and richly layered. 127696 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Calamus Estate Winery Cosmic White 2009, Niagara Escarpment, Canada: Ripe melon notes and the sweetness make this wine a pleasant sipper with spicy dishes that have some heat. This wine is a blend of riesling, chardonnay and gewurztraminer. Drink: 2011-2012. 255893 12.40% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. January 7, 2012
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Domaine Bonnard S Sancerre 2009, A.C., Loire, France: This is a Gold Medal winning wine that combines the best of Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc and somewhat like the New Zealand style: lime and mineral, cut grass and a hint of gooseberry. Fresh and dry with good aroma replays. A balanced and refreshing sauvignon blanc that’s not overly herbal or oaked. A lovely balanced approach with tasty notes of lime, green apple and chives. 140525 12.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012
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Domaine Saint Rémy Réserve François & Philippe Ehrhart Pinot Gris 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: This off-dry white is perfect for Asian and spicy curries. Some ripe fleshy peach and pear notes. 16410 13% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. January 7, 2012
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Nicolas Maillet Mâcon-Verzé 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Mâcon-Verzé, is an intriguing region and village in southern Burgundy, whose wines are still little known. This version features aromas of lemon, lime, green apple and hints of fresh ginger showing the region’s Chardonnay in a good light. This tangy wine is a very nice aperitif. Mildly flavoured but I like it! White peach and melon with some green apple notes. Refreshing, clean and crisp. 702605 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012
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Paul Anheuser Kabinett Schlossböckelheimer Königsfels Riesling 2009, Prädikatswein, Nahe, Germany: Citrus peel aromas lead the way in this pale lemon yellow wine, as well as ripe lime, green apple and a stony-clay minerality. Off-dry on the palate, with lime cordial, and a streak of racy acidity that nicely complements the sweetness. The finish is citrus-infused ,long, and crisp. Absolutely lovely! Soft and floral with ripe peach and pear in the background. Love it! Light- to medium-bodied with a touch of sweetness. Soft but balanced acidity. 161828 8% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012 Top Rated White Wine.
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Si Soave 2011, Veneto, Italy Natalie has not yet reviewed this wine. It's listed here for your convenience so that you can find it easily in your local liquor store. 134999 11.50% XD 750 mL $12.95. January 7, 2012
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Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Leave it to Kim Crawford to make unoaked Chardonnay interesting. Pure fruit flavour without the toast, oak and vanilla. White peach and green apple. Refreshing. 991950 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Gallo Family Laguna Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A lusciously rich and concentrated Chardonnay with green apple, butter and vanilla notes. Round and warm 544981 14% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012 Top Rated White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Urban Uco Bodegas Y Viñedos O. Fournier Malbec Tempranillo 2010, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely! I like how Tempranillo fleshes out the malbec here. It makes for a lip-smacking delicious combination of dark fleshy fruit. Terrific price. 166397 14.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Altocedro Reserva Malbec 2008, La Consulta Vineyards, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied red with rich, dark layers of black fruit. Good balancing acidity and length. For enjoyment now. 187880 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012
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Sur De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich and full-bodied with an incredible price point. Layers of fleshy dark fruit cry out for a meaty dish companion. 208322 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Trivento Amado Sur Malbec Bonarda Syrah 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: This wine is a blend of 72% Malbec, 16% Bonarda and 12% Syrah. A tasty and satisfying full-bodied red with notes of peppered plum, blackcurrant and anise. 37036 14% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. January 7, 2012
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Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Big black beautiful bruiser of a wine. Aromas of blackberries and plums. Supple and delicious. 50849 15% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012
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Finca Flichman Gestos Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely plummy notes mingle with mocha and blackberries. Deep, rich and supple, this full-bodied red has lots to offer. It was aged for 6 months in American oak (60%) and French oak (40%) and then another 4 months in the bottle. It's ready to drink when you are. This wine will be available in the Vintages September 26 release, but you may find it elsewhere before then. 68999 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Small Gully The Formula Robert's Shiraz 2006, South Australia, Australia: Lovely the juiciness that doesn’t stop giving. Fleshy fruit roll across your mouth and there’s a gorgeous liveliness to the black berries and plums. Long finish. Superb, especially at this price. 142935 15.90% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Round, smooth and delicious with a full-bodied weight that's not heavy. A polished texture and a satisfying depth of flavour. 262105 XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012
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Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz Viognier 2009, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Dense with a towering concentration of black fruit flavours, kirsch, tar, smoky oak and violets. Supple with layer after layer of lip-smacking flavour. 606301 15% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. January 7, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Honkin’ big red with black cherry liqueur aromas. Rich, full-bodied and alcoholically warm. Delicious. This wine has won multiple Gold and Silver Medals in competitions around the world. 673897 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2012
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Pillitteri Estates Winery Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Plum-lovely with a satin smooth texture! Unfurled ripe, fleshy blackberries on the palate. Medium- to full-bodied. Aged 14 months in American and French oak. Drink: 2010-2013. 071738 13.50% D 750 mL $18.00 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2012
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Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: This is a multiple award-winning wine brimming with spicy fruit character. Aromas of mocha, black cherry, plum, tobacco leaf, and wild blueberry abound. Dry and medium bodied, ripe tannins and a plush texture, with ample bright acidity bringing balance. Although still relatively young, it’s drinking nicely now and should continue to evolve in the short term. Cellar 1-2 years, or enjoy it tonight. Dry grained flavour and texture with dark fruit and smoke. Round and pleasing. 169854 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. January 7, 2012
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Koyle Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Alto Colchagua, Colchagua Valley, Chile: You can't go wrong with this full-bodied red, especially at this price point. It has the power of Chilean fruit but is also well-scultped and balanced. 256073 XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2012
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Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2009, D.O., Casablanca Valley, Chile: A terrific pinot noir, especially at this price point. Vibrant notes of fleshy ripe cherries and raspberries. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Delicious! Perfect for movie night and casual get-togethers. 37937 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Château Faizeau 2008, A.C., Montagne St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: A classic Bordeaux at a reasonable price. Aromas of cassis and blackcurrant lead on the nose. Satisfying finish. 136887 XD 750 mL $24.00 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012
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Château La Croix De Queynac Supérieur 2009, A.C., Bordeaux, France: This wine is filled with ripe cassis, berry and earth aromas and flavours. It repeats the aromas to a T in the mouth. Dry and flavourful, with decent tannins for short-term cellaring (1-3 years), but why wait? A tarry, cedar-dark red with blackberries. Robust and ready when you are, this is a knock-it-back party wine. Great value. 138636 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. January 7, 2012
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Domaine Saint Andéol Séduction Cairanne 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Deliciously rich and full-bodied with aromas of dark red an smoky-cedar finish.d black fruit plus a seductive Drink: 2010-2015. 248575 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Domaine Du Grand Montmirail Vacqueyras Yves Et Denis Cheron 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Terrific full-bodied red that's classically Rhone style: dark cherry, cedar and earthy. Drink: 2012-2016. 251579 D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. January 7, 2012
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La Ferme Du Mont Première 2009, A.C., Côte Côtes Du Rhône, France: Superb quality and taste for the money. Rich and full-bodied with aromas of black cherry and cedar. Drink: 2012-2015. 251645 D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012
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Domaine De L'arnesque Cuvée Capalane Laurent Biscarrat Et Ses Enfants 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône, France: Incredible depth and concentration of flavour with black fruit and liqueur-like flavour intensity. Rich and complex with the structure to spend many years in the cellar. Drink: 2013-2025. 251652 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 94/100. January 7, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Perrin & Fils Les Sinards 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Pure black cherry liqueur in concentration and flavour. Rich, robust and layered. Full-bodied doesn’t begin to describe it for those who love a full-palate wallop. This one will age well in the cellar. This half-size bottle will mature faster than the 750 mL bottle that he’s referring to – 6-8 years is probably more accurate. It’s part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. 5975 14.50% D 375 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. January 7, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Perrin & Fils Peyre Blanche Cairanne 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Spectacularly dense and flavourful without being heavy. Lovely balance in this full-bodied, juicy wonder. Packed with aromas black plums, berries and black cherry liqueur. Fantastic price! 650960 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 7, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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La Pieve Barolo 2007, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Nebbiolo-based wines of Barolo rarely come at this price, so now is the time to sample this Piedmontese classic. This vintage also offers an opportune sneak-peek at the character of this wine. Aromas of plum, truffles, raspberry and cedar. The tannins are firm and there will be plenty of fruit here to bring balance. A real gripper but I like it! Big, black with a tarry streaking through the middle. Black cherry resistance and some dark spices. Perfect for black magic nights. 213132 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. January 7, 2012
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Giordano Eventus Nero D'avola 2008, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Luscious, full-bodied and delicious with aromas of black fruit and a little dark spice on the finish. 231662 XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012
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Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, D.O.C.G., Italy: Black and brooding as Heathcliff on the moor (can’t think of the Italian equivalent just now, sorry). Plush, opulent layers of black plum, blackberry and smoke. Long and satisfying. 33498 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. January 7, 2012
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Corte Grande Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: The corvine grape is blended with 25% rondinella, molinara, rossignol and negrara grapes in this Delibori’s Ripasso. Sweet cherry, plum, dried fruit and new leather make up the main aromas and flavours. A full-bodied, mouth-watering red with notes of cherries and mocha. 59246 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. January 7, 2012
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Tommasi Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Ripasso and Valpolicella production is unique to Tommasi; making contemporary wines for modern palates without betraying traditions or classic approaches. Rich with raspberry, plum and vanilla aromas and flavours it still exhibits the vibrant rustic tones that make it so identifiably Italian. This half-bottle size is perfect for intimate dinners. A savoury and delicious selection among half bottles. Lovely notes of bacon fat, blackberries and dark spices. Full-bodied, supply and juicy. Wonderful accompaniment to many dishes. 69443 13% XD 375 mL $10.95 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2012
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Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2005, D.O.C., Castel Del Monte, Puglia, Italy: Mocha-espresso nose with fleshy blackberries and black plums. Full-bodied and ultra-juicy with big mouth-watering acidity. Perfect with food. 984120 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 7, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Fattoria La Ripa Riserva Santa Brigida Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A juicy, mouth-watering red with aromas of tart cherries, freshly-turned earth, dried tobacco leaves. Terrific balance and intensity. 984401 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. January 7, 2012
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Hunter's Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Jane Hunter, owner and viticulturalist of Hunter’s Wines has won over 100 international prizes. Her Pinot Noirs are especially treasured by those who know and love this grape. Enjoy this one now, or cellar for 2-4 years. Chocolate and dark spice on the nose then it lifts on the palate to fleshy cherries and other berries. Silky texture with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Lovely! 586115 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012
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Flagstone Dragon Tree Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Pinotage 2008, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Rounded, delicious and sumptuous! Sink your teeth and hedonistic heart into this red. Lovely aromas of blackberry, cassis, spice, and plum. This wine is a blend of 51% cabernet sauvignon, 24% shiraz, 22% pinotage and 3% merlot, and it aged in oak for 18 months. Bring it on! 37549 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2012
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Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend Louis M. Martini Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa County,Sonoma County, California, United States: Ghost Pines have taken great advantage of the practice of “multi-AVA” labelling. Their blending of the best grapes from select Sonoma and Napa sites, has resulted in simply delicious wines, delivering exceptional value. They offer you, all wrapped up in the one package, the enchanting character of Sonoma as well as the power and precision of Napa. This spirited Cabernet is sure to elicit delighted reactions from your guests. Chocolatey with dark fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. 135376 13.90% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012
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Beringer Founders' Estate Pinot Noir 2009, California, United States: Lots of bright cherry on the nose and palate. Extremely supple and smooth with a medium- to full-bodied weight. 256628 D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2012
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White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: A well-structured and balanced Cabernet with classic signature of cassis and blackcurrant. 684233 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012
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Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classic Californian cabernet with terrific balance of dark fruit, structure and length on the finish. Drink: 2012-2018. 685685 XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 91/100. January 7, 2012
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Raymond Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: A delicious red with ripe red fruit, plum and raspberry notes. 715979 14% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2012
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Cave De Lugny Brut Crémant De Bourgogne 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France, France: Exceptionally priced, vintage-dated Burgundian bubbly. There’s a maturity to this sparkling wine, giving off warm aromas of toasted bread and nuts that echo on the palate as well as some tangy citrus and a hint of tea. Well-balanced, refreshing and crisp. A simple, toasty bubbly with toasty aromas. Good budget sparkler for parties. 183764 12.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Bava Cocconato Moscato D'asti 2010, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A must-have for anyone hosting a party, this light spritz, soft sweetness and low alcohol of Moscato d’Asti makes it. This is an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing, fruity, fragrant, and versatile frizzante works as an aperitif or dessert wine. I can’t think of a better wine for a summer cocktail party outdoors, even if we have to wait a bit for that. It’s low in alcohol and high in refreshment and taste. Don’t cellar it though, drink this year. 712547 5% M 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Anselmann Auslese Huxelrebe 2009, Q.M.P., Pfalz, Germany: Huxelrebe is a hybrid of the Courtillier Musqué and Chasselas grapes. This grape is little known outside Germany. It is an early-ripener that makes elegant sweet wines such as Huxelrebe from Anselmann. Rich and fruity aromas, flavours of apricots and passion flower, nicely balanced by racy acidity. This multi- award-winner has very good ageing potential, but can also be enjoyed tonight. Gorgeous concentration of apricot ad pear preserve yet it doesn’t come off as sweet. Such divinely lovely deep flavours. Get over your hang-ups about wines with a touch of sweetness. Imagine this with glazed ham or sweet potatoes: holy lardy liftin! Drink: 2010-2020. 681445 10.50% MS 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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José Maria Da Fonseca & Van Zeller Vintage Domingos Soares Franco & Christiano Van Zeller Btld. 2005 Port 2003, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: A rich and layered port with seductive aromas of blackberry liqueur and cassis. This port in the cellar for decades will glory so it's also a great one to lay down for a child or grandchild born in 2003. Drink: 2013-2025. 638924 20% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks January 7, 2012

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