Vintages Wine Picks February 18, 2012

by Natalie MacLean


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[ Compress ] White Wine

Xumek Chardonnay 2010, Zonda Valley, San Juan, Argentina: Lovely bright peach and pear notes wrapped in toasty vanilla-smoke. Full-bodied and generously layered. Terrific price. Drink: 2012-2015.  265231  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Dowie Doole Chenin Blanc 2011, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: One of the most aromatic and interesting chenin blancs I've tasted. Floral with passion fruit and dried apricot. Love it! Drink: 2012-2015.  709246  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Creekside Laura's White 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely and crisp yet there's also a lanolin richness and unctuousness. Bright lemon and lime notes with a creamy voluptuousness. Drink: 2012-2015.  121764  12.70%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012
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Mike Weir Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Mineral-petrol nose with fleshy ripe peach. A touch a sweetness makes this very food friendly. Great mouth-watering acidity. Drink: 2012-2016.  229286  12%  MD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Wow! This is spectacular. Thomas Bachelder did amazing things while he was the winemaker at Le Clos Jordanne, one of my favourite Niagara wineries. Now he's out there again, taking the lead and creating superb wines from different vineyards. This chardonnay is stunning! Lemon luminescence with a core of deep minerality and lightning brightness. Perfectly balanced between a deft hand of oak and generous fruit. Makes me love chardonnay all over again. Drink: 2012-2019.  271841  13%  XD  750 mL  $31.95  Score: 94/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated White Wine.
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Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Limarí Valley, Chile: Grassy-fresh sauvignon with clean, crisp lines. Come-alive lime and chives... Bring on all sorts of food pairings. Drink: 2012-2014.  662999  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Helfrich Pinot Gris 2010, A.C., Alsace, France: Clean and crisp with a subtle, soft nose of white tree fruit. A touch of sweetness is almost imperceptible with the mouth-watering acidity. Great aperitif. Drink: 2012-2015.  141788  13%  MD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Perrin & Fils Réserve Blanc 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Lovely! Not too oaky or fruity... Just a delicious blend of earth and sunshine. Full-bodied with layers of Asian pear and a hint of smoke. Drink: 2012-2015.  499509  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Dalton Safsufa Vineyard Kpm Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay 2010, Israel: Lovely! Almost Bordeaux-like in this style of white: lanolin, fresh hay, lemongrass and sunshine. Medium- to full-bodied and mouth-watering. Get out of your same-old white wine rut with this wine. Drink: 2012-2015.  157008  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.40  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Principessa Gavia Gavi Vigne Regali 2010, D.O.C.G., Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy: Clean and crisp, very pinot grigio. Lime and white grapefruit, no heavy oak. Great aperitif or shellfish companion. Drink: 2012-2014.  250696  12.50%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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3 Stones Gewurztraminer 2008, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Dry with exotic aromas of nutmeg, lychee and rose petals. Perfect for Asian cuisine. Drink: 2012-2015.  262758  13%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy goodness bursts forth from the glass. Clean and crisp with mouth-watering acidity that refreshes the palate for many dishes. Drink: 2012-2014.  63941  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely balance between the notes of grass, lime, chives and lemongrass. Crisp, ocean-fresh refreshment. Drink: 2012-2014.  981670  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value White Wine.
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Backsberg Kpm Chardonnay 2011, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: Generous oak treatment gives this white a robust, smoky aroma and flavour. Some tree fruit on the mid-palate with more toasty oak on the finish. Drink: 2012-2015.  156661  13.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Morgenhof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010, W.O., Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa: Terrific vibrancy! Gooseberry and chives, plus all the other refreshing notes grass and lemongrass. Drink: 2012-2014.  18507  13.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Lander-Jenkins Spirit Hawk Chardonnay 2009, California, United States: A lovely chardonnay with tropical fruit and caramelized toffe notes from the oak aging. Full-bodied and round. Tasty! Drink: 2012-2015.  162651  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012
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Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay 2010, Livermore, California, United States: A luscious, full-bodied Chardonnay with generous aromas of white peach, toasty oak and almonds. A lovely long finish makes you long for more. Perfect for dinner parties and more casual get-togethers. Drink: 2012-2015.  175430  13.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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Signorello Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lovin' it! Rich layers of green apple, hazelnut, smoke and white peach. Full-bodied, deep and complex. Yum! Drink: 2012-2015.  742692  14.30%  XD  750 mL  $51.95  Score: 92/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated White Wine.
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La Crema Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma Coast,California, United States: I love the chardonnays and pinots from this winery year after year. This classic chardonnay has lovely aromas of green apple vibrant wrapped in toasty oak. Drink: 2012-2015.  962886  13.90%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Xumek Reserva Malbec Syrah 2009, Zonda Valley, San Juan, Argentina: This robust blend of 60% malbec and 40% syrah offers luscious black fruit and dark spices. Supple and smooth. Drink: 2012-2015.  265207  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2010, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Love it! Bright and vibrant with cherry-berry fruit. Medium- to full-bodied and satin smooth. A true hedonist's wine. Drink: 2012-2016.  15511  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Jim Jim (The Down-Underdog) Hugh Hamilton Shiraz 2009, South Eastern Australia; South Australia, Australia: Classic Aussie shiraz with black, almost cooked plums, generous oak and full-bodied heft. Some mint. Tasty! Drink: 2012-2015.  682005  14.50%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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John Glaetzer John's Blend Margarete's No. 13 Shiraz 2007, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Big mint on the nose that's engulfed by a flood of fleshy blackberries on the palate. Quite a pleasant sensation. Full-bodied and luscious. Drink: 2012-2016.  927657  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Mountadam The Red Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2007, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied and complex red with great depths of black fruit and some mocha. Long finish. Drink: 2012-2017.  931105  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $30.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with big black fruit... A smoky, dried fruit finish. Luscious layers of flavour. Drink: 2012-2015.  98392  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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D'arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Enticing eucalyptus and blackberry aromas in this full-bodied, smooth red. Sure to please even the most hardened cabernet fan. Drink: 2012-2016.  984021  14.40%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 92/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Pirramimma Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and vibrant with black and purple liqueur aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Yum! Drink: 2012-2015.  987784  15.50%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Creekside Laura's Red 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Savory and juicy with black fruit and a seductively smooth satin texture. Drink: 2012-2015.  117960  12.70%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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Kacaba Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment , Ontario, Canada: Savoury and juicy with a very attractive nose. Dark fruit but not heavy. This wine was aged in barrels for 16 months. Lovely Moroccan spices and just a tiny hint of espresso on the finish. Drink: 2012-2015.  272146  12.90%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012
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Araucano François Lurton Syrah 2009, Lolol Valley, Chile: A superb value and quality for this price point. Full-bodied with fleshy blackberries and some vanilla-smoke on the finish. Drink: 2012-2015.  269209  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: An intense and aromatic nose of mint and blackberry with plush fleshy plums on the palate. Nicely balanced with full-bodied goodness. Drink: 2012-2016.  275594  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Champy Signature Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Gorgeous layers of voluptuously rich fleshy cherry-berry fruit. The nose is so aromatic, it'll draw you head-first into the glass. Rich and textured, this is amazing quality for this price point. Buy a case. Drink: 2012-2015.  1149  13%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 91/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Rich aromas of raspberry jam and gorgeous layers of flavour. Full-bodied and juicy with a long finish. Terrific value for the money. Drink: 2012-2015.  119354  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Vignobles David Le Mourre De L'isle Kp Domaine De La Clastre 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Rustic and straight-forward with notes of black cherry and forest floor. Drink: 2012-2014.  128124  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Les Vignerons du Castelas Vieilles Vignes Signargues 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: A chewy, meaty, savoury wine with rich layers of dark red berries and cedar. Juicy and mouth-watering with a terrific balance. Drink: 2012-2014.  34116  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012
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Château Calon-Ségur Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, 3e Cru, Bordeaux, France: One singular sensation of finesse, elegance and refinement. Displays dazzling aromas of blackberry, violets, truffles and woodsmoke. Some dried herbs and cloves on the finish. Gorgeous structure and supple texture. Medium to full-bodied. Drink: 2010-2018.  564153  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $85.00  Score: 93/100. February 18, 2012
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Champy Beaune Vieilles-Vignes 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: More earthy and smoky, less fruity than the other Champy pinot in this release, but no less spectacular. These are amazing wines for the price point: so vibrant and beautifully structured yet medium-bodied liquid silk that slides down ever so easily. There's a lovely hazelnut smoke on the finish. This is my personal favourite and I'll be buying a lot of it. Yay! Drink: 2012-2018.  726406  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 92/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Christian Moueix 2007, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Dry, classic Bordeaux with a blackberrycigar box nose. Tannic so decant for 1-2 hours. This wine will also do well in the cellar for another 3-4 years. Drink: 2012-2015.  903013  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Galil Mountain Pinot Noir 2009, Galilee, Israel: A smoky pinot with fleshy black cherries that's been given generous oak treatment. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015.  121228  14%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012
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Tabor Galil Kp Merlot 2009, Galilee, Israel: Pleasant with notes of black fruit and toasty oak. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2012-2014.  183517  13.90%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Recanati Shiraz 2010, Galilee, Israel: A robust, straight-forward wine with aromas of black frruit. Smooth. Drink: 2012-2014.  218685  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Piccini Villa Al Cortile Riserva Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Exceptionally dry with mint on the nose then leather and dried fruit on the palate. Not fruity, but rather dusty. Drink: 2012-2017.  205724  14%  XD  750 mL  $41.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Travignoli Tegolaia Riserva Rufina Chianti 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Smooth, pleasant and medium- to full-bodied. Dark berry notes and mouth-watering juiciness. Very food friendly. Drink: 2012-2015.  232496  14%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2006, D.O.C., Gioia Del Colle, Puglia, Italy: A terrific, knock it back red with juicy dark berries and some smoke. Perfect for barbecues and pizza night. Drink: 2012-2014.  724674  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Masi Brolo Di Campofiorin 2007, Igt Rosso Del Veronese, Appaxximento, Veneto, Italy: Quintessentially Italian red with black fruit and smoke and a long, pleasantly bitter finish. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2013-2017.  976092  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand: Stunning! Smoky cherries open up to a sensory world of berries and spices. So lovely. Medium-bodied and silky smooth. Drink: 2012-2016.  55228  13.50%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Azul Companhia Das Lezírias 2008, D.O.C., Ribatejo, Tejo, Portugal: A full-bodied with black fruit and toasty oak. It's right for the price. Drink: 2012-2014.  266890  14%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Budureasca Origini Feteasca Neagra 2007, D.O.C.,-C.M.D., Dealu Mare, Romania: Juicy and full-bodied with black fruit aromas. Drink: 2012-2014.  263913  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 86/100. February 18, 2012
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Saronsberg Art Space Shiraz Mourvèdre 2009, W.O., Tulbagh, South Africa: Dark fleshy fruit with a chewy, savoury bite. Full-bodied and supple with layers of pleasure. Amazing price. Drink: 2012-2015.  263590  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Diemersfontein Pinotage 2011, W.O., Wellington, South Africa: Big oak and mocha-chocolate notes on the nose continue on the palate. Full-bodied and hulky. Drink: 2012-2014.  956409  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Bodegas Lan Crianza 2007, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Pleasant, full-bodied, supple red with attractive notes of black fruit. Drink: 2012-2015.  166538  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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Beronia Reserva 2006, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Lovely old leather Rioja! Love this style. Dusty and earthy, not fruity. Dry, full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2012-2016.  50203  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Mcmanis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, California, United States: Mocha, dark chocolate aromas with fleshy dark fruit underneath. Full-bodied, chewy and delicious. Drink: 2012-2015.  212126  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012
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Dominus Christian Moueix 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: I may not be as exuberant on this wine as some other critics who have rated it 99, however I have to admit, it's pretty darn good. Beautifully sculpted with aromas of cigar box smoke, led pencil, blackberry, blackcurrant and cassis. The overall effect is one of terroir not fruit. Drink: 2013-2020.  212381  14.10%  XD  750 mL  $145.95  Score: 95/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Hitching Post Hometown Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Incredible freshness and vibrancy for a pinot with such high alcohol. Lovely cherries and spices and a long, satisfying finish. This was the winery featured in the movie Sideways ... No wonder Miles was a pinot fan! Drink: 2012-2015.  256644  14.10%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Chateau Chevalier Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Well-crafted and balanced with cassis and blackcurrant. Smoky finish. Drink: 2012-2016.  256776  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012
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Blue Rock Baby Blue Proprietary Red 2008, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, United States: Exotic and lovely with forest violet and dark spices. Plush and full-bodied but not heavy. So different from most cabernet blends. Drink: 2012-2016.  261727  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $38.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Blackstone Winery Winemaker's Select Zinfandel 2009, California, United States: Oh yum! Tasty layers of fleshy blackberries roll across your mouth... This wine makes me smile. Smooth, full-bodied, generous - like a terrific boyfriend. Drink: 2012-2015.  26427  13.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value Red Wine.
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Weinstock Cellar Select Kpm Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Robust, rustic, straight-up pleasure. Chewy layers of black fruit and cedar-smoke. Great price for Napa wine. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2014.  269811  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Briar patch underbrush with cedar, wild blackberries and brambleberries. Full-bodied, smooth and supple. Surprising juicy acidity on the palate makes it very food friendly. Drink: 2012-2015.  590216  14%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Dark chocolate nose followed by satin plush black plums and a strong coffee finish. Full-bodied and supple and absolutely yummy. Drink: 2012-2015.  59311  15%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Solid, consistent producer of as-you'd-expect cabernet: blackcurrant and cassis. Balanced. Drink: 2012-2015.  706077  13.50%  XD  375 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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Landmark Grand Detour Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Incredibly plush and cherry-soaked wine with layers of lovely come-back-to-me longing. Full-bodied but not heavy. Ultra-satisfying and seductive. Drink: 2012-2016.  737890  14.50%  D  750 mL  $41.95  Score: 93/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Cabernet Merlot 2007, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States: This wine is a blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon and 42% merlot. It offers a windy tunnel of mint-blackberry aromas that whistle up from the glass. Full-bodied and ultra-concentrated: a true red for hedonists. Drink: 2013-2018.  89284  13.30%  XD  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 93/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Hess Allomi Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lovely chewy flavours of mocha, plush plums and berries. So very tasty and happy. Perfect for movie night. Drink: 2012-2016.  906420  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $33.95  Score: 91/100. February 18, 2012
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Duckhorn Merlot 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Ultra-plush red for diehard merlot fans seeking the Platonic ideal of merlot. Fleshy black plums and some smoke wrap themselves around your senses. Slide into this wine and enjoy. Drink: 2012-2016.  992529  14.50%  D  750 mL  $56.95  Score: 91/100. February 18, 2012
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Of Niagara Rose 2010, VQA, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Clean and crisp with fresh aromas of field strawberries. This wine was fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit freshness. Drink: 2011-2013.  172643  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec Champagne, France: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was just 27 when her husband died of a malignant fever leaving her with the winery and an eight-year-old daughter in 1805. Her aggressive export strategy to Russia during the Napoleonic wars earned her the top spot in that market for decades. This particular bubbly has a touch of white peach and tangerine sweetness that makes it perfect for glazed ham and chocolate-dipped strawberries.  38307  12.50%  M  750 mL  $70.00  Score: 92/100. February 18, 2012
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Louis Bouillot Perle D'ivoire Brut Crémant De Bourgogne Blanc De Blancs, A.C., Burgundy, France: A festive bubbly with toasty notes. Great for parties. Drink: 2012-2014.  48801  12%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Castell D'olerdola Brut Cava, D.O., Penedès, Spain: A toasty bubbly that's terrific for this price point. Great for parties. Drink: 2012-2014.  267369  11.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 87/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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