2007 Thirty Bench Wine Makers Riesling, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A generous, mouth-watering white with lime and melon notes. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 24133 11% D 750 mL $18.20 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Chardonnay St. David's Bench Vineyard, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A robust Chardonnay with ripe pear and toasty oak notes. Pair with: stuffed pork tenderloin, planked salmon. Drink: 2008-2012. 430991 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2007 Mike Weir Wine Pinot Grigio, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: VC: From Canada's golf superstar Mike Weir. Dry and racy, it features citrus, peach and apricot flavors along with floral notes and a slight spiciness. My note: A light wine with hints of melon. Pair with: pasta with cream sauce. 43364 12% D 750 mL $15.15 Score: 87/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Jackson-Triggs Chardonnay Delaine Vineyard, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A lovely balanced and rich Chardonnay filled with ripe melons and pears. Pair with: chicken kiev. Drink: 2008-2012. 623454 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2007 Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Riesling Black Sheep, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A lovely, light, zippy Riesling with melon and citrus notes. Closed with a screwcap. 80234 10% MD 750 mL $17.15 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2007 Loosen Riesling Bros. Dr. L, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Staggeringly great value. A zippy Riesling filled with ripe peach. You won't be disappointed. Closed with a screwcap. Pair with: pork, chicken, light curries. 599274 9% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Hupfeld Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau, Germany: A simple, but tasty white with ripe melons and a pleasant sweetness. 79699 9% MS 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Studert-Prum Riesling Spatlese, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Germany: One of my favorites year after year. Delicious layers of ripe peach and pear. Drink: 2008-2012. 912659 9% M 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2008
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2007 Zenato Pinot Grigio, I.G.T., Italy: An attractive white with white grapefruit and lime notes. Pair with: steamed clams or mussels. 37648 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2007 Jackson Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand: Grassy good! Refreshing and zesty. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 963124 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Inniskillin Wines Chardonnay Montagne Vineyard, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Ontario, Canada: A robust Chardonnay with deep pear fruit and oak aromas. Drink: 2008-2012. 586347 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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[ 2002 Grant Burge Cabernet Sauvignon 150th Anniversary Release, Barossa, Australia: Fifth-generation winemaker Grant Burge's roots in Barossa go deep, tracing back to 150 years ago when his family settled and planted grapes in this now-celebrated region. The Anniversary Release line celebrates Burge's heritage, and the passion and vision that continues to inspire his winemaking today. This Cabernet is elegant and complex, with black-fruit flavors balanced by chocolate and smoky notes. My note: Beautifully structured Cabernet with layers of cedar and cassis. Full-bodied. Pair with: charcoal grilled rib-eye steak. Drink: 2008-2012. 67884 13% D 750 mL $30.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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2003 Grant Burge Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 150th Anniversary Release, Barossa, Australia: Grant Burge has a straightforward philosophy on winemaking: create outstanding expressions of Barossa, using the best fruit to make the best wines. This GSM, a blend of hand-picked grapes from select old vines, is an unqualified success. Full-flavored and intense, it offers ripe blackberry and herbal notes highlighted by a spectrum of spices. My note: A generous, rich Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre blend with mouth-watering notes of black fruit. Pair with: savory marinated beef dishes, pasta arrabiatta. Drink: 2008-2012. 67900 14% D 750 mL $30.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2008
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2003 Ebenezer Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A juicy, full-bodied red with a smooth texture. Tasty and supple with notes of black plums. Drink: 2008-2012. 971705 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Château de la Perrière Brouilly, A.C., Beaujolais, France: A simple, light-bodied wine bursting with cherries jubilee. Pair with: roasted cornish hen. 74260 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A medium-bodied red with layers of pure cherry fruit - not earthy but vibrant. Love it! Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 1560 12% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Pelee Island Winery Pavilion Cabernet Sauvignon, Pelee Island, V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A lovely, rich, full-bodied red with notes of black plums and mocha. Drink: 2008-2012. 530576 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Santa Carolina Merlot Barrica Selection, Rapel Valley, Chile: A simple, but tasty Merlot with black fruit and cocoa notes. Full-bodied Pair with: rich pasta dishes, red meats. Drink: 2008-2012. 27276 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile: Full-bodied and nicely balanced with layers of black fruit. Pair with: rare top sirloin steaks. Drink: 2008-2012. 57901 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah, Limari Valley, Chile: A simple, straight-forward, toasty, full-bodied wine. Black fruit notes. Great value. Pair with: pepper steaks. 62497 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Casas Patronales Reserva Carmenére, Maule Valley, Chile: VC: With 35 hectares vineyards in the idyllic Maule Valley devoted to Carmenére, Casas Patronales is able to craft this textbook offering vintage after vintage. Aged in new French oak, this full-bodied red displays plenty of ripe plum fruit, spice and toast. My note: Delicious, mouth-watering and rich. Full-bodied with notes of black fruit and mocha. Pair with: smoked or grilled sausages, barbecued ribs. 65383 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Alain Jaume & Fils Syrah Blend Clos De Sixte, A.C.Rhone, France: A palate-whacker with cherry liqueur notes and richness. Pair with: hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2008-2015. 76349 15% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Domaine Lucien Barrot Et Fils Syrah Blend, A.C. Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone, France: A stunning wine of great complexity, depth and finish. Robust with cedar, spices and black fruit. Drink: 2008-2025. 76364 14% D 750 mL $41.95 Score: 95/100. September 13, 2008
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2001 Le Theron Cahors, A.C., France: VC: Malbec's ancestral home is the appellation of Chahors. This wine bursts with aromas of spices, cherries and blueberries and sports a palate that is robustly structured with harmonious sweet oak notes. Great for short-term cellaring. My note: A rich, deep, full-bodied red with layers of black fruit and pepper. Pair with: beef bourguigon, spicy dishes. 76406 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Domaine Des Homs Minervois, A.C. Midi, France: VC: Minervois' Mediterranean climate tends to produce intense and fruity red wines. For this 80% Syrah and 20% Carignan blend, Domaine des Homs did not mature the wines in oak barrels but in stainless steel vats. The resulting red wine bursts with varietal characteristics such as black fruit and peppery spices. My note: Delicious, mouth-watering and full-bodied red with notes of black fruit. Pair with: grilled sausages. 78774 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Château Lastours Cuvee Simone Descamps, A.C. Midi, France: A full-bodied red with delicious black fruit, pepper and garrigue. 79012 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Chateau Laroche Joubert, Cotes de Bourg, France: VC: This blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon received a gold medal at the 2007 Concours de Paris. From 60 hectares of vines cultivated at the Chateau, 15 have been selected for this cuvee. My note: Classic Cabernet; cassis and blackcurrant. Tannic so decant 2 hours. Pair with: veal stew, mushroom tart. Drink: 2008-2012. 87064 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Syrah Blend Cuvee Exceptionnelle, A.C. Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone, France: A gorgeous, robust wine with black cherry liqueur and garrigue notes. Pair with: roast beef. Drink: 2008-2020. 957274 14% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 93/100. September 13, 2008
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2004 Tsantali Maronia Vineyard Mavroudi, Greece: VC: Made from the Mavroudi variety, this red wine was aged for 9 months in small French oak casks. My note: Hearty, rustic and tasty. Redolent of filled with dark red fruit. Pair with: hearty lamb stew, stuffed veal tenderloin. 73874 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2004 Allegrini Corvina Rondinella Sangiovese Palazzo Della Torre, Veronese I.G.T., Italy: A blend of 70% Corvina, 45% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese. A delicious red with notes of mocha, dried herbs and leather. 672931 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Giordano Sangiovese Vespero Rosso, Toscana I.G.T., Italy: A solid, full-bodied red with black fruit aromas. Pair with: rare steak, meat lasagna. Drink: 2008-2012. 72421 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2001 Apollonio Negroamaro Primitivo Valle Cupa, Salento Rosso I.G.T., Italy: A blend of 50% Negroamaro and 50% Primitivo. A rich, layered, full-bodied red bursting with black fruit. Drink: 2008-2012. 84046 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2004 Michele Castellani Amarone Campo Casalin, D.O.C. Della Valpolicella Classico, Italy: Voluptuous rich red with dried cherries and currants. Drink: 2008-2012. 946558 15% XD 750 mL $50.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Banfi Centine, Toscana I.G.T., Italy: A sturdy, pleasant wine with red fruit and cocoa notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 947440 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Ornellaia Sangiovese Le Volte, Toscana I.G.T., Italy: Le Volte is made from Sangiovese which is purchased from outside producers plus Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the property. A juicy, round, generous red with layers of plum and smoke. Drink: 2008-2012. 964221 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2003 Fattoria La Ripa Chianti Classico Riserva, D.O.C.G., Italy: VC: A winner of both a gold medal and the "best of class" award at the 2007 Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition, this intensely flavored, well-structured Chianti Classico presents a lovely bouquet of cherries, wild berries, licorice and spice. My note: Prototypical Chianti: zesty with ripe red fruit and depth of richness. Pair with: tomato sauces, lasagna. Drink: 2008-2012. 984401 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 L.A. Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle De Guadalupe, Mexico: VC: The oldest wine region in the Western hemisphere has been experiencing a renaissance lately with quality producers like L.A. Cetto earning respect and awards internationally. An incredible value. My note: A simple, one-note wine but so very tasty and you can't beat the price. Pair with: steak fajitas. 405597 13% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 85/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Guardian Peak Syrah Mourvedre Grenache, Western Cape, South Africa: A blend of 63% Shiraz with 29% Mourvedre. A tasty, round, robust red with notes of black plums. Drink: 2008-2012. 83972 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2008
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2004 Penfolds Barossa Shiraz Bin 28, Kalimna, South Australia: A delicious, provocative, mouth-watering number with terrific black fruit and smoke notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 422782 14% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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2001 R. Lopez de Heredia Tempranillo Reserva Vina Bosconia, D.O.C.G. Rioja, Spain: A gorgeous, mouth-watering mature red with dried herbs, red fruit and leather aromas. Drink: 2008-2012. 529586 13% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Bodegas Castano Monastrell Hecula, D.O., Spain: Full-bodied red with black fruit, pepper and violet notes. Great value. 718999 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2004 Raimat Tempranillo Vina 43, D.O., Spain: VC: Raimat, the largest wine producer in the region, covers about a third of Costers del Segre's vineyards. This reliable producer consistently fashions satisfying and well-priced wines from indigenous and international varieties. Deeply colored, this Tempranillo suggests aromas of sultana, spices, cedar and smoke. Round, fruity and spicy on the palate. My note: A lovely smooth red. Try it if you like Merlot. Pair with: cured cheese, red meats, venison. 743039 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. September 13, 2008
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2004 Arrocal Tempranillo, D.O. Seleccion, Spain: An aromatic wine with enticing notes of blackcurrant spice and black raspberries. Drink: 2008-2012. 79764 14% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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2006 Sebastiani Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: A juicy, ripe Pinot filled with bright cherries. Drink: 2008-2012. 14233 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Clos Du Val Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: VC: Located at the extreme south of the converging Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, Carneros enjoys the cooling effects of San Francisco and San Plablo Bay's fogs and high wines. Cool climate varieties, such as Pinot Noir, produce wines with elegance and finesse. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this smooth and full-bodied Pinot displays intriguing aromas of black cherry and spice. My note: A smooth, full-bodied red with lovely ripe, vibrant layers of cherry. Pair with: beef bourguigon, root vegetables. 3384 13% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2008
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2005 Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, United States: VC: The grapes for this wine come from the same vineyards as Joseph Phelps' more famous cult wine, Insignia. The Innisfree Cabernet is a forward and approachable wine with aromas and flavors of mulled spices, red fruit, coffee and cedar, with a long, concentrated finish that lingers on the palate. Ten months in French and America oak give it a slight smokiness. My note: A full-bodied red with lovely complexity. Pair with: grilled red meats. Drink: 2008-2012. 38125 13% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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2004 White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, United States: A well-structured and balanced Cabernet with classic signature of cassis and blackcurrant. Drink: 2008-2012. 684233 14% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2008
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