Vintages Wine Picks August 16, 2008

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Vinecol Torrontes 2007, Mendoza, Agentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Torrontés has become as well-known as the white wine in Argentina as Malbec is for reds, a signature grape. Here the grape produces aromatic, floral, and fruity wines that are a touch reminiscent of Viognier or Muscat. This wine contains just 21 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: An aromatic and refreshing white with orange peel and floral notes. 32748 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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St. Hallett Semillon 2004, Barossa, Australia: A full-bodied, zippy, yet rich white with delicious smokey notes. Love it! Closed with a screwcap. 658005 11% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 16, 2008
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Stadlmann Zierfandler Classic 2006, Thermen region, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: The Zierfandler grape variety was on the verge of extinction by the 1980s until producers such as Stadlmann began to champion it. A later ripener, it produces racy, spicy, fresh and full-bodied wines that keep their verve even when late harvested. These wines may show a faint pink hue derived from the natural color of this ‘white’ grape. They also have tremendous aging potential. My note: A zippy white with lemon aromas. Closed with a screwcap. 71696 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008
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Domane Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Riesling 2006, Wachau, Austria: A refreshing white with lime notes. Closed with a screwcap. 723908 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008
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Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Exotic and aromatic notes of lychee, nuts and rose petals. Closed with a screwcap. 64592 13% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008
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Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Absolutely lovely wine with ripe peach and pear notes. Slightly off-dry. 89029 10% MD 750 mL $18.20 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay 2007, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The Marnier-Lapostolle family, of Grand Marnier fame, has been involved in winemaking for generations. The same uncompromising approach to quality that has made their liqueur a worldwide success is applied to this winemaking endeavour. The exotic fruit and mineral aromas lead to a palate that is crisply dry, fresh and fruity. My note: A comfy ole chardonnay. Simple, dependable and tasty. 396986 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008
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Natura Chardonnay 2007, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A simple, oaky, buttery chardonnay. 61895 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. August 16, 2008
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Tabalí Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2007, Limari Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Chile’s cool-climate Limarí Valley is achieving wondrous results with Sauvignon Blanc. This elegant and refreshing example is loaded with grapefruit, lime and grassy flavors as well as a touch of minerality. Fresh and crisp, it makes a terrific summer sipper. My note: An herbal, refreshing white. Grassy goodness! 662999 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008 Best Value White Wine.
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Viña Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc 2007, San Antonio Valley, Chile: A delicious white with big herbal grassy notes. Yum. Closed with a screwcap. 72678 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Schloss Schonborn Riesling 1994, Rheingau, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: As with many older Rieslings, this QbA from Schönborn is drier than it would have been in its youth. It is still a terrific value with dried lemon, peach and lanolin aromas and flavors. The acids are still quite fresh, yet perfectly in balance with the fruit. A remarkable value for a maturing Riesling. My note: A stunning wine of with aromatic notes of peach and lime. Drink: 2008-2012. 107557 10% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Fontanafredda Moncucco Moscato D'asti 2006, D.O.C.G., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Light and lively, this low-alcohol, gently sweet frizzante is filled with perfumed aromas and tropical fruit flavors. Enjoy it chilled (or on ice as the Italians do) as an aperitif or dessert wine. My note: You haven't lived if you haven't tried Moscato D'asti! A lightly fizzy after-dinner sipper that has notes of orange blossom and peach. 673277 5% MS 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Ra Nui Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand: A refreshing, herbal sauvignon blanc with a crisp attack. Closed with a screwcap. 658542 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 16, 2008
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Tandem Porter Bass Vineyard Chardonnay 2004, Sonoma Coast, United States: A lovely, lovely Chardonnay! Fall into it. Ripe pear, butter and peach aromas. 684373 13% D 750 mL $51.95 Score: 92/100. August 16, 2008 Favorite White Wine.
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A homegrown success story, Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s leading producers and its Alamos range consistently offers outstanding value. Expect blackberry flavors aplenty with notes of toasty oak and café mocha on a long, lingering finish. My note: A full-bodied wine with pleasing aromas of dark red fruit. Well-balanced. 467944 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Finca Flichman Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon displays lovely aromas and flavors of raspberry, sweet oak, plum and spice. Dry, full-bodied, with ripe tannins providing structure. My note: A smooth, supple wine with rich notes of dark red fruit. Drink: 2008-2011. 507707 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Clos De Los Siete malbec merlot cabernet sauvignon syrah 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: The 2006 Clos de los Siete is a slightly different blend with 50% malbec, 30% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 20% syrah. A full-bodied red with aromas of black fruit. 622571 15% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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La Puerta Bonarda Reserva 2005, Famatina Valley, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A Bonarda with depth and style, featuring aromas and flavors of plum, black fruit and vanilla. My note: Simple, but delicious and an amazing value. A full-bodied red with black fruit notes. 67801 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008
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Coyote's Run Estate Winery Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A medium-bodied red with mouth-watering notes of tart cherries and beetroot. Yum! Closed with a screwcap. 79228 11% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Tarapaca Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2004, Maipo Valley, Chile: A smooth, delicious wine with black plum and mocha hints. Drink: 2008-2012. 18721 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Botalcura La Porfia Carmenere Grand Reserve 2005, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Founding partner Philippe Debrus worked for many years as a winemaker in his native France before adopting Chile as his home in 1996. A fortunate meeting with Juan Fernando Waidele in 2001 led to a partnership and the birth of Botalcura. Debrus designed much of the gravity-fed winemaking facilities himself. A textbook Carménère, his barrel-aged Grand Reserve shows plenty of plum and blackberry fruit as well as notes of red pepper and tobacco. Well-structured with ample tannin and acidity. My note: A meaty, delicious red with savory notes of red plum and cassis. Full-bodied. Great value. 61887 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Panul Reserve Malbec 2006, Cocolchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Errázuriz Ovalle is owned by Francisco Errázuriz and his family. They sold their orignal winery, the now famous Viña Errázuriz, to Eduardo Chadwick years ago and have only recently returned to the wine industry. They use brand names like Panul to avoid the inevitable confusion of the two producer’s names. My note: A stunning wine for the money. Full-bodied with depths of black raspberries and dark chocolate. 61929 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Viña Ventisquero Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This attractive Cab shows intriguing notes of toast, earth, cassis and ripe cherry. It’s dry, well-structured and elegant with impressive depth and a lingering finish. My note: a terrific wine at a great price. Notes of black cherries and cocoa. 61937 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Terranoble Merlot Gran Reserva 2004, Maule Valley, Chile: Supple and smooth like soft jazz: not exciting but dependable and relaxing. Full-bodied. 62018 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Perez Cruz Carmenere Reserva 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver Medal winner at the 5th Annual Wines of Chile Awards, the 2006 Carménère draws you in with its lovely red berry aromas and layers of cassis, mocha and spice. My note: A full-bodied, well-rounded wine with dark red fruit and mocha layers. 670539 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Terra Andina Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Stylish and innovative, Terra Andina crafts modern wines that take full advantage of the diversity of Chile’s wine regions. This wine is a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from low-yielding vineyards in Maipo Valley. Aged in both French and American oak for 12-14 months, this deep and generous wine not only delivers great value but loads of ripe black fruit flavors, lovely spice notes, fine-grained tannins, and a long finish. My note: A well-structured, balanced and full-bodied red. Notes of cassis and mocha. 693895 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Veranda Cabernet Carmenere 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Canadian winemaker Pascal Marchand is the team leader and executive winemaker at Veranda. After establishing an illustrious career in France, Marchand assisted the Boisset family of Burgundy and Viñedos y Bodegas Córpora of Chile to establish this joint venture, Viña Veranda. This delectable blend of Cabernet and Carménère features black cherry, cassis, and plum as well as notes of tobacco, spice and mineral. My note: A supple, full-bodied red with black plums, mocha and smoke. 91272 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Les Truffiers Syrah Blend 2005, A.C. Rhone Vacqueyras, France: A full-bodied, but smooth wine with ripe dark red fruit aromas. 76562 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Le Petit Rouge De Saint Roch Syrah Merlot 2007, Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This ready-to-drink blend of Syrah and Merlot is hand-picked from vineyards in the Agly Valley, just 20 km from the Mediterranean Sea. A Gold Medal-winner at Le Concours Général Agricole Paris 2008, this full-bodied red is bursting with red cherry and raspberry fruit. My note: A purply, simple, delicious wine. Notes of ripe plums. 80697 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008
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Chateau Fonreaud Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, A.C. Listrac-Medoc, Bordeaux, France: A full-bodied red with smokey notes of dark red fruit and cassis. Balanced with a long finish. Drink: 2008-2013. 85290 13% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Chateau Lestage Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C. Listrac-Medoc, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Though sometimes overshadowed by the unprecedented 2005 vintage, 2004 was an exceptional growing year for Bordeaux. This excellent example shows ripe plum and berry fruit, with plenty of finesse. My note: A full-bodied red with straight-forward notes of black fruit. Drink: 2008-2012. 86231 13% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Gerard Bertrand Terroir Syrah Carignan 2005, A.C. Minervois, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A spectacular blend of Syrah and Carignan, the aromas suggest black cherry, garrigue, strawberry and new leather. The fruit is very well supported by a seam of acid and fine-grained tannins. My note: A black, brooding wine loaded with black fruit and smokey notes. Full-bodied. 952804 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008
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Marziano Abbona Terlo Ravera Barolo 2003, D.O.C.G., Italy: Big, black brooding red with black fruit and smoke layers. Drink: 2008-2020. 67918 14% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. August 16, 2008 Favorite Red Wine.
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Leone De Castris Maiana Salice Salentino Rosso 2006, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This vintage of Maiana features aromas of blueberry, oak, plum and black pepper. My note: A delicious red that is terrific for the money. Ripe cherry and plum notes. 717959 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008 Best Value Red Wine.
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Villa Santera Zinfandel 2006, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemakers in Puglia are specialists in crafting Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) and Leone de Castris is among the most famous producers in the region. This beautifully balanced Primitivo features aromas of plum and raspberry and is made in a much more structured style than the fruity versions coming out of California. My note: A layered, lovely wine with warm notes of black plums. 730952 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Santa Maria Sangiovese 2006, D.O.C. Morellino Di Scansano, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Morellino di Scansano was one of the first DOCs in the Maremma coastal zone of Tuscany. They proved that grapes could thrive in this rather swampy land. Producers such as San Guido, makers of Sassacaia, followed the lead to create great wines here. Morellino di Scansano may not be comparable to that rarified example, but the DOC’s producers are known for producing quality value-priced wines from Sangiovese and, in this case, a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. My note: A pleasant, balanced, medium-bodied wine with tart cherry notes. 75408 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 16, 2008
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Il Molino Di Grace Chianti Classico 2004, D.O.C.G., Italy: Classic chianti with notes of tart cherries and earth. 85209 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Brigaldara Valpolicella 2006, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Valpolicella is a perfect summertime wine because it is flavorful, but still pleasingly medium-bodied. Enjoy this cherry/berry wonder lightly chilled. My note: Smooth and slippery like conversation around the barbecue should be. Dark fruit aromas. 917864 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Le Ragose Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2004, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Marta and Arnaldo Galli were pioneers of Valpolicella’s return to grace in the early 1970s. Their vineyards lie on high-altitude, low-yield land. This dry, supple, medium-bodied wine is made using the ripasso method, imparting more color, aromas and flavors. My note: A classic Italian red with delicious tart cherries and sun-dried tomato notes. 991984 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Spinelli Tatone Montepulciano D''abruzzo 2004, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Brothers Carlo and Adriano Spinelli produced their inaugural version of Tatone, their first wood-aged wine, in 1997. Tatone, a word from the local dialect, means grandfather. The name reflects the strength and authority the brothers feel are characteristic of this complex, powerful wine. My note: A simple, but satisfying red with notes of red fruit and leather. 994616 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Catapereiro Tinto 2005, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Castelão (Periquita) and Alicante Bouschet, the component wines are given long fermentations in Argelian anforas (a variation on the Greek amphora) resulting in a rich, flavorful, intense final blend filled with aromas of blackberry pie, blueberry, red licorice and earth. My note: The perfect party wine: delicious and cheap. A crowd-pleaser. Full-bodied with notes of black plums. 80358 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Finca Sobreno Crianza 2004, D.O. Toro, Spain: A rich, full-bodied red with a long finish. Layered with black fruit and cedar notes. Drink: 2008-2011. 40360 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Montgo Monastrell Monastrell Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, D.O. Yecla, Spain: A blend of 65% monastrell, 20% shiraz and 15% cabernet sauvignon. A rich and interesting wine with cedar, mocha and black fruit aromas. Great value! 76588 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Freemark Abbey Merlot 2002, Napa Valley, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This pleasing Merlot, at its peak now, gained some added depth and personality with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon (12%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Petit Verdot (3%). Its aromas of black cherry, plum and cedary oak as well as its intriguing notes of exotic herbs offer a unique and rewarding wine-tasting experience. My note: A generous and supple merlot. To heck with Miles (from the movie Sideways)! 1602 14% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. August 16, 2008
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Benziger Family Winery Syrah 2004, North Coast, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: ‘Farming for Flavors’ is the name of Benziger’s advanced certified sustainable farming program for its growers that are not already certified biodynamic or organic. The program challenges growers to use sound environmental techniques to cultivate grapes with more site-specific characters, flavors and aromas. This full-bodied Syrah shows ample blackberry fruit with hints of coffee supported by some easygoing tannins. My note: A juicy, purply, delicious red. Full-bodied. 67215 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Raymond Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: A delicious red with ripe red fruit, plum and raspberry notes. Drink: 2008-2015. 715979 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Markham Merlot 2004, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Attractive medium-deep ruby/purple color leads you to aromas of raspberry, cedar, sour cherry and vanilla. Dry with a good balance between fruit, acid and oak. Full-bodied, with a long cedar finish. My note: Pleasant, smooth and seductive. Drink: 2008-2013. 738740 13% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Brotherhood Pinot Noir 2005, New York, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: With its first commercial vintage produced in 1839, Brotherhood claims to be America’s oldest winery. The modern era for this venerable producer began in 1987 when Cesar Baeza purchased the property in Washingtonville with the goal of making it the premier winery of New York State. Baeza is very hands-on as both the winemaker and viticulturist. This lighter-styled, supple Pinot offers bright cherry, redcurrant and cinnamon notes. A perfect light red for summer. My note: A lovely, medium-bodied pinot with hints of tart cherries. 79939 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008
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Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Napa Valley, United States: A round, supple, full-bodied red with layered complexity of dark red fruit. Long finish. 91058 14% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Duckhorn Wine Paraduxx 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: A rich, layered red with cassis and blackberries. 919662 14% D 750 mL $58.95 Score: 91/100. August 16, 2008
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Amancay Malbec Rosé 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Finca Eugenio Bustos gave this line of wines an appropriate name when they called it Amancay. The amancay flower is called the queen of the Andean Lakes District. It is said that whomever gives an amancay flower, also gives their heart. This Malbec rosé is clearly made with a lot of heart, featuring aromas of strawberry, plum and raspberry. My note: A mouth-watering rosé with a pleasant acidity. Layers of ripe raspberries. Medium-bodied. Serve slightly chilled. 68890 13% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 16, 2008
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Domaine Corne-Loup Tavel Rosé 2007, A.C., France: A gorgeous rosé with layers of raspberries and strawberries. No tannins. Serve slightly chilled. 71209 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008 Favorite Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Belenda San Fermo Di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Brut 2007, D.O.C. Veneto, Italy: Fantastic value! Get married cheap. Lovely toasty notes with a lime bite. 82347 11% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2008 Favorite Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Willi Opitz Cuvee Beerenauslese 2005, Illmitz, Austria: A gorgeous dessert wine that's not too heavy or sweet. Filled with apricots and honey. 71274 12% S 375 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008 Favorite Dessert Wine.
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Offley Late Bottled Vintage Port 2004, Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Blended from seven different grape varieties, this is a complex and intricate LBV Port with plenty of rich chocolate and cherry flavors. Ready to drink now, it should be decanted to remove any naturally occurring sediment. My note: Fantastic value! A port with rich textures and deep plum notes. 70086 20% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008
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Vintages Wine Picks August 16, 2008

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