Vintages Wine Picks November 27, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Añoro Chardonnay 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Hazelnut and green apple richness followed by generously round and voluptuous palate. Full-bodied and warm. Drink: 2010-2014. 183855 14.20% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Pinot Blanc 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Blanc is a fine alternative to Chardonnay, as it shares a similar fullness of flavour, but with an intriguingly different aroma and flavour profile. This one, from the Okanagan, is a case in point. Round, fresh and almost creamy. It features aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, apple, pear and mineral. Dry with a lovely crisp acidity to refresh the palate. Makes a pretty sipper. It will even reward short-term cellaring (1-3 years). My note: Very pleasant with aromas of white peach and melon. Mild, subtle and no heavy oak. Great aperitif. 205732 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 87/100. November 27, 2010
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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Solid and balanced with full-bodied goodness. Aromas of green apple and toasted almond. Drink: 2010-2014. 208694 13.50% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Wonderfully rich and layered with green apple, toasted almond, hazelnut, baking spices and white peach. Superb balance. Drink: 2010-2015. 34561 13.50% D 750 mL $65.00 Score: 93/100. November 27, 2010 Favourite White Wine.
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Hidden Bench Winery Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Toasted almond and hazelnut with lovely aromas of ripe peach, pear and Granny Smith apple. Voluptuous and round. Lovely craftsmanship that shows what Canada is capable of when it comes to Chardonnay. Drink: 2010-2015. 68817 14.30% XD 750 mL $35.20 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010
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Domaine Alain Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1Er Cru 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Subtle and balanced: classic burgundy. Not fruit-forward or oaky. Green apple and lime with some good acidity and rounded edges. Long finish. Drink: 2010-2016. 204628 13.50% D 750 mL $64.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Rene Mure Pinot Gris 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A deeply flavourful, full-bodied wine. The aromas recall pear, smoke, honey and peach. It is dry with a lightly silky centre. The finish is long and round. My note: Ripe peach and pear with lime zest finish. A touch of sweet-savoury. 597757 13% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. November 27, 2010
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Schloss Schönborn Riesling Kabinett 2008, Qmp, Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg, Rheingau, Germany: Stunning with wonderfully concentrated aromas of white flowers, fleshy ripe peach and pear. Yet so light as to make this a marvellous aperitif. 70946 10% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. November 27, 2010
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Maculan Pinot Grigio 2009, D.O.C., Breganze, Veneto, Italy: Lemony-fresh with lime zest and white grapefruit. Mouth-watering and crisp. Great aperitif. 734921 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. November 27, 2010 Best Value White Wine.
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Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Martinborough, New Zealand: Herbal but not grassy with terrific refreshment. Zippy and mouth-watering with spring day aromas of chives and lime zest 708602 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Kistler Les Noisetiers Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma Mountain, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: One of Sonoma’s brightest stars, Kistler is a Chard specialist of the highest order. Expect this complex, robust, finely balanced wine to deliver great pleasure over the next 5+ years. My note: Superbly crafted Chardonnay with a generous dose of oak that makes this wine toasty warm. Wrapped in its core are green apple, peach and pear aromas. Truly outstanding. Drink: 2010-2016. 183921 14.10% D 750 mL $69.95 Score: 94/100. November 27, 2010
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Beringer Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Dried herbs and a savoury character, not grassy. Mouth-wateringly tasty with long satisfying aromas of lemon and lime. 394353 14.10% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Clos De Los Siete Clos De Los Siete 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: This wine is a robust and delicious blend of Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes. It's also a joint venture of five wineries and headed up by the famed flying winemaking consultant from Bordeaux, Michel Rolland. Half of the wine was aged in French oak for one year. It displays great complexity and balance, especially for a wine at this price point. Aromas of big black fruit (blackberry, cassis) with a little smoky oak in the background. Shows restraint and structure. Good grip with the tannins so decant for 1-2 hours. This is also an excellent wine for your cellar. Superbly crafted! Drink: 2010-2016. 622571 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010
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Catena Alta Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Bordeaux education with an Argentine heart. Lovely balance and structure but gorgeously attractive fleshy dark fruit. Decant 1-2 hours. Bring it on! 982355 14% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Penfolds Rwt Shiraz 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Simply stunning. Step back other wines, I’m afraid you’ll no longer be needed for this casting call: we have found our star. How to describe such a lovely, generous wine? Full-bodied with juicy, mouth-filling black fruit yet there’s balance and finesse. Superb craftsmanship! 564278 14.50% XD 750 mL $149.95 Score: 97/100. November 27, 2010 Favourite Red Wine.
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Elderton Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, dark and savoury with aromas of blackberries and plums. Dark spices on the finish. Oh yum! 9175 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010
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D'arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Big black bruiser with dark fruit, savoury bacon, dark spices and mint. Full-bodied and smooth. Big “bang” for your buck. 981183 14.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010
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Remoissenet Père & Fils Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A very fine, fresh wine from Remoissenet. Ruby in the glass, with just a hint of garnet. Aromas suggest sour cherry, rose petals, earth, smoke and blood orange. Dry and fruity with a fair tannin grip, plus a good earthy undertone. Medium bodied with a very long finish. Cellarable another 5 years, but also equally delicious tonight. My note: Juicy wonderful with mouth-watering acidity. Aromas of tart cherries with wonderful length and hedonistic satisfaction. Drink: 2010-2020. 113621 13% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 94/100. November 27, 2010
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Domaine Des Ailes Gamay 2009, A.C., Moulin-À-Vent, Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The inimitable Beaujolais producer George Duboeuf described the 2009 vintage as one of the best of the last 50 years, and the Domaine des Ailes Moulin-à-Vent is a simply terrific-value wine from this great vintage. Bright violet in the glass with an intense nose of cherry, cassis, spice, and toast. Dry with good, well balanced tannins, cherry and black fruit on the palate. You could enjoy this wine tonight with roast beef or try it with equal satisfaction on its own. My note: Bright cherries with some earthiness. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. A wine to make you happy. Drink: 2010-2014. 183442 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010
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Domaine Fleurot Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: With a light floral, berry nose, this Pinot sports flavours of blackberry, raspberry and tart cherry, along with soothing hints of light earth and wood. Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a surprising variety of foods. My note: Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Lovely tart cherries and a savoury beetroot or something. I love it! Medium-bodied, perfectly formed and juicy, mouth-watering. Long finish that almost lasts until you open the next bottle. This is a bargain for Burgundy. Drink: 2010-2020. 185728 12.50% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 94/100. November 27, 2010
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Dourthe Terroirs D'exception Merlot Blend 2006, A.C., St-Emilion, Croix Des Menuts, Bordeaux, France: Black fruit and oak, but classis Bordeaux at an unbelievably great price. Full-bodied, balanced and will age well. Drink: 2010-2016. 190991 12.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Domaine La Fourmone Tresor Du Poete Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France: Pitch-black with incredible depths of black fruit and smoke. A toweringly huge wine with a long finish. Drink: 2012-2020. 194704 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Domaine La Bouscade Old Vine Carignan 2007, A.C., Midi, France: Gorgeous and savoury with mouth-watering aromas of blackberry and plums. This wine goes on and on and on. Top me, will you? Drink: 2010-2016. 78758 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010
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Santadi Grotta Rossa Carignano 2008, D.O.C., Carignano Del Sulcis, Sardinia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby-garnet colour suggests a fine maturity. Aromas of tea leaves, plum and sweet cinnamon dominate. Dry with very good aroma replays on the palate, backed by moderate tannins. A fine choice. My note: Sour cherry with good acidity. Smooth and full-bodied. Meant for food. 121137 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. November 27, 2010
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Scopetani Risasso Rúfina Chianti 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of mostly Sangiovese with a splash of Malvasia del Chianti, this pretty wine delivers across the board. Sophisticated, classic aromas of chestnut and red berries are prelude to a dry, fresh and fruity palate. This ready-to-drink style will pair perfectly with classic Tuscan food. My note: dark black cherries and smoky oak with great mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied and smooth. Great price. Drink: 2010-2014. 123430 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 27, 2010
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Genagricola Bricco Dei Guazzi Barbera D'asti 2007, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is a feast for the senses with loads of smoke, earth, spice, black pepper, mushroom, dark berry and meat on the nose. As if all that wasn’t enough, the follow-through on the palate is lip-smackingly flavourful. This well balanced, dry, medium-bodied wine, with its soft silky tannins, will show well alongside grilled red meat and aged cheeses. My note: Tasty and juicy with smoky dark red berries and cherries. Full-bodied and smooth This is a fireside wine: light the hearth will you? Drink: 2010-2014. 181495 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 27, 2010
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Piona Campo Massimo Veronese Corvina 2007, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Huge acidity so it demands food but it’s very tasty. Juicy, fleshy ripe tart cherries and field berries with some dark chocolate on the finish. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2016. 181545 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010
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Monte Zovo Palazzo Mafei Ripasso 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: So much spice and great berry-fruit aromas on offer here. This juicy, medium-bodied wine is deliciously round with a ripe fruit centre and more spice and berry on the long, satisfying finish. This is a real crowd-pleasing style and a great everyday wine. My note: Bright tart cherries and mouth-watering acidity: fantastic food wine! I really like this one, especially for the price. Full-bodied, juicy and smooth. Drink: 2010-2015. 183426 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010 Best Value Red Wine.
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Gemma Madonna Della Neve Dolcetto D'alba 2009, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The notes of cherry, plum, berry and herbs that greet the nose here gain an even deeper complexity from the gentle suggestion of violets. The dry, medium-bodied palate with its lush, soft tannins is again rich in plum and cherry, with some hints of pepper to build the intrigue. This is an easy-drinking wine meant to be enjoyed young. Try it tonight. My note: Juicy, tasty red with great mouth-watering acidity for food, especially tomato sauce. Medium-bodied and smooth with aromas of tart dark cherries. Drink: 2010-2013. 185017 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. November 27, 2010
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Wilhelm Walch Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, D.O.C., Alto Adige, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Vibrant and exciting Cabernet from northern Italy. Aromas suggest cassis, blackberry, vanilla and toast. Dry, quite fruity, with fine, moderate tannins that come in on the mid-palate. Very well focused, and expertly made. Cellar it 3-5+ years. Can also be enjoyed tonight. My note: Balanced and inviting with supple full-bodied layers of cassis and blackberry and mocha, dark chocolate. 193466 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010
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Le Ragnaie Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Juicy and spectacularly tasting with great mouth-watering acidity, black cherries and mocha aromas. Full-bodied and smooth. This wine could go the distance for years. Drink: 2010-2020. 205930 13.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 93/100. November 27, 2010
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Tommasi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Black cherry, fruitcakes, dark spices and brooding mystery. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Drink: 2010-2020. 356220 15% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. November 27, 2010
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Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre Corvina Rondinella Sangiovese 2007, I.G.T., Veronese, Veneto, Italy: Strong coffee and espresso nose, but hey if you like that, this is your cup of tea, or coffee. Full-bodied and smooth with black fruit and smoke Drink: 2010-2016. 672931 13.50% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010
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Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2005, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: A river a satin-smooth black cherry liqueur wraps around your head and then your body. One of the most sensual wines I’ve tasted in a long time. Full-bodied and smooth with layers of hedonistic happiness. It’s high in alcohol, but why don’t you worry about that tomorrow morning? Drink: 2010-2015. 75127 15.50% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 97/100. November 27, 2010
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Quintarelli Rosso Ca'del Merlo 2001, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Giuseppe Quintarelli, known as the Master of Veneto, is legendary for good reason. The epitome of the artisan, from within the humble surroundings of his farmhouse-winery he devotes himself wholeheartedly – with painstaking attention to detail – to crafting wines that can only be called works of art. Perhaps it is no coincidence that “when you meet Bepi Quintarelli, you are instinctively reminded of Michelangelo.” (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2005) His Rosso Ca’ del Merlo is a single-vineyard property in the Valpolicella region, though he uses the broader IGT designation. The wine blends traditional Valpol varieties from old vines, and is made from late-harvested fruit, with a portion of the wine treated to the Ripasso method. Masterful indeed. My note: Pleasure unfurls and you sit back, sip, eyes closed. Let this wine wash over you (metaphorically). Full-bodied with juicy-great aromas of black cherry, dark spices and smoke, savoury core keeps you coming back for more. Drink: 2010-2022. 958595 15% XD 750 mL $83.95 Score: 93/100. November 27, 2010
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Tommasi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Black cherry, fruitcakes, dark spices and brooding mystery. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Drink: 2010-2020. 980128 15% D 375 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. November 27, 2010
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Borthwick Vineyard Paper Road Pinot Noir 2008, Wairarapa, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The Paper Road Vineyard is built on the site of a road proposed and surveyed in the 1890s. The road was never developed and as a result exists only on local maps. The winery’s Pinot Noir offers abundant raspberry and cherry on the nose, and a delightfully balanced palate displaying great harmony between the fruit, tannins and the acidity. My note: Bright and tart with dancing cherries and mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied and supple. 179770 13.90% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Distant Land Merlot Malbec 2008, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: Round and smooth with aromas of mocha and dark fruit. Medium- to full-bodied. 75523 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010
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Sierra Cantabria Selección Tempranillo 2008, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This palate-pleasing wine, built around Tempranillo, shows why this grape is so prized in Rioja. You’ll find ripe red berry-fruit on the nose here, as well as some spicy notes, chocolate, coffee, and sour cherry. A great value from Spain’s most acclaimed region. My note: What a delightful wine, especially at this price! Savoury, juicy with bright red fleshy berries. Love it! I can’t imagine a more pitch-perfect party wine for a wide variety of palates. Buy several cases for the holidays before it’s gone. Drink: 2010-2015. 190520 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010
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Bodegas Y Viñedos Fernandez Rivera, Dehesa De La Granja Tempranillo 2004, Zamora, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This is an exciting new wine from the stable of Alexandro Fernández of Pesquera fame. My note: Smoky with dark fruit and oak and dark chocolate aromas. Full-bodied, smooth and brooding. Great for watching film noir. Drink: 2010-2017. 192476 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Bodegas Y Viñedos Alion 2006, D.O.C., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Dark and savoury with black field berries and smoke and spices. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2018. 199331 14.50% XD 750 mL $73.95 Score: 93/100. November 27, 2010
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Beronia Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2001, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Dark and savoury with dark fruit, a warm core. Some dark spices on the finish. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2016. 940965 14% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Deloach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2008, California, United States: Cherry-berry with luscious acidity and lapping satisfaction on a shore of pleasure. 119024 14.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010
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Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend, Louis M. Martini Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa County, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Ghost Pines did not pioneer “multi-AVA” labelling, but they certainly have taken great advantage of the practice. Their technique of blending the best grapes from select sites across Sonoma and Napa has resulted in simply delicious wines that deliver exceptional value. Ghost Pines offers you the enchanting character of Sonoma with the power and precision of Napa, all wrapped up in the one package. With a steak, or with a meaty pasta, this spirited Cabernet is sure to scare up delighted reactions from your guests. My note: Chocolatey with dark fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. 135376 13.90% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Reininger Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Walla Walley Valley, Washington State, United States: Savoury and juicy with rich aromas of mocha, blackberry and plums. Full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for movie night. 203885 14.50% XD 750 mL $43.00 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010
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Macrostie Pinot Noir 2007, Carneros, California, United States: Cherry-berry with mocha. Mouth-watering and medium-bodied. Lovely pleasure! 674911 14.20% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010
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Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Dark, mocha savoury and mysterious. Some kind of wonderful! Dark fruit and some smoke, ultra-balanced. Wow. 711663 13% XD 750 mL $139.95 Score: 97/100. November 27, 2010
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Beringer Vineyards Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Thanks-you for the balance! Mercifully well-structured with dark savoury notes and black plums. Love it! Mostly merlot, with a little cabernet sauvignon. 919647 14.30% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 27, 2010
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Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Savoury and juicy with aromas of cedar, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2018. 936039 13.50% XD 750 mL $119.95 Score: 92/100. November 27, 2010
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Very robust with toasty robust aromas of almond, hazelnut and smoky oak. Power bubbly to toast your new IPO. 384529 12% XD 750 mL $71.95 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010
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Krug Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne, Champagne, France: There is simply nothing like Krug. I guess that’s why there are fanatics called Krugistes. This bubbly has it all: toasty and refreshing yet deeply flavoured. Celebrate anything with this, including just owning a bottle of it. 38562 12% XD 750 mL $269.95 Score: 96/100. November 27, 2010 Favourite Sparkling Wine.
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Bellussi Belcanto Extra Dry Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Terrific and toasty with a creamy mousse in the mouth-filling middle. Absolutely wonderful, especially at this price. 53215 11.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 27, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Quinta Do Noval Tawny Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Marvellous! Darker and more fruitcake than typical tawny but I love it just the same. This is a criminally low price. 141119 19.50% MS 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 27, 2010 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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Delaforce Port 1994, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Big and brooding: cruisin for a bruising! Love it: rich aromas blackberry jam and preserves and dark fruitcake. Long finish. 163063 21% MS 750 mL $69.95 Score: 93/100. November 27, 2010
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Sandeman Vau Vintage Port 2000, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Love it! Savoury cherry liqueur with cedar goodness. Rich layers with a long finish. 973768 20% S 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. November 27, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks November 27, 2010

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