Vintages Wine Picks May 24, 2008

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Bodega Catena Zapata Bodegas Esmeralda Chardonnay 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: An opulent, buttery chardonnay with rich pear notes. 918805 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Heath Southern Sisters Reserve Riesling 2005, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A zippy, mouth-watering glass of lime and white flavors. 58487 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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La Playa Block Selection Estate Reserve Carmenère 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Chile's signature red grape is carmenere because it's round, robust and delicious just like its cousin merlot. 59410 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. May 24, 2008
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Borgo Magredo Pinot Grigio 2006, DOC Friuli, Grave, Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Borgo Magredo is located in an area of Friuli known for its gravelly soil. Its vineyards abut against the foot of the Carnic Alps, enjoying a microclimate that helps create a crisp, fresh, and vivacious wine filled with pear and citrus aromas and flavors. My note: A classic pinot grigio with melon and citrus notes. 72389 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. May 24, 2008
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Penmara Reserve Chardonnay 2006, New South Wales, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Penmara is a co-operative of five vine-growing families in New South Wales. Together they own 400 acres of prime vineyard land in Australia’s oldest wine-growing state. The Reserve Chardonnay is packed with concentrated melon and citrus fruit flavors. It is dry and full-bodied with its ripe fruit flavors balanced by subtle oak notes. My note: A round, full-bodied chardonnay with ripe apple and pear notes. 912790 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 24, 2008 Best Value White Wine.
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Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc showcases exuberant aromas of goose-berry, grass, cream of asparagus, jalapeno peppers and melon. It’s intense and lively with crisp acidity and a lingering, slightly minerally finish. My note: A widely-available sauvignon blanc that is dependably delicious. 316570 11% XD 750 mL $18.00 Score: 88/100. May 24, 2008
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Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty pink color dominates this spicy, pear-scented wine. Its medium body and fresh style make it very appealing as a sipper. My note: A zippy and refreshing pinot grigio with melon and citrus notes. 32292 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 24, 2008
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Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: A superb producer of sauvignon blanc. A white with not just grassy goodness but also infused with lifted citrus notes. 35386 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008 Favorite White Wine.
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Sileni Estate Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A white with vibrant notes of white grapefruit, lemon-grass and asparagus. 662882 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 24, 2008
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Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: With its lively aromas of citrus, fresh herbs, gooseberry and lime, this wine is a fine example of how New Zealand winemakers have become masters of Sauvignon Blanc. It is racy, refreshing and perfectly balanced. My note: Consistently wonderful vintage after vintage. A white with delicious grassy, herbal notes. 957407 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Cyril Marès, Vign. Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2007, AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Marès family began making wine in Algeria during the early 20th century and would later acquire properties in Bordeaux (Château Puy Castéra) and in Costières de Nîmes where they founded the renowned winery that produces this wine. Their Cuvée Tradition is a floral, Muscat-like wonder. My note: One of my favorite producers in Rhone. Consistently balanced and delicious. Great value. 701094 12% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. May 24, 2008
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Vintage after vintage, this Cab proves to be a serious wine at an excellent price. Full-bodied and well-balanced, it’s built solidly with layers of blackcurrant, blackberry, coffee and cedar flavors as well as some firm and fresh tannins. My note: A solidly delicious red that's perfect for barbecues. 17202 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Finca El Padruell/Jaume Serra Euroamerican Trading Malbec 2004, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific producer of Argentina's icon grape/wine. A full-bodied red with black fruit notes. 993824 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008 Best Value Red Wine.
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Tapestry Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied red bursting with dark plums and berries. 59980 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Taltarni Three Monks Cabernet/Merlot 2005, Victoria, Australia: A deep, rich red with notes of black fruit and toast. 684183 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Domaine De La Tour Du Bief Moulin-À-Vent 2005, AC, Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine de la Tour du Bief’s Gamay from the Moulin-à-Vent AC has been favourably compared to Gevrey-Chambertin and other Burgundian Pinot Noirs. From its elegant aromas to its cherry and plum flavors, this Gamay will charm you. It should reward 2-4 years in a cellar, rare for a Gamay. My note: A lovely, medium-bodied red with aromas of cherries and raspberries. 707984 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Lodi, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Proprietors Steve and Lori Felton’s vine-growing roots run deep, going back five generations in Lodi. This rich and ultra-ripe Zinfandel is full-bodied with intense cherry, raspberry and dried-fruit flavours. Soft and easy-drinking. My note: A generous, full-bodied zinfandel with ripe berry notes. 59113 15% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Rosenblum Vintner's Cuvee Syrah 2005, California, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Rosenblum’s mammoth house-style Syrah offers a mouthful of flavor, not to mention terrific value. It serves up aromas of black cherry, mocha and vanilla leading to a palate that features mouth-filling berry and spice flavors, chewy tannins and a long, dry finish. My note: A lovely, balanced, full-bodied syrah (shiraz). 686535 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro 2004, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro is Ruffino’s flagship wine. Vintage after vintage, this critically acclaimed wine’s release is eagerly anticipated by savvy consumers. The new 2004 doesn’t disappoint with its deep color, ripe fruit flavors and balancing tannins. A rich and flavorful wine. My note: A classic chianti with fruit power and an elegant balance. 353201 13% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 91/100. May 24, 2008
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Chateau Musar Red 1999, Bekka Valley, Lebanon: My favorite wine from Lebanon and an icon for the country. It compares to nothing; try it. A full-bodied red with aromas of dark exotic fruit and spices. 708552 13% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. May 24, 2008
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Château De Flaugergues Cuvée Sommelière 2006, AC Coteaux du Languedoc, La Méjanelle, Midi, France: A deep, rich wine with dark fruit, smoke and spices. Drink: 2008-2012. 65896 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Coopers Creek Gravels And Metals Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2004, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: A consistent quality producer. (I also like their sauvignon blanc.) This well-structured blend has terrific red berry and cassis notes. 56465 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Shepherds Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This wine won a Gold Medal at the Royal New Zealand Easter Show 2007. A delicious red with notes of bright, ripe cherry fruit. 586099 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Another lovely red from a producer of zesty sauvignon blanc. Deep layers of ripe plums with a toasty overlay. 60038 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely, balanced, but aromatic pinot with aromas of black and red cherries. 60061 13% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Waimea Estates Spinyback Pinot Noir 2006, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The lizard-like Tautara (a.k.a. Spinyback) is native to New Zealand. Apparently, it’s the last living dinosaur! Waimea Estates donates 5 cents of every bottle sold to help protect this unique species. Showing sour cherry, toasty oak and spicy characteristics, this lighter-style Pinot Noir from Nelson is ready to drink and would be perfect served lightly chilled along with some light summer fare. My note: A zippy pinot with great refreshment value. 60079 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Sacred Hill Basket Press Merlot 2006, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Sacred Hill strikes the perfect balance between winemaking tradition and innovation. Over the last two decades, they have used time-honored techniques to handcraft exceptional wines all the while leading the industry with many environmental initiatives. Winemaker Tony Bish employed the traditional, hand operated basket press to gently coax from the grapes the full flavors of this supple Merlot. A rich, plummy nose leads to a deep yet softly textured wine layered with ripe black fruit flavors and supported by gentle tannins. My note: New Zealand is doing a great job with reds other than pinot. The cool climate means the wines are balanced but still achieve great depth of flavor. 60087 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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House Of Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: A rich, layered pinot with more heft then some other New Zealand pinots. Lovely notes of black cherries, vanilla and wild mushrooms. 66803 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Waitiri Creek Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Some red cherry aromas and nice delicate florals. Quite a pretty nose. Pretty wines in fact with fine cherry fruit notes. My note: Gorgeously ripe cherry fruit and berries on the nose with a zippy, mouth-watering character. 683342 14% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. May 24, 2008 Favorite Red Wine.
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Vinea Gladiator Primitivo Di Manduria 2004, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: A brooding red and cousin of zinfandel. A smooth, full-bodied red with aromas of blackberries and plums. 23119 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Excellence 2006, AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This delicious, barrel-aged Syrah, made by a modern producer in one of the southern Rhône’s best undiscovered regions, offers exceptional quality and value vintage after vintage. The ripe berry and brambly fruit flavors are balanced by earth, meat and spice notes as well as ample tannin and acidity. My note: A terrific red at an amazing price. Loaded with dark plums and berries. 708750 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Vign. Diffonty Cuvée Du Vatican Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Reserve Sixtine 2005, AC, Rhone, France: A blockbuster, big wine with cherry liqueur notes wrapped in smoke. Drink: 2010-2022. 740639 13% XD 750 mL $56.95 Score: 92/100. May 24, 2008
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Baron De Ley Reserva 2002, DOCa Rioja, Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Located less than 300 miles south of Bordeaux, the estate of Baron de Ley resembles a French Château in appearance and its wines exhibit French, in addition to Spanish, influences. Aged in both American and French oak, this Reserva is spicy with smoky vanilla, tobacco, cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors. My note: An oaky, full-bodied red with notes of dark red fruit and leather. 958868 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Antinori Badia A Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A classic chianti with bright cherry and red fruit notes. Drink: 2008-2015. 384552 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. May 24, 2008
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Castellani Campomaggio Rosso 2003, I.G.T. Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: A zippy, mouth-watering red with ripe plum notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 72371 12% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Le Ragose Amarone Della Valpolicella 2003, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Le Ragose is considered one of the leading producers in Veneto, producing high-quality, value-priced Amarone. This wine lives up to their reputation. This dry, ripe and well-crafted Amarone displays attractive aromas of rich berry jam, licorice, new leather and chocolate. My note: For those who like their wines, here you go. A red with aromas of black fruit and solid oak. 700872 14% D 750 mL $61.95 Score: 92/100. May 24, 2008
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Carte Noire Rosé 2006, Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: You don’t have to be sitting on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean to be enjoying this ripe, crisp, and flavorful Provence rosé. In fact, contrary to a popular myth, rosés are much more than merely summer sippers. With aromas of rosehip, cherry, red pepper and dry raspberry, it is a great year-round meal starter. My note: A light, lovely rose. Those from Provence tend to be more ethereal than meatier roses from the Rhone Valley. 319384 13% XD 750 mL $14.75 Score: 87/100. May 24, 2008
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Kim Crawford Pansy Rosé 2007, Gisbourne, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Another great wine from one of New Zealand’s most reliable producers. Made with Merlot, this rosé offers plenty of pure raspberry, strawberry and melon flavors with a fresh vein of acidity and a hint of tannin. Ripe and flavorful with a spicy finish, it’s a perfect refresher to sip on warm summer evenings. My note: A deeper more robust rose, but still has a mouth-watering liveliness. 650325 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 24, 2008
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Château D'aqueria Tavel Rosé 2007, AC, Rhone, France: This is the same rosé as the one above but in the full bottle size. 319368 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Chateau D'aqueria Tavel Rosé 2007, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Not far from Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône is the ancient town of Tavel, the world headquarters for classic rosé. This perennial favorite is hot pink in color and offers aromas of raspberry, maraschino cherry and citrus notes. Built for food, it’s very dry, light- to medium-bodied with a touch of tannin and a balancing seam of acidity. My note: A classic rose bursting with ripe raspberries and strawberries. 712000 13% XD 375 mL $11.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Peter Lehmann Rosé 2007, Barossa, South Australia, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from old-vine Grenache in the Barossa Valley, this vibrant-pink rosé is bursting with fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. It’s dry with a round texture, medium body and a seam of natural acidity providing a refreshing backbone. My note: A basket of ripe raspberries. Serve chilled. 34298 11% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 24, 2008
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Viña Honda Monastrell Rosé 2007, DO Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This family winery has been crafting wines in the heart of the Jumilla region in southern Spain since 1925. This fresh and fruity rosé is made from 100% Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre). My note: A terrific tasty rose with floral and berry notes. 71431 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. May 24, 2008
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, Sonoma County, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: A succulent fizz with vibrant aromas of ripe apple, caramel, spice, cherry and cinnamon toast. It will reward 2-4 years in a cellar. My note: One of California's best bubbly producers. Check out their amazing pinot noir as well. 59543 12% D 1500 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. May 24, 2008
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Ricossa Moscato D'asti 2007, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Few wines smell and taste like spring as the lovely, slightly sweet, low alcohol, highly aromatic and frizzante Moscato d’Asti does. Its aromas are reminiscent of spring meadow flowers, grapefruit, table grapes and sweet herbs. Medium sweet, it is nicely balanced out by a seam of youthful acidity. My note: Try this beautiful slightly sweet, slightly bubbly wine as an aperitif or with fruit desserts. 72272 5% MS 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Château De Malle 2003, AC Sauternes, 2e Cru, Bordeaux, France: A lusciously rich dessert wine with honeyed apricot notes. Drink: 2008-2012. 64964 14% MS 375 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. May 24, 2008
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Symington Dow's Colheita Port 1997, Btld. 2007, Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This is the equivalent of a 10-Year-Old Tawny (as it has been aged for a decade) except this, like all Colheita ports, is from a single vintage and an exceptional one at that. This forceful wine displays rich dried fruit, vanilla, chocolate and coffee aromas and flavors. As it has spent 10 years in barrel, it will not require decanting. My note: A rich, luxurious port with layers of toffee, nuts and caramel. 69906 20% S 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. May 24, 2008
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Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2000, Hegyalja, Hungary: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with the classic Tokay grapes Furmint (75%) and Hárslevelü (25%), this wine is loaded with caramel, ripe peach, vanilla bean and honeyed-mango aromas and flavours. A rich, medium-sweet wine that is balanced by a fine seam of acidity. Cellar it for 3+ years. My note: A lovely, rich dessert wine with peaches and cream notes. 71498 14% S 500 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Perrin & Fils Muscat De Beaume De Venise 2006, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with the finest version of Muscat (i.e., Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains), this dessert wine has an exceptional, intense aroma of peach, table grapes, apricot, mango and hints of lychee. It is full, velvety and quite sweet. It is, however, beautifully balanced by a seam of acidity. My note: A gorgeous dessert wine with alluring honeyed citrus notes. 4713 15% MS 375 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008
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Vintages Wine Picks May 24, 2008

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