Vintages Wine Picks May 15, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Alta Vista Inox Reserve, Alta Vista Premium, La Casa Del Rey Torrontés 2008, Cordilera De Los Andes, Argentina: Super aromatic with unfolding layers of white flower (lilies), white peach and lychee. Superbly made. 37127 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value White Wine (Tied).
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Navarro Correas Colección Privada Chardonnay 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: This is the winery's top tier. Campfire smoke with some green apple and lime zest. Smoky coffee finish. 64477 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value White Wine (Tied).
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Robert Oatley Vineyards Currency Creek Pinot Grigio 2008, Currency Creek, South Australia, Australia: A mouth-watering, terrifically refreshing Pinot Grigio with lively notes of lime, green apple and lemon zest. Medium-bodied with a clean finish that leaves you wanting a top up. Perfect as an aperitif on the deck or dock, or pair it with a variety of dishes including grilled veggies and seafood. Yum! Drink: 2010-2011. 159806 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010
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Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: An oaky Chardonnay with tree fruit and smoke. Full-bodied and generous. 903559 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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La Joya Reserve Bisquertt Family Vineyards Viognier 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Stunningly aromatic with rose petal, lychee, Asian pear. Medium to full-bodied. 168542 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value White Wine (Tied).
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André Blanck Gewurztraminer Altenbourg 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: A wine that makes me ask why don’t I drink more of this? It’s expressive, pretty and so versatile with food. Lychee, rose petal and light baking spices. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. 168906 13.50% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Hubert Reyser Zahlberg Pinot Gris 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: This is a Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Concours des Grands Vins de France Mâcon. A lovely and generous white with ripe aromas of pear and peach and dried apricot. Medium-body and mouth-watering juiciness. Ultimate shellfish wine. 168997 12.70% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010
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Roux Père & Fils 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Saint-Aubin, Burgundy, France: Incredibly complex and satisfying with amazing notes of butter, hazelnut, almond and green apple. Full-bodied with a long finish. 169177 13.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. May 15, 2010 Favourite White Wine (Tied).
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Roux Père & Fils Clos Des Mollepierres Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Rully, Burgundy, France: Hazelnut richness with green apple vibrancy. Voluptuously layers and complex. Drink: 2010-2014. 169193 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Darting Dürkheimer Nonnengarten Gewürztraminer Kabinett 2008, Q.M.P., Pfalz, Germany: Exotic and lovely with rose petal, lychee, spices and Asian pear. 944181 10% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely herbal and lime notes but not too grassy. Refreshing and zippy with mouth-watering acidity. Awesome food companion. 662882 12.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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Painter Bridge Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2007, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, United States: Richly balanced and developed Chardonnay with a creamy texture and lovely green apple notes. Buttery hazelnuts on the finish. Oh yum! 171272 14.90% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Wine By Joe Pinot Gris 2007, Oregon, United States: Fresh, crisp white with grapefruit and lime notes, no oaky flavours, light and clean. 58651 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Gold Label Chardonnay 2008, Monterey County, California, United States: Hazelnut, almond, buttery richness with lovely layers of flavours. Full-bodied weight and supple texture. 708305 13.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Skillogalee Basket Pressed Shiraz 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy-fantastic! Thrillingly deep and luscious aromas of dark plums, mouth-watering berries and a sprinkle of pepper on the finish. 165753 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010
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Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Yalumba always delivers! I love how they achieve brightness in even a dark full-bodied red. This one is simple gorgeous with layer after lapping layer of fleshy, round plums and berries. Perfect for movie night. 165811 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010
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Plunkett Fowles Blackwood Ridge Shiraz 2008, Central Victoria, Australia: Love the savoury, mouth-watering character of this wine! Cedar and blackberry aromas come through mid-palate. Such an intriguing and balanced red… keeps you coming back for more. 507277 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010
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Evans & Tate Shiraz 2007, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Big honkin’ juicy black plums with blackberry jam and fightin’ big dark fruit. Gorgeous, full-bodied weight and supple texture. 606905 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Blue Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Victoria, Australia: Juicy with cedar forest and wild blackberry aromas. Enticingly well-balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Love the structure that holds all the fruit power. Fantastic price. Drink: 2010-2016. 79590 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Vineland Estates Winery Elevation Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: This is a blend of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with dark chocolate aromas. Mocha goodness with blackberry underlay. Rich, full-bodied and layered. This red comes from the spectacular 2007 vintage. 173609 13% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010
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Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A rich, textured, voluptuous red with seriously good aromas of black cherry, blackberry preserves, dark spices and smoke. Terrific structure yet so accessible. Decant for an hour and enjoy the conversation that naturally springs up around this wine. Drink: 2010-2014. 563197 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Quails' Gate Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Gorgeous aromas of fleshy cherries with a luxuriously silky texture. This is Canadian Pinot Noir at its very best. Some dark spices and black raspberry on the finish. Outstanding effort. Serve it to friends and then reveal it's from BC. Drink: 2010-2016. 585760 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. May 15, 2010 Favourite Red Wine.
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Cono Sur Visión Pinot Noir 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Lusciously sweet and ripe cherries with a generous silky texture. Some rose petal and cinnamon spice on the finish. Medium-bodied. 689992 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010
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Maison Champy Signature Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Burgundy, France: Tart cherries but not fruit-forward. Mouth-watering acidity and silky texture with medium body. Terrific for those who love Old World burgundy and a bargain too. 1149 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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Dufouleur Frères Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Hautes Côtes De Nuits, Burgundy, France: Silky with tart cherries. Medium-bodied with field raspberries and some cinnamon. 159210 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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Domaine La Croix Belle Cuvée Syrah 2008, Côtes De Thongue, Midi, France: A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Syrah du Monde wine competition. Stunningly great value for this ultra-delicious, full-bodied red! Gorgeous notes of black plums and mocha. Round and supple: wow. Perfect party wine. 160150 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value Red Wine.
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Domaine Thenard Bois Cheveaux 1Er Cru Préféré Du Roi Henri Iv Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Givry, Burgundy, France: King Henri IV of France loved this wine. Tart cherries and bright. Mouth-watering acidity. Lovely zingy character with a satin-smooth texture. Drink: 2010-2014. 160689 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Bouchard Père & Fils Les Lavières 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Savigny-Lès-Beaune, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous black cherries with a lovely ripeness and fleshy character. Silky texture with mouth-watering field raspberries and some mocha on the finish. Superb! Drink: 2010-2016. 169789 13% v 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Maison Champy Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Pommard, Burgundy, France: A delicious sour cherry aroma with a silkiest texture I’ve tasted in a long time. Not hugely fruity. Some earth and violet notes. Lovely. Drink: 2010-2014. 171405 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Château La Confession Cabernet Franc Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Full oak treatment is balanced with ultra-rick blackberry and plums. Mocha-coffee nose with a velvety texture. Long, wistful finish that leaves you longing for more. Perfect for trying to impress the boss. Drink: 2010-2020. 563684 13.50% D 750 mL $62.00 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010
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Château Pipeau Merlot Blend 2006, A.C., St-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France: A black tarry wine with blackberries and cassis. Full treatment of oak though balanced. Full-bodied with a brooding, dark character. Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2010-2016. 564179 13% XD 750 mL $29.00 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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Château Pindefleurs Dominique Lauret-Mestreguilheim, Vitic. Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2006, A.C., St-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France: This is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc grapes that has attractive oaky-mocha nose with blackberries, cassis and blackcurrants. Smooth and full-bodied with a long smoky, coffeed finish. Drink: 2010-2016. 564187 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Domaine Daniel Rion & Fils Les Grandes Vignes Nuits-St-Georges Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Stunning aromas of fleshy cherries, mocha, bright raspberries and smoke. Lovely silky palate with a long finish. Drink: 2010-2016. 981548 13.50% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. May 15, 2010
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Barolo Serralunga D'alba Nebbiolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Black cherry liqueur with a blackberry preserves heart. Supple and full-bodied and a spicy finish. Drink: 2010-2016. 173195 13% D 500 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Castelgiocondo Marchesi Dei' Frescobaldi Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Dry, concentrated flavours of dark, smoky fruit and violets. Full-bodied yet perfectly balanced. Extraordinary length and aging potential. 650432 13.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010
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Brigaldara Classico Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Rustic and robust with cedar brush with dark red berry aromas. Savage and delicious. 917864 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 15, 2010
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Alentex Premium Touriga Nacional 2006, D.O., Alentejo, Portugal: Good attack of mouth-watering acidity surrounded by fleshy ripe black plums and berries. Full-bodied and supple. Needs a steak! 21527 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 15, 2010
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Fortius Reserva Marqués De Valcarlos Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Juicy and bursting with big black fruit. Supple with mouth-watering generosity. Keeps you coming back to the glass. 166611 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010
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Sebastiani Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Sweet cherries and a lovely smoky weave throughout. Silky and medium-bodied. This is an absolute crowd pleaser. Serve it at a dinner party. Drink: 2010-2014. 14233 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Cline Cellars Cashmere Rhone Blend Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2007, California, United States: Savoury bacon fat that I love! Juicy black plums, pepper and smoke. Ultra-supple texture. These guys know what they’re doing. Just go with it. 161539 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010
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Blackstone Winery Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Ruby Cabernet Petit Verdot 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Merlot that also has 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Ruby Cabernet (a merging between Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan), and 2% Petit Verdot grapes. Rich, ripe black plums on the nose followed by aromas of cocoa, blackcurrants and toasty oak. This wine was aged for 20 months in new and seasoned French, American and Hungarian oak. Terrific structure and length. Drink: 2010-2014. 161547 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
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Renwood Red Label Syrah 2005, Sierra Foothills, California, United States: Mocha, blackberry goodness with supple layers and full-bodied weight. Smoky with a dry finish. 588095 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Fielding Estate Winery Pinot Noir Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that's a pretty rosé with spring day, promise of summer vitality. Light and filled with field strawberries. 53421 12.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. May 15, 2010
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Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Bright and happy with lovely summer day notes of field strawberries warming themselves in the sun. Good mouth-watering acidity. Great aperitif but also cries out for food. 559088 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010
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Château La Croix De Queynac Stéphane Et Paola Gabard, Prop.-Récolt. Rosé 2009, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Love this bone-dry style of rosé! Tart raspberries and lovely spices. Medium-bodied. 119529 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value Rosé.
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Château D'aqueria Rosé 2009, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: Once you try Tavel rose, you’ll never drink any other rosé. Bone-dry with a savoury note yet ultra-light and refreshing. Love the fleshy strawberries. 319368 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010 Favourite Rosé (Tied).
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Château La Tour De L'évêque Régine Sumeire, Prop.-Récolt. Rosé 2009, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: Ultra-classic Provence rose with delicate flavours that nonetheless are packed with nuance. Lovely strawberry fields forever. 319392 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010 Favourite Rosé (Tied).
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Perrin Réserve Rosé 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: This is also the producer that owns the famous Château de Beaucastel. This wine offers cranberry and dark raspberry aromas, very full-bodied flavour for rosé but still beautifully balanced and refreshing. This is a biodynamic wine. 719062 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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Folie À Deux Ménage À Trois Rosé 2009, California, United States: Fleshy ripe strawberries and raspberry jam. Lovely and fairly rich for a rosé. 120220 13.50% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010
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Ironstone Vineyards Xpression Rosé 2008, California, United States: This smells and taste like Symphony, the aromatic and floral white wine Ironstone makes. It’s lovely and it’s uncanny how similar the two are. 659953 13% MD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. May 15, 2010
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Cristina Ascheri Moscato D'asti 2008, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: So, so lovely! Orange blossom, tangerine and fleshy peach preserves. Slight effervesce. Perfect after-dinner drink on a hot summer evening. 746479 5.50% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks May 15, 2010

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