Vintages Wine Picks August 21, 2010

by Natalie MacLean

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[ Compress ] White Wine

Bodega Andana Accuro Classico Torrontes 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Oh! the lovely Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white wine. Medium yellow-gold. Intense, pretty nose of grapefruit peel, lemon meringue pie, peach preserve, and exotic flowers. Just off-dry, medium bodied, and quite fruity with an enticing, musky fruit core. Bright acidity ensures wonderful balance. If you would like to broaden your white-wine repertoire, then you must try this super-aromatic, true-to-type Torrontés. My note: So pretty! Lovely rose petal and lychee with field flowers blowing in summer sunshine. Love it! 179416 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Angove Family Winemakers Long Row Chardonnay 2008, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright medium-yellow. Aromas of yellow apple, apricot and pie crust emerge on the nose along with notes of spice and vanilla candle. Dry, fruity, ripe and round. It’s bright and fresh with lively acidity and a beautiful marriage of fruit and oak. This is a medium-full-bodied Chard. Great value. My note: Terrific buttery Chardonnay with green apple and hazelnut notes. Round, rich and lovely, especially for the price. Could easily be $20. 641779 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Flat Rock Cellars The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Buttery and round with a peach core that drives me back to this bottle. Minerality even with the plushness of the Chardonnay. Great effort! 1552 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Calamus Estate Winery Reserve Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: From Ontario’s sunshine-filled 2007 vintage, this wine was aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its expressive aromatics. Apple blossom, peach, citrus and mineral are joined by an intriguing hint of petrol. Very slightly off-dry, with racy acidity in fine harmony with the fruit. Medium bodied, complex, and quite refreshing, the wine culminates in a dry, lengthy finish. My note: I love this style: petrol on the nose but that’s a good thing. Mingled with ripe peach and a deep minerality it makes for a refreshing break from over-oaked everything. Treat yourself and pair it with just about anything. Drink: 2010-2013. 180877 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Niagara Escarpment, Canada: Green melon and lime burst from the glass! Very pleasant and not grassy. Terrific mouth-watering zest with the vitality of a rushing river. Drink: 2010-2012. 89011 12.80% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Alain Geoffroy Domaine Le Verger Chablis Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This multi-award winning Chardonnay (including a Silver at the 2009 Chardonnay du Monde) is in many ways a classic Chablis, with aromas of pear, linden flower, citrus and mineral. Dry, fruity and very fresh, this is a lively wine. My note: Crisp, clean and neutrally flavoured with some mild notes of green apples. Great oak-free aperitif. 181289 12.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Domaine Des Charmilles Sancerre 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine de Charmilles is a 10-hectare, family-run property located near the village of Chavignol. Their fascinating Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of several different base wines from different parts of their property. Depending on the vine’s location, they use slightly different vinification techniques to exploit that site's virtues. The result is this gooseberry-, grass- and mineral-scented wonder. Give it a slight chill. My note: Incredibly mouth-watering: demands food! Clean, crisp with white melon, lime and grapefruit notes. Drink: 2010-2013. 182915 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Louis Guntrum Riesling Kabinett 2008, Q.M.P., Niersteiner Bergkirche, Rheinhessen, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: In Germany’s ongoing attempt to simplify their labels, the QmP (Qualitätswein mit Prädikat) quality designation has been shortened to Prädikatswein. Lots of green apple, grapefruit, white peach and mineral aromas are on hand. Off-dry with a pleasing, youthful spritz that makes it even livelier. This medium-bodied wine is ideal. My note: Ultra yummy with fleshy ripe peach, pear and wild flowers. Good acidity for food. Love it! 160671 9.50% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 21, 2010 Best Value White Wine.
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Allendorf Terroir Riesling Kabinett 2008, Q.M.P., Winkeler Hasensprung, Rheingau, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Kabinett wines are made in a light style from perfectly ripened grapes. This Riesling bears a brilliant, deep straw colour, and aromas of grapefruit peel, green apple and peach. These notions are joined on the palate by fresh citrus flavours and a nice hint of minerality. This medium-dry wine has nice balancing acidity, and can be laid down for a few years (3-5+). You don’t have to wait, though – try it tonight. My note: Pear and petrol in a mineral deep white that yield fleshy ripe pear and peach. 160747 10% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Balthasar Ress Riesling Spätlese 1997, Q.M.P., Hattenheim Nussbrunnen, Rheingau, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a chance to try a 13-year-old Riesling, from the terrific 1997 vintage, for an incredible price. This really shows off how well Rieslings can age. Brilliant golden colour. Complex aroma profile of petrol, honeyed apple, pear nectar, mineral, dried apricot and fresh citrus. Deeply delicious with exceptional aroma replays on the palate. This off-dry wine is still quite youthful, and will age longer, but why bother when it’s this good? My note: Highly aromatic of wild flower and peach preserves. Yes there’s sweetness but it’s balanced nicely with the acidity. 160762 9% MS 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Josef Kollmann Vinum Germania Number One Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This pretty, lively wine is a good example of a regional Mosel wine. A brilliant straw colour leads to aromas of fresh apple, apricot, mineral (from the slate soil) and citrus. Many of the aromas echo nicely on the palate. This medium-dry wine is balanced by a nice seam of acidity. A delicious refresher that’s a terrific value! Treat yourself tonight. My note: So pretty! Floral, peach preserves and pear jam. Light-bodied. Love it! 161745 9.50% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Becker-Steinhauer Riesling Kabinett 2008, Q.M.P., Veldenzer Kirchberg, Mosel, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Excellent example of the fine 2008 Mosel vintage, featuring aromas of peach, apple (and apple blossom), fresh tarragon and slate. Off-dry and very richly extracted, it’s an easy-drinking Riesling with the perfect amount of acidity to give it balance. Medium bodied, with a very long finish. My note: Extraordinary balance and packed flavour of ultra-ripe peach and pear. So much to give: give this wine a chance! 161786 9% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Anselmann Huxelrebe Auslese 2007, Q.M.P., Pfalz, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Huxelrebe is a cross of the Chasselas and Courtillier Musqué grapes. This intriguing grape is little known outside of Germany. It is an early-ripener that makes very elegant sweet wines such as this example from Anselmann. Look for rich and fruity aromas and flavours of apricots and passion flower, nicely balanced by racy acidity. This multi-award-winner has very good ageing potential, but can also be enjoyed tonight with an apricot tart or blue cheese. My note: Gorgeous concentration of apricot ad pear preserve yet it doesn’t come off as sweet. Such divinely lovely deep flavours. Get over your hang-ups about wines with a touch of sweetness. Imagine this with glazed ham or sweet potatoes: holy lardy liftin! 681445 10.50% MS 750 mL $14.95 Score: 92/100. August 21, 2010 Favourite White Wine.
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Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Vibrant acidity that meets the softening touch of a little sweetness in a wonderfully flavour-packed combination. Ripe peach and pear. 733295 10.50% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Riff Terra Alpina Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Alto Adige Trentino, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: As Pinot Grigio becomes more and more popular, winemakers are starting to take it much more seriously. Ideal soil and climate conditions are sought for any new plantings, and yields are being drastically reduced to intensify flavours. Look for green apple, lime and sweet-herb aromas and flavours in this lovely P.G. My note: Classic Pinot Grigio with good white melon and peach flavour. Crisp and refreshing but not wimpy. 66415 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal, grassy refreshment with mouth-watering acidity for food. 981670 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Mcmanis Family Pinot Grigio 2009, California, United States: A solid Pinot Grigio with the mild, subtle flavours of grapefruit, white melon. Crisp and refreshing. 181453 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Robert Mondavi Napa Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Luxurious aromas of green apple, peach and Asian pear wrapped in a buttery hazelnut richness. Wonderful balance and structure. A classic Chardonnay. Drink: 2010-2015. 258186 14% 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. August 21, 2010
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Decanter magazine named Nicolás Catena as ‘Man of the Year’ for 2009, crediting the visionary with changing the direction of Argentina’s wine industry. Catena’s Alamos range consistently offers superb quality and value. A berry-cherry nose with soft, supple layers of cassis and blackberry on the palate. Full-bodied with good acidity, judicious use of oak and satisfying flavors. Great value for this quality. 467944 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2007, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Warm and full-bodied with a generous palate whack and plush berries and plums. 588731 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Finca El Origen Reserva Bodegas Y Viñedos La Esperanza Malbec 2008, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Plummy, juicy, supple and tasty. Great price for this plum-packed malbec and a soft jazz finish. 65664 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Doña Paula Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied and pleasant with dark fruit and smoke. Nicely put together. 95281 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Woop Woop Shiraz 2008, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Fleshy, plum, full-bodied and delicious! What a terrific wine for the price. Aromas of big fat blackberries 180174 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010 Best Value Red Tied.
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Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, South Australia, Australia: Huge oak and alcohol, but if you want this full-bodied womp to your palate, bring it on! Black brooding fruit and smoke. 58099 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Brave Faces Shiraz Grenache Mataro 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Espresso-mocha nose from generous oaking followed by blackberry and plush plums. Full-bodied and luscious. 660035 15.30% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 21, 2010
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Poole's Rock Cockfighter's Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Langhorne Creek, New South Wales, Australia: Full-bodied with a lovely fleshy New World style of Cabernet with easy to drink aromas of blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied and smooth. 672550 14.80% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Anvers Brabo Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2008, Australia: Tasty, full-bodied and redolent of blackberries and plums and smoke. 686857 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Domaine Menada Tcherga Cabernet Sauvignon Mavrud 2007, Bulgaria: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a shake-things-up-on-the-patio wine. Stump the oenophiles at your next get-together by asking them to guess what this delicious blend is. (It blends Cabernet Sauvignon with Bulgaria’s indigenous grape variety, Mavrud.) Medium ruby with a hint of garnet. Brooding aromas of cassis, dried fruits, flowers, woodsmoke, sandalwood and Christmas cake. Dry, but very ripe, sunny, and fruity. Lively acidity, fine tannins, and very tasty. My note: Very simple and tasty with neon purple plums and fleshy blueberries. Full-bodied, smooth and knock-it-back-don’t-think-about it style. 179960 13% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 84/100. August 21, 2010
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Wayne Gretzky Estate No. 99 Cabernet Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Made by Rob Power and Craig McDonald of Creekside, this Cabernet/Merlot shows why they were named Winemakers of the Year at the 2008 Ontario Wine Awards. Deep ruby/purple color leads the way to a pretty nose featuring cassis, blueberry, new leather, toasty oak and plum. Dry with lots of extract, fine tannic grip and good acid all coming together to make this wine special. Age it 2-4 years to shake its youth, or enjoy it tonight with a rare steak or lamb chops. My note: Juicy, powerful and concentrated! I love a wine that makes my mouth water. Lovely notes of ripe blackberries and black raspberries. Full-bodied with good length on the finish. 128652 12.70% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 21, 2010
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Fielding Estate Winery Red Conception 2008, NIagara Peninsula, Canada: A berry spice basket delivered to your doorstep. Lovely, vibrant, light- to medium-bodied with a satin-silk texture. Spent 14 months in oak, but its subtle. Goes down slippery fast. Drink: 2010-2013. 189183 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 21, 2010
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Los Rosales Chapel Vineyard Reserva Carmenère 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A ripe, round, voluptuous Carmenère. Medium purple-ruby in the glass, it offers up delicious notions of blueberry, black raspberry, plum and chocolate. Accents of dried herbs and tanned leather add complexity. Dry, with irresistibly plump fruit and a velvety texture. Pretty mocha note on the yummy finish. Give it a go tonight. My note: Round, plush and full-bodied with mocha, dark chocolate and plums. Straight-forward pleasure. 169490 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. August 21, 2010
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Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Carmenère 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This multiple award-winning wine is brimming with spicy fruit character. Intriguing aromas of mocha, black cherry, plum, tobacco leaf, and wild blueberry abound. Dry and medium bodied, it sports ripe tannins and a pleasantly plush texture, with ample bright acidity bringing balance. Still relatively young, it’s drinking nicely now and should continue to evolve in the short term. Cellar this fine Carmenère for 1-2 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Dry grained flavour and texture with dark fruit and smoke. Round and pleasing. 169854 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Viña Chocalán Reserva Syrah 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver Medal winner at the 2009 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This Syrah features a wonderful collection of aromas and flavours, including blackberry, raspberry, dark chocolate and vanilla. Dry with vibrant fruit and also nice balance brought forward by supple tannins and gentle acids. My note: Juicy and dripping with savoury dark flavours of black fruit, bacon fat and smoke. Very delicious for the price. 38513 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Château Roquetaillade Vieilles Vignes La Grange 2006, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Rich, complex aromas of smoky berries flirt with intriguing hints of roasted coffee. The aromas move seamlessly to the palate, where they culminate on the dry, persistent finish. Medium bodied with a fine finish. Tuck this wine away for a few years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Smoky mocha richness on the nose: very inviting! Full-bodied with lusciously ripe blackberries and cassis wrapped in smoke. Terrific finish and balance. Drink: 2010-2015. 125666 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Queen Of Syrah Cool Climate, Cave De Tain L'hermitage Syrah 2007, Vin De Pays Des Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhône, France: Juicy with lots of black cherry and raspberry flavour but not heavy or jammy. Wonderfully supple and full-bodied and balanced. Spectacularly well-priced. Drink: 2010-2012. 155283 12.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010 Best Value Red Tied.
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Château De La Lambertie Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2008, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. This Gold Medal-winning Bordeaux boasts pleasing aromas of plum, berry and fresh cherry with a hint of tea, all replaying smoothly on the palate. It’s dry, medium bodied, and shows good length on the finish. You can hang on to this wine for a few years, or enjoy it this evening. My note: Simple, rustic and tannic but leanings toward classic Bordeaux styling and structure. Aromas of cassis and wild blackberries with some smoky oak. Unbelievably great price for Bordeaux. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010-2014. 171157 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Le Ferme Du Mont Le Ponnant 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Juicy and full-bodied with a river of flavour that runs over and caresses your palate, wrapping in black cherries, blackberries, spice and smoke. Carry me away! Drink: 2010-2016. 171371 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 21, 2010
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Domaine Des Pentelines Ogier Caves Des Papes 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Gold Medal winner possesses a medium-deep ruby colour, and aromas of spicy red and black cherry, blackcurrant and ginger. These aromas carry on into the flavours, which play out on the palate with good balance and length. Cellar this medium-bodied red for a few years, or open it tonight. My note: Rustic, simple and tasty. Full-bodied with black fruit and smoke. Eminently quaffable. Drink: 2010-2012. 175679 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 21, 2010
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Château Auzias Cuvée Petits Messieurs Cabardès 2008, A.C., Midi, France: Cabardès is one of Languedoc’s exciting, up-and-coming appellations. This wine is young and rustic but tasty in a back woods kinda way. Black fruit and smoky oak. Terrific price. Drink: 2010-2013. 177592 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Château La Grave Tristan & Julien 2008, A.C., Minervois, Midi, France: Simple and tasty and full-bodied. Big black fruit and smoky oak with a smooth texture. Great party wine. Drink: 2010-2012. 178467 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. August 21, 2010
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Domaine De Paraza Cuvée Speciale 2007, A.C., Minervois, Midi, France: Simple, rustic, tasty and full-bodied. Black fruit and smoke. A knock-it-back party red. Drink: 2010-2013. 178467 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 21, 2010
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Château de Beaucastel 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: King of the Rhone for a reason: it’s spectacular in every dimension. Gorgeously concentrated flavours of black raspberry, cherry and blackberry, spices and smoke. Hedonistically long finish, incredible structure and aging potential. Full-bodied but doesn’t come off as hot or heavy. Drink: 2010-2030. 711317 14.50% XD 750 mL $89.95 Score: 96/100. August 21, 2010 Favourite Red Wine.
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Perrin L'andéol Rasteau 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Full-bodied and bursting with black cherry liqueur, cedar forest floor and smoke. Extremely seductive, full-bodied and supple. Yum! Drink: 2010-2020. 976845 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 21, 2010
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Paitin Sori' Barbaresco 2006, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Love it! Mature aromas of leather, violets and dried fruit. This is so lovely. Give the fruit bombs a rest and try a grown-up wine. Lovely structure, balance and long finish. Drink: 2010-2020. 106591 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. August 21, 2010
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Antiche Terre Ripasso Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Lovely savoury Ripasso with expressive aromas of baking spices, cocoa, cherry and blackberry, with notes of smoked meat and tomato leaf. Dry, medium bodied with bright acidity and a core of spicy fruit. Lingering, flavourful finish. Enjoy this tasty red. My note: Juicy and savoury with aromas of black cherry bacon fat (love it), dark spices, vanilla smoke and happiness. Full-bodied and layered with good balance and finish. Drink: 2010-2014. 178459 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Cantina Valpantena A Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium deep-ruby colour with a hint of garnet. Pretty perfumed nose featuring mocha, raspberry, leather, lavender and spice. Dry and delicious without any over-dried fruit qualities. The structure is very solid. The fruit rests upon a foundation of ripe tannins. This is a mouth-filling, full-bodied wine with a great deal of elegance and style. The long finish gives the palate much to contemplate, such as the next sip! My note: Rich and full-bodied; delivers on the Amarone flavour-packed promise. Black cherry liqueur, dark spices and smoke. Long finish. Drink: 2010-2018. 179366 15% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Rendola Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Dark, rich and mouth-watering with brooding black heart. Aromas of black cherry, spice and smoke. Drink: 2010-2016. 181412 14% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Monte Antico Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Mocha-rich nose with blackberries and plums. Mouth-watering and full-bodied and smooth. An absolutely delightful wine, especially for this price! Drink: 2010-2014. 69377 12.50% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Babich Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Tasty juicy cherries and plums. Love this style with its vibrant mouth-watering acidity for food. Polished tannins with a silky smooth texture and satisfying finish. 216 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 21, 2010
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Casal Da Coelheira Terraços Do Tejo Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Ribatejo, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Silver Medal winner at the 2009 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This red blend is made primarily from Aragónes (aka Tempranillo). Deep ruby in colour. Aromas of black fruit, ripe plum, dried herbs and raspberry draw you in and replay in the flavours, along with some sweet oak and a hint of pencil lead. A chewy, medium-bodied wine with moderate tannins, and a good juicy length. Lay it down for a few years, or highlight it tonight. My note: Simple, tasty and full-bodied with dark fruit and a smooth texture. 168831 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 84/100. August 21, 2010
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José Maria da Fonseca José De Sousa 2006, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby. Possesses aromas of cassis, ripe berries, mulberry, bell pepper, and herbs. The flavours carry the aromas deeper, with added notes of oak and earth. Medium to full bodied, with velvety tannins and good length, this dry Portuguese red shows some complexity. You can keep it for a few years, or savour it tonight. My note: Juicy purple plums and berries with some great depth of flavour, especially for this price. Full-bodied and smooth, quaffable! 396689 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010
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Juan Gil Honoro Vera Monastrell 2008, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Silver Medal: 2009 International Wine Challenge. Sourced from vines averaging 40 years of age, this Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre) greets you with an alluring deep-ruby hue. Scents of coffee and sweet spices are highlighted on the nose. Delicious fruit core – cherry, raspberry, blueberry – are nicely counterbalanced by moderate tannins. Closes with a savoury, medium-length, layered, warm finish. Great with barbecue fare. It also loves cheese. My note: Juicy, tasty, full-bodied and straight-forward. Lots of pleasure and fleshy berries and plums in every glass. Yum! 167684 13.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Burgo Viejo Crianza Tempranillo Graciano 2005, Doca Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This award-winning wine, a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, is a Rioja lover's dream. Opaque ruby, it sports mouth-watering aromas of sweet oak, blackcurrant and raspberry jam. Lovely fruit on the palate with soft spice, medium tannins and a medium-long, juicy finish that will dance a dinner-tango-to-remember. My note: terrific value for this cherry liqueur-infused red. Full-bodied and tasty with a velvet texture. Yum! 168815 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classically styled cabernet with aromas of cassis, blackberry and oak. Full-bodied and smooth. A lovely dinner party wine. Drink: 2010-2017. 14217 14.90% D 750 mL $74.95 Score: 92/100. August 21, 2010
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Folie À Deux Ménage À Trois Red Zinfandel Merlot Cabernet 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: It’s back! This immensely popular wine returns in a new vintage. This threesome of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is fruit-driven, featuring pretty aromas of plum, blackberry and blueberry with hints of spice box and oak. Soft and supple with ample body and poise, this is a great wine to serve at a dinner for two, or more. My note: Juicy purple plums and blueberries with supple, smooth texture and full-bodied weight. 665158 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: This is textbook Napa Cab. Big and robust, with aromas of cassis, black cherry, raspberry pie, graphite, tar, and tobacco. Dry, full bodied and delectably ripe and concentrated, with soft yet sturdy tannins providing structure. Fresh acidity lifts the fruit into the spectrum of red cherry and currants, leading to a long, pure fruit finish with just a touch of smoke. Savour over the next 5+ years with a porterhouse steak. My note: Gorgeous concentration and depth in this black-fruited wonder. Aromas of dark plums and blackberries wrapped in smoke and dark spices. A great persistence of flavour on the palate leads to a long and satisfying finish. Drink: 2010-2016. 91058 14.50% 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. August 21, 2010
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Domaine De Suriane Coteaux D'aix-En-Provence Rosé 2009, A.C., Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Marie-Laure Merlin has worked her magic on this estate, which has been in her family since the 1930s. This rosé features aromas of light berry, fresh cherry, and strawberry candy. There’s plenty of fruit in this medium-bodied wine, not to mention a fine dry finish. It’s perfect for summer drinking, and absolutely delectable. My note: Summer sunshine on your shoulders, warm and happy. Notes of field strawberries and sun-dappled river banks for snoozing. 169060 12.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010
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Carte Noire Les Maîtres Vignerons De Saint-Tropez Rosé 2009, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: You don’t have to be sitting on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean to be enjoying this fresh, crisp, and flavourful Provence rosé. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be really hot outside because rosés are for more than just sipping during the summer. With aromas of rosehip, cherry, raspberry and red pepper, this is a great year-round meal-starter. My note: Lovely and light: like fresh washed laundry drying in a summer breeze. Makes you happy and filled with peace. Aromas of field strawberries. Love it! 319384 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010 Best Value Rosé.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Bernard-Massard Cuvée De L'écusson Brut Methode Traditionelle Sparkling Wine, Luxembourg: Vintages Wine Panel: Luxembourg has a long history of producing sparkling wines; its cool climate is ideal for creating sparklers with a marked crispness. This fizz is a unique blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Enjoy as a palate-refresher before a meal or between courses. My note: A straight-forward well-made bubbly with toasty notes. Great price. 970970 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. August 21, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Quinta De Ventozelo Vinzelo Ruby Port, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Ready to drink and loaded with aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant, spice, pepper and chocolate. These all deliciously replay on the palate. Enjoyed on its own, this medium-bodied Ruby Port will provide a satisfying close to any meal. My note: I learned to like Ruby port in Portugal recently. Serve it on the rocks as a long drink… lower alcohol than most cocktails and way more flavour. Lovely by the pool. 169623 20% S 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010 Best Value Dessert Wine.
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Vintages Wine Picks August 21, 2010

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