Vintages Wine Picks May 28, 2011

by Natalie MacLean


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[ Compress ] White Wine

Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Margaret River, Pemberton, Western Australia, Australia: A fresh and zippy style of Aussie Savvy with aromas of grass and grapefruit. Dry, with fine aroma replays on the palate. The flavours linger in a pleasing manner. Enjoy as a sipper.  186106  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. May 28, 2011
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Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A wonderful medium-bodied Chardonnay: not wimpy, not heavy. Just right! Terrific aromas of white peach and Asian pear and a whiff of smoke and vanilla spice. I want some! Drink: 2009-2014.  116384  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011
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Mike Weir Wine Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids will be held on June 7th at Angus Glen Golf Club. A stellar Riesling showing how well the 2008 vintage suited the variety. Aromas suggest peach, pear, lime and cantaloupe. Off-dry with wonderful aroma replays, plus a near-perfect acidity to bring both balance and ageability (3-5+ years). My note: Love the mineral peach and pear note on this. Flint and smoke with a lime finish. Terrific, especially for this price point. Drink: 2008-2014.  229286  12%  MD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Meursault Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Classic Chardonnay from Burgundy: it doesn’t get much better from this. Aromas of green apple, peach and vanilla smoke. Luxurious and rich yet elegant. Perfect for a dinner party where you are determined to impress the heck out of your guests. If they don’t notice this wine, don’t invite them back. Drink: 2009-2016.  12369  13%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 92/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Joseph Cattin Muscat 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2010 Grand Concours des Vins d’Alsace de Colmar. Muscat at its finest is an aromatic treat, perfect as an aperitif or with flavourful dishes early in a meal – and Alsatian versions are among the best and most food-friendly in the world. The 2009 Muscat from Cattin is beautifully fragrant, with notes of Turkish delight, gentle spice, fresh grapes and floral. The palate is dry, deliciously consistent with the nose, balanced and fresh with a crisp acidity. My note: Honeysuckle pretty with white cherry blossoms waving in the summer sun. Deft touch of sweet tree fruit aromas even though this technically is a dry wine. Lovely aperitif or food companion. Drink: 2009-2014.  224634  12%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Vin De Pays Du Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Fans of Bourgeois’ Sancerre (542548) featured in the Vintages Essentials Collection will find this Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire to be an equally satisfying addition to their table. This wine is a great value and ideal for everyday enjoyment. My note: Grassy green with lemon trees and chives growing in a field of mouth-watering pleasure. Zippy and refreshing. A wonderful price. Drink: 2009-2014.  672345  12%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Trimbach Réserve Riesling 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Extremely acidic and mouth-watering Riesling with a bold lemon edge. Very refreshing and zippy and extremely food-friendly. Drink: 2008-2015.  995316  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011
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Gunderloch Fritz's Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Rheinhessen, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Owner/winemaker Fritz Hasselbach makes this Riesling (named both for him and a character from the comics that is popular in Germany) from an area of prime soil in Rheinhessen known as Roter Hang (red soil). My note: Love it! Lime happiness in a glass. Zesty and zingy with a bright lemon sunset on the finish. Mouth-watering. That’s got to be a typo on the price. Drink: 2008-2016.  216366  11.50%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy and dry with great refreshment. Zippy and mouth-watering. Drink: 2009-2013.  214460  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011
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Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Mild grass and chive aromas with a zippy refreshment. Lemon and lime on the finish. Terrific craftsmanship and very versatile with many dishes. Drink: 2010-2014.  912337  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
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The Winery Of Good Hope Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Terrific zest and zing with lemon and lime accents Vibrant and bright, a great aperitif. Drink: 2009-2013.  158121  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 87/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value White Wine.
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Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Lime-zest and mouth-watering with a crisp edge. Terrific aperitif. Drink: 2009-2014.  231282  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. May 28, 2011
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Graham Beck Bowed Head Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: Get out of your Pinot Grigio rut with South African Chenin Blanc and welcome yourself to a whole new world of pleasure. Lovely notes of white and green melon, white peach and lime. Zippy and refreshing. Drink: 2009-2015.  231357  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011
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Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay 2007, Napa County, California, United States: Hazelnut-rich with butter, oak and smoke. Green apple notes with a rich, lanolin texture. Full-bodied, oh indeed. Drink: 2008-2015.  1537  15%  XD  750 mL  $64.95  Score: 91/100. May 28, 2011
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Kenneth Volk Santa Maria Cuvée Chardonnay 2007, Santa Maria Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Classic rich and full Cali Chardonnay with aromas of ripe apple, hazelnut, smoky oak and lemon-lime. Dry and fruity with the oak well-integrated into the whole package. There is also a distinctive creaminess to the finish. My note: A solid citizen in the wine world. Nice balance and pleasant aromas of green apple, butter and oak. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2014.  233981  14.20%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011
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Clos Du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from the Russian River Valley, with its cool and foggy climate, this aromatic Chardonnay offers complex aromas of citrus, pear, and lime with vibrant floral tones. During the eight-month barrel-ageing period, the wine is hand-stirred on the lees resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Ideal as a sipping wine. My note: Lovely balance in this beautifully constructed California Chardonnay. Peach, pear, green apple, vanillin and baking spices. Yum! Drink: 2009-2015.  479527  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 91/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated White Wine.
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Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2006, Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: White peach and Asian pear wrapped in vanilla smoke. Full-bodied and richly layered. Yes! Drink: 2009-2015.  706580  14.80%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
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[ Compress ] Red Wine

Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Black and rich with a smoky blackberry core. Full-bodied and smooth. Lots of pleasure. Drink: 2007-2013.  135202  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011
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Luigi Bosca Reserva Pinot Noir 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A juicy and soft pinot with lovely cherry fruit and bright, ripe field berries. Very reasonably priced, especially for pinot. Drink: 2009-2013.  143420  13.30%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011
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Layer Cake Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Layer Cake is, in part, a tribute to winemaker Jayson Woodbridge’s grandfather who said that when it’s properly made, wine “is like a great layer cake.” Granddad would certainly have approved of this complex and layered offering. Coffee, blackberry, plum and spice aromas abound. Dry, with black fruit, spice, mocha and raspberry tones, nicely integrated medium tannins, a creamy mid-palate and good fruit on the medium-long finish. Offer your guests a slice. My note: Mocha dark chocolate melts into plush plums and fleshy blackberries. Some espresso and vanilla smoke on the finish. Drink: 2009-2014.  219287  14.90%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
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Santa Julia Magna, Familia Zuccardi Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a must-have, rich and delicious blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec and 10% Syrah. Cassis, plum, vanilla bean and blackberry notes on the nose. The palate is dry and medium-full bodied with good structure, ripe fruit and well-attenuated tannins. Perfect for barbecued fare. My note: A superb value at this price point. Rich, black fruit with terrific mouth-watering action for many dishes. Full-bodied and smooth with ripe blackberries and blackcurrants. Drink: 2009-2014.  93799  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers Merlot 2008, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia: Violets and plums with black cherries rolling across your senses. Lovely and full-bodied and plush. Top me up! Drink: 2008-2014.  221838  15%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
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Rockbare Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A big honkin’ blackberry liqueur wine with a rich core of dark hedonism. Full-bodied is an understatement. Rich and luscious. Drink: 2009-2014.  661991  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
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Henry's Drive Pillar Box Red Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: A humungously big wine with blackberry liqueur richness. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2008-2013.  685941  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Syrah 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2009 Syrah offers complex notes of blackberry, licorice, lilac and black pepper. The palate is dry, medium bodied with spicy fruit, bright acidity, velvety tannins, a round texture and medium-long, fruit-filled smoky finish. Sing this wine’s praises. My note: Mocha dark chocolate notes with fleshy plums. Round and full-bodied with a velvet texture. Scrumptious! Drink: 2009-2014.  129809  12%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011
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Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah 2009, La Quebrada, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: In 2001 Emiliana Vineyards became the first Chilean winery to adopt the international standards of care and protection of the environment through the ISO 14001. This blend of 88% Syrah, 7% Merlot, and 5% Viognier offers aromas and flavours of black pepper, cherry, smoke and vanilla. This organic wine has free sulphur of only 18 mg/L. My note: Rich and dark with fleshy blackberries and black plums. Full-bodied with smoky, toasty oak core. Drink: 2009-2014.  212407  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011
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Château La Croix De Gay Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Classic Bordeaux in all its lovely and august dimensions of incredible complexity, depth and length on the finish. Spectacular aromas of cassis, smoky blackberry and toasty oak. Full-bodied. This is Bach not Beethoven (that’s burgundy). Fantastic price for this quality of Bordeaux, especially for one that will age well in the cellar. Drink: 2012-2020.  102608  13%  XD  750 mL  $34.00  Score: 92/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Antonin Rodet Pinot Noir 2008, A.C., Givry, Burgundy, France: Stunning, especially at this price! Lovely aromas of rose petal and raspberry. Medium-bodied and juices delicious not this is no fruit bomb. Nothing heavy or oaky about it. I’m buying a case. Gold Medal at the 2009 Concours des Vins de France in Mâcon. Drink: 2011-2016.  110395  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Joseph Cattin Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. The Cattin family emigrated from Switzerland to Alsace in 1720. In the 1850s, Antoine Cattin focused entirely on wine-growing, and the rest, as they say, is history. This wine is a very attractive ruby colour in the glass. The nose offers mushroom, earth and red berry tones. The palate echoes the nose and is beautifully structured and balanced. Excellent value. An elegant wine to suit more delicate flavours. My note: A pleasant medium-bodied, silky red with mouth-watering flavours of tart cherry and cranberry. Nice price for pinot! Drink: 2011-2014.  207910  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. May 28, 2011
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Domaine De Saint Ennemond Vieilles Vignes Moulin-À-Vent Christian Et Marie Bereziat, Vitic. Gamay 2009, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A youthful Gamay with aromas of blackberry and black licorice. Dry, fresh and bright with a lovely juicy, fruity finish. A fine red wine. Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2010 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. My note: A chipper little sipper! Bright, happy cherries dance across your mouth in this light- to medium-bodied smooth red. A terrific sun-dapped quaffer for picnics and decks. Drink: 2009-2014.  207910  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011
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Louis Jadot Clos Des Couchereaux 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Beaune, Burgundy, France: Sophisticated seduction! Gorgeous cherries and spices with an exotic underlay of violets and truffles to tickle your senses. This is a spectacular pinot noir, worth every penny. Drink: 2008-2018.  77578  13%  XD  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 91/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Antiche Terre Ripasso Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: A great juicy, full-bodied red with tart cherries and smoke. A wonderful wine for the money, full-bodied and generous. Perfect for Italian night! Drink: 2009-2014.  178459  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Apollonio Terragnolo Primitivo 2004, I.G.T., Salento Rosso, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Grande Médaille d’Or at the 2010 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Lovely notes of tobacco, spice, dried fruit and bumbleberry pie on the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied with a crisp acidity and a touch of fine tannins around a pie-filling fruit core. Delicious from first sip to the end of the lingering, mouth-coating finish. My note: How delightful! Smoky campfire wine with fleshy black fruit. Share a ghost story and pass the bottle, draw the tartan blanket closer around your shoulders. Drink: 2007-2014.  211813  14.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011
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Barone Ricasoli Casalferro Sangiovese Merlot 2006, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Gorgeous concentration and depth with black cherry and plum. Silky yet strong. Drink: 2009-2018.  92973  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. May 28, 2011
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Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This is an absolute blockbuster of a Chianti. Intense, wonderful aromas of blueberry pie, black cherry, damson plum, cinnamon rolls, mocha/chocolate and pipe tobacco. The palate handsomely repays these wonderful aromas. Dry, ripe, spicy. Quite lovely and impressive for the price. On the mid-palate, a fine wave of tannins come in to bring a just-right balance. Medium bodied with a very complex and lengthy finish. Enjoy with a fine steak, simply seasoned and grilled. My note: Loving it! A terrific, classic Italian chianti and mama mia, the price, benne! Bring on the lasagna, pizza and pasta. This wine is so ready for it all. Aromas of dark cherries, sun-dried tomatoes and smoke. Drink: 2009-2014.  969469  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Wild Rock Cupids Arrow Pinot Noir 2008, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Soft and medium-bodied with juicy generous cherries. What an absolutely delightful sipper and an even better price. Cherry-berry happiness. Drink: 2008-2013.  61242  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011
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Pahlmeyer Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A tremendous cool-climate-like Pinot Noir (in suggests New Zealand’s Central Otago) with aromas of smoky cherry, boysenberry, plum and earth tones. Dry and robust, but in a way that says “Pinot Noir.” Very fine balance between the fruit, acid and oak. Medium-full bodied, layered and very impressive. Hold in the cellar for 1-2 years and then enjoy it over the next decade. It can also work very well now, decanted. My note: Full-bodied with black cherry, beetroot and cranberry. Smooth and long, but over-priced. Drink: 2009-2016.  148536  14.90%  XD  750 mL  $79.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
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Predator Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Yum, yum! Big fleshy blueberries and blackberries roll across your tongue. You want more. I’ll top you up. Full-bodied and so supple. It’s ready to go with you are. Bring it on with the barbecue. Drink: 2009-2015.  219485  15%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 92/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Red Wine.
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Sequana Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir 2008, Green Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied with mocha and black cherry aromas. Beautifully constructed and deliciously consumed. This is full-on pinot. Drink: 2009-2015.  220087  14.60%  XD  750 mL  $47.95  Score: 91/100. May 28, 2011
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Aubichon Reserve Pinot Noir 2007, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Vibrant black cherries and raspberries with a silky texture. Full-bodied and supple with a loooooong finish. Drink: 2009-2016.  220442  14.10%  XD  750 mL  $49.00  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
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Gamble Family Vineyards Paramount Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied with big black brooding fruit and smoky oak. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with a little Petit Verdot. Great depth and concentration. Drink: 2009-2016.  221143  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $59.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
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Fess Parker Rodney's Vineyard Syrah 2007, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Dark, brooding, savoury and meaty. Good grip in this full-bodied red with aromas of blackberry and cassis. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2009-2016.  232546  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 92/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Napa Valley, California, United States: A solid Napa cabernet that’s best consumed in the next two years. Classic aromas of cassis and blackcurrant with a kiss of oak. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2008-2013.  238758  13.70%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011
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7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Michael & David Phillips Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: It took fruit sourced from seven of Lodi’s premium vineyards, specifically chosen for their superior quality, to create this sinfully rich Zinfandel. Loaded with berry fruit, pepper, spice and earth, this wine is a model of consistency. Mitigate the severity of your transgression (or implicate others as you will) and share this considerable, and decadent, treasure with friends at your next barbecue. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. My vote: I adore this wine: it’s vibrant, juicy, generous and fleshy rich with blueberries, purple plums, black raspberries. It reminds me of Tina Fey: lively and fun, always ready for a joke as you sit around the barbecue. It’s simply delicious. Drink: 2009-2015.  59311  15%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 93/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine.
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[ Compress ] Rosés

Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Rosé 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This rose-petal pink rosé has a fresh and inviting nose with wonderfully complex aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, roses and mineral. Dry, medium-bodied, and acutely elegant, this is quite juicy and flavourful with a zippy acidity and a mouth-watering finish. Great as a sipper for backyard barbecues. My note: Strawberry fields forever! A lovely, summer’s day wine with ripe field berries and a gentle acidity. Works as both a refreshing aperitif and a companion to seafood and salads. Drink: 2010-2012.  117861  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Rose.
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Cattail Creek Serendipity Rosé 2010, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Cattail Creek Estate Winery officially came into existence in 2006, but the Dyck family have been growing grapes in Niagara since 1957. This candy-apple-red rosé presents a sweet and expressive nose of fresh raspberry, watermelon, strawberry and sweetgrass. Slightly off-dry and medium bodied with lots of sweet red fruit, and crisp acidity providing harmony. A tasty sipper. My note: A deep cranberry-rich rose with fleshy ripe berries. Very pleasant, mindless sipper. Drink: 2010-2012.  118059  11.50%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. May 28, 2011
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Kacaba Summertime Series Rebecca Cabernet Franc Petite Sirah Rosé 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This rosé blends Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah, the latter being quite a rare grape in Niagara. The results are fantastic. A very pretty nose of cherry, tulips, watermelon and red delicious apple. Dry, fresh and fruity with lively acidity and a tart and tangy finish. A great sipper. The painting on the label is “Twilight” by Canadian artist Todd La Chance. My note: A pretty, raspberry-fresh rose, with tart, mouth-watering acidity that makes it ideal for many dishes, from salmon to roast chicken. Delightfully alive in the glass! Drink: 2010-2012.  227025  12.20%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Rose.
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Emiliana Adobe Reserva Syrah 2010, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The Rapel Valley has a reputation for producing fine Syrah, and from this solid base Emiliana creates a delightful and approachable rosé. Dry, well structured, with plenty of red-fruit aromas and flavours, and a racy acidity. Enjoy as a sipper. There is free sulphur of only 14 mg/l in this wine. My note: This organic rose I full-bodied, fruit-forward and a vibrant New World style. Bursting with rip raspberries and cranberries. Bring it on! Drink: 2010-2013.  229690  14%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 87/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Rose.
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Château De Trinquevedel Vign. Demoulin Rosé 2010, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The rosés from Tavel are known generally for their remarkable depth of flavour due to the region’s unique microclimate that almost effortlessly produces fully ripened, beautifully generous fruit – a not-unremarkable accomplishment in the wine-growing regions of France. For those history buffs out there, Tavel rosés were a favourite of King Louis XIV as well as the writers Balzac and Mistral. My note: Full-bodied and richly flavoured with raspberry and strawberry. Classic Rhone rose: this is why this style rules the rose world. Drink: 2010-2013.  729947  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 93/100. May 28, 2011 Top-Rated Rose.
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[ Compress ] Sparkling Wine

Veuve Ambal Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal at the 2010 Burgondia d’Or de Nuits-Saint-Georges. This richly aromatic Burgundian sparkler features aromas of spring flowers and pear. Dry with lively bubbles, good fruit tones and balancing acidity. A great sipper. My note: A staggeringly great value. Got a wedding or graduation party? This is your bubbly. Tasty, toasty and bright with green apple refreshment. Incredible! Drink: 2011-2013.  209619  12%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine.
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[ Compress ] Dessert Wine

Warre's Otima 20-Year-Old Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: I love this tawny port. Year after year, it’s a go-to dessert wine with its almond goodness and toffee layers of satisfaction.  682716  20%  S  500 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011 Top-Rated Dessert Wine.
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Yes, I'm a certified sommelier and was named the World's Best Wine Writer at the World Food Media Awards. Blah, blah, blah. What really matters is that I know which wines can increase your hedonistic happiness... a lot. Don't worry, spam doesn't pair well with wine!

Natalie Maclean
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