Vintages Wine Picks October 25, 2008

White Wine

Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio 2007, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Alto Adige’s valley floor offers a favourable environment for growing vines. Peter Zemmer reduces yields and ferments his wines in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to ensure a high quality and freshness. My note: A refreshing, zippy white with notes of melon. Drink: 2008-2010.  95802  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2006, Ontario, Niagara V.Q.A., Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Chardonnay is one of Niagara’s strongest suits and Flat Rock’s estate version is a rich, fruitforward wine featuring tropical fruit and green-apple flavours balanced by a hint of mild oak. My note: A terrific Chardonnay! Balanced with warm butter-oak notes. What more do you want? Drink: 2008-2012.  681247  12%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. October 25, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: A herbal, refreshing white with grassy notes. No oak. Drink: 2008-2010.  677450  14%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 89/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Spatlese 2006, Q.M.P., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw yellow in colour, the nose reveals notes of peach, apple blossom, clover honey and mineral. It shows lovely sweetness on the palate, with flavours reminiscent of peach, apple and honey.My note: What a mouthful! Rich, opulent texture yet not heavy. Baked pears fill the glass. Drink: 2008-2012.  71142  8%  MS  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 94/100. October 25, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Red Wine

Nino Negri Sfursat Val Tellina Nebbiolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Italy: This is made with 100% Nebbiolo. Doesn't taste as alcoholic as it is, but it's full-bodied. Big red fruit and smoke notes. Drink: 2008-2010.  84848  16%  D  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Edward Sellers Vertigo 2005, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Part of Bonterra’s philosophy is to “honor the land by farming organically, creating rich soils providing healthy vines an opportunity to deliver wonderfully flavored fruit.” The grapes for their Zinfandel were sourced in Mendocino and the Sierra Foothills. This Zin possesses succulent flavours of raspberry and blueberry with a touch of cedar and pepper. This wine contains 9 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: Amarone-cherry-liqueur aromas of concentration! Full-bodied and tasty. Drink: 2008-2010.  77875  13%  D  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Haras Character Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Maipo Valley, Chile: A strong, robust red with fantastic structure. Aromas of cassis and blackberry. Drink: 2008-2012.  54502  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Antica Napa Valley Pian Delle Brunello Di Montalcino 2003, D.O.C.G., Italy: Big ole' hulking wine filled with black fruit and oak. Drink: 2008-2016.  651141  14%  XD  750 mL  $63.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Luce Della Sangiovese Merlot 2005, I.G.T. Vite Luce, Italy: Extroadinary balance and length. Layers of mocha, coffee, black fruit and oak. Drink: 2008-2012.  685263  14%  XD  750 mL  $99.95  Score: 93/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Tommasi Amarone 2004, D.O.C. Amarone Della Valpolicella, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This rich Amarone gushes with ripe cherry and plum fruit with notes of vanilla oak and toast. Dry and round with ripe tannins. My note: A powerful, aromatic red with violets, tar, black cherries and tobacco. Drink: 2008-2012.  356220  15%  D  750 mL  $52.95  Score: 93/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from wines aged in a mixture of Hungarian and American oak barrels for 14 to 16 months, this densely coloured red is packed with intense aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, cedar, vanilla and spices. Full-bodied and sweet-centered. My note: A plush, delicious red with notes of black plums, mocha and vanilla. Drink: 2008-2010.  16915  14%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Carmenere Gran Reserva 2006, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This dry, full-bodied Carmenère is packed with blackberry and black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco and spice. Winemaker Sven Bruchfeld blends in 12% Cabernet Sauvignon for additional structure and complexity.My note: Spectacularly solid for the money. Great party wine. Notes of black fruit and full-on oak. Drink: 2008-2012.  640888  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Frascole Rufina Chianti 2005, D.O.C.G., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This ready-to-drink Chianti is quite tasty, offering fresh black cherry and plum aromas and flavours with a touch of oak and earthiness. Dry, with fairly crisp acidity. My note: A marvelous Chianti: the best of its kind. Mouth-watering, full-bodied and packed with cherries and dried herbs. Let's eat. Drink: 2008-2010.  85167  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz Triptych 2006, W.O., South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: A fantastic value, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz is aged extensively in French oak barrels. Packed with blueberry, black cherry, mint and cedar aromas and flavors. My note: Gorgeous! I need to visit this winery and shake the winemaker's hand. Luxurious layers of black fruit and smoke. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012.  53124  14%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Thirty Bench Wine Makers Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, Ontario, Niagara V.Q.A., Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Aged in French oak, this Bordeaux-style blend is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Expect aromas of cassis, blackberry, cedar, vanilla, graphite and tobacco leaf from this elegant and well-balanced wine. My note: A lovely, smooth, full-bodied red with black berries and oak. Drink: 2008-2012.  53389  13%  XD  750 mL  $22.20  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Lurton Malbec Reserva 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Many years ago, the Lurton brothers of Bordeaux realized the potential for winemaking in Argentina. Their investment and intuition have paid off handsomely in wines such as this Reserva. Look for raspberry, blueberry, chocolate and floral notes in this fresh and juicy full-bodied Malbec. My note: Terrific value: full-bodied and lip-smackingly delicious. Black fruit and oak aromas. Drink: 2008-2010.  903153  14%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Colin-Bourisset Les Terres Bleues Beujolais 2006, A.C. Cote De Brouilly, Beujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This crisp Gamay features lovely floral, plum and cherry aromas. A lighter-style red, it’s easydrinking, well-balanced and very food-friendly. My note: A simple, pleasing red with ripe raspberries and a slight tannic grip. Drink: 2008-2010.  590521  12%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Grand'Arte Alicante Bousche Alicante 2005, Vinho, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Simply known as Alicante, this grape was created at the end of the 19th century by crossing Petit Bouschet and Grenache. Extremely opaque in appearance, this full-flavored and fruit-forward red shows attractive flavors of blueberry preserves, ripe plum, vanilla and sweet spices. It possesses a supple texture and ripe tannins. My note: Terrific red for the money. Smooth and full-bodied with dark red fruit notes Drink: 2008-2012.  80614  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. October 25, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Chateau Preuillac Bordeaux Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Full-bodied and rustic with blackberries and black plum notes. Decant for two hours. Drink: 2008-2012.  713925  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Amadio Block 2a Shiraz 2005, Adelaide Hills, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Adelaide Hills is much cooler than most wine growing regions in South Australia which allows them to produce a more elegant style of Shiraz. Aged in French oak for 18 months, the Block 2a Shiraz has an attractive spicy character with good depth of black fruit flavors, fine tannins and medium acidity. It’s intensely flavoured but supple with lots of finesse. My note: Saturated, concentrated red with black fruit. Full-bodied and delicious. Drink: 2008-2012.  72843  14%  D  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 92/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Dujac Morey Saint Denis Pinot Noir 2005, Burgundy, France: A lovely, medium-bodied red with tart red fruit, earth and mushrooms.  702696  13%  XD  750 mL  $67.40  Score: 92/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Bonterra Zinfandel 2005, California, United States: A terrific producer of organic wines. This one is full-bodied and berry ripe with a smooth, seamless texture. Drink: 2008-2010.  530139  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Zenato Amarone 2004, D.O.C. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico, Italy: A balanced, full-bodied, juicy red that doesn't taste as alcoholic as it is. Gorgeous dark red plums and berries. Drink: 2008-2012.  413179  16%  D  750 mL  $52.95  Score: 94/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Chateau Pineraie Malbec 2005, A.C. Cahors, France: A delicious New World-style red with ripe berries, plum and mocha notes. Drink: 2008-2012.  78725  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Kim Crawford Merlot 2007, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby, the nose offers blueberry, black cherry and earthy tones. It shows ripe and rich fruit flavors, but also some spicy and earthy nuances that are well-complemented by bright acidity. My note: A gorgeous Merlot to fall into - wrap yourself in it. Full-bodied with notes of plums, berries and vanilla. Drink: 2008-2012.  680967  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Roncolato Amarone 2005, D.O.C. Amarone Della Valpolicella, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby color with aromas of dark chocolate, raisins, fig, licorice and old leather. This dry, intense wine is round and full-bodied with a good core of acid to bring structure and balance to the wine. Full-bodied and long finishing. My note: A palate-whacking full-on red with cherry liqueur notes and big hulking black fruit. Drink: 2008-2012.  81778  16%  D  750 mL  $43.95  Score: 91/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Elderton Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: An over-the-top delicious, full-bodied red with black cherries and toast. Drink: 2008-2012.  713024  14%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 93/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Kenwood Vineyards Merlot 2005, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from vineyards located in the Sonoma, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, this perennial favorite has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in for structure and added complexity. My note: A rich, silky Merlot with plums and mocha aromas. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012.  717348  14%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Le Serre Nuove Dellornellaia Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot 2006, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This estate has a track record envied by wineries all over the world. Demand today for th wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia has never been higher. Le Serre Nuove, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc and Petit Verdot, is a bright and fruity wine with red and black berries tinged by subtle oak flavors of chocolate and clove. My note: A remarkable wine with layers of black fruit, smoke and intrigue. Drink: 2008-2012.  606194  14%  XD  750 mL  $59.95  Score: 93/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Tezza Corte Majoli Amarone 2003, D.O.C. Amarone Della Valpolicella, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A garnet/ruby color with intense aromas of dried fruits, cocoa, leather and fig. Dry, full-bodied, supple and quite rich. Wonderful balance between the fruit, acids and tannins. My note: A full-bodied red with great balance. Black cherries and plums slap your tongue. Drink: 2008-2012.  81943  15%  D  750 mL  $38.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Sileni Estates The Triangle Merlot 2006, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This mellow red will surely please at your next casual gathering. The nose is filled with sweet wild raspberry, vanilla and spicy oak character. This is medium-bodied, fruitfilled, slightly spicy and ending with balancing acidity and silky tannins. My note: A spicy, vibrant Merlot to perk up the tastebuds. Plums galore. Drink: 2008-2010.  586081  14%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Jackson-Triggs Proprietors Meritage Grand Reserve 2005, Ontario, Niagara V.Q.A., Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: 2005 was an outstanding vintage in Niagara for red wines, but yields were substantially lower than usual so you’ll want to scoop this one up while you can. This fabulous Meritage is comprised of 51% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc. Barrel aged for 17 months in a mixture of both French and American oak, it’s deep ruby in colour with aromas of blackcurrant, black-berries, smoke, leather, cedar and vanilla. Intensely flavoured, this medium full-bodied red is well-balanced with lively acidity and medium tannins. My note: Terrific, full-bodied red with notes of classic cassis, blackberry and smoke. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2008-2012.  594002  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Casa Silva Carmenere Reserva 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Located in the heart of the Colchagua Valley, Casa Silva is one of Chile’s finest estates. This family winery has received numerous awards including ‘Best Winery of the Continent’ honours in the South American Guide: Vineyards, Wineries & Wines. This fruit-forward and approachable Carmenère is loaded with plum, blackberry, vanilla and spice aromas and flavors. This is a crowd-pleasing gem that delivers excellent value. My note: Remarkable wine for the money. Full-bodied and packed with black fruit, mocha and oak. Drink: 2008-2012.  24679  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Des Graves Merlot Blend 2005, A.C. Cuvee Prestige, France: A blend of 85% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 12 months in oak cask. Terrific balance and length. Black plums and mocha fill the glass. Smooth, full-bodied and full of texture. Drink: 2008-2012.  87692  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Bertani Amarone 2004, D.O.C. Amarone Della Valpolicella, Italy: Gorgeous red with a punch! Loaded with black currants and berries. Drink: 2008-2012.  13417  14%  D  750 mL  $56.95  Score: 93/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Wakefield Shiraz 2006, Clare Valley, Australia: A rich and succulent Shiraz that makes you ask for a second (and third) glass. Full-bodied with dark red fruit and oak notes. Drink: 2008-2012.  943787  14%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, South Australia, Australia: A regal, elegant wine of great depth and length. Redcurrants, cassis and min suffused in smoke. Full-bodied.  464461  13%  D  750 mL  $89.95  Score: 95/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Tezza Ma Roat Ripasso 2005, D.O.C. Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Ma Roat, which means Red Moon in the local dialect, is one of Veneto’s best kept secrets. Bloggers and wine critics were, well, over the moon about the 2004 vintage. My note: A juicy, delicious red with ripe, mouth-watering cherries. Full-bodied. Decant one hour. Drink: 2008-2012.  84053  14%  M  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Santa Ema Amplus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Well-crafted and balanced with New World power fruit. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012.  76307  14%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 89/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Gamba Gnirega Amarone Della Le Quare Corvina Blend 2004, D.O.C. Valpolicella Classico, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Gamba Gnirega uses Corvina 50%, Corvinone 30%, Rondinella 10%, Molinara 5% and Croatina 5% in its blend. They hand pick all the grapes and then dry them on wooden racks for a minimum of four months prior to pressing. They do a very slow 40-50 day fermentation to extract as much flavor and colour as possible before ageing the wines 6 months in stainless steel and then two years in 15 hectolitre barrels. My note: A robust red with black currant and berry notes. Drink: 2008-2012.  85340  15%  M  750 mL  $50.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Wynns Estate Shiraz 2006, Coonawarra, Australia: Juicy, ripe fruit with a boatloads of body. Drink: 2008-2012.  433060  14%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: Concentrated black cherries and toasty oak notes. Full-bodied with a long finish. Drink: 2008-2012.  942151  15%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Dessert Wine

Dow Colheita Tawny Port 1986, Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: The word colheita means harvest in Portuguese, but for Port, the word takes on a different definition. The Ports used in the blend all come from a single vintage, in this case 1986, and then they are aged in old oak barrels for a minimum of 7 years. The resulting Port possesses a tawny color with aromas of nuts and dried fruit. My note: Stupendous! Guard against winter now. Rich tawny goodness. Drink: 2008-2010.  572776  20%  S  750 mL  $58.95  Score: 95/100. October 25, 2008 Favorite Dessert Wine. Full Review


Lillypilly Semillon Noble Blend 2006, New South Wales, Australia: A blend of blend of 35% Semillon, 30% Riesling, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Chardonnay. pretty little dessert sipper. Ripe mangos and melon aromas. Drink: 2008-2012.  15255  11%  MS  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Vidal Icewine 2006, Ontario, Niagara V.Q.A., Canada: Yum! Doesn't get much better than this for vidal icewine. Voluptuous, round and luxurious. Drink: 2008-2012.  565861  10%  S  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 93/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review


Coyote's Run Estate Winery Riesling Icewine 2006, Ontario, Niagara V.Q.A., Canada: Lovely, concentrated elixir of honey and apricots. Drink: 2008-2012.  12658  10%  S  750 mL  $55.00  Score: 91/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review