Red Wine
Grove Street Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Grove Street Winery has been producing superb wines for over twenty years in the picturesque town of Healsburg, in the heart of Sonoma. This is truly an exceptional value for Cabernet from Sonoma. Opaque ruby in colour, it’s bursting with layered aromas of ripe cassis, raspberry, plum, cocoa and vanilla. It’s dry, with ample body and intense black fruit and spicy oak flavours supported by supple tannins, all culminating in a long, smooth finish. Very easy to love. My note: A full-bodied, exuberant red with loads of blackberry and black plum aromas. Decant for two hours and then sit back and enjoy the hedonistic tide of pleasure. 161190 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2007, Lodi, California, United States: I’ve loved this wine for a number of years now. Laced with fleshy purple plums, blueberries and a lick of anise, it’s a delicious dinner companion. The old gnarly vines are free-standing and head-trained, meaning they’re not trained on trellis wires and their grapes are picked by hand for extra gentle handling. 678698 14.5% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ortas Rasteau Cave De Rasteau Tradition Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2008, Ac Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Concours des Grands Vins de France in Mâcon. This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre displays an attractive nose of wild berries, black fruit, pepper and a hint of tar. This dry, soft-textured, medium-bodied wine features juicy black fruit and hints of leather and pepper. Very pleasant match indeed for comfort foods. My note: A corpulent and generous red with dollops of black fruit, toasted cherries, earth and dark spices. Flavour ripples across your mouth and ends in a warm, comforting finish. Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre food pairings: lamb stew, shepherd’s pie, beef casserole. 998716 14% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby coloured, this wine is bursting with concentrated aromas of blackberry, plum, humus and spring flowers, with intriguing licorice and baking-spice accents. Dry and well-balanced with a plush texture, and a medium- full-bodied palate awash in dark fruit flavours en-livened by spicy notes. Ripe, gentle tannins and ample acidity provide structure on the lingering finish. A yummy, easy-drinking Cabernet. My note: A full-bodied, juicy, generous red with dollops of blackberry, cassis, dried herbs and smoke. For those like a walloping good wine. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: marinated steak with mush-rooms. 43224 14.9% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Glass Mountain Merlot 2005, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2005 Glass Mountain Merlot offers value for money. The fruity nose offers raspberry, black cherry, sweet plum, spice and toasty oak aromas. It’s dry with ripe gentle tannins supporting the sweet/tart berry flavours leading to a satisfyingly dry finish. This wine embodies the idea of the “house red” in the best possible way. My note: Great taste/quality for the money. This easy-drinking, medium- to full-bodied red offers dark fruit on the nose. 135335 13.8% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 84/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
L.A. Cetto Winery Petite Sirah 2007, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: You can’t beat the value of this wine: you simply won’t find a better wine for the money. Juicy, round and ripe with aromas of black plums, black raspberry and vanilla smoke. Petite Sirah food pairings: spicy black bean dishes, steak-and-cheese enchiladas. 983742 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trivento Concha Y Toro Reserve Syrah Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This award-winning wine from Concha y Toro’s Argentine property is a robust and spicy blend that offers smoked meat, concentrated black-berries, flowers, pepper and oak aromas and flavours. It’s dry, full bodied, and well structured, punching well above its weight class. My note: Deep, dark and rich, this brooding blend of Malbec (50%) and Syrah (50%) has dive-into-it aromas of blackberries, coffee, dark chocolate and smoke. The wine was aged for 8 months in French oak. Full-bodied but not heavy, wonderful concentration of flavour. Syrah Malbec food pairings: grilled lamb, roast game bird. 492702 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trivento Concha Y Toro Reserve Syrah 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a pleasant, quaffable Syrah perfect for those Tuesday nights featuring your favourite take-out. There’s fresh berry fruit aromas along with notes of caramel and fig. Dry, medium bodied and well-balanced, its ripe fruit flavours display good intensity as well as a note of cocoa on the finish. My note: Trivento is Concha y Toro's operation in Argentina. This Syrah shows dark berries and notes of light spice with some light oak on the finish. My note: Fantastic value in this wine. Its big nose displays dark red fruit overtones. Full-bodied. Syrah food pairings: medium-spiced roti, Mediterranean-style pizza, lamb souvlaki. 663112 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Julia Familia Zuccardi Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: From the always-reliable Familia Zuccardi comes this perennial smart buy. Argentina consistently offers wine lovers incredible value, even beyond its benchmark Malbec wines, and this elegant Cab is a case in point. With its lovely black cherry fruit and notes of spice, mint and smoke, this medium-bodied wine pairs beautifully. My note: A blackberry greeting is followed by lovely aromas of ripe cassis and blackcurrant. Elegant structure and a nice long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: duck, lamb shank, game meats.. 93781 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: One of my favourite great value wines year after year. This bold beauty bursts with black plums, blackberries, pepper and a hint of mint. Layers of flavour to roll over your tongue. Oh yes! 606236 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lindemans Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: A deliciously hedonistic red, with mouth-filling flavours of fleshy plums, cassis, blackcurrant and smokey oak. Terrific quality for the money. This is a great wine for a party or movie night. 141994 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alkoomi Shiraz 2007, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: This full-bodied, lip-smacking wonder delivers loads of black fruit flavors and a lovely wisp of smoke and pepper on the finish. Shiraz food pairings: grilled lamb, red meats. 138560 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Loron & Fils L'or Des Pierres Gamay 2008, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Fresh and fruity, this easygoing Beaujolais shows off both the charms of the region and the Gamay grape. The nose is straight-forward and pleasing with aromas of bright cherry, wild berry, violets and a hint of banana. It’s dry, light bodied and soft textured (i.e., quaffable) with fresh red berry fruit flavours and a hint of cracked pepper leading to a surprisingly long, crisp finish. Give it a slight chill to bring out the fresh fruit character. My note: A light, carefree wine with classic notes of field strawberries and raspberries. Not furry tannins here: smooth as silk and light as air. Don’t think, just drink. Gamay food pairings: Gruyère-cheese soufflé, Hawaiian pizza. 156422 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Fée Violine Cahors Château Armandière Malbec 2005, A.C., Southwest, France: A dark, brooding wine that’s perfectly paired with the Twilight series of books. Opens with blackberries, dark spices, anise, fennel and a lovely weave of smoke. Very satisfying for those who love full-on flavour. 147967 12.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tedeschi Vigneto Valverde Single Vineyard Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This is an attractive deep ruby colour in the glass. The nose offers up a pleasant whiff of ripe blueberry and cassis, a combination which follows through nicely on the full-flavoured palate. Well structured while remaining very approachable, this wine is a laid-back, stylish, easy-drinking Valpolicella at a price that can’t be beat. My note: Vibrant black cherry fruit with mouth-watering acidity. Supple, with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Very satisfying. Drink while watching Godfather 3. Valpolicella food pairings: tomato-based pasta, ratatouille. 155309 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Juan Gil Monastrell 2008, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) is believed to be of Spanish origin. Not surprising given the fact that it’s right at home in the vineyards of Bodegas Juan Gil. The estate’s sandy, chalky, rocky soil vineyards (which sit at 700 metres above sea level) and the dry hot weather here provide the ideal setting for the cultivation of Monastrell. Aged for four months in a mix of new French and American oak barrels, this full-bodied, well-balanced wine is dark and fruity, with lovely cherry and plum notes on the nose. My note: A smoky, espresso-mocha nose with rich dark fruit aromas underneath. Full-bodied and heart-warming like a big hug from a 300-pound gorilla. Monastrell food pairings: rice pilaf, grilled lamb. 94888 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Malivoire Wine Company Gamay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A smooth, medium- to full-bodied red with a silky texture and enticing aromas of raspberries, cranberries and bing cherries. This is a much deeper and richer style than 591313 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Carolina Selection Petit Verdot 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Petit Verdot, the ‘fifth grape’ of red Bordeaux, is number one here. Aromatic blackberry, leather, dark chocolate, violet and toast aromas are prominent. Dry, quite fruity with a nice cedary/sweet herb on the finish to bring the whole package into balance. Enjoy it tonight. My note: A blend of 85% Petit Verdot, 9% Syrah and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. This mouth-filling red opens with generous aromas of blackberry and a kick of black plums. Some savoury bacon fat on the mid-palate with a terrific toasty finish. Petit Verdot food pairings: grilled lamb, roast beef with root vegetable.. 7484 14.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MontGras Quatro Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Carmenère Syrah 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: This wine is a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 25% Carmenere, and 15% Syrah. Terrific layering of blackberry and blackcurrant flavour here, with an enticing smoky finish. Concentrated and complex with a full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012 50641 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Maipo Reserva Carménère 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Chile has embraced the Bordeaux variety Carmenère, and Viña Maipo has really done it justice here. The Rapel Valley offers exceptional terroir for the grape with its loam, clay and sandy soils. Expect a rich, full-bodied red with leather, black fruit, mint and earth notes. My note: Floods the senses with expressive notes of blackberry, black cherry and a terrific cranberry spin. Full-bodied and opulent. Will satisfy even the most savage of thirsts. Carménère food pairings: rare steak, pasta in a meat sauce. 663047 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Los Vascos Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite) Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Colchagua, Chile: A lovely medium-bodied Cabernet with classic notes of blackcurrant and cassis. Decant for an hour depending on how smooth you like your wine. This one is already nicely integrated with a lovely finish. Extraordinary value for this price. 261792 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zeepaard West Cape Howe Wines Shiraz 2007, Western Australia, Australia: Good balance with black plum intensity, dried herbs and dark spices. Full-bodied and delicious. Terrific price. 59808 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jim Jim Hugh Hamilton Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia: An easy-quaffing, full-bodied number with big blackberry and plum spin. 682005 14.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. January 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
St. Hallett Shiraz Grenache 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Known in Australia as Gamekeeper’s Reserve, this Shiraz/Grenache blend also contains a small amount of the revered Portuguese variety Touriga Nacional which adds a lovely touch of floral spice to the wine. Earthy with red-berry fruit on the nose, the palate is big, rich and peppery with raspberry and strawberry flavours and the telltale spicy finish. My note: Baked cherries and kirsch on the nose with a warm, peppery finish. Full-bodied and tasty. Great value. Shiraz Grenache food pairings: meaty lasagna, grilled pepper steak. 24117 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely cherry fruit with some cinnamon spice on the finish. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Has that zippy New Zealand character. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled steak, barbecued chicken. 626390 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: With over ten generations of winemaking behind it, Simonsig is one of South Africa’s most reputable wine producers. Their wines are consistently delicious, as this Cab demonstrates. Aged for 16 months in a combination of French (77%) and American (23%) oak, this attractive Cabernet displays plenty of dark fruit, licorice, sweet herb and vanilla notes. It’s dry and full bodied, with a smooth and supple texture. My note: a solid performance in this bottle with rich, dark aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and smoke. Nicely balanced with a satisfying finish. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled gourmet sausages, pepper steak. 744375 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Perrin & Fils Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An elegant and approachable blend of Grenache and Syrah, with an environmental conscience. The Perrin brothers of Château de Beaucastel fame have been practising organic methods for decades, and this is one of their finest examples. This organic wine contains just 6 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: From the makers of the top-notch Château Beaucastel comes this superb red with classic aromas of black raspberry, kirsch and dried herbs. Balanced, full-bodied and supremely delicious. Grenache Syrah food pairings: grilled Angus beef steak. 10363 13% XD 375 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Perrin & Fils Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An elegant and approachable blend of Grenache and Syrah, with an environmental conscience. The Perrin brothers of Château de Beaucastel fame have been practising organic methods for decades, and this is one of their finest examples. This organic wine contains just 6 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: From the makers of the top-notch Château Beaucastel comes this superb red with classic aromas of black raspberry, kirsch and dried herbs. Balanced, full-bodied and supremely delicious. Grenache Syrah food pairings: grilled Angus beef steak. 948059 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Terra D'Aligi Tatone Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2006, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: A tasty, lip-smacking delicious wine to try. Attractive notes of red and dark berries, some spices and mouth-watering acidity. Great food companion. Montepulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: red meats, cheeses. 994616 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sori' Paitin Paitin Di Pasquero-Elia Barbaresco 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Estate Btld., Italy: A gripping, robust wine that satisfies with black cherries, tar (that’s a good thing), smoke and dark spices. Full-bodied weight with layers of flavour and a long finish. Needs 1-2 hours decanting. Drink: 2014 106591 13.5% D 750 mL $69.00 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Terre Del Barolo Valdisera Barbera D'alba 2007, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This single-vineyard Barbera shows rich cherry and berry aromas along with notes of chocolate and pencil shavings on the nose. It’s dry, with a medium body and great structure supporting the attractive ripe red berry fruit flavours. There’s a noticeable hint of chestnut on the surprisingly long finish. This is a best buy for Barbera lovers. It’s ready to drink. My note: A tasty, robust wine with enticing aromas of black fruit, cedar box, and smoke. Great price! Barbera D'alba food pairings: grilled lamb with mustard, seared Arctic Char with olive oil and garlic. 134759 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quinta Do Roncão Maria Manuela Reserva 2006, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: An opulent, robust red with dollops of fleshy dark cherries, raisins and hickory smoke. Some dark spices on the finish. Terrific! 147942 14.1% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mimo Rui José Xavier Soares 2005, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: This wine was a Bronze Medal winner at London’s prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2009. It offers generous red and dark fruit aromas wrapped in toasty oak with a coffee-infused finish. Full-bodied and satisfying. Great for chilly winter nights. 147918 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Wild Rock Elevation Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Crisp, refreshing notes of lime, green apples and lemon. Terrific mouth-watering acidity. The dashes of viognier (5%) and riesling (4%) round out the flavours and give the wine more dimensions. Wonderful companion to many dishes. 142828 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A vibrant zippy white with textbook Sauvignon Blanc flavors and grassy goodness. Refreshment in a glass. Citrus-infused finish. 142919 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 85/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Cappuccina Garganega 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: La Cappuccina estate was established over a hundred years ago by the Tessari clan. They still run it today. They are one of a small handful of Soave producers who have managed to take the Garganega grape to spectacular heights. Rich, opulent and ripe, this flavourful wine comes across almost New World in style with loads of tree and tropical fruit tones. A classy wine for a variety of moderately rich fish and poultry dishes. This organic wine contains just 6 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: A clean, refreshing white with enticing notes of pear and white peach. Great aperitif to bring summery thoughts to mind. 81489 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 86/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Dim Vineyard Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2009 All Canadian Wine Championships. This pretty wine features aromas of apricot, peach and a hint of honey. Medium dry with good fruit, the wine is balanced by a crisp acidity. Enjoy this long-finishing wine with mildly spiced calamari dishes. My note: A crisp, refreshing Riesling with attractive notes of lime and lemongrass. Good aperitif. Excellent value. 161208 12.5% MD 750 mL $14.00 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vineland Estates Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a light, crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Its ripe lemony citrus and melon flavours, a hallmark of the 2007 vintage, are well balanced by a laser-focused acidity and joined on the finish by a bright minerality. If you are feeling the mid-winter blahs, this wine brings a taste of summer sunshine back to the table. My note: A refreshing and invigorating white with lovely notes of lime and chives. Terrific mouth-watering acidity makes it a great partner for many dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: sautéed shrimps in a butter sauce. 12827 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tabalí Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008, ., Chile: Absolutely phenomenal for the money! Crisp, clean with lovely invigorating notes of lime, chives, lemon and green apples. Not too herbal. Nicely balanced. 662999 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Favourite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Casa Silva Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Terrific value Sauvignon Blanc! An underlay of chives, lemongrass and herbal refreshment. Terrific mouth-watering acidity. 24216 13.6% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
KWV Kwv Sauvignon Blanc 2008, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: South African Sauvignon Blancs have been coming on strong in recent years, giving the Kiwis a run for their money. This fresh 2008 is an excellent value. Look for aromas and flavours of fresh-cut grass, green peas, grapefruit and tropical fruit as well as a crisp backbone of acidity and a lingering finish. A great wine to buy by the case and have around in the warmer months ahead. My note: A terrific SB for the money! Grassy goodness wrapped with in mouth-watering notes of limes, lemons and green apples. Terrific aperitif or food companion. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood casserole, asparagus dishes. 662718 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.30 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bestheim Réserve Vieilles Vignes Riesling 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a not-to-miss value if you love the typically crisp, bone-dry versions of Riesling from Alsace. The nose is fairly complex featuring aromas of stony mineral, citrus fruit (particularly lime), yellow apple, floral and even a smoky note. It’s dry, medium bodied with a bright seam of acidity providing balance and a crisp, clean finish. My note: A dry, classic Alsatian Riesling with notes of lime and green apples. Crisp and refreshing. Riesling food pairings: poached salmon, steamed mussels. 141176 12.4% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Salmonière Sèvre & Maine Glibert Chon Et Fils Vielles Vignes Muscadet 2008, A.C., Sur Lie, Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Muscadet is one of the most refreshing white wines around. This 2008 shows subtle aromas of salty mineral, grapefruit, peach, floral and leesy notes. On the palate, it’s dry and crisp with a medium body, and its soft citrus fruit flavours lead to a medium-long, zesty, minerally finish. My note: An exuberant wine with fresh, clean notes of lime, lemongrass and herbal refreshment. Perfect as an aperitif or food companion. Muscadet food pairings: light fish, seafood dishes, sashimi. 142380 12.2% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Michel Gassier Viognier 2008, Vin De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Half the juice for this wine was fermented in new French oak barrels, the other half in stainless steel. The nose offers delicious aromas of apricot, tangerine and hints of vanilla. On the palate, it has a rich texture with ripe peach and candied fruits, plus a long creamy finish. My note: Lovely peach blossoms, white peach, and pear in this refreshing white. A breath of warmth and summer to come in a glass. Viognier food pairings: white fish grilled and topped with a mango salsa, lobster in a cream sauce. 669531 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Maculan Pinot Grigio 2009, D.O.C., Breganze, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Fausto Maculan is one of northern Italy’s finest producers. His wines are appreciated for their elegance and finesse, and he manages to take Pinot Grigio to unexpected heights. This Pinot Grigio is equally at home as a sipper or with every-thing from flavourful fish dishes to pasta in a simple sauce with a few slivers of black truffle or a drizzle of truffle oil. My note: Love it! This rises above all the beige, non-descript Pinot Grigios (been there, drank that). Vibrant notes of white peach, lime, and field daisies. Top me up … in fact, pass me that bottle, would you? 734921 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart