Vintages Wine Picks September 17, 2011

White Wine

Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Rev your lawnmowers: we’re got fresh cut grass here with lime and chives. Mouth-watering and refreshing. Drink: 2011-2014.  247205  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 88/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Aresti Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Curicó Valley, Chile: A terrific lemony sipper that makes a great aperitif or companion to many dishes from seafood to salads. Great acidity and refreshment. A fine companion for grilled fish or just as an afternoon sipper. Amazing price. Drink: 2011-2014.  651760  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Cartagena Viña Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc 2009, San Antonio Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A wonderful wine from a cooler climate. It will make a fine match for seafood appetizers. My note: Love it! Lime-alive refreshment with chives and lemongrass but not too grassy. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Pass the bottle here please. Drink: 2011-2014.  246405  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


J. Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2007, Arroyo Seco, California, United States: Buttery, beautiful and round with toasted almonds and hazelnuts inside layers of green and Asian pear. Some baking spice on the finish. Full-bodied and generous. Drink: 2011-2016.  225375  14.90%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lemon zest with vibrant little limes and chives. Herbal wonder to bring your senses alive. Good acidity, terrific balance, medium body and no heavy oak. Drink: 2011-2014.  707224  14.10%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Rose petals, ginger, cinnamon and lychee delight the nose here. The palate shows medium body, good aroma replays and flavour intensity, and a hint of sweetness mid-palate. A fine choice for ham spiced with cinnamon and paprika. My note : Superb! Class Gewürz : rose petal, lychee and baking spices. Mouth-watering and dry but exotically floral. Drink: 2011-2018.  224626  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Gehringer Brothers Private Reserve Pinot Gris 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The juice for this wine is given short skin contact, thus the slight pink tinge. The contact also deepens the aroma profile. This wine offers notes of white peach, grapefruit, citrus and even a hint of honey. Dry and quite fresh, this zippy, intriguing wine is a fine palate-refresher. My note: A very pleasant sipper with mouth-watering aromas of white peach and melon. Clean and crisp, no heavy oak. Drink: 2011-2013.  347203  13.20%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Dog Point Chardonnay 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely hazelnut richness yet perfectly balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Peach and pear yet not heavy… this is my kind of chardonnay! Drink: 2011-2016.  238568  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 93/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Wowzers! Lemon, lime and grass: the Platonic ideal of refreshment. Great mouth-watering action. Drink: 2011-2013.  981670  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Santa Ana La Mascota Chardonnay 2010, Cruz De Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: The wines of the Cruz de Piedra zone of Mendoza are known for big, robust flavours and textures, and this Chardonnay is no exception. Overflowing with sumptuous aromas of tropical fruit, apple, banana, custard, butter, vanilla and toast. Full bodied and mouth-filling, with a creamy texture and good balancing acidity. Very good length. This has the oomph to stand up to buttery lobster. My note: Simple, buttery and full-bodied with oak and peach aromas. Nice price. Drink: 2011-2014.  126870  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Clairault Estate Chardonnay 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Lovely pineapple and apricot aromas mingle with butter and smoke from the oak. Full-bodied but balanced with good acidity for food. Drink: 2011-2017.  246892  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Kistler Les Noisetiers Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium lemon-gold in the glass with a wonderfully intense nose of coconut, smoke, buttered toast, apple, nectarine and peach. Impressively dense and concentrated on the palate with ripe fruit enhanced by rich buttery character and a touch of smoke. Very smooth with a lively acidity adding verve. Superb, long and tangy finish. Enjoy this treat from the Sonoma Coast. My note: A complex and well-crafted chardonnay with superb balance and elegance. Nice acidity with green apple aromas and just the right amount of oak. Drink: 2011-2017.  251223  14.10%  XD  750 mL  $47.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand: New Zealand's icon wine delivers year after year. And they're not jacking the price, thank goodness. I know it's not cheap but it's worth it. Aromas of lime, citrus zest, lemongrass and white melon. Absolutely divine. Drink: 2009-2013.  304469  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 92/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Schloss Schönborn Klaus Kabinett Riesling 2009, Prädikatswein, Johannisberger Klaus, Rheingau, Germany: Superb, with ripe peach, pear and apricot notes. The calibrated sweetness makes it incredibly food versatile. Lovely and light yet packed with flavour.  239905  13%  MD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Red Wine

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Red Label Zinfandel 2009, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Fresh and flavourful Zinfandel with aromas of sweet cherry, plum and smoked meat. Dry, ripe and round with velvety tannins bringing good balance. A great late-summer barbecue choice. My note: Purple plums and fleshy blueberries. Full-bodied and supple. Juicy-fruit! Drink: 2011-2014.  708289  13.50%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 88/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Michel Torino Don David Reserve Bodega El Esteco Malbec 2009, Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Michel Torino has built a solid reputation for producing consistently high-quality Malbec in the Cafayate region in northern Argentina. Some of this up-and-coming region’s vineyards are planted at the highest elevations in the world for viticulture. This juicy wine is bursting with blackberry and other ripe dark fruits, balanced by toasty oak, ripe acidity and friendly tannins. Should drink well over the next 3 years. My note: Especially gorgeous for the price: this has to be an inventory pricing error! This is my new party wine. Wow. Rich blackberry and black plum with mouth-watering juiciness and satisfying full-bodied weight. Drink: 2011-2015.  64998  14%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Finca Flichman Paisaje De Barrancas 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Black and purple plum liqueur with intense concentration. Smooth and ultra-full-bodied. Drink: 2011-2015.  17129  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz Cabernet Petit Verdot 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A blockbuster blend of 54% Shiraz, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 17% Petit Verdot. Rich and flowing like a velvet river of happiness over your tongue. Full-bodied with layers of blackberry liqueur. Incredible price. Drink: 2011-2016.  684357  15%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Big tannic grip on the lusciously rich and delicious red. Black fruit on the nose followed by some toasty oak. Terrific balance. Top me up juiciness! Drink: 2011-2015.  84996  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Don’t make any deals with this wine given its namesake. However, it’s a terrific wine for the money. Lovely cedar-rich, cassis and blackberry aromas with perfect pitch balance. Drink: 2011-2016.  237842  14.20%  XD  375 mL  $29.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Don’t make any deals with this wine given its namesake. However, it’s a terrific wine for the money. Lovely cedar-rich, cassis and blackberry aromas with perfect pitch balance. Drink: 2011-2016.  238261  14.20%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Clawson Creek Angela Pinot Noir 2008, Oregon, United States: Rose petal and violets mingle on the nose as throw on a bed of satin pillows. Fall into the wine and it’s lusciously supple texture. Some cherry and raspberry. Superb craftsmanship. The fruit for this exceptional Pinot is grown in the Yamhill-Carlton District of the Willamette Valley. Drink: 2011-2018.  254177  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 92/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Lovely long lines of pure cherry flavour balanced by mouth-watering acidity. Elegant and refined yet hemming in a terrific fruit concentration. Medium- to full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2017.  949909  13.10%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Honkin’ big red with black cherry liqueur aromas. Rich, full-bodied and alcoholically warm. Delicious. This wine has won multiple Gold and Silver Medals in competitions around the world. Drink: 2011-2015.  673897  14.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Terra Noble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Colchagua Valley is quickly developing a reputation for producing full-flavoured, well-balanced red wines, such as this Cabernet Sauvignon. Try this bold beauty. My note: A phenomenal wine for the money! Dark fruit and savoury, meaty flavours. Smooth and deeply, truly, madly delicious.  46268  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Quinta Do Côa Reserva 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Smells alcoholic but doesn’t taste that way as lovely ripe back fruit emerge on the palate and get down to the business of amusing your bouche. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2017.  247759  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Thalia Syrah Kotsifali 2010, Crete, Greece Drink: 2012-2014.  5201180143203  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $9.95. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, South Australia, Australia: A hallway breeze of minty cool rushes out of the glass, then you open the door to fleshy black fruit on the palate and a lovely long finish. Full-bodied, smooth. Drink: 2011-2016.  414987  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Château Lacoste Borie 2008, A.C., Pauillac, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An exceptional cellar candidate at a very good price. Aromas suggest cedar, sandalwood, raspberry, cassis, woodsmoke and fire-roasted tomato. Dry with very elegant fruit wrapped inside firm but fine tannins and bright acidity. This wine has very good style and structure. Medium full-bodied with a long, refined finish. Cellar 5+ years. My note: Classic, beautifully-structured Bordeaux with a lovely smoky, toasty nose that curls itself around cassis and blackberry notes of the cabernet blend. This one will do well in the cellar if you can wait. It's the second wine of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste. Drink: 2011-2018.  249011  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Château Beauregard 2008, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: A superbly crafted wine, not showy or fruit-forward. Classic and elegant with terrific balance. Cassis and dark fruit aromas with some evenly integrated oak. Full-bodied. Drink: 2011-2020.  249003  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $57.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


D'arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: There’s a sink-your-teeth-into-it plushness with grenache like falling backwards onto a hundred silk pillows. Gorgeous texture with fleshy plums. Love it! Drink: 2011-2015.  713040  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Château Des Moines Henri Darnajou Et Frères, Prop. 2008, A.C., Lalande-De-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France Drink: 2011-2016.  206789  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


A By Acacia Pinot Noir 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Filled with aromas of blackberry crème, cherry, spice (cinnamon and clove) and hints of prune, toast and sandalwood. Dry and fruity (both fresh and dry) with fleshy tannins to give structure. Generally ready to drink, though will evolve nicely for 2-3 years. Enjoy tonight. My note: Supple and lovely like a late-summer breeze. Dancing field cherries and raspberries. Mouth-watering and so very smooth. Staggeringly great price. Drink: 2011-2016.  118927  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


First Press C Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley,California, United States: Well-structured and balanced cabernet with no over-the-top fruit flavours. Cassis and blackcurrant are held in restraint. This wine was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards. Drink: 2011-2015.  188110  14.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Grgich Hills Estate Merlot 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This estate-grown wine is certified biodynamic by Demeter. Bottled with light filtration, the wine has some sediment, which calls for decanting. Deep ruby in the glass, with an intense and developing nose that presents lots of plush blackberry, black plum and minerality joined by notions of autumn leaves, clove and smoked meat. The palate is dry and medium-full bodied with blackberry, mineral, smoke and spice tones. This could age 5-10+ years or can be enjoyed tonight. My note: What to do with this wine? It’s certainly delicious and I love that it’s biodynamic, which is more expensive to farm rather than using pesticides etc. However, the price is $25 too high. I won’t be getting love letters from the winery anytime soon. Still, this merlot has lovely plush aromas of fleshy plums. Something to think about over a long finish. Drink: 2011-2018.  20313  14.80%  XD  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2009, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Dense with rich concentration and pleasure, Black cherry and raspberry wrapped in smoky oak. Drink: 2011-2019.  70391  15%  D  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 92/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Quinta Dos Roques Tinto 2007, D.O.C., Dão, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is made mostly with the great Port grape, Touriga Nacional. Attractive nose, featuring aromas of plum, blackberry, spice and pomegranate. Dry and full bodied, with excellent aroma replays on the palate. Good refreshing acidity brings balance to this rich, plummy wine. My note: Leapin pepper-pots, Batman, this wine is sprinkled with it! Under the pepper notes, lurk black fleshy berries and late-hour laughter. Drink: 2011-2018.  986075  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Château Meyney 2008, A.C., St-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of blackberry, oak, spice and plum. Dry with a ripe fruit core. Moderate tannins and refined acidity embrace the fruit on the mid-palate. The structure is truly lovely. Cellar this wine for 4+ years. A great cellar starter. My note: Black as night and just as brooding. Blackberries and cassis with a generous helping of oak aging. Drink: 2012-2018.  245811  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $47.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Maison Roche De Bellene Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Vinified by Nicolas Potel, this is considered to be one of the finest Gevrey-Chambertin that he has ever made and our panel is certainly of the same mind. The nose offers tremendous complexity and depth, with layers of dark fruit and suggestions of violets. The palate is dry, deep and presents big plush dark fruit and fantastic structure. Simply superb. This wine will evolve over 5+ years in cellar. My note: Fresh-turned earth, dried leaves and tart cherries. Medium-bodied, smooth and mouth-watering. Fresh floral notes. Drink: 2011-2019.  240424  13%  D  750 mL  $47.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Domaine Grand Veneur Clos De Sixte Alain Jaume & Fils 2009, A.C., Lirac, Rhône, France: Big strapping and black-fruit laden with did I say full-bodied weight? Smooth, rustic and satisfying in a rough and ready way. Drink: 2011-2016.  76349  15%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Sister's Run Gomersol Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The playful label illustrates, with a work boot alongside a high-heeled shoe, the two sides of the woman winemaker’s world: the making and the marketing. A robust Barossa Valley Cabernet, sourced from 80+ year-old vines, that offers exceptional value. Starts with aromas of raspberry, cherry, black currant and blackberry. These notes echo on the palate, which is soft-textured and medium-full bodied. This crowd-pleasing wine will match with pizza. My note: Rich and inviting with savoury, juicy aromas and flavours of fleshy blackberry and plums. Some cassis and dark spices on the finish. Love the balance. Drink: 2011-2015.  222026  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Domaine Parent Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Pommard, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A very satisfying introduction to red Burgundy from the fine 2009 vintage, this is sourced from the Pommard area. Medium ruby in the glass with aromas of spice, red berry, violets and forest floor. The palate is dry and medium bodied with deliciously consistent spice and sweet fruit notes. Finely balanced and a great value. Enjoy it over the next 3-5 years. My note: An absolute steal for burgundy! I’m buying a case, so leave me some. Ripe, mouth-watering cherry aromas, satin texture, lovely bouquet. Long finish. Drink: 2011-2016.  597971  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A customer favourite from a well-known producer. Deep ruby in the glass, this Cabernet is bursting with blackcurrant and black cherry fruit. Full bodied and well balanced, with a touch of dried herbs adding complexity on the palate. Fresh acidity and ripe tannins make this a good candidate for matching a variety of foods. My note: A savoury, meaty aroma and grip on the palate with ripe blackberries and cassis. Drink: 2011-2016.  321927  14%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Château Le Grand Moulin 2008, A.C., Blaye, Côtes De Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Aromas of cherry, plum, prune and cola burst from the glass. Dry and fruity, but very nicely balanced by fine tannins and fresh acidity. Nice fruit-driven finish makes this wine perfectly approachable now. It will also evolve admirably in cellar for up to 3 years. My note: Rustic and cedary with wild red berry notes. Straight-up pleasure for a Bordeaux bargain price. Drink: 2011-2013.  245357  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Château Fombrauge Grand Cru 2008, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Generously oak with black raspberries and cherries. A good grip that can smoothed out with 2 hours decanted. Drink: 2012-2018.  235556  14%  XD  750 mL  $45.00  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich, inviting and layered, like great conversation. Redolent of blackberry and plum with some dark spice on the finish. I’m lovin' it. A prime candidate for barbecued steaks, or roast leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary. Drink: 2011-2016.  132365  15%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


James Haselgrove Futures Adelaide Winemakers Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Murky, black depths of deep-down pleasure with black fruit, smoky oak and some dark spices to finish. Leaves you longing for more. Drink: 2011-2015.  59857  15%  D  750 mL  $30.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Magpie The Schnell Shiraz Grenache 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: An intriguing, fragrant, fruity and complex nose offering blackberry, strawberry and chocolate mousse notes along with a lifted perfumed quality. The palate is dry and medium-full bodied with loads of concentrated dark fruit accented by peppery spice and toasty oak. The tannins are soft and well integrated. Good balance and structure throughout, with a medium-long finish. Wonderful. My note: Black and brooding with a smooth, supple texture. Full-bodied with some dark spice… nice juiciness for many hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2011-2016.  47662  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Château Potensac 2008, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Elegant and a touch austere (in a good way) with classic lines and balance. Aromas of black fruit and a touch of smoke. Cellar keeper. The Delon family also own Château Léoville Las Cases. Drink: 2012-2019.  235432  13%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Château St. Georges 2008, A.C., St-Georges St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Complex nose, including plum, tobacco, cherry, earth and tomato leaf. Dry and intense with a good mix of fruit, acidity and tannins. Will age well for 3-5 years. This medium-bodied, long-finishing wine is a good choice for roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic. My note: One of the best “bargains” for Bordeaux. Gorgeous concentration of black cherry liqueur aromas with layers of depth and a long finish. A mind-blowingly great dinner party wine. Drink: 2011-2018.  960310  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Churton Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Wake up your mouth! Mouth-watering, vibrant acidity with show-me-more cherry-berry aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and smooth. Lip-smacking delicious. Drink: 2011-2016.  237164  14%  XD  750 mL  $36.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Tsantalis Reserve 2006, A.P., Naousa, Greece: Vintages Wine Panel: Made exclusively with the local Xinomavro grape (a dark-skinned grape that can produce wines with good ageing potential). This one has loads of plum, berry, and cherry fruit with a hint of smoke. Dry, flavourful and juicy. With five years under its belt, it is rounding out quite nicely now. My note: Peppered black fruit with full-bodied weight. Great for pizza night. Drink: 2011-2014.  209627  13.50%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Blockbuster dense with black fruit, smoking oak and a whip of dark spices on the finish. Full palate wallop. The alcohol level on this one is very high. Smooth and ultra-satisfying Drink: 2011-2016.  636407  15.80%  XD  750 mL  $63.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Very flavourful Carmenère with aromas of coconut oil, cassis, plum, underbrush, cloves and ripe tobacco. Dry, plush and fruity with velvety tannins. Very good aroma replays, with nice acidity wrapped around the fruit to make it beautifully lively. A refined, fruity/savoury wine with a very long finish. My note: Herbal with a pleasant bitter note underlies rich fleshy black plums. Velvet texture, full-bodied weight. Drink: 2011-2015.  249201  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Château Pontet Chappaz 2008, A.C., Margaux, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Forward aromas, including cherry, oregano, plum, mineral and new leather. Dry and complex with very good fruit tones surrounded by moderate tannins and acidity. This finely tuned wine will reward 3-5 years in a cellar. Enjoyable now, decanted. My note: Full-bodied with black fruit and attractive mouth-watering acidity. Overpriced by $10 but this wine won’t disappoint you. Drink: 2011-2015.  243956  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 88/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Durigutti Pacha Co Sa Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Smells warmly alcoholic on the nose then open up with fleshy black fruit, full-bodied weight and a smooth texture. Drink: 2011-2015.  246124  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Château Semonlon 2008, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pretty Left Bank wine featuring aromas of plum, cassis, leather, fresh herbs and raspberry. Dry and fruity with spice tones on the mid-palate. Tannins emerge towards the finish to bring this wine into perfect alignment. Medium-full bodied with a long, elegant finish. Cellar 3-5+ years, or enjoy with rich autumnal stews. My note: Purple and black plum that’s fleshy ripe on the nose and palate. Smooth and ready to drink now with full-bodied weight. Simple, but pleasurable. Drink: 2011-2014.  244475  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah Mourvèdre 2007, Los Robles, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A stunningly great wine, especially at this price point and the bonus is that it’s organic: this wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur. Rich, deep, soul-warming aromas and flavours of fleshy blackberries and black plums and just enough oak in the balance. Yum Drink: 2011-2017.  243394  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Rosés

Bartier Scholefield Wines Table Wine Rose 2010, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada   164491  13.40%  D  750 mL  $18.99. September 17, 2011 Full Review


Finca El Origen Bodegas Y Viñedos La Esperanza Malbec Rosé 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Flavourful, intense rosé from the Malbec grape. Look for aromas and flavours of raspberry, cherry and citrus. A good sipper. My note: Simple, dry and refreshing. Field strawberries and non-thinking pleasure. Drink: 2011-2013.  229682  14%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 86/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Marc Hébrart Brut 1Er Cru Blanc De Blancs Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Wow! Mind-blowing for champagne at this price: could stand right up there with the finest champagnes. Toasty, robust, layered and complex. Yes! Drink: 2011-2016.  231217  12%  XD  750 mL  $41.95  Score: 92/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Vincent La Remondière Réserve Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Pretty, traditionally styled fizz with aromas of pear, spring flowers and a hint of tropical fruit. Dry with a very good mousse and aroma replays on the palate. Very refreshing for sipping. My note: terrific bubbly, especially for this price point. Got a big party this fall or holiday: buy a case or two. Wonderfully fresh and toasty with white peach notes. They’ll think you paid triple for this one. Drink: 2011-2015.  226274  12%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Domaine Carneros Brut Méthode Traditionnelle 2007, Carneros, California, United States: Solid and dependable with good value. Toasty with robust flavours of green apples. Drink: 2011-2015.  301655  12%  XD  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review