Dessert Wine
Warre's Vintage Port 1996, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Terrific concentration with layered flavours of blackberry preserves, dark spices, plum preserves. Yummy! Drink: 2010 - 2025 189605 20% S 750 mL $54.00 Score: 93/100. December 2010. Favourite Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Bodegas Franco Espanolas Tempranillo 2004, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Savoury and dark with mouth-watering fleshy black fruit. Full-bodied and smooth with lovely balance. A long, satisfying finish. Fantastic dinner party wine: elegant! Drink: 2010 - 2015 194753 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Francis Ford Coppola Zinfandel 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Exceptionally well-made, fresh Zinfandel with intriguing aromas of dark chocolate, sweet cherry, plum, smoked meat and nettle tea. Dry, ripe, rich and almost sweetly fruity, but nicely pulled back from being jammy by velvety tannins and a fine, zippy acidity. A natural for winter-barbecue. My note: Zingy and savoury with fleshy ripe blackberry and blueberry aromas. Balanced, supple, smooth and wonderful. Zinfandel food pairings: barbecued ribs, beef brisket. Drink: 2010 - 2015 939743 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Creekside Laura's Red Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Savoury and delicious with fleshy dark berries and plums. Round and full-bodied. Superb effort! Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot food pairings: pulled-pork sandwiches, hearty soup. meat pie. Drink: 2010 - 2015 117960 12.7% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Inniskillin Niagara Estate Reserve Series Meritage 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby purple, verging on opaque. The nose is awash in cassis, black cherry, pomegranate, tobacco, mineral and plum. Chunky, ripe and plush with firm tannins riding atop a solid fruit base. Medium-full bodied with excellent structure, this will cellar successfully for 3-5 years. Enjoy now. My note: Savoury and dark with notes of mocha, espresso, dark fleshy plums. Full-bodied and supple. Meritage food pairings: rare steaks, blackened beef ribs. Drink: 2010 - 2015 91132 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nk'Mip Cellars Winemaker's Series Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Nk’Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep) is the first Aboriginal-owned and -operated winery in North America. Their impressive list of award-winning wines continues to grow; this 2007 Merlot won Gold at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships. It is deep ruby in the glass, and offers tantalizing aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, cocoa, blueberry, sage and meat. The palate is dry, full bodied and deliciously consistent with the nose. The medium-long finish closes out the experience in style. Enjoy this tonight. My note: Smooth and supple with a lovely medium body. Black plums and mocha. Smooth jazz, yes, but so nice! Merlot food pairings: roasted pork loin and grilled root vegetables. Drink: 2010 - 2016 626416 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos du Bois Zinfandel 2007, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos du Bois adds 3% each of Petite Sirah and Carignan to this Zin; they then age the wine in new oak barrels, thereby introducing accents of coconut and mocha. These combined measures add layers of complexity to this robust, blackberry- and raspberry-scented wine. My note: Supple and juicy. Wonderful layers of flavours and pleasure. Full-bodied. Zinfandel food pairings: grilled back ribs, bison burgers. Drink: 2010 - 2015 38000 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luigi Bosca Reserva Syrah 2007, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina: A lovely, balanced red with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Dark fleshy aromas of blackberries and plums. Well-crafted! Perfect for movie night or potluck gatherings. Drink: 2010 - 2015 143412 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Tasty and savoury with dark toasty fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010 - 2015 236314 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
De Martino Legado Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Classic blackberry, blackcurrant and mocha with a pleasantly bitter finish. Full-bodied and supple. A remarkable wine for this price. Stock up for parties. Drink: 2010 - 2015 205674 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Best Value Red Wine Tied Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: A blend of 8% Carmenere and 2% syrah with the rest cabernet sauvignon. A tasty and supple cab with cassis and blackberry and some mocha overlays. Medium- to full-bodied. Drink: 2010 - 2015 94128 14% XD 750 mL $30.40 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2006, South Australia, Australia: Savoury and gorgeous with great length, depth and concentration. This has always been my favourite of the Penfolds line-up. Full-bodied and supple yet will cellar well. Drink: 2010 - 2016 510875 14% D 750 mL $150.00 Score: 92/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yalumba Shiraz Viognier 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: I’ve recommended this wine for a number of years now because it consistently delivers great flavour. Full-bodied, savoury and dark with a supple texture. Aromas of fleshy ripe blackberries and plums. Drink: 2010 - 2014 524926 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Glaymond Landrace Shiraz Mataro 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Savoury, dark and delicious. There are unplumbed depths in this dark plummy wine. Oh my, love it. Mataro is another name for Mourvedre and it lends a savoury edge. Superbly crafted. What are you waiting for? Drink: 2010 - 2016 144535 15.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trinity Hill Syrah 2008, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Love it! Voluptuous, mouth-watering and mysterious. Dark fruit yet soooo generous. Please buy two bottles so you’re not disappointed after polishing off the first. Drink: 2010 - 2016 194274 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Diemersfontein Pinotage 2009, W.O., Wellington, South Africa: Big and oaky but I like it! It’s warm and fleshy and generous like a pair of jeans that fits just right. Aromas of ripe blackberries and voluptuous plums. So smooth. Top me up! Drink: 2010 - 2015 956409 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Rigaud Pierre Taix, Vitic. Blend - Meritage 2008, A.C., Puisseguin Saint-Émilion , Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep purple in the glass. The nose is quite complex with candied cherry, plum, smoked meat, vanilla bean, wild blueberry, and a floral tone riding above the other aromas. Dry and medium bodied, this is warm and fruity on the palate, with a big curtain of tannins that suggests it will reveal even more in 2-3 years. My note: Purple and black plums with wild field blackberries. Savoury, supple and delicious. Full-bodied and smooth. Blend - Meritage food pairings: rare roast beef, paté. Drink: 2010 - 2015 198366 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vincent Lacombe Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Pommard, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An inky purple colour, this Pinot Noir opens with notes of cherry, black plum and earth, plus a nice sprinkling of bright violet that gives the nose a delightful lift. The palate is dry, medium bodied, with lots of black fruit and lingering earthy-beetroot. The tannins are certainly not shy, but they are well incorporated and do not upset the overall balance. Thoroughly delicious right through to the end of the medium-long finish. My note: A lovely supple pinot with classic aromas of cherry, earth and light spices. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast duck. Drink: 2010 - 2016 185637 13.3% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vignerons Du Castelas Syrah Grenache Mourvèdre 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhone-Villages, Rhône, France: A savoury and straight-forward syrah-grenache-mourvèdre blend with terrific black cherry and cedar forest notes. Love this and it’s an amazing price. 199299 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. December 2010. Best Value Red Wine Tied Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Vieux Donjon Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Big and bold with enticing and dazzling aromas of black cherry and cedar forest. A wine to draw you in and never let you go. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010 - 2020 700922 14% XD 750 mL $80.00 Score: 93/100. December 2010. Favourite Red Wine Tied Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Valentina Spelt Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2005, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Savoury and delicious but it needs cellar time. Dark fleshy berries and some espresso on the finish. Full-bodied and concentrated. Drink: 2013 - 2017 19349 14.5% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domenico Filippino Nebbiolo 2007, D.O.C., Langhe, Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This fantastic Nebbiolo is deliciously true to form. Great fruit and herb notes on the nose, leading to balanced and well-integrated tannins on the dry, fruity palate. All the elements here work together beautifully, right through to the end of the lovely, medium-long, complex finish. My note: A savoury, dark, mouth-watering red with a pleasantly bitter/sour finish. Full-bodied and straight-forward. Nebbiolo food pairings: savoury pasta, zesty Italian meat dish. 184952 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2001, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Smoky, toasty and loaded with brooding big black fruit. A mature wine with great depth and power. The fruit isn’t fleshy or ripe but it is there in balance with the more mature aromas of leather and tar. Drink: 2010 - 2014 185025 14% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ascheri Vigna Dei Pola Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Dark and powerful; savoury and stunningly delicious! A good tannic grip here so cellar 5 years if you can; otherwise, decant for 2-3 hours. Fleshy dark berries and cassis with a cedary finish. Lovely. Drink: 2015 - 2022 739920 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bongiovanni Barolo 2006, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A juicier more lifted and brighter Barolo than most. I really like this style. Full-bodied and juicy with fleshy dark berries and fruit. A smoky long finish. Great wine for the cellar. Yum! Drink: 2010 - 2016 204594 14.5% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Monte Antico Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2006 vintage of this wine appeared on the Wine Spectator’s 2009 Top 100. Since the 2007 vintage was equally good in Tuscany, expect similar praise for this yet-unreviewed version. This is a superb, food-friendly red that will work with a number of dishes. The tannic structure here will also allow the wine to age 3-5 years in a cellar, if you wish. My note: Smooth, full-bodied and a pleasant quaffer. Dark berries and dark chocolate notes. Great party wine. Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast lamb, mushroom risotto. Drink: 2010 - 2014 69377 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Braccesca Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: This is a savoury, full-bodied red with mouth-watering layers of blackberry and blackcurrant flavours. It's deeply concentrated and powerful yet has a smooth texture. There are some pleasant tobacco and dried herb notes on the finish. Great for dinner parties or as a gift. Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano food pairings: prime rib, roast beef, rare steak. Drink: 2010 - 2014 566216 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta Sant'Antonio Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Crafted from 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 5% apiece of the lesser-known Croatina and Oseleta varieties. This big, chunky Amarone combines dried red fruit notions with plenty of rich licorice, black pepper and dark chocolate. My note: Soooo tasty! Wow: full-bodied, juicy with ripe blackberries, plums and blackcurrant and a lovely underlay of mocha. Long and rich and satisfying. Leave me with the bottle, will you? Drink: 2011 - 2020 435222 15.5% D 750 mL $50.75 Score: 93/100. December 2010. Favourite Red Wine Tied Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quinta Do Cerrado 2007, D.O.C., Dao, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Dão is one of Portugal’s most important wine-producing areas. The ageable Quinto do Cerrado is a deep youthful ruby in the glass, with appetite-whetting aromas of raspberry, sandalwood, milk chocolate and dark fruit. The palate is dry, medium bodied and simply bursting with flavours of spice, dark fruit, raspberry, and chocolate. The oak is very nicely integrated, and the tannins are firm but not overwhelming. The medium-long, velvety, and very satisfying finish will leave you hankering for more. My note: Simple and tasty with a supple, medium-bodied weight. Ripe dark plums and field berries. Great party wine! Food pairings: roast pork loin. 194720 12.6% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Barón de Ley Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2000, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: We’ve got leather and cigar box and the heady mixture of a mature wine to be sipped contemplatively in a wood-paneled study. Love this style and it’s such a rarity these days to taste a mature wine… everything is all fruit, right now. Try it and see what I mean. A long savoury, smoky finish. Drink: 2010 - 2015 642496 13% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. December 2010. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pittacum Barrica Bodegas Terras Gauda Mencia 2006, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: Centred around Mencía, the grape that is indigenous to Bierzo. Savoury and black as night with big tannins and brooding fruit. Full-bodied. Needs cellar time. Decent 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2017 190751 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Vilano Crianza Tempranillo 2006, D.O., Ribero Del Duero, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Ribero del Duero is synonymous with exceptional red wines. Deep ruby in the glass, this 100% Tempranillo is laden with red and black berry notes on the nose. Aromas of vanilla, currants, and spice add both pleasure and complexity, and are picked up and continued to great effect on the dry, medium-bodied palate. The medium-long finish is rich with flavours of woodspice. My note: Dark and savoury with lovely dark chocolate notes on the top. Underneath is fleshy dark fruit, especially plums. Full-bodied, smooth and satisfying. Tempranillo food pairings: blackened pork, lamb. Drink: 2010 - 2014 82180 13.5% D 750 mL $20.75 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Rich and spectacular! Full-bodied with aromas of blackberry, cassis, blackberry, smoke, tobacco and cedar box. Is it worth it? Depends on your budget. Drink: 2010 - 2017 14209 14.9% XD 750 mL $126.95 Score: 94/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2008, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Big black beautiful bruiser of a wine. Aromas of blackberries and plums. Supple and delicious. Drink: 2010 - 2015 50849 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hazyblur Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Mint and dark chocolate with black fruit in the middle and a pleasantly bitter finish. Full-bodied and powerful. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010 - 2015 198333 15.5% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kim Crawford Small Parcel Rise And Shine Creek Pinot Noir 2007, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Step back! This is one of the best New Zealand pinot noirs I’ve tried. Why? It has lovely ripe berry fruit and mouth-watering juiciness without the searing acidity. A wonderful food companion or aperitif, this is a terrific wine. Got a dinner party? This is your wine. Drink: 2010 - 2016 35337 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Doudet Naudin Château D'antigny, Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2008, A.C., Hautes-Côtes De Beaune, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours des Grands Vins de France, in Mâcon. A pretty, very approachable Pinot Noir with aromas of cherry, plum, spice, earth and beetroot. This dry, flavourful wine is a worthy candidate for mid-term cellaring (2-4 years). My note: Very light and acidic… I like that but you may not. Tart cherry with a fleeting nature. Pinot Noir food pairings: coq au vin, stuffed veal tenderloin, roasted herbed chicken. Drink: 2010 - 2016 199554 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Anne Boecklin Réserve Cave Vinicole De Kientzheim-Kaysersberg Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gewurztraminer is an exceptional choice for any gathering; it’s great as a sipper, and it’s an expert match for a vast array of foods. This Gold Medal-winning version (Concours des Grands Vins de France 2009) is filled with classic aromas of lychee, grapefruit and spice, plus notions of pear and rose petals. The palate replays all these aromas beautifully, balanced by moderate acidity. Give this a whirl before a meal, or enjoy it with something exotic. My note: Classic gewürztraminer: lychee, rose petal and baking spices with an exotic essence. So very perfect for Asian dishes and curries or as a wake-me-up aperitif. Gewurztraminer food pairings: papaya salad with grilled duck breast, Asian dishes, curries. Drink: 2010 - 2018 141226 12.8% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thirty Bench Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Wonderful balance and mouth-watering refreshing! Ripe peach and pear notes makes this wine very versatile with food. This wine garnered a Silver Medal at the 2010 Canadian Wine Awards. Drink: 2010 - 2014 24133 11.1% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nk'Mip Cellars Winemakers Series Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver Medal winner at the 2009 Jerry D. Mead New World International Wine & Spirits Competition. This very approachable Chardonnay delivers toast, apple, pear and some tropical fruit on the nose. The palate is dry, medium-full bodied and buttery, with a touch of nectar added to the fruit replays. There’s a lovely crispness, minerality and some citrus here too. The finish on this very attractive Chardonnay is medium-long. My note: Green apples and all their zest edged with the warmth and richness of toasted almonds and hazelnuts. Rich but not heavy. Nice balance. Medium- to full-bodied. Great effort here! Chardonnay food pairings: turkey dinner. Drink: 2010 - 2015 687699 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
St. Francis Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Superbly crafted, carefully walking the line between generous fruit and balance. Good acidity for food yet a voluptuous finish and richness. Drink: 2010 - 2015 317131 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
McManis Viognier 2009, California, United States: Lovely and subtle with white flower aromas and ripe spring peach. Medium-bodied with mouth-watering juiciness. Such a marvellous food companion. Viognier food pairings: Thai, Chinese, sushi, Indian food, chicken tikka masala. Drink: 2010 - 2015 658112 13.5% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kendall-Jackson Vinter's Reserve Summation 2009, California, United States: This pretty floral white wine reminds me of Irsontone’s Symphony (which I adore). Lovely blend of lime, peach and daisies. Perfect aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Food pairings: poached prawns. 210195 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2008, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Classically made with great balance and structure. Lovely aromas of green apple and peach wrapped in toasty oak. Full-bodied and generous but not heavy. Drink: 2010 - 2015 232439 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Catena Chardonnay 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A 1983 visit to Robert Mondavi’s landmark winery in California inspired Nicolás Catena to start his own cutting-edge winery in Argentina. He set about researching the Mendoza region to find the very best locations for his winery and vineyards. It was in the Agrelo area where it all came together. The winery uses three Agrelo-area vineyards for the fruit: Uxmal, Adrianna and Domingo. This 2009 Chardonnay is filled with ripe fruit ably balanced by nicely integrated oak tones and fresh acidity. My note: Wonderfully balanced: generous fruit but good acidity and judicious use of oak. Love this style. Medium- to full-bodied. Lovely hazelnut-infused finish. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster. Drink: 2010 - 2015 918805 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alamos The Wines Of Catena Torrontes 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: A lovely light floral white with bright notes of lime, peach blossom and summer sunshine. Medium-bodied with good mouth-watering acidity for food. Drink: 2010 - 2015 81539 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. December 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2008, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, Australia: Gorgeously layered and flavoured yet absolutely refreshing! A petrol nose (a good thing) gives way to a profusion of white flowers, lime blossom and zesty energetic spring fruit. Mouth-watering and tasty. Superb! Drink: 2010 - 2015 606269 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 2010. Favourite White Wine Tied Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Eikendal Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2008, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Big oaky, buttery chardonnay with a lovely warm finish. Fleshy ripe peach and pear on the middle palate with a full-bodied, generous texture and weight. Drink: 2010 - 2015 984773 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Martelet De Cherisey La Genelotte 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Meursault-Blagny, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous and generous with Old World classic styling of chardonnay an yet loaded with lots of flavour. Aromas of toasted almond and hazelnut, green apple and lime. Full-bodied but not heavy. Drink: 2010 - 2019 206250 14% XD 750 mL $74.95 Score: 93/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Remoissenet Père & Fils Morgeot, 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France: Wonderful concentration and depth with an ultra-long finish. Toasted almond, lime and green apple. Complexity and layering of subtle nuances. Impress someone with this wine and propose marriage or a merger (same thing, I guess). Drink: 2010 - 2012 113589 13% XD 750 mL $95.00 Score: 93/100. December 2010. Favourite White Wine Tied Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bougrier Signature Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Chenin Blanc at its best, as with this example, features aromas of peach, citrus, lanolin and pear. Chenin is known for its refreshing acidity, thereby making it a fine candidate for cellar maturation. Some Vouvray have been known to last for 50 years or more, but you can try them earlier than that – give this one a more conservative 2-4 years due to more approachable styling. You will, however, also get great pleasure with this highly versatile wine. My note: An absolutely delightful and pretty Vouvray! Lovely floral aromas with ripe peach and pear. Try this wine if you feel you’re in a white wine rut and want something different. Very versatile with food. No heavy oak or alcohol. Amazing price. Chenin Blanc food pairings: grilled prawns, vindaloo chicken, spicy South Asian dishes. Drink: 2010 - 2014 106880 11.5% MD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
August Kesseler R Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Rheingau, Germany: Splendid! Ripe, focused and fleshy apricot and pear fruit with mouth-watering acidity for food and a lovely long finish. Stunningly made wine. Medium-bodied. It knows no end. 192641 10.5% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Oatley Vineyards Chardonnay 2008, Mudgee, Australia: Lovely pear and hazelnut aromas in this rich, round Chardonnay. Balanced and versatile with food. Chardonnay food pairings: seared scallops, grilled prawns, pasta with lighter sauces, pizza and Indian dishes. Drink: 2010 - 2012 159798 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dr. Hermann Kabinett Riesling 2008, Erdener Treppchen, Mosel, Germany: Classic German Riesling with ripe peach and pear and a laser-focused minerality through the core. Mouth-watering acidity. Packed with flavour yet not heavy. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2010 - 2016 189647 7.5% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. December 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart