Vintages Wine Picks October 13, 2007

White Wine

Langwerth Von Simmern Riesling Kabinett 2004, Rheingau, Germany: A terrific, well-balanced riesling with refreshing aromas of lime and citrus.  49890  11%  MD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Aveleda Follies Vinho Verde 2006 2006, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: The Alvarinho grape is considered the best grape with which to make Vinho Verde. Its thick skin and ability to make wines of higher alcohol and more flavor than most are what winemakers find so attractive. My note: Enticing aromas of grapefruit and citrus.  59048  12%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. October 13, 2007 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Château De Cruzeau Blanc 2004, AC Pressac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France: A completely different take on sauvignon blanc from the New World. Blended with semillon. Aromas of grapefruit, lychee and smoke.  966010  12%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 88/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Crisp and refreshing sauvignon blanc with grassy and herbal aromas.  10421  13%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Domaine Du Castel 'c' Blanc Du Castel 2005, Judean Hills, Israel: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine du Castel is located west of Jerusalem at an altitude of 730 meters. The high-density planting results in naturally small yields. The fruit is hand-picked, fermented and aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels. My note: Fascinating wine with exotic aromas of lanolin, apples and smoke. Kosher for Passover.  36210  13%  D  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Mchenry Hohnen Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2005, Margaret River, Australia: A simple, grassy wine that's very refreshing.  39370  12%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 88/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Peter Nicolay Estate Riesling 2006, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Throughout the centuries, marriages have brought together everything from warring kingdoms to important wine estates. In 1971 Helga Berres married Peter Pauly, bringing together the Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler and Peter Nicolay estates. The two families and the two wineries have thrived since the union. My note: A lovely, light-bodied and refreshing simple sipper.  43323  8%  MD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Red Wine

D’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz/Viognier 2006, McLaren Vale, Australia: This is a huge wine to please those who enjoy palate-whackers. It is full-bodied with aromas of black fruit.  936971  14%  D  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Cabanas Do Castanheiro Gambozinos Reserva 2004, D.O.C. Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz (both major Port grapes), this wine is deep in color with a great concentration of fruit aromas, including plum, blackberry and raspberry. In the mouth, the fruit is surrounded by firm tannins, suggesting good ageing potential. My note: A hulking big wine with rustic aromas of cedar and blackberries and raspberries.  41855  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2004, AC Pauillac, Bordeaux, France: Elegant and balanced. Full-bodied with a long finish.  669622  13%  XD  750 mL  $65.00  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Château Lynch-Moussas 2003, AC Pauillac, 5e Cru, Bordeaux, France: An outstanding wine for the money. Full-bodied, complex and layered with a long finish.  963256  12%  XD  750 mL  $53.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Pio Cesare Barbera D’alba 2005, Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pio Cesare takes as much care in the production of their Barbera wines as they do with their Barolos. In fact, the winery feels that their Barbera is different from other Piedmontese versions because the grapes are grown right beside the Nebbiolo used to make their Barolo. My note: A juicy, full-bodied and tannic wine. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2007-2012.  938886  13%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 91/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Jacques & François Lurton Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mendozza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Here's a cabernet sauvignon that combines drinkability with power, all for under $15. It's rich and round with pure berry and cherry flavors and a long finish. There's a whole lot of quality per cubic milliliter here. My note: A delicious, robust wine with lip-smacking aromas of black fruit.  591735  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Greg Norman Estates Shiraz/Cabernet 2005, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 53% Shiraz and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine plays to each grape's strengths featuring aromas of blackberry, cassis, raspberry and black pepper. The tannins settle the fruit a touch leaving the wine almost ideally balanced. My note: A full-bodied and juicy wine overflowing with ripe berry aromas. Drink: 2007-2012.  586156  15%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Gallo Frei Ranch Zinfandel 2003, California - Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, Washington State, USA: Juicy, brambleberry aromas. Full-bodied but not tannic. Drink: 2007-2009.  555599  14%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Château Saint-Pierre 2004, A.C. St-Julien, Bordeaux, France: This Bordeaux has concentrated depth and a long finish. Aromas of cassis, herbs and cedar. Drink: 2012-2025.  670109  13%  XD  750 mL  $59.00  Score: 91/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Valdivieso Reserva Syrah 2005, Central Valley, Chile: Amazing wine for the money. Full-bodied, smooth and rich. Buy a case for holiday entertaining.  45153  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2004, Clare Valley, Australia: A lovely, balanced and full-bodied wine. There are aromas of cassis and dark plums present.  448241  13%  D  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Château Colombier-Monpelou 2003, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The wine has a deep ruby core holding its color well to the rim. On the nose are medium plus intensity aromas of cassis and minerals. The palate is dry, with an intense replay of the aromas and good depth of fruit through the entire palate. The tannins are ripe and approachable, but still very much a part of the wine. The oak is subtle and well-integrated. This is a classy, elegant wine that displays the pedigree of Pauillac. My note: An elegant, balanced wine with a long finish and aromas of cassis and blackcurrant.  43851  13%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Pirramimma Shiraz 2003, Australia: A rich, full-bodied wine that's bursting with plums. Drink: 2007-2015.  987784  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2005, California - Contra Costa County, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2005 Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows wonderful flavors of raspberry, blackberry, white pepper and spice, with coffee and chocolate characters. Aging in new and seasoned American oak has imbued this wine with a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. My note: Concentrated and rich with cherry liqueur aromas. Full-bodied.  719211  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Ségla 2003, AC Margaux, Bordeaux, France: This is a second wine of Chateau Rauzan-Segla. It has gorgeous concentration and remains smooth on the palate. Aromas of cassis and black plum.  713263  12%  750 mL  $51.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


I Castei Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso ‘costamaran’ 2004, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Deeply colored and richly flavored, this ripasso Valpol displays a classic aroma profile of sweet black cherry, ripe plum, hints of new leather and chocolate. My note: Dark and robust with a Bordeaux-like nose. Dark ripe fruit aromas and notes. Decant 1 hour.  972406  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Alamos Malbec 2006, Argentina: A terrific value wine. Full-bodied, smooth and supple.  467951  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 92/100. October 13, 2007 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Juan Gil Tinto 2003, D.O. Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with 100% Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre), this wine exhibits aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, root beer and espresso. It is rich, ripe and very concentrated. My note: Juicy, plummy and full-bodied wine that is smooth and plush.  1677  14%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


De Valandraud 2003, AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France: Juicy, plummy and full-bodied.  45997  13%  XD  750 mL  $56.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Raka Spliced 2003, Walker Bay, South Africa: If you like merlot, you'll enjoy this blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Loaded with ripe black fruit notes.  37457  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Château Lalande 2003, AC Saint-Julien, Cru Bourgeois, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The wine has a deep ruby color showing a hint of garnet on the rim. The nose is medium in intensity with cassis and vanilla. The palate brings more cassis with some earthy character. The oak is not overly toasty, but it makes a clear impression on the finish. My note: Outstanding quality fo the Cru Bourgeois category. Rich aromas of black plums and smoke.  43893  13%  XD  750 mL  $38.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa: A pleasant, balanced and full-bodied wine with aromas of blackcurrant and chocolate.  37424  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Viu Manent Reserva Carménère 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Fantastic value here. Full-bodied with rich aromas of chocolate and dark red fruit. Long finish.  45161  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Château Côte Montpezat 2001, AC Cotes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Produced with the guidance of Michel Rolland, considered by some to be the world's most influential winemaker, this 2001 is just hitting its stride. Still dominated by fresh fruit aromas and flavors such as red berries and cassis, it is beginning to show hints of dried herbs and leather suggesting some developing maturity. It is drinking wonderfully now but has the potential to become even greater with time. My note: A terrific value for Bordeaux. Aromas of dark fruit and smokey oak.  45658  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Domaine Belle Crozes Hermitage Les Pierelles 2004, Rhône, France: A remarkably light wine for the Rhone. It's medium-to full-bodied with lovely aromas of cherry and cedar.  41921  12%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Domaine De Cantemerle Grains Du Terroir 2003, AC Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine de Cantemerle is an experimental estate. They are committed to environmentally-friendly methods of vine growing and winemaking and have earned themselves official certification for their natural and responsible production techniques. The 2003 Grains du Terroir is medium-bodied with cassis and plum flavors, a firm tannic structure, and excellent length. My note: A juicy, plummy wine you'll adore if you like merlot.  47217  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Wakefield Shiraz 2005, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Adam Eggins, chief winemaker at Wakefield, was declared 2006 Australian Winemaker of the Year by Winestate magazine. This full-bodied Shiraz displays intense varietal aromas of plum, blackberry, licorice and violets. Oak influences create aromas of tobacco and chocolate which combine well with the primary fruit characters to create a complex flavor profile. My notes: A wine with round, well-developed flavors. Full-bodied with aromatic notes of plums and chocolate.  943787  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Toasted Head Shiraz 2004, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Toasted Head refers to the barrels in which this wine is aged. Common practice is to char only the barrel walls but in this case the heads are toasted too, imparting richer, toasty characters to the wine. The palate offers bountiful black cherry flavors with nicely integrated notes of cocoa and cedar. My note: A good, all-round, balanced shiraz.  42937  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Kim Crawford Cabernet Franc 2004, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Round, generous and ripe flavors. Aromas of plum and chocolate.  17392  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Valpantena Amarone Della Valpolicella 2004, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes for this Amarone are dried naturally in the winery's loft. The resulting product, a combination of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, is rich and concentrated. The Cabernet Sauvignon is an unusual addition, but allowed under the DOC if it is no more than 5% of the blend. My note: There are rich layers of Italian warmth here with aromas of dried cherries and herbs.  981316  14%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Georges Gardet Cuvée Saint Flavy Brut 2007, Champagne, France: A bone-dry bubbly with notes of tart green apples.  924654  12%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 89/100. October 13, 2007 Favourite Bubbly. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Château Des Charmes Late Harvest Riesling 2005, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Classic honeycomb, ripe peach, pears and mango dominate this delicious medium-sweet dessert wine. It is balanced out beautifully by a seam of racy acidity. My note: Lovely aromas of peach and nectarine with a long finish.  432930  11%  MS  375 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Favorite Dessert Wine. Full Review