Vintages Wine Picks May 23, 2009

White Wine

André Blanck Pinot Blanc 2007, A.C., Ancienne Cour des Chevaliers de Malte, Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: There’s a story behind the ‘Ancienne Cour des Chevaliers de Malte’ on André Blanck’s labels. The estate sits on land that once housed the cellars of the Knights of Malta, an ancient military order created in the Middle Ages. Still active today, the order battles disease, poverty and intolerance not with swords but by peaceful means. Dry and fresh, this pear-, apple- and mineral-scented Pinot Blanc is a terrific wine. My note: Refreshing limes and green apples, without a trace of oak. Terrific minerality and mouth-watering flavor. Perfect for casual get-togethers.  626606  12%  MD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. May 23, 2009 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay 2005, Sonoma County, California, United States: Rich and warm with lovely layers of ripe peaches and pears, some lemon and lots of vanilla-butter goodness with the oak. Full-bodied.  270694  14%  D  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Domaine Des Malandes Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Classic Chablis Chardonnay with apple, cinnamon and lots of chalky mineral aromas. Dry, crisp, fresh and quite lively. Medium-bodied with an extended finish. My note: Vivacious wine that proved Chardonnay doesn’t need oak to be delicious. Pure fruit flavors of green apple and white peach. Wonderfully refreshing.  111658  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Evans & Tate Chardonnay 2006, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Rich and voluptuous but also balanced and elegant. Definitely not over the top. Incredible layers of ripe peach and nectarine with hickory smoke wafting in the background. Full-bodied with a long finish. Closed with a screwcap.  677765  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 93/100. May 23, 2009 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Megalomaniac Wines John Howard Cellars Of Distinction Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Edna's Vineyard, Ontario, Canada: Light and carefree with ephemeral notes of white peach, pear and white flowers. Perfect for dockside sipping.  67587  11%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Villa Giada Moscato D'asti Muscat 2007, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Villa Giada’s Moscato d’Asti showcases expressive fruit flavors, particularly lemon, lime blossom, Muscat grape, tangerine and peach. The wine’s frizzante character adds a liveliness that keeps its residual sweetness nicely in balance. My note: I know I keep saying this but every time I taste this wine, I think: why? Why? Why don’t I drink this more often? Some questions in the universe cannot be answered. One must simply act. Buy this wine. It’s light, zippy, slightly bubbly, moderately sweet (the good kind from natural fruit ripeness) and has lovely notes of melon, orange blossom and tangerine.  705897  5%  M  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Spy Valley Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: An incredibly great value for the money! Fresh-cut grass and herbal notes with zippy acidity and a gooseberry-tinged finish. Closed with a screwcap. A wonderful wine for summer.  686675  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Cantina Tramin Gewürztraminer 2007, D.O.C., Süditrol, Alto Adige, Italy: Classic Gewürztraminer: lychee, rose petal, light spices in a full-bodied package with layers of flavor. Wow! This is the ultimate wine to have with any Asian fare.  117028  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Concha Y Toro Chardonnay 2007, Pirque, Maipo Valley, Chile: Generous and opulent with rich notes of green apple, quince, peach, vanilla smoke, butter and hazelnut. Lapping layers of flavor caress the palate. A wow wine for the money.  342857  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Quails' Gate Estate Winery Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Considering how warm the Okanagan can be, this crisp, cool and green apple-fresh Chardonnay suggests a much more moderate climate. The refreshing nature is very appealing, especially with the addition of grapefruit, melon and honey aromas and flavors. My note: Gorgeously and beautifully balanced with enticing notes of green apples, peach and toasty oak. Superbly crafted.  377770  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Kim Crawford Riesling 2005, Waipara, North Island, New Zealand: Wonderfully aromatic notes of white peach, melon, daisies and dried apricot. Medium-bodied, mouth-watering and incredibly refreshing.  90134  14%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Albino Armani Pinot Grigio 2007, D.O.C., Valdadige, Alto Adige, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: In order to retain the bright, crisp fruitiness of this wine, Albino Armani matures this Pinot Grigio strictly in stainless steel tanks. The aromas suggest spring flowers and ripe peas. The palate sees a replay of these aromas coupled with a lovely racy acidity. My note: Extremely light without any oak for those who love their wines refreshing and delicate. White peach, lime and grapefruit note, but not a lot of acidity.  63032  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Duca Di Castelmonte Tripudium Grillo, Chardonnay And Zibibbo 2007, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Tripudium is Latin for rejoicing or joyful. This blend of Grillo, Chardonnay and Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) lives up to that definition. This wine is filled with flavors of peach, pear, table grapes and ripe apple, all of which are surrounded by refreshing acidity. We suspect there will be much rejoicing if you serve this white. My note: A vibrant, light-bodied white with white fruit notes of peach and grapefruit. Refreshing.  117531  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 87/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Cuvaison Chardonnay 2007, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: A beautifully fat Chardonnay with aromas of ripe peach, pear, apples and melon. Terrific balancing acidity and a lovely, long finish.  988261  14%  D  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Domaine Michel-Andreotti Montagny 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2006, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Springtime in a glass. Aromas suggest apple blossoms and then the apples themselves. On top of that, there are lovely ginger, lime and mineral tones. A fresh, lively and well-made Chardonnay from the southern reaches of Burgundy. My note: Lovely aromas of lemongrass, green apples and hazelnut. Fresh with a wonderful core of lime essence. Medium- to full-bodied with a long finish.  112516  13%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Hidden Bench Winery Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Opened in 2007, Hidden Bench is an artisanal winery dedicated to producing top-notch wines made exclusively with estate-grown fruit. Guided by a non-interventionist and terroir-driven philosophy, proprietor Harold Thiel and winemaker Jean-Marc Bouchard have carefully crafted this well-structured, deep and fleshy Chardonnay. The measured oak notes perfectly complement the rich and ripe fruit flavors of this exciting wine. Pair it with rich seafood or cellar for 3-4 years. My note: A rich, creamy Chardonnay with aromas of ripe pear and apples, vanilla smoke and almonds. Lovely effort. Have with a bibs-on lobster feast and butter.  68817  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Red Wine

Spellbound Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Lodi, California, United States: Juicy brambleberry, blueberry goodness. Don’t think about it, just drink it. Terrific for beachside and dockside dining  104216  14%  D  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Hewitson Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and lip-smacking delicious with blackberry, blueberry, brambleberry and many other berries I’m sure. Velvet smooth, rich and warm with a nice satisfying finis. This wine is a blend of 47% Grenache, 47% Shiraz, and 6% Mourvedre.  107870  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Alta Vista Grande Reserve Terroir Selection Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Smoky-dark with rich aromas of blackberries, plums and cassis. This wine was aged for a year in French oak. It’s full-bodied but smooth with a black raspberry-infused finish. A great wine to bring to a dinner party.  686626  14%  D  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 91/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Domaine Grand Veneur Alain Jaume & Fils Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Rhône, France: A core of blackberry, cloves, cassis and black plum wrapped in a cigar box. Wonderfully rich and full-bodied with a long, satisfying finish. Meaty tannins that need time or decanting. Drink: 2009-2020.  989061  15%  XD  750 mL  $47.95  Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Hazyblur Baroota Shiraz 2005, South Australia, Australia: Minty cool on the nose with a big blackberry follow-up. Reminds of Eileen Hardy’s Shiraz (which I love). The grapes are grown in the Southern Flinders Ranges, the newest and most northerly region of South Australia. The vines are 30 years old or older which concentrates the fruit flavor. Love the name of this wine: it could be the title of my next book.  52126  15%  D  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Lake County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a well-crafted Cali Cabernet Sauvignon that really delivers at a value price. Filled with elegant black fruit aromas and flavors, this wine is nicely balanced by ripe tannins. It doesn’t require any further cellaring beyond a year, or maybe two, so drink up. My note: A beautifully balanced Cabernet with classic notes of cassis and blackberry. Chewy tannins so decants for 1-2 hours. Full-bodied with a lovely long finish.  104240  14%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Barón De Ley Reserva Tempranillo 2004, D.O.Ca., Rioja, Unfiltered, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A classy, traditionally made Rioja — 100% Tempranillo, 20 months in American oak, plus 24 months in bottle before release. It shows pretty aromas of blackberry, fig, raisin, and cedar. In the mouth, it’s dry, medium-bodied with well-typed fruit flavors balanced by silky tannins, and completing the picture is a pleasing medium-long finish. My note: Classic mature Rioja with leather, dried herbs, black fruit and smoke. Stunning depths of flavor. Oaky and big but balanced.  958868  14%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Hauts De Pontet-Canet Alfred Et Gérard Tesseron Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Pauillac, Second Wine of Château Pontet-Canet, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a terrific second wine by a legendary producer. Lovely aromas and flavors of black-berry and pipe tobacco greet the nose and grace the palate, all balanced by fine tannins and crowned with a very pretty finish. It’s a wine to be savored sooner rather than later. While your more age-worthy 2005 Bordeaux sit in the cellar, this Pauillac can give you a taste of this marvelous vintage. My note: Classic Bordeaux with cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant. Full-bodied and richly textured.  90159  13%  XD  750 mL  $69.00  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Renato Ratti Barbera 2007, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This flavorful, crowd-pleasing wine is vibrant and approachable, with a hint of licorice on the finish. A smart buy. My note: Lip-smacking delicious berry-ripe red with mocha and dark chocolate notes. A real party pleaser wine that will appeal to many palates.  47266  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Palliser Estate Pinot Noir 2006, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Full-bodied, black cherry richness with a core of coffee-mocha running through it. Field strawberries and rose petals. Balanced with good mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied and velvet smooth.  120766  14%  D  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Shafer Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: I’ve long been a fan of this aristocratic wine from Napa. In the land of overdone, this wine comes off as beautifully polished, structured and elegant. A blend of 17% Cabernet Sauvignon; 7% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, fig, smoke and leather, it’s a classic.  346262  15%  XD  750 mL  $72.95  Score: 95/100. May 23, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Rioja Bordón Gran Reserva Bodegas Franco-Españolas Tempranillo 2001, D.O.Ca., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A classic old-school Rioja, featuring aromas of dried figs and dates, wood smoke, tar, cedar and fresh herbs. Dry, very supple, round and ready to drink. The years in wood and bottle before release have paid wonderful dividends. Decant it before serving to remove any sediment. You can sip and savor this mature Rioja on its own, reveling in its kaleidoscope of flavors. My note: Love this old style Rioja, with dried herbs, leather, cigar box and dried cherry fruit. Absolutely stunning for when you’re ready to enjoy a mature wine and all its glories.  114454  14%  D  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 91/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Vincent Girardin Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A very elegant Pinot Noir that is filled with style and class. Aromas suggest raspberry, plum, beetroot and a hint of wood smoke. Dry, smooth and round with just the right amount of tannin to bring it into balance. This is all capped off by a long, complex finish. Try it tonight or cellar it for up to five years. My note: Rich and delicious with incredible layers and depths of flavor. Ripe cherries, fresh-turned earth and medium spices. Medium-bodied and silky smooth. Long finish.  110353  14%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Liberty School Syrah 2005, California, United States: An easy-going, easy-drinking, with full-bodied cherry, delicious aromas, with a smooth texture. Lovely fruit flavors and great persistence on the palate.  942383  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Gnarly Head Merlot 2005, California, United States: Rich with kirsch and black raspberry liqueur resonances. Cedary underbrush shore up the backbone. Tannins are smooth and silky. Warm and deep and full-bodied. Blueberry jam finish.  104158  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


William Cole Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Curicó Valley, Single Vineyard, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: William Cole is the American proprietor of this exciting Chilean enterprise. Columbine, the name of this state-of-the-art winery’s reserve series, is a tip of the hat to the state flower of Colorado and the software company responsible for William Cole’s fortune. Hand-picked from a single vineyard and aged in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months, this powerful Cab displays black fruit, coffee and chocolate flavors supported by ripening tannins. A Silver Medal winner at London’s International Wine Challenge 2007. My note: Incredible value and taste for the money! Rich, generous aromas of blackberries, cassis, mocha, dark spices, pepper and black raspberry. Full-bodied, smooth and lip-smacking delicious. Perfect for barbecues.  93856  14%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Maison Des Princes Anjou Donatien Bahuaud Cabernet Franc 2007, A.C., Loire, France: Known as a support player in the Bordeaux blend, Cabernet Franc is a star in the Loire. About one third of all the wines produced in the Anjou appellation are 100% Cabernet Franc. Bursting with bell pepper, blackcurrant and dark spices. Quite herbal but tasty.  107094  12%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. May 23, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Neudorf Pinot Noir 2007, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: A fragrant Pinot Noir with lovely ripe black cherries and raspberries, some dark spices are borne aloft a silky texture and medium-body. Perfectly calibrated.  120790  14%  D  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Linton Park Shiraz 2004, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: South Africa is making a name for itself producing Shiraz that channels the best of both the Rhône and South Australia. This example from Linton Park features aromas of blackberry, pepper, raspberry and cedar. It’s dry and fruity on the palate, with an elegant structure brought by a seam of acidity and softening tannins. My note: Juicy and smoky with blackberry and plum goodness and a hickory smoke threaded through. Full-bodied.  910844  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Cuvaison Pinot Noir 2006, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Sweet cherry fruit with a silk scarf texture. Dark spices and a black raspberry-tinged finish. Love it. Full-bodied.  714519  14%  D  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 91/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a very well-made and well-priced Pinot that’s ripe and ready to drink. It has a medium-ruby color and a delightful nose displaying aromas of raspberry, strawberry and cinnamon along with hints of cherry cola and earth. It’s dry and very fruity with a touch of oak spice. A zesty backbone of acidity provides verve and some light silky tannins support the lengthy finish. An excellent value from Marlborough. My note: I love it but says more Merlot to me than Pinot Noir with rich notes of plum and mocha. Medium- to full-bodied with a velvet smooth texture. Closed with a screwcap.  590414  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Château Grand Mayne J. P. Nony Merlot Blend 2005, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Benchmark Bordeaux with notes of blackberry, cassis, smoke, violets and dried herbs. Full-bodied and long. Incredibly well-structured and balanced. Great finesse Drink: 2012-2025.  501981  13%  XD  750 mL  $79.00  Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Elephant Hill Syrah 2008, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This state-of-the-art Hawkes Bay winery just opened its doors in November 2008. Premium quality is its focus and the vineyards, planted in 2003, are already producing superb wines like this succulent Syrah. With aromas of black pepper, juicy black fruits and a hint of anise, there’s a clear Northern Rhône influence here. Look for more rich fruit and spice on the palate supported by refined tannins and tangy acidity. My note: Juicy, plumy and dark chocolately. Rich and full-bodied with layers of flavor. Perfect for backyard barbecues.  121673  14%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Dowie Doole Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: McLaren Vale may be known for its Shiraz, but, as this example from Dowie Doole demonstrates, the region’s Cabernet Sauvignons deserve similar praise. Loaded with blackberry, floral, black licorice and wood smoke aromas and flavors, this supple wine has an elegant mid-palate and fine finish. Age it 2-4 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Juicy, full-bodied richness with cassis, blackberry ad hickory smoke. Terrific wine for 5 pm, that necessary transition from daytime flurry to nighttime blurry.  732735  14%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Next King Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2006, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A wine with good density and structure, King Estate’s Next Pinot Noir is redolent of cherry, spice, plum and florals. Round yet balanced, this wine is drinking very well now and will also reward 3-5 years in a cellar. My note: Juicy generous with ripe cherries, field strawberries and medium spices.  70599  14%  D  750 mL  $31.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Ngatarawa Merlot 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Deeply plumy with full-bodied richness. Blackberry pepper and cassis undernotes.  120832  14%  D  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Château Verdignan Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1999, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The 99s on the Left Bank have truly benefited from bottle ageing, offering a wider aromatic range, greater complexity, and finer balance. This wine displays layers of cassis and black cherry fruit, supported by fine tannins and refreshing acidity. It’s very approachable now, but it will reward short-term cellaring (2-3 years). My Note: A gloriously well-aged wine that you can enjoy now. Classic lines of black fruit and smoke. Robust, complex, layered and tasty. Drink: 2009-2014.  125286  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Ferngrove Shiraz 2007, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: Deep, dark and brooding with aromas of blackberry, cassis and cedar box. Great gift or dinner party bottle.  90282  14%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Concha Y Toro Merlot 2006, Peumo, Rapel Valley, Chile: Beautifully buffed tannins give this a slippery good texture with rich ripe blackberries and plums. Incredible depth and flavor for the money. Some tar, dried herbs, tar and cigar box.  939827  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Spadina Nero D’Avola 2003, I.G.T., Sicilia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2002 vintage of this wine was on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wine list in 2005. Since the 2003 vintage in Sicily was equally fine, expect this not-yet-reviewed vintage to be similarly spectacular. This Nero d’Avola is big and meaty with mineral and blackberry tones, exceptional balance, and good ageing potential (5+ years). My note: Rich and plumy with attractive notes of licorice and pepper.  10330  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Carrick Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Mouth-wateringly tart cherries, cloves, black raspberries and dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied. Lusciously long finish. Closed with a screwcap.  919837  14%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Château Le Caillou Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1998, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château Le Caillou is a tiny 7-hectare property that is principally located atop the gravelly Pomerol plateau. Producing a mere 3,000 cases a year, Château Le Caillou is known for creating richly textured wines featuring well-integrated tannins. The aromas and flavors are of ripe plum, fruit-cake, and black cherries complemented by notes of cedar and spice. Hailing from the Right Bank’s last great vintage of the 1990s, this Pomerol is an exceptional value. My note: Classic Bordeaux with smoky black fruit: blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant. A robust knowledge of oak has asserted itself in the education of this wine, but not to its detriment. Chewy tannins mean decant for 2 hours or better yet, age it. Drink: 2009-2016.  45682  12%  SD  750 mL  $48.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Rosés

Perrin Syrah 2008, A.C., Côtes du, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From the family behind Château de Beaucastel comes this very popular rosé. Sourced from the Perrin Brothers’ southern Rhône vineyards, this versatile rosé is an excellent light garden-party fare. My note: Rhone brings the deeper cherry and cranberry notes in rose. Stunning depth yet still ephemeral as a rose should be. Bone-dry and satisfying.  719062  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Favorite Rosé. Full Review


Montes Cherub Rosé Syrah 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Intensely aromatic ripe cherries and strawberries. Bone-dry and refreshing. Perfect poolside.  37887  14%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Traditional Method, Ontario, Canada: One of Ontario's (and Canada's) benchmark bubblies. Aromas of ripe green apples, lime, and white peach all wrapped in a toasty blanket. Medium-bodied with great persistence of flavor. Refreshing, zesty and ultimately celebratory! Don't just toast weddings, anniversaries and birthdays, raise a glass to life and make it a celebration with this wine tonight. In my Drinks Matcher tool, I pair this bubbly with many dishes.  616441  12%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Favorite Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Cristalino Brut Nature Vintage Cava Finca El Padruell/Jaume Serra Macabeo Parellada Chardonnay 2005, Méthode Traditionnelle, Spain, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: An amazing value, this is the perfect refreshing fizz to celebrate with this summer. This traditionally made Cava blends the Spanish varieties Macabeo and Parellada with Chardonnay. Look for aromas of pear, melon, toast and yeasty notes. A dry, medium-bodied sparkler, it thrills with fresh apple and citrus fruit flavors along with spicy notes and a long crisp finish. Very food-flexible, it can be enjoyed with nature when dining al fresco. My note: Earthy and bursting with Asian pear and peach notes. Toasty good and an incredible value.  115808  12%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. May 23, 2009 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Comte A. De Dampierre, A.C., Champagne, France: Toasty and crisp with deep aromas of ripe pear and hazelnut. Lovely long finish.  93146  12%  XD  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Dessert Wine

Château Nairac Nairac 2005, A.C., Barsac, 2e Cru, Bordeaux, France: Lovely dessert wine with unctuously rich notes of honeyed apricot and baked apple pie.  500777  13%  S  375 mL  $49.00  Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review


Other Wines/Drinks

Clos Saint-Denis 2007, Quebec, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos Saint-Denis is situated on the banks of the Richelieu River; it’s here, less than an hour’s drive northeast of Montreal, where pristine orchards produce world-class ciders like this one. Delicious as an aperitif or when served with apple-based desserts, this sweet but well-balanced cider features gorgeous flavors of honey and fresh apples. C’est magnifique! My note: Apple-ripe goodness with a lovely calibration between the fruit and the acidity.  89490  5%  S  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review