Vintages Wine Picks February 4, 2012

White Wine

Landmark Damaris Reserve Mike And Mary Colhoun, Prop. Chardonnay 2008, Flocchini Vineyard,Sangiacomo Vineyards, Sonoma County, California, United States: Stunning! This winery is producing such a spectacular range of wines. This chard has lovely aromas of green apple, hazelnut and vanilla smoke. From now on, I'm looking for Landmark on restaurant lists when I dine out. Drink: 2012-2018.  356519  14%  XD  750 mL  $45.95  Score: 94/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


A To Z Pinot Gris 2009, Oregon, United States: White peach clean with mouth-watering acidity that makes it a superb aperitif. Drink: 2012-2014.  258145  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Dr. Loosen Kabinett Blue Slate Riesling 2010, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: A gorgeous riesling with a touch of sweetness that makes it amazingly versatile with food. Lovely lifted honeysuckle and lime notes. Supreme satisfaction in a glass. Drink: 2012-2018.  160846  13%  MD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Roche De Bellene Vieilles Vignes Meursault 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Classic Burgundian chardonnay with incredible complexity, depth and richness. Green apple and hazelnut-infused smoke. Drink: 2012-2016.  241091  13.50%  D  750 mL  $48.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Joseph Cattin Riesling 2010, A.C., Alsace, France: Terrific white peach, lime and lemon zest on the nose. Mouth-watering acidity and juiciness for food. Light- to medium-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015.  259788  12%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Vollenweider Kabinett Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling 2008, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: Gorgeous peach and orange zest with terrific refreshment. A touch of sweetness for food. Drink: 2012-2018.  249730  7%  M  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Prinz Von Hessen Winkeler Hasensprung Riesling Spätlese 2004, Q.M.P., Rheingau, Germany: Gorgeous dried apricot and honeysuckle nose. Layers of flavour and pleasure. Packed with flavour but so light in alcohol and not a trace of oak.  259804  9%  MD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 93/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Small Gully The Formula Helen's Harmony Viognier 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: How gorgeous is this? White flowers, anise, white pepper and honeysuckle... Love it! Drink: 2012-2015.  269332  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Pondview Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely white peach, Asian pear and baking spice notes. Mouth-watering and packed with flavour. An amazingly versatile food wine. Drink: 2012-2016.  271148  12.30%  XD  750 mL  $16.00  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Vieil Armand Médaille Gewurztraminer 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Rich and full-bodied gewurtrainer with a nice level of sweetness to handle spicy and sweet dishes like glazed ham. Drink: 2012-2015.  260158  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Stratus Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Lovely, buttery, hazelnut-rich chardonnay. Full-bodied with layers of fleshy ripe peach and Asian pear. Perfect for roast chicken and comfort meals. Drink: 2012-2018.  267856  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $42.20  Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Gran Lurton Corte Bodega Vinédos Francois Lurton Friulano 2010, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Gorgeous blend of chardonnay and torrontes: the first contributes the richness, toast and hazelnut aromas; the second gives a floral lift. Lovely. Amazingly great price. Drink: 2012-2015.  66829  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Kim Crawford Sp Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc raised to the 10th power... Okay if the math metaphor doesn't work, how about this zippy, intense wine is spring on steroids. Not grassy: the kind of lime citrus rising I love. Mouth-watering and some kind of wonderful. Drink: 2012-2015.  38240  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Blackstone Winery Winemaker's Select Chardonnay 2010, Monterey County, California, United States: Full-bodied, round chardonnay with green apple and hazelnut. A consistently good producer year after year. Drink: 2012-2015.  994509  13.50%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Cave De Viré Viré-Clessé 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Lemon freshness in this unoaked chardonnay that has incredible richness nonetheless. Zesty, balanced, full-bodied yet refreshing. Aging on the less gives the wine its creamy richness, rather than oak. Drink: 2012-2014.  243782  13.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Robertson Winery Kings River Chardonnay 2009, W.O., Robertson, South Africa: Absolutely phenomenal for the price! Chardonnay lovers rejoice. Lovely balance of green apple fruit and toasty oak. Grab a case, you won't regret it. Drink: 2012-2015.  104810  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Kacaba Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Terrific chardonnay with generous oak and some green apple aromas. Full-bodied and generous with a long finish. Drink: 2012-2015.  262436  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 89/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Thatched Hut Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lime citrus and grassy notes in this vibrant, wake-up sauvignon blanc. Crisp, clean and refreshing, very food-friendly. Drink: 2012-2015.  262782  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Estate Series Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Absolutely lovely with a touch of melon sweetness even though the wine is technically dry. Lovely aperitif or companion to many dishes. White peach summer essence. Drink: 2012-2015.  209841    750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very grassy and herbal, crisp and refreshing. Straight-up pleasure. Drink: 2012-2014.  277715  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


MacMurray Ranch Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Lovely, round and voluptuous with green apple, peach and just the right amount of toasty oak. A chardonnay lover's chardonnay. Yum! Drink: 2012-2015.  262063  13.90%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Borgo Conventi Ruffino Pinot Grigio 2010, D.O.C., Isonzo Del Friuli, Italy: Classic pinot grigio! White peach, a little grapefruit, clean and crisp with no heavy oak. Great aperitif or partner to many dishes. Drink: 2012-2015.  13276  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Domdechant Werner Hocheimer Kirchenstueck Auslese Riesling 2003, Prädikatswein, Rheingau, Germany: Gorgeously ripe tree fruit with sunshine infused peach. Terrific mouth-watering acidity.  931386  9.10%  MS  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 93/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Vineland Elevation Sauvignon Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Solid sauvignon blanc, not too grassy, but herbal. Mouth-watering acidity is good for food. Drink: 2012-2014.  262410  12%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Red Wine

Xavier 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Plush black plums give this wine a luscious texture and juiciness before an incoming tide of peppered darker fruit that give a lovely bite. Full-bodied and voluptuous. Drink now if you decant for 2 hours or hold it in your cellar for a decade or more. Drink: 2012-2022.  244814  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Smooth and tasty with dark fruit and smoke. Smooth jazz wine. Drink: 2012-2015.  553313  13.50%  D  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2007, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Supple, juicy and full-bodied with a hint of mocha and fleshy blackberries. Drink: 2012-2015.  263418  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Incredibly concentrated and rich with depth of blackberry liqueur and dark spices. Towering structure, long finish. This red needs cellar time. Spectacular! Drink: 2014-2022.  670463  16%  XD  750 mL  $139.95  Score: 96/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Duckhorn Decoy Pinot Noir 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vibrantly cherry-berry right out of the glass -- it pulls you in. Full-bodied, round and rollicking with fun. Mouth-watering yet it finishes long and elegant. A good decoy indeed. Drink: 2012-2016.  191833  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Fita Preta Tinto 2008, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Big, black and hulking with tarry toasty oak notes and blackberry and cassis. Drink: 2012-2015.  244764  14.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Corte Pavone Loacker Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Pleasantly bitter black fruit, violets and tar. Delicious: one of the best brunellos I've tasted in a long time. Drink: 2013-2018.  237263  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Cesarini Sartori Rossobastardo 2008, I.G.T., Umbria, Italy: Chocolate and mocha otes with some dark fruit. Tannic so decant for 2 hours. You'll enjoy this red bastard. Drink: 2012-2014.  270587  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classic Californian cabernet: beautifully sculpted with enticing aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and some dark spices. This is an extremely consistent producer year after year. Makes me want to hunt some ducks for dinner. Drink: 2012-2016.  186171  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Delicious and over-priced. Mocha with dark fruit and luscious layers of black plums and dark spices. If budget isn't an issue, buy a case! Drink: 2012-2015.  193854  13.70%  XD  750 mL  $87.95  Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Boutari Grande Reserve 2004, A.O.Q.S., Naoussa, Greece: Tart and dried cherry notes: pleasantly bitter. Smooth, mouth-watering and medium-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015.  140111  13%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Kir-Yianni Ramnista Xinomavro 2008, A.O.Q.S., Naoussa, Greece: Juicy with black tart cherries like pinot noir, but earthier and smokier. Medium-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2012-2015.  178020  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Cuore Cantina Tollo Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2008, D.O.P., Abruzzo, Italy: Juicy and dark with a black savoury note. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2012-2014.  230631  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot 2008, California, United States: Smoky, dark and brooding like Coppola's Dracula movie. Full-bodied and smooth with black plums and toasty oak. Drink: 2012-2015.  595686  13.50%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Laborum El Porvenir De Los Andes Syrah 2005, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina: Lovely and smooth with full-bodied layers of blackberry and some dark spices. Very luxurious. Drink: 2012-2015.  247197  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Montes Limited Selection Carménere 2009, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Rich, black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours. Ultra-plush and voluptuous. Smooth and satisfying sensual pleasure. Drink: 2012-2015.  256685  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Leone De Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2007, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Pleasantly bitter, dark fruit with some smoke. Tannic, so decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2012-2016.  597534  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Leone De Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2007, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Pleasantly bitter, dark fruit with some smoke. Tannic, so decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2012-2016.  597534  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Lavau Vacqueyras Benoit & Frédéric Lavau 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Blackberry liqueur aromas and richness with a pleasant bitter tarry bite on the finish that refreshes. Full-bodied layered. Great price. Drink: 2012-2015.  104927  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz Cabernet 2009, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Mint and blackberry co-mingle in a happy sensory dance. Full-bodied and smooth with luscious layers that wrap themselves around you. Drink: 2012-2015.  186114  14.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Castellani Vignetti Di Campomaggio Rosso 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Juicy and chewy with black cherry and mocha notes. Drink: 2012-2014.  72371  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Tapestry Bg & V Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Big, black and beautiful with fleshy dark berries and plums. Supple and juicy. Love it! Drink: 2012-2015.  247155  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Kilikanoon Testament Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Ultra-concentrated and full-bodied with a generous oak treatment. Big, fleshy blackberry and black plums with dark spices on the finish. Drink: 2012-2015.  50047  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


La Gravette De Certan 2Nd Wine Of Vieux Château Certan Héritière De Mr Et Mme Georges Thienpont, Prop. 2009, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Black as night with tarry aromas and flavours, plus fleshy black fruit. Tannic, so decant at least 2 hours. It will cellar for 3-4 years and soften around the edges. Drink: 2013-2016.  256792  14%  XD  750 mL  $69.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Straight-forward pleasure with black fruit and smoke and mocha on the finish. Nice price. Drink: 2012-2015.  75515  13.90%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Crios De Susana Balbo Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Tasty and full-bodied with black fruit notes. Supple and smooth. Drink: 2012-2014.  162529  13.50%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Domaine Perrin Nature 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Juicy with purple plum liqueur aromas wrapped in cedar smoke. Full-bodied, rustic and meaty. Great for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2012-2014.  10363  13.50%  XD  375 mL  $9.45  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Les Hauts De Smith 2Nd Wine Of Ch. Smith-Haut-Lafitte Daniel Et Florence Cathiard 2008, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Classic bordeaux: elegant and refined, though not spectacular. Full-bodied with smoke, blackcurrant and cassis. Decants 1-2 hours for maximum pleasure. Drink: 2012-2015.  241240  13%  D  750 mL  $36.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Barista Val De Vie Pinotage 2010, W.O., Western Cape, Robertson, South Africa: Juicy dark fruit with some coffee, though I don't find that aroma overwhelming. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2012-2014.  172585  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Maycas Del Limarí Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Limarí Valley, Chile: Black fruit with luscious layers of juicy flavour. Full-bodied and smooth. Pleasantly bitter finish. Drink: 2012-2015.  256701  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Pleasantly bitter dark fruit and tar with full-bodied layers of blackberries and dark spices. Nicely crafted. Drink: 2012-2016.  640573  13.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Big, generous oak treatment that results in first aromas of toast, smoke and mocha. Black fruit on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2012-2015.  178657  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


RavensWood Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: This wine makes me wonder why I don't drink more zinfandel. Its juicy and meaty with seductive black cherry and berry fruit yet not over the top. I'd even call this wine elegant... Not an adjective usually associated with zinfandel, generally characterized as pure exuberance in a glass. A superb effort. Drink: 2012-2016.  942599  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2008, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia: Juicy and full-bodied with rich, black fruit and toasty oak. Perfect for pizza night. Drink: 2012-2015.  265967  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Olivier Ravoire Plan De Dieu 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Hint of black cherry and smoke on the nose. Full-bodied, straight-forward. Drink: 2012-2014.  252171  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Domaine Boudau Tradition Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages 2009, A.C., Midi, France: Juicy and intense with forest aromas of cedar and wild tart cherry. Robust and smooth: this is a perfect wines for wild game dishes.  264622  14.60%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Villa Trasqua Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Juicy and savoury with tart black cherries. Full-bodied and supple. Great food wine. Drink: 2012-2015.  121160  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


S D.O.V. Wine Sa Grenache 2008, Barossa Valley, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Black cherry liqueur bordering on port fortified richness. This packs a whallop at 16% alcohol. For those looking for the maximum bang for their buck flavour-wise. Drink: 2012-2015.  267963  16%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Excellence Du Château Bladinières Le Vignou 2008, A.C., Cahors, Southwest, France: Dry and pleasantly bitter with black fruit and some dark spices on the finish. Rustic and ready to drink when you are. Drink: 2012-2014.  264671  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Château Haut-Canteloup 2009, A.C., Blaye, Côtes De Bordeaux, France: Big, black and brooding with juicy, mouthwatering aromas and flavours of fleshy blackberries and blackcurrants. Decant for 1-2 hours. This is an incredible price for Bordeaux! Drink: 2012-2014.  264747  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Dark chocolate and coffee lead on the nose. There's dark fruit and smoke on the finish. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2012-2015.  222877  14.40%  D  750 mL  $69.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Plush with incredible depth of flavour and complexity. Blackberry, cassis and cigar smoke. Perfect for celebrations and dinner parties meant to impress. Drink: 2013-2018.  80218  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $89.95  Score: 95/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Maculan Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Dry with black fruit and smoke. Straight up pleasure. Good party wine. Drink: 2012-2014.  987701  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Epsilon Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Splendid example of the best the Barossa has to offer. Big fruit yes, but also savoury and meaty with great complexity. A shiraz lover's shiraz. Drink: 2012-2016.  39552  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


L.A. Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: An outstanding value: perhaps the best value red wine of the year! Very tasty layers of dark fruit, just enough oak and mouth-watering juiciness. Perfect for parties. Drink: 2012-2014.  114066  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


M. Chapoutier Petite Ruche Crozes-Hermitage 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Gorgeous black cherry liqueur aromas run through the heart of this savoury, chewy, bone-dry red. Full-bodied and bursting to tell you who it is and where it came from: no mistaking its identity from the Rhone Valley. Drink: 2012-2015.  264655  13%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Tart cherries and vibrant acidity wake up your mouth in this pert, come-alive pinot. Terrific food partner. Drink: 2012-2016.  590414  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2008, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina: Black plums and blackberries with a pleasant bitter bite. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2012-2015.  247304  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Lovely balance with classic cassis and blackberry aromas. Plush, mouth-watering and celebratory. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2012-2016.  642207  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Domaine Perrin Nature 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Juicy with purple plum liqueur aromas wrapped in cedar smoke. Full-bodied, rustic and meaty. Great for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2012-2014.  948059  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Codorníu Selección Raventós Brut Método Tradicional Cava, D.O., Spain: A toasty, straight forward bubbly. Great for parties. Drink: 2012-2014.  521773  11.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review


Roederer Estate Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California, United States: Love it! Why don't more people drink rose sparkling wine? I think there's a perception that it's sweet but this is bone-dry though there are lovely aromas of field raspberries on the nose. Supremely delicious and half the price of champagne. Drink: 2012-2015.  479758  12%  XD  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Riva Dei Frati Superiore Valdobbiadene Prosecco, D.O.C.G., Veneto, Italy: Supreme value for bubbly! Lovely toastiness with a touch of fleshy ripe peach. This will appeal to just about everyone in a large gathering. Should be your go-to party bubbly. Drink: 2012-2014.  234732  11.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Lakeview Cellars 2008, VQA, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada   7453711708  11%  D  750 mL  $24.95. February 4, 2012 Full Review


André Clouet Brut Grand Réserve Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Toasty and full-bodied with a generous treatment of oak. Full-bodied and muscular. Drink: 2012-2015.  228718  12%  XD  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Jackson Triggs Entourage Silver Series Brut Méthode Classique Sparkling Wine 2006, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Toasty and mouth-watering with some lovely white peach notes on the finish. One of Canada's best bubblies. Celebrate! Drink: 2012-2014.  234161  12%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Argyle Brut Sparkling Wine 2007, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Terrific New World bubbly! Toasty and vibrant with lovely white peach notes. Perfect for weddings and other get-togethers. Drink: 2012-2015.  258160  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $31.95  Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Warre's Vintage Port 1983, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Lovely and ready to drink. Cherry menthol with gorgeous blackberry liqueur. Perfect for long, after-dinner discussions about world domination. Drink: 2012-2018.  161877  20%  S  750 mL  $89.95  Score: 91/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review


Budureasca Origini Tamaioasa Romaneasca 2009, D.O.C.,-C.T., Dealu Mare, Romania: A lovely floral, honeysuckle white with a touch of sweetness that makes it perfect for Asian and curries. Like Gewurztrainer or Torrontes? Try this one. Drink: 2012-2015.  263921  12%  M  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. February 4, 2012 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review


G. Marquis The Silver Line Vidal Icewine 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Luscious layers of baked apple pie sprinkled with cinnamon. So gorgeous. Drink: 2012-2018.  262477  9.90%  S  200 mL  $27.95  Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review