Wine Picks

Values Wine Picks July 20, 2010

Note: I publish batches of reviews that I call Good Values Wine Picks. These are from the regular section of the liquor store rather than the Vintages section, and tend to be lower priced and the most widely available of all wines. The last four reviews I did were: March 7, January 4, December 16 and November 20.

White Wine

Pillitteri Estates Winery Fusion Gewurztraminer Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: A blend of 54% Gewurztraminer and 45% Riesling with a small dosage of 1% Riesling icewine. This is a brilliant wine with classic aromas of rose petal, lychee and lime zest. It's zippy and refreshing yet deeply flavoured. Lovely! Drink: 2010-2014. 349126 12% MD 750 mL $13.00 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Chile: A lovely citrus-infused Sauvignon Blanc that has a rich mouth-filling texture and vibrant, refreshing acidity. Not too grassy, just lime-zesty. Perfect as an aperitif or accompaniment to seafood, vegetarian dishes and salads. Drink: 2010-2013. 263574 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Oldfield Series 2Bench White Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Canada: A refreshing white with aromas of white grapefruit and melon. Great aperitif or companion to many dishes, from seafood to chicken. Drink: 2010-2013. 307157 14.40% D 750 mL $22.99 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Thirty Bench Wine Makers Riesling 2009, V.Q.A, Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada: Lovely pure lines of green apple and white peach aromas. Zippy, mouth-watering and refreshing. Just what you want on a warm summer day. Drink: 2010-2013. 1057660 11.10% MD 750 mL $18.50 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Pinot Blanc 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: One of the best Canadian Pinot Blancs I've tasted, if not the best. Voluptuously fat, luscious texture wraps around your sense and delivers aromas of fresh, ripe melon, white field flowers and dappled sunshine between breezy trees. Bring it on! Drink: 2010-2014. 776545991188 14% MD 750 mL $18.99 Score: 91/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Fielding Estate Winery Viognier 2009, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: Jumps out of the glass and pulls you head first! Magnificent concentration and seductive aromas of lychee and rose petal scattered on a bed of happiness. Criminally great ... should be licensed to chill. Drink: 2010-2013. 876584001135 13.50% D 750 mL $30.95 Score: 92/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Sea Glass Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Santa Barbara, USA: Unctuous and rich for Sauvignon Blanc, which is simply delightful because it still delivers terrific refreshment! Lovely aromas of gooseberry and fresh-cut grass. Perfect for many dishes from seafood to salads. Amazing price. Drink: 2010-2014. 173575 13.90% XD 750 mL $14.05 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Nederburg Twenty10 Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Durbanville, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Darling, South Africa: Lovely notes of gooseberries and fresh-cut grass. Very refreshing! Drink: 2010-2013. 187229 13.65% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 85/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Good Earth Food and Wine Andrewes Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A balanced Chardonnay with aromas of green apples and peach. A judicious use of oak. Pleasant quaffer. Drink: 2010-2012. 400007 12% D 750 mL $22.00 Score: 85/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Thirty Bench Wine Makers Riesling 2007, V.Q.A, Beamsville Bench, Canada: Lime-zippy with wake-up aromas of lemongrass, chives and some flinty minerality. Terrific aperitif! Drink: 2010-2014. 1057660 11.10% MD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Fielding Estate Winery Riesling 2009, NIagara Peninsula, Canada: Power, concentration, finesse .. what more do you want? Lovely mineral depth and river stones after spring rain aromas. Peach and lime festival for your mouth and a lemon zing to finish. Keep it coming! Drink: 2010-2015. 876584000794 10.50% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Pinot Gris 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Canada: Melon-fresh sipper with no heavy oak or alcohol. Refreshment in a glass: pure, clean and crisp. Much more interesting than Pinot Griogio, so now's the time to get out of your rut and try something new. Drink: 2010-2012. 530683 13.60% D 750 mL $16.99 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Viognier 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Gorgeous profusion of floral aromas on the nose, followed by notes of lychee, baking spices and almond. A long and lovely finish helps you glide back over to the bottle for a top up. Oh yes. Drink: 2010-2016. 776545993014 13.50% M 750 mL $15.99 Score: 91/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Fielding Estate Winery White Conception 2009, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: So very pretty with aromas that would waft up from a field of daisies fluttering in the wind. This is the stuff of slow swinging hammocks in July and sun-bleached daydreams. Vibrant, refreshing and then, because you've finished it surprisingly quickly, you'll want a nap. Drink: 2010-2014. 8765840001142 12.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Canada: Nicely balanced Chardonnay with fresh green apple and lime zest aromas. Judicious use of oak weaves its lightly smoky way through this voluptuous wine. Drink: 2010-2013. 530691 14.30% D 750 mL $16.99 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Grooner Gruner Veltliner 2008, Niederosterreich, Austria: Zesty, come-alive notes of tart Granny Smith apple, grapefruit and lime. Pure fruit refreshment, without any oak. Terrific aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes, from seafood to salads. Drink: 2010-2013. 168625 12% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Carl Reh Riesling Kabinett 2008, Mosel, Germany: Love it! Terrific aromas of lime zest, green apples, melon and flint draw your closer to the glass. Harmonious, balanced and lively with just a touch of sweetness that makes this wine ultra-versatile for food, from glazed ham to Asian spices. Drink: 2010-2016. 174854 8.50% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery VQA Niagara Peninsula- Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Niagara Escarpment, Canada: Mouth-watering and gorgeous! Terrific aromas of green melon, apricot and white peach. Deep minerality with a light touch. No oak, yay! Lime zest finish. Top me up! Drink: 2010-2015. 616466 13.90% 750 mL $35.00 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Thirty Bench Wine Makers Small Lot Riesling 2009, V.Q.A, Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada: Gorgeous concentrated flavours of white peach, wet stone, flint, lime, and lemon zest. Wonderful way to finish a day or a week. Makes a great aperitif or companion to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2015. 1057684 11.60% MD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Big House White Malvasia Bianco Muscat Canelli Viognier Rousanne 2009, California, United States: Staggeringly great value for the quality and taste of this wine! Lovely aromas of white flowers, lychee and melon mingle for hedonistic happiness. Terrific aperitif or companion to many dishes, from seafood to salads. Drink: 2010-2013. 173286 13.50% MD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Errazuriz Chardonnay 2009, Casablanca valley, Chile: A balanced and pleasant Chardonnay with green apple and melon notes. Nicely balanced oak gives it a richness without heaviness. Perfect with corn on the cob. Drink: 2010-2013. 318741 13.50% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Colio Estate Wines Lake & River Moonlight White 2009, Lake Erie North Shore And Pelee Island, Canada: Pretty melon and grapefruit notes. Makes a great aperitif, light sipper. Good value for the money. 183095 11.80% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 85/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Rodney Strong Wine Estates Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Sonoma County, CA, USA: An enticing smoky nose wraps around melon and Granny Smith apple notes. A refreshing herbal finish makes this a terrific aperitif. Drink: 2010-2012. 839712 13.50% D 750 mL $18.05 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Louis Jadot Macon-Villages Chardonnay 2007, Burgundy, France 164145 12.50% D 750 mL $14.95. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Graffigna Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio 2009, San Juan, Argentina: A mild, refreshing white with white melon and lime notes. Terrific aperitif! Drink: 2010-2013. 164756 13.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Good Earth Food and Wine Anna Weiss Vineyards Riesling 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A zippy, lime-fresh Riesling with terrific mouth-watering acidity and a clean finish. Light and carefree: great aperitif! Drink: 2010-2010. 400005 11.80% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Canada: A seductive white with rose petal and lychee aromas. It's classic Gewurztraminer but not over the top. Lovely balance, finesse and a long spice-infused finish. Wonderful! Drink: 2010-2012. 530675 13.30% MD 750 mL $16.99 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Red Wine

Farnese Negroamaro 2008, Puglia, Italy: A pleasant quaffer with tart black cherries. Full-bodied and smooth. Great price. 143735 13.50% D 750 mL $7.95 Score: 84/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Hillebrand Winery Trius Red Cabernet Blend 2008, V.Q.A, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Lovely black plums and berries roll through your senses with this full-bodied red. Rich and smoothly textured with good grip and structure. This is a consistently good producer year after year; one you can trust. Drink: 2010-2016. 1050893 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.75 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Cusumano Nero d'Avola 2009, East-Central Sicily, Italy: Gorgeous blackberry and juniper aromas with an attractive tarry core. Fleshy ripe blackberries tumble over one another across your mouth. This is a steal at this price ... someone in accounting has obviously made a mistake so buy it while you can. Drink: 2010-2014. 143164 14.50% XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Errazuriz Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Aconcagua valley, Chile: A terrific value for this full-bodied, well-structured red! Aromas of dark berries and smoke make it an ideal companion for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2010-2014. 262717 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2005, Penedes, Spain: Mouth-wateringly juicy dark berries and black raspberries. A touch tannic so decant 1-2 hours to smooth the edges. Finishes with licorice and pepper. Full-bodied and magnificent for the price! 29728 13.50% M 750 mL $13.45 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Pillitteri Estates Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Black cherry and blackberry aromas with dark chocolate and cigar box finish. Full-bodied and satisfying. Aged 15 months in American and French oak. Drink: 2010-2015. 6 27128 11310 0 13.50% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Big House Red Syrah Blend 2008, California, United States: Smoky black cherries with a sprinkling of pepper and earth. Robust, smooth and delicious. Great balance and loads of flavour. Bring it on! Drink: 2010-2014. 308999 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Curico Valley, Chile: A terrific, full-bodied Cabernet with classic aromas of blackberries, cassis and blackcurrant. Beautifully structured with a satisfyingly long finish. Great wine for dinner parties and steak dinners. Drink: 2010-2016. 335174 14% XD 750 mL $17.85 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Errazuriz Max Reserva Shiraz 2007, Curico Valley, Chile: I love this wine! It's juicy, generous and packed with flavour. Succulent fleshy dark berries roll across your mouth wrapped in savoury smoke and some pepper. This wine has a tendency to disappear surprisingly quickly. Drink: 2010-2016. 614750 14% XD 750 mL $17.85 Score: 91/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Rosemount Estate Grenache Shiraz 2008, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Gorgeous cherry liqueur runs through the heart of this well-priced wine with supple layers of dark plums and some spice. Judicious use of oak is woven well throughout. Perfect for movie night. Drink: 2010-2014. 476838 13.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Rodney Strong Wine Estates Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, USA: A full-bodied Pinot Noir with lusciously ripe black raspberries and black cherry liqueur running through its core. This wine has a lot weight for Pinot due to its alcohol level (14.9%) but that doesn't diminish its hedonistic pleasure. Velvet texture and a long finish. Decant for an hour. Drink: 2010-2013. 954834 14.40% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery VQA Niagara Peninsula- Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2007, Niagara Escarpment, Canada: Subtle, not fruit forward. Lovely spicy-earthy notes with some bright cherries and brambly fruit on the middle palate and a supple, satin texture. Medium-bodied and balanced. Long, dry, refreshing finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 657874 13.70% D 750 mL $40.00 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Rosemount Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2008, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Lovely purple plum, blueberry, blackberry and cassis aromas on this full-bodied, supple wine. This wine is a blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Polished tannins and a lengthy finish make this a supremely satisfying wine. Drink: 2010-2015. 214270 13.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Fielding Estate Winery Meritage Cabernet blend 2007, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: Leanings toward Bordeaux, but definitely rooted in Niagara. Savoury, dark, subtle with an undefinable whispered something on the nose that draws you closer to understand. Black plum, dark spice, supreme balance, yet meaty. Keep doing whatever it is you're doing here. Drink: 2010-2020. 876584000923 13.50% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Shingleback Wine Red Knot Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, McLaren Vale, Australia: Stunning depth and concentration of flavour in this robust red! Mouth-watering fleshy ripe blackberries and plums with some mocha richness on the palate. Velvet smooth with a lovely toasty finish. 91702 14% 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Pillitteri Estates Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Herbal, zesty and refreshing! Nicely balanced with aromas of come-alive grapefruit and lime. Drink: 2010-2013. 6 27128 10820 5 12% D 750 mL $18.00 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Peller Estates Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, V.Q.A, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Full-bodied with supple layers of mocha, fleshy ripe blackberries and vanilla smoke. Very mouth-filling and rewarding. Balanced with a judicious use of oak. Drink: 2010-2015. 1038912 13.50% D 750 mL $38.00 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Errazuriz Carmenere 2009, Aconcagua valley, Chile: An excellent full-bodied red, with gorgeous notes of fleshy ripe black plums, dark spices and some anise. Loaded with flavour, this wine keeps giving and giving ... until it's gone so stock up. Drink: 2010-2014. 162838 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Ruffino Il Ducale Sangiovese Merlot Syrah 2006, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Thrillingly delicious! Aromas of black cherry, sun-dried tomato, black olive, smoke and earth. Smooth, full-bodied and mouth-wateringly tasty. A long, satisfying finish that will make you believe you're basking under the Tuscan sun. Drink: 2010-2016. 27797 13% XD 750 mL $18.75 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Oliver & Osoyoos Reserve Reisling 2007, Okanagan Valley, Canada: A light-bodied, floral white that makes for an ideal aperitif or companion to many dishes, from seafood to salads. Terrific mouth-watering acidity gives great refreshment. Perfect on a summer's day! Drink: 2010-2014. 776545995858 13% 501 mL $18.99 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Cusumano Syrah 2009, West Central Sicily, Italy: Rich, warm and full-bodied with a velvet texture that delivers black raspberries and spicy blackberries. Double yum, especially at this price. Drink: 2010-2014. 145490 14% XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Domaine Bassac Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Thongue, France: This organic Cabernet offers lip-smacking delicious aromas of blackberries and cedar forest with some black and purple fleshy plum notes in the background. Full-bodied and smooth. Great price! 164152 12.50% 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery VQA Niagara Peninsula- Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2007, Niagara Escarpment, Canada: Dark brooding fleshy fruit such as cassis and blackberries. Great structure with a pleasantly bitter finish that refreshes. Decant for 1-2 hours first. Full-bodied. Drink: 2010-2015. 616433 13.60% D 750 mL $50.00 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007, Burgundy, France: Lovely tart cherries and cranberries dance across the palate, with mouth-watering acidity and vibrancy. Silky smooth and medium-bodied. Very versatile food wine. Drink: 2010-2014. 162073 12.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Boutari Xinomavro 2007, Naoussa, Greece: Full-bodied, earthy and dry. Classic Old World style, not fruit-forward. Some dark spices on the finish makes it ideal for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2010-2014. 23218 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Errazuriz Estate Merlot 2009, Curico Valley, Chile: A round, supple, full-bodied red with juicy ripe aromas of black plums and berries. Perfect for casual get-togethers and backyard barbecues. Drink: 2010-2014. 297887 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Pillitteri Estates Winery Cabernet Franc 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: The acidic bite of this wine cries out for robust food. It offers rich mocha and black fruit aromas and velvet texture. A smoky finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 6 27128 11320 9 13.50% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Colio Estate Wines Lake & River - River Rock Red 2008, Lake Erie North Shore And Pelee Island, Canada: A tasty cherry-ripe red with smooth texture and a medium- to full-bodied weight. Good mouth-watering acidity. Great price. 183103 12.50% 750 mL $10.95 Score: 86/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Rosemount Estate Cabernet Merlot 2009, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A solid producer delivers with this full-bodied, supple, savoury red that offers aromas of black and purple plums and licorice. Good grip on the palate with a satisfying finish. Great for barbecues and steak dinners. Drink: 2010-2014. 552000 13.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Nederburg Twenty10 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, South Africa: A smokey, toasty oak nose with notes of blackcurrants and dark plums. Full-bodied, supple and tasty. Drink: 2010-2014. 187211 14.30% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Oliver & Osoyoos Select Lot Collection Syrah 2007, Okanagan Valley, Canada: A spectacular Syrah from one of Canada's best producers. This full-bodied red with hedonistically rich layers of blackberry, blueberry, violets and mocha almost overwhelms the senses, but fortunately leaves you in a steady enough state to ask for a top up. Richly structured and balanced, with incredible length, this is a cellar candidate. But why wait? Drink: 2010-2017. 144179 14% XD 750 mL $36.99 Score: 92/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Rosés

Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Rosé 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: A robust rosé with a good grip on the palate. Pretty aromas ripe raspberries. Dry and refreshing. Drink: 2010-2012. 776545995872 13% D 750 mL $14.99 Score: 86/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Douloufakis Enotria Rosé Kotsofali Syrah 2009, Crete, Greece: A tasty, casual sipper and aperitif with ripe strawberry notes. Drink: 2010-2012. 169391 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Canada: A lovely rosé bursting with fresh, summer-ripe field raspberries. Terific aperitif or refreshing companion to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2012. 176750 13.90% M 750 mL $20.00 Score: 87/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Rosé 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand: Pretty field berry and cherry aromas with a lovely, zingy acidity for refreshment. Vibrant, alive and bone-dry. The Ultimate Picnic Wine! Drink: 2010-2013. 122275 12.70% 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rosé 2009, La Rioja, Spain: Love it! Late summer ripe raspberries and strawberries waft up from the glass. Bone-dry, mouth-watering and absolutely delightful! Incredible value and quality for the price. Drink: 2010-2014. 175620 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Nederburg Twenty10 Dry Rosé 2008, Paarl, Darling, South Africa: A vibrant, robust rosé that has the full-rich flavour of Cabernet but not the tannins. Drink: 2010-2012. 186932 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 85/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Pillitteri Estates Winery Niagara-on-the-Lake Merlot Bianco 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Bursting with cranberry and fresh field raspberry aromas. Dry and refreshing. Drink: 2010-2012. 6 27128 11750 4 12.50% D 750 mL $12.00 Score: 86/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Jacob's Creek Shiraz Rosé 2009, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with mouth-watering notes of dark berries and cranberries. Tasty goodness in a glass. Drink: 2010-2012. 37622 12.20% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Dessert Wine

Pillitteri Estates Winery Niagara-on-the-Lake Riesling Icewine 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Great finesse and balance in this lovely dessert wine! Aromas of lime drops, honeysuckle and apricot preserves. Drink: 2010-2016. 6 27128 12310 9 12.50% S 200 mL $30.00 Score: 92/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc 2008, V.Q.A. Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Lovely ripe cherries and cassis with a silk-line basket of field strawberries and raspberries. Sexy, seductive, delicious: what more do you want other than someone to share it with? 11.50% S 375 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Reisling Icewine 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: A gorgeous icewine redolent of apricot perserves, honeysuckle, guava and praline cream. I can't think of a better way to end a meal, or a day. Drink: 2010-2016. 0001 9.50% S 375 mL $59.99 Score: 95/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Cambas Mavrodaphne Korinthiaki 2008, Patras, Greece: Wonderfully delicious dessert wine! Lighter and sweeter than a tawny port, but offers those same gorgeous aromas of toffee, toasted almonds and caramel. A cinnamon-infused finish leaves you longing for more. Yum! Drink: 2010-2014. 178004 15% S 750 mL $10.95 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Pillitteri Estates Winery Vidal Icewine 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: An apricot-pineapple elixir with terrific acidity for balance. Such a wonderful after-dinner treat! Drink: 2010-2015. 6 27128 12320 8 12.50% S 200 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Pillitteri Estates Winery Select Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Gorgeous aromas of lychee, lemon sherbert and apricot drops. Terrific acidity prevents it from being cloying and too sweet. Terrific dessert wine! Drink: 2010-2014. 6 27128 10620 1 10% S 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review