Vintages Wine Picks March 28, 2009

White Wine

Millton Riverpoint Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, Gisborne, North Island, Bio-dynamically Grown Grapes, Estate Btld., New Zealand: A succulent wine with rich aromas of ripe apples, Asian pear, tangerine and almond. A get-in-the-grove-for-the-evening kind of wine. This biodynamic wine has just 23 mg/L of free sulfur.  92486  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Nicolas Potel Nicolas Potel Meursault Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2005, A.C., Burgundy, France: A fresh, vigorous Chardonnay with warm, enticing aromas of toasted almonds, ripe peach and pear and smoky vanilla. A voluptuously rich mouth-feel with layers of silky flavor. Drink: 2008-2015.  67850  13%  D  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Hugel Riesling 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: An energy wine with lots of sass and attitude: nervy acidity overlaid with ripe peach and pear fruit with some zesty lime, grapefruit and green apple.  42101  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Alamos Catena Torrontes 2007, Salta, Estate Btld., Argentina: A playful, sunny wine with expressive notes of wild field flowers, ripe peach and a little lime zing on the side. This aromatic wine rushes out of the glass to be your friend. The perfect summer deck aperitif. Honey can you flip the salmon on the grill?  81539  13%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Nicolas Potel Nicolas Potel Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2005, A.C., Burgundy, France: A beautiful expression of Chardonnay, with pure fruit aromas of white peach, apple and Asian pear. Hints of white field flowers are woven through this pleasant, medium-bodied wine. Terrific structure, balance and length. Drink: 2014-2018.  110403  13%  XD  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Stella Bella Chardonnay 2007, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Ripples through with warm layers of ripe peach, pear and baked bread. A full-bodied embrace of flavor. Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2008 Margaret River Wine Show.  102061  13%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Cathedral Cellar Kwv Sauvignon Blanc 2008, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: South African Sauvignon Blancs have been coming on strong in recent years, giving the Kiwis a run for their money. This fresh 2008 is an excellent value that would pair well with seafood casserole or asparagus dishes. Look for aromas and flavors of fresh-cut grass, green peas, grapefruit and tropical fruit as well as a crisp backbone of acidity and a lingering finish. A great wine to buy by the case and have around in the warmer months ahead. My note: A lively, refreshing white that’s not too grassy.  662718  13%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008, Rapel Valley, Estate Btld., Chile: A blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon offers crisp refreshment and grassy goodness. Simple yet beguiling.  396994  13%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Sticks Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This just-released wine is already a multi-award winner, including a Silver Medal at the 2008 Yarra Valley Wine Show. The winery recommends serving this gooseberry- and asparagus-scented wine with Salt and Pepper Squid with Chilli Jam. The recipe can be found on their website, www.-sticks.com.au under the Food link. My note: A youthful charmer with fresh scents of green apple, peas, and lemongrass. One to splash open for a picnic.  109363  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Kleine Zalze Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2008, W.O. Western Cape, South Africa: Lavish notes of lime, peach and green apple with a nervy acidity. Mouth-filling and delicious. A wine that will take you to a wide green pasture under an open blue sky.  96255  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Clos Du Val Chardonnay 2006, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, Estate Btld., United States: An alluring Chardonnay with just the right balance of toasty vanilla oak and ripe pears, peaches and a hint of zesty green apples. Full-bodied richness without too much weight. A superb effort from this producer.  297499  13%  XD  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Château De Maligny Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: A lovely, vibrant Chardonnay with zesty note of green apples, limes and lemongrass. Refreshing, balanced and medium-bodied with a lingering finish. Lots to enjoy here. Drink: 2010-2015.  718288  13%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Colio Estate Wines Musque Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario, Canada: Chardonnay Musqué is a clonal cousin of Chardonnay, but it tends to be more redolent of honeysuckle, orange peel and apricot. This wine has that lovely bouquet plus a succulent medium-bodied richness and a honey-infused finish.  116509  13%  D  750 mL  $15.55  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Kim Crawford Sp Spit Fire Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A long-time favorite of mine, Kim Crawford produces stunning Sauvignon Blanc! This one is no exception: mouth-watering notes of gooseberry, lemongrass, chives, orangey citrus and white peach. A live-wire wine that will rock your world.  38240  13%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Benwarin Semillon 2006, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: A fresh, vibrant white with exuberant notes of white melon, grapefruit, lime and green apple. Terrific mouth-watering acidity and length. A social wine that invites conversation.  683235  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Red Wine

Bremerton Rebecca Willson Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec Merlot 2006, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Shiraz, 13% Malbec and 7% Merlot. A wine of resolute convictions: dark fleshy fruit, robust body, polished tannins and a good length. Great to serve at dry political conventions in need of some life.  108050  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Perrin Cairanne Peyre Blanche Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, Estate Btld., France: A rich, plush wine with enticing aromas of raspberry jam, smoky cherries, cedar, pencil led and savory bacon. You need a knife and fork for this meaty wine. Full-bodied but balanced and delicious. Drink: 2008-2010.  650960  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Carignane 2007, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Carignane (Carignan in France) is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. When it is properly pruned and sourced from low-yielding old vines, such as this version, it results in lovely blackberry, cedar and floral-scented wines. The fruit is well-balanced by a seam of acidity and ripe tannins. My note: A bold, chunky wine with mouth-filling blackberries and plums and a thread of smoke. Warm, dark spiced finish.  32177  13%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Humberto Canale Caracter Canale Estate Merlot 2007, Rio Negro Valley, Patagonia, Estate Btld., Argentina: Expressive notes of plum, black raspberry, anise and dried fig. Lovely interplay of flavors across the palate. Full-bodied and plush. This wine is made exclusively from Merlot grown in the southern tip of Argentina.  94326  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Cuvée Du Vatican Diffonty Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Rhône, CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Estate Btld., France: Not for the timid: this wine explodes with concentrated dark fruit aromas and flavors. Notes of black cherry liqueur, blackberries, fig paste, cocoa and anise. A tightly woven wine with a towering structure and long length on the finish. This is why I love the Rhone Valley. Drink: 2009-2022.  719120  13%  D  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Marchesi de Frescobaldi Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2003, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A brooding, full-bodied red with deep aromas of black raspberry, kirsch, dark spices and some pepper. Polished tannins, silky texture and a nice long finish. Drink: 2012-2022.  650432  13%  XD  750 mL  $54.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Malbec Petit Verdot 2006, Alexander Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Though a Cab in name, this sophisticated red is more in keeping with a Meritage blend. It’s comprised of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot and is crafted to emphasize elegance rather than power. Aged for 13 months in mostly French oak, it features complex layers of black cherry, black currant, earth, vanilla and toasty oak. While approachable now, this wine will undoubtedly improve with 3 to 4 years of cellaring. My note: A gutsy, honest wine with immediate fruit and a great structure to back it up. Full-bodied with smoky goodness and a lush texture. The ideal wine for an intellectual date you hope to transform into a torrid love affair. Drink: 2008-2015.  655506  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


El Curato Old Vines, Canto Petirrojo Tempranillo 2006, D.O., Toro, Spain: This wine is made exclusively from Tinta de Toro grapes (aka Tempranillo). Plush, exuberant and jammy-ripe black fruit and berries on the nose, with a warm core of expressive black cherry and dark spice. Crack this one open at a potluck gathering.  117879  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Carmenère 2005, Cachapoal Valley, Peumo Vineyard, Block 27, Unfiltered, Chile: This unfiltered wine has dense, inky aromas of black fruit and spicy oak. The longer it sits in the glass (if you can wait), the more aromas emerge, such as violets, black plums, blueberry paste and vanillin. Terrific depth, richness and concentration.  562892  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 94/100. March 28, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Marcarini Barolo La Serra Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A beautiful expression of northern Italian terroir. Opens with alluring aromas of violets, black plums, dark spices, and black cherry. Firm structure, terrific balance and a long tar-noted finish. Full-bodied with robust tannins so be sure to decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010-2025.  7807  13%  XD  750 mL  $68.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Marcarini Barolo La Serra Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A beautiful expression of northern Italian terroir. Opens with alluring aromas of violets, black plums, dark spices, and black cherry. Firm structure, terrific balance and a long tar-noted finish. Full-bodied with robust tannins so be sure to decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010-2025.  7807  13%  XD  750 mL  $68.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Graffigna Centenario Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, San Juan, Estate Btld., Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is like bottled sunshine. In the sun-drenched desert region of San Juan, run-off streams flow down from the Andes Mountains soothing the otherwise scorching-hot vineyards and irrigating the vines. The abundant sun exposure makes for ripe, mouth-filling Cabernet Sauvignon with plush tannins and intense flavors. Graffigna’s 2006 Centenario explodes with blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and mocha notes. My note: A rugged, muscular wine with blackberry, currant, mocha aromas and feral undernote. A country kitchen table wine.  93716  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Luna Beberide Mencía 2006, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: A honkin’ big red that gives you a full embrace of fleshy ripe red berries and fruit. Silky tannins give it a voluptuous mouth-feel that ripples through with jammy flavors.  95554  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Conde de Valdemar Conde De Valdemar Gran Reserva Bodegas Valdemar Tempranillo Mazuelo Graciano 2001, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Conde de Valdemar is Bodegas Valdemar’s flagship line. This wine is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano from their oldest vineyards. Aged 26 months in a combination of French and American oak, and then another 48 months in bottle prior to release. My note: Opens with red currants, black cherry, cigar box and a back note of licorice. Full-bodied with polished tannins and good acidity. A great wine to buy for the boss Drink: 2008-2012.  114504  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Saltram Wine Estate Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A full-on palate-whacker with terrific fruit extraction. Delicious dark fruit aromas wrapped in a smoky blanket. Offers a blackberry-infused finish.  48579  13%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Botalcura La Porfia Reserve Cabernet Franc Grand Reserve 2005, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Aged for one year in French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels (30% new), this full-bodied, well-structured Cabernet Franc displays tantalizing aromas of black cherry and cassis with notes of toast, coffee, vanilla and sun-dried fruits. My note: Opens with black plum, prune, cocoa and vanilla smoke. Full-bodied richness with a plush mouth-feel. Perfect for a casual or impromptu get-together.  83717  13%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Lealtanza Crianza Bodegas Altanza Tempranillo 2004, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Estate Btld., Spain: This wine was made from Tempranillo grapes gown on 30-year-old vines and then matured for a year in French and American oak. It floods the senses with ripe blackberries, dark plums, cedar and hickory smoke. Full-bodied, but velvety smooth with terrific balance and a long, warm finish. Drink: 2008-2014.  114835  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Emmolo Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: A bunny slippers by the fire kind of Merlot with dollops of fleshy ripe plums and dark berries and a nice seam of acidity. Round, supple, and immensely comforting.  96024  13%  D  750 mL  $38.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese 2006, I.G.T., Toscana, Tuscany, Estate Btld., Italy: A blend of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Sangiovese grapes. A substantial wine with a core of pure dark fruit extraction: think black plums, kirsch, blackcurrant and blueberries. There a tarry richness with dark spices, smoke and anise on the palate. Great balance and length in this full-bodied red. Drink: 2011-2025.  72439  13%  XD  750 mL  $67.95  Score: 93/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Sportoletti Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, D.O.C., Umbria, Italy: A terrific price for this Italian beauty. A kiss of sun-ripened cherry fruit wrapped in a smoky, dried herb blanket. Mouth-watering acidity makes it especially food friendly. This wine will have you sitting in a sunny piazza, enjoying the afternoon calm. This wine is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink: 2008-2012.  926857  13%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Alamos Catena Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Estate Btld., Argentina: A satiny plush wine that offers rich aromas of ripe purple plum, blueberry, dark spices and dried tobacco. Great gulpability.  467951  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Finca Allende Allende Tempranillo 2005, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Spain: Corpulent aromas of purple plums, blackberries, allspice and grilled meats. A full-bodied wonder that would be a dinner party hit. This wine is exclusively made from the Tempranillo, then barrel-fermented and aged for 14 months in French oak. Drink: 2008-2014.  954560  13%  XD  750 mL  $36.95  Score: 93/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Storm Bay Pinot Noir 2005, Tasmania, Australia: Lovely ripe red cherries, currants and a touch of beetroot. Fine, silky tannins and a generous medium-bodied texture with mouth-watering juiciness.  90225  13%  D  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Cuvée Prestige Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, A.C., Premières Côtes de Blaye, Bordeaux, Estate Btld., France: A chewy, well-balanced wine with aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, plum and cassis. Underneath a wispy layer of spicy oak and cigar box. Winemaker Christian Ray has created this wine that is primarily Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery’s 28 hectares.  91405  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Luce Della Luce Della Vite La Vite Lucente Merlot Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, I.G.T., Toscana, Tuscany, Estate Btld., Italy: Lavish notes of black raspberry, strawberry and cranberry on the nose, with a spicy, smoky cigar box suffusion on the finish. This full-bodied wine is silky and beautifully layered. It is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink: 2010-2020.  747030  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Petit Mars Mas Du Soleilla 2006, A.C., Coteaux du Languedoc, La Clape, Midi, Estate Btld., France: A chunky, muscular wine that will elbow up beside whatever you’re eating and feel right at home. Dense, dark aromas of black fruit, smoke, graphite and dark spices. Full-bodied with a great texture and long finish.  107185  13%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Luce Della Vite La Vite Lucente Merlot Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, I.G.T., Toscana, Tuscany, Estate Btld., Italy: Lavish notes of black raspberry, strawberry and cranberry on the nose, with a spicy, smoky cigar box suffusion on the finish. This full-bodied wine is silky and beautifully layered. It is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink: 2010-2020.  979062  13%  XD  1500 mL  $89.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Pardevalles Prieto Picudo 2006, D.O., Tierras de León, Spain: This wine is made exclusively from the Prieto Picudo grape and aged for 9 months in French and American oak. Seriously good juice. Black cherry aromas infused with cigar box, violets and graphite. Full-bodied but mellow. More George Clooney than Brad Pitt: a wine to relax with by the fire. Drink: 2008-2015.  103556  13%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Pintia Tempranillo 2005, D.O., Toro, Spain: Delivers enticing aromas of black raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant with a wisp of dried tobacco leaves and herbs underneath. Full-bodied with polished tannins and an exceptional structure and balance. The flagship winery of Spain, Vega Sicilia, also owns this winery that has 96 hectares in the Toro region. It’s made exclusively from Tinta de Toro grapes (aka Tempranillo) and matured for 12 months in French and American oak. Drink: 2010-2027.  22954  13%  D  750 mL  $64.95  Score: 96/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Colio Estate Wines Colio Cev Merlot Barrel Aged Reserve 2002, V.Q.A., Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario, Canada: This wine won the Best Merlot at the 2005 Cuvée Wine Awards. A full-bodied beauty with saturated aromas of blackcurrant, coffee and cassis on the nose and a follow-through of violets, truffles and smoke on the palate. Good structure and nice length.  500447  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


The Hedonist Shiraz 2005, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A wonderfully balanced and full-bodied wine that ripples through with saturated flavors of dark berries and fruits. Nicely balanced oak and a touch of pepper on the top give it lovely contrasting qualities. This is a biodynamically grown wine has just 20 mg/L of free sulfur.  90191  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Cellier Des Dauphins Réserve Saint-Maurice Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre Cinsaut 2007, A.C., Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, Estate Btld., France: Vintages Wine Panel: From the village of Saint-Maurice, this wine is dominated by 65% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsaut making up a further 25% (the remaining 10% is listed as other). It’s deep ruby in color with youthful purple highlights, and the fresh aromas feature strawberry, cherry, plum and underbrush. Dry, medium bodied with fleshy fruit intensity balanced by soft tannins, it should be enjoyed anytime over the next 2-3 years with lamb stew or grilled game meats. My note: an excellent value for this tasty, vibrant red. Imminently quaffable, no analysis required (and any would be considered strange). Love the cedary, black cherry richness. You don’t need to pay a lot for pleasure. Let go and let it roll.  102970  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Ridge Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel Petite Sirah Carignane 2006, Sonoma County, California, Estate Btld., United States: A blend of 77% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah and 6% Carignane grapes. A big honkin’ red laced with red currants, smoky cherries, black plums and cassis. A deep core of violets and anise give this wine a black, brooding heart. Crazy good juice. Drink: 2008-2016.  982413  13%  XD  750 mL  $58.95  Score: 93/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Piping Shrike Charles Cimicky Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Opens with dark plum, black cherry, allspice and a whiff of pepper. Full-bodied and richly textured, it unfurls on the palate with terrific intensity of flavor.  48504  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2007, W.O., Western Cape, Estate Btld., South Africa: Begin a love affair with this wine: it’s supple, generous and assumes the best in you. Manly yes, but I like it too: Its full-bodied richness is balanced with plush tannins and good balance. A savory finish makes you come back for more. A blend of 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvèdre and 1% Viognier.  626333  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Reserva Tempranillo Mazuelo Graciano 2001, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Spain: This wine is a blend of old-vines Tempranillo (85%) and 15% of the grapes Garnacha and Graciano. Dollops of ripe black cherry and plum wrapped in cigar box smoke and anise. Full-bodied with a solid structure and a dark spice-tinged finish. Lovely. Drink: 2008-2012.  976670  13%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Graham Beck Shiraz 2005, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: I keep coming back to this producer year after year, wine after wine: consistently great wines with lip-smacking aromas and flavors of fleshy blackberries, plums and cherries. A dark spice note on the finish is like the quivering end to a transporting melody.  607796  13%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2008, Victoria, Australia: Cherry-berry intensity with a velvet texture on the tongue. Medium- to full-bodied richness that offers warm red fruit aromas on the palate and finish. Love in a glass.  48587  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Domaine Berthoumieu Cuvée Haute Tradition Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon Pinenc 2005, A.C., Madiran, Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine Berthoumieu is one of Madiran’s most reliable producers and this approachable cuvée, which features the native Tannat variety, is a great example of this appellation’s modern reinterpretation of its signature red grape. It’s a classic local blend of 55% Tannat, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Pinenc. My note: A corpulent wine loaded with cranberry, cherry liqueur, dried tobacco leaves and cigar box. Polished silky tannins give way to incredible length on the finish.  102996  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review


Rosés

Senorio De Sarria Señorio De Sarría Viñedo No. 5 Old Vines Garnacha 2007, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Spanish rosé is a thing of pure pleasure: dancing rubies in the sunlight and flavors of freshly picked field strawberries and raspberries. Deny yourself no longer! This one is bone-dry and ultimately satisfying. It’s made from the Garnacha (Grenache) grape from old vines (always the wisest).  94821  12%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Favorite Rose. Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Tarlant Rosé Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: This wine was disgorged in September 2008. Toasty goodness on the nose with aromas of brioche, hazelnuts and white peach. Gorgeous texture and length with a zesty, refreshing effervescence. Drink: 2008-2014.  664680  12%  XD  750 mL  $59.95  Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009 Favorite Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Fragas Cavipor Moscatel, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the Concurso Nacional de Vinhos Engarrafados 2007. Medium amber in color, this delicious Moscatel has intense aromas of oranges, floral notes, peaches, raisins and caramel. It’s sweet and very fruity with terrific aroma replays on the soft-textured, medium body. A pretty and well-balanced dessert wine with a long, substantial finish. My note: A beguiling, hedonistic dessert wine that will take you mentally walking through an orange grove and finish on a wide field of buttercups. Rich without being heavy, it’s the perfect ending to a great meal.  94839  10%  S  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review


Flat Rock Cellars Sweet Revenge Vidal Icewine 2007, V.Q.A., Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker Marlize Beyers hit a home run with the 2006 vintage of Sweet Revenge (her first Icewine) and now with a fabulous vintage on her side, she’s prepared to top herself with the 2007. Expect another complex, soft and lusciously sweet wine with layers of honey, apricot, pears and peaches all balanced by a trademark seam of refreshing acidity. Remember, revenge is a dish that is best served cold ... and so is the wine. My note: Lavish notes of orange marmalade, dried apricot and clementine. Viscous layers of flavor with an opulent finish. This wine will have its way with you.  47803  10%  S  375 mL  $44.95  Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009 Favorite Dessert Wine. Full Review


Domaine Pinnacle Sparkling Ice Cider, Quebec, Canada: This is simply amazing! I had expected the apple notes but there's an ethereal lift from the effervescence that gifts this wine stunning complexity and flavor. Aromas of deep orchard-ripe apples, sunflowers, baking spices and toasty nutty goodness. Surprise yourself with a bottle of this tonight.  52365  12%  S  375 mL  $44.95  Score: 93/100. March 28, 2009 Favorite Dessert Wine. Full Review