Vintages Wine Picks May 10, 2008

White Wine

Schloss Schönborn Riesling Kabinett 2005, Q.m.P., Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale lemon yellow color leads to a nose rife with cloved peach, beeswax, buckwheat honey and lemon curd. Medium in sweetness with a rich, creamy mouth-filling texture. It is quite full-bodied with a long, perfectly balanced finish. My note: Soft and lovely like a summer evening. Aromatics of field flowers.  928184  10%  M  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Kruger-Rumpf Riesling Kabinett 2006, QmP, Münster Pittersberg, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Nahe wines are admired for their aromas of fruit, clay, slate and sandstone (indicative of the soils they are grown on). This one has that in spades, plus a lovely collection of scents, including orange marmalade, lime and green apple. Medium-dry to medium in sweetness, this wine is ripe, zippy, and delicious. My note: More bite here - great balance of flavor and acidity.  692368  10%  MD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Maison Nicolas Potel Nicolas Potel Meursault 2005, AC, France: An elegant and balanced chardonnay with aromas of ripe pears and deep minerality.  67850  13%  D  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. May 10, 2008 Favorite white wine. Full Review


Adelsheim Vineyard Adelsheim Pinot Gris 2006, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Label features painting of Susanna Kuo by Ginny Adelsheim. Adelsheim began producing Pinot Gris in 1984. This vital Gris exhibits classic spicy pear aromas and flavors. The finish is lively and fresh. My note: Refreshing and mouth-watering.  27524  13%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 88/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Winzergenossenschaft Oberbergen Müller-Thurgau Trocken 2006, Q.b.A. Baden, Obergergener Bassgeige, Kaiserstuhl, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with grapes sourced from Baden’s Kaiserstuhl, an area considered the warmest in Germany, this shows Müller-Thurgau at its best. Created by Herman Müller in 1882, Müller-Thurgau is a cross between riesling and madeleine royale, a table grape. When firing on all cylinders, as is this example, its aroma profile suggests gorgeous light peach, pear and sweet apple. Round and ripe, this white is a good sipper. My note: Zippy and refreshing.  71688  11%  MD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. May 10, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Casa Vinicola Calatrasi Calatrasi Accademia Del Sole Viognier 2006, I.G.T. Sicilia, Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From sunny Sicily comes the northern Rhône's great white wine, viognier. Loaded with peach, apricot and pear aromas and flavors. My note: Lovely and aromatic with notes of rose petals and lychee nuts.  687921  14%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Goldwater Estate Goldwater Chardonnay 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely, layered chardonnay, buttery with a backbone of ripe pear.  991463  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinett 1998, QmP, Kaseler Nies'chen, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Filled with aromas of peach crême, honey, petrol, cardamom and key lime pie, this medium dry wine is still extremely youthful with the fruit still very present and the acid supplying excellent balance. Medium-to full-bodied with a very long fruit/spice-driven finish. My note: Floral and pretty.  940809  8%  M  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Weingut Karl Erbes Karl Erbes Riesling Spåtlese 2005, QmP, Ürziger Würzgarten, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Peach drops, mineral and lime aromas are front and center. A nicely plump, medium in sweetness wine with acid bringing balance on the mid-palate. This medium-bodied wine is an excellent choice. My note: Great balance and vivacity. Citrus notes and a long finish.  49866  8%  M  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Seresin Estates Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal, grassy goodness! Salad in a glass. Closed with a screwcap.  735043  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Darting Riesling Kabinett 2006, Q.m.P., Dürkheimer Michelsberg, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine displays aromas of Asian pear, stone fruit, melon and wet stones. It has a long, beautifully balanced finish. My note: Zippy and vibrant with citrus notes.  950212  MD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Red Wine

Brokenwood Pinot Noir 2006, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This deep-colored, bold Pinot boasts lifted floral, and fragrant cherry aromas. It’s dry, medium-bodied and smooth with cherry fruit flavours and some savory notes leading to a lingering finish. My note: A great price for this robust pinot that would like to be a shiraz when it grows up. Big aromas of cherry liqueur.  20560  14%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


La Crema Pinot Noir 2005, Los Carneros, California, USA: Rich and luxurious texture. Ripe cherries and spices on the nose, full-bodied.  58024  14%  D  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Red Hill Estate Red Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2005, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: There are cool-climate pockets throughout Australia that have shown great success growing Pinot Noir. Mornington Peninsula is one of the most important new Pinot producing areas. This wine shows that strength. Now, look for plum, cherry and strawberry with a structure that brings it all together. If you can wait up to five years, the profile will add layers of game and savory tones. My note: A lovely cool-climate, maritime pinot that shows the moderating and cooling effects of the ocean. Zesty seam of acidity with ripe cherry notes. Closed with a screwcap.  58073  13%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Using only handpicked fruit from the estate's vineyards, this blend of 60% shiraz and 40% cabernet sauvignon is aged for 8 months in a combination of both American and French oak barrels. Offering impressive depth, this fruit-forward wine features concentrated blackberry and raspberry fruit flavors, a touch of spice, smoke and sweet oak on the lingering finish. My note: Fantastic concentration and depth of flavor. Wow!  17111  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Louis Sipp Pinot Noir 2003, A.C. Alsace, Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Louis Sipp sources fruit from several vineyards around Ribeauvillé. The soils share a common bond of clay, silt and chalk. Coupled with a moderate climate, the grapes mature evenly and the yields are naturally reduced. From the warm 2003 vintage, this wine offers pretty aromas of cherry, raspberry, plum and beetroot. On the palate, it is remarkably ample with good structure to balance it out. My note: A robust, full-bodied pinot with notes of black cherries and blackberries.  61366  12%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 87/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Highly aromatic and packed with flavor. Medium-to full-bodied with gorgeous aromas of ripe cherries and violets.  734681  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Vins Schenk S.A. Cave St-Pierre Pinot Noir Pentes Roties 2006, A.C. Valais, Switzerland: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Noir is by far the most-planted red grape in Switzerland, but it is rarely available in markets outside the country because most of it is enjoyed locally. This flavorful example features an attractive nose of floral, cherry, cinnamon, fresh fig and beetroot. Light-bodied, round and balanced, this is a fantastic sipping wine. Serve lightly chilled. My note: A lovely, light-bodied red with delicious notes of cherries.  66886  13%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 88/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Barolo Cabutto Tenuta Vigna La Volta 2003, Piedmont, Italy: Gorgeous notes of violets, blackberries and leather. Full-bodied with a long finish.  586354  14%  XD  750 mL  $55.95  Score: 91/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Veyret Latour Château Lanessan 1996, AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: A lovely, aged wine that's ready to drink. This was a great vintage.  598011  13%  XD  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Quinta Do Corujao Quinta Do Corujão Reserva 2003, D.O.C. Dão, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Protected by the Serra da Estrela and Serra do Carmulo mountain ranges, Quinta do Corujão has been crafting high quality wines in Portugal's Dão region for generations. This blend of indigenous varieties includes trincadeira, touriga nacional, jaen, and alfrocheiro. It's full bodied and packed with rich ripe black fruit, raisin and smoky oak aromas and flavors. My note: Silky, seductive texture with rich layers of blackcurrants and plums.  67983  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Tomero Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: An amazing value in this wine with notes of cherry liqueur, pepper and spice. Full-bodied.  57943  14%  XD  750 mL  $12.75  Score: 88/100. May 10, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Saint Clair Family Estate Tuatara Bay Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Saint Clair Estate Wines produces this high-calibre mid-range pinot noir that offers a terrific middle ground between New World exuberance and ripeness and Burgundian elegance. The result is a wine displaying terrific aromas of black cherry, strawberry and a hint of spice. My note: A vibrant pinot with bright, ripe notes of tart cherries and cranberries.  57760  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Bonnard Sancerre Rouge 2004, AC, Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: When one thinks of Sancerre, one generally thinks sauvignon blanc. Red Sancerres are made in very limited quantities and always with pinot noir. When handled properly, such as this fine example from Domaine Bonnard, the results can be downright beguiling. Classic aromas of cherry, beetroot, underbrush and blackberry dominate. The fruit, crisp acids and fine tannins give this dry Sancerre Rouge dimension. My note: Classically tart and mouth-watering. Medium-bodied with lovely notes of tart raspberries.  65995  12%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 88/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Miguel Torres Mas Borràs Pinot Noir 2006, D.O. Penedès, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this pinot noir is sourced exclusively from the small Mas Borrás vineyard where yields are kept very low to concentrate the fruit flavours. Aged in new Nevers French oak barriques for several months, it is rich with violet, cocoa, pomegranate, raspberry and earth aromas. The bright fruit flavors are brought into focus by clean tannins and a mild acidity. My note: A tremendous value for this rich, luxurious pinot. Redolent of plums, violets and raspberries. Full-bodied.  673483  13%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 92/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2001, McLaren Vale, Australia: A spectacular wine that rewards sip after sip. rich black fruit flavors with an elegant underlay of oak.  461368  13%  XD  750 mL  $89.95  Score: 93/100. May 10, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Chateau Les Jonqueyres Château Les Jonqueyres 2004, A.C. Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France: A blend of 80% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc, this wine's grapes are hand-harvested and the juice is carefully fermented at low temperatures. Only 20% is given oak contact, while the remainder is aged in stainless steel. This process helps retain the desired bright fruitiness, with the small amount in oak giving the wine some lovely back-end structure. My note: A balanced medium-bodied red with classic Bordeaux structure and aroma.  65094  13%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Marc De Grazia San Pietro Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero) 2006, DOC Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot nero, the Italian name for pinot noir, is emerging as a style of wine to watch. Producers, such as San Pietro, in Alto Adige are finally giving the grape the location and care it deserves. These are pretty, light- to medium-bodied fruity/crisp wines that are excellent as aperitifs. My note: A lovely, light-bodied red for summer picnics. Tastes and smells like a basket of strawberries.  66381  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Jean-Max Roger Château Planères Cuvée Prestige 2005, AC Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this blend of syrah, mourvèdre and grenache was meticulously hand-picked. The wines were allowed to mature separately for approximately 10-12 months in new French barriques and then blended to show off the strengths of each variety. The resulting wine is filled with aromas of raspberry, cedar, vanilla and plum. My note: Great value. A terrific BBQ wine for summer.  70748  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Wither Hills Pinot Noir, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely, layered pinot with generous notes of cherries and plums.  919829  14%  D  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


La Crema Pinot Noir 2006, Russian River Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: A vibrant Russian River Valley Pinot with a plethora of aromas, including raspberry, rosehip tea, licorice, fresh rosemary, lavender and vanilla. Dry and forwardly fruity on the palate, there is a lovely ripe tannin and touch of acidity on the mid-palate to bring it all into balance. My note: A full-bodied pinot with rich notes of ripe, black cherries, plums and spice. Luxurious texture.  906404  14%  D  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 92/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-Du-Pape La Crau 2005, A.C., Rhone, France: Over-the-top concentrated wine, dripping with notes of cherry liqueur and black plums. Full-bodied. Drink: 2011-2020.  951475  14%  XD  750 mL  $67.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


d'Arenberg D'arenberg The Galvo Garage 2004, McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: A huge, concentrated wine with cherry liqueur and licorice. A full-bodied blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, and cabernet franc. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2015.  907584  14%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Adelsheim Pinot Noir 2006, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Label features Diana Lett by Ginny Adelsheim. Adelsheim’s intent with their non-vineyard-specific Pinot Noir is to blend fruit from throughout the Willamette Valley that unites all the strengths of the region, especially the fresh fruity flavors that typify Pinot in Oregon. By blending the wines from many of the region’s finest vineyards, winemaker Dave Paige is able to produce focused Pinots. My note: A vibrant and exotic pinot with notes of tart cherries and black plums.  683821  13%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA: Balanced, elegant with aromas of cassis and mocha.  60020  14%  D  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 92/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Vincent Sauvestre Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Saint-Georges 2005, A.C., 1er Cru, Burgundy, France: A stunning pinot of incredible depth and structure. Alluring aromas of cherries, raspberries, spice and earth. Silky texture, with an endless finish. Drink: 2008-2016.  66464  13%  XD  750 mL  $59.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Close Saint Jean Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, A.C., France: If you love palate whackers this is for you. Notes of cherries and spice.  70888  16%  XD  750 mL  $45.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Yarra Hill Winery Punt Road Shiraz 2005, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Delicious and mouth-watering with notes of blackberries and pepper. Closed with a screwcap.  59923  14%  D  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Casa De Santa Vitoria Tinto 2005, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine plays to Portugal's strength of blending its flavorful indigenous grapes with popular international varieties to create a wine experience that is both unique and familiar. In this case, the local Aragonês and trinicadeira are blended with cabernet sauvignon and syrah. This medium-full-bodied wine features cherries, dried spices, ripe plum and a touch of vanilla. My note: A perky, vibrant red with tart notes of cherries and plum.  70896  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Cousino-Macul Finis Terrae 2003, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: On ancient maps, Chile was often labeled 'Finis Terrae' (the end of earth). With loads of dark berries accented by hints of cocoa and black truffle, this will have you scouring the ends of the earth for more. My note: A merlot & cabernet sauvignon blend that's full-bodied, balanced and lovely.  901983  13%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 88/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


RJ Vinedos Pasión 4 Merlot 2006, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This Merlot is made from hand-harvested grapes sourced from the lofty heights of the Uco Valley where the vineyards are planted at over 1000 metres above sea level. Ripe and round, this medium-to full-bodied wine shows attractive cassis, chocolate and smoky oak aromas and flavors. My note: A simple, straight-forward delicious red with notes of dark red fruit. Full-bodied.  59287  14%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 86/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Flat Rock Cellars Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A. Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Flat Rock Cellars was started in 1999, with its first full vintage in 2003. In a very few years, it has emerged as a fine producer of pinot noir. This example shows pretty cherry, plum, earth and beetroot aromas and flavors. A layer of crisp acidity and gentle tannins add balance. My note: A lovely, balanced pinot with rich notes of black cherries and oak. Medium-to full-bodied.  1545  12%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Leth Vineyards Leth Klassic Pinot Noir 2006, Wagram, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale ruby color with aromas of strawberry, sour cherry, pickled beetroot and spice. This pretty, dry, fruity, light-bodied, creamy, clean pinot would make a very attractive sipping wine. My note: A pleasantly tart pinot with vibrant notes of sour cherries. Cries out for food. Closed with a screwcap.  66548  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Domaine De La Roquete Domaine La Roquète Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, A.C., Rhone, France: Big and powerful with class. Aromas of cedar, black cherries and spice. Drink: 2008-2022.  70862  14%  XD  750 mL  $38.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Blason De Bourgogne Beaune Cuvee 2005, A.C., Hautes-Cotes a Beaune, France: Pleasant tart cherries and a lively acidity.  69526  13%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Malivoire Pinot Noir 2005, V.Q.A. Beamsville Beach, Ontario, Canada: An absolutely spectacular pinot. One of the best that I have tasted in Canada. Gorgeous layers of cherry, spice, pomegranate and violets.  996777  13%  XD  750 mL  $32.00  Score: 94/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Rosés

Tommasi Chiaretto 2006, D.O.C. Bardolino Classico, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Chiaretto, an Italian term for rosé, literally means ‘neither red nor white‘. Made with the local corvina, rondinella and dindarella grapes, the wines are allowed only a few hours on their skins to extract the pleasant pink color. My note: A lovely dry rosé with loads of strawberry fruit.  685057  12%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Via Wine Group Chilensis Reserva Syrah 2005, Maule Valley, Chile: Amazing value. Rich and robust with aromas of black fruit.  590745  14%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Val-Joanis Château Val Joanis Côtes Du Luberon Rosé 2007, A.C., Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with grenache and syrah, this Rhône rosé makes an excellent palate refresher on a hot day. The berry fruit and cherry aromas and flavours are well complemented by a racy acidity. My note: Gorgeous summer sipper. Sun on your shoulders: does it get any better than this?  707281  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Rosé 2007, Les Vignerons de Tavel, France: Nothing like Tavel. A basket of raspberries.  739474  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Favorite Rosé. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Chateau De Malle Sauternes 2004, Bordeaux, France: Rich and redolent of baked pear, bread and apples.  62232  14%  S  375 mL  $19.80  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review


Offley 30 Year Old Tawney Port, Portugal: Matured in wood, it displays gorgeous toffee and caramel notes.  69716  20%  S  750 mL  $82.95  Score: 90/100. May 10, 2008 Full Review