Values Wine Picks April 22, 2008

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

Beringer Founders' Estate Chardonnay 2006, California, USA: A full-bodied, round, generous chardonnay, with luscious buttery, oaky, ripe pear aromas.  534230  13%  D  750 mL  $18.80  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Henry Of Pelham Reserve Riesling 2006, Niagara, Canada: Fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks. A lovely, well-structured wine with intense aromas of peach, lime and green apples. A dry, full-bodied wine with intense acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or with many dishes. Winner of the 2008 Cuvee Gold. Drink: 2008-2012.  557165  12%  MD  750 mL  $14.85  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Chardonnay Rosehall Vineyard V.Q.A. 2006, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Aromas of nectarine and white peach with a hint of nutmeg. A big, buttery, oaky chardonnay with ripe pears. Underwent a 10-month barrel fermentation. Available at the winery and online at www.rosehallrun.com.  420003  12%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Quail's Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: The vines are 12-15 years old and planted on clay and gravel soil. Full-barrel fermentation in French oak using Montrachet yeast strains, with all barrels warmed to complete malolactic fermentation. A rich, golden and luscious chardonnay with aromas of baked bread, vanilla, ripe pear and hazelnut. Well-rounded with a long finish. Drink: 2008-2014.  639641  14%  D  $29.99  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Albarino Ca' Del Solo Vineyard Monterey Country 2007, Santa Cruz, California, USA: Farming this vineyard biodynamically in early 2004. 80% albarino, 15% loureiro, 5% treixadura grapes. A medium-bodied white with crisp notes of grapefruit and lime. Intensely aromatic and refreshing. Closed with a screw cap.  10001  12%  D  750 mL  $20.00  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Riesling 2007, V.Q. A. Niagara Peninsula, Canada: This lot of 100% riesling was harvested from Reif estates 125 acre Vineyard located adjacent to the Niagara River, midway between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. The juice was pressed from very clean, ripe fruit was used with selected yeast for cold-controlled, slow fermentation which lasted for 7 days. It is a lovely, refreshing white with pretty floral adn peach notes. A hint of sweetness balances out the acidity.  111799  11%  D  750 mL  $10.95  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Muscat, Ca' Del Solo Vineyard, Monterey County 2007, Santa Cruz, California, USA: 93% moscato giallo and 7% loureiro grapes. A medium-bodied, slightly off-dry white with lovely notes of orange blossom and melon.  80012  12%  D  750 mL  $17.00  Score: 89/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Strewn Semi-Dry Riesling V.Q.A. 2005, Niagara, Canada: A lovely, light summer sipper. Aromas of ripe melon and pear.  616599  11%  D  750 mL  $10.95  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Nobilo Regional Collection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: The fermentation for this sauvignon blanc was carried out exclusively in stainless steel tanks. Pure grassy goodness! Great aperitif for summer. A zesty, vibrant and medium-bodied white. This wine would complement Shaun Zwaren�s pan seared halibut dish from the recipes section of the web site (www.nataliemaclean.com/recipes/index.asp).  554444  12%  D  $15.95  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Lindeman's Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2007, South Australia: A refreshing, simple wine with mild melon aromas. There was no oak applied to this wine. Closed with a screwcap.  668947  12%  D  750 mL  $11.45  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Calona Vineyards Sovereign Opal 2007, British Columbia, Canada: A vibrant, zesty and medium-bodied white with aromas of melon, pink grapefruit and white flowers. Visit: www.calonavineyards.ca.  364265  11%  D  750 mL  $13.99  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Macmurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris 2006, California, USA: Located in the Russian River Valley, MacMurray Ranch is known for its pinot gris and pinot noir wines. The winemaker is Susan Doyle. A crisp wine with notes of green pears and melons. Full-bodied with a luxurious texture.  47787  13%  D  750 mL  $19.80  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Red Wine

Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot 2005, California, USA: A delicious red with smooth, full-bodied texture. Aromas of black plums. This merlot aged in oak barrels for 8 months.  534255  13%  D  750 mL  $19.80  Score: 89/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005, Chile: A rich, dark, full-bodied wine, with aromas of blackberries and black plums. Aged six months in American oak.  177451  14%  D  750 mL  $14.85  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Gallo Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Sonoma Valley, California, USA: Full-bodied warmth with rich aromas of mocha, plums and cassis. Round with velvet layers. A terrific value.  53000  13%  D  750 mL  $13.99  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Gladiator 2004 Primitivo Di Manduria 2004, Puglia, Italy: Made from 100% Primitivo grapes (Zinfandel) from the Salento area of Puglia. A full-bodied, deeply delicious wine with layers of black plums.  23119  14%  D  750 mL  $15.75  Score: 89/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Como Sur Single Varietal Merlot 2007, Chile: Made from a blend of merlot 85%, cabernet sauvignon 10%, syrah 3%, malbec 2% grapes. A full-bodied, purple plummy wine with lip-smacking ripe goodness. Closed with a screwcap.  457176  12%  D  750 mL  $9.90  Score: 85/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Santa Alicia Carmenere Reserve 2005, Chile: A purple plumy, juicy, full-bodied wine.  309302  14%  D  750 mL  $11.00  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Small Lots Malbec, 2005, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A stunning wine of intriguing complexity and depth with notes of red and black berries, violets and oak. A long, satisfying finish. Bordeaux elegance combined with New World energy. Availability is limited in B.C. and Alberta. There are only 211 cases.  620351  13%  750 mL  $34.99  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Small Lots Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah 2005, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A full-bodied red with notes of cassis, mocha and toasty oak. Aged in new American oak for 20 months.  114496  14%  D  750 mL  $29.99  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Cave Spring Pinot Noir V.Q.A. 2006, Ontario, Canada: A medium-bodied and balanced red with pleasingly tart cherry aromas. This wine cries out for food.  417642  12%  D  750 mL  $17.05  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Macmurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma Coast, California, USA: Lovely cool-climate aromas of cherries, spice and strawberries. A wisp of smoke.  48207  13%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Red Guitar Old Vine Tempranillo Garnacha 2006, Navarra, Spain: Made from a blend of 55% trempranillo and 45% garnacha grapes. A full-bodied wine that has delicious notes of chocolate and ripe dark red fruit.  54007  13%  D  750 mL  $12.75  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Peter Lehmann Shiaz Grenache Barossa 2005, Australia: A full-bodied, palate-whacker of a wine with aromas of sweet black plums. Round and supple. Closed with a screwcap.  610725  14%  D  750 mL  $15.90  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Beringer Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, California, USA: Half of their wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for eight months. A smooth, medium- to full-bodied red with pleasant aromas of ripe plums.  606798  13%  D  750 mL  $13.85  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Rosewood Estates Cabernet Franc 2006, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada: Renata and Eugene Roman purchased 40 acres of land in 2000, which is now home of Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery. Their goal was to start a small-batch artisanal winery and meadery. This property is located on Beamsville Bench terroir. At Rosewood, 15 acres make up the planted vineyard; approximately 2 acres for the apiary and the rest forested area of Niagara Escarpment. Natalie Spytkowsky has 14 years of experience as a winemaker garnering many awards locally and internationally for both her wines and meads. This cabernet has notes of cedar and spice, cherry pipe tobacco and ripe plums. Terrific richness and depth in this cabernet franc with notes of tobacco and black plums. Made in limited quantities, so contact the winery to purchase: www.rosewoodwine.com or 866-633-3248.  10001  D  $18.00  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Cono Sur Single Varietal Pinot Noir 2007, Chile: Made from 100% pinot noir grapes. A medium- to full-bodied, juicy, generous red with a silky texture and ripe plum notes. Perfect party wine that won't break the budget.  341602  14%  D  750 mL  $10.40  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Perrin Reserve Cotes Du Rhone Blanc 2005, Rhone, France: A full-bodied simple sipper, with notes of cedar, black cherries, pepper and smoke. A blend of grenache, syrah, mouvedre and cinsault grapes.  499509  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Ortas Rasteau Les Hauts Du Villages 2003, Rhone, France: A blend of mouvedre, syrah and old vine grenache grapes. A full-bodied red with notes of black plums, spice and cedar.  985929  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Sourced solely from their estate vineyards, with an average vine age of 23 years. The soils are complex with volcanic rock and glacial. A selection of four clones were created using a unique technique of indigenous yeast fermentation. This wine had extended skin before being aged 11 months in new and a year-old French oak barrels. This pinot has aromas of black plums, cherries, vanilla, spice and earth. More restrained and structured then the regular pinot.  639685  14%  D  $45.00  Score: 91/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Catena Malbec 2005, Argentina: A robust red with aromas of dark fruit and oak.  478727  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.80  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Silver Leaf Shiraz, Australia: A simple and delicious red with juicy purple fruit flavors. Closed with a screwcap.  64840  13%  D  750 mL  $11.21  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Oyster Bay Merlot 2006, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: A lovely, vibrant acidity underlies a generous core of ripe plums and blackberries. This medium- to full-bodied wine will appeal to many palates. It�s closed with a screwcap, which makes it easy to open at backyard barbecues and picnics. In my online food-and-wine matching tool, I've paired merlots of this style with B.B.Q. meats, game dishes, beet salad, lasagna and just for fun, chocolate kisses.  692343  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Peller Estates Private Reserve Gamay Noir 2006, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: This is the first year they have made this wine from a single vineyard. With extended skin contact at the end of the fermentation and nine months in an equal split of American and French oak barrels. This wine won them the silver medal of the 2008 Riesling du Monde competition. This is a juicy, generous red with notes of luscious, ripe red cherries and raspberries, with a warm smoky overlay of oak. A supple, smooth and medium-bodied red.  1027299  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Wild Horse Canyon Merlot 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: This merlot is a juicy and simple quaffer with aromas of purple plums and berries.   54411  13%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Riscasoli Brolio Chianti 2005, Tuscany, Italy: Located between Florence and Siena in the heart of Tuscany. Made from the sangiovese grape. A balanced, medium- to full-bodied red with aromas of tart cherries and raspberries.  3962  13%  D  750 mL  $23.75  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Cono Sur Single Varietal Shiraz 2007, Chile: Made from a blend of syrah 85%, malbec 4%, carmenere 4%, cabernet sauvignon 5%, 2% pinot noir grapes. A full-bodied red, bursting with intense black plums and cherries. Closed with a screwcap.  64295  14%  D  750 mL  $9.95  Score: 85/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, California, USA: Located 17 miles northwest of the winery, this vineyard has volcanic, well-drained soils. The Knights Valley designation was first used on a Beringer label in 1974. By 1983, this area had won official recognition as a premier wine growing region in the form of its own American Viticulture Area designation. The wines were then aged in small French Nevers oak barrels for sixteen months. A paragon of balance, elegance and New World vitality. Lovely aromas of toasty oak, black pepper and black plums. A long finish. Drink: 2008-2015.  352583  14%  D  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 92/100. April 22, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Quail's Gate Stewart Family Pinot Noir 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: This pinot is from the estate vineyards on the slopes of Mt. Boucherie. This grape thrives in the rocky volcanic soils. After going through extended maceration where it stayed in contact with its skins for about 20 days, the wine is barrel-aged entirely in French oak for 11 months. A pinot with gorgeous notes of black cherries and earth. A smooth, medium-bodied wine with a silky texture.  585760  13%  D  $24.99  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Sutter Home Merlot, 2006, Ontario, Canada: This alcohol-free merlot was produced by the spinning cone process, which preserves some wine aromas and flavors while removing alcohol. A red with aromas of sweet plums and berries. Although I can definitely smell and taste that there is no alcohol, I'm impressed that this "wine" doesn't simply taste like Welsch's grape juice. I'll recommend it to anyone who wants an alcohol-free drink. Order straight from the agent, Dionysus Wines & Spirits Ltd. 416.233.6567 or email at info@dionysuswines.ca. You can also contact the winery directly at www.sutterhome.com.  10001  D  750 mL  $10.00  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Fetzer Zinfandel 2006, California, USA: A medium- to full-bodied red with purple plum and berry notes. A smooth, delicious and lip-smacking wine.  234617  13%  D  750 mL  $15.15  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Patiratche Syrah Vin De Pays D'oc 2005, Languedoc, France: A simple, pleasant sipper with aromas of cherries and cedar. Full-bodied and smooth.  32003  13%  D  750 mL  $9.95  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Mission Hill Family Estate S.L.C. Merlot 2004, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Mission Hill carefully selects their fruit from designated vineyard lots, which is barrel-aged in French oak. Grown in semi-desert conditions with less than 300 millimeters of rainfall a year. This merlot is layered with satisfying deep red notes of black plums.  935857  14%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Beringer Founder's Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, California, USA: An elegant, balanced cabernet with classic aromas of cassis and blackcurrants.  534263  13%  D  750 mL  $19.80  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Pinot Noir Rosehall Vineyard V.Q.A. 2006, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A medium-bodied vibrant red with pleasantly tart cherry notes. Available at the winery and online at www.rosehallrun.com  10001  12%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Yamantiev's Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2004, Bulgaria: Made from grapes sourced from 20-25 year-old vineyards around Ivailovgrad, this wine is aged for 12 months in oak casks and an additional 6 months in bottles before release. Notes of black cherries, blackberries, cedar and mocha.  60921  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Sterling Vintners Collection Merlot 2004, California, USA: A round, plummy, full-bodied red with a luscious, smooth texture.  622837  13%  1  750 mL  $16.15  Score: 89/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Cesari Merlot I.G.T. 2006, Venezie, Italy: A simple, delicious full-bodied red. Aromas of black cherries and plums.  572453  12%  D  750 mL  $7.20  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Small Lots Barbera 2005, British Columbia, Canada: A full-bodied, juicy red with ripe blue plum and berry notes. Aged in French and American oak for 18 months.  533133  14%  750 mL  $29.99  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2005, California, USA: A robust, lip-smacking delicious zinfandel with aromas of dark fruit and purple plums. Smooth and ready to drink now.  669499  14%  D  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 88/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Wild Horse Canyon Shiraz 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: This shiraz is a full-bodied, hulky red with notes of black plum.  54429  13%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Rosés

Sutter Home White Zinfandel 2006, California, USA: This alcohol-free wine is simple and refreshing with sweet aromas of cherry, strawberries and cranberries. Less than half the calories of regular wine (72 calories per 8oz glass.) Order straight from the agent Dionysus Wines & Spirits Ltd. 416.233.6567 or info@dionysuswines.ca. You can also contact the winery directly at www.sutterhome.com.  10001  D  750 mL  $10.00  Score: 85/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


ST. Tropez Carte Noir Rose 2006, France: A light, simple, refreshing rose with pretty aromas of strawberries.  319384  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.85  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Sutter Home Sparkling Brut 2006, California, USA: Fre by Sutter Home Sparkling Brut is the first dealcholized sparkling wine produced by a major winery. Remarkably similar in style to a traditional sparkling wine, it is the great choice for abstainers desiring a sophisticated adult alternative for celebrations and other special events. A blend of chenin blanc and pinot noir, dealcoholized using the spinning cone process. This brut is lovely like sweet apple cider with a foamy froth. Many people might like this even if they're not looking for an alcohol-free bubbly. Notes of green apples and ripe pears. Order from the agent Dionysus Wines & Spirits at 416.233.6567 or info@dionysuswines.ca. You can also contact the winery at www.sutterhome.com.   20021  D  750 mL  $10.00  Score: 86/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Dessert Wine

Domaine Pinnacle Sparking Ice Cider 2005, Quebec, Canada: Domaine Pinnacle is a family-owned orchard and cidery located on the southern slopes of Pinnacle Mountain in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. They use a blend of 6 different varieties of apples. A lovely sweetness and light effervescence on the palate. Serve well-chilled in a flute style glass. Visit: www.domainepinnacle.com.  52365  12%  S  375 mL  $44.95  Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review


Other Wines/Drinks

Crémant St-Nicolas Sparkling Light Cider, Quebec, Canada: A refreshing and lively cider, with a lively light effervescence. Appetizing notes of green apples. Bottled with a champagne-style cork.  61671  2.80%  M  750 mL  $12.00  Score: 87/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review