Vintages Wine Picks November 26, 2011
White WineDomaine Vincent Delaporte Chavignol Sancerre 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Delaporte have been producing wines in the village of Chavignol since the 1600s. Their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc has lovely mineral, apple, citrus, toast and gooseberry aromas emerging from the glass. The palate is dry with a crisp and refreshing acidity framing the lemon-lime, apple, toast and distinctive mineral notes. My note: Mouth-wateringly juicy and crisp with lovely, spritely notes of lemongrass and lemon zest. Pure, unfiltered sunshine. Drink: 2011-2015. 251488 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
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Beringer Chardonnay 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Beringer, established in 1876, is one of Napa’s most venerable producers of fine wine. Although steeped in history, Beringer makes use of modern winemaking techniques to get the best results. This Chard, for instance, was sourced from four different vineyards, with some juice undergoing fermentation in barrel and some in steel – highlighting the best aspects of each crop. With its complex interplay of guava, nectarine and lemon drop flavours, the results are there to be seen (and tasted). This is an exceptional value for Napa Chardonnay. My note: Terrific craftsmanship and balance. Lovely ripe peach fruit and pear aromas. Full-bodied. Drink: 2011-2014. 84988 15.20% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
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Liberty School Chardonnay 2008, Central Coast, California, United States: Lusciously big pineapple and tropical fruit notes with a round, viscous mouth-filling texture and a toasty vanilla-caramel finish. Great price for big Chardonnay. Drink: 2011-2015. 960120 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Istituto Agrario San Michele All'adige Pinot Grigio 2010, D.O.C., Trentino, Italy: Vibrant and zippy with vibrant lime zest and lemony notes. Incredibly mouth-watering and food versatile. Medium-bodied and satisfying. Drink: 2011-2014. 249540 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
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Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2009, Vqa Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench,Ontario, Canada: Le Clos Jordanne strikes again! A gorgeous chardonnay with rich layers f buttery, hazelnut goodness. Yet it's also balanced, elegant and complex. Canada's Chardonnay Master! Drink: 2011-2018. 34561 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 94/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Kurt Darting Ungsteiner Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese 2008, Q.M.P., Pfalz, Germany: A terrific Riesling with natural fruit sweetness, though it's not a dessert wine. Think glazed ham and other dishes with some sweetness, or also spicy dishes. Peach and pear mingle happily on the nose. 963207 13% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma Mountain, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: One of Sonoma’s brightest stars, Kistler is still a Chard specialist of the highest order. Expect this complex, robust, finely balanced wine to deliver great pleasure over the next 5+years. My note: Definitely first-class Chardonnay, but over-priced by $30. Lovely luscious ripe peach, pear and green apple aromas. Drink: 2011-2016. 183921 14.10% D 750 mL $72.95 Score: 91/100. November 26, 2011
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Ata Rangi Petrie Chardonnay 2009, Wairarapa, North Island, Martinborough, New Zealand: Love the balance and beauty of expression here. Full-bodied and rich and round. Green apple and peach. Drink: 2011-2016. 247270 13% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Red WineLuis Gurpegui Muga Gonzalo De Berceo Reserva 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Love that old leather taste! This tastes very mature in the most excellent way. Dried herbs and black cherries. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2014. 246744 13.50% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. November 26, 2011
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Ascheri Vigna Dei Pola Barolo 2006, D.O.C.G., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this wine was sourced from two of Ascheri's finest vineyards: Pisapola and Verduno. These vineyards have reputations for yielding Barolos with finesse and fruitiness. Look for aromas of strawberry, blueberry, rose petals and new leather. Fashioned in the “new school” style, this wine will mature much sooner than is typical of some Barolos. Give it a year or two further in the bottle, and then enjoy it over the next ten years. My note: Holy furry tannins Bat Man! Some cellar time and decanting will help this palate whacker. Black as night with tarry, dark fruit, smoke aromas. Drink: 2013-2020. 739920 14.50% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
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Acacia Pinot Noir 2007, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lovely, lovely! Juicy cherry and mouth-watering layers of sensuality. Love pinot from the cooler regions of California. Drink: 2011-2016. 235960 14.40% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 26, 2011
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Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Plunkett Fowles Shiraz 2008, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia: Rich, deep and dark. This is a don’t mess with me wine. Black fruit, mouth-watering and full, smooth layers. Pepper and dark spices. Drink: 2011-2015. 243592 13% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
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De Martino Legado Reserva Carmenère 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A truly inviting nose that offers herbal, brambleberry and spice notes wonderfully intermingled with suggestions of rich fruit and cocoa. The palate is dry, crisp, medium bodied, and yet complex and layered too. There is also a sweet fruit centre and an impressive finish. My note: Come dance with me nose! Lusciously ripe blueberries and blackberries leap out of the glass. Full-bodied and smooth with an incredible price point. Drink: 2011-2015. 236059 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Quintarelli Rosso Ca' Del Merlo 2002, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Giuseppe Quintarelli, known as the Master of Veneto, is legendary for good reason. The epitome of the artisan, from within the humble surroundings of his farmhouse-winery he devotes himself wholeheartedly – with painstaking attention to detail – to crafting wines that can only be called works of art. Quintarelli’s single-vineyard wonder is layered and very expressive. The aromas suggest dried plum, cherry and cranberry, plus fig and milk chocolate. Impactful and complex on the palate. Core of fruit and spice is beautifully integrated with a nice wave of mid-palate acidity. A remarkable wine that inspires contemplation. Enjoy it over the next decade with a variety of foods. My note: Always spectacular, year after year. Rich, full-bodied and luxuriously layered. Yes, it is worth the splurge if you feel so inclined. Drink: 2011-2020. 958595 15% D 750 mL $84.95 Score: 95/100. November 26, 2011
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Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Tasty and mouth-watering with generous layers of black fruit. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2011-2017. 731810 14.20% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. November 26, 2011
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Las Moras Black Label Bonarda 2009, San Juan, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal for Best Producer at the 2010 Sélections Mondiales de Vins in Canada. Medium ruby-purple colour with aromas of sour cherry, blueberry, new leather, plum, milk chocolate, smoke and grated beets. Dry and fruity, but with a lot of bright acidity and gentle tannins for balance. Fresh and savoury. It could cellar 2-3 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Juicy and tasty with purple and black plum notes. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 260901 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
La Vite Lucente Luce Della Vite 2009, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This, the second wine to Frescobaldi’s iconic Luce, is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, matured for 12 months in French barriques. Always a huge hit with Vintages customers, this wine offers intense strawberry, blueberry, and currant fruit accented by mocha and spice. Built to last, it will show best after 2012; if you can’t wait, decant it and enjoy. My note: Smoky espresso nose with black fruit and dark spices. Good tannic grip. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2020. 747030 14.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. November 26, 2011
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Blasted Church Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Juicy and mouth-watering with a savoury, meaty note through the middle. Blackberry and black plums. Drink: 2011-2016. 255745 13.80% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
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Le Ferme Du Mont Le Ponnant Stéphane Vedeau 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Super-duper (pulling out all the technical tasting terms now)! Juicy come-alive black fleshy cherry, some smoke and a gorgeous, give-me-more full-bodied smooth texture. Fantastic price. Drink: 2011-2016. 171371 14.50% Xd 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Stags' Leap Winery Merlot 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A big, generous, layered Merlot from a stellar vintage in Napa. Deep ruby with aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, smoked meat and forest floor. Dry, plush-textured with fine fruit tones at the centre, surrounded by chunky, velvety-smooth tannins. Medium-full bodied with a long, fruity, tannin-supported finish. My note: Classic and aristocratic. The length, breadth and depth of this wine are incredible. Savoury and delicious. Perfect for dinner parties. Drink: 2012-2018. 655399 14.60% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 94/100. November 26, 2011
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Masi Campolongo Di Torbe Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2004, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Liquid sensuality: cool satin swishing under velvet. Black cherry liqueur richness with a lick of dark spice on the finish. Perfect for proposals of any sort… getting to yes! Drink: 2011-2022. 548677 16% D 750 mL $99.95 Score: 94/100. November 26, 2011
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La Vite Lucente 2009, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This, the second wine to Frescobaldi’s iconic Luce, is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, matured for 12 months in French barriques. Always a huge hit with Vintages customers, this wine offers intense strawberry, blueberry, and currant fruit accented by mocha and spice. Built to last, it will show best after 2012; if you can’t wait, decant it and enjoy. My note: Smoky espresso nose with black fruit and dark spices. Good tannic grip. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2020. 979062 14.50% XD 1500 mL $89.95 Score: 93/100. November 26, 2011
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Reichsrat von Buhl Pinot Noir 2008, Q.B.A., Pfalz, Germany: Amazing! Smoky with juicy black cherry aromas. Better acidity than most New World pinots yet more fruity than Old World. You perfect Trans-Atlantic pinot to bridge many palates this holiday. This elegant, fantastically well-priced Pinot is sure to impress with holiday-season dinners. Enjoy it tonight. Drink: 2011-2015. 249649 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
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Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A blend of 62% Shiraz, 28% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. This wine was fermented mostly in stainless steel; no new oak. Gorgeously rich and layered with juicy flavours of ripe plush blackberries and plums. Oh yum! Drink: 2011-2016. 6551 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 26, 2011
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Burrowing Owl Meritage 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Elegant and aristocratic with terrific structure and lovely fleshy ripe black fruit. Smoke and cedar with a lick of spice on the finish. Full bodied and fairly smooth, so decant only 1 hour. Benchmark Canadian Meritage. Drink: 2012-2016. 695148 14.90% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Château Faizeau Vieilles Vignes, A.C., Montagne St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Big, black and hulking and in special need of cellar time then decanting. Smoky, tarry with an underlay of black fruit, this Bordeaux is beautifully structured. Serve at an elegant dinner party, especially one involving your boss and the side agenda of a raise or promotion. Drink: 2013-2020. 221523 14.50% XD 1500 mL $57.00 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
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Flagstone Writer's Block Pinotage 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Umm ... ah ... well ... maybe we could say ... no that doesn’t work ... umm ... oh here we go: the 2009 Writer’s Block was one of only 36 wines out of 1,400 to win Double Gold at the 2011 Michelangelo International Wine Awards, a South African competition adjudicated by tasters from around the world. This offers dense black fruit, cassis and oak aromas. The palate is dry, chewy and fresh with lively acidity and follows nicely on the nose with some lovely black fruit notes. Very tasty. My note: The name of this wine made me nervous about trying it… but it turns out that this wine is actually the solution to writer’s block: yay! Deliciously smoky and different with fleshy ripe black fruit. Some enticing warm mocha notes on the nose. We like it. Drink: 2011-2015. 243337 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
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Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva 2001, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Traditional, classic and savoury with leather, dried herbs and red earth dust. Smoky not fruity. Full-bodied, smooth and mouth-watering. Great food wine. Drink: 2011-2013. 976670 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
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Duca Di Salaparuta Passo Delle Mule Nero D'avola 2008, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: An incredibly luscious red with generous layers of ripely sweet blackberries and black plums. Highly aromatic. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. If you’re looking to get out of your merlot or shiraz rut, try this one. Drink: 2011-2014. 250928 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
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Jonata El Alma De Jonata 2007, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Lovely and generous with gorgeous layers of black fruit and lifted mid-palate notes. Still think it’s over-priced but if you’re cashing out your Google or Apple stock, who cares. Drink: 2011-2018. 218925 14.90% XD 750 mL $143.95 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
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Benmarco Dominio Del Plata Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Savoury and delicious with fleshy black plums and a meaty note through the middle that makes me want to chew on the wine. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 657601 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Barossa Valley Estate E & E Black Pepper Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Terrific, savoury and juicy with dried herbs and fleshy black plum. Full-bodied, supple and smooth. Drink: 2011-2017. 731620 15% XD 750 mL $89.95 Score: 93/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Château de Beaucastel 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Huge concentration in this black-hearted wine that’s a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and other permitted grapes. Full-bodied and fairly smooth; it will benefit from cellar time. Drink: 2013-2022. 711317 14.50% XD 750 mL $89.95 Score: 95/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Palacio De Sada Crianza 2006, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Lofty aromas of hickory, spice, ripe black fruit and vanilla. The palate is delicious, dry, medium bodied and very well structured with juicy fruit, spicy oak, and appropriate tannins. This is an exceptional value wine, and ideal for big holiday dinners. My note: A simple, rustic, rugged wine with black and red cherries and wild berries. Brambly and straight-up tasty. Full-bodied. Drink: 2011-2013. 246736 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 26, 2011
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Kim Crawford Small Parcel Corner 50 Merlot 2008, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Lovely balance and delectability: makes your mouth water and your senses tingle. Fleshy black and purple plums dance with blackberries across your palate. Double yum. Drink: 2011-2017. 252320 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
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J. Lohr Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Opaque ruby colour with hints of brick at the edge. Deep, rich nose of cassis, smoked meat, spice cupboard, woodsmoke and a hint of tar. Dry with very good ripe tannins and lots of warm fruit in the middle. Full bodied with a long, structured finish. Can age 2-3 years with grace, but it is drinking well right now. My note: Very balanced with good structure. Full-bodied but not heavy. Attractive aromas of dark chocolate, black plum and blackberry. Good mouth-watering action for food. Terrific for dinner parties and gifts! Drink: 2011-2016. 246918 13.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
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Prado Rey Crianza Real Sitio De Ventosilla 2006, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2006 Prado Rey Crianza is a blend of 92% Tempranillo with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that spent 12 months in barrel followed by 3 months in oak vats. Opaque purple in color, it proffers an inviting nose of incense, violets, cedar, black cherry, and blueberry. My note: Intensely dry and tannic, decant 2 hours and drink with meat. Rustic and ready for you. Drink: 2011-2014. 725820 14% 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. November 26, 2011
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Château Pontet-Canet 5E Cru 2008, A.C., Pauillac, Bordeaux, France: Terrific but very pricey and I think that some reviews have been over zealous. Classic nose, good juiciness, full-bodied rich texture with dark fruit. Terrific wine, but I’d buy 4 of some of the other Bordeaux reviewed here instead for the same money. Drink: 2012-2020. 137315 13% XD 750 mL $129.00 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
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Huff Estates Winery Merlot 2011, VQA, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada Drink: 2012-2016. 134239 12.80% D 750 mL $19.95. November 26, 2011
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Palliser Pinot Noir 2009, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Toast, blackcurrant, strawberry, violet and bacon notes rise from the glass. The palate is dry and very well balanced and structured. Raspberry, toast, strawberry and smoked meat mingle wonderfully on the tongue before closing with a milk-chocolaty finish. My note: Big Love pinot with juicy cherry aromas that leap out of the glass to hug your senses. Ultra-mouth-watering with a medium- to full-body. Top me up! Drink: 2011-2016. 120766 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 26, 2011
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Oyster Bay Merlot 2010, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The Hawkes Bay region on New Zealand’s North Island is best-known for producing red wines, particularly with classic Bordeaux varieties. The moderate maritime climate, sunny skies and gravelly soils are perfect for growing deep and delicious Merlot like this one. This well-structured wine offers rich fruit flavours with hints of spice. My note: Big, juicy acidity that cries out for food (and conversation). Black plums prance across your mouth. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 692343 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. November 26, 2011
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Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese rounding out the blend. Filled with raspberry, vanilla, cedar, cherry and sweet spice aromas. Dry with lively acidity and lots of fruit. Moderate to firm tannins bring it all together. International in style. Will benefit from 3+ years in a cellar, or decant it and enjoy it tonight. My note: Savoury with notes of cedar, meat, leather and smoke. Not hugely fruity. Love this style. Balanced, mouth-watering, full-bodied and supple. A good gift wine. Drink: 2011-2014. 145920 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. November 26, 2011
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Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Altamira Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Amarone-like concentration of black fruit. Exotic fruitcake and black fleshy plum aromas. Yet there’s also lifted notes in the middle and an elegance and length that makes it’s hard to pigeonhole this wine … which is exactly what the winery intended, most likely. A wine for hedonists. 132357 13% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 96/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Château de Beaucastel 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Huge concentration in this black-hearted wine that’s a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and other permitted grapes. Full-bodied and fairly smooth; it will benefit from cellar time. Drink: 2013-2022. 968750 14.50% XD 375 mL $46.95 Score: 95/100. November 26, 2011
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Château De Monturon Grand Cru Vign. Saby 2009, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the Challenge International du Vin 2011. Enticing aromas of toast, roasted coffee bean, vanilla and plum. The palate is dry, medium-full bodied and quite complex. The flavours closely follow the nose’s lead, adding touches of raspberry to the layered smoky coffee and vanilla notes. Very nicely structured and balanced, with harmonized tannins and crisp acidity. This will reward 5+ years in the cellar, but can be enjoyed tonight. My note: Tarry and pleasantly bitter, this one could also use cellar time. Blackberry and cassis with a smoky oak weave. Drink: 2014-2018. 171017 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
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Ascheri Fontanelle Barbera D’Alba 2009, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This single-vineyard Barbera is deep purple in colour, it displays elegant aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, tobacco and hints of new oak. It’s medium bodied, with deep, dark fruit flavours balanced by lively acidity and soft tannins. My note: Rustic, straight up pleasure with black cherries. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2014. 982462 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 26, 2011
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Château Faizeau Vieilles Vignes 2009, Ac Montagne St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Big, black and hulking and in special need of cellar time then decanting. Smoky, tarry with an underlay of black fruit, this Bordeaux is beautifully structured. Serve at an elegant dinner party, especially one involving your boss and the side agenda of a raise or promotion. Drink: 2013-2020. 191494 14.50% XD 750 mL $27.00 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
Full Review
Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways and sips. Gorgeously textured with a seductive satin mouth-feel. Fleshy black cherry flavours dissolve in your mouth and release that sigh you’ve been holding in. The acidity is there but so woven into the luscious layers that you barely notice it except to appreciate that you don’t tire of this wine easily … or ever. Drink: 2011-2018. 34553 13.50% XD 750 mL $75.00 Score: 95/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Mooiplaas The Bean Pinotage 2010, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Invigorating coffee bean, vanilla and mocha aromas are front and centre. Dry, medium bodied with a creamy texture, and notes of roasted coffee, chocolate, vanilla and plenty of dark fruit as well. A long, crisp, chocolaty finish. My note: Holy espresso Bat Man! No coffee added but there’s a rich, warm mocha aroma here that works nicely with the wine. Could this be the perfect breakfast wine? Drink: 2011-2014. 251165 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. November 26, 2011
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Château Pontet-Canet 5E Cru 2008, A.C., Pauillac, Bordeaux, France: Terrific but very pricey and I think that some reviews have been over zealous. Classic nose, good juiciness, full-bodied rich texture with dark fruit. Terrific wine, but I’d buy 4 of some of the other Bordeaux reviewed here instead for the same money. Drink: 2012-2020. 137323 13% XD 750 mL $129.00 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
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Valiano Poggio Teo Chianti Classico 2006, D.O.C.G., Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won Grand Gold at the 2010 Mondus Vini in Germany. Rich and invigorating aromas of blueberry, cherry, mint and pipe tobacco on the nose. Good structure and balance throughout, with a lovely seam of acidity, velvety tannins and a very nice, long finish. Cellar 3+ years or enjoy now. My note: Rugged and tannic; it’ll calm down nicely after 2 hours decanted alongside a juicy steak. Quite lovely after that settling. Full-bodied with black pickin-a-fight fruit. Drink: 2011-2015. 250563 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 26, 2011
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Henschke Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz 2005, Keyneton, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: I closed my eyes when I breathed in this wine’s aromas. I love that. Gorgeous lifted aromas of blackberries and some spritely voice singing in the middle of a dark forest… a shaft of sunlight cuts through the trees. Rise up on the notes, turn your face to the sun. Full-bodied and richly layered. Perfect for forgiveness. Drink: 2011-2020. 718601 13% XD 750 mL $99.95 Score: 97/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Theurons 1Er Cru 2006, A.C., Burgundy, France: Absolutely splendid: The aromas of violets and wild fleshy cherry tumble out of the bottle in a profusion for the senses. Medium- to almost-full-bodied with a luxurious velvet texture. Please get me a case for my birthday. (Did you know my birthday’s tomorrow?) Drink: 2011-2018. 42838 13.50% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 94/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Errázuriz Wild Ferment Pinot Noir 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Some winemakers believe that the use of wild airborne yeasts (that occur naturally in the vineyard) during fermentation creates wines with a more dramatic flavour profile than those produced with conventional cultivated yeasts. This wine offers aromas of cherry, earth, dried flowers and spice. Dry and well balanced with cherry, raspberry, beet root and floral notes leading to a delicious spicy finish. Lovely. My note: Sweetly ripe cherry-berry bold flavours and mouth-watering action. Medium to full-bodied. Terrific and vibrant! Drink: 2011-2015. 510396 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, D.O., Penedès, Spain: Lovely interpretation of Cabernet Sauvignon: much more aromatic than most cabs. Juicy generousness on the palate with rich layers of black fruit and a hint of smoke. A finish as long as a Spanish sunset. Perfect for dinner parties and hostess gifts. Drink: 2011-2020. 129676 14.50% XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 94/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very pleasant and medium-bodied with cedar and cassis. Drink: 2011-2016. 990440 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
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Villa Girardi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Made using Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara, this wine utilizes grapes that are first fully dried on mats for several months before being pressed and then aged for 3 years in 35-litre Slovanian oak barrels. The resulting wine is filled with aromas and flavours of black plum, sweet cherry, vanilla, dried meat and dark chocolate. This dry, intense wine is an excellent match for rich meat dishes, or enjoy it after a hearty meal with dark chocolate (70% cacao and above). My note: Juicy sweet black cherry liqueur runs through the core with some smoke and dark spice on the finish. Full-bodied to the max. Drink: 2011-2020. 159913 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011
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Bird in Hand Two In The Bush Shiraz 2009, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Purple plum with a hint of mint. Full-bodied, luscious with mouth-watering activity. Great price. Drink: 2011-2015. 243634 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 26, 2011
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13th Street Gamay Noir 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Black peppered cherries with a core of vibrant acidity that’s amazing with food. Drink: 2011-2014. 177824 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
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Château Canteloup Raoul Fabre & Fils, Prop. 2004, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of leather, earth, smoke, plum and raspberry are prominent. The palate is dry and fruity with very good raspberry and smoky replays. It’s all held together with well-balanced tannins and fresh acidity. Expertly crafted, this wine is ageing well and is an excellent choice for experiencing maturing Bordeaux at a very approachable price. My note: Simple, rustic and ready to drink when you are. You can’t beat the price for Bordeaux. Not complex but very pleasant and full-bodied. Drink: 2011-2014. 243923 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 26, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Viljoensdrift Serenity 2005, W.O., Robertson, South Africa: Juicy and vibrant with almost full-bodied weight. This is a bright, happy wine with some lovely ripe black fruit. Drink: 2011-2015. 37523 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2011
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Pesquera Reserva Alejandro Fernández Tinto Pesquera Tinto 2007, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Old, long and savoury not fruity at all in a beautiful way. Leather, smoke and nostalgia waft out of the bottle. Drink: 2011-2018. 323345 14% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 91/100. November 26, 2011
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Sparkling WineNicolas Maillart Brut Premier Cru Champagne 2005, A.C., France: A top-notch bubbly worth your attention this new year. Toasting, refreshing and complex. Worth every penny. Drink: 2005-2015. 245894 12.50% D 750 mL $52.95 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review
© 2013 Natalie MacLean