Wine Picks

Values Wine Picks March 2, 2010

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

White Wine

Les Baronnes Henri Bourgeois 2008, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France: Austere and mouth-watering with green apples and limes. Oak free with pure refreshment. Minerally not fruity. 542548 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

La Chablisienne Vieilles Vignes, Les Vénérables Chardonnay 2008, Chablis, Burgundy, France: Green apple goodness with mouth-watering acidity and lime notes. No oak with a refreshing crispness. Not fruit forward, more minerally. 942243 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Louis Latour Vin de Pays des Coteaux de l'Ardeche Chardonnay 2007, Coteaux de l'Ardeche, France: Smooth, creamy and balanced. Terrific for the price. Notes of green apples and some hazelnut. 132498 13.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Chardonnay 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A generous and voluptuous Chardonnay with gorgeous notes of green apples, butter, hazelnut and oak. 545004 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Cave Spring Cellars Riesling 2008, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Lovely lime purity with major mouth-watering action! Light but packed with flavour. Great aperitif or food companion. 286377 11.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Palantine Hills Riesling Traminer 2008, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A very pretty white with lovely white field flowers and white peach. Terrific aperitif. Great price! 58602 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.05 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2009, New South Wales, Australia: Lovely notes of white and green melon with a refreshing white peach finish. Great aperitif. 668947 12.50% D 750 mL $10.85 Score: 86/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Inniskillin Wines Cooper Vineyard Riesling Legacy Series 2008, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: A spritely, energetic white with refreshing notes of lime and white flowers. Great balance and finesse. Lots of body here with a beautiful medium weight and texture. Luscious! Drink: 2010-2013. 988165 12.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Conundrum Blend 2008, Rutherford, California, United States: Divine! Exotic, enticing and transporting! I love it: This wine will trabsport you to the Orient then zip you back to a California beach. Alluring notes of lychee, rose petal, white melon. Medium-bodied and refreshing. You have to try it! 694653 13.50% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Signorello Estate Seta - Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Napa, USA: Lovely green apple and lime notes. Balanced, rich and full-bodied. Lanolin-infused finish. 260868 14.10% 750 mL $43.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Frtiz Riesling 2008, Rheinhessen, Germany: A simple, refreshing white with good acidity and attack. Notes of lime and grapefruit. Needs food so pair it up with seafood, vegetarian dishes and others. Drink: 2010-2010. 320135 11.50% M 750 mL $16.99 Score: 86/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Tselepos Domaine Tegea Mantinia 2009, AOC Mantinia, Greece: Pretty and floral with lovely fresh daisies tossing their heads in a spring breeze. Perfect aperitif with a clean, fresh finish and the promise of May blossoms and ripe melon. Drink: 2010-2013. 724583 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Ironstone Symphony 2007, Obsession, United States: Lemon essence with some lovely white flower notes. Stunning and interesting every year. Great acidity and mouth-watering. Symphony is actually the name of the grape: It's a cross between Grenache Blanc and Muscat of Alexandria. 355784 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Huff Estates Winery South Bay Vineyards Chardonnay 2007, Prince Edward County, Canada: Stunning buttery depths and voluptuousness. Velvet richness with a hazelnut-infused finish. Yum. Drink: 2011-2014. 1010101 12.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: Grassy good and refreshing! Mouth-watering acidity makes this a lovely aperitif or companion to many dishes. 619452 11.50% 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2008, D.O.C., Valdadige, Italy: Lovely lemon, white melon and chives. Very refreshing and clean. The ultimate aperitif. 106450 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc 2009, South Africa: Terrific value for the price! Grassy good and refreshing with zippy notes of limes, grapefruit and gooseberry. Wonderful aperitif or food companion. 382713 13% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Beringer Vineyards Stone Cellars Chardonnay 2008, California, USA: Bursting with ripe blackberries, blackcurrants and cassis. Great structure with a judicious use of oak. Decant this full-bodied quaffer for an hour. 606806 13.80% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Russian River Ranches Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma, United States: A lovely, round, bliusy Chardonnay with generous notes of green apple, butter and smoke. Sheer voluputousness. 608653 14.20% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Signorello Estate Signorello Estate Signorello Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2007, Napa, USA: A big, blousy, classic California Chardonnay with beautifully buttery layers and richness. Aromas of ripe tree fruit. Lovely proportions. Drink: 2010-2013. 260850 14.20% 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Lindemans Stone Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2009, New South Wales, Australia: Lime and melon fresh with a crisp, refreshing acidity. Some come-alive grassy, herbal notes in the middle. Terrific aperitif or companion to seafood and shellfish. Here comes summer! 181388 12% D 750 mL $10.85 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Coopers Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Grassy good with limes and grapefuit. Big mouth-watering action here! Zippy, zippy. 957407 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Red Wine

Kir Yianni Paranga (Syrah-Merlot-Xinomavro) 2008, Regional wine of Macedonia, Greece: Lip-smacking delicious with juicy purple plums and blueberries. A whiff of cinnamon spice on the finish. Full-bodied and generous. Drink: 2010-2015. 62596 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, South Africa: Terrific robust red with ripe black fruit and an attractive dusty, earthy note. Supple and balanced without being too sweet or heavily oaked. An amazing wine for the money. Perfect for potluck dinner. 111526 14% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Zenato Valpolicella Ripasso 2007, Veneto, Italy: Mocha with blackberry, this robust red with a supple texture will be a crowd pleaser. 479766 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Osoyoos Larose Petales D’Osoyoos Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Roses and violets crushed among dark field berries and vanilla spice. Supple and velvet-textured. A blend of merlot (75%), malbec (14%), cabernet sauvignon (5%), petit Verdot (5%) and cabernet franc (1%). It was aged 16 months in French oak barrels. A total of 8,000 cases were made. This is the second label of Osoyoos Larose so it’s ready to drink earlier than the flagship wine. Decant 1-2 hours. Needs time to age. Drink: 2011-2016. 13.50% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Edge Wines Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa, USA: A full-bodied, tasty wine with black cherry and dark spice aromas. A clove-vanilla infused finish. Drink: 2010-2014. 289685 14.40% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 90/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Domaine Jean Bousquet Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Tupungato Valley, Argentina: A full-bodied, supple red with lovely aromas of dark berries and plums. Perfect with meat lovers' pizza on movie night or for early spring barbecues. Great price! Drink: 2010-2018. 160952 14% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Goats do Roam Shiraz Blend 2007, South Africa: A supple, medium- to full-bodied red with attractive notes of black plums and berries. Judicious and well-integrated use of oak. This wine would please many palates at a party. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. 718940 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Torres Catalunya Sangre De Toro 2008, Catalonia, Spain: Fantastic value! Loaded with juicy black cherries, berries, dark spices and licorice. Velvety smooth, full-bodied and tasty. Terrific party wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 6585 13.50% MD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Guigal Syrah Blend 2005, Cotes Du Rhone, France: Cedar and black cherries: I love this style of wine! Medium-bodied and supple with mouth-watering flavours. Terrfic balance and very polite food companion. 259721 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.60 Score: 89/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Cannonau Di Sardegna 2006, Sardinia, Italy: Love it! Sun-dried tomato, black cherry, smoke, savory bacon fat. Intriguiing. 425488 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Beaulieu Vineyards Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: I looked twice at the price because I thought it was typo it was so low. This is an incredible wine for the money. Stock up for your next party or for next year. Wonderful aromas of mocha, black plums and smoke. Full-bodied and supple. Yay! 569871 13.50% XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Bankside Shiraz 2007, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A juicy, ripe, robust red with fleshy plums. A tasty weave of oak runs through this slap-happy wine. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Knock it back! Terrific party wine. 436022 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Leaping Horse Merlot 2007, United States: Mocha-rich and tasty! Perfect party wine at an incredible price. Blackberries and plums. Yum! 613265 14% XD 750 mL $11.50 Score: 86/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Inniskillin Wines Oppenlander Vineyard Cabernet Franc Legacy Series 2007, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: The 2007 vintage was long and hot which resulted in succulently ripe reds, especially this Cabernet Franc. It has towering structure and flavour along with massive depth of fleshy back fruit. An incredible wine. Drink: 2010-2016. 988164 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Little Yering Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2005, Australia: Blackberry liqueur and jam. If you want a palate-whacker and love jammy-ripe fruit, you've found your friend in this bottle. Lip-smacking tasty. 145326 14.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Tyrrell's Wines Lost Block Shiraz 2007, Hunter Valley, Australia: A juicy, deeply delicious Shiraz with rich, dark plums, blackberries and menthol. Full-bodied and terrific! Drink: 2011-2017. 426640 14% 750 mL $17.99 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Kacaba Vineyards Meritage Cabernet Merlot 2004, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Mocha-rich with blackberry aromas. Full-bodied and smooth. This winery is consistently good. 101477 12.80% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Chateau Pey La Tour Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007, Bordeaux, France: Mocha and oak come first with some blackberry and casis to follow. Full-bodied and brooding with a cedary-infused finish. Has Old World structure with New World black fruit and oak. 925859 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendocino County, California, United States: Lovely balance in this mocha-rich red with layers of fleshy plums and blackberries and cassis. This wine is made from organically grown grapes. 342428 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Big, honkin', beautiful red with leap-out-of-the-glass aromas of black plums, blackberries, smoke and pepper. A great wine for game night. Yum! 659607 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc 2005, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: It’s thrilling how much potential is locked up in this bottle. Give it time and it will reward you richly in a river of hedonistic delight. Drink: 2014-2022. 626325 13.80% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Mike Weir Wine Cabernet Merlot 2007, Niagara, Ontario, Canada 109 13% XD 750 mL $18.95. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Washington, United States: A sturdy, savory red with robust layers of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant. Balanced and flavorful. Will please even grumpy people. 144022 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Beringer Vineyards Stone Cellars Merlot 2007, California, USA: Smooth and plummy with a lovely balance. Medium- to full-bodied, the delicious rip red concludes with a vanilla smoke finish. 462473 13.20% D 750 mL $0.00 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Skouras St. George Agiorgitiko 2007, AOC Nemea, Greece: Lovely mocha-dark chocolate nose with black raspberries and earthy notes. Full-bodied, supple and wonderfully different to get you out of that wine rut. Juicy and tasty. Try it, just once and I think you'll be pleased. Drink: 2010-2015. 162321 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Huff Estates Winery South Bay Vineyards Merlot-Cabernet 2007, Prince Edward County, Canada: Redolent of sweet chocolate notes on the nose with fleshy ripe plums on the palate. Medium- to full-bodied and supple. Very pleasant sipping wine. Drink: 2010-2013. 010101 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Cline Cellars Syrah 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: A robust red with peppery black fruit and smoke. A terrific wine for movie or pizza night. 733758 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Nederburg Shiraz 2007, South Africa: Juicy and lip-smacking delicious with a full-bodied character. Lovely earthy balance to the ripe plums and blackberries with some a spicy, racy finish. Aged for 12 months in oak but not too oaky at all. Just lovely! 527457 14% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Santa Rita Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Love it! I will not be snobby and resist a 90 score just because this is a $14 wine. It's tasty, robust and packed with flavour. Fleshy rip plums, blackberries and a mocha infused finish. Roll on! 253872 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Central Valley, Chile: Aromas of dark plums and berries fill this supple, full-bodied wine to the brim. Some lovely vanilla smoke on the finish. Incredible price. 218644 13.90% XD 750 mL $10.45 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, USA: Big black fleshy cherries unfurl over your palate in a silky river of flavour and pleasure. This is a very robust pinot noir due to the high alcohol level. However, it is quite delicious for those who love a full-bodied style. Drink: 2010-2015. 545343 14.40% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Knights Valley, California, United States: Gorgeous layers of mocha and black plum. Velvet smooth with a long, satisfying finish. Mouth-watering acidity and juiciness. This is a fireside or sunset wine: sip, think, sip again, savor. 352583 14.30% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Periquita 2006, Portugal: Supple, medium- to full-bodied with fleshy black plums and blackberries. Not too much oak. Just lovely. Great price! 25262 13% XD 750 mL $7.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc 2004, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Chalky-dry with a towering Bordeaux-like structure. Classic aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry. Ready to drink to now but it will last. Drink: 2010-2018. 626325 13.80% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Fuse Wines Fuse Cabernet 2006, Napa, USA: A towering, massive wine with incredible structure, balance, depth and length. Mocha richness, with black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Superb! Drink: 2010-2018. 239995 14.10% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc 2007, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Year after year, this winery delivers: what we are talking about is differences in excellence. This vintage was hot but the wine is still nicely balanced and structured. The signature notes of tasty mocha, dark plums and berries. Give it time: don’t rob the cradle. You’ll be thankful. A magnificent wine. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2014-2022. 626325 13.80% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 91/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007, Burgundy, France: Gorgeously tart cherries with redcurrant and cranberry notes. Silky smooth and seductively long. Amazing value for the price. In fact, I often pick up a case of this pinot so as never to be out of a mouth-watering, food-friendly wine for dinner. Love it! 69914 13% XD 750 mL $18.45 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Lovely for the money! Gorgeous balance with classis aromas of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant. A weave of smoke runs through it. Perfect for dinner parties, especially if you're serving steak or a meaty dish. 212993 14% XD 750 mL $15.45 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Chanson Pere & Fils Pinot Noir 2007, Burgundy, France: Juicy, mouth-watering cherries with a sexy, supple texture. I bought a case of this because I loved it. It's not cheap but it's a steal for Burgundy. 50575 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Cesari Amarone 2006, Valpolicella, Italy: A rich, velvet robe of black cherries and plums. Like walking on rose petals: luxurious and supple, a hedonist's fantasty. Very full-bodied. 426718 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Huff Estates Winery Merlot 2008, Prince Edward County, Canada: Attractive, mouth-watering black cherries, blackberries and earthy notes. Gives a pleasant bite with supple, full-bodied layers of flavour. Good balance. This winery has made big strides quickly in terms of its quality and development from just starting out. Drink: 2010-2012. 134239 12.80% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2008, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Love it! Absolutely seductively ripe cherries run out to meet you, grab you by the hand and pull you into the glass. Just go with it. Medium-bodied and velvet smooth. Strong but good use of oak. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. 1545 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Rosés

Lighthall Vineyards Rancourt Cabernet Franc Rosé 2009, Prince Edward County - VQA Ontario, Canada 12% D 750 mL $16.80. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Sparkling Wine

Huff Estates Winery Cuvee Peter F. Huff 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Gorgeous mousse with a lovely balanced freshness on the palate. Frothy good aromas of green apples and white pear. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes using the traditional champagne method of the second fermentation in the bottle. Extraordinary length and satisfaction! Could this be Canada's best bubbly? Drink: 2010-2012. 01010 12% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Dessert Wine

Limnos Muscat Of Alexandria 2008, AOC Limnos, Greece: Unctuous (love that word) and honeyed with a sweetness that is rich and luxurious not cloying. Apricots, pneapple and white field flowers in a basket. Lovely after-dinner drink on its own or with creme brulee. Drink: 2010-2014. 61119 15% S 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review

Reif Estate Riesling Icewine 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara River, Ontario, Canada: Lovely lemon drops and apricot jelly with some orange zest running down the middle in a seam of brightening acidity. I love this wine. What a treat it would be after dinner. Drink: 2010-2025. 779320000297 10.50% S 200 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2010 Full Review