Wine Picks

Vintages Wine Picks July 19, 2008

White Wine

Artesa Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay 2006, Carneros, California, United States: An opulent, rich chardonnay with layers of peach and butter goodness. 657585 XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Macrostie Chardonnay 2006, Carneros, United States: A round, toasty, oaky chardonnay. Notes of vanilla, ripe peaches and smoke. 663054 D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The cool climate of the Niagara region is ideally suited to the cultivation of Riesling and it comes as no surprise that this varietal is fast-becoming one of Ontario's signature wines. Beamsville Bench, in particular, has been producing exceptional wines from this noble grape. Fresh, well-balanced, and off-dry, Flat Rock's Riesling offers vibrant aromas and flavors of peach, tropical fruit and grapefruit. My note: Absolutely yummy white! Mouth-watering ripe pears and peaches. Good zip! Closed with a screwcap. 43281 D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Domdechant Werner Riesling Kabinett 2006, Hochheimer Holle, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Backed by lively acidity, this round, ripe and medium-in-sweetness Riesling is filled with aromas of peach, citrus, vanilla bean and freshly rolled pastry. My note: A flavorful white with lovely lime notes. Drink: 2008-2015. 722413 10% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Casa Silva Quinta Generacion Viognier Sauvignon Gris Chardonnay 2004, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This proprietary blend is comprised of 40% Viognier, 40% Sauvignon Gris and 20% Chardonnay. Sauvignon Gris is a somewhat rare mutated variant of Sauvignon Blanc that has a pink skin and produces a fuller-bodied wine than its famous relative. My note: A quirky, off-beat white. 59444 D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Bischofliche Riesling Kabinett 2005, Avelsbacher, Altenberg, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: The Germans have had an unprecedented run of highly rated vintages from 1993 until the present day. This Kabinett is a prime example of the quality of 2005. It displays aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, citrus and slate. Starting out medium in sweetness, it quickly evolves to medium dry from the fine seam of acidity. My note: A lovely, light white: the essence of summer sunshine. Pleasant melon and citrus notes. A great aperitif. 71134 MD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Canada: A pleasant, full-bodied chardonnay with notes of vanilla and pear. 89037 D 750 mL $22.20 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Sandihurst Riesling 2006, Canterbury, New Zealand: A crisp riesling of lime notes. 63958 MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Sandalford Estate Vineyards Chardonnay 2005, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Margaret River, Western Australia, Estate Grown Using 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from Sandalford's own Wilyabrup vineyard, this is considered the estate's premium "Chardie". Rich peach and fig aromas mingle pleasantly with vanilla notes imparted by 12 months in French oak. Full-bodied and well balanced. My note: Gorgeous chardonnay! Rich, opulent, buy-me-diamonds wine. Ripe pears fill your glass. Closed with a screwcap. 75978 D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 93/100. July 19, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Rev' the lawnmowers! Grassy goodness with herbal refreshment. Closed with a screwcap. 63354 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Novas Chardonnay/ Marsanne/ Viognier 2006, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A rounded, flavorful white with oak, pear and vanilla notes. 63909 XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: A very grassy white with a herbal refreshing bite. Closed with a screwcap. 9167 XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Red Wine

Domaine Cazes Ego De Cazes Syrah Grenache Mourvèdre 2006, Cotes du Roussillon Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This cuvée is comprised of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. For the last ten years Domaine Cazes has been using bio-dynamic viticulture methods. This organic wine contains 9 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: A rustic, tasty wine with notes of plums and berries. 77701 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Beni Di Batasiolo Langhe Rosso Dolcetto Barbera Nebbiolo 2006, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Langhe Rosso by Batasiolo is an excellent food companion ready for enjoyment tonight. It's a blend of Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo, and the resulting wine brings the best of all three grapes to the mix: ripe fruit from the Dolcetto, acidity from the Barbera and silky tannic structure from the Nebbiolo. My note: A smooth, medium-bodied wine with plum and berry notes. 981019 XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2006, Guadalupe Valley, California, Mexico: Vintages Wine Panel: Widely produced in California, usually blended with Zinfandel to add structure, Petite Sirah is making a name for itself as a standalone variety in South America and Mexico. Dense purple in color, it offers black pepper and tea notes leading to an impressive, well-rounded finish. My note: An amazing value for a rich, dense wine of cherry liqueur and oak. 983742 14% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Morande Carmenere Reserva 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: A simple, delicious full-bodied red packed with cedar, cherries and black plums. 59436 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Cono Sur Vision Syrah 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from hand-picked grapes grown on challenging, rocky slopes in the Colchagua Valley. The results of winemaker Adolfo Hurtado's efforts shine through with vibrant black cherry, chocolate and mocha notes in seamless balance, and a lovely velvety texture on the palate. My note: A simple, delicious medium-bodied wine with lively notes of cherries. 24661 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Herencia Remondo La Montesa Crianza 2005, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Alvaro Palacios is the embodiment of the promise and spirit of new Spanish winemaking. He immediately injected new life into the Riojan property of Herencia Remondo by dramatically reducing yields in the vineyards. He concentrates on two wines for this property, the high-end Propiedad and this finely tuned Crianza, La Montesa. Filled with dark fruits, cloves, fresh herbs and smoky oak, this Crianza is well made and perfectly balanced. The snappy acids and ripe tannins support the fruit aromas and flavors with precision. My note: A rich, provocative red with vibrant red fruit notes. 674572 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma Coast, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot was born in the surf, with all its component grapes grown within 25 miles of the Pacific. The fog and wind from the ocean provided the cooling effect ideal for Pinot Noir grapes. This 2006 displays elegant red fruit and earth notes, and a long finish. My note: I've recommended this wine for years. It always delivers ripe red cherries and silky texture. 719435 D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: The proprietors of Simonsig, the Malan family, have a winemaking history in South Africa that dates back ten generations. Aged for 16 months in 77% French and 23% American oak, this attractive Cab has plenty of dark fruit, licorice, sweet herb and vanilla notes. It's dry, full-bodied, with a smooth and supple texture. My note: A solid, well-made wine that shows the hand of experience. Full-bodied. 744375 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Mas Donis Old Vines Barrica 2005, Montsant, Spain: A smooth, full-bodied red with fruit and smoke aromas. 705863 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Rodney Strong Wine Estates Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2005, Sonoma Country, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold medal with a score of 95 from the judging panel at the California State Fair Wine Competition 2007. An elegant, well-structured Zin, it features ripe blackberry fruit balanced by a seam of acidity and gentle tannins with spicy white pepper and herb notes. My note: A concentrated red of brambleberry and blackberry. 363358 D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. July 19, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Chakana Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This big, fruit-forward Malbec is consistently an exceptional value. This new vintage offers intense aromas of black fruit and chocolate, with plenty of toasty oak and vanilla. My note: Terrific value for this flavorful, full-bodied wine with ripe red berries. 3509 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2005, Barossa, South Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This distinctive Shiraz is always a reliable value. Packed with ripe raspberry and cherry aromas and flavors, this smooth and supple wine also shows hints of licorice and a dose of black pepper on the rich finish. My note: A dependable, balanced full-bodied red with juicy plum notes. Closed with a screwcap. 738567 D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Laquirou Les Quatre Pins Syrah Blend 2005, La Clape, France: Vintages Wine Panel: La Clape is fast becoming one of the Midi's best regions without its own appellation. Still attached to the larger Coteaux du Languedoc AC, red wines from La Clape are stylish, displaying aromas of blackberry, garrigue, plum and cedar. This blend of regional superstars Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault is dry, fruity, full-bodied, and ready-to-drink tonight. My note: A lovely, full-bodied wine with notes of cedar and cherries. 78832 D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Farina Amarone 2004, D.O.C. Della Valpolicella Classico, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Today, most Amarone producers rely on three grapes, Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella. Six grapes are allowed but rare is the producer who uses them all. Farina is one such producer. By using all six - the other three grapes are Molinara, Negara and Dindarella - Farina makes Amarone in its classic composition. The results are full, complex and forceful. My note: Full-bodied with cherry liqueur aromas. Drink: 2008-2013. 995910 15% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Echeverria Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005, Molina, Chile: A rich, warm full-bodied red with mouth-filling notes of dark red currants and smoke. 59378 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Tapestry Merlot 2005, McLaren Vale, South Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Using grapes grown in a single vineyard in the heart of McLaren Vale, this is a deeply concentrated Merlot that delivers luscious plum and violet aromas. The wine spends 18 months in French oak, adding a touch of vanilla and a backbone of tannins. My note: Round, smooth, luxurious. Full-bodied with dark chocolate and black plum aromas. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2013. 64063 D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Mont Tauch Grenache Carignan 2006, A.C. Corbiéres, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Grenache and Carignan, this wine is rich with aromas and flavors of cherry, pepper, spice and vanilla. Dry and flavorful. My note: A smooth merlot-like red with hints of pine needles and pomegranate. 78717 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

La Rosa La Capitana Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Ripe and bountiful, this Cabernet Sauvignon is made for the rich flavors of grilled summer fare. The nose is filled with black cherry, raspberry and oak spice aromas. Dry and fruity, it is nicely balanced by a seam of acidity. My note: Full-bodied aromas of oak, mocha and ripe black fruit. 68429 D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Domaine Cauvard Beaune Monopole Pinot Noir 2005, Clos De La Maladiére, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Henri Cauvard's family firmly believe in natural farming methods that preserve both the health of the vineyard and the quality of the wines. For example, they eschew the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in favor of natural composts and other earth-friendly solutions. This fresh and lively tasting Pinot is from the incredible 2005 vintage. Bursting with bright red-fruit flavors. My note: A basket of red berries and field flowers. Medium-bodied. 69872 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache Shiraz Mourvédre 2006, McLaren Vale, South Australia: A blend of 70% grenache, 20% shiraz, and 10% mouvedre. An outstanding wine for the money. Full-bodied and loaded with dark red fruit notes. Closed with a screwcap. 606236 XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Aresti Assamblage 2004, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Aresti's Winemakers' portfolio challenges their winemaking team, headed by Jon Usabiaga, to find the optimal blend of grapes based on the growing season each year. The sun-drenched 2004 vintage gave the team some flexibility; their final blend for the Assamblage was 45% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Carmenère. My note: A mouth-watering wine with delicious ripe red fruit and mocha. 64113 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Rioja Gran Reserva 1998, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: A lovely mature wine with alluring aromas of leather, spice and cigar box. 642496 D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Montgras Carmenere Reserva 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A full-bodied red with black raspberries and mocha. 960542 XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: A lovely, velvet-smooth Pinot with classic notes of ripe cherries. Closed with a screwcap. 590414 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Torres Gran Sangre De Toro Grenache Blend Reserva 2003, Catalunya, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: From Miguel Torres, the "King of Spain" to those in the industry, comes this fine Reserva. Intense, ripe and delicious, this blend of Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache), Cariñena and Syrah displays exuberant aromas redolent of blackberries with intriguing spice notes. Velvety with a long finish. My note: A medium-bodied smooth red like merlot with lovely plum fruit notes. 315648 XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Firesteed Pinot Noir 2006, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Near-perfect conditions in September and October made the 2006 vintage one for the record books in Oregon, and this well-priced Pinot is consistently one of the state's best values. Truly representational, the fruit is sourced from the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Walla Walla Valleys. This is a plush and juicy wine brimming with soft black cherry and raspberry fruit balanced by a bright seam of acidity and a hint of oak. My note: A consistently good producer of delicious medium-bodied pinots packed with ripe cherries. 361782 XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Rosés

Mas Des Bressades Tradition Rosé 2007, Costiéres de Nimes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: (Cyril Marès, Prop.-Récolt.) Mas des Bressades uses the saignée method to make this lovely rosé. By 'bleeding' off a portion of the free-run juice during the winemaking process, the wine is endowed with more robust flavors than conventional versions. Enjoy this delicious blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. My note: Full-bodied rosé with ripe raspberries. Not a tannin in sight. 950576 D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review

Sables D'Azur Rosé 2007, Cotes de Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This fresh, floral-scented rosé hails from the foothills of Mount Sainte-Victoire, in the mediterranean climate of Provence. Fragrant and quite structured, it offers rose petal and berry notes, and a silky finish. My note: A bone-dry, mouth-watering rosé with light raspberry notes. 33621 D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Favorite Rosé. Full Review

Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2007, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This robust, cherry-pink rosé is packed with ripe blackcurrant and berry aromas and flavors. Dry, medium-bodied and bursting with fruit, it's a bolder-styled rosé. My note: A simple, dry, delicious rosé with strawberry notes. 59147 D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. July 19, 2008 Full Review