Vintages Wine Picks October 15, 2011

White Wine

Pierre Sparr Réserve Gewurztraminer 2009, A.C., Alsace, France Drink: 2011-2017.  747600  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Dr. Burklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Trocken Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Pfalz, Germany: Perfect with amazing mineral, flinty depth of flavour with white peach and succulent, give-me-more Asian pear. Drink: 2011-2017.  253955  12.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Morande Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Grassy good and refreshing with a solid medium-body. Stunning for the price point. Drink: 2011-2013.  252346  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Chardonnay 2009, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw-lemon colour with aromas of tropical fruit, ripe apple with cinnamon, buttered toast, guava and a hint of banana. Dry, intensely fruity and toasty, but in good harmony with neither dominating the other. A vibrant acidity provides refreshing crispness. Full bodied with a medium-long finish that is simultaneously elegant and robust. My note: Stunning for this price point! Rich, toasted almonds wrap around a core of green apple vibrancy. Balanced and luscious, with loads of hedonistic happiness. This is an amazing party wine and it also works well for dinner parties. Drink: 2011-2014.  928580  14.50%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


André & Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fumé 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An attractive nose of nettle, grass, apple and grilled onions. The palate is dry, crisp and smoky with vegetal flavours mingling in with the apple and pear fruit. A seam of racy acidity keeps the various elements balanced and in check. Nice length. Enjoy this pleasing Sauvignon Blanc. My note: Lovely, lifted green apple flavor and lime zest. A touch of oak that gives only a whisper of smoke on the finish. Drink: 2011-2015.  196659  13%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Château des Charmes Chardonnay Musqué 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Château des Charmes is the pioneer in Ontario for this 'muscat-scented' wine. It could be argued that, though not developed here, it was perfected in the province. This pretty, floral-infused wine offers up plenty of grapefruit, lavender and spice characteristics. Makes a unique sipper. My note: Light and floral with exotic aromas of orange zest and rose petal. Perfect for Asian dishes Drink: 2011-2014.  640516  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Catena Alta Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay 2009, Estate Lots, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Vibrant array of aromas, including coconut, oatmeal, cardamom, yellow plum, vanilla custard and guava. Dry, very generous with lots of fruit along with equally appealling oak notes and fresh acidity. Full bodied with a long finish. This big and bold wine has a surprising elegance to it too. Cellar it 2-4+ years, or savour tonight. My note: Rich and full-bodied with generous layers of tropical fruit, peach and green apple. Just the right amount of smoke to create a luscious package of complete satisfaction for Chardonnay lovers. Drink: 2011-2016.  959973  14%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Vieil Armand Ollwiller Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Another spectacular off-dry Alsatian Pinot Gris from a fine single vineyard, featuring aromas of white flowers, peach, melon and a hint of almond. Fruity and fresh with excellent spice and mineral tones. Good acidity brings it into a fine balance. My note: Love it! Juicy and succulent with a lovely nectarine, orange blossom aroma. Fresh and mouth-watering. Perfect for Asian dishes. Drink: 2011-2016.  224279  13.50%  MD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Fielding Pinot Gris 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Dry and mouth-watering with white melon and grapefruit notes. Clean and crisp Perfect aperitif. Drink: 2011-2014.  251108  12.50%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay 2008, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: How absolutely delightful! Pure green apple sunshine infused with a toasted almond finish. The Chardonnay was fermented half in stainless steel and half in 30% new oak, then the oak-fermented portion went through malolactic fermentation to give a creamier mouth-feel. Drink: 2011-2017.  959619  14.10%  XD  750 mL  $28.00  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Pure green sunshine with grass, lime, chives and herbal essence. Refreshing and mouth-watering. Terrific food wine. Drink: 2011-2013.  686675  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2010, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Full-on grassy, herbal spriteliness with zippy, mouth-watering acidity. Pure refreshment with lime zest. Drink: 2011-2013.  948620  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Gorgeous depth, and yes, it deserves this price. Rich layers of toasted almond decadence with green apple, Asian pear and happiness. Drink: 2011-2018.  147454  14%  XD  750 mL  $79.95  Score: 94/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Penfolds Thomas Hyland Riesling 2008, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia: Classic Riesling: love this style! Very flinty, wet rock on the nose followed by mouth-watering lime zest, white peach. Perfect food wine. Drink: 2011-2015.  146746  12%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate Sunrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Rich aromas of apple, peach, nectarine, butterscotch, toast and vanilla greet the nose. The palate is equally complex and exciting, with beautifully defined aroma replays. Dry, balanced, medium bodied, and creamy with a very good length to the citrusy finish. My note: A lovely, buttery, apricot-ripe chardonnay that’s not too heavy. To-die-for with roast chicken. Drink: 2011-2014.  249516  13.90%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Case Ibidini Valle Dell'acate Insolia 2010, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Sicily's native Insolia grape creates fresh and floral white wines that also feature plum and citrus fruit, along with bright acidity that makes them perfect partners for fish and seafood dishes. Enjoy this one. My note: Pretty and fresh with lovely white floral aromas and melon and lime zest. Terrifically refreshing. Drink: 2011-2014.  211839  12%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Red Wine

Viniterra Select Malbec 2005, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Look for aromas of cedar, spice box, leather and black cherry, and expect lots of personality on the palate from this beautifully sculpted Malbec. My note: Haunting purple plums (yes there is such a thing) with full-bodied, smooth, juiciness. An interesting dark spice finish. Drink: 2011-2014.  177964  14.80%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Union Wine Kings Ridge Pinot Noir 2009, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A very intense nose that offers rich dark cherry and spice notes. The palate is medium bodied, dry, and very flavourful, with a nice savoury softness and excellent varietal expression. More pepper and dark cherry notes throughout this well-structured, balanced, long-finishing Pinot. My note: Love this style of pinot that’s less ripe and fleshy than Californian pinot… more edgy with vibrant acidity and tarter fruit. Much better for food. This one has zippy cherries and a satin texture. Drink: 2011-2015.  237776  13.90%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Domaine J. Boulon Morgon 2009, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Light and happy with juicy tart cherries. Smooth and medium-bodied. Not a wine to analyze: one to enjoy! Drink: 2011-2013.  241166  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Masseria Altemura Aasseo Primitivo 2008, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From late-harvested grapes comes this fine, very quaffable Primitivo. Aromas of mincemeat, blueberry, spun sugar and dried cherry. A touch off-dry, it's crowd-pleasing and gives a hint of the Cali style (Primitivo is the same grape as Zinfandel), yet still has Italian sensibilities. Forward fruit and silky tannins means it well now. My note: Pure purple goodness with lip-smacking purple plums and fleshy blueberries. Full-bodied and smooth, this is a terrific BBQ or pizza wine. Drink: 2011-2014.  230573  13.50%  MD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Josef Chromy Pepik Pinot Noir 2010, Tasmania, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Invigorating and complex suggestions of sour cherry, dark fruit and black pepper on the nose. The palate is dry, medium bodied and draped in even stronger suggestions of fresh dark fruit, pepper and cherry. Medium tannins and a crisp acidity impart great support and structure. Good fruit focus right through to the end of the long finish. My note: Spectacularly juicy and mouth-watering red cherries dance across your mouth, waking up on your senses in a pure Aussie fruit sensation. This isn’t earthy or spicy: it’s sunny and tasty. Drink: 2011-2015.  162990  13%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Château Troplong Mondot Grand Cru 2007, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: If you love oak and a classic, full-bodied Bordeaux, this is your wine. Generous dollops of smoky oak and vanilla under which emerges black fruit and dark spices. Decant for a month… kidding, 2 hours at least though. Drink: 2012-2018.  102715  13%  XD  750 mL  $115.00  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Henry's Drive Shiraz 2007, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Smoky bacon savouriness with some mouth-watering juicy black fruit underneath. Elegant and balanced. Perfect for BBQ. Drink: 2011-2015.  243527  15%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Catena Alta Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec 2008, Estate Lots, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Spectacular, black-as-night Malbec with aromas of cassis, menthol/mint, mulberry, chokecherry, milk chocolate, mocha spice and cedar. Dry, intensely fruity with brisk acids and very well-handled oak bringing laser beam precise balance. Robust mid-palate and long finish. This one will definitely reward 4-6 years in a cellar. It can be enjoyed tonight too, decanted. My note: Gorgeously structured with incredible length and persistence of flavours. This is the best of Old and New World with the power of Argentine fruit and the elegance of French training, restraint and balance. Drink: 2011-2015.  982355  13.50%  D  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Bovin Venus 2008, Tikves, Macedonia: Vintages Wine Panel: Bovin Venus is a blend of the local Vranec (whose name means "black stallion"), and Merlot. The aromas suggest raspberry, plum, cedar and vanilla. Dry and flavourful, this is an intriguing wine. My note: Savoury, juicy and meaty: just perfect for game meats and venison. Terrific juicy black plums and wild blackberry notes. Drink: 2011-2014.  222687  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.00  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Cathedral Cellar Kwv Merlot 2008, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby colour with aromas of strawberry-rhubarb, tomato paste, bramble and graphite. Dry, fruity, and cedary with a good core of tannin for balance. Medium bodied, with a long, rather lush finish. My note: Incredibly juicy and mouth-watering and plush with fleshy ripe blackberries and dark plums. Love it! Drink: 2011-2014.  522219  14.50%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The Seghesio name has been a part of Sonoma's Zinfandel story since 1895. Today, sourcing grapes from vines averaging 25-30 years in age, they produce some of the best Zins going. Their 2007 was #10 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list of 2008 - certainly no fluke. Their 2009 shows notes of raspberry, blackberry and subtle spice. Demonstrating great structure, this is an elegant Zin. My note: Wonderfully rich and ripe with flavours that don’t overwhelm. It’s hard to believe that this is 15% alcohol as it certainly doesn’t taste that robust. Full-bodied, yes, but balanced and delicious. Drink: 2011-2016.  942151  15%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Inniskillin Winemaker's Series Three Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The titular "three vineyards" where fruit for this wine was grown are Braeburn Estate Vineyard (Niagara River), Heron Pond Vineyard (Beamsville Bench), and Montague Vineyard (Four Mile Creek). Ruby-coloured in the glass with classic Pinot aromas of earth, dark cherry, redcurrant and plum, along with accents of smoke, vanilla bean and new leather. Elegant and superbly balanced, with a medium body and fine, developing tannins. Cellar this pretty wine for up to 3 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Lush and delicious: just what pinot should be! Jubilant cherries dance across your mouth caressed with a satin texture and layers of pleasure. Perfectly medium-bodied. Drink: 2011-2015.  175174  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Southbrook Vineyards Whimsy Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Ann Sperling, who has dubbed this wine The Winemaker's Palette, has "painted" a lovely wine from the superb 2007 vintage in Niagara. Aromas of raspberry, boysenberry, tilled earth and woodsmoke are front and centre. The palate is dry and fruity, yet fine tannins come through for balance. This Cab Sauv, from the great 2007 vintage, is beautifully constructed. Enjoy it tonight or cellar it for up to three years. My note: Blackberry liqueur richness and depth with full-on hedonistically ripe fruit and a dark spice finish. Hard to believe it’s only 12% alcohol, but it’s also a pleasant surprise for such flavor. Drink: 2011-2015.  260281  12%  XD  750 mL  $33.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Love it! Gorgeously ripe black and purple plums with a lovely twist of dark spices and savoury juiciness. Beautifully structured and satisfying. Perfect for dinner parties and pizza night. Drink: 2011-2014.  661819  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Tait The Wild Ride Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Total juicy, lip-smacking wonder! Full-bodied and smooth with plush plums from here to Australia. Perfect for movie night and My Brilliant Career. Drink: 2011-2016.  243584  15.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 93/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Two Hands Brave Faces Shiraz Grenache Mataro 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby colour with aromas of cherry pie, wet earth, new leather and smoked meat. Dry, ripe, sweetly fruity, but with a fine brush of tannin for structure. Medium-full bodied with a long, robust finish. Drink now to 2015. My note: A dependably delicious red. Rich, full-bodied and smooth with juicy flavours of black plums and blackberries. What more could you want? Drink: 2011-2015.  660035  14.30%  D  750 mL  $33.95  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Elderton Ode To Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Amazing restraint and elegance in this Aussie blend! Almost French in its character. Savoury, juicy cedar and wild blackberry notes. Incredible length. Drink: 2011-2015.  976423  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Le Clos Jordanne Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby with aromas of smoky plum, cherry, underbrush, wild raspberry and new leather. Quite dry and fresh, lithe and elegant. Very good varietal character from a top Pinot vintage. Complex and intriguing with a fairly long finish. Cellar it 2-4 years or enjoy it tonight, decanted. My note: Generous oak with fruit. Satin smooth and luscious. Surely lovely cherry one of Canada’s best pinots. Drink: 2011-2018.  33902  13%  XD  750 mL  $45.00  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Château Pipeau 2008, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Loaded with oak: the wood comes first then blackberries and cassis. Well-structured and complex, but you must love oak! Drink: 2011-2016.  138115  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.00  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Alain Jaume & Fils 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, France: Black cherry liqueur runs through the heart of this gorgeous, full-bodied red. Smooth as velvet and as seductive as satin sheets. Bring it on! Drink: 2011-2020.  76331  15%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 93/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Clos Paradis Récolte Du Domaine Voarick Mercurey 1Er Cru Michel Picard 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Mercurey's vineyards reside at an altitude between 230 and 320 metres, and produce wines that are structured and dense with solid mid-term ageing potential. Showing red-fruit jam flavours and vanilla notes, this an elegant and silky Pinot. My note: Gorgeous tart black cherries and cranberries covered in earth (yes, that’s a good thing). Velvet texture and mouth-watering juiciness. This is why I love Burgundian Pinot Noir. Drink: 2011-2017.  86603  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Domaine Du Vieux Télégraphe 2008, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: A granddaddy among the reds of this region: beautifully structured with black-red fruit, smoke and dark spices. Savoury, cedary and chewy. Bring a fork to drink it! Drink: 2012-2018.  951475  15.10%  XD  750 mL  $72.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Liberty School Zinfandel 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Take note, students of wine! Here's a quick lesson on the subject of Zinfandel: Croatian in origin, this grape took so well to the Californian climate that in the 19th century it became this sunny state's signature variety. Displaying classic flavours of wild blackberry and spice, this 2008 is a prime example of the style. My note: Juicy and delicious, just what you want and expect in Cal Zin! Brambleberry, blackberry and blueberry topple each other in race to get to your senses. Drink: 2011-2015.  41095  13.50%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: I’m in love and his name is Shafer! How can I count the ways? Maybe the blackberry-black currant fruit? The smoke and judicious weave of oak? The incredible length that leaves you whimpering for more? Who knows. This winemaker is merciless. Drink: 2011-2018.  45476  14.90%  D  750 mL  $79.95  Score: 94/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Michael & David Phillips Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: It took fruit sourced from seven of Lodi's premium vineyards, specifically chosen for their superior quality, to create this sinfully rich Zinfandel. Loaded with berry fruit, pepper, spice and earth, this wine is a model of consistency. Mitigate the severity of your transgression (or implicate others as you will) and share this considerable, and decadent, treasure with friends at your next feast. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. My note: Smoky black fruit goodness, like a campfire with your best friend under a crisp moonlit October night. Love it! Juicy berries: black, blue and purple. Yum! Drink: 2011-2016.  59311  15%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Pazzo Call Me Crazy Proprietary Red Bacio Divino 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: A heavy-hitter with big black fruit, and mouth-watering juiciness. Some anise and black licorice on the finish. Very savoury and chewy. Drink: 2011-2015.  677708  16%  XD  750 mL  $31.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Ridge Geyserville 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Under the American AVA laws, a wine must be at least 75% from a single variety to be varietally labelled. Since this wine is a blend of 74% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro (Mourvèdre), it cannot be called a Zinfandel. Instead, Ridge uses the Geyserville designation, where the grapes are grown. Since each vintage is unique, it is hard to nail down the Geyserville style other than to say they are frequently complex, unique and extraordinary. This 2009, bottled in February 2011, is no exception. Cellar it 4+ years, or enjoy it now. My note: Robust and juicy with luscious layers of blackberry and black plum. Overpriced by $10, but this brand has power. You won’t be disappointed. Perfect for hearty meats of just about any kind. Drink: 2011-2016.  723072  15%  D  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Farina Le Pezze Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel:A lush, intense, full-flavoured wine that will fit extremely well with classic autumn foods. The wine is filled with aromas of mocha, plum, prune and vanilla. It is dry, rich, complex and layered, with ample tannin for balance and potential ageing (3-5 years). A superb value in Amarone. My note: Purple plum lush and plush and hardly as big as the usual amarone. Delicious, mouth-watering layers of pure fruit. Drink: 2011-2018.  171587  15%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 91/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Casa Di Terra Moreccio Bolgheri 2009, D.O.C.,Tuscany, Italy: A big dollop of oak with smoky vanilla aromas. Black fruit emerges after that with juicy, mouth-watering full-bodied goodness. Drink: 2011-2015.  232405  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Giacomo Fenocchio Bussia Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This cru Barolo comes from the finest part of Fenocchio's Bussia vineyards located in Monforte Alba. They age the wine for three years in Slavonian oak casks and then another year in bottle before release. My note: Incredibly mouth-watering with a tarry black fruit streak and violets through the middle. Needs cellar time. Balanced and full-bodied. Drink: 2013-2018.  232421  14%  XD  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: This one lit up my nose hair with its alcoholic warmth and black fruit aromas. Full-bodied and delicious: it offers a full-palate-whack of black cherries. Drink: 2011-2015.  75127  15.50%  D  750 mL  $52.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Volpaia Giovannella Stianti Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: True character of Volpaia's 2008 Chianti Classico is a pretty, mid-weight offering informed by tobacco, flowers, herbs and cherries. As is often the case in cooler years, these high-altitude vineyards tend to yield a more ethereal style of wine. Still, this Chianti Classico finds its balance nicely with time in the glass. It is a model of restrained elegance. My note: Perfect for tomato sauce. sun-dried tomato and baked fruit with a mouth-watering juiciness, smooth texture. Drink: 2011-2016.  953828  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2010, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This modern blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Carmenère is truly a superb value that shows the best of both varieties with its blueberry, plum, blackberry and spice flavours. It's dry and mouthfilling with plush fruit flavour and a lengthy finish. If you're a Cab lover looking for something a little different, then look no further. Hearty dishes with a bit of spice are a great match. My note: What crafty winemaking here! Just the right blend of the two grapes to produce a wine that is packed with dark fruit flavour but also has length, balance and depth. Pretty amazing for the price point! Drink: 2011-2014.  16071  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Koyle Royale Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This new project for the Undurraga family has seen them focus their efforts considerably in order to achieve excellence - small operation, small yields, limited quantities. A tremendously deep ruby in the glass, this is alive with aromas of smoke, black cherry, vanilla and dark chocolate. Dry and full bodied, it is very well structured with firm tannins and a great core of acidity. Ripe and generous fruit throughout. Delicious. Enjoy this tonight, or cellar for 5+ years. My note: A rugged, robust, cedary cab with mouth-watering aromas of wild blackberries. Very clean with a nice finish. Great balance. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2011-2014.  255760  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Two Hands Sophie's Garden Shiraz 2008, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Pure minty-blackberry goodness! A hallway of whistling flavor sweeps past your senses and keeps going down to your pleasure center. Full-bodied, smooth and ultra-delicious. Drink: 2011-2015.  62380  15.80%  XD  750 mL  $46.00  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


D'arenberg The Galvo Garage 2007, Mclaren Vale,Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Meaty, savoury and juicy: oh yes! Full-bodied with big, black brooding dark fruit, smoke and layers that go on forever. This wine is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 21% Petit Verdot, and 6% Franc and was matured 12 months in French oak. Drink: 2011-2015.  907584  14.50%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Walter Zweigelt Glatzer Riedencuvée 2008, Niederösterreich, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of plum, red fruit, blueberry, spice and smoke invite you to investigate further. The palate is medium bodied and fruity, with sour cherry and blueberry prominent, along with spice and earth suggestions. Very pleasing finish and length. My note: Like a peppery, spicy gamay/Beaujolais: nice. Medium-bodied and smooth with peppered cherry and field raspberry notes. Drink: 2011-2013.  221051  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Luigi Bosca Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipü, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Fine, balanced Cabernet that ably proves Argentina can do much more than just Malbec. Look for aromas of cassis, mocha, vanilla, blacberry and woodsmoke. A ripe wine with an intriguing rustic tone. Serve it with hearty autumnal stews. You could also cellar it for 3+ years. My note: Juicy, rich and pleasant with a good full-bodied grip. Blackberry and cassis, fleshy ripe and delicious. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2011-2014.  128629  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Navarro Correas Structura Ultra Limited Release 2006, I.P., Mendoza, Argentina: This wine is a blend of 52% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot and aged for 18 months in new French oak. It has a lovely length and depth to it with blackberry and blackcurrant flavours. Well-structured. Drink: 2011-2015.  64501  14.90%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 90/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Bernard-Massard Brut Cuvée De L'écusson Méthode Traditionnelle, Luxembourg: Vintages Wine Panel: Luxembourg has a long history of producing sparkling wines; its cool climate is ideal for creating sparklers with a marked crispness. This fizz is a unique blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Enjoy as a palate refresher before a meal or between courses. My note: Solid budget bubbly with toasty notes and good refreshment. Drink: 2011-2013.  970970  12%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Oyster Bay Cuvée Brut Chardonnay, New Zealand, New Zealand: Toasty and vibrant with green apple. Zesty refreshment. Drink: 2011-2014.  163634  12%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Domaine Allimant-Laugner Brut Crémant D'alsace Hubert Laugner, A.C., Alsace, France: Terrific bubbly for the price! Toasty with fresh green apple notes. Great for parties. Drink: 2011-2014.  30593  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée, A.C., Champagne, France: Love it! Muscular, rich, toasty and full-bodied… just like James Bond who loved this bubbly. Spectacularly well-made… you will never, ever be disappointed with it… or will I if you give it as a gift. Drink: 2011-2016.  384529  12%  XD  750 mL  $69.95  Score: 95/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Moet and Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rosé Champagne 2003, A.C., Champagne, France: Spectacular! I love rose bubbly the best. It means happiness and success. Gorgeous aromas of fleeting field raspberries combine with toasty effervescent. It’s liquid loveliness. Drink: 2011-2016.  69831  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $87.95  Score: 95/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Château Doisy-Daëne 2E Cru 2007, Bordeaux, France: The Platonic ideal of dessert wine: pure peach jam and pear preserves wrapped in honey-drizzled apricot. Oh yum. Drink: 2011-2020.  97899  14%  S  375 mL  $32.00  Score: 93/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review


Château Guiraud 1Er Cru 2007, A.C., Sauternes, Bordeaux, France: Superb: everything you want in a dessert wine and a dinner companion. Apricot richness and marmalade. Gorgeous depth and texture. Drink: 2011-2020.  98582  13.50%  S  375 mL  $39.00  Score: 94/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review