Vintages Wine Picks June 12, 2010

White Wine

Wakefield Chardonnay 2008, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A ripe, luscious, peach-, nectarine- and citrus-scented wine with well-integrated creamy oak tones. This is a clean, balanced, and fruity wine. My note: Robust Chardonnay with big aromas of butterscotch, vanilla smoke and fleshy peach. Full oak treatment in this full-bodied white.  711556  14%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Morgenhof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008, W.O., Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Fuller-textured Sauvignon Blanc than usual with pleasing aromas of cut grass, citrus, nettle, melon and green peas. Dry with lots of ripe fruit brought into balance by racy acidity. Nicely made Savvy with hints of both the New and Old World. My note: Herbal and grassy with terrific acidity, this wine delivers great refreshment. Medium-bodied, versatile food companion.  18507  13.50%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Jermann Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy: A benchmark for Pinot Grigio: ripe notes of white peach, lime, grapefruit with a zesty finish. Incredibly refreshing and mouth-watering. Great as an aperitif or with many dishes, from seafood to salad.  117093  12%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 91/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Inniskillin Wines Winemaker's Series Two Vineyards Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Mouth-watering acidity with a petrol, white peach and white flower nose. Terrific aperitif or companion to many dishes.  105387  12%  MD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Kim Crawford Sp Flowers Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Adore it! Citrus notes lead with some herbal as a backdrop. Expertly made to deliver maximum pleasure. No heavy oak or alcohol: you’re free to enjoy pure fruit flavours of gooseberry.  69245  13%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. June 12, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review


Leopard's Leap Family Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Riveting and intense with aromas of green grass, gooseberry, asparagus and fresh herbs. Dry and racy with excellent aroma replays on the palate. Vibrant, full-throttled New World style of Sauvignon Blanc for your backyard barbecue. My note: Grassy and herbal with terrific refreshment! Needs food.  146886  13.50%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Morgan Highland Chardonnay 2007, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: Generous and luxurious with layers of flavour and velvet mouth-feel. Green apples, smoke toasted almond, hazelnuts and smoke. Yes, yes, yes!  953273  14.20%  D  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 90/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Graham Beck Chardonnay 2008, W.O., Robertson, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Citrus-, peach-, apple-, toast and mango-scented Chardonnay with a lovely round and ripe texture on the palate. Mid-palate acids come in to bring a fine balance. It’s fairly full bodied and has a long fruity/oaky finish. My note: Good value for this toasty, buttery Chardonnay with green apple notes. Full-bodied and supple.  593475  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal, yes, but also lifted through the middle by lovely citrus notes: lime and lemongrass. Lovely! Mouth-watering but not aggressive. ice balance here, no oak. Totally refreshing.  677450  13.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Lime fresh with vibrant, quivering notes of citrus and herbs. Mouth-watering and dangerously delicious.  32805  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Vineland Estates Winery Pinot Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2007 growing season was long, warm and ideally dry. As a result, relatively neutral but full-bodied wines, such as Pinot Blanc, benefited. This version is filled with apple, pear and green plum aromas. Dry and quite fruity. My note: Pleasant mild melon and white peach notes. No heavy oak. Refreshing aperitif; ideal for those who like Pinot Grigio.  164467  11%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 87/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Red Wine

Domaine Du Séminaire Valréas Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Aromas of black cherry liqueur, cedar, dark spices and smoke. Lovely fleshy black raspberry notes. Full-bodied and supple.  173237  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Flagstone Winery Dark Horse Shiraz 2007, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Only seventy barrels of Flagstone’s flagship Shiraz, the Dark Horse, were produced from the 2007 vintage. This wine is comprised of grapes sourced from sustainably grown vineyards, and offers incredible value. My note: Savoury, mouth-watering, meaty and absolutely lip-smack delicious! Full-bodied, supple and smoky with aromas of blackberries and dark plums. This red gets remarkably better every vintage.  127654  14.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Hugh Hamilton The Ratbag Merlot 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Ratbag is Aussie slang for a rogue, a cunning person, a non-conformist – in short, a real character. Quite a character himself, winemaker Hugh Hamilton lets his vineyards speak for themselves and tries to interfere as little as possible with the naturally ebullient and fruity character of this Merlot. We’re sure you’ll agree that this Ratbag is a charmer! Enjoy this winning wine. My note: Juicy, generous and it keeps on delivering on the palate! Fleshy ripe plums and berries. Supple and full-bodied, very purple plum and blueberry.  59972  15%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


De Loach Pinot Noir 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A rich, deep California Pinot full of slightly chewy dark berry and cherry fruit, with hints of cola, Asian spices and forest floor adding complexity. My note: Ripe, fleshy cherry-berry flavours with purple plums in the background. Supple and full-bodied. Packed with flavour.  25171  13.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Beringer Vineyards Third Century Pinot Noir 2007, Central Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Beringer’s Third Century line marks the beginning of their third century in business (they were established in 1876). For this elegant Pinot Noir, they use fruit sourced from Central Coast vineyards because they feel this region mirrors the cool climate of Burgundy. This wine exhibits aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, earth and oak spice. It is fruity, but ably balanced by fine-grained tannins. Cellar it for 2+ years. My note: Tart cherries with a silky-satin texture. Medium-bodied and rich in ripe berry flavour. Very balanced.  43786  13.80%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classic, restrained and balanced. Noble aromas of blackberry and cassis with a smoky finish. Full-bodied but smooth.  189795  14.50%  D  750 mL  $74.95  Score: 90/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


La Crema Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, California, United States: Decidedly delicious! Pure cherry flavour with an ethereal lift that only Pinot Noir (the good kind) can give you. Satin texture and medium- to full-bodied weight. Stunning!  906404  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 92/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Joseph Phelps Vineyards Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a gem from a producer with a first-rate reputation for Cabernet. Grapes for this wine come from the very same vineyards as Phelps’ more famous cult wine, Insignia, but from younger vines. The Innisfree Cab is a forward and approachable wine with aromas and flavours of mulled spices, red fruit, coffee and cedar, with a long, concentrated finish. The ten months in a mix of French and American oak imbue it with a slight smokiness. My note: A regal Napa Valley cab for half the usual price. It’s got it all: balance, length, depth and gorgeous aromas of cassis, blackberries and smoke. Worth trying and worth the splurge.  38125  13.50%  D  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 91/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Hunter's Wines Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Jane Hunter, owner and viticulturalist of Hunter’s Wines, is in esteemed company. Her wines have gone on to win over 100 international prizes, and her Pinot Noirs are treasured by those who know and love this challenging grape. Enjoy this one now, or cellar for 2-4 years. My note: Chocolate and dark spice on the nose then it lifts on the palate to fleshy cherries and other berries. Silky texture with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Lovely!  586115  13.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Monte Alentejano Reserva Dfj Vinhos Trincadeira Aragónez 2005, Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker Jose Neiva has crafted a wine, made with Trincadeira and Aragónez (Tempranillo), that is filled with blackberry, mint, plum and cedar aromas and flavours. Dry, smooth and elegant, this is a great wine to enjoy over casual food and great conversation, or great food and casual conversation. My note: Rustic, robust and tasty. You can’t go wrong for $12.95; that’s less than a parking ticket. Blackberries and smoke, nice combo to knock it back.  164848  13%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Campolieti means “happy fields,” a very appropriate name considering the high quality of the grapes used in this wine. Only happy vines could produce wines this good. Righetti’s ripe, rich and fruity Campolieti Ripasso is delicious with lamb or beef dishes. My note: Vibrant. Mouth-watering acidity but I love it! There’s also generous, juicy blueberries, blackberries and black raspberries. Full-bodied and supple. Needs food.  695890  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Spier Vintage Selection Pinotage 2006, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Supple, beautifully structured Pinotage featuring clean aromas of blackberry, vanilla and mint. Dry and quite fruity, with gentle acids and tannins bringing balance. Medium bodied with a lingering finish. My note: Intriguing notes of blueberries and purple plums. Full-bodied and satiny supple on the palate. Loads of satisfying flavour. Perfect for pizza and a movie.  146928  14.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Vergelegen Mill Race Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Lots of plum and cassis as well as hints of oak adorn this well-made blend. Dry and fruity with impeccable balance coming from the ripe tannins and fresh acidity. This is a medium-bodied, long-finishing wine. My note: Love it! Meaty, robust aromas of dark fruit and savoury bacon fat. Supple and long-lasting (on your palate not in the bottle). Drink: 2010-2015.  146530  14.70%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Michel Gassier Les Piliers Syrah 2007, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Black as night, dark as pitch. This big brooder will deliver a mouthful of blackberries, black cherry liqueur and black fleshy plums. Some smoke on the finish. Superb effort!  678086  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Domaine De Saint Siffrein Syrah Blend 2007, A.C.,Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Pure black cherry liqueur: dark, concentrated, supple and rich. A river of flavour flows over your mouth as you (somewhat wobbling) hold out your glass for a top up. It’s strong stuff but terrific. Drink: 2010-2022.  169771  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 95/100. June 12, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review


Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: Juicy black and purple fruit with mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied and smooth with delicious flavours of blueberries and plums.  904565  13.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Château La Croix De Queynac Supérieur Vign. Gabard Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2005, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From the gloriously hot 2003 vintage comes this fine Bordeaux Supérieur blend of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. The wine is filled with ripe cassis, berry and earth aromas and flavours. In the mouth it repeats the aromas to a T. Dry and flavourful, with decent tannins for short-term cellaring (1-3 years), but why wait when a rare steak will match with this wine tonight? My note: A tarry, cedar-dark red with blackberries. Robust and ready when you are, this is a knock-it-back party wine. Great value.  138636  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Torres Gran Sangre De Toro Reserva Grenache Cariñena Syrah 2005, D.O., Catalunya, Spain: Mature and at its peak, drink now. Leather, cigar box and dark berries. Full-bodied, supple and intriguing.  315648  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Librandi Duca San Felice Riserva Rosso Gaglioppo 2007, D.O.C., Ciró, Calabria, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Gambero Rosso Italian Wines 2010 gave this wine BBB (their highest rating) – a remarkable achievement, especially for such a modestly priced wine. Made with the indigenous Gaglioppo grape, the Cirò region’s red wines tend to be robust and flavourful, if rarely subtle. We found this ripe, fruity wine displayed lovely balance, making it more elegant than most. My note: Tart, pert cherries dance across your palate giving your mouth the wake-up call it needs after a long day. Silky and medium- to full-bodied this red absolutely requires food, and anything with a tomato base would be brilliant.  695874  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2006, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia: Strong minty aromas wrapped in fleshy blackberries. Full-bodied and supple. Powerful, whack!  935890  14.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review


Rosés

Domaine Houchart Jerome Quiot Rosé 2009, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Perfect for alfresco dining, this charming apple-, cherry-, cranberry- and strawberry-scented rosé is dry and fruity with a nice racy acidity bringing balance. Chill it down. My note: Such a pretty, bone-dry rose wit field strawberry notes and a lovely mouth-watering refreshment. Drink it all afternoon then have a nap.  118653  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Best Value Rosé. Full Review


Domaine Maby La Forcadière Rosé 2009, A.C. ,Tavel, Rhône, France: Maby must be French for yummy! Gorgeous notes of fleshy strawberries and raspberries. I’m buying a case, how about you?  701318  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. June 12, 2010 Favourite Rosé. Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscato D'asti, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: One of the perfect late spring/early summer wines is Piedmont’s gently sparkling, slightly sweet, low-alcohol Moscato d’Asti. Perfect for those casual afternoon get-togethers on the backyard patio, especially when served with simple seafood nibbles or just-in-season strawberries. My Note: Every time I taste a Moscato, I fall in love. Orange zest, apple blossom and honeysuckle. Sweetness balanced with effervescence and acidity. Perfect after-dinner drink!  168195  6%  MS  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. June 12, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2005, Hungary: Gorgeous honeyed depth with apricot preserves and peach jam. The wine of kings, this makes any meal fit for royalty.  972836  10.50%  S  250 mL  $19.95  Score: 95/100. June 12, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine. Full Review