Vintages Wine Picks February 2, 2008

White Wine

Stella Bella Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: A lovely, balanced wine with aromatic notes of herbs and citrus, not too grassy. Closed with a screwcap.  48546  12%  XD  750 mL  $18.85  Score: 90/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Allimant-Laugner Pinot Gris 2006, A.C. Alsace, Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The small Domaine Allimant-Laugner property produces world-beater wines with a variety of grapes, including this fine Pinot Gris. Recognized for their intensity of flavour and superb balance, Allimant-Laugner has a reputation as a winemaker's winemaker. My note: An amazingly flavorful wine with floral and citrus aromas.  61317  12%  D  750 mL  $16.85  Score: 90/100. February 2, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Henschke Julius Riesling 2005, Eden Valley, South Australia: A lively riesling with aromatic notes of citrus, lime and minerals. Closed with a screwcap.  945055  13%  XD  750 mL  $36.75  Score: 92/100. February 2, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Weingut Pfeffingen Scheurebe Spatlese 2005, Q.M.P. Ungsteiner Herrenberg, Estate Btld, Pfalz, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Scheurebe (pronounced shoy-RAY-beh) is a cross between Silvaner and Riesling. It was created by Georg Scheu in 1916 in Rheinhessen. Wines made from this grape are still rare in our market, so they are much sought-after whenever they are released. This Scheurebe is full-bodied with pronounced acidity and a bouquet and taste reminiscent of blackcurrants. My note: A terrific concentration of flavors with zippy acidity.  14837  12%  MS  750 mL  $19.85  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Red Wine

Alamos Pinot Noir 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This excellent introduction to pinot noir expresses the grape's pure varietal character. It's fruity with cherry and raspberry characteristics as well as a hint of oak spice from nine months in barrel. Easily one of the best values for pinot noir anywhere. My note: A turbo-charged pinot noir for those who like their reds to be macho.  507822  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.25  Score: 87/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Cave de Saumur Lieu-Dit Les Poyeux Saumur Champigny 2005, A.C., Loire, France: A juicy, generous wine with lovely notes of black plums and smoke. Full-bodied.  52639  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.85  Score: 90/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Palacios Remondo Propiedad 2005, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: A blend of 60% garnacha and 40% tempranillo. A complex, layered wine with notes of cherries, plums and spice.  597880  14%  XD  750 mL  $37.75  Score: 92/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap Syrah/Mourvédre/Viognier 2006, WO Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of 50% Syrah, 48% Mourvèdre, and 2% Viognier is named for a 250-year-old wolf trap set by early pioneers in the Franschhoek foothills who mistakenly thought wolves inhabited South Africa. This rich and flavourful wine is given an aromatic lift by the addition of a small amount of Viognier. My note: The viognier highlights the aromas of the red grapes. A great value. Closed with a screwcap.  626333  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.75  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Perrin & Fils Vacqueyras Les Christins 2005, A.C., Rhone, France: A bright, expressive, full-bodied wine with notes of cherries, plums and cedar.  973453  14%  XD  750 mL  $23.85  Score: 90/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Remoissenet & Fils Beaune Marconnets 2002, A.C. 1er Cru, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Here's a lovely, maturing Burgundy that is quite true to the Beaune character with juicy, succulent fruit aromas and flavours. My note: A silky pinot with ripe aromas of tart cherries and spice.  36244  14%  D  750 mL  $39.75  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Viña Ventisquero Yali Reserve Carménère 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The Yali Valley is home to Ventisquero's winery and many of their vineyards. While this wine is mostly Carménère, the winemakers blend in 15% Cabernet Sauvignon for added structure and complexity. The result is a rich and multi-faceted wine with plenty of blueberry and strawberry aromas and flavours enhanced with notes of coffee, chocolate and tobacco. My note: This red wine has notes of coffee liqueur and blackberry. Amazing value from the land of great value!  48306  14%  XD  750 mL  $11.90  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Château Moulin St-Georges 2004, AC St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: This wine has gorgeous layers of cassis, plums and smoke notes.  671875  14%  XD  750 mL  $56.00  Score: 93/100. February 2, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Goats do Roam The Goatfather 2005, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa: A simple, straight forward, delicious wine. Love the humor in the name and label.  11072  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.35  Score: 87/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Cons. Prod. Vini e Mosti Rossi Soc. Coop. Consorzio Produttori Vini E Mosti Rossi Primitivo Di Manduria Lirica 2004, DOC, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: In the depths of winter, most of us turn our thoughts to warmer destinations and Mediterranean cruises. Can't escape quite yet? Well, bring a touch of the Mediterranean home with this Primitivo, a.k.a. Zinfandel. Ripe, warm and plummy, this wine will transport you to a sunny terrace overlooking the coast, after just one sip. My note: A juicy, round and full-bodied wine with not much tannin. Great value!  669580  14%  D  750 mL  $15.75  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Henry Of Pelham Reserve Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: This full-bodied, plush wine has smokey and cherry fruit aromas.  268391  13%  D  750 mL  $24.75  Score: 90/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Alain et Baptiste Grangeon, Prop.-Récolt. Domaine De Cristia Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, A.C., Rhone, France: A full-bodied wine with notes of rosemary, dried herbs, cassis and blackberry.  67678  15%  D  750 mL  $42.75  Score: 91/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Château Puy Castéra 2006, AC Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois, Bordeaux, France: A phenomenal wine for the price. Full-bodied with layers of black fruit.  972463  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.55  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Byron Pinot Noir 2005, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA: This red wine possesses aromas of sweet cherry fruit and a wisp smoke.  704643  14%  XD  750 mL  $33.75  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Château De Sérame Minervois Réserve De Château 2005, A.C., Midi, France: A red with concentrated aromas of cherry liqueur and cassis. If a you like honkin' big shiraz, you'll love this! Full-bodied.  651125  14%  D  750 mL  $22.85  Score: 91/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Château Jean Voisin 2001, AC St-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château Jean Voisin's wine is known as Cuvée Amédée Chassagnoux. Chassagnoux purchased this property in 1955 with his son Pierre. This is a lesser-known Bordeaux property that has been producing quality reds consistently for years. My note: A lovely, balanced wine with classic aromas of cassis and blackberry.  61804  13%  XD  750 mL  $31.85  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Casa De La Ermita Casa Ermita Crianza 2003, D.O. Jumilla, Spain: A rich, full-bodied red wine with delicious notes of dark red fruit.  956334  13%  D  750 mL  $18.55  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Sassicaia 2004, DOC Bolgheri-Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy: Yes, it's extraordinary in both taste and price. Plush layers of black fruit, spice and smoke.  480533  13%  XD  750 mL  $168.45  Score: 95/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Cyan 12 Meses 2003, D.O. Toro, Spain: 100% grape, aged for 12 months in French and American oak. A terrifically rich wine with cherry liqueur aromas and an oak underlay.  66936  14%  D  750 mL  $16.75  Score: 90/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Hess Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: A round, balanced and full-bodied wine that has mocha and black fruit notes.  906420  14%  D  750 mL  $30.85  Score: 90/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Eric Louis Sancerre 2006, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Eric Louis is a fourth-generation family member to work vineyards in the heart of the Loire Valley. His Sancerre Rouge exhibits characteristic Pinot Noir aromas of violets and spice. This well-structured wine is intense and fruity. My note: This red has vibrant aromas of raspberries and cherries - tart and refreshing.  66613  12%  XD  750 mL  $22.85  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Possums Willunga Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Despite the possum depicted on the label, Possums winery actually draws its name, not from the marsupial, but from owners Dr. John Possingham and Carol Summers. Matured in oak, the Willunga Vineyard Shiraz has complex hints of smoke and spice over juicy, dark fruit and it is satisfyingly soft and rounded in the mouth. A terrific value! My note: A full-on palate-whacker. Powerful aromas of black plums and cherry fruit aromas.  17517  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.85  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Haras de Pirque Equus Carménère 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The impressive Haras de Pirque property features both a world-class winery and a stable for raising thoroughbred horses. It's not suprising to learn then that its modern, gravity-flow winery is in the shape of a horseshoe and that its 'Equus' range of wines takes its name from the Latin word for horse. Right out of the gate, this Carménère is fresh and juicy, with layers of black fruit, mineral, tobacco and sweet herbs, supported by fine tannins. My note: This red wine has rich notes of coffee, oak and black fruit. Incredible value!  55491  15%  XD  750 mL  $12.75  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Dessert Wine

Domaine Madeloc Banyuls Cirera 2005, A.C., Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Many consider Banyuls to be France's answer to Port. Made in a sweet, fortified style, it is rich and robust with tons of dried fruit, spice, raisin and vanilla aromas and flavors. My note: A lovely rich wine.  48041  17%  S  500 mL  $25.85  Score: 90/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Emilio Lustau Fino Del Puerto Solera Matured By José Luis González Obregón, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain: Will the "new" generation ever develop a taste for sherry? I hope so. This one has alluring aromas of hazelnuts and coffee.  48157  15%  XD  375 mL  $12.85  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review


Graham’S Six Grapes Reserve Port, Portugal: A simple, purple and delicious wine. Great way to finish dinner.  208405  20%  S  750 mL  $22.75  Score: 89/100. February 2, 2008 Full Review