Wine Picks

Vintages Wine Picks March 3, 2012

White Wine

Seresin Chardonnay 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: I adore this style of chardonnay! Balanced, generous, perfectly calibrated between toasty oak, acidity and generous tree fruit. Drink: 2012-2016. 19190 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, herbal, refreshing sauvignon blanc with lime and lemongrass notes. Mouth-watering and clean. Drink: 2012-2014. 734095 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Coyote's Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Gris 2010, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Refreshing and mildly flavoured with grapefruit. Clean and crisp. Try this is you like pinot grigio. Drink: 2012-2014. 116582 12.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

La Chablisienne Montmains, 1Er Cru 2009, A.C., Chablis, Burgundy, France: A juicy, mouth-watering unoaked chardonnay from northern Burgundy. Green apple vibrancy with some lime zest on the finish. Incredibly refreshing and food friendly. Try it with seafood. Drink: 2012-2016. 265090 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Paul Garaudet Vieilles Vignes 2009, A.C., Meursault, Burgundy, France: Classic Burgundian chardonnay with perfect balance between judicious oak and green apple, white peach. Elegant: serve ay a dinner party involving lobster or roast chicken. Drink: 2012-2016. 265363 13% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Hartford Court Four Hearts Vineyards Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Generous oak, butterscotch and hazelnut aromas. Some green apple and peach. A big chardonnay for those who love the maximum bang on the palate for their buck. Drink: 2012-2016. 95919 14.60% D 750 mL $47.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Zenato Lugana Di San Benedetto 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Crisp, refreshing without any heavy oak. Great aperitif. If you like pinot grigio, try this one. Drink: 2012-2014. 707158 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Cloudline Pinot Gris 2009, Oregon, United States: White peach and Asian pear with a lovely soft body. Great aperitif and food companion. Drink: 2012-2015. 159988 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Chéreau-Carré La Griffe Bernard Chéreau Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine 2010, A.C., Loire, France: This sur lie wine has a mouth-watering, vibrant attack of acidity that's balanced with lime citrus notes. Very refreshing, especially with shellfish. Drink: 2011-2014. 948182 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Gray Monk Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Lovely peach and pear aromas mingle on the nose, followed by delightful acidity that perfectly balances the tropical tree fruit flavour. Very friendly food wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 273466 12.90% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Mount Riley Pinot Gris 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Full-bodied with white peach and grainy lemon with mouth-watering juiciness. Drink: 2012-2014. 262766 13.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Turckheim Hengst Grand Cru Gewurztraminer 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Spectacular! Classic Gewürz: rose petal, lychee and spices with a profusion of white flowers on the finish. Great acidity Drink: 2012-2019. 259705 13.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 95/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: A touch of sweetness makes this dance with glazed ham, Asian dishes and sweet potatoes. Fantastic aromas and flavours of sweet peach and pear. Great acidity. Yum! Drink: 2012-2016. 260240 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Cattail Creek Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A crisp, lively sauvignon blanc with bright lemongrass and lime notes, not really grassy. Very food friendly. Drink: 2012-2014. 271411 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Sterling Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Love it! Gorgeous layers of green apple and peach wrapped in just the right amount of toasty oak. Classic Californian chardonnay that bottles west coast sunshine. Drink: 2012-2016. 330233 14.20% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Arboleda Eduardo Chadwick Chardonnay 2010, Aconcagua Costa, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A round, full-bodied chardonnay with a lovely balance between the green apple and peach aromas and toasty oak. Drink: 2012-2015. 606772 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Domaine Ferraud L'entreroches Pouilly-Fuissé 2009, A.C., Mâcon, Burgundy, France: A vibrant, clean and crisp chardonnay with just a hint of oak. Terrific green apple aromas. Drink: 2011-2015. 265017 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Stoney Ridge Warren Classic Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Full-bodied, generous and balanced with luscious aromas of green apple, toasty oak, pear and peach. Drink: 2012-2015. 224113 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Red Wine

Bramare Unfined, Unfiltered, Vina Cobos Malbec 2009, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Towering big wine with blockbuster black fruit and toasty oak. Definitely a heavy-hitter. Drink: 2012-2017. 118885 15.40% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Don Cristobal 1492 Bonarda 2010, Ugarteche, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Juicy, full-bodied and simple but you can't beat the price. Pair with hearty meat dishes and meat lovers pizza. Drink: 2012-2014. 261941 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine La Montagnette Signargues Les Vignerons D'estezargues 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Incredible richness and concentration like black cherry liqueur, though the wine is dry. Layers of liquid velvet and smoke. Very delicious! Drink: 2012-2015. 235002 14.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Château Cordet 2008, A.C., Margaux, Bordeaux, France: Ultra-smooth and elegant with great restraint... The mannered side of Bordeaux. Aromas of blackberry and smoke, not overly fruity, more earthy. Medium- to full-bodied. Perfect for dinner parties. Drink: 2012-2016. 243949 13% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Château Des Karantes Bergerie 2010, A.C., Côteaux Du Languedoc La Clape, Midi, France: Simple and tasty with full-bodied layers of dark fleshy fruit. A terrific price for a great party wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 265439 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Château De Parenchère Supérieur 2009, A.C., Bordeaux, France: You can't beat this price for bordeaux. Aromas of tart blackberries and toasty oak. Very tannic so decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2015. 268698 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Rudini Eloro Pachino Nero D'avola 2008, D.O.C., Sicily, Italy: Juicy, smooth and full-bodied with mocha and espresso on the nose. Fleshy dark fruit. Very tasty. Drink: 2011-2014. 270298 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Storia Antica Superiore Valpolicella Ripasso 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vibrant and juicy with black cherry liqueur aromas. Big acidity on the palate cries out for food, especially hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2012-2016. 273672 14% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Ciconia Casa Agr. Alexandre Relvas Vinho Tinto 2010, Alentejano, Portugal: Simple and tasty with full-bodied weight and juicy layers of fleshy ripe purple and black plums. Drink: 2012-2015. 266742 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

The Grinder The Grape Grinder Pinotage 2010, W.O., Swartland, South Africa: Tasty and juicy with full on oak treatment. Black brooding fruit. Drink: 2012-2014. 269076 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Benton-Lane Estate Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Elegant and balanced, not overly fruity. Some earthy notes with cherry mingled in. Medium- to full-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015. 255737 13.50% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Château La Fleur D'arthus 2008, A.C., St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Full-bodied, dark, fleshy fruit and a brooding temperament. Gorgeous black depths of flavour with a lovely, long finish. Drink: 2012-2016. 251702 13.50% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Cuvée Constance 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Robust squared: a big, black bruiser that delivers dark pleasures. Fleshy blackberries and tar on the palate with a long, smoky finish. Drink: 2012-2016. 168690 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Oh yum! What a luscious, beautiful pinot, packed with fleshy cherry notes. It's satin smooth and feels like liquid lingerie ... seductive. Perfect for dinner parties and romantic dinners when you want the answer to be yes. Drink: 2012-2016. 687970 14.20% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 95/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

St. Clement Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Elegant, restrained and balanced with classic aromas of blackberry, cassis and smoke. Perfect for dinner parties. Drink: 2012-2016. 43182 14.90% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Martinborough Vineyard Estates Vineland Estate Wines Cabernet 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: A full-bodied, balanced red with dark red fruit. Juicy acidity on the palate. 173609 13% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, full-bodied and delicious! Fleshy ripe blackberry and black cherries. Drink: 2012-2016. 677476 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Featherstone Red Tail Merlot 2010, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Pleasant and smooth with aromas of plums. Not too oaky or alcoholic; balanced. Drink: 2012-2015. 131540 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Ridgepoint Reserve Pinot Noir 2009, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Solid and well-made with classic dark cherry and some toasted almond. Smooth and medium-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015. 89003 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Don Maximiano Single Vineyard, Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: This is a blockbuster wine that will benefit from a few years in the cellar. Big, fleshy black fruit, toasty oak and ripe tannins. Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2013-2017. 203364 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Quinta Da Nespereira Vineaticu 2008, D.O.C., Dão, Portugal: Rustic, tannic and full-bodied with black fruit and toasty oak and cedar on the finish. Drink: 2012-2015. 272047 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Montes Purple Angel 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: An amazing wine; a classic for those looking for Chile's flagship wines. Deep, long and complex with layers of mouth-watering juiciness. Here's your dessert wine. Drink: 2012-2017. 62364 14.50% XD 750 mL $56.95 Score: 95/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Château La Brie Prestige 2009, A.C., Bergerac, Southwest, France: Rustic and tannic with tasty flavours of wild black cherry and cedar smoke. Perfect for parties. Full-bodied but not heavy. Drink: 2012-2014. 61994 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Vineayard Selection Block 27 Carmenère 2008, Peumo Vineyard, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile: Superb! Full-bodied with layers of black fruit, toasty oak, violets and a lick of dark spices. Very complex and satisfying. Drink: 2012-2018. 562892 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Vignalta Rosso Riserva 2006, D.O.C., Colli Euganei, Veneto, Italy: Full-bodied, juicy and tasty: perfect for many Italian dishes from lasagna to spaghetti and meatballs. Terrific balance and savoury character. Drink: 2012-2015. 52571 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Perrin & Fils Les Christins 2009, A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France: Perrin consistently delivers over every price point for their wines. This one is not exception. Classic aromas of black cherry, cedar, smoke and forest floor. Wild violets and blackberry on the finish. Drink: 2012-2016. 973453 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Errazuriz Single Vineyard, Max Reserva Estates Carmenère 2009, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: An incredible wine for the price! Gorgeous layers of plush black plums with a smoky weave that takes you right along to the finish. Lovely! Drink: 2012-2016. 273300 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Des Ailes Moulin-À-Vent 2010, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Rustic and tannic with pleasantly bitter cherries. Medium-bodied and smooth. Straight-up pleasure. Drink: 2010-2012. 183442 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Clos Du Bois Zinfandel 2009, North Coast, California, United States: Juicy and delicious without being over-the-top in fruit. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015. 38000 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Delas Frères Les Launes 2009, A.C., Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France: Blackberry liqueur richness with layers of other black fruit, smoke and toasty oak. Smooth and delicious. Great price. Drink: 2012-2016. 701359 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Treana Red 2008, Paso Robles, California, USA: This flagship wine of Treana Winery is a blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% syrah grapes. There are black cherries, figs, spices and dried herbs on the nose. There’s also a terrific structure and a smooth mouth-feel to this plush, full-bodied red. This wine has at least a decade of life ahead of it—if you can wait that long. Pair with pepper steak or grilled pork shops. Drink: 2011-2020. 11221 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Travaglini Gattinara 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: If you like barolo, try this one as it's also made from the nebbiolo grape. Very tannic with tarry black fruit and violets. Needs cellar time. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2014-2019. 713354 13.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California, United States: Purple and black plum liqueur richness with smooth, full-bodied layers of pleasure. The ultimate barbecue and hamburger wine. I challenge you to find a better one. Drink: 2012-2016. 678698 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Poulleau Père & Fils Oak Aged 2009, A.C., Volnay, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous black cherry liqueur concentration of flavour, yet this wine is not heavy. Satin smooth with seductive notes of violets and deep-seated pleasure on the finish. Drink: 2011-2017. 265025 13% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Château Roquetaillade La Grange Vieilles Vignes 2009, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: A balanced, full-bodied red with black fruit, smoke and tar. Classic dark-side Bordeaux. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2012-2015. 125666 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Paraduxx 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and smooth with juicy flavours of dark fruit and oak. About $20 over-priced. Drink: 2012-2015. 919662 14.60% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 89/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Natura V.E.S.A. Carmenère 2010, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Simple, full-bodied and juicy with black fruit aromas. Smooth texture on this organic wine. Drink: 2012-2014. 56887 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Ridge Three Valleys 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: A complex and balanced red with classic cabernet-like aromas even though it's dominated by zinfandel. Wonderfully structured: perfect for diner parties involving steak. Drink: 2013-2016. 652875 14.10% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Reynella Basket Pressed, Walter Reynell And Sons Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied and classically structured with aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. Will do well in the cellar. Drink: 2012-2016. 510628 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Casa Silva Reserva Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Pleasant, smooth and full-bodied with dark fruit. Drink: 2012-2014. 24679 14% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Jackson-Triggs Gold Series, Sunrock Vineyard Shiraz 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A smooth, full-bodied red with pleasant aromas of black fruit, mocha and espresso. Drink: 2012-2015. 271031 14.20% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2011, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Juicy and fruity with bright ripe cherries and field raspberries. Smooth and medium-bodied. Drink: 2011-2014. 694901 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Black cherry liqueur with toasty oak. Lots of layers. Drink: 2012-2016. 711663 14.90% XD 750 mL $119.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Vigneto Montesodi Riserva, Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Chianti Rúfina 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Beautifully balanced and juicy with some terrific black fruit and smoke heft. Not heavy, but gloriously delicious and food friendly. Drink: 2012-2018. 304501 14.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Vigneto Montesodi Riserva, Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Chianti Rúfina 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Beautifully balanced and juicy with some terrific black fruit and smoke heft. Not heavy, but gloriously delicious and food friendly. Drink: 2012-2018. 304501 14.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

Bonterra Merlot 2008, Mendocino County, California, United States: This beautifully structured organic wine is full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Classic aromas of black plum and dark berries. Perfect for dinner parties with hippies (and other folk). Drink: 2012-2016. 984724 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

San Lorenzo Rosso Conero, Umani Ronchi 2008, D.O.C., Marche, Italy: Rustic and tasty with full-bodied weight and a smooth texture. Notes of cedar, smoke and wild cherries. Drink: 2012-2015. 981191 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Full Review

RavensWood Vintners Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, California, United States: Although Ravenswood are known to big very full-bodied, this one is but in a smooth, balanced and mouth-watering way. Packed with blackberry and cassis flavours with some smoke on the finish. Terrific! Drink: 2012-2015. 606632 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Sparkling Wine

Abbazia Moscato D'asti 2010, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A delightfully bubbly with sunny-ripe aromas and flavours of apricot, honeysuckle and peach. Terrific as an aperitif or after dinner with biscotti or fruit desserts given that it has a touch a clementine sweetness. Drink: 2011-2013. 265397 13% M 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Nicolas Maillart Platine Premier Cru Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Lovely aromas of field strawberries and raspberries tickle your nose and senses. Glorious champagne at a price you can't beat. Drink: 2012-2015. 244103 12% D 750 mL $46.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review