Wine Picks

Vintages Wine Picks April 30, 2011

White Wine

Irony Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: The wine is mostly (94%) Chardonnay, with a little Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. Big and oaky with buttery, green apple notes. Delivers on the classic Chardonnay promise. Drink: 2011-2014. 27409 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Coopers Creek Viognier 2008, Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand: Double yum! Simple stunning aromas of white flowers, white peach and sun-dappled pear swaying gently in the breeze in a leafy grove. Love this wine on its own or with Asian and curries. Drink: 2011-2014. 61416 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Charles Baker Picone Vineyard, Stratus Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Absolutely stunning with dried apricot and honeysuckle. The pure essence of a sun shaft cutting through clouds on a spring morning. Mineral depth, lime zest and endless fields of white flowers on the finish. Go Charles go! Drink: 2011-2018. 126433 13% D 750 mL $35.20 Score: 93/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Tahbilk Marsanne 2009, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia: Lemon-yellow essence with some dry honey and white peach. Wonderful white that will get you out of that chardonnay rut you’ve been in. Drink: 2011-2016. 117945 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett 2008, Q.M.P., Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, Mosel, Germany: Delicate and light as a summer morning. Lime blossom and honeysuckle. Simply stunning. Drink: 2011-2014. 728543 8.50% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Malivoire Mottiar Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A fantastic wine from the vineyard that winemaker Shiraz Mottiar discovered in 2003, and subsequently planted. Expressive apple blossom, apricot, pear, coconut oil, and a lashing of minerality. Dry, with zippy acidity counterpointing a bright fruit core. Impressive balance and complexity, a tangy finish, and good length. My note: Fall down on your knees (wear kneepads) and be glad you have this wine. Gorgeous, voluptuous aromas of green apple, peach, oak, and toasted almond. This is amazing. Do I even need to say full-bodied? Drink: 2011-2016. 146985 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Domdechant Werner'sches Riesling Kabinett 2008, Q.M.P., Hochheimer Hölle, Rheingau, Germany: Stunning concentration or orange blossom essence and dried apricot. Lovely lightness yet packed with flavour. Drink: 2011-2015. 722413 8% M 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Yalumba Viognier 2009, Eden Valley, South Australila, Australia: Absolutely lovely! Floral and white peach with some terrific mouth watering action. Superbly made. 954644 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Tyrrell's Wines Lost Block Semillon 2010, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: In 1993, Tyrrell’s mistakenly left an entire parcel of Semillon on the vine allowing it to ripen more than usual. When this happy accident was finally discovered, the soft, fruit-forward wine that resulted immediately found favour in the market and the “Lost Block” was born. Pale lemon colour. Aromas of nectarine, melon, limeade and apricot. Dry, with a big, bracing wash of acidity. Good balance. Refreshingly crisp, lingering finish. My note: Lemon lanolin with a refreshing zestiness yet rich texture. Lovely white for so many dishes. Drink: 2011-2014. 933200 11.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Cave De Hoen Pinot Gris 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Vintages Wine Panel: Invigorating aromas of honeycomb, mineral, melon and exotic spices on the nose. Well structured, off-dry, round and medium bodied with a pretty fruit core made all the more intriguing by its mushroom and spice accents. Medium-long finish. My note: There’s a lot to love here! White peach and Asian pear glide down very quickly. Refreshing aperitif with pretty white floral notes or great companion to many dishes. Drink: 2011-2015. 196790 12.50% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Madfish Gold Turtle Chardonnay 2007, Western Australia, Australia: Golden delicious with green apples and butterscotch. Lovely! Not heavy or fat, just roundly satisfying. I want more please. Drink: 2011-2015. 227686 13.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Durvillea Astrolabe Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Rev your lawnmowers! Big grassy goodness with refreshing and zippy notes of chives and lemongrass. Drink: 2011-2014. 206284 13.40% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Antoine Moltès & Fils Gaentzbrunnen Terroir Riesling 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Juicy, mouth-watering with gorgeous white peach and pear. Bone-dry and beautiful. Drink: 2011-2015. 108548 12.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Peller Estates Private Reserve Pinot Gris 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A touch of Alsatian influence is evident in this Pinot Gris. Pale gold with a copper tint, the wine sports aromas of citrus peel, pear, mineral, and a hint of earthy mushroom. Off-dry and medium bodied, with a creamy texture, and fresh acidity keeping things tightly poised. A mineral/clay note emerges on the medium-long finish. My note: Lovely white melon and peach with juicy, mouth-watering flavours. Medium-bodied an extremely fruit friendly. No heavy oak or alcohol. Very pleasant. Drink: 2011-2014. 225417 13% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Flat Rock Cellars Reserve Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: This wine was named Best Chardonnay and Best White Wine at the peer-reviewed 2009 Cuvée Wine Awards. Very complex, rich and subtle. Creamy texture with gorgeous aromas of green apple, white peach, almond and toast. A long, satisfying finish. Great effort from a consistently great producer! 198812 13% XD 750 mL $35.20 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Bodegas Naia Verdejo 2009, D.O., Rueda, Spain: A lime-green, grapefruit noted refreshing white with zesty lemon essence on the finish. No heavy oak or alcohol. Crisp and clean. Drink: 2011-2014. 211045 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Red Wine

Valle Reale Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2007, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Lovin it! Seduces you with savoury, meaty, big black fruit but then on the palate it’s far more subtle and leathery long. Guzzle it now! Drink: 2011-2014. 216408 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Bodega San Gregorio Manga Del Brujo Garnacha 2008, D.O., Calatayud, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Driven by naturally low yields, the red wines of the Calatayud region are real rising stars of Spanish wine. The Grenache blend here offers delectable aromas of redcurrant, sweet ripe fruit and suggestions of dried figs, tar and leather. This medium-bodied, easy-drinking red is a superb value at this price point. My note: Dark chocolate and mocha notes wrap themselves around fleshy blackberries. Supple, full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Top me up! Drink: 2011-2015. 15073 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

El Escocés Volante Papa Luna Garnacha 2008, D.O., Calatayud, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This outstanding wine, made from 70- to 100-year-old Garnacha (Grenache), delights on every level. Aromas of coffee, smoky tar, spice and blackberry surge delectably from the glass. The palate is dry and medium-full bodied, with rich blackberry and a peppery note. There is a pleasing sweetness to the fruit mid-palate that adds a wonderful complexity. The finish is medium-long. Enjoy this exceptionally desirable wine. My note : Step back! This wine is absolutely fantastic, and at this price, it has to be an inventory mistake. Buy a case or two while you can. Savory, dark and delicious with unplumbed (not unplummed) depths). Let your senses seep into this sensual wine… I’ll meet you at the murky bottom of the glass. Drink: 2011-2015. 39883 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2008, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Hulking, savory red with classic aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and brambly blackberries. Some cedar and tobacco box on the finish. A serious wine for discussing world affairs. Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2010 International Wine Challenge. Drink: 2011-2018. 998476 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Marconnets 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Rich cherry flavours here with wood spice, earth and violets. Supple with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Gorgeous concentration and fairly robust for Burgundy. Lots of pleasure in this glass. Drink: 2011-2018. 608489 13.50% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 93/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Old World classic depth, structure, complexity and endless length. Life became more expensive for me when I first discovered the wines from this superstar Australian winery. No that I regret that: all good things in life have high value. If you visited this winery, you’d know how much they care for every vine like a child. Gorgeous black fruit and depth. Drink: 2012-2020. 720433 14.50% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 93/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

La Posta Cocina Blend La Posta Del Viñatero, A Laura Catena Selection Malbec Bonarda 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: This wine is a blend of 60% Malbec, 20% Bonarda, and 20% Syrah grapes that was matured for a year in 20% new French and American oak without fining and filtration. Solid, sturdy and delicious. Terrific price. Drink: 2011-2015. 199513 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Leone De Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 50Th Vintage Negroamaro 2006, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: A pleasant country red from the dusty back roads of Italy where a large woman will ask you why you’re not having seconds of the lasagna. What, you don’t like her lasagna? Take some more. You’re too skinny, look at you! Aromas of dark red fruit and deep satisfaction. Drink: 2011-2014. 597534 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Jané Ventura Selecció De 12 Vinyes Negre 2008, D.O., Penèdes, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The Ventura family has been involved in the wine industry of the area since 1914, and have been producing their own quality wines since 1985. Their first red wines were released in 1991. The 2008 Negre Selecció de 12 Vinyes offers aromas of black cherry, woodsmoke, red plum and earth. Dry and medium-full bodied, it has substantial ripe tannins, a sweet red-fruit core and nice minerality showing through on the medium-long finish. My note: Juicy, red fruit aromas and flavours with some sour cherry and spices on the finish. Full-bodied and smooth. Savory. Great for meaty dishes. Drink: 2011-2014. 220822 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Sileni Estates The Plateau Pinot Noir 2009, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Noir from Hawkes Bay is not as common as the red Bordeaux varieties or Syrah, but when a producer such as Sileni is involved, the results show it is a variety with a future here. Grown on an inland plateau ideal for Pinot Noir, this 2009 is a fine ambassador for Hawkes Bay Pinot. Look for lots of black cherry and other dark fruit aromas backed by smooth tannins and a substantial finish. My note: heart-stopping delicious! Ripe fleshy cherries and juicy field raspberries almost make you want to bite into this wine rather than sip it. Yet it’s supple and medium-bodied with wonderful finesse and mouth-watering action. I adore this style of New Zealand Pinot Noir: more please! Drink: 2011-2016. 132142 12.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Campbells Bobbie Burns Shiraz 2008, Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia: Simply delicious! Lip-smacking aromas of blackberry and subtle oak. Warm and savoury like a long, slow embrace. Love it! Drink: 2011-2015. 225433 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Clos Du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, North Coast, California, United States: Dark berries and cassis with toasty oak. Solid, full-bodied and well-made. Great wine for steak. Drink: 2011-2015. 181685 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

d'Arenberg The Twentyeight Road Mourvèdre 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A blueprint of happiness! Superbly constructed: balance, depth, richness, length. What more do you want? Big black fruit, meaty-bacon notes and some dried tobacco. Perfect! Drink: 2011-2017. 677617 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Terredora Aglianico 2008, I.G.T., Campania, Italy: A riot of red flowers and berries in a brambly mid-forest. So different , so open your mind and senses. Pretty and lifted floral notes. Incredible price. Why not? Drink: 2011-2014. 602284 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Pio Cesare Barbera D'alba 2008, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pio Cesare takes as much care in the production of their Barbera wines as they do with their Barolos. In fact, the winery feels that their Barbera is unique because the grapes are grown right beside the Nebbiolo used to make their Barolo. This is not usual, since each variety tends to prefer different terroir conditions. Enjoy this quality wine. My note: Consistently great producer of seductive, subtle wines that pack power. This lovely red has aromas of dark red fruit but especially violets and truffles and earth. Glory in a glass! Drink: 2011-2016. 938886 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

De Bortoli Db Reserve Pinot Noir 2008, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby in the glass. Gently spicy, sun-kissed nose of ripe cherry, strawberry, dried gerbs, and cinnamon stick. Dry, medium bodied and sweetly fruity, with a ribbon of bright acidity for balance. Nice, medium-long finish. A robust yet very poised Pinot. My note: Sweetly ripe cherry fruit and succulent raspberries. Medium- to bodied and silky smooth. Good value for the price point: you just can’t argue with this wine. Drink: 2011-2014. 221994 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Gold Series Meritage 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The Gold Series celebrates the very best of Jackson-Triggs. A blend of three classic Bordeaux varietals, 25% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc, this new wine from winemaker Marco Piccoli is simply superb. Brimming with dark fruit and vanilla, this elegant expression of Niagara terroir is a tremendously versatile food wine. My note: Big, black hulking fruit with smoke and tar. A whopper of a wine ready for serious steaks. A mocha-infused finish. Delicious! Drink: 2011-2015. 224675 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Chakana Reserve Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Dark and savoury with meaty, black fruit. Great balance and length. Amazing price point. Drink: 2011-2014. 18671 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Sequana Sarmento Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: Rich cherry liqueur on the nose with blackberry jam and more layers of ripe berry flavour. Full-bodied and satin smooth. Superbly satisfying. Drink: 2011-2017. 213884 14.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Cave Saint Desirat Saint-Joseph Syrah 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A great value for a Saint-Joseph wine, especially since this one is made exclusively with Syrah (a rarity for Saint-Joseph – there’s usually a little white grape mixed in). My note: Purple plums and blueberries burst from the glass of this full-bodied, delicious, supple number. Great for backyard barbecues. Almost reminds me of Californian Zinfandel. 219378 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Viña Mayor Seleccionada Hijos De Antonio Barceló Tinto Vendimia 2007, D.O., Toro, Spain: Big hulking black fruit, smoke and tar in this full-bodied bruiser. Supple but decant for 1-2 hours. Big and chewy: a man’s man wine (and I like it too!) Drink: 2011-2014. 208215 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Rustenberg John X Merriman Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Savoury and juicy with Old World classic structure but uniquely South African fruit. Lovely craftsmanship. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (48%) with some Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 707323 14.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Intensely concentrated black fruit and smoke with full-bodied weight and a supple texture. Lovely dried herbs and tobacco on the finish. This one will go for a while in your cellar. This wine was aged 21 months in oak barrels. Drink: 2011-2015. 212951 14.50% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Very Old World in my mind: subtle, elegant with just enough fruit to dance with the oak. Almost a little Bordeaux-ish. Ready to drink now. Drink: 2011-2016. 923565 13.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: More mocha wrapped in succulent black fruit than other vintages. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and superbly rendered. What an amazing wine! Drink: 2014-2022. 626325 13.80% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 93/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Artazuri Bodegas Y Viñedos Artazu Garnacha 2009, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Made by Artazu’s brilliant winemaker, Juan Carlos Lopez de la Calle, this 100% old vine Garnacha (Grenache) is a perennial favourite of Parker’s Wine Advocate. The 2009 vintage has yet to be reviewed. Look for an elegant wine featuring raspberry, cherry and plum aromas and flavours, beautiful texture and a long finish. Age it 1-2 years or enjoy it tonight. My note: Savory, dark, full-bodied and mouth-watering. Loaded with black fruit and a wisp of toasty oak weaves its way through the fabric of this wine. I can smell hamburgers sizzling on the grill when I taste this wine. Hungry now! Drink: 2011-2015. 80812 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Firriato Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese Nerello Cappuccio 2008, D.O.C., Sicily, Italy: Fiery and dark with blackened edges of vengeance. Love the blackened fruit and campfire intimacy of this wine. Full-bodied and fire-souled wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 219592 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Le Gravillas Cave Des Vignerons À Sablet 2007, A.C., Gigondas, Rhône, France: I’m lovin it! Juicy, savoury and mouth-watering: loaded with blackberry and black cherry aromas. Good tannic grip: decant for 2-3 hours. Could use some cellar time. Fantastic price! Drink: 2012-2016. 78808 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Morgante Nero D'avola 2008, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Black, smoky, tarry fruit with full-bodied, generous goodness. Superb quality for the price point Drink: 2011-2013. 40816 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2009, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium purple in the glass. Pretty floral, sandalwood, earth and raspberry aromas. Very youthful yet. Dry, light bodied, and exquisitely elegant with tightly knit tannins bringing structure. Complex, medium-long finish. Promises to be an excellent food wine. Cellar it for 2-3 years, or enjoy tonight. My note: Cherry-beetroot with tart edges. I like Norm’s style. He’s working his way to pure genius. Dark spices on the finish with some pleasant sour cherry. Vote Norm! Drink: 2011-2015. 125310 11.50% XD 750 mL $35.20 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Domaine Pierre Gelin Fixin Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Burgundy, France: Black cherry with a tart edge. Medium-bodied and satin smooth. Great acidity for many dishes. Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Drink: 2011-2015. 210898 13% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Atrea Old Soul Sarasina Winery Zinfandel Syrah 2006, Mendocino County, California, United States: A blend of 39% zinfandel, 36% syrah, 15% petite sirah and 10% malbec grapes. Black fruit and smoke with savoury dried herbs and some meaty notes. Drink: 2011-2015. 214825 14.80% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Finca Flichman Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Tupungato, Barrancas, Mendoza, Argentina: This full-bodied red wine is loaded with aromas and flavours of fleshy dark berries and plums. It's mouth-watering, smooth and ready to go when you are. This wine is yet another example of the incredible quality you get for the money from Argentine wines now. Perfect for movie night and pizza! 199711 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Giordano Collection Primitivo Di Manduria 2008, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The Giordano family has been producing wine since 1900 and is deeply rooted in its traditions, but has also shown an openness to the innovations each generation has brought. This Primitivo has basked in the warm and windy climate of Puglia and is bursting with jammy fruit flavours as well as hints of figs, vanilla, tobacco and oak. Balanced by some gentle tannins, and with a long dry finish, this is a terrific wine. Winner of a Silver Medal at Monde Selection Bruxelles 2010. My note: Big juicy purple plums and blueberries, very Zinfandel like. Supple and full-bodied with a good-natured heart of hedonism. Perfect for barbecues with people you like. Drink: 2011-2014. 51797 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Nativa Single Vineyard Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: This wine is made form organically grown grapes with just 6 mg/l of sulphur. Minty-medicinal notes on the nose followed by fleshy blackberry and cassis. Big and rich. Drink: 2011-2014. 975359 14% XD 750 mL $19.75 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Château De Fontenelles Cuvée Renaissance Thierry Tastu, Vign. 2007, A.C., Corbières, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2009 Concours des Grands Vins du Languedoc-Roussillon. Cassis, spice, coffee, chocolate and black cherry notes on the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied with lush dark fruit, lovely depth and structure, and a generous finish. This will reward short-term cellaring of 2-4 years. My note: Sweet black cherry on the nose wrapped in mocha and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 148692 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Stratus Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet France Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: This was a great vintage for Niagara and it shows in this wine. There is still great restraint and balance here: it’s not a big wine. Dark red savoury fruit with dried herbs a little tobacco. This is the winery’s flagship wine and worth trying, a Bordeaux blend that’s mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France and Merlot. Drink: 2011-2016. 131037 13% XD 750 mL $44.20 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Cedar-blackberry exuberance with some forest floor and rustic savoury goodness. Full-bodied, supple and mouth-watering. Classically structured and not too heavy. It’s great to get such a good wine in the half bottle size. Drink: 2011-2015. 652925 13.60% XD 375 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Mount Pleasant Shiraz 2008, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: Long, smooth and full-bodied with lovely dark red berries and fruits. Well-constructed with great balance. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 82396 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Kenwood Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A rich, fruity Pinot Noir that benefits beautifully from the oak ageing the wine has seen. Dry and well-structured on the palate, lay it down and treat yourself in two years. My note: Super pretty! A rose-petaled wonder with soft juicy cherries and field berries rolling across your tongue. Medium-bodied and satin smooth. I adore it! Drink: 2011-2015. 943225 13.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Macarico Rosso Del Vulcano Aglianico 2007, D.O.C., Aglianico Del Vulture, Basilicata, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Grown on the slopes of the extinct volcano, Mount Vulture (pronounced “vool-TOO-reh”), this 100% Aglianico is a characteristically complex wine. Layered notes of pepper, spice, ripe plums and cherry abound with a lifting violet quality. The palate is dry, soft and fruity with a medium-long finish. My note: Love the floral lift in this wine. I’m flying with my senses over a field of violets and roses, dipping down occasionally for a closer smell. Savory and bacon-meaty on the palate. Delicious, trust me. Drink: 2011-2014. 205880 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Gabriel D'ardhuy Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Cherry, vanilla and hazelnut on the nose with a palate that is remarkably well structured for this price; perfectly harmonized tannins and acidity working beautifully with the fruit from first taste right through to the fruity and quite lengthy finish. Delicious. A superb food wine. Give a friend a treat and open this tonight. My note: Bright, tart cherries with some field strawberries. Leans almost toward a Beaujolais style. Expressive and medium-bodied. Delightful for roast chicken. Drink: 2011-2014. 208066 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Caves Velhas Prestige Magna Carta Reserva 2008, Alentejano, Portugal: Savory and dark with mouth-watering tart blackberries. Full-bodied, long and dark like a long night thinking over a past mistake. This wine isn’t a mistake though. Drink: 2011-2015. 214015 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Sparkling Wine

Cattier Chigny-Les-Roses Premier Cru Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Excellent price for this well-made Champagne. Toasty with green apple and white peach. Perfect for weddings and large gatherings. Celebrate! Drink: 2011-2015. 919464 12.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Charles Ellner Réserve Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Toasty goodness with Asian pear and white peach. Crisp and clean. 211763 12% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Château Moncontour Tête De Cuvée Brut Vouvray, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château Moncontour has historical connections to the 4th century Bishop of Tours, King Charles VII of France, the French Revolution and the writer Honoré de Balzac who immortalized the estate in his novel, La Femme de Trente Ans. This very well-made bubbly is medium lemon-straw coloured with aromas of orange rind, pastry dough, pear, and floral notes. The palate is medium bodied, dry with a tangy acidity and a sweet fruit core and delicate mousse. Scrumptious. This will be ideal as an aperitif wine, but can also be enjoyed throughout the meal. My note: What a bargain for such a crisp, toasty bubbly! Lovely bright green fruit. Drink: 2011-2014. 207936 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Chandon Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc De Noirs, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Moët & Chandon, one of Champagne’s most prestigious houses and purveyors of the legendary Dom Pérignon, was among the first to spot the potential for crafting fine sparkling wine in California. Established in the 1970s, Domaine Chandon was the first sparkling wine producer in California to craft wines using the traditional method of Champagne. This festive, ready-to-drink bubbly is soft and elegant with ripe cherry and strawberry aromas, as well as notes of vanilla and spice. It’s rich but nicely balanced by a seam of crisp acidity. Classic style and a great value too! My note: Perfect balance of toasty richness and bright green fruit! This is an absolutely steal of a price for first-class bubbly. Lovely! Drink: 2011-2015. 100693 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review