Vintages Wine Picks July 7, 2008

White Wine

Michel Gassier Viognier 2007, Vin de Pays, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Half the juice for this wine was fermented in new French oak barrels, the other half in stainless steel. The nose offers delicious aromas of apricot, tangerine and hints of vanilla. On the palate, it has a rich texture with ripe peach and candied fruits, with a long creamy finish. My note: A lovely aromatic white with notes of roses and pears.  669531  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


KWV Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2006, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa: A big, old, oaky, blousy chardonnay with warm buttery notes. Ripe peaches and pears with layers of lovely rich flavors. Very satisfying. A Grand Ole Opré wine.  328559  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Marchesi de Frescobaldi Attems Pinot Grigio 2007, D.O.C. Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The Attems family have an ancient lineage in the Friuli region dating back to 1106. Recently, they joined forces with another wine dynasty, Marchesi di Frescobaldi. Bright tropical fruit, pear and apple flavors, viscous texture and a crisp finish are the hallmarks of this popular Pinot Grigio. My note: A lovely, refreshing wine with bright citrus fruit, especially limes.  707950  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Flat Rock Cellars The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A. Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: After months of postponing the painting of a rusty old shed in the middle of their premier Chardonnay vineyard, the folks at Flat Rock decided to name their top-tier Chardonnay after it. No need to paint it now. This medium full-bodied, barrel-aged Chard features generous aromas of vanilla, pears, apples, tropical fruit and spices. Dry, buttery and full-flavored, it has the elegance and finesse to develop in cellar. My note: Love it! Chardonnay as it's meant to be: not heavy but packed with flavor. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2013.  1552  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this spectacular Sauvignon Blanc is hand-picked and whole-cluster pressed. A small portion of the blend is fermented in French oak barriques while the rest is done in stainless steel. This youthful wine features intense aromas of grapefruit and freshly cut grass. It’s full-bodied with ripe citrus flavors, lively acidity and a lengthy crisp, clean finish. My note: Herbal, grassy goodness. Refreshing and zippy. Closed with a screwcap.  63941  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Red Wine

Quinta De Cabriz Reserva 2004, D.O.C. Dão, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: From the Dão region, this dry table wine is made using some of the grapes normally associated with Port, namely Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, plus Alfrocheiro Preto. This fragrant wine has aromas and flavors of wild berries, tea leaves, oak and plum. My note: A rustic, full-bodied red with dark red fruit, cedar and smoke aromas.  21410  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


De Bortoli Db Selection Petite Sirah 2006, Riverina, New South Wales, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This family-run producer was named Winery of the Year for 2006-07 by Winestate Magazine, and winemaker Steve Webber was named Winemaker of the Year for 2007 by Gourmet Traveller Wine. Big and bold-flavored Petite Sirah, like this example, is capturing the hearts and minds of wine lovers worldwide. Look for ripe cherry fruit, vanilla and oak in this smooth and generous wine. My note: Fantastic value! Dark red fruit notes with mouth-watering juiciness. Full-bodied.  694802  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Sophenia Malbec Reserve 2006, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina: A palate-whacker with black cherry liqueur aromas. Full-bodied is an understatement.  66837  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Cremaschi Furlotti Family Family Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carmenère 2004, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, two grapes that have already earned a strong reputation in Chile, with the up-and-coming Syrah. Big, complex and full-bodied, it offers up gorgeous red fruit aromas with subtle hints of leather, earth and spice. My note: A fantastic value with deep red fruit notes and a herbaceous core.  14183  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A group of enterprising Barossa growers formed The Valley Growers Cooperative in 1985 to sell their own wines under the Barossa Valley Estate name. With its dedication to quality, this cooperative quickly earned an international reputation for excellence. Ebenezer is a picturesque village in the northern region of the Barossa Valley. The first vineyards at Ebenezer were established in the mid 1800s and have been carefully tended ever since. They supply the fruit for this exceptional Cabernet. Packed with blackcurrant aromas and flavors, this elegant and well-structured wine is approachable now and will continue to develop over the next decade. My note: Juicy, balanced, elegant red. Subtle, but not obvious. Mouth-watering fruit notes.  39537  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Septima Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A lovely, balanced, full-bodied red with aromas of black plums and mocha.  686113  14%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Antica Napa Valley Guado Al Tasso 2004, D.O.C. Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy: Magnificent wine of many layers of black fruit, smooth herbs and mocha. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2020.  986380  14%  XD  750 mL  $81.95  Score: 94/100. July 7, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Beronia Elaboración Especial Tempranillo 2006, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Elaboración especial (special production) refers to the barrel fermentation this wine undergoes over several months in new American oak. This ripe 100% Tempranillo boasts intense plum and licorice notes, with smoky mocha and cigar box imparted by the unique production style. My note: A mouth-filling, gorgeous black fruit number. Full-bodied with lots of oak, but well-balanced.  723643  14%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Cremaschi Furlotti Tierra Del Fuego Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2006, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A Bronze Medal winner at the 5th Annual Wines of Chile Awards, this Cabernet, from the Cremaschi family, is filled with ripe cassis, cocoa, blueberry and spice aromas and flavors. My note: A full-bodied red with black raspberries and cherries with some herbal notes.  72561  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 86/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Santa Carolina Finca El Origen Malbec Reserva 2006, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium purple in color, this wine features complex aromas of pipe smoke, blueberry turn-over, black cherry, plum, new leather and cedar. It’s dry, medium-bodied and elegant. The ripe blackfruit flavors are balanced by crisp acidity and refined tannins that all lead to a medium-long, structured finish. My note: Terrific value! Smooth, full-bodied, but not heavy. Notes of black plums.  65664  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Sebastiani Zinfandel 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Delicious mocha notes with ripe raspberry and brambleberry underlay.  672667  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Adega Cooperativa de Borba Trincadeira Blend Reserva 2004, D.O.C. Alentejo, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: The Portuguese have found a comfortable place in their winemaking where they can accept international grapes without betraying their regional roots. In this case, Borda combines the local Trincadeira (75%) with the French grapes Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Alicante Bouschet (10%) to make a wine that still says Portugal, but with a hint of international savoir faire. My note: A smooth, full-bodied red with delicious ripe plums and berries with hints of mocha.  80606  14%  D  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Herdade Do Perdigao Vinha Do Almo Tempranillo Blend 2005, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Almo is the Portuguese version of the Latin word, Almus, which means ‘bountiful’. This wine definitely lives up to its name. Made with Trincadeira, Aragónez (a.k.a. Tempranillo) and Carignan, Vinha do Almo displays upfront aromas of blackberry, plum and oak spice (from 9 months in American and French oak). This smooth, harmonious wine has a robust structure and a persistent finish. My note: A simple, full-bodied red with red fruit notes. Heat on the back palate.  81752  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Chateau Reynella Shiraz 2005, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A great deal of care goes into crafting this deep and smoky Shiraz. The fruit is selected from individual lots of premium McLaren Vale vineyards before they are gently pressed using the traditional, hand-operated basket press. The juice is fermented in small open-top fermenters and the final wine is then aged for 18 months in both French and American oak. Brimming with dark berry aromas as well as notes of tobacco and spice, this is a plump and rich red. My note: Big, brooding red with black fruit notes and a smokey backbone.  510628  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 92/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Lurton Hacienda Araucano Carmenere Reserva 2005, Central Valley, Chile: A black, brooding, full-bodied wine that's very tasty. Juicy notes of blackberries and dark fruit and a smoky finish. Excellent value.  61325  13%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Bellevue Estate Tumara Titan Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, W.O. Bottelary, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Dirkie Morkel (yes, it's his real name) is the resident viticulturalist as well as fourth-generation owner of this family estate. He works closely with winemaker Wilhelm Kritzinger to craft this remarkable proprietary cuvée. An excellent value, the 2003 is comprised of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% of Cabernet Franc. This savoury red features blackcurrant, cedar, vanilla and a hint of eucalyptus. Dry, full-bodied and well-balanced. My note: A full-on red that's Australian in style. Juicy and delicious.  922211  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Domino Basconcillos 2004, D.O. Ribera del Duero, Spain: This organic wine contains six mg/L of free sulphur. Layers of black plums, berries and licorice wrapped in smoke.  67371  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Casa Lapostolle Merlot 2006, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine has typical Merlot aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, black pepper, earth and a touch of roasted green bell pepper. The first thing you recognize on the palate is a very smooth texture, carrying ripe, forward fruit and spicy vanilla notes. The flavours are backed up by mild to medium acidity and soft tannins. My note: A delicious, straight-forward red with black berries.  405712  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Navarro Correas Malbec Gran Reserva 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: The Correas family’s history in Mendoza dates back to 1798. From the mid 1800s to 1974 the family cultivated grapes for other wine producers, but all that changed in 1975 when Don Edmundo Navarro Correas established the family’s own winery. Today, winemaker Juan Marco crafts this flavorful, well-structured Malbec. It’s brimming with blackberry, black cherry, cedar and coffee aromas and flavors. My note: A smooth, delicious red with layers of blackberry and coffee notes.  28928  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Dynamite Vineyards Merlot 2005, North Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Dynamite Vineyards gets its name from the means used to sculpt the original vineyard site out of promising, but rocky, slopes. Since its debut in the early 1990s, the winery has expanded and now owns vineyards throughout California. This fruit-forward Merlot is from their best vineyards in the North Coast. An ideal medium-bodied red for around the barbecue. My note: Balanced and smooth like mellow jazz.  57380  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


D'Angelo Estate Winery Del Vulture Aglianico 2004, D.O.C. Basilicata, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2004 Aglianico del Vulture offers ripe black cherry fruit, with spicy cinnamon and coffee notes. My note: A rustic and full-bodied red with cherry liqueur nose, amarone-like.  971689  13%  D  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 87/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Casa Silva Syrah Reserva 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Layers of black raspberries and plums. Terrific value.  14456  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Finca Flichman Malbec Reserva 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This inky-black, ready-to-drink Malbec consistently offers great value. The secret to success for Finca Flichman is careful fruit selection. A must-have for any barbecue, this Reserva features concentrated flavors of ripe black cherry, blackberry, plum and a touch of mocha. Fairly complex with very good length, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite this summer. My note: Incredible value! Buy a case for summer barbecues and parties. Black fruit notes with a smooth texture.  746727  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Sophenia Merlot Reserve 2006, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Famed ‘flying winemaker’ Michel Rolland consults with in-house winemaker Matias Michelini to craft the elegant modern wines of Finca Sophenia. The fruit sourced for this state-of-the-art, gravity-fed winery benefits from the Tupungato sub-region’s unique terroir with vineyards planted at a dizzying elevation of 1200 metres. This medium-bodied, elegant Merlot features plush, ripe-plum flavors as well as vanilla and toast notes on the smooth finish. My note: A smooth, seductive, medium-bodied red with plum notes. Decant for one hour.  63412  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Finca Flichman Gestos Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine blends fruit picked at two substantially different elevations, which sets this Malbec apart. Fifty percent of the grapes are sourced from vineyards planted at 700 metres in the sub-region of Barrancas and the other half are from vineyards planted at 1100 metres in Tupungato. The Barrancas grapes give depth and volume to the wine while the Tupungato grapes provide structure, freshness and added complexity. Here two terroirs make for one delicious wine. My note: A full-bodied, straight-forward and mouth-filling red with dark red fruit and some oak notes.  68999  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Rodney Strong Wine Estates Merlot 2004, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This ever-popular Merlot has a lot going for it. Aged in French and American oak barrels for 25 months, the 2004 features soft, fruity aromas of black plums and blueberries with hints of red licorice and vanilla. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with deep dark-fruit flavours and a lingering spicy/toasty finish. Vintage after vintage it is consistently delightful. My note: A consistently great producer. Trust this brand across the range of wines.  497933  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Ceravolo Sangiovese 2006, Adelaide Plains, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Over fifty years ago Joe Ceravolo’s family came to South Australia from Southern Italy – where his family has been making wine for generations. Joe’s Italian heritage comes shining through in this remarkable Sangiovese. Dry and medium-bodied, this wine features fresh red cherry and spice flavors balanced by some refreshing acidity leading to a persistent finish. My note: Lovely dark red fruit notes with some mocha. Great, mouth-watering acidity for food.  58123  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Cremaschi Furlotti Anakena Ona Cabernet Merlot Carmenère 2005, Rapel Valley, Chile: A blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon and 25% each of merlot and carmenere. A full-bodied red with black cherries and plums.  59493  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Weinert Malbec 2003, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Swiss winemaker Hubert Weber fully embraced Bodegas y Cavas de Weinert’s traditional approach when he joined the winery in 1997. Weber’s Argentinian wines showcase the classic balance of European wines. Sourced from vines that are 70+ years old, this wine is patiently aged for 3 years in French oak before bottling. Almost French in style, it has plenty of depth of fruit flavours, spice and a smouldering smokiness. My note: A delicious, simple, full-bodied red with terrific ripe, dark red fruit notes.  556795  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.85  Score: 88/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Rosés

Perrin Rosé Réserve 2007, AC Côtes du Rhone, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From the family behind Château de Beaucastel comes this popular rosé. Sourced from the Perrin Brothers’ own southern Rhône vineyards. My note: A bone-dry rosé with ovely notes of raspberries.  719062  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni Salta Grilli Rosé 2007, I.G.T. Rosato di Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty rosé. The wine is filled with lemon zest, black cherry and spice aromas and flavours. This wine is dry and finishes with a zingy fruitiness. My note: A delicious, mouth-watering, light-bodied rosé with sweet strawberry fruit notes. Trade in your white zinfandel for this one!  33555  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Penley Estate Over The Moon Rosé 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Penley’s rosé is a quirky cuvée of Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. They get the most out of their all-star lineup, crafting a vivid, refreshing wine with layers of strawberry, plum and cassis fruit flavors. Serve this at your next Sunday afternoon barbecue party. My note: A simple, delicious rosé with notes of strawberries.  684316  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review


Dessert Wine

J.P. Chenet Vinhos Moscatel De Setúbal 2001, D.O.C. Portugal, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine was called a Top Ten Smart Buy by Wine Access magazine when we released the same vintage in September 29, 2007. Compared to its popular cousins, Port and Madeira, fortified Moscatel de Setúbal is relatively unknown in the wine world. Made with the Muscat grape, this wine delivers delicious aromatic intensity for little money. After you have finished nosing this delightful concoction, your palate will be greeted by apricots and honey at first sip. My note: An amazing dessert wine that will wow your guests.  996181  17%  S  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 89/100. July 7, 2008 Full Review