Wine Picks

Vintages Wine Picks August 6, 2011

White Wine

Wayne Gretzky Estate Estate Series Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Absolutely lovely with a touch of melon sweetness even though the wine is technically dry. Lovely aperitif or companion to many dishes. White peach summer essence. Drink: 2011-2015. 209841 10% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2009, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A lovely wine from Chile’s cool, ocean-tempered Casablanca Valley. Straw-coloured with a brassy tint, it opens with vibrant, layered aromas of tangerine, apple, pear, pineapple, guava and floral with a touch of sandalwood. Dry, medium bodied, with a nice interplay of tropical fruit, orchard fruit and subtle oak. Rush of refreshing acidity on the finish. Excellent length. My note: Big honkin’ chardonnay with green apples and toasting smoke. Full-bodied richness. Drink: 2011-2015. 390203 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Domaine Bois Malinge Sèvre Et Main Muscadet 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Refreshing and zesty with pleasantly bitter orange peel and white lime. Drink: 2011-2013. 224246 12% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Lovely richness and balance with lime, green apple and vibrant notes. Toasted almond finish that makes you want a top up very soon. Drink: 2011-2015. 903617 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Crios De Susana Balbo Torrontés 2010, Salta, Argentina: Juicy with white melon and peach and grapefruit. Great aperitif. Clean and crisp. Drink: 2011-2013. 1834 13.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

13Th Street White Palette 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Each variety, including Gewurz, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay all seem to have their moment in the sun here. Aromas of peach, sweet herbs, peapods, spring flowers, grapefruit and exotic spice are on offer. Ever so slightly off-dry, fresh and fruity with good weight. Will also make a fantastic warm-weather sipper. My note: Extremely pretty! Floral with lychee and rose petal aromas. Good acidity and so versatile with food. Medium-bodied. Lovely! Drink: 2011-2015. 207340 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Domaine De Rochebin Clos St. Germain Bourgogne Blanc 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Intriguing wine featuring aromas of yellow cherry, Royal Gala apple and buttered toast. Dry and fruity, with fresh acidity and toasty oak binding the wine together nicely. Fruit is pure and clean, while the oak brings just the right touch. Medium bodied with a medium, fresh finish. My note : Incredible price for white burgundy, holy smokes! Hazelnut toasted goodness wrapped round green apples and lime liveliness. Yes! Drink: 2011-2015. 243873 12.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Anakena Lilén Single Vineyard Viognier 2010, Requínoa, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Opens up with enticing aromas of exotic flowers, white peach and honeydew melon. Dry with a medium-full body and a lovely round, mouth-filling texture. Ripe and very tasty, with impressive balance and a persistent finish. This is a serious Viognier with character to spare. It’ll make a fine summer sipper. My note: Like this! Floral and mild spices without being polarizing. Rose petal and white flowers. Medium-bodied and zippy. Drink: 2011-2015. 45138 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2010, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Andrew Graham of Australian Wine Review awarded this wine a score of 90. Try this zippy Riesling. My note: Gorgeous juicy goodness with lime vibrancy. Drink: 2011-2015. 558650 12.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. August 6, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Pinot Blanc 2010, VQA, Short Hills Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Another refreshing Pinot Blanc from the Speck Brothers. Fresh and lively, you can expect notes of fresh pear, green apple, citrus fruit and minerality, all kept in balance by a seam of vibrant acidity. Like summer in a glass. My note: I had to look twice at this wine: it's colour was so light, it almost looked like water! However, the taste is anything but watery or wimpy: it's packed with lovely melon refreshment and light floral notes. So pretty! Great aperitif and flexible food companion. Drink: 2011-2013. 618827 12.10% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Greywacke Kevin Judd Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal classic with fresh mowed grass and asparagus with mouth-watering juiciness. Such a food friendly wine. Drink: 2011-2014. 164228 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Sileni Estates Pinot Gris 2010, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Refreshing and crisp with white peach and green apple. Love the zesty goodness. Drink: 2011-2013. 32292 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Green, herbal and tasting with chives, grass and asparagus. Medium bodied and food-friendly. Drink: 2011-2013. 677450 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Casablanca, Rapel, Limarí Valleys, Chile: Grassy good, with refreshing notes of lemon and lime. Love it, and love the price even more. Drink: 2011-2015. 678656 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

William Fèvre Chablis 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: William Fèvre has continued to push the envelope in terms of what it means to be a négociant and vineyard owner. Whether buying up the best lots, making quality wines or growing their own grapes, William Fèvre continues to win critical and customer acclaim. Featuring classic Chablis aromas of green apple, mineral and pear, this vibrant wine demonstrates an impressive harmony between its fruit and acidity. My note: Juicy green apple brightness with zesty mouth-watering action. Classic Chardonnay. Drink: 2011-2015. 169805 13.90% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Fairview Sauvignon Blanc 2010, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: Very grassy and herbal and mouth-watering. Great for any veggie dish. Drink: 2011-2013. 655407 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Cantina Tramin Gewürztraminer 2009, D.O.C., Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy: Perfectly calibrated gewurz: exotic and aromatic but not weird and over-the-top. Lychee and rose petal and floral notes and baking spices. Perfect for Asian and spicy dishes. Drink: 2011-2015. 117028 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Kistler Vineyard Vine Hill Unfined And Unfiltered Chardonnay 2008, Russian River Valley, California, United States: Brilliant. California’s best Chardonnay? Glorious ripe apples and white and smoky toast and almonds. Drink: 2011-2018. 120311 14.10% XD 750 mL $87.95 Score: 94/100. August 6, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio 2010, D.O.C., Trentino, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Bottega Vinaia produces artisanal wines that are sourced from family-owned single vineyards in Trentino’s Valle dei Laghi (Valley of Lakes). Their Pinot Grigio is flavourful and food-friendly and will match very well with diverse dishes. My note: Terrific! White melon and lime with zippy, zesty notes of grapefruit. An interesting Pinot Grigio. Drink: 2011-2015. 51623 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Red Wine

Mike Weir Wine Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Pleasant sour cherry berry flavours with juicy mouth-watering acidity. Terrific bite for food Drink: 2011-2016. 75 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Santa Ema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Juicy and ultra-mouth-watering with black fleshy fruit and mocha. Full-bodied with a river velvet pleasure. Drink: 2011-2014. 175422 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Montes Purple Angel 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Juicy purple and black plums with full-bodied goodness. Deep, rich and concentrated. Best consumed after you cash in your Google stock. Drink: 2011-2014. 62364 15% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Chilensis Reserva Carmenère 2010, Maule Valley, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: What a fantastically well-priced Carmenère! Medium ruby-purple in colour, it sports spicy cherry, boysenberry, blueberry, hickory smoke and black plum. Dry, medium bodied, with ripe fruit and supportive tannins, all culminating in a lingering medium-long finish. A tasty take on Chile’s signature red varietal. My note: Smoky black fruit mocha at a staggeringly great price. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Drink: 2011-2014. 657981 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine La Roquète 2008, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Pepper sprinkled on top of bruiser black fruit. Full-bodied but pleasantly and seductively slippery smooth. Quite a spectacular dinner party wine, party if the conversation hasn’t got rolling yet. Drink: 2011-2018. 70862 14.90% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

La Velona Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Lovely balance and fleshiness with lovely black cherries bobbing on a summer wind in the grove and violets swaying at the bas of the trees. Of course, those cultivars may not actually exist in nature, but they do in my mind. Drink: 2011-2016. 181321 14.50% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Terra D'aligi Tatone Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2008, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep purple in the glass with rich notes of ripe red fruit, violets and spice. This is a wonderfully well-balanced wine that is deliciously fruity on the palate. Full bodied, with a lovely, long, spicy finish. My note: Mocha with black cherry and dark plush plums. Full-bodied and juicy delicious. Drink: 2011-2015. 994616 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir 2007, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Elegant and restrained with cherry fruit and fresh earth. Nice balance and acidity. Medium-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2016. 140723 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Rodney Strong KNOTTY VINES Zinfandel 2008, Northern Sonoma, California, United States: Blackberry pie served up for your pleasure! A dry wine, but packed with fleshy ripe fruit flavour, including blueberries and black raspberries. Ultra smooth and ready to go. Terrific for the money. This wine won a Silver Medal at the 2010 World Wine Championship Awards. Drink: 2011-2015. 363358 15.10% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: My fav Zinfandel year after year: may they continue to make this wine for generations to come! Loaded with black fruit and plums, but still lifted and bright on the palate, not heavy. Gorgeous balance. You’ll be back for more. Drink: 2011-2016. 56879 15.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. August 6, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Peter Lehmann Wines Layers Red 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Smoky big oak with generous fleshy blackberries, currants and plums. Smooth and juicy. Winner of a Blue-Gold Medal at the Sydney International Wine Competition 2010 (judged with food). Drink: 2011-2015. 138883 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Heartland Shiraz 2008, Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Love it! Minty cool on the nose, then a big vibrant, juicy attack o the palate. You won’t be daydreaming after a sip of this: it’ll pull you right back into the now. Full-bodied, juicy and generous, just how I like my friends. Drink: 2011-2015. 661934 14.40% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. August 6, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Anakena Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Leyda Valley, Chile: Sweet cherry-berry flavour, even though this is a dry wine. Medium-bodied and satin smooth at a staggeringly great price. Pinot noir just doesn’t come at this price, usually. Drink: 2011-2014. 208439 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Real Sitio de Ventosilla Recorba Crianza 2006, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Old leather and violets, love it! Old World seduction in a glass. Dark dried fruit and herbs and smoke. Drink: 2011-2015. 236950 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Château Monbrison 2004, A.C., Margaux, Bordeaux, France: Love it! Blackberries, blackcurrant and cassis with cedar smoke and a bit. Full-bodied and luxuriously rich. Will take cellaring with ease. Drink: 2011-2018. 235440 13% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Bogle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Expect notes of cedar, black fruits, spice and herbs on the nose. The palate is elegant, and offers a nice complexity and depth to the fruit along with well-integrated and nicely balanced tannins and acidity. Expertly made and tremendously well-priced wine that really over-delivers on all counts. My note: Savoury, meaty and cedar notes with full-bodied goodness. Drink: 2011-2015. 904565 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Casalvento Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A juicy black fruited wonder! Full-bodied, non-decision wine (just buy it). Fleshy blackberries and rolling plums. Drink: 2011-2015. 244210 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Domaine Armand Cairanne 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours des Vins de la Foire d’Avignon. Quite an intense, intriguing Rhône blend. Medium-deep ruby in the glass, it sports aromas of blueberry, blackberry, forest floor, smoked meat and black pepper. Dry, medium bodied, with a lovely velvety texture. Spicy, peppery finish. Tannins are still youthful, suggesting this wine will evolve nicely over the next 2-3 years. My note : Purple plums, blueberries and blackberries in a hedonistic jumble mingle in this glass. Full-bodied, smooth and mouth-watering. Perfect barbecue wine or potluck gathering offering. Drink: 2011-2014. 237560 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Domaine Piron-Lameloise Quartz Chenas 2009, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Oh yum! Satin smooth with slippery black fleshy raspberries and cherries. Mouth-watering and balanced. Change your mind about Beaujolais with this wine if you’ve had a hang up about it. Drink: 2009-2014. 240481 13.20% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenère 2007, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile: This single-vineyard wine received a score of 95 points in Wine & Spirits magazine. Honkin’ big juicy black fruited wonder. Smooth and did I mention, it’s full-bodied? Black licorice and some smoke but mostly blackberry jam. Drink: 2011-2015. 562892 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

De Falco Squinzano Rosso 2007, D.O.C., Serre Di Sant'elia, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Opaque ruby in the glass with aromas of dried herbs, plum, cranberry, earth, smoke and leather. The palate is dry and medium bodied with moderate tannins, notes of plum, spice and dried cherry, with a tangy mid-palate and finish. My note: Black and purple plum liqueur chased down with fleshy almost overripe blueberries and blackberry jam. Sock it to me, or you. Full-bodied and smooth and requiring a big meat dish. Drink: 2011-2015. 224659 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Syan Merlot 2008, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia: Minty blackberries on the nose followed by fleshy plum and more eucalyptus on the palate. full-bodied and as smooth as smooth jazz daddyo. Drink: 2011-2016. 228130 14.80% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Jamiesons Run Mildara Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Smoky and brooding with big black fruit. Minty cool with a long core of blackberry, cassis and cedar smoke. Drink: 2011-2015. 919548 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Emiliana Adobe Reserva Syrah 2009, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Silver Medal at the MUNDUSvini BioFach International Organic Wine Awards 2011. A lovely organic Syrah that offers incredible value. Ruby-purple in the glass, with richly layered aromas of earth, smoke, pepper and black raspberry, and a hint of bacon. Medium bodied, with good balance and freshness and a fine, elegant, balanced structure. Black pepper really emerges on the mid-palate. Tasty, smoky-edged finish. My note: Read no further: buy a case of this wine and you’ll be happy. Full-bodied, tasty, juicy and satisfying. Dark berry notes, smooth and lovely at an incredible price. It’s just a bonus that it’s organic. Drink: 2011-2014. 213553 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Inniskillin Winemaker's Series Two Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This top-notch Cab Franc won a Silver Medal at the 2010 InterVin International Wine Awards. The fruit was sourced from Pearl Family Vineyards located in the Creek Shores, and Seeger Vineyard in the Niagara River. Both vineyards were harvested quite late in the season, in early November, as fine autumn weather blessed Niagara. Look for enticing notes of raspberry, spice and tobacco in this deeply coloured wine. My note: Juicy wonder that will perk up any potluck gathering. Vibrant and edgy blackberries with terrific mouth-watering action. Delicious! Drink: 2011-2015. 241539 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Grand Juan Du Château Haut-Rieuflaget Supérieur 2008, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An excellent value wine. Restrained, impressive and scented nose with black fruits, spices, cherry compote and generous creamy oak. Good balance. My note: A simple, full-bodied red with dark chocolate and cherry notes. Drink, don’t think. Drink: 2011-2013. 226134 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Les Vignerons De Visan 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages Visan, France: A rustic, full-bodied red with black berries and cedar notes. Straight pleasure. Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Concours des Grands Vins de France in Mâcon. Drink: 2011-2014. 179234 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Charles Audoin Clos Du Roy Marsannay 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Tart cherries and field berries with a silky, medium-bodied texture and weight. Some earth and a pleasant bitter zing on the finish. Simply delicious! Drink: 2009-2015. 243857 13% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Chalk Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Beautifully structure with great depth and length. Classic cabernet aromas. Drink: 2011-2016. 990168 15% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. August 6, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Siegel Crucero Reserva Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep purple with ruby glints. Ripe blueberry, plum, pomegranate and vanilla bean on the palate. Dry, medium-full bodied and quite youthful, with grippy yet velvety tannins. Nice plush core of fruit too, en route to a spicy finish. This wine will age nicely into the near future (3+ years). My note: Rich chocolate slathered on yo fleshy ripe black plums. Smooth and luxuriously layered. Drink: 2011-2014. 237859 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Terredora Lacryma Christi Del Vesuvio Rosso 2008, D.O.C., Campania, Italy: Tasty and juicy with full-bodied goodness. Dark fruit and black licorice. A frame-broiled wine if ever there was one. Drink: 2011-2014. 93088 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Giordano Ricarico 2008, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of chocolate mingle delectably with spice, and red berry tones. Full bodied, dry and very New World in style, the palate is spicy and fresh with lovely soft raspberry character and a balanced finish. Try with a traditional tomato and meat pasta, or spice things up and try it with chili. My note: Tasty with black fruit and smoke with full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2014. 230581 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Jean-Paul Brun 2009, A.C., Côte De Brouilly, Beaujolais, France: Juicy and generous with fleshy cherries and field raspberries. Just enough bite to make this wine refreshing and food friendly. Lovely balance, smooth texture and medium-bodied weight. Drink: 2009-2013. 235127 12.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Henry's Drive Pillar Box Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Padthaway, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Heavily extracted, with jammy almost burnt fruit and a lot of oak. Full-bodied palate whacker. Drink: 2011-2015. 199745 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Yabby Lake Red Claw Shiraz 2007, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia: A mouth-watering, juicy dark red with blackcurrant and pleasantly bitter tarry notes and dark spices. Rich and intense. Drink: 2011-2015. 228114 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Jean-Paul Brun Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Lovely sour cherry and beetroot notes make this a mouth-watering red with medium-bodied weight and satin smooth texture. It’s a terrific food wine, and almost too tart on its own in my opinion. But glorious with many dishes from seafood to roast chicken. Drink: 2009-2013. 240572 12.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Blind Trust Red Laughing Stock 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A spectacular blend of Bordeaux grapes. (You can find out which grapes and the proportion when you remove the capsule... No peaking in the store!) Gorgeously ripe aromas of blackberries and cassis wrapped in a luxuriously long smoky blanket. One for the cellar. Drink: 2012-2016. 230110 13% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 93/100. August 6, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Seigneurs D'aiguilhe 2Nd Wine Of Château D'aiguilhe Vignobles Comtes Von Neipperg 2009, A.C. ,Côtes De Castillon, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Impressive aromas of cassis, plum, cedar, blueberry and violet rise from the glass. The palate is dry, with tremendous structure, balance and body, with both ripe and tangy fruit flavours. Notes of blueberry, plum, and cedar take precedence but are complemented by an underlying minerality that adds even greater depth. The finish is lovely and long. Delicious. Very approachable now, this will also reward 3+ years in the cellar. My note: Delicious and stunning quality for the price! Fleshy blackberries with a terrific bite. Some tannins that can be smoothed out with 1-2 hours decanting or a couple years cellar time. Dark brooding fruit and smoke on the finish. What a bargain for classic Bordeaux. Drink: 2011-2015. 195172 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Rosés

Domaine Corne-Loup Tavel Rosé 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Elegant, refreshing, food-friendly and versatile, this very well made Tavel offers mouth-watering aromas of strawberry and berry pie. Dry and lively, it is an ideal wine for barbecues as it makes a wonderful sipper that’s also capable of matching with a wide variety of summer foods. My note: Full-bodied and rich, yet still ephemeral as a summer cloud scudding across the sky. Aromas of raspberries and field cherries. Drink: 2011-2013. 71209 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review

Château Les Bertrands Clairet Rosé 2010, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is technically neither a red nor rosé wine, but one in between. Deep pink in the glass with aromas of cranberry, candy apple and red berry. The palate is dry and quite robust with nice Structure and balance throughout. A lovely sipping wine that is also ideal for lighter seafood Appetizers. My note: Love it! Rich and full-bodied and bone-dry refreshing. Bursting with ripe Cherries and lovely juiciness. Drink: 2011-2013. 224972 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review

Skouras Zoe Rosé 2010, Peloponnese, Greece: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of 70% Aghiorghitiko (aka Agiorgitiko, a Peloponnesian native) and 30% Moscofilero is a fresh and fruity wine with bright acidity. Aromas and flavours of fresh strawberry, ripe cranberry. Medium bodied and dry with a medium-long and fruity finish. Perfect as a sipper, or with summer salads featuring fresh strawberries and slices of honeydew melon. My note: this is pretty and redolent of rose petals, cherries and raspberries. Lovely. Drink: 2011-2013. 225045 12.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Sparkling Wine

La Maison Du Crémant Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France: Fantastic for the money: toasty and refreshing. Why pay more for Champagne? This one is mostly pinot noir and is robust as a result. I love it and would be proud to serve this as a wedding or even a pre-nup ceremony. Drink: 2011-2015. 127811 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 6, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review