Wine Picks

Vintages Wine Picks April 14, 2012

White Wine

Catena Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Oh yum! Buttery richness drips around a green apple core of vibrancy. Full-bodied, but not heavy. One of the best chardonnays I have tasted in a while. Drink: 2012-2017. 918805 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Domaine Chauveau La Charmette Pouilly Fumé 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Classic Old World Sauvignon Blanc that's pure lemon light and crispness. Not much oak evident here; great mouth-watering juiciness for food. Not grassy, just refreshing and focused. Makes me focused too ... on the bottle. Drink: 2012-2014. 274357 12% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Vineland Estates Chardonnay Musqué 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Lovely! Spring apple blossoms and honeysuckle with a crisp, dry finish. Mouth-watering and food-friendly. Drink: 2012-2015. 996793 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Tyrrell's Wines Brookdale Semillon 2011, Hunter Valley, Australia: Lemon freshness in a glass with a lovely rich lanolin texture. The perfect wine that is stylistically between sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Drink: 2012-2015. 269316 11.20% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Michel Delhommeau Cuvée Harmonie Muscadet De Sèvre-Et-Maine 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Mouth-watering and a perfect foil for shellfish. Clean and crisp with lemon and lime notes. Drink: 2012-2014. 164624 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Michel Picard Bourgogne Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: This has got to be a typo on the price! Hazelnut richness wraps itself gorgeously around green apple and peach notes. Full-bodied and generous and round and you won't get another Burgundian chardonnay at this price for a very long tim my friend. Drink: 2012-2016. 264440 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Quintay Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Grassy and herbal with chives and lemongrass. Refreshing and crisp, no oak. Drink: 2012-2014. 276493 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Crios Domino Del Plata Torrontés 2011, Argentina, Argentina: A profusion of white flowers and happiness. Just the right amount of acidity for almost all dishes, except maybe steak. Lively and pretty. Life is beautiful. Drink: 2012-2015. 1834 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

St. Hallett Semillon 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Love the lanolin-lemon richness here: bright yet luxurious. Unlike most white wines that you'll try. Come on, live a little... At least this weekend. Drink: 2012-2016. 658005 11% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Inniskillin Winemaker's Series Two Vineyards Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Petrol and peach: love it! Don't be put off if you haven't heard that description before; it's wonderful, especially for food. Terrific mouth-watering acidity makes it a match for seafood, salads and cream sauces. Wonderful! Drink: 2012-2016. 105387 11.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely especially for the price. Rich and round with green apple aromas and a toasty richness. Drink: 2012-2015. 1461 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Filus Torrontés 2011, Salta, Argentina: Pretty and simple with lots of light laughter and pleasure. White flowers and lime lift. Drink: 2012-2014. 273581 13.30% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Absolutely fantastic, and a steal at this price! Gorgeous aromas of white peach and melon with just a hint of light spice on the finish. Medium- to full-bodied and delicious. Drink: 2012-2016. 983395 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Duca Di Quadri Catemario Collezione Privata Pinot Grigio 2010, D.O.C., Friuli, Italy: Clean, fresh and crisp without any heavy oak. Great aperitif or food companion. Drink: 2012-2015. 120782 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Stratus White 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: A pleasant blend of white grapes with enticing aromas of white melon and dry peach. Over-priced by $20. Drink: 2012-2015. 660704 13% XD 750 mL $44.20 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

St. Francis Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied and rich with toasty oak and green apple notes. Drink: 2012-2016. 317131 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Red Wine

Corasco Tedeschi Appassimento 2008, I.G.T., Rosso Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Loads of black pepper on the nose and palate: terrific liquid condiment to any dish that cries out for pepper. Black fruit, juicy, smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012-2016. 216440 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: A rich, deeply concentrated red with blackberry liqueur and blueberry preserve aromas. Smooth and full-bodied. Fantastic for barbecues. Drink: 2012-2015. 135202 15% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Ridge York Creek Zinfandel 2007, Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, California, United States: This is a huge, towering wine with black and purple plum liqueur concentration. When you want the full-on palate whack, this is your bottle. Drink: 2012-2016. 269381 14.60% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Campolieti Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Black cherry and purple plum liqueur richness and concentration. Full-bodied and smooth with layers of intense flavour. Pair with prime rib or brisket. Drink: 2012-2015. 695890 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Alexander Valley, California, USA: Chalky dry on the finish with attractive dark berry notes before you get there. Full-bodied but heavy and smooth especially if you decant for 2 hours first. Drink: 2015-2018. 50427 14% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Decero Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Remolinos Vineyard, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina: Black fruit with generous oak treatment. Smoky with a nice finish. Drink: 2012-2015. 195677 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Fabre Montmayou Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied and pleasant with Bordeaux leanings. Black fruit with balanced oak. Good price. Drink: 2012-2015. 261891 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

La Puerta Alta Bonarda 2009, Famatina Valley, La Rioja, Argentina: Blackberry liqueur richness with smooth, full-bodied weight. Intensely concentrated with a full on palate whack. Drink: 2012-2015. 261990 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Chakana Yaguareté Collection Bonarda 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied and smooth with dark plum aromas. Great party wine. 3525 13.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Piedra Negra François Lurton Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied, robust and cedar-rustic with terrific, savoury black fruit aromas. Nice smoky finish. Do yourself a favour and decant it for 2 hours first. Drink: 2012-2015. 924001 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Pillar Box Reserve Henry's Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Incredible richness, complexity and depth with seductive, draw-me-into-the-glass aromas of black fruit and dark spices. Smooth and full-bodied with a relaxed luxury that says life's good, enjoy. Drink: 2012-2016. 199745 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Pirramimma Katunga Gts 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Blackberry liqueur and full-bodied concentration. Smooth and juicy. Great meat dish companion. Drink: 2011-2015. 203174 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: An incredibly rich and concentrated with intense aromas and layers of blackberry liqueur flavour. Demands hearty meat dishes and won't be satisfied until you are. Bring it on! Drink: 2012-2016. 236257 14.50% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 94/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Brokenwood Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale Beechworth, South Australia Victoria, Australia: Lovely and balanced: not too heavy but definitely full-bodied. Love the mouth-feel on this luxurious red. Layers of fleshy blackcurrants and plums. Yum! Drink: 2012-2016. 265975 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Château De Mercey Mercurey Domaine Rodet 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: A juicy pinot with pleasantly sour cherry and cranberry aromas and flavours. I love this style but its an acquired taste as it' not fruity or ripely sweet. Drink: 2011-2018. 264531 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Château Beausejour Vign. Sudrat-Melet 2009, A.C., Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: A terrific wine for the money! Full-bodied with black fruit and smoke. You won't find Bordeaux at the price-quality ratio often. Decant for 2 hours Drink: 2012-2015. 264267 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Volnay 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Such a pretty pinot! The best of New and Old World styles: ripe luscious berry aromas without being too fruity. Terrific balance, silky, seductive texture and a long finish. A touch of earth and smoke but not a lot. Lovely! Drink: 2012-2016. 91090 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Shingleback Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and dark with black plums and berries. Some lovely dark spices on the finish. Drink: 2012-2015. 57844 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Tannic and full-bodied with class cabernet aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry. Surprisingly elegant for a New World cab. Like it lots! Drink: 2011-2015. 590471 13.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Norton Privada 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely round richness with fleshy ripe black plums, figs and mocha-dark chocolate. Full-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015. 148155 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Mocha and dark chocolate on the nose with dark plums and berries on the palate. Toasty oak and smooth texture with full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012-2015. 126763 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Tamaya Reserva Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2009, Limari Valley, Chile: Pine forest with a mocha snowfall dusting. Full-bodied, smooth and savoury. Bring on the meat! Drink: 2012-2015. 62497 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

The Winemakers' Collection Cuvée No. 4 Stéphane Derenoncourt 2008, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: A big, black Bordeaux with New World power and fruit. The flying winemaker, international influence is evident. Delicious and boldly assertive. Drink: 2013-2018. 136549 13% XD 750 mL $43.00 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Château Trimoulet Grand Cru 2008, A.C., St-Émilion , Bordeaux, France: Lots of mocha richness with a savoury, meaty note on the mid-palate. Dark plums and blackberry aromas. Full-bodied. Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2016. 35675 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Le Dit De La Clapassière Séguret 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: A fantastic wine for the money! Here's your party and summer barbecue vino. Full-bodied and layered with lip-smacking delicious layers of black fruit. Drink: 2012-2016. 652339 15% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Monte Del Frá Bardolino 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Love it! Peppery and peppy with ripe blackberry and black plum aromas and flavours. Very delicious! Drink: 2012-2014. 134544 12.50% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Jorio Umani Ronchi Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2009, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: A pleasant, smooth, medium0 to full-bodied red for a great price. Dark fruit aromas and toasty oak. Drink: 2012-2014. 134577 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2009, D.O.C.G.,Tuscany, Italy: Juicy and savoury with full-bodied richness. Dark berries with a smoky finish. Drink: 2012-2015. 222810 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Antinori Badia A Passignano Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G.,Tuscany, Italy: A lovely and elegant wine with a silky smooth texture and medium- to full-bodied weight. Aromas of dark fruit and just the right amount of oak. Drink: 2012-2016. 384552 14% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Spier Creative Block 3 2008, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Juicy and ultra-delicious! Wow, it comes on with so many different aromas: mocha, fleshy blackberry and savoury goodness. Drink: 2012-2015. 263632 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. April 14, 2012 Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Rioja Bordón Gran Reserva Bodegas Franco-Espanolas 2004, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Love that mature leather and tobacco flavour! Palate is more seductive than the nose. Age and wisdom have their benefits when it comes to wine as well. This is seductively smooth and complex; a contemplative wine. Full-bodied and elegant. Drink: 2012-2016. 114454 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Bonterra Zinfandel 2009, Mendocino, Amador, Lake Counties, California, United States: This organic wine has just 11 mg/l of free sulphur. Juicy and forgiving, this is an amazing barbecue wine that will dance with hamburgers, steak and your tastebuds. Slather on the fixins and top up of your glass! Drink: 2012-2015. 530139 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Rich, round, full-bodied and balanced with a chalky finish. Dark fruit aromas and flavours; nice layering of sensual pleasure. Drink: 2012-2016. 731810 14.20% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Antinori Solaia 2008, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Spectacularly Taste this once in your lifetime, especially from a great vintages like this one. Liquid velvet that caresses the senses. Dark fleshy fruit, earthy tones and a finish that doesn't end. Drink: 2014-2022. 987586 14% XD 750 mL $249.95 Score: 98/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Rotllán Torra Crianza 2007, D.O.C., Priorat, Spain: Savoury and juicy with great complexity and depth. Smooth and full-bodied with lusciously ripe and fleshy dark berries. Drink: 2011-2017. 267989 14.70% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Herdade Penedo Gordo António M. Esteves Monteiro Vinho Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Alentejo, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A roast leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary would complement this fine wine, which will also reward 3+ years in a cellar. My note: Love it! Mocha-rich and fleshy dark berries. I want to sink into this wine and come out after I’ve had my fill. As a voluptuary, this is my kind of wine. Rich, full-bodied and velvet smooth. What an amazing price. Drink: 2011-2014. 218339 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Astrolábium Reserva Dão Sul Vinho Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Dão, Portugal: Tasty and full-bodied with dark, savoury aromas and flavours of black fruit and smoke. Good value for the price. Drink: 2011-2014. 276121 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Wine Men Of Gotham Wineinc Shiraz Grenache 2008, South Australia, Australia: Rich and warm with a wrap-around-you comfort. Black fleshy ripe fruit with a comforting blanket of smoky oak. Terrific wine, especially for the money. Drink: 2012-2015. 269324 14.20% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Csányi Pincészet Teleki Villányi Cabernet Franc 2008, Hungary: A tasty, full-bodied red with dark fruit and smooth texture. Drink: 2012-2014. 74823 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: A classic California cabernet with juicy, savoury notes of cassis and blackcurrant. A long, dry finish. Drink: 2011-2017. 149955 14.60% XD 750 mL $119.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: A gorgeous and beautifully concentrated pinot noir that displays the best of what California is capable of with this varietal. Fleshy ripe dark cherries with a lick of spice on the finish. Top me up! Drink: 2012-2017. 212076 14.70% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 94/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Saintsbury Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir 2007, Carneros, California, United States: Luscious, elegant and superb. This is Californian pinot noir raised to its highest Platonic ideal. Forget philosophy though, and top up your glass: this is great wine! Drink: 2012-2016. 261594 14.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 95/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Cyrus Alexander Valley Vineyards 2007, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Complex, deep and rich with irresistible aromas and flavours of savoury dark fruit and fleshy ripe black plums. An extremely long finish that will last almost as long until you open the next bottle. Drink: 2012-2016. 269233 14.80% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Cave Spring Merlot 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Mocha-espresso with dark fruit and a smooth texture. Medium- to full-bodied. Pleasant. Drink: 2012-2015. 235051 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Passadouro Vinho Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: A dark and full-bodied with appealing licorice, dark spice and black fruit aromas. Meaty and mouth-watering. Yum! Drink: 2012-2016. 267997 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Portal Vinho Tinto 2008, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Full-bodied and pleasant with dark fruit aromas. Drink: 2010-2014. 190769 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

La Corte Old Vines Di Manduria Casa Vinicola Botter Carlo & C. Primitivo 2010, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Full-bodied with dark fruit. Don't analyze it; drink it. Good party wine. Drink: 2012-2014. 269019 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Château De Bord La Croix De Frégère Laudun, Brotte, Aimé Et Pascal Fayolle, Prop.-Récolt. 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: A rich and delicious red with robust layers of black cherry, smoke and cherry. Mouth-watering and juicy with delicious flavours, especially for this price point. Drink: 2012-2016. 264218 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Blue Crane Full Flight Red 2008, W.O., Tulbagh, South Africa: Dark chocolate and black plum notes with a smooth texture and full-bodied weight. Very pleasant. Drink: 2010-2014. 267831 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

Ete Indien 2010, A.C., Brouilly, Beaujolais, France: A simple and light red wine with pleasant aromas of cherry and strawberry. Drink: 2012-2013. 159749 13% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. April 14, 2012 Full Review

L'antico Di Burchino Vigna Casanova Chianti 2010, D.O.C.G.,Tuscany, Italy: This lovely, juicy, full-bodied organic/biodynamic wine has just 6 mg/l of free sulphur. It's a pleasant treat for the senses, both nose and mouth. Great food wine for pork chops or grilled chicken. Drink: 2012-2014. 160457 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. April 14, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Rosés

Faustino V Tempranillo Rosado 2011, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: A robust and deeply satisfying rose, yet not heavy. Bone-dry and refreshing with gorgeous aromas of dark raspberries. Perfect. Drink: 2012-2014. 700534 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 91/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Rosé Wine. Full Review

Sparkling Wine

Delamotte Brut, A.C., Champagne, France: Toasty and crisp with terrific complex and refreshment. Very elegant. Drink: 2012-2016. 183434 13% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 90/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Dessert Wine

Cálem Colheita Single Vintage Sogevinus Btld. 2011 Tawny Port 1998, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: One of my favourite tawny port producers! This lovely toffee-rich, toasted almond wonder is a superb after-dinner drink or pair it with crème brûlée or biscotti. Drink: 2006-2017. 264259 20% S 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. April 14, 2012 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review