Vintages Wine Picks June 11, 2011

White Wine

Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Acongagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Founded by Chilean superstar Eduardo Chadwick of Viña Errazuriz fame and California’s Robert Mondavi (Chadwick now owns solely the winery), Arboleda is dedicated to producing premium and super-premium quality wines. This intensely aromatic Sauvignon Blanc features aromas of typical fresh-cut grass, gooseberry, green peas and citrus fruit characteristics. This crisp and fresh wine is a fine choice as an aperitif. My note: Grassy-great! Refreshing and zippy with tasty notes of lemon, lime and chives. Please top me up! Drink: 2010-2013.  510339  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Vineland Estates Chenin Blanc 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Enjoy this less chilled than most white wines so the aromatics really shine: think no more than an hour to an hour and a half in the fridge. My note: this is an extremely rich and unctuous white with layers of pleasurable fleshy peach, dry apricot and pear. Love it. Never knew that Niagara could do Chenin like this. Neat! Drink: 2009-2015.  227033  11.70%  D  750 mL  $17.00  Score: 92/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Jardin Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Owned and operated by American ex-pats, Gary and Kathy Jordan, the winery is known as Jordan in South Africa; due to another winery in California with that name, they go by Jardin internationally. Lovely oaked Chardonnay that does the style proud. Lots of tropical fruit, coconut oil, hazelnut and vanilla. Dry with both fruit and oak working off each other brilliantly. Flavour-packed long finish that is perfectly freshened up by a seam of bright acidity. My note: Love it! Big, generous Chardonnay with mouth-watering zip! Gorgeous aromas of green apple, butter and hazelnut yet there’s also a zingy lime finish to clean up after the richness. Make your tongue happy Drink: 2009-2014.  663336  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Marqués de Cáceres Antea 2009, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Lively aromas of pineapple, citrus, fresh herbs, citrus and a pleasing leesy note. Dry and fairly fruity with a good structure provided by fresh acidity. Enjoy this fresh wine with steamed mussels or clams; in fact, you could use a splash of wine in cooking the food, and enjoy the rest with the meal. My note: A tasty white that’s like Chardonnay without too much oak. Aromas of green and peach with a kiss of vanilla smoke. Drink: 2009-2014.  518985  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Braided River Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Braided rivers occur when a river is split into several interconnected streams by an accumulation of sediment. The phenomenon is quite rare, and most frequently occurs in Canada, the Himalayas, Alaska, and New Zealand’s South Island. This wine offers lovely intertwined intense aromas of asparagus, gooseberry and tropical fruit. The palate is equally full with prominent flavours of fresh asparagus and tropical fruit shining through, along with a balancing seam of racy acidity. Enjoy this medium-long and flavourful Savvy. My note: very grassy with canned peas and asparagus. Zippy and mouth-watering. Needs grilled veggies or quiche. This wine shouldn’t stand alone. Drink: 2010-2013.  214585  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Mount Nelson Tenuta Campo Di Sasso/Marchesi Lodovico Antinori Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely and balance. Superbly crafted. Drink: 2009-2013.  694752  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Konrad Bunch Selection Riesling 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovin it! Gorgeous with sweet fleshy peach and apricot. Just the right touch of fruit sweetness, no cloying sugary taste. Think about all the dishes you eat with sweetness that could use a wine helper like this, from glazed ham to sweet potato. Try it! Drink: 2009-2015.  94086  8.50%  MD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Cathedral Cellar Kwv Chardonnay 2008, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: This is a big ol’ oaky chardonnay that I’ve come to love year after year. White and vanilla smoke in a comforting package. Like wearing your favourite jeans. Great price. Drink: 2009-2014.  328559  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Robert's Block Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Robert’s Block is named for Sue-Ann Staff’s great-great-great-grandfather, Robert Staff, who was the original settler on the property 200 years ago. The Riesling is the oldest block at 14 years of age. My note: Bone-dry and lovely with aromas of lemon, flint, lime and white peach. Mouth-watering and endlessly delicious. One bottle is not enough. Drink: 2009-2016.  231415  11%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This organic wine has free sulphur of only 6 mg/L. Producing wines since 1925, the family began to explore organic farming practices in 1980 and all their vineyards have been fully organic since 1984. Their 2009 Pinot Grigio offers aromas of candied citrus. Dry, with a light body and good acidity, it is fresh and toasty with tones of soft ripe orchard and citrus fruit, and a medium-long finish. A very nice Pinot Grigio. Enjoy as a refreshing sipper. My note: A simple and mild Pinot Grigio with subtle notes of white melon. Drink: 2009-2013.  204768  12.50%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Red Wine

Zeni Marogne Superiore Valpolicella Ripasso 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Enticing aromas of smoked meat, raspberry, cherry, dried herbs and woodsmoke. Dry, medium-full bodied, with pure fruit jazzed up by savoury herbal and smoky notes. Good length. My note: An elegant and balanced red, with full-bodied generosity yet not heavy. Aromas of dark fruit and mouth-watering juices. Forget chianti, go with this red for your Italian feast. Drink: 2009-2015.  220830  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Rose Hill Private Reserve Cellaria Winery Cabernet Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A truly wonderful, perfectly ripe 2007 Cab/Merlot from a new producer. Cassis, chocolate cherry, smoked meat and cinnamon toast. Dry and fruity, with fine tannins and fresh acidity on the mid-palate bringing balance. The tannins are starting to integrate nicely, and the wine is drinking ideally now, but will also reward another 2-3 years in a cellar. Medium-full bodied with a fairly long, smoky-edged/fruity finish. My note: A savoury, juicy red with meaty notes and blackcurrant. Full-bodied with solid structure and length. This is a winery to watch. Drink: 2009-2014.  233841  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Zeni Vigne Alte Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Pleasantly tart black cherry liqueur. Rich and full-bodied with a bite. Definitely your vino for watching The Godfather. Would you like a few more clichés? Drink: 2008-2018.  230607  15.50%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Dark woodsmoke and blackcurrant and cassis on the nose. A noble and elegant structure and balance and length. August character. Drink: 2010-2014.  985002  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Pirramimma Old Bush Vine Grenache 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This premium Grenache is sourced from two venerable vineyards, one planted in 1944 and the other in 1968. The fruit was hand-picked and the wine spent 3 years in American oak barriques before release. Look for classic Australian Grenache notes of sunny red fruit and roses, along with intriguing accents of mocha, toffee and allspice. My note: Luscious and ripe with big black plums looking to pick a fight with anyone wimpy. Honkin’ big flavours but also plush and long. Yum! Drink: 2007-2013.  108068  14.50%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Quarterback De Lisio Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Shiraz, and 17% Grenache was matured for 15 months in French oak. Big, black and powerful with good acidity and structure. Balanced and deep. Love it! Drink: 2007-2014.  219451  15.50%  XD  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Clarendon Hills Liandra Mourvèdre 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and rich, complex and vibrant: this wine brings together terrific and seemingly contrasting characteristics. Superbly crafted. Drink: 2007-2014.  219493  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $54.95  Score: 92/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Linfield Road The Stubborn Patriarch Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Single Vineyard, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Linfield Road can trace its winemaking history to 1860, when Edmund Wilson planted the family’s first vines. Five generations of the family have now had a hand in producing their handcrafted single-vineyard wines. This Shiraz, named for Captain Andrew Wilson who favoured execution rather than uttering “God Save the King” following the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Bothwell Brig in 1679, is toasty, medium-full bodied and lovely, with oodles of dark fruit and plenty of oomph balanced by impressive finesse and structure. My note: Terrific depth and concentration with blackberry richness and black silk satisfaction. Full-bodied and deep and long. Drink: 2008-2014.  223032  15.30%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 91/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Elderton Friends Shiraz 2010, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: If you want to impress your friends without breaking the bank, then this is your wine. From the prestigious Barossa region, this crowd-pleasing Shiraz is rich and vivacious with aromas and flavours of crushed berries, black plum, vanilla, chocolate and earthy notes. A stunning value, this smooth and opulent red is great. My note: Incredible concentration and power for the price. Big blackberries and currants in a lovely weave of full-bodied weight and velvet texture. Drink: 2010-2014.  660480  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 92/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Peter Lehmann Wines Stonewell Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: An august wine that has all the flavour and power of your favourite shiraz but maintains an elegance and finesse and restraint that makes you yearn for more. Beautifully structured with a long finish. Surely, this is one of Australia’s best. Drink: 2006-2018.  724625  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $79.95  Score: 93/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2008, Langhorne Creek, Australia: Big mouth-filling plush plums and berries with some dark spices and a whiff of mint and toast. Full-bodied and supremely smooth. Drink: 2009-2015.  90266  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Cono Sur Visión Syrah 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Robust yet plush with black fleshy plums that roll across your taste buds. Terrific concentration and flavour. Even better price. Drink: 2007-2013.  24661  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Arboleda Merlot 2008, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The hot Aconcagua Valley region is ideal for perfectly ripening Merlot grapes. This wine features pretty aromas of blackcurrant, mocha and vanilla bean. Considering how hot the region is, this wine has a lovely balance between the ripe fruit and fine tannins. No need to cellar this one but it could easily do well with a year or two of bottle ageing. My note: A black edge of satisfaction cuts through the heart of his luscious merlot. Plums and berries roll across your senses. It’s a wine to enjoy over an evening. Drink: 2008-2014.  45864  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Emiliana Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This organic wine contains only 16 mg/L of free sulphur. Expect plenty of cassis, raspberry and cherry aromas and flavours on this fruit-forward, crowd-pleasing wine.. My note: Lip-smacking delicious with ripe blackberries and black raspberries. A staggeringly great price for a wine of this quality. Serve at your next party. Drink: 2008-2013.  685792  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Cono Sur Visión, Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby-purple colour. Filled with aromas of cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, cola and woodsmoke. Dry, fruity/smoky, ripe and round with some nice acidity and fine tannins bringing balance to the mid-palate. Hold 1-2 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Sweet cherry pie and raspberry jam notes with a silky, mouth-watering texture. Medium-to full-bodied. Very food-friendly. Great price. Drink: 2009-2014.  689992  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Domaine Du Haut Des Terres Blanches 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: A towering dark wine with black cherry liqueur-like concentration and flavours running through the heart of it. A terrific wine for a hearty meat feast. Drink: 2010-2016.  177618  15%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Castello Di Gabbiano Riserva Italia Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Full-bodied with a lovely length and persistent dark berry flavours. A river of pleasure in this full-bodied, generous red. Perfect for so many dishes, from Italian fare to roast beef. Decants for 2 hours. Drink: 2009-2014.  216309  14%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Spinyback By Waimea Pinot Noir 2009, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Sweet cherry fruit and some spice with a plush medium-to full-bodied weight. Incredibly great price Drink: 2009-2014.  60079  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Remo Farina Monte Fante Riserva Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2004, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Oh my, welcome to wine heaven! Full-bodied, rich, inviting and embracing. Lovely aromas of fleshy black cherries and blackberries. I am carried away on a river of pleasure. There is a whack-a-mole alcohol level on this wine so beware, you’re not driving after this one. Riserva Amarone sees 4+ years’ ageing time. Drink: 2008-2018.  63636  15%  XD  750 mL  $62.95  Score: 96/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Antinori Solaia Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: It’s gorgeous but oh my, the price. But if money is no issue, go for it as this wine has it all: elegance, length, depth and concentration. Gorgeous dark fruit aromas with exotic notes of violets and leather. Drink: 2010-2020.  987586  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $249.95  Score: 94/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Cathedral Cellar Kwv Shiraz 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This New World Shiraz gives a generous tip of the hat to the Rhône style. Filled with blackberry, black pepper and new leather nuances, this is a terrific value. My note: dependably delicious year after year with ripe plums and blackberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Wonderful price. Drink: 2009-2013.  561142  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Valley, Monterey County, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Belle Glos is owned by Joseph J. Wagner of the Caymus Wagners. Medium ruby with a purple rim. Aromas suggest smoky cherry, new leather, ripe plum and cloves. Dry, fruity and quite generous. Soft tannins and gentle acids give the wine verve. A very good warm-climate Pinot. Medium-full bodied with a long finish. Enjoy it tonight or cellar it 2-3 years. My note: dark chocolate and black cherry with vanilla smoke wrapped around it. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2015.  130138  13.90%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: A classically structured cabernet with elegance and complexity and an extraordinarily long finish. You don’t get much better than this when it comes to Californian cabernet. Drink: 2008-2016.  149955  14.50%  D  750 mL  $99.95  Score: 94/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Delinea 300 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Juicy cherry fruit with fleshy field berries. Smooth and luscious with a medium to full-bodied weight. Wonderful pinot! Drink: 2009-2015.  220368  14%  XD  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 91/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Joel Gott Zinfandel 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Established in 1996, Joel Gott Wines has gone from strength to strength. Their aim is to produce high-quality wines at reasonable prices, and their 2008 Zinfandel certainly delivers on that promise. Deep ruby, it offers complex aromas of ripe black fruit, crushed berries and spice. the palate is dry and laden with black fruit. Very approachable and food-friendly. My note: Lovely fruit lusciousness and richness without being heavy. Satisfying juicy and long with happy, ripe fruit. Fire up the barbecue! Drink: 2010-2014.  224139  14.40%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


La Crema Pinot Noir 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: So beautifully perfumed with rose petals and violets and sweet cherry fruit. This pinot seems to get better every year: it’s a hedonist’s dream. Drink: 2009-2014.  906404  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 93/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant Syrah Grenache 2006, California, United States: This wine is a blend of 43.6% syrah, 43.5% grenache, 11.7% cinsault, 1.1% mourvedre and 0.1% carignane. I love the band-aid Bordeaux aroma I get first followed by cassis, blackcurrant and smoke, but most of all, earth. Full-bodied and complex. Drink: 2009-2015.  975847  13.50%  D  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Rutherglen Estates Petite Sirah 2008, Victoria, Australia Drink: 2012-2020.  179127  14.50%  D  750 mL  $20.95. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Rosés

Bieler Père & Fils Sabine Syrah Grenache 2010, A.C., Coteaux D'aix-En-Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon features gentle strawberry, fresh herbs, lavender and sweetgrass aromas. Dry, fairly intense with good fruit and moderate acids. Medium bodied with an impressively long finish. Very pretty. My note : Classic Provencaux rose with rose petal and field strawberry. So refreshing and light but packed with flavour and pleasure. Find a big novel and settle back into that deck chair. Drink: 2010-2013.  71423  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review


Winzergenossenschaft Königschaffhausen Pinot Noir Rosé 2010, Q.B.A., Baden, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale salmon-pink colour. Very refreshing rosé with aromas of rose petals, strawberry, red apple, almond paste and red pepper jelly. Dry with tangy fruit and balancing crisp acidity. Light bodied, vivacious wine that is perfect for sipping. My note: You simply can’t beat the price for this delightful rose with surprisingly lovely quality and taste. It’ a terrific mid-way style between the more vibrant fruit of the New World styles and the restrained Old World versions. Try it, and I’ll bet you’ll be in for a case, if there’s any left. Drink: 2010-2013.  168237  12%  D  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 88/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review


Perrin Tavel Grenache Mourvèdre 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Tavel, especially from talented producers such as Perrin, produces some of the richest, yet driest, rosés on the market. They work beautifully as sippers and are quite adaptable to a variety of foods. The Perrin 2010 is a lovely blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsaut. My note : Another terrific rose from Perrin in Tavel. You can’t go wrong with that winery name and this region. Lovely aromas of black raspberries and rosés. Drink: 2010-2013.  680801  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated Rosé. Full Review


Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé 2010, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Notes of strawberry, red cherry, sweetgrass and mineral on the nose. The palate is dry and medium bodied with a red fruit core, subtle tannins and a nice acidity. Enjoy as a refreshing sipper. My note: A lovely silk-lined basket of fresh summer field berries. Delightful aperitif or food companion to grilled veggies and salmon. Top me up, will you? Drink: 2010-2012.  39974  13%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Penley Estate Over The Moon Pinot Noir Merlot 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Penley’s rosé is a blend of 39% Pinot Noir, 36% Merlot, and 25% 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. Serve this at your next Sunday afternoon barbecue party and your friends will be tickled pink – perhaps even “over the moon.” My note: Absolutely terrific! I love how this New World roe is still zippy, mouth-watering and balanced. No flabby fruit here! Lovely aromas of strawberry and field berries. Refreshing. Drink: 2010-2013.  684316  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Faustino Rosado Tempranillo 2010, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Faustino Martinez’s Rosado is made with 100% Tempranillo. The fruit macerates on the juice only 8-10 hours at low temperatures before it is bled off. The wines are then fermented and matured in stainless steel. Look for aromas of blackberry, raspberry and strawberry. The fruit notes continue through the tasting, culminating in round, zippy flavours and a refreshing finish. Try this medium-bodied rosé today. My note: I like this style of tarter less fleshy sweet rose. It gives a lot of drinking pleasure over an evening and you don’t satiate quickly…. This is important to a hedonist. Lovely aromas of cranberry, rose petal and raspberry. Refreshing. Drink: 2010-2014.  700534  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review


Harbour Estates Sunset Rosé 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Light electric-pink colour with aromas of red pepper jelly, cranberry, strawberry and red apple. A smidge off-dry, and ripe with a fruity core. Lovely, crisp, fresh finish. My note: A simple, pleasant sipper with mild notes of strawberries. Great summer evening quaffer. Drink: 2010-2012.  227512  11.50%  D  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 85/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Pol Roger Blanc De Blancs 2000, Champagne, France: Crispy green apple with toasty goodness. Robust and crisp with incredible complexity and elegance. Drink: 2009-2017.  12.50%    750 mL  $60.00  Score: 94/100. June 11, 2011 Top-Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Canard-Duchene Champagne Brut Rose, Champagne, France: A lovely bubbly with field fresh strawberries and rose petals. Toasty and mouth-watering. This is a lovely wine to serve as an aperitif or as a companion to many dishes.  12%    750 mL  $60.00  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Deutz Classic Brut Champagne Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Chardonnay, A.C., Champagne, France: Creamy mousse and toasty goodness with bright and lively white peach refreshment. Terrific price for this Champagne. Drink: 2011-2014.  710038  12%  XD  750 mL  $54.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Full Review


Batasiolo Bosc Dla Rei Moscato D'asti 2010, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Probably the perfect wine to evoke a late spring’s day is this newest vintage of this floral, slightly fizzy, gently sweet, low-alcohol-wonder Moscato d’Asti. Chill it for several hours. My note: Close your eyes and dive in. Summer doesn’t get any better than this. You simply can’t leave this world without trying this wine, trust me. Somewhat sweet and fizzy yet it’s a gorgeous peach and apricot wonder. Drink: 2010-2013.  28175  5.50%  M  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Giuseppe Campagnola Casotto Del Merlo Classico Recioto Della Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This delectable Recioto offers astounding value. Lovely sweet cherry, raspberry, pomegranate syrup and milk chocolate on the nose. Medium-full bodied, with moderate sweetness balanced by velvety tannins. Nice, long, chocolatey finish. Savour this beauty. My note: A lovely dessert wine especially with fruit-based desserts or chocolate cake. Rich with black raspberry jam notes. Yum! Drink: 2007-2015.  84079  13%  MS  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. June 11, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review