Vintages Wine Picks September 29, 2007

White Wine

DR. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Kabinett 2006, QmP, Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg, Estate Btld., Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: A dense, rich yet delicate wine filled with apricot, orange and nectarine aromas and flavors. It is medium in sweetness with a long, concentrated finish that is ably balanced by a streak of acidity. My note: Gorgeous concentration of ripe pears and peaches. Has an underlining silver thread of acidity.  912220  9%  M  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. September 29, 2007 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Kim Crawford Dry Riesling 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This dry Riesling is made in a distinctively New Zealand style. It has zesty lime and grapefruit characters with an underlying minerality. The palate is clean and vibrant, with good depth of flavor and acidity. My note: Refreshing and bone dry. A little austere, so it's best consumed with food. Sealed with a screwcap.  626408  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Domaine Dereskos Chardonnay 2006, Regional Wine of Messinia, Greece: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this Chardonnay is sourced from Dereskos’s own vineyards. The juice is fermented and matured in new French barriques. The resulting wine is fruity/smoky/oaky with a good crisp acidity for balance. My note: A strange but enjoyable take on chardonnay - sort of like when opera diva Sarah Brightman sings pop tunes.  642454  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. September 29, 2007 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Red Wine

Valdivieso Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is made by New Zealander Brett Jackson from hand-picked grapes. Jackson’s influence is one of the primary reasons that Valdivieso has picked up many awards at international wine competitions of late. With its dark red color and its ripe, juicy flavor, this wine is an excellent example of a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. My note: Gorgeous and vibrant aromas of ripe, red fruit. A touch tannic so decant for 1-2 hours.  32110  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Henry Simon Clos Bagatelle Veillée D'automne 2003, AC Saint-Chinian, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Veillée d’Automne is an excellent example of the well-priced, quality wines that are coming out of Languedoc’s sub-appellations. This cuvée is made up of mostly Syrah, with Mourvèdre, and and Carignan in support. With its rich flavor and aromas of black fruit and coffee beans, this is a serious wine. My note: Such an interesting red. Break out of your Aussie shiraz habit and try this robust, delicious number.  41863  13%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 89/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Domaine des Ondines Gabriel Liogier Montpezat Vacqueyras 2005, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The wines of Gabriel Liogier are now made by his daughter Marie-Pierre. Their Vacqueyras is made up of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It has a deep purple color, with primary aromas of black berries and kirsch with a hint of black pepper. My note: A solid wine with good balance and robust, dark red fruit aromas. Drink: 2007-2011.  33795  13%  D  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 88/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Bodegas y Viñedos o Fournier BLASÓN DE SAN JUAN CRIANZA 2002, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The Ribera del Duero appellation is quickly establishing a reputation that is probably only second in quality to that of Rioja. This rustic red shows earthy and gamey notes followed by big tannins. There is a core of cherry fruit on the mid-palate. My note: A full-bodied wine with aromas of black fruit.  40790  14%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 89/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Château Du Trignon Sablet Côtes Du Rhône-Villages 2004, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The vineyards in the commune of Sablet are situated alongside the Gigondas AC. This classic Southern Rhône wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. It has rich red berry flavours with a hint of roasted herbs and a soft, round texture. A straight forward and approachable Côtes du Rhône-Villages is a great crowd-pleasing wine, soft enough to drink on its own and tasty enough to enjoy with casual fare. My note: This is a vibrant, lip-smacking good wine.  33878  14%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Complex set of aromas, including sour cherry, coffee, underbrush, raspberry and mushroom. Dry with the fruit perfectly surrounded by moderate tannins. My note: Lovely, aromatic notes of cherries and spice. This pinot has vibrant acidity and is best served with food to calm it down.  626390  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Frog’s Leap does it again with this ripe, deeply concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of currant, blackberry and spice are picked up immediately. Dried, black fruits, cedar, leather and a touch of olive are featured on the palate. My note: Terrific balance from this full-bodied wine. Decant for 1-2 hours and enjoy. Drink: 2007-2001.  932400  13%  D  750 mL  $53.95  Score: 90/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Louis Jadot Santenay Clos De Malte 2005, AC, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: 2005 is being heralded as an outstanding vintage in Burgundy, perhaps the best since 1990. The mark of a truly outstanding vintage is consistent quality through all price ranges. This village Santenay shows the ripe cherry fruit and firm structure that you expect from a good Burgundy. My note: A medium to full-bodied wine. It is juicy and packed with cherry flavors and a grounding of earth and spice. Decant this wine for 1-2 hours.  47811  13%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Viña Maipo Carménère Reserve 2006, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Chile has embraced the Bordeaux variety Carménère, and Viña Maipo has done it great justice in this vintage. The Rapel Valley presents exceptional terroir for the grape with loam, clay and sandy soils. Expect a rich red with leather, black fruit, mint and earth notes. My note: Fantastic value in the full-bodied wine. Delicious layers of luscious dark fruit on the nose.  663047  13%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. September 29, 2007 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet De Beaucastel 2004, AC Côtes du Rhône, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Though Coudoulet de Beaucastel carries the Côtes du Rhône designation, the estate-owned vineyard is actually adjacent to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the wine regularly achieves the quality expected of a good Châteauneuf-du-Pape. My note: A rich, full-bodied red with aromas of cherry liqueur, spice and cedar.  48884  14%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir 2004, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: One of Ontario's best pinot producers. Aromas of pure, sun-dappled cherries.  1560  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Jérôme Quiot, Vign. Domaine Duclaux Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2004, AC, Rhone, France: Lovely with concentrated aromas of cherries and raspberries highlighted by a cedary underbrush.  722264  14%  XD  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 90/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Viña Requingua Toro De Piedra Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Curicó Valley, Chile: Dive head first into a glass of this lovely wine. Layered aromas of delicious plums and berries.  39362  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Trivento Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Trivento is a producer of quality, value-priced wines. This wine is a juicy, rich Malbec that is bolstered by smaller amounts of Bonarda and Syrah. The aromas and flavors suggest dark plum notes followed by smoke and vanilla. The blend creates a rich, dense wine with a pleasing amount of depth. My note: A simple, purple-colored and delicious wine to quaff.  37036  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Domaine Mourchon Seguret Côtes Du Rhône-Villages Tradition 2005, AC, Rhone, France: A great price for this robust, rustic wine with aromas of sage and cherries. Drink: 2007-2009.  915439  14%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Domaine Brusset, Vign. Tradition Le Grand Montmirail Gigondas 2005, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The soils of Gigondas closely resemble those of illustrious neighbour Châteauneuf-du-Pape, allowing it to produce wines similar in style and quality but at a more affordable price. This wine has a big, rich mouthfeel with flavors of red and dark berries. My note: A hulking big wine with black fruit flavors and a pleasant tarry finish. Drink: 2007-0.  960104  14%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 89/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Joseph Phelps Vineyards Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes for this wine come from the same vineyards as Phelps’ more famous cult wine Insignia. Innisfree Cab is a forward and approachable wine with aromas and flavors of mulled spices, red fruit, coffee and cedar, with a long, concentrated finish that lingers on the palate. Ten months in French and American oak give it a slight smokiness. My note: A fantastic price from a fabulous producer. Rich, full-bodied with aromatic notes of cassis and black plums. Run don't walk to the liquor store for this one.  38125  13%  D  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 91/100. September 29, 2007 Full Review


Aimé et Pascal Fayolle, Prop.-Récolt. Seigneur Des Coteaux Hermitage 2004, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Syrah grown on the steep cliffs of Hermitage is capable of producing some very distinctive wines. Seigneur des Coteaux aims for elegance and richness in the finished wines, rather than weight and intensity. That way they preserve the individual characteristics of the vineyards. This red has classic aromas of blackberry, violets, pepper, a hint of dried meat and a touch of toasty oak. The balanced acidity and tannins adds elegance to this exquisitely made wine. My note: A stunning wine of incredible liveliness. Rich, ripe aromas of plums and cassis with a finish as long as Route 66. Drink: 2007-2012.  33860  13%  XD  750 mL  $59.95  Score: 93/100. September 29, 2007 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Tommasi Vigneto Fiorato Recioto Della Valpolicella 2004, DOC, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The deep dark red color of this Recioto leads to an intense nose of dried plums, cocoa and rose petals. The palate features a viscous backbone of baked plums and chocolate. The grapes underwent five months of ‘apassimento’ or drying before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine is then aged in Slavonic oak barrels for one year prior to bottling. My note: A rich, luxurious dessert wine with aromas of jammy raspberries.  36236  13%  MS  375 mL  $26.95  Score: 90/100. September 29, 2007 Favorite Dessert Wine. Full Review