Vintages Wine Picks October 29, 2011

White Wine

Freestone Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Toasty almonds and hazelnuts plus green apple vibrancy and some white peach. Full-bodied, layered and luscious. Just what you want from Cal Chard. Drink: 2011-2015.  249425  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $69.95  Score: 92/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Mission Hill S.L.C. Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Oh yum! Much more richly textured and layered than your average SB/Sem… I’m lovin it! Lemongrass and lanolin with a mouth-filling richness. Drink: 2011-2014.  68361  13%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Jean-Max Roger Cuvée G.C. Sancerre 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Tremendous Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of orchard fruits, freshly cut grass, mineral and citrus. Dry with zippy acid and orchard fruits playing off each other brilliantly. A fine wine. My note : Lemon brilliant sunshine in a glass. Cool and refreshing with a crisp herbal snap on the finish. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Terrific!  189126  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Cave Spring Chenin Blanc 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Clean and crisp without any heavy oak, alcohol or fruit flavours. Light melon and white peach. Dry: terrific aperitif. Drink: 2011-2014.  627315  11.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Pfalz, Germany: A slightly more full-bodied Riesling than the Dr. L Riesling and drier with more white melon than peach. Terrific at an amazing price. Perfect party wine. A wonderful aperitif Riesling sourced from fine vineyards throughout Germany. Drink: 2011-2014.  568634  11%  MD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2010, Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Dr. L is the exceptional entry-level Mosel Riesling made by the dynamic Ernst Loosen. If you are a Riesling newbie, this is an excellent place to begin. It shows all the bright fruitiness and refreshing acidity one should expect from the grape. Wrapped up in a very easy-drinking style, it can be enjoyed as a sipper or as a very versatile food partner. My note: This is a favourite of so many people I know and for good reason: packed with flavour, floral notes and melon essence. Light- to medium-bodied and low in alcohol. Drink: 2011-2014.  599274  8.50%  MD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet De Beaucastel Blanc 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine blends classic white Rhône varieties Marsanne and Viognier, along with lesser-known grapes Bourboulenc and Clairette. The Coudoulet de Beaucastel vineyard (30 ha) lies just outside the edges of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and shares a similar soil composition as its neighbour. Brimming with nectarine, orange and tropical fruit and balanced by a refreshing seam of acidity, this is an elegant, medium-full-bodied wine. My note: Full-bodied layers of orange zest and Asian pear with a lovely weave of oak warmth. Tangy and different. Try it! Drink: 2011-2016.  48892  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $33.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: New Zealand is making some very impressive Pinot Gris these days. This fine example shows apple, yellow plum, mineral and marjoram aromas with an Alsatian-style hint of residual sugar. Fresh acidity brings crisp refreshment to this pretty wine. My note: A subtle, mild white with clean, crisp aromas of while melon and grapefruit. Drink: 2011-2014.  680983  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Zenato Pinot Grigio 2010, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Grigio is enjoying unprecedented popularity, and Alberto and Silvano Zenato's modernist approach to winemaking has helped take the grape in exciting new directions, creating wines of considerable intensity. This refreshing version is rife with citrus, floral, pear and mineral flavours leading to a lengthy, crisp finish. My note: Crisp, dry and refreshing without any heavy oak. While melon and lime zest. Terrific aperitif or food companion. Drink: 2011-2014.  37648  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Natura Emiliana Chardonnay 2011, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This organic wine contains only 14 mg/L of free sulphur. This unoaked Chardonnay, from the cool-climate Casablanca Valley, is refreshing and zippy with apple, citrus and pear tones. The fact its unadorned with oak allows the bright fruit flavours to really shine. My note: A pleasant white with tree fruit and some oak. Drink: 2011-2014.  61895  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 86/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Andrew Peller Trius Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Barrel fermented and then aged for 12 months on its lees in French barrels (30% new), this Chardonnay was not put through acid-softening malolactic fermentation, thereby retaining the fresh and lively nature of this wine. The aromas suggest toast, apple peel, pineapple, lemon and spices (especially clove). Enjoy this fresh, toasty, fruity wine. My note: Love the smoky hazelnut goodness here with toasted almonds. Some pretty, mouth-watering green apple flavours through the middle. Well-made. Drink: 2011-2014.  251470  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2009, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Quaff it as you listen to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers sing their famous duet. A terrific, round, flavourful wine that would be perfect with lobster or King crab legs. Drink: 2011-2014.  254326  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Matua Valley Estate Series Paretai Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Paretai Sauvignon Blanc is Matua Valley's flagship wine, and is usually sourced from their Northbank Vineyard on the bank of Wairau River. To retain the fruit's bright flavours, it is not barrel-aged, but the juice is allowed to rest the lees for an extended period of time to add complexity and fleshiness. Look for rich gooseberry, asparagus, grapefruit and mineral aromas and flavours. My note: Powerful and mouth-watering in the absolutely best tradition of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Grassy, lime-zest refreshment with layers of complexity and satisfaction. Terrific! Drink: 2011-2014.  144634  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review


Hoopenburg Integer Chardonnay 2007, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Lovely round richness and buttery, lip-smacking flavours. Toasted almond and green apple. Bring it on! Drink: 2011-2014.  174672  14%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Marc Brédif Vouvray 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of peach, apple, mineral, lanolin and citrus fruit lead to a palate that is off-dry, with very good depth of flavour and a fine core of acid. The whole package is wrapped up with a nice long finish. A great wine for a vast array of Asian fusion cuisine. My note: Lemongrass and lime zest with terrific mouth-watering acidity. Clean and crisp: ideal for many dishes from seafood to vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2011-2014.  685362  13.50%  MD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Red Wine

Castello Di Querceto Alessandro François Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A well-made Chianti (92% Sangiovese, 8% Canaiolo) from the highly regarded 2008 vintage. Look for pretty blackberry, fresh herbs, wet earth, spice and dark chocolate notes. This dry, medium-bodied wine is fruity and fresh with a remarkably long finish. My note: Baked earth, sun-dried tomatoes and dried cherries. Smoky, smooth and full-bodied. Needs food. Drink: 2011-2015.  680496  13%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Domaine René Couly Chinon 2009, A.C., Loire, France: If you like the herbal, bell pepper, stalky taste of Loire Cab Franc, this is your wine. It’s rustic and robust with black-red fruit juiciness. Drink: 2011-2014.  7286  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Aromo Private Reserve Carménère 2009, D.O., Maule Valley, Chile: Astounding for the money! Purple and black plums roll across your tongue with pleasure. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Here’s your party wine. Great for a late season barbecue featuring gourmet sausages and lamb burgers. Drink: 2011-2014.  243535  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Frei Brothers Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Well-structured and classic Cab in the best tradition of Cal Cab. This wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and then Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. Elegant and tasteful, serve it to your boss when you want a promotion. Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2011-2016.  38075  13.90%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 91/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Kilikanoon Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Dependably delicious year after year: a go-to wine for those who love robust, juicy Australian shiraz. Mouth-watering layers of lush blackberry and dark plum aromas. Drink: 2011-2015.  926790  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Concha Y Toro Winemaker's Lot 54 Syrah 2008, Los Brujos Vineyard, San Javier Valley, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Dark purple, almost black. Very ripe blackberry, pepper, tilled earth, bacon fat, woodsmoke and mocha aromas. Dry, richly concentrated, mouth-filling wine with plenty of ripe fruit, and fleshy tannins. This medium-long finishing wine could cellar 2-3 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Cassis and blackberry liqueur with an attractive savoury, almost bitter bite that makes it meaty. Drink: 2011-2015.  227496  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Hungerford Hill Fishcage Shiraz 2009, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: Love the savoury note that balances the fruit plushness here! Black fruit with a mouth-watering core juiciness. Amazing for the price. Drink: 2011-2014.  77958  14.40%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Luca Pinot Noir 2009, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Cherry-berry goodness with luscious layers of hedonistic happiness. Medium- to full-bodied with a terrific lip-smacking finish. Drink: 2011-2016.  175570  14%  D  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 93/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Famiglia Bianchi Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Deeply coloured with aromas of blackberry, spice cupboard, woodsmoke and dried lavender. Dry, rich and round with a long, fruity finish. Enjoy it tonight. My note: Absolutely phenomenal for the price! Here’s your holiday party wine by the case. Juicy blackberry liqueur rich aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Drink: 2011-2014.  677559  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: So beautifully made: classic structure, endless flavor, ultimate pleasure. Minty cool wraps around lush blackberries and cassis to ticket your senses. Perfect for dinner parties and other gatherings. Drink: 2011-2016.  422782  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 94/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A characterful, but never jammy McLaren Vale Cab with a plush texture and ripe, gentle tannins for balance. Look for aromas of blackberry, plum, underbrush, black licorice and spring flowers. A flavourful, rich wine. My note: Surprising acidity that makes it great with food. Full-bodied and smooth with lusciously ripe dark fruit. Drink: 2011-2015.  43224  14.90%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: A pleasant cab with blackberry and dark plum flavours. Full-bodied but not overly so. Drink: 2011-2014.  18721  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.00  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Château Beaucastel Coudoulet De Beaucastel 2009, Ac Côtes Du Rhône, France: A full-bodied, juicy red with a good grip: needs decanting 2 hours. Black raspberries and cherries. Calls for a grilled-rare roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic. Drink: 2012-2017.  48884  14%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Tommasi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Smoky, dark and stately like Mr. Rochester… just as brooding too. Underneath a sensual layer of black fleshy ripe fruit and dark spices. Oh yes! Drink: 2011-2019.  356220  15%  D  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 93/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: Generous, even and balanced with classic dark fruit, sun-dried tomato and mouth-watering acidity. Medium- to full-bodied with smooth texture. Perfect for pasta night. Drink: 2011-2016.  943613  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Porcupine Ridge Collection Limited Release Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Viognier 2008, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby-purple colour with aromas of raspberry, blueberry pie, hot tar, woodsmoke, cinnamon spice and tomato paste. Dry, ripely fruity with fresh acids and light, youthful tannins. Very approachable wine that finishes very well. Cellar it 1-3 years or enjoy it tonight. My note: The white grape Viognier is just what’s needed in this blend to lift and brighten such a full-bodied red. Gorgeously fleshy rip blackberry and black raspberry. So delicious. Top me up! Drink: 2011-2014.  79442  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Sebastiani Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby in the glass with evocative notes of cherry, smoke, bacon and chocolate. The palate is dry, fruity and juicy. More soft smoke and oak notes emerge before it closes with an awesome milk-chocolate note on the lengthy finish. My note: A luscious, cherry-berry pinot with satin smooth texture and vibrancy. Layers unfold across your mouth and all you can say is ahhhhh… and top me up. Drink: 2011-2015.  14233  13.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Gallo Family Frei Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel 2009, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very juicy and purple plum rich with succulent blueberries and full-bodied smooth roundness. Perfect for hamburgers and BBQ. Pure Californian fruit and sunshine. Drink: 2011-2015.  555599  15.50%  D  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 92/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Gallo Family Frei Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel 2009, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very juicy and purple plum rich with succulent blueberries and full-bodied smooth roundness. Perfect for hamburgers and BBQ. Pure Californian fruit and sunshine. Drink: 2011-2015.  555599  15.50%  D  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 92/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


RavensWood Vintner's Blend Zinfandel 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Ravenswood was one of a handful of wineries that recognized early on that Zinfandel was an exceptional grape variety for fine wine production. Their Vintners Blend Zin is ready for any occasion with seductive aromas of spice, black raspberry, and mocha. Soft and round with lots of fruit and cocoa flavour. My note: Bright notes of brambleberry, blueberry and raspberry with lovely liveliness and layers of textured flavor. Smooth with polished tannins and a warm finish. Perfect for pizza and movie night. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection.  359257  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Livermore Valley, California, United States: Lovely balance in this vibrant, fully-alive, juicy red. It's full-bodied but not heavy: nicely balanced. Aromas of fleshy blackberry and black cherry aromas, with a pleasing, mouth-watering finish that makes you want more.  301507  12.90%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Haras de Pirque Character Cabernet Sauvignon Carménère 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: A blend of 40% cabernet sauvignon, 37% carmenere, 13% cabernet franc and 10% syrah that offers terrific deep black fruit flavours and smoke. Purple and dark plums emerge at the forefront with a rich juiciness that follows. Drink: 2011-2014.  54502  15%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Quinta Do Vale Meao Meandro 2008, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Juicy and savoury with a gorgeous black fruit depth. Meaty and substantial but not heavy. A terrific change from the usual. Meandro do Vale Meão is Quinta do Vale Meão's second wine. It is made in quality conscious, miniscule quantities. Drink: 2011-2016.  244731  14%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 91/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Rioja Bordón Gran Reserva Bodegas Franco-Españolas 2001, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: There it is again: that unmistakable, exotic aroma of old tanned leather and cigar smoke. Love it! Try a mature wine like this if you haven’t and discover the many pleasures of “tertiary” aromas that only develop with bottle age. This is simply some kind of wonderful. Full-bodied, smooth and elegant. Drink: 2011-2015.  114454  13.50%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 93/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review


Viña Ventisquero Queulat Carménère 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Blackberry and purple plum depth, juicy, full-bodied and smooth. Straight-up pleasure. Drink: 2011-2013.  243386  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Solar de Samaniego Crianza 2007, DOC, Rioja, Spain Drink: 2012-2015.  13.50%  D  750 mL  $20.00. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Huff Estates Winery South Bay Merlot 2008, VQA, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada Drink: 2013-2017.  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Château Vieux Sarpe Joseph Janoueix Prop. 2006, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty 2006 Right Bank wonder with aromas of mulberry, sour cherry, cassis and tobacco. Dry and elegant with a ripe fruit centre supported by moderate tannins. A terrific Merlot-based Bordeaux to be enjoyed tonight. Will also reward a couple of years in the cellar too. My note: A robust, full-bodied red that needs cellar time. Black cherries and smoky cedar with terrific balance and structure. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 13-2018.  943662  13%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 91/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Joffré E Hijas Grand Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Proving yet again that Argentina can do more than Malbec is this fine Cabernet Sauvignon from Joffré e Hijas. Aromas suggest plum, cassis, anise, blackberry, vanilla and spices. Dry, very fruity and ripe with a nice velvety tannin overlay. Drink now, or age for 2-3 years. My note: A satisfying and pleasant red with good structure and black fruit. Full-bodied but not overly heavy. Drink: 2011-2016.  243212  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: A lovely zesty champagne with a yeasty-toasty character and Granny Smith aromas. Robust and satisfying. A champagne to celebrate … anything! Drink: 2011-2014.  814723  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $53.95  Score: 91/100. October 29, 2011 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Louis Bouillot Perle Rare Brut Crémant De Bourgogne 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal at the 2011 Vinalies Internationales wine competition in Paris. Medium straw colour with aromas of lemon rind, freshly baked biscuits, pear, melon, mineral and apple. Quite dry and freshly zippy with good fruit and biscuit replays on the palate. Good balance and very fine mousse too. My note: Another great bargain bubbly! Toasty and refreshing with incredible vibrant flavour. Great for parties. Drink: 2011-2014.  178137  12%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Domaine J. Laurens Le Moulin Brut Blanquette De Limoux Méthode Traditionnelle, A.C., Midi, France: Loaded with goodness: lots of fresh baked bread, green apple brightness and a swarm of refreshing bubbles. Amazing price. This is supposed to be the oldest sparkling wine area worldwide, in the Languedoc. Drink: 2011-2014.  180323  12%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Elyssia Brut Cava Pinot Noir, Spain: Fresh field raspberries and zesty acidity. Medium-bodied and refreshing.  204834  11.50%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey Sauternes, 1Er Cru 2007, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Stunning concentration of apricot preserves and honeyed richness. Perfect after-dinner drink. Drink: 2011-2020.  99804  13.50%  S  375 mL  $37.00  Score: 95/100. October 29, 2011 Best Dessert Wine. Full Review