Vintages Wine Picks December 8, 2007
White WineZind-Humbrecht Herrenweg De Turckheim Gewurztraminer 2005, A.C. Alsace, Alsace, France: A spectacularly concentrated gewürztraminer with notes of lychee, rose petal, white pepper and white peaches. Luxurious in texture. 993352 15% MD 750 mL $46.00 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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Cave Spring C.S.V. Riesling 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: One of Canada finest riesling producers. Lovely, lacy notes of citrus, orange peel and field flowers. 566026 11% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2007
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Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A. Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Flat Rock’s estate version is a rich fruit-forward wine featuring tropical fruit and green-apple flavors balanced by a hint of mild oak. My note: An intriguing chardonnay. Great balance and not too oaky. Closed with a screwcap. 681247 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Tawse Beamsville Bench Reserve Chardonnay 2004, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada: A Gold-Medal winner at the 2007 Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards. One of the finest Canadian chardonnays I've tasted. Packed with green apples, pears and peaches, with a layer of oak and smoke. 662858 13% XD 750 mL $42.20 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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Wegeler Riesling Spätlese 2004, QmP, Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland, Estate Btld., Rheingau, Germany: Move up to a Spatlese! Don't be afraid of sweetness; it can be your friend. This one has notes of citrus and apricot. 918771 8% MS 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
Favorite White Wine. Full Review
Skuttlebutt Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2006, Margaret River, Australia: A wine that contains vibrant, grassy goodness to wake up your palate. 47621 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Red WineClos Du Bois Alexander Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Alexander Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos du Bois, located in Geyserville, released its first wines in 1974. Erik Olsen, who drew high scores and lots of attention for his work at Chateau Ste. Michelle, took over as winemaker in 2003. This is prototypical Alexander Valley Cab Sauv: rich, ripe and powerful, packed with fruit and spice. It won a Double Gold at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. My note: Delicious, lip-smacking red. Slightly tannic, best to decant 1-2 hours. 54080 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Thirty Bench Red 2005, V.Q.A. Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada: A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, and 10% merlot. Offers a terrific value with juicy, mouth-watering cherries. 53389 13% XD 750 mL $22.00 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Château Bernadotte 2003, A.C. Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Balanced and elegant wine with classic aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. 46722 13% XD 750 mL $39.65 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Masi Mazzano Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2001, DOC, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Production for this wine is very limited and it is made only in the finest vintages. Aged for three years in oak and a further six
months in bottle, this Amarone presents a bouquet of violets, vanilla, plums, candied fruit and cocoa which resound splendidly on the full-bodied palate and linger on the long finish. My note: Great depth with black cherries and black raspberries. 545129 16% D 750 mL $92.95 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2007
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Donnadicoppe Nero D'Avola Nativo 2005, IGT Sicilia, Sicily, Italy: A lovely, plump, juicy red that makes a great food companion. If you like merlot, you'll love this. 52324 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: Warm notes of chocolate and plums. 189795 14% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2007
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Domaines F-X Borie/Château Grand-Puy Lacoste Lacoste-Borie 2003, A.C. Pauillac, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Lacoste-Borie is the superb second wine of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, one of the leading estates of Pauillac. Made in a classic style, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is redolent with blackberry, cassis, vanilla oak and spice flavors and aromas. My note: Lovely, balanced, elegant and full-bodied wine. 43760 13% XD 750 mL $36.90 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Ornellaia Le Volte 2005, IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: A blend of 50% sangiovese, 30% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Lovely balance and a full-body with notes of dark, ripe fruit. 964221 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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D’arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2005, McLaren Vale, Australia: A wine with huge color, flavor, tannin and attitude. Notes of cassis and blackcurrant. Closed with a screwcap. 981183 14% XD 750 mL $55.95 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2007
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Michel Lucien Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, AC, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: 2005 is considered one of the best vintages in Burgundy’s history and this traditionally-run Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate consistently makes excellent wines. My note: Love the black pepper and black cherry notes in this full-bodied wine. 700922 14% D 750 mL $56.40 Score: 93/100. December 8, 2007
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Coriole The Soloist Single Vineyard Shiraz 2004, McLaren Vale, South Australia: A full-bodied and rich wine with a plush texture. Notes of cassis and black raspberries. 47613 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Il Conte Villa Prandone Marinus 2004, DOC Rosso Piceno Superiore, Marche, Italy: A purply, grapey wine that's simple and delicious. Medium- to full-bodied. 52456 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. December 8, 2007
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Ornellaia 2004, DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Ornellaia and Sassicaia are the two names one associates with the revolution in Tuscany that began in the late 1970s and 1980s. These Super-Tuscans changed the world’s perception of Italian wines. My note: One of the great wines of the world. Aromas of plush black fruit, herbs, smoke and happiness. 722470 14% XD 750 mL $149.95 Score: 97/100. December 8, 2007
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Kim Crawford Small Parcel Rise And Shine Creek Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot was sourced from the Clearvue Vineyard, located at northern end of Rise and Shine Creek. Kim Crawford uses small amounts of the highest quality grapes in their Small Parcel wines such as in this rich, dark-fruited, well-balanced Pinot. My note: Sweet cherry fruit aromas with nice tang and finish. 35337 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Peter Lehmann Wines The Futures Shiraz 2004, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Aged for 12 months in French oak, this impressively structured, classic Barossa shiraz exhibits delicious dark fruit and chocolate aromas with hints of mixed spice. The fruit’s intensity and depth is brought into balance by firm tannins and beautifully integrated oak. My note: A delicious palate-whacker with rich aromas of plums and cherries. 606780 14% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2007
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Hidden Bench Winery Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2005, V.Q.A. Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada: A hulking wine with big notes of oak, smoke and sweet cherry fruit. 505610 13% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, California, California, USA: A smooth, simple and medium-bodied cab. 537597 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 8, 2007
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Mommessin Château De Pierreux Brouilly 2006, AC, Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Mommessin has invested heavily in upgrading this estate and it shows in the wine. This intense Gamay has loads of blackcurrant, raspberry and blueberry characteristics. A Beaujolais that’s not to be taken lightly,
it’s rich and velvety with considerable depth and remarkable balance. My note: A happy wine with ripe cherries that's lovely and light. 5496 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Remo Farina Vigna Montecorna Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2003, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A stunning wine, this Ripasso uses grapes sourced exclusively from the hillside Montecorna vineyard in the Valpolicella Classico zone. It has an intense nose with aromas of black cherry, chocolate, coffee, red fruit reduction and smoke. Classy and well-structured with a plush mouthfeel, intense fruit flavours, hints of chocolate and good length, this wine bridges the gap between the Valpolicella Classico Superiore and the Amarone Classico styles. My note: Terrific value in this lovely full-bodied wine with a smooth texture. Like merlot cubed. 56267 13% D 750 mL $19.65 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses 2004, D.O.C.a Priorat, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Superstar winemaker Alvaro Palacios and his wines were the driving force behind the elevation of Priorat to DOCa status, a status it shares with only one other region in Spain- Rioja. My note: Excellent balance with ripe raspberries. A blend of 60% carignan, 30% grenache, and 10% cabernet sauvignon. Drink: 2007-2012. 977843 14% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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La Vite Lucente 2004, IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: Full-bodied with notes of black fruit. Tannic so decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2007-2012. 747030 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Elderton Command Shiraz 2003, Barossa, Single Vineyard, Australia: A deeply concentrated and intense wine. 716142 14% D 750 mL $74.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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Gaja Sito Moresco 2005, D.O.C. Langhe, Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: One of the great innovators of Italian wine, Angelo Gaja is a huge fan of Nebbiolo, describing it as more like Marcello Mastroianni than John Wayne. Nebbiolo “would never be in the center of a room. He is shy.
He is a closed book. And women become beautiful beside him. This is the beauty of Nebbiolo”. With this spectacular wine, Gaja combines 35% Nebbiolo with 35% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. My note: Full-bodied with exotic black fruit and violets. Also available in 375mL format.(998575, $29.95) Drink: 2007-2012. 998575 14% XD 750 mL $62.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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Tenuta Sant’antonio Amarone Delle Valpolicella 2003, DOC, Selezione Antonio Castagnedi, Veneto, Italy: An incredibly juicy, vibrant, full-bodied wine. Bursting with black cherries. 685107 15% D 750 mL $45.95 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2007
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Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2004, South Australia: Heavily extracted and full-bodied. Loaded with bruising black fruit. Drink: 2008-2016. 309625 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Rosemount G.S.M. Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre 2003, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Round, full-bodied and balanced. Offers aromas of black plums and chocolate. Drink: 2008-2013. 583146 15% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Les Origines 2005, AC, Southern Rhone, France: Incredible depth with layers of black cherry, black plums, smoke and black licorice. 43059 15% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2007
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Antinori Guado Al Tasso 2003, DOC Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy: Layers of rich dark fruit, plums, violets and mint. 986380 13% XD 750 mL $82.70 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2007
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J-L Thunevin Château Bel-Air-Ouÿ 2000, A.C. St-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Maverick Bordeaux winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin brings the same legendary artistry to this wine as he does to the perhaps better-known Château de Valandraud. My note: Juicy, full-bodied red with classic cassis, blackcurrant aromas and a kiss of oak. 46557 13% XD 750 mL $54.25 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Masi Brolo Di Campofiorin 2004, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Full-bodied and mouth-watering with pleasant bitter cherry notes. 976092 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir 2005, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: In 2000, Burgundy-based Boisset and Vincor Canada established Le Clos Jordanne, a unique domaine devoted to the production of premium and super-premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This elegant and refined 2005 Pinot offers utterly exquisite floral aromatics that flit about on the nose as well as loads of cherry fruit aromas. My note: Canadian pinot just doesn't get any better. Gorgeous texture and beautiful layers of cherry fruit. 33951 14% XD 750 mL $34.80 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2007
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The Kautz Family Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Lodi, California, USA: A juicy, fabulously delicious zin, with plush texture and full body. Bursting with brambleberry goodness. 951889 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Chateau Montelena The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Calistoga, Napa Valley Château Montelena made its reputation at the classic Judgement in Paris French/California taste-off in 1976. It continues to be at the forefront of winemaking in California. My note: Full-bodied, rich and complex. Pleasing aromas of plums, mocha and smoke. 709881 13% XD 750 mL $131.75 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2004, AC, Southern Rhone, France: Gorgeous concentration with notes of cherry liqueur, blackberry and smoke. 41954 14% D 750 mL $39.00 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, McLaren Vale, South Australia: Juicy and generous with a smooth texture. Full-bodied without being heavy. Distinct notes of plums. 43224 XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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KWV Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2004, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: A triptych is a work of art displayed on three panels. Here it refers to the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz wines that were aged separately in new French oak before being blended together to make one wine. Brimming with ripe red fruit and nicely integrated oak. My note: A warm, full-bodied red with red plums, mint and oak. 53124 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Masi Campolongo Di Torbe Amarone Classico 2001, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Terrific concentration with aromas of black fruit, smoke and oak. Full-bodied. 548677 16% D 750 mL $84.95 Score: 93/100. December 8, 2007
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Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvgnon 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: this cuvee is now aged 15-16 months in barrels. My note: An amazing wine of aristocratic breeding. Aromas of blackcurrant, plums, spice and earth. Full-bodied. Drink: 2007-2020. 711663 15% XD 750 mL $171.65 Score: 97/100. December 8, 2007
Favorite Red Wine. Full Review
Aramis Aramis Vineyards Shiraz 2004, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Wine with terrific balance, complexity and finish. Gives the drinker aromas of tobacco, spice and plums. 41202 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 93/100. December 8, 2007
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Malivoire Moira Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Pleasant sour cherry notes with black raspberries. 730754 13% XD 750 mL $41.80 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, California, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Francis Coppola officially opened the new location for his winery, the former Chateau Souverain, in
Geyserville, Sonoma, in May 2007. Coppola winemaker Corey Beck, who has been with the winery for a
decade, works closely with California growers to find the best fruit for each vintage. The 2005 version of this Bordeaux blend was sourced from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, El Dorado and Paso Robles. Expect aromas of dark fruit and coffee and a mouthful of fruit dusted with spice from this star in the making. My note: Black mocha and blackcurrant notes. Tannic so decant 1-2 hours. 521021 13% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Le Serre Nuove Dell Ornellaia 2005, DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This estate has a track record envied by wineries all over the world. Demand today for the wines of Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia has never been higher. Le Serre Nuove, a blend of Merlot, Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc
and Petit Verdot, is a bright and fruity wine with red and blackberries tinged by subtle oak flavors of chocolate and clove. Previous vintages have consistently rated in the 90s by top wine critics and this 2005
— a vintage that is already acclaimed in Tuscany — will certainly join those ranks. My note: Incredibly elegant, complex, layered, smooth and full-bodied. 606194 14% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2007
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Monte Zovo Amarone Della Valpolicella Riserva 2000, DOC, Veneto, Italy: Warm notes of black plums, coffee, and mocha. 651554 15% D 750 mL $48.95 Score: 93/100. December 8, 2007
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Finca Sobreño Reserva Seleccion Especial 2000, D.O. Toro, Spain: A vibrant full-bodied wine with cassis and blackberries. A touch tannic so decant 1-2 hours. 40766 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre 2002, Barossa Valley, Australia: This wine has terrific balance and a smooth texture. Packed with juicy cherry fruit. 726802 14% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2007
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ST. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Sonoma County, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: St. Francis Winery was established in 1971 and is located in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. This rich, full-bodied Cab offers a parade of flavors, including blackcurrant, plum, blueberry and, owing to the 14
months it spends in new American and French oak, spicy oak. My note: Round, warm and full-bodied with notes of chocolate and plums. 671164 14% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Stratus Cabernet Franc 2004, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely, vibrant wine bursting with cherries, plums and just a kiss of oak. Full-bodied. 665034 13% XD 750 mL $36.00 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2007
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Kilikanoon The Medley 2005, Barossa Valley/Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied goodness with rich plums. 675256 15% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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RosésChâteau D'aqueria Tavel Rosé 2006, AC, Rhone, France: Lovely notes of raspberry and maraschino cherry. 319368 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
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Bonny Doon Vin Gris De Cigare Rosé 2006, California, California, USA: Divine rosé! Balanced, delicious and medium-bodied. Lovely notes of berry and citrus. Closed with a screwcap. 707018 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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Fielding Estate Rosé 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Terrific value! Notes of raspberries, spice and rose petals. It is bone-dry and medium-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. 53421 12% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2007
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Sparkling WineBollinger La Grande Année Brut Champagne 1999, A.C., Champagne, France: Spectacular bubbly with notes of hazelnuts and green apples. 145169 12% XD 750 mL $155.00 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2007
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Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque Brut Champagne 1999, AC, Champagne, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Beyond Belle Epoque’s beautiful bottle, there is the brilliance of the liquid within. A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier, this bubbly’s strength lies in its finesse and supreme elegance. In its youth, the Belle Epoque shows a wonderful balance between the fruit and crisp acids. As it matures, the fruit comes to the fore and the acids soften, making this one of the most pleasurable luxury champagnes on the market. My note: Such a pretty bottle! Delicious, toasty bubbly too. 135798 12% XD 750 mL $129.95 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2007
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Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne, A.C., France: A muscular, full-bodied bubbly. Also available in 375 mL (924670, $47.95). 724559 12% XD 750 mL $84.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
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Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Champagne, AC, Champagne, France: Toasty notes of baked bread and green apples. A full-bodied bubbly. 384529 12% XD 750 mL $69.20 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2007
Favorite Bubbly. Full Review
Roederer Estate 25th Anniversary Brut Sparkling Wine, Anderson Valley, California, USA: Fantastic value! Toasty goodness of peaches, pears and green apples. 294181 12% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. December 8, 2007
Best Value Bubbly. Full Review
Cristal Brut Champagne (V), Champagne, France: Vintages Wine Panel: With its aromas of white flowers, apple and hazelnuts, this is the Rolls-Royce of Champagnes. This elegant bubbly is immensely concentrated, full-bodied and silky smooth and demands fine foods like caviar, smoked salmon or tuna tartare. It may also be aged for up to 10 years. 268755 12% XD $264.95 Score: 97/100. December 8, 2007
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Dessert WineKopke Colheita Port 1990, Matured in Wood, Bottled 2007, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: If you want to surprise your guests with a real after-dinner treat then pull out this 1990 vintage Colheita Port. The maturing has been done for you here. All you have to do is open and pour, awakening aromas and flavors of pear and dried berries that have been lying patiently in wait. My note: Love the hazelnut goodness in this fortified wine. 640268 20% S 750 mL $36.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2007
Full Review
© 2013 Natalie MacLean