Vintages Wine Picks August 30, 2008

White Wine

Muga Viura Malvasia 2007, Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, this wine is given a slow fermentation in new French oak barrels, plus a further three months resting on its lees. The resulting wine is rich, impeccably balanced and concentrated. My note: A round, rich white with ripe pear and oak notes. Drink: 2008-2011.  958736  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Martin Steimer Gewurztraminer 2006, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: This shows classic Gewürz aromas and flavors including honey, lychee, dried apricot and paraffin. Dry, ripe and round. My note: Gorgeous! Redolent of rose petal and lychee.  709790  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Riesling 2003, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: With a combination of enviable terroir, ancestral knowledge and modern technology, the Sparr family have been at the top of the winemaking game for three centuries. This cellar-worthy Riesling comes from a tiny Grand Cru vineyard (0.9 ha) and features peach, apple and mineral flavors as well as racy acidity. An intense Riesling with a long finish. My note: A floral, aromatic white with white blossoms.  686006  12%  D  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Franciscan Chardonnay, California 2006, Napa Valley, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Dry, medium full-bodied, this Chard offers ripe pear, apple and melon flavours with a touch of tannin and some mineral notes. Gentle with a creamy texture. My note: A stunning Chardonnay with layers of oak, butter and ripe peaches. Lose yourself in this wine. Full-bodied.  496125  13%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Pacific Rim Wines Dry Riesling 2006, Washington, United States: A simple, refreshing white with lemon and lime aromas. Closed with a screwcap.  70656  12%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. August 30, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Larch Tree Hill Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Ganton and Larsen are the two growers who supplied Mission Hill with its grapes in the winery’s early years. These well-respected properties are now the source for terrific wines like this citrus and peach-packed Riesling. Soft and juicy with delicate mineral notes, it’s the perfect wine to sip and savor during the waning weeks of summer. My note: An exotic Riesling with Gewurztraminer in the blend. Notes of lychee, lime and rose petals. Closed with a screwcap.  70698  12%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Red Wine

Château Baret Bordeaux 2003, A.C., France: Loaded with classic Bordeaux aromas: cassis, blackberry and smoke. Drink: 2008-2010.  81877  13%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Artazuri Garnacha 2006, D.O. Navarra, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Made by Artazu’s brilliant winemaker, Juan Carlos Lopez de la Calle, this is a 100% old vine Garnacha (Grenache). Look for an elegant wine featuring raspberry, cherry and plum aromas and flavours. It is beautifully textured and has a long finish. My note: A robust, simple red with black fruit and cedar. Drink: 2008-2010.  80812  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Big Yellow Cab Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Medocino County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a Cab that is easy to hail. The whimsical name and label are all in good fun, but the wine inside is surprisingly serious. An excellent value, the wine is bursting with juicy blackberry flavors with notes of mocha and toasty oak. It’s dry, well balanced and ready-to-drink. Well worth the fare. My note: I wasn't expecting this to taste good since it seemed so marketing-driven. Quelle surprise! Supple, smooth and full-bodied with notes of blackberries.  35014  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Gemtree Bloodstone Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from this family estate’s oldest vineyards, the Bloodstone Shiraz is bursting with violets, blueberries, plum, spice and earthy aromas. It’s full-bodied with plush red berry flavours balanced by a good backbone of acidity and fine tannins. My note: A savory and delicious full-bodied red with black cherry notes. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2013.  22111  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Monasterio de las Vinas Garnacha Blend Gran Reserva 2001, D.O. Carinena, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Garnacha (Grenache), Tempranillo, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon, this fine Gran Reserva is just approaching its prime drinking window. Featuring dried plum, raspberry, leather and vanilla aromas and flavours, this wine is clearly being released now to take advantage of its near-perfect maturity. My note: Mouth-watering, delicious red. Full-bodied, but not heavy with notes of ripe dark red fruit. Drink: 2008-2012.  82024  13%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Domaine De Saint-Just Cabernet Franc 2007, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: This fresh and fruity Cabernet Franc is sourced from 35-year-old vines in the heart of the Loire’s Saumur Champigny appellation. Dry, medium-bodied with fresh red berry flavours and a zesty seam of acidity. My note: A terrific, vibrant wine with bright notes of red berries and beetroot.  81331  13%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Capela De Sta. Margarida Tinto 2006, D.O.C. Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Trincadeira, Aragónês and Castelão (Periquita), this wine may throw a bit of sediment, even in its youth, as the producer does very light filtering or fining. By fining and filtering minimally,the producer believes he creates a wine with more flavor and impact than others that have been given full filtration. Look for rich plum, blackberry and earth aromas and flavors. My note: Another oaky wonder. Balanced with big, black fruit. Full-bodied.  82172  13%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Margaret River, Australia: A gorgeous wine at an amazing price. Full-bodied and smooth with notes of blackberries and plums. Drink: 2008-2010.  59956  14%  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Santa Julia Organica Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Familia Zuccardi is respected as one of Mendoza’s most innovative wine producers. The Santa Julia wines are named for proprietor José Zuccardi’s daughter. This easy-drinking Cab is made from 100% organically grown grapes. It’s juicy and round with ripe black cherry, red currant and a touch of spicy oak and toast. This wine contains just 27 mg/l of free sulphur. My note: A simple but pleasant full-bodied red with black plum and cassis hints.  68452  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. August 30, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


La Ciarliana Vino Nobile Sangiovese 2004, D.O.C.G. Di Montepulciano, Italy: Delicious, mouth-watering red that's perfect for Italian dishes. Notes of tart cherries and earth.  73486  14%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Emina Prestigio 2005, D.O. Ribera del Duero, Spain: Scrumptious wine of many dimensions. Rich, layered and full-bodied with smokey notes of dark red fruit and cedar. Drink: 2008-2020.  67066  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Piedra Tempranillo Azul 2005, D.O. Toro, Spain: Absolutely delicious! Tremendous value. Rich, ripe red fruit notes. Get out of your Merlot rut! Drink: 2008-2011.  82214  14%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos du Bois, located in Geyserville, released its first wines in 1974. Erik Olsen, who drew high scores and plenty of attention for his work at Château Ste. Michelle took over as winemaker in 2003. This is prototypical Alexander Valley Cab Sauv–rich, ripe and powerful, packed with loads of fruit, spice and cedary oak. It’s soft and luscious, with a long finish. My note: A balanced, full-bodied red with classic notes of cassis and blackberry.  54080  14%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Grant Burge Filsell Old Vine Shiraz 2005, Barossa, Australia: A full-bodied red with cherry liqueur notes. Drink: 2008-2015.  987453  15%  XD  750 mL  $35.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Juan Gil Tinto Monastrell 2006, D.O. Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with 100% Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre), this wine exhibits aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, root beer and espresso. It is rich, ripe and very concentrated. My note: Lovely, rich and round with notes of raspberries and mocha. Drink: 2008-2011.  1677  14%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Torres Garnacha Syrah Carinena Cabernet Sauvignon Salmos 2005, D.O.C.A. Priorat, Spain: A blend of Garnacha, Syrah, Carinena, and Cabernet Sauvignon. An elegant, well-rounded red with lovely notes of dark red fruit. Drink: 2008-2018.  60772  14%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Chateau Les Roques Cahors Malbec 2006, A.C. Cahors, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Cahors is unique amongst the important appellations of Southwest France in that neither of the Cabernets are allowed in the blends. The majority must be Malbec (called Auxerrois, locally), with Tannat and/or Merlot in a supporting role. This example is filled with aromas and flavors of spiced plum, cinnamon, blackberry, menthol, flowers and fresh herbs. A dry, supple, medium-bodied and food-friendly wine. My note: Juicy, with delicious notes of plums and blueberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Great value! Drink: 2008-2010.  948315  12%  XD  $14.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Schubert Marion's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand: Sexy, silky texture. Bursting with ripe cherries wrapped in smoke. Medium-bodied.  67009  14%  D  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina: This wine won Gold and the trophy for best Cabernet Sauvignon at the first ever Argentina Wine Awards in 2007. A full-bodied red filled with black fruit wrapped in smoke. Drink: 2008-2009.  66720  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Consistently a terrific value, this stylish Cab has the stuffing for some short-term cellaring, but it’s already delicious so why wait? It’s bursting with cassis, blackcurrant, and sweet spice aromas. Dry and full-bodied with loads of fruit flavor as well as hints of dark chocolate and spice, this elegant Cab is supported by fine-grained tannins and balancing acidity. My note: An absolutely delightful wine with alluring aromas of mouth-watering black fruit and oak flavors. Drink: 2008-2012.  606764  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Muga Tempranillo Reserva 2004, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: A deep, rich red that is consistently great year after year. Smooth, full-bodied with notes of dark plums and raspberries. Drink: 2008-2015.  177345  14%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Colinas De Sao Lourenco Touriga Nacional Baga Merlot 2005, D.O.C. Bairrada, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Touriga Nacional, Baga and Merlot, this wine is filled with raspberry and other berry aromas and flavors. It is round and smooth textured with fresh acidity and ripe tannins for balance. Superb structure and persistently fruity finish make it an excellent value at this price. My note: A pleasantly bitter red with dark red fruit aromas. Full-bodied.  81570  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Mas Janeil Cotes Du Roussilon-Villages Syrah Grenache Carignan 2005, A.C. Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Bordeaux-based Lurton brothers have been venturing into the Midi for some years now, producing exciting, quality-priced wines such as this. This popular blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan typically shows aromas of raspberry and red currants with notes of spice, pepper and chocolate. There is great fruit concentration and well-integrated oak in this fresh, full-bodied wine. A fantastic value. My note: A terrific wine for the money. Lovely, mouth-watering notes of black raspberries. Full-bodied and smooth.  992800  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel 2006, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Contra Costa County is one of California’s most historic winegrowing appellations and home to some of the state’s oldest Zin vines which managed to escape the scourge of Phylloxera. This concentrated old vine Zin also has a small amount of Petite Sirah blended in for additional structure. Ripe and juicy, it’s bursting with wild berry, plum, ripe cherry and peppery spice and earth notes. My note: A rich, aromatic Zinfandel that's more complex than most Zinfandels I have tasted. Brambleberry and violet notes. Drink: 2008-2012.  70425  14%  D  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Palacios Remondo La Vendimia Garnacha 2006, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Alvaro Palacios aims to recreate a nearly disappeared lower Rioja style that is characterized by a much greater Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache) presence, resulting in less dense but very authentic versions. My note: A very pleasing, well-rounded wine. Full-bodied, but smooth with notes of black raspberries.  674564  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Bouchard Pere and Fils Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Burgundy, Cote de Beaune-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A tremendous value from what many have called one of the best Burgundy vintages in years. From the great houses to modest producers, quality has been consistently exceptional especially for the red wines. Experience the excellence of this vintage with this fine, strawberry/cherry scented district wine for a fraction of the cost of the other more hallowed names in the area. My note: A happy, bright wine with ripe cherries and raspberries. medium-bodied and smooth.  714998  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Prunotto Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Italy: A stunning red, ready to drink now though it will last 15+ years. Notes of tar, black fruit, truffles and violets. Drink: 2008-2030.  928721  14%  XD  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 92/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, United States: A stunning wine of incredible depth. A trophy wine that you should actually drink. Dark red fruit, smoke, violet and cassis fill the glass. Drink: 2008-2037.  709881  14%  XD  750 mL  $132.95  Score: 91/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserva 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: If you love oaky reds, go for this full-bodied blockbuster. Notes of black fruit. Cruisin for bruisin'? Drink: 2008-2010.  79293  14%  D  750 mL  $15.00  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005, Central Valley, Chile: A terrific wine for the money. Full-bodied with juicy notes of ripe plums and blackberries.  32110  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Senorio De Penalba Mencia Crianza 2003, D.O. Bierzo, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: For many years Mencía was thought by some to be a cousin of Cabernet Franc, while others suggested it was identical to Portugal’s Jaen. Those believing it to be Jaen were proven right. Producers in Bierzo have taken great care with this grape, dramaticallly reducing yields and sourcing from hillside-planted vineyards. The resulting wines are bright, flavorful and impeccably balanced. Sip this wine on its own to really explore it. My note: Ready for something different? Try this! Lovely notes of raspberry. Full-bodied and smooth.  82107  13%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Santa Brigida Colli Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, I.G.T. Della Toscana Centrale, Italy: A pleasant, full-bodied sipper with black plum and cedar notes. Drink: 2008-2010.  13599  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Henri Delagrange Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: There is a famous quote from Volnay that says, “l’aimable gaieté fuire vos festins si de Volnay vous ne serves les vins”, which loosely translates as “the fun and gaiety will flee your feast if you do not serve Volnay wines”. This Pinot Noir, from the great 2005 vintage, is a true testament to this aphorism. So, to enliven your late summer or early autumn feasts, pull out this cherry-, berry and beetroot-scented wine. My note: A highly aromatic wine, beautifully perfumed with ripe cherries and violets. Medium-bodied and supple.  69138  13%  XD  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 92/100. August 30, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Quinta do Crasto Tinto Barroca Blend 2006, D.O.C. Douro, Portugal: A juicy, flavorful wine with dark red fruit and smoke notes. Drink: 2008-2013.  81588  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.00  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Coonawarra, Australia: Blockbuster red with a pow palate of black fruit.  590471  14%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Cline Cellars Mourvedre 2005, Contra Costa County, California, USA: Perfect for the BBQ. The ultimate lip-smacking red with smokey, dark fruit aromas.  66084  14%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2001, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: Smooth and exotic red with high notes of cherry. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2013.  947309  13%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Mas Collet Garnacha Blend 2005, D.O. Montsant, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Mas Collet is a blend containing two different clones of Garnacha (Grenache), as well as Cariñena, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the Garnacha clones is called the Catalan (Garnacha del Pais), believed to be indigenous to Spain, which thrives in the Montsant terroir. The other is the Grenache from the Rhône Valley (Garnacha Peluda), imported to Spain after the devastation of the Spanish vineyards by the phylloxera louse; it brings structure to the wine. The other grapes all add their own specialty to create a cherry-, blueberry- and toast-scented wine that is perfectly balanced on the palate by ripe tannins. My note: Simple, but delicious. Full-bodied.  80705  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Quinta Da Fonte Jaen Aragónês Trincadeira Touriga Nacional Reserva 2005, D.O.C. Dao, Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Quinta da Fonte do Ouro is an exciting, up-and-coming Dão house producing balanced, flavorful wines such asthis blend of Jaen, Aragónês, Trincadeira and the great Port grape, Touriga Nacional (at least 50%). My note: A comfy wine like faded jeans. Dark red fruit and dried herbs. Drink: 2008-2012.  80382  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Rhone 2005, A.C., France: Round, rich and delicious. Full-bodied with black cherries and cassis.  78808  14%  D  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Bellingham Dragon's Lair Shiraz Blend 2005, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Part of Bellingham’s Legends collection, this inaugaral vintage is a blend of 88% Shiraz, 10% Mourvedre and 2% Viognier. The name honours the legend of St. George’s victory over the rancorous dragon. Bursting with bright berry fruit flavours as well as touches of smoke and spice, this full-bodied red is fresh and well-balanced. My note: A great producer at various price points. This wine is rich and layered with dark red fruit notes.  68692  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Waterbrook Syrah 2005, Columbia Valley,Washington State, United States: A full-bodied, black and brooding red. Drink: 2008-2013.  70607  13%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 89/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Camp Al Sorbo Rufina Riserva Chianti 1997, D.O.C.G., Italy: A gorgeous, balanced wine of tremendous depth. Dark red fruit and oak notes.  551507  12%  XD  750 mL  $33.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Rosés

Trentham Estate La Famiglia Sangiovese Rosé 2007, New South Wales, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Trentham’s La Famiglia wines are made using only classic Italian grape varieties. This Sangiovese rosé is easy-drinking with lovely aromatics of red cherry, strawberry and a hint of wild herbs. Juicy and refreshing with fruit salad flavors, it’s perfect to sip while lunching on an antipasto plate on a sunny afternoon. My note: A simple light Rosé with pleasant strawberry notes. Serve slightly chilled. Closed with a screwcap.  66811  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. August 30, 2008 Favorite Rosé. Full Review


Wildass Rosé 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara Penisula, Ontario, Canada: A pleasant Rosé with ripe raspberry notes. Smooth without a lot of acidity.  71712  12%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 87/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Vintage Rosé Chapagne Brut 2000, A.C., France: A toasty beauty. Topped with baked bread and green apple notes. Drink: 2008-2012.  69831  12%  XD  750 mL  $89.95  Score: 91/100. August 30, 2008 Favorite Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Georges Gardet Saint Flavy Champagne Brut 2006, A.C. Champagne, France: Great value! This Champagne is filled with green apples, brioche and happiness.  924654  12%  XD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review