Wine Picks

Vintages Wine Picks September 26, 2009

White Wine

Sileni Estates Selection Pinot Gris 2009, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2009 vintage from south of the equator is starting to arrive. This fresh Pinot Gris has a noticeable peach/pink color from skin contact with the grapes. The nose is aromatic with melon, peach, floral and mineral notes. It’s dry, medium bodied with a juicy, round texture, ripe peach and tropical melon fruit flavors, well-balanced medium acidity and a medium finish. This wine finds the middle ground between the famous versions from Alsace and northern Italy. Great value. My note: White grapefruit, lime and white peach. Zesty and mouth-watering. 32292 12.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Montes Leyda Vineyard Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Leyda Valley, Chile: Herbal, grassy goodness! A wake-up call for the mouth and senses. Limes, green apples and grapefruit. No oak. Great value. 32060 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Domaine Bernard Millot Les Petits Charrons 2006, A.C., Meursault, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a wine that ably showcases what Meursault does best. With an impressive balance of intensity and elegance, this wine delivers attractive hazelnut, creamy butter and mineral character along with tons of green plum and pear fruit, culminating in a long, lingering finish. Refreshing and tasty, this Meursault will provide enjoyment over the next 5+ years. My notes: Rich hazelnut, almond goodness with layers of crème brulee, peach and pear. Bring me more, now! Full-bodied. 130922 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. September 26, 2009 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Rutherford Hill Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Rutherford Hill has created a supremely elegant take on the classic Napa Valley Chardonnay with this offering. Delicate, gossamer-like aromas of peaches, tropical fruit and buttery, smoky oak notes fill the nose in this dry, balanced, easy-drinking, food-friendly white. My note: Nicely balanced and rounded. Smooth, supple and buttery (and ever so comforting). Full-bodied an delicious. 980433 14.20% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker Thomas Bachelder uses only his best barrels sourced from a small plot within the 30 ha Talon Ridge Vineyard to make this wine. The nose displays a complex array of stone and citrus fruit aromas as well as earthy notes and nicely integrated toasty oak. Dry and medium full-bodied, it shows good density of fruit through the richly textured palate balanced by vibrant acidity. Notes of yellow plum, biscuits, flint and smoke add to the appeal as does the excellent length. This will definitely improve with another 1-3 years in the cellar. My note: Hazelnut, buttery goodness! Fresh baked bread out of the oven with all the warmth and comfort it provides. Rich layers of succulent flavor. 143974 13.50% XD 750 mL $37.00 Score: 92/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2007, California, United States: Lovely, aromatic with rose petal and lychee. Terrific acidity with gorgeous floral notes: white daisies in a wide open field. 355784 12% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Domaine Saint-Rémy Réserve Gewürztraminer 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Established in 1725, Domaine Saint-Rémy is a family-owned winery rich in tradition. Current owner/winemaker Philippe Ehrhart learned at the feet of his father François, who, too, was weaned on winemaking traditions. This powerful and seductive wine is loaded with aromas of lychee, meadow flowers and a variety of spices. A great match for spicy cuisine. This organic wine contains 17 mg/L of free sulfur. My note: Amazingly rich and concentrated with aromas of rose petal, lychee and white peach. 61150 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Beringer, established in 1876, is one of Napa’s most venerable producers of fine wine. Although steeped in history, Beringer makes use of modern winemaking techniques to get the best results. This Chard, for instance, was sourced from four different vineyards, with some fruit undergoing fermentation in barrel and some in steel — highlighting the best aspects of each crop. With its complex interplay of guava, nectarine and lemon drop flavors, the results are there to be seen (and tasted). My note: So delicious, let me fall into it! Buttery, warm and inviting. A wine that embraces you like your most comfy jeans. Ripe pears and full-bodied. 84988 14.10% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 94/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2008, D.O.C., Valdadige, Italy: A terrific half bottle selection for a zippy, zesty white. Classic notes of white grapefruit and lime. Not a trace of oak. 687558 12% XD 375 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Green pepper, capsicum, asparagus and green peas on the nose … and yes that means I like it! Mouth-watering acidity and vibrance. 677450 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Clos Du Bois Chardonnay 2007, North Coast, California, United States: A terrific and aristocratic Chardonnay with excellent balance and breeding. Gorgeous notes of ripe pear, peach and green apple. 124867 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Of Niagara Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Quite astounding for the price, this very classy Chardonnay shows that attention to detail is as equally important in Tawse’s second label as it is in their first. Creamy oak, ripe golden apples and tropical fruit aromas greet the nose. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with a charming round texture, plenty of ripe yellow fruit, butterscotch, baking spices and hazelnut notes leading to a long spicy finish. Delicious now but should evolve over the next 3-5 years. My note: Hazelnut, buttery and full-bodied. Rich and layered with pear slices. 89037 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Domaine Des Quatre Routes Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie Muscadet 2007, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine earned a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France 2008. Muscadet is made with the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety and is known for its gentle flavors and crisp acidity. Long ago, winemakers discovered that they could intensify the flavors by ageing these wines ‘on the lees’ (a.k.a. ‘sur lie’). Muscadet is a coastal region so, unsurprisingly, the wines pair remarkably well with seafood dishes. My note: A zesty, acidic white with pure mouth-watering grapefruit and lime notes. No oak. Straight up! 608893 12% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Martin Steimer Pinot Gris 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2008 vintage in Alsace shows early signs of being a classic. This off-dry Pinot Gris is a case in point, balancing its moderate sweetness with ripe cantaloupe, orange zest and peach fruit, as well as intriguing floral notes. Finely structured, sporting a lengthy, lip-smacking finish. Makes a spectacular sipper, or enjoy it with richer cheeses. My notes: Fresh and refreshing with white peach and grapefruit notes. No oak, medium-bodied. 106807 13% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate was named ‘Winery of the Year’ at the Wine Access 2008 Canadian Wine Awards. This is the fourth time the winery has won this accolade since the competition’s inaugural year in 2001. Showcasing their consistent excellence is this top-tier Chardonnay, which is beautifully rich and buttery and packed with peach, melon and toasty oak flavors. A complex Chardonnay to serve over the next 4 to 5 years. My note: Succulent, buttery goodness. Full-bodied white with layers and layers of flavor happiness. Ripe peach, pear and vanilla-spice. 643452 13.90% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Red Wine

Château Fongaban Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005, A.C., Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France: A robust red with delicious notes of cassis, blackberry, savory bacon fat, dried tobacco and vanilla-spice. Supple and layered but decant for 1-2 hours first. A lovely, long finish in this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Terrific value for Bordeaux. 138735 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Château Ducla Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Bordeaux Supérieur, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Hidden away within Bordeaux are many little gems. While the Latours and the Margaux of the world get all the hype, wineries such as Château Ducla create fine wines vintage after vintage that can satisfy on so many levels: cost, drinkability and food-matching versatility. Winner of a Silver Medal at the Challenge International du vin 2008. My note: An amazing value for the money! Redolent of blackberries, earth and oak. Tannic so decant 1-2 hours first 162461 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: This organic wine contains just 14 mg/L of free sulfur. A dark, smoky wine with blackberries and black plums with some pepper notes in the background. Full-bodied and deep 68452 13.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. September 26, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Torres 2006, D.O.C.A., Priorat, Spain: Black cherry and raspberry infused with mocha and smoke. Polished tannins and seductively silky, full-bodied texture. 60772 14.50% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The Wagner family (of Caymus fame) is responsible for the Belle Glos label. While Chuck Wagner wows wine lovers with his Caymus Cabernets, his son Joseph continues to win fans with his Pinots. My note: A ripe cherry-berry red with a silky, seductive texture and medium body. The fruit is almost sweet but the wine is dry. Makes your mouth water with gorgeous aromas that envelope your senses. Not earthy or oaky. 652883 14.60% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Ornellaia 2006, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: A heartbreaking work of staggering genius. It’s got it all: black fruit, smoke, balance, length, depth. Astonishing complexity with an incredibly long finish. 722470 15% XD 750 mL $174.95 Score: 97/100. September 26, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Grgich Hills Estate Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: A wine of remarkable distinction, depth and finesse: New World concentration of fruit and Old World styling and structure. It’s pricey but if you want to taste greatness, give it a whirl. Mouth-watering dried herbs, bacon and cassis. Full-bodied with a long finish. 71407 14.70% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 94/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Château Langoa Barton Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Saint Julien, 3e Cru, Bordeaux, France: A balanced, elegant, refined wine of great subtlety and finesse. Medium- to full-bodied with supple layers of black cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant. 505800 13% XD 750 mL $129.00 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2007, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: From an historic single vineyard at the southern end of the Barossa, this deep purple Shiraz is bursting with ripe berry, lifted floral and coconut aromas. This is a rich and opulent wine with a chewy texture, ripe juicy mixed berry and vanilla flavors balanced by firm grainy tannins leading to a lengthy finish. It’s a “wow” wine that always impresses. Decant and serve, or cellar this big boy for up to 10 years. My note: A dark and delicious red with full-bodied notes of blackberry and black plum. Opulent texture with a velvety concentration of flavor and long finish. 725127 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz Grenache 2007, South Australia, Australia: A blend of 67% Shiraz and 33% Grenache results in terrific and savory notes of black raspberry, dark spices, dried tobacco leaves and licorice. Full-bodied and supple. 9225 14.50% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Liberty School Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a quick lesson on the subject of Zinfandel: Croatian in origin, this grape took so well to the Californian climate that in the 19th century it became this sunny state’s signature variety. Displaying classic flavors of wild blackberries and spice, this 2006 is a prime example of the style. My note: Bursting with brambleberries, blackberries and black raspberries. A luscious wine that unfolds layer after layer of flavor on the palate and leaves a warm, comforting finish. Rushes out of the glass with aromas of blackberry preserves, licorice and black raspberry. Full-bodied, supple and lip-smacking delicious. 41095 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Maipe Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A dense, dark wine with full-bodied notes of oak, blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis and tobacco. Excellent palate-whacker! 93823 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Sumac Ridge Black Sage Vineyard Merlot 2006, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This supple Merlot comes from the Black Sage vineyard and shows why wines from this property are so desirable. Aged in a combo of French and American oak for 18 months, this latest Merlot is brimming with ripe black fruit, licorice, smoke, mocha and savory herbs. Dry, medium full-bodied with a round texture and enough tannins to balance the soft fruit flavors. My note: Quite frankly, one of Canada’s best Merlots. Rich, dark, brooding with lovely velvety layers of black plums, blackberries and some dark spices on the finish. A superb effort. 593053 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Zenato Superiore Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Zenato’s 2007 Valpolicella Superiore is dry, medium bodied with fresh and juicy blackcurrant and plummy fruit and an undertone of roasted almond. This is a charming, velvety wine. My note: Stunning, takes my breath (and almost my words) away. Try it, please: for something different, especially if you’re feeling as though you’re in a rut. This lovely, lovely wine will get you out of that very quickly and soaring aloft a pleasure cloud of flavor. Full-bodied with notes of black cherries and plums and some mocha. A staggeringly great value 995704 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes for this wine come from the same vineyards as Phelps’ more famous cult wine, Insignia. The 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. The ten months in a mix of French and American oak give this wine a slight smokiness. My note: A mouth-watering, smoky wine with luscious layers of blackberries and black plums. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated with a gorgeously long finish. 38125 13.50% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 92/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Banfi Col Di Sasso Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2009 San Diego International Wine Competition. Col di Sasso translates as “stony hill”, a reference to the rocky slopes where this wine is grown — and a name that makes sense when you taste this minerally, earthy blend. These landscape-imparted nuances are joined by aromas and flavors of currants, red plum, and ripe cherries. My note: Simple, rustic, robust and tasty. Bursting with rich dark berries and other fruit. Smoky and peppery. Knock it back. 681304 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Château De Giron Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker Laurence Lataste is a member of Les Aliénor du Vin de Bordeaux, an association of twelve women winemakers or producers’ wives from twelve different appellations. Formed to promote their wines, the group is named after Eleanor of Aquitaine, who encouraged winemaking in the region in the 12th century. My note: This full-bodied wine is mostly Merlot (75%) with aromas of blackberries and anise. 138727 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Farina Le Pezze Ripasso Classico Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: If you’re a fan of the super-popular Ripasso style, you’d be hard pressed to find a better value than the Le Pezze from Farina. Approachable and food-friendly, this is a wine with pleasure written all over it. Red berries and dried fruit mingle with subtle spice notes, leading to a spicy/savory finish. My note: A zesty, vibrant red with ripe, tart cherries with full-bodied flavors and a pleasantly long finish. Terrific value. 134684 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2007, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: You can’t beat the value of this wine: you simply won’t find a better wine for the money. Juicy, round and ripe with aromas of black plums, black raspberry and vanilla smoke. 983742 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Mas Des Bressades Cabernet Syrah 2007, Vin de Pays du Gard, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah offers exceptional value year after year. Rich and concentrated, this medium-bodied wine is packed with cassis, blackberry, earth and spice notes with ripe tannins and acidity providing structure. My note: A terrific wine for the money! Vibrant with ripe, tart black cherries and blackberries. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines are more than 65 years old and the Syrah vines are about 35 years old. That results in berries and a wine of incredible concentration and depth of flavor. 712174 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Richard Hamilton Hut Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2007 vintage in McLaren Vale was extremely dry with drought-like conditions resulting in smaller berries and yields that were 50% less than normal, giving enormous concentration of flavor to the grapes. With some barrel fermentation and only 37% aged in new and one-year-old oak, this Cab strikes the perfect balance between fruit and wood. Look for ultra-ripe cassis and blackcurrant flavors along with hints of coffee and vanilla supported by mild tannins. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. My note: Deep, dark wine with mouth-watering, full-bodied flavors of blackberry, dark spices and smoke. Tannic and satisfying. 567917 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Terredora Aglianico 2007, I.G.T., Campania, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Aglianico is poised to be the new “it grape” of southern Italy. This version is deep ruby in color with forward aromas of cedar, smoke, plum, cherry and leather. It’s dry, rich and plump with dark fruit, espresso and dark chocolate flavors supported by medium, powdery tannins. Well-structured with a very long finish, it should be enjoyed over the next three years. My note: Mocha-infused nose opens up to blackberries and black raspberries. Lovely smoky, spicy mid-palate followed by a long, satisfying finish. Full-bodied and delicious. 602284 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Château Beauregard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: A dark, brooding, tannic wine of remarkable depth and classic Bordeaux structure. Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, pencil led, smoke, and dried herbs. Full-bodied and complex. A great candidate for the cellar. Drink: 2012-2020. 500918 13% XD 750 mL $68.00 Score: 91/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Ornellaia Le Volte 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: A straight-forward and full-bodied red with savory, mouth-watering notes of blackberries and black raspberries. A smoky, spice-infused finish. 964221 13.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 88/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Luigi Bosca Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina: A lovely, full-bodied red with mouth-watering, deep rich berries and plums. Some mocha and cigar box with a blackcurrant-infused finish. 128629 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Grgich Hills Estate Estate Grown Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Tasty and distinctive with mouth-watering dark berries and smoke, plush layers of black plums and a vanilla-spice infused finish. Full-bodied and silky seductive. Perfect for dinner parties. 20313 14.70% D 750 mL $57.95 Score: 91/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Le Petit Cheval Merlot Blend 2005, A.C., Saint-Émilion, 2nd Wine of Cheval Blanc, Bordeaux, France: This is the second wine of the august Bordeaux chateau Cheval Blanc. Offers gorgeous notes of blackberry, black cherry, dried herbs, black plum and cedar. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2028. 506840 13.50% XD 750 mL $209.00 Score: 92/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Château Tour Marcillanet Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2005, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Located near the charming village of St-Laurent-Médoc on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, Château Tour Marcillanet focuses on the traditional blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. But somewhat atypically for a Left Bank appellation, this wine’s dominant grape is Merlot. Ripe, round and silky textured, this fruit-filled wine showcases the excellence of the 2005 vintage with fine form. My note: A robust, hulking wine with a great grip and dark berries on the palate. Smoky and oaky but balanced. This one needs time in the cellar. Drink: 2012-2018. 125880 12.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Rutherford Hill Merlot 2004, Napa Valley, California, United States: A simple and tasty red with rich plumy notes and some dark spices on the finish. Supple, full-bodied and round. A nice choice in the half bottle format. 948935 14.20% D 375 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Excellence Syrah 2007, A.C., Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This aptly named cuvée is no stranger to critical acclaim and medals of the highest order. Aged for 12 months in a mix of new and used oak, this Syrah showcases a medley of aromas: flowers, spices, dark chocolate and red fruits. It’s a rich, powerful and deliciously pure wine that will continue to evolve over the next few years. My note: Lovely the cedar-spice notes that wreathe the dark red berries. Lovely layers of supple, full-bodied flavor. Terrific balance and length. Drink: 2009-2016. 708750 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Excellence Syrah 2007, A.C., Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This aptly named cuvée is no stranger to critical acclaim and medals of the highest order. Aged for 12 months in a mix of new and used oak, this Syrah showcases a medley of aromas: flowers, spices, dark chocolate and red fruits. It’s a rich, powerful and deliciously pure wine that will continue to evolve over the next few years. My note: Lovely the cedar-spice notes that wreathe the dark red berries. Lovely layers of supple, full-bodied flavor. Terrific balance and length. Drink: 2009-2016. 708750 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Tommasi Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Unfiltered, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Tommasi is unique in Ripasso and Valpolicella production. They make contemporary wines for modern palates without betraying traditions or classic approaches. This version is rich with raspberry, plum and vanilla aromas and flavors while still exhibiting the vibrant rustic tones that make it so identifiably Italian. This half-bottle size of our popular Vintages Essential is perfect for intimate dinners. My note: A savory and delicious selection among half bottles. Lovely notes of bacon fat, blackberries and dark spices. Full-bodied, supply and juicy. Wonderful accompaniment to many dishes. 69443 13% XD 375 mL $11.45 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Terra Andina Reserva Carmenère 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: A deep, tasty, satisfying red with full-bodied notes of dark chocolate, black cherry liqueur, coffee and blueberry. Supple and lip-smacking delicious. An incredible value. 128637 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review