Wine Picks

Vintages Wine Picks January 10, 2009

White Wine

Anselmann Riesling Spatlese 2007, Q.M.P., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: From this award-winning winery in the relatively warm Pfalz region comes this classic late-harvest Riesling. Pale straw color with light green tinges, leads to clean notes of peaches, apricots and grapefruit on the nose. On the palate, its slightly sweet centre is very well balanced by a fine backbone of acidity, and a long and refreshing finish. My note: Lovely notes of white flowers, toasted almonds, bergamot, candied lemon and lime. Medium-bodied with a gorgeously long finish. 87494 14% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

William Fevre Chile Gran Cuvee Chardonnay 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: The best of both worlds in a bottle here: Old World styling and finesse with New World depth of flavor and fruit. Bring it on! A fresh, lively chard with notes of spicy oak, citrus, butter, caramel and unbridled fruit richness. Full-bodied and luscious. Vintages Wine Panel: William Fèvre is a well-respected producer of Chablis in Burgundy who has successfully transplanted his expertise to Chile. The dominant flavors of this beautifully balanced Chardonnay – apple, pear, toast and butterscotch – are concentrated but not overwhelming. An exceptionally priced, versatile Chard. 45146 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Boschendal 1685 Grande Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc 2007, W.O. Coastal region, Africa: The year 1685 commemorates the founding of Boschendal and its 300-plus years of winemaking heritage. Tangy lemon and lime aromas with a backbone of mouth-watering acidity. Zesty citrus, white flowers and a mouthful of white grapefruit. It’ll wake up your mouth. Medium-bodied. 91249 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2008, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot Gris from the warm Hawkes Bay region is another notable bargain. The nose features lovely peach, pear and apple aromas. It’s just off-dry with a round texture and juicy fruit flavors beautifully balanced by a bright seam of acidity. My note: Ripe tree fruit on the nose with floral and quince notes to follow. A well-delineated wine that offers both refreshment and hedonistic pleasure. 32292 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Merryvale Chardonnay 2005, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: A subtly wooded wine with ripe tree fruit aromas of tangerine, citrus and apples. Vibrant, full-bodied, rich and satisfying. Drink: 2008-2013. 76026 14% 750 mL $47.95 Score: 92/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Moselland eG Riesling Kabinett 2005, Q.M.P. Mosel, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Moselland is a co-op that produces value-priced single-vineyard wines, such as this Riesling. The bouquet features peach and citrus fruit while, on the palate, the aromas replay, balanced by classic Riesling acidity. My note: Dazzling aromas of smoky green apples, lemon, minerals and white peach. Medium-bodied with a lovely texture. 72355 8% M 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. January 10, 2009 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Dr. H. Thanisch Riesling Spatlese 2003, Q.M.P., Germany: Pure essence of Mosel slate, with penetrating minerality, ripe lime notes and some floral notes in the background. Medium-bodied. Versatile with both food and as an aperitif. 82818 9% M 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Pitars Pinot Grigio 2007, D.O.C. Grave del Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot Grigio has a distinctly floral nose. It’s dry, with a medium- to full-body, smooth, round texture, crisp apple flavors with a hint of gentle herbs, and a medium-long finish. My note: Lovely notes of white grapefruit, orange peel, white flowers and limes. Medium-bodied, crisp and refreshing. A versatile wine that will appeal to a broad range of palates. 104117 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Distant Land Gewurztraminer 2007, North Island, New Zealand: A vibrant and refreshing wine with notes of zesty citrus, lime, rose petal and lychee. Crisp and satisfying with a pleasing vivacious style. Drink: 2008-2012. 75549 13% 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Red Wine

De Heuvel Shiraz 2005, W.O. Tulbagh, Africa: Revealing a blackberry ripeness on the nose followed by jammy plums, pepper, smoked beef and cedar. Full-bodied with a smorgasbord of sensual pleasure. 89680 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvedre 2006, Contra Costa County, California, United States: A solidly made wine with lush blackberry, currant and cassis with background notes of mint, smoke, coffee and cedar. A great effort from this producer. 66084 15% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2007, Yarra Valley, Australia: Reveals a creamy cherry-scented nose on opening and follows up with a ripe core of blackberry and spice. Medium- to full-bodied with a lovely long finish. Mouth-watering acidity makes it an ideal partner for many dishes. 15511 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Le Arche Della Valpolicella Amarone 2005, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: There’s a nice intensity to the nose, displaying floral notes, Christmas cake, dried fruit, red plum, candied cherry, leather and sweet spice aromas. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with a soft and lush mouthfeel. The aromas replay beautifully on the palate and are balanced by medium acidity and refined tannins. Very tasty, this is a wine to contemplate as it lingers on the finish. My note: Kirsch liqueur on the nose with gorgeous depths of black fruit, cappuccino, dried herbs and violets. A powerhouse wine with a blockbuster length. 95836 15% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Albada Vinas Viejas Garnacha Tinto 2005, D.O. Calatayud, Spain: This wine is made from 100% Garnacha grapes and aged in oak for one year. Opulent texture with aromas of intense blackberry, lavender and black fruits. Fleshy flavors wrap around a core of smoky, toasty oak. Full-bodied. 93005 14% 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Chateau Larroque Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From a lesser-known estate, this 2005 Bordeaux was a Gold Medal winner at the Concours de Bordeaux in 2006. Château Larroque is on a plateau near the Graves appellation, in the village of Coimères, and is run, as it has been for years, by the Ducourt family. This treasure offers excellent structure, blue and blackberry characteristics with bramble fruit and earth tones. A real find from this highly rated vintage. My note: Classic notes of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberries. Some tobacco, licorice and herbs in the background. Plenty of tannins so decant for 1-2 hours. 92536 13% 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Chilensis Reserva Carmenere 2006, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The once-forgotten Bordeaux grape, Carmenère, is thriving in Chile’s winemaking valleys and is proving to be as important to Chile as Malbec is to neighboring Argentina. This is a fresh and fruity mouth-filling red with aromas and flavors of juicy ripe cherries, chocolate, gentle herbal notes and toasty oak. My note: Redolent of smoked herbs, jammy cassis, and gamey notes. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Tremendous value. 657981 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Leone De Castris Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva Negroamaro Malvasia Nera 2004, Puglia, Italy: Why are Italian wines so popular? This southern Italian red has all the muscle of sun-ripened fruit with the balancing acidity from wine's style: perfect for Mafioso weddings and pizza nights. A blend of 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera grapes. Plenty of black raspberries here along with some notes of opulently textured cherries and spiced vanilla. Robust and layered with a nice finish. 597534 14% 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Cave de Saumur Des Vignerons Saumur Reserve 2005, A.C., France: A lovely, long expression of blue fruits, violets, cassis, mushrooms and cigar. Old World style and structure with a deliciously long finish. 103879 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

N Sentido 2005, D.O. Ribera del Duero, Spain: Copious amounts of blackberries, plums and cigar box. Polished tannins with many layers of flavor and complexity. A long, satisfying finish for this robust wine. 82081 15% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Zonte's Footstep Shiraz Viognier 2006, Langhorne Creek, Australia: A big honkin' Shiraz with a warm embrace of dark red fruit. When you bang for your buck, go straight to the Aussie aisle of your liquor store. There’s 6% of the Viognier grape in this blend to give the wine a lovely lift and brightness on the mid-palate. The wine was also aged in 20% new oak. A sweet blackcurrant nose with notes of pepper, violets and plump plums on the follow-up. This multi-textured wine is a superb value. Perfect for casual weeknight meals at home or potluck get-togethers. 72975 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Taja Reserva Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo Merlot 2003, D.O. Jumilla, Spain: This wine is made by the owners of the coveted Château Palmer in Bordeaux. It’s a blend of Monastrell (Mourvèdre), Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot. Terrific richness and depth. Aromas of juicy black plums, kirsch, pepper and dusty cigar box. Full-bodied with a good finish. Drink: 2008-2016. 243329 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Chateau Roubia 2006, A.C. Minervois, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is certified organic by the Nature et Progrès organization and contains 13 mg/L of free sulphur. A good value red from southern France with aromas of blackberry, leather and underbrush. Soft and rich with good tannins to bring balance. My note: A delicious, robust red with chewy berry fruit, black plums, garrigue, oak and dried herbs. This wine offers solid value for the money. 705632 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Pillar Box Red 2006, Padthaway, Australia: As this wine is unfined and unfiltered, decant it for 1-2 hours. This is a blend of 50% Shiraz, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot. The wine was aged in both French and American oak. Aromas of gloriously ripe purple plums, fleshy black fruits and some spicy oak on the finish. Full-bodied and smooth-textured. 685941 15% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Sandalford Estate Vineyards Protégé Shiraz 2005, Margaret River, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Founded in 1840, Sandalford Wines is one of Australia’s oldest and largest privately owned wineries. It’s situated in the picturesque countryside of the Swan River Valley, less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Perth. This approachable Aussie Shiraz is a deep red with loads of blackberry and complex spicy layers on the nose. It’s dry and medium-bodied with a rich and satisfying finish. My note: A seamless, blackberry-scented wine with savory game and spice notes. Lots of layered flavor here with a warm, satisfying finish. A lusty Shiraz for cold winter nights. 80671 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Montes Apalta Vineyard Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This modern blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Carmenère is truly a superb value that shows the best of both varieties with its blueberry, plum, blackberry and spice flavors. It’s dry and mouth-filling with plush fruit flavor and a lengthy finish. If you’re a Cab lover looking for something a little different, then look no further. My note: A well-structured, robust Cabernet blend with aromas of black plums and pepper. Great layers of flavor. A lovely finish. 16071 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2006, Guadalupe Valley, Mexico: Did you even know that Mexico makes wine? Good ones, my friend. The Guadalupe Valley in Mexico has been touted as the next Napa Valley. Certainly, this producer is helping establish the region’s reputation. I have recommended this wine year after year as one of the best values on the liquor store shelf. Aromas of black plums, game, cedar and vanilla spice. Full-bodied and deliciously chunky. Perfect as your transitional wine from work to evening relaxation. Vintages Wine Panel: The region is known for its Petite Sirah which is making a name for itself here as a stand-alone variety. Dense purple in color, it offers black pepper and tea notes leading to an impressive, well-rounded finish. 983742 14% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Joao Russo Monteiro Arrobeiros Douro Tinto Reserva 2005, D.O.C., Portugal: A stylishly elegant wine with rich notes of berry fruit, cigar box, ripe blackcurrants and vanillin. There’s a touch of herbaceousness in the nose. Full-bodied and rich. 103457 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Malivoire Wine Company Gamay 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: From one of Ontario’s leading cult producers, this Gamay turns notions of the wine is on its head. No simple country here! Notes of black strawberries, jammy cherry and a hint of spice on the nose. Medium-bodied with a seductive, silky texture. 591313 12% D 750 mL $17.00 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Dornier Wines Cabernet Franc Blend 2004, W.O. Stellenbosch, Africa: A blend of Cabernet Franc (70%) and Merlot (30%). Dense aromas of black fruit, garrigue, roasted coffee and mocha. Great fruit extraction with a warm, lengthy finish. 606020 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Chateau Pesquie Grenache Syrah 2006, A.C. Cotes due Ventoux, France: This wine was not fined or filtered and is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. A dense, blackcurrant-scented nose follows up with black cherries, toasty oak and some earthy notes. 652313 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

St. Hallett Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia: One of my favorite producers for consistently creating delicious, well-priced wines. This one is no exception. It has copious amounts of ripe berries and plums with admirable power and richness. 980631 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Terranoble Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Very attractive nose, almost Bordeaux-like, with roasted coffee, toast, cassis, blackberry and chocolate aromas. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with layers of cassis, raspberry, cedar, and chocolate notes, medium acidity and fine tannins all leading to a lingering finish. Harmonious and elegant, this is put together really nicely. My note: This knockout wine has ripe blackberry notes along with roasted nuts, black plums, toasted oak and vanilla in the background. 46268 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Coriole Vineyards Estate Grown Shiraz 2005, McLaren Vale, Australia: A blockbuster of a wine with a dense jammy nose and notes of purple plums, blueberries, licorice and smoky oak. Offering good depth and a nice finish. Drink: 2008-2012. 931600 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Delas Freres Saint-Esprit Syrah Blend 2006, A.C. Cotes Du Rhone, France: A ripe, tarry wine bursting with notes of black cherry, dried herbs, cedar, cigar box and pepper. Full-bodied with mouth-filling textured layers of flavor. 729962 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

The Ruins Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, W.O. Eilandia Robertson, Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this very approachable red is dry, medium to full-bodied with aromas and flavors of spicy black pepper, blackberries, mixed red berries and a touch of smoky oak. Well-balanced, this wine is a lovely winter warmer. Made with organic grapes, this wine contains 26 mg/l of free sulfur. My note: Excellent berry ripeness here with layers of plums. Bargain seeker will love this number from South Africa. It offers notes of smoked meat, jammy black fruit and some robust tannins. Decant for 1-2 hours. This wine will make a big splash at your next party. 18739 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Santa Julia Malbec Reserva 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific, flavorful Malbec with robust notes of blackberries and black plums. This is a remarkably great price for wine of this quality. Full-bodied with a satisfying finish. 665026 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Grant Burge has earned a place among Australia’s top winemakers with his tireless pursuit of quality and innovation, and by a love of wine and winemaking that goes back five generations in his family. This distinctive Shiraz is always a reliable value. Packed with ripe raspberry and cherry aromas and flavors, this smooth and supple wine also shows hints of licorice and a dose of black pepper on the rich finish. My note: A fleshy, peppery nose with layers of dusty black plums, cedar, earth and smoke. This is a well-made, harmonious wine that deserves a try. 738567 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Blue Cove Winemaker's Choice Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, W.O. Western Cape, Africa: Uncomplicated and delicious: pleasure and power in the dark fleshy fruit. Nose of dark chocolate, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied, oh yes indeed. A wine to drink when you want enjoyment but no analysis, like the guy you'll date but not marry. 88823 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 10, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Torbeck Old Vines Grenache Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of two classic Rhône varieties, Grenache and Shiraz (aka Syrah), is packed with concentrated fruit flavors. Dry, with a supple texture, it’s bursting with black raspberry, juicy strawberry, peppery spice and vanillin-oak flavors that culminate in a lengthy finish. My note: Torbreck’s owner and winemaker David Powell continues to make what are some of Australia’s greatest wines. A flamboyantly-styled, intense wine with dense notes of blackberries, plums, game meats and cigar. A lengthy finish adds to its enjoyment. 80721 14% 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Baron Philippe De Rothschild Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The Rothschild family’s most recent project in Chile is a line of regionally designated wines. In each region, they have selected the variety best suited to the growing conditions there. Maipo Valley is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, and this well-delineated wine has flavors of black fruit, with hints of cedar and fine-grained tannins. This is a classic Bordeaux-styled Cabernet. My note: An elegant, balanced and full-bodied wine with notes of blackcurrants and cassis. A distinguished finish. Decant for 1-2 hours before serving. 32151 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Casa Lapostolle Merlot 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine has typical Merlot aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, black pepper, earth and a touch of roasted green bell pepper. The first thing you recognize on the palate is a very smooth texture, carrying ripe, forward fruit and spicy vanilla notes. The flavors are backed up by mild to medium acidity and soft tannins. My note: Loaded with black fruit and glycerin, this full-bodied number has aromas of vanillin, prunes, black plums and kirsch. 405712 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Gran Toc Hill Tempranillo Blend 2002, D.O. Penedes, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The Gran Toc Hill Reserva is made from 60% Tempranillo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, which are fermented and macerated in stainless steel tanks and then aged in American and French oak barrels. My note: A heady mixture of black cherry, wild herbs, and mature plum flavors in this full-bodied number. Excellent fruit depth and flavor length. 673608 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Watershed Shiraz 2004, Margaret River, Australia: In 2007, this Shiraz was awarded Gold by the prestigious Mundus Vini International Wine Academy. This wine exhibits lots of fruit concentration and intensity with robust aromas of ripe black raspberries, tar, kirsch and smoke. Not overdone but offers lots of flavor for the buck. Drink: 2008-2015. 73767 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. January 10, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Kilikanoon The Lackey Shiraz 2006, Clare Valley, Australia: A real bunny-slipper wine: snuggly comfort for casual book club gatherings or après ski. This Shiraz was aged for 15 months in American oak and not filtered or fined, which leaves lots of robust stuffing and flavor in the bottle. Aromas of black pepper, raspberry liqueur, spice and cherry-scented leather. An unctuous texture with a long, warm finish. Pair it with good friends and boisterous conversation. 5199 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Vina Calina Alcance Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Viña Calina uses grapes from specific single blocks within their estate vineyards to craft their Alcance wines. The fruit for this Cab was grown in a rocky, hillside block in their El Maitén Vineyard in Maule. This deeply colored Cab is packed with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and ample sweet oak and coffee. The palate is bursting with sweet cassis and red berry preserve flavors leading to a touch of vanilla on the lingering finish. My note: Spicy oak with an underlay of violets, blackberry, black plums and cigar box. This is an attractive wine that will provide lots of drinking pleasure. 79533 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Blackstone Winery Merlot 2006, California, United States: A full-bodied, generous red with fleshy plums, ripe blackberries, mocha, cigar box and some toasty oak. Layers of richess. A treat to drink. 606327 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Salinas Mo Monastrell Blend 2006, D.O. Alicante, Spain: This red is a blend with the Monastrell grape leading. A garrigue-scented nose with terrific fruit density. Notes of ripe blueberries, pepper and glycerin. 95133 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Château Bellevue Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Fronsac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château Bellevue lies just outside of Saint-Michel de Fronsac in the heart of the Right Bank. Olivier Decelle purchased the estate in 2000 and his commitment to quality is plain to see, investing heavily in the vineyard and winery as well as introducing biodynamic methods of viticulture. Well-structured, with ripe tannins, and beautiful ripe, red fruit, this wine is clearly part of the new wave of classically made, affordable Bordeaux coming out of minor appellations. My note: Exhibits a concentrated nose of mocha, cassis, blackcurrant and vanillin. A elegant wine with a long finish. Drink: 2008-2013. 45708 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Marquee Classic Artisan Grenache Syrah Mourvedre 2006, Australia: Opens with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, cedar and spice, with an overlay of jammy fruit. Full-bodied, balanced and well-structured. An impressive effort from this producer. 75010 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Dessert Wine

Croft Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003, Portugal: Is there anything more comforting than port? (I mean aside from human contact.) I think of port as the Diana Krall of wines: sultry, seductive and smooth. This is a warm, rich after-dinner drink with layers of black plums and blackberries. A long, satisfying finish. Vintages Wine Panel: One of the benefits of a LBV is that you can enjoy the blessings of a declared vintage right away. Made in a modern style, this rich and fruity port impresses with its plump berry fruit flavors. Enjoy this ready-to-drink LBV. 87601 20% s 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2009 Favorite Dessert Wine. Full Review