Vintages Wine Picks April 3, 2010

White Wine

Black Hills Estate Winery Alibi 2009, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Drink: 2010-2011.  129114  13.90%  D  750 mL  $30.00. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Okanagan Oliver & Osoyoos Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Okanagan Valley, B.C., VQA, Canada Drink: 2011-2013.  34355  12.90%  D  750 mL  $18.99. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Irony Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lovely, round buttery Chardonnay with gorgeous green apple, peach and Asian pear notes. Full-bodied and voluptuous.  27409  14.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Black Hills Estate Winery Viognier 2009, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Drink: 2010-2012.  136010  14.20%  D  750 mL  $30.00. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Okanagan Oliver, Cawston, Naramata Chardonnay 2008, Okanagan Valley, BC, VQA, Canada Drink: 2011-2013.  726521  13.20%  D  750 mL  $19.99. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A. , Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: This wine made from organically grown grapes contains only 28 mg/L of free sulphur. Love this style of Chardonnay: hazelnuts, green apples and Asian pear, lovely! Full-bodied and generous but absolutely balanced and in tune. I’m very excited to discover this wine!  172338  12%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review


Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Okanagan Unoaked Chardonnay 2008, Okanagan Valley, BC, VQA, Canada Drink: 2011-2012.  726455  13.20%  XD  750 mL  $17.99. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Maison François Martenot Cuvée Prestige Bourgogne Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Lovely nose of Granny Smith green apples, white peach and melon. Wonderfully balanced with a light-handed use of oak.  159095  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Brunellesco Pinot Grigio 2008, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: A pleasant, white melon white. No heavy oak or alcohol. Great aperitif.  165704  12.50%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 86/100. April 3, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Wo Coastal Region, South Africa: Grassy, smoky and herbal good with lime and green apple accents. Mouth-watering acidity makes this a wonderful food companion.  948620  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Pinot Gris 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Just smelling this wine makes my mouth water! That’s always a good sign of a wine that will pair well with food. Lovely notes of orange zest, lilies, pink grapefruit and peach. Clean and refreshing; this would also be an excellent aperitif or opening wine for a cocktail party.  21253  13.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Stella Bella Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2009 Sheraton Wine Awards. Smoky, zesty white with lime, green apples and white peach. Mouth-watering and tasty.  108159  13%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Okanagan Oliver Semillon 2008, Okanagan Valley, B.C., VQA, Canada Drink: 2011-2012.  156984  13.20%  D  750 mL  $14.99. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Reichsrat Von Buhl Armand Riesling Kabinett 2008, Q.M.P., Pfalz, Germany: Vibrant acidity with rip peach, peach and apricot. Medium-bodied and vibrant.  60905  9%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Schlossböckelheimer Königsfels Paul Anheuser Riesling Kabinett 2008, Q.M.P., Nahe, Germany: Absolutely lovely! Soft and floral with ripe peach and pear in the background. Love it! Light- to medium-bodied with a touch of sweetness. Soft but balanced acidity.  161828  8%  MD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Okanagan Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Okanagan Valley, B.C., VQA, Canada Drink: 2011-2013.  34579  13.90%  D  750 mL  $24.99. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Red Wine

La Cova Dels Vins Ombra Garnacha Carinena Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, D.O., Montsant, Spain: Gorgeous and inviting wine with bring-you-into-the-glass aromas of rich, fleshy dark plums and berries. Layers and layers of flavour unfurl on the palate, smooth, supple texture. Balanced and tasty.  132589  14%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Cave De Roquebrun La Grange Des Combes St. Chinian-Roquebrun 2007, A.C., Midi, France: Pleasant tart cherries and cranberries with some smoke on the finish. Medium- to full-bodied with a silky, mouth-watering texture. Perfect for pizza night!  155804  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Casa Castillo Julia Roch E Hijos Monastrell 2008, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Juicy black plums and full-bodied flavours. Great price!  165621  14%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Santa Ema Reserve Merlot 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Dark chocolate nose with gorgeously fine tannins and texture. Black plums roll across your mouth in a parade of full-bodied flavour.  642538  13.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Nick Faldo Selection Shiraz 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and savoury with rich ripe black plums. Some lovely anise, vanilla smoke and black raspberry oN the finish. Goes down quickly. Perfect for those of us who prefer the clubhouse to the greens.  590448  13.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Katnook Founder's Block Shiraz 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: A juicy and giving red with savoury dark red fruit and pepper notes. Full-bodied and delicious.  108167  13.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Delheim Pinotage 2008, W.O., Simonsbeg-Stellenbosch, South Africa: A black plum-rich, berry-ripe red with lovely layers of mouth-watering flavour. Full-bodied and smooth. Bring it on!  714253  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Domaine Vico Rouge Nielluccio Sciacarello Syrah 2007, A.C., Corsica, France: A juicy, savoury red laden with dark fleshy berries and plums. Full-bodied and supple. Decant for 2 hours.  149971  13.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Récolte Du Domaine Voarick Mercurey Clos Paradis, 1Er Cru Michel Picard Pinot Noir 2005, A.C., Burgundy, France: A cherry-berry fleshy ripe heart that tastes almost sweet even though this is a dry wine. Lovely layers of mouth-watering, silky texture. Terrific price for Burgundy.  86603  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Bodegas Lan Reserva Tempranillo 2004, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: A juicy red loaded with ripe blackberries and plums. Good balance and texture. Full-bodied and smoky. Drink: 2010-2012.  42929  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Okanagan Oliver Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Okanagan Valley, BC, VQA, Canada Drink: 2011-2015.  34694  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $25.99. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Château Beaumont Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: A terrific bargain for Bordeaux from a great vintage! Smokey with blackcurrant and cassis. Great structure with a gorgeous texture. Some mocha and dark spices on the finish. Perfect for a dinner party with hearty meat dishes. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010-2014.  500108  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $25.00  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Bodegas Ateca Old Vines Garnacha De Fuego 2008, D.O., Catalayud, Spain: A savoury, meaty red with lovely velvet texture. Aromas of black cherries and raspberries.  162685  14%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Reschke Bull Trader Cabernet Merlot 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Voluptuous layers of mouth-watering goodness! Dark berries and velvet plums. Full-bodied and terrific.  108175  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Malivoire Gamay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Juicy and generous with dancing, vibrant cherries and smoke. Silky texture with lovely medium body weight.  591313  12%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Michele Reverdito Simane Nebbiolo 2007, D.O.C., Langhe, Piedmont, Italy: An exotic Italian red with classic notes of tar and wild forest violets. You need a taste for the pleasantly bitter Italianate flavour but it’s addictive once you acquire the taste. Full-boded, deep, long and ruggedly handsome.  161703  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Château Haut Grelot Cuvée Tradition Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Premières Côtes De Blaye, Bordeaux, France: Mocha and dark-chocolate on the rose followed by black cherries and smoke. Full-bodied, smooth and straight-forward. Good value.  165738  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Chilensis Reserva Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Mocha depth and richness that’s absolutely incredible for this price! Black plums, peppered berries. Vanilla smoke on the finish. Wow.  657981  14%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Los 800 Garnacha Carinena Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, D.O.C.A., Priorat, Spain: Juicy purple and black plums burst forth first followed by fleshy blackberries, leather and some smoke. Full-bodied and wonderfully layered. Drink: 2010-2019.  75150  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Mocha and black plums, round and velvety and full-bodied. Great for an early spring barbecue.  17210  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Château Dona Baissas Vieilles Vignes Syrah Blend 2007, Côtes Du Roussillon Villages, Rhône, France: A supple, plummy wine with full-bodied tasty layers. Polished tannins with a knock-it-back invitation.  151282  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Gaba Do Xil Mencía Compañia De Vinos Telmo Rodríguez 2008, D.O., Valdeorras, Spain: Savoury aromas with saddle leather, violets and black plums. Full-bodied and silky smooth. Enticingly and exotically different.  166199  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Henry's Drive Reserve, Pillar Box Shiraz 2007, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Instant gratification the way I like it! Bring on the black plums, cue the violets in the cigar box. Open up your world of hedonism. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious.  90324  15%  D  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 91/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Lealtanza Bodegas Altanza Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2001, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Lovely mature aromas with leather, cigar, violets and dried plums. Full-bodied and ultra-supple. Drink now rather than age further. See what a mature wine tastes like as it’s rare thing these days in stores or restaurants. Drink: 2010-2018.  927913  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Artazuri Viñedos Artazu Garnacha 2008, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Love the peppered back raspberries! This is such a top-me-up-again kind of wine. Great for parties too given the price. Full-bodied and dripping with gorgeous black fruit flavour.  80812  14%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Carpineto Riserva Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2003, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Dusty, savoury, classic Italian red with aromas of lovely tart black cherries, cedar smoke, violets. Drink: 2010-2013.  368910  13%  XD  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Humberto Canale Caracter Patagonia Intimo Malbec 2008, Río Negra, Patagonia, Argentina: Straight-forward pleasure with mocha, oak and black plums wrapped in a full-bodied package.  144725  13.50%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 85/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Casa Emma Chianti Classico, Fiorella Lepri Sangiovese Canaiolo Malvasia Nera 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: This wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Malvasia Nera grapes. Gloriously balanced, mouth-watering and delicious! A hint of mocha intermingles with fleshy blackberries and plums. Supple texture.  56952  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Beringer Vineyards Third Century Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, North Coast, California, United States: Classically balanced with lovely aromas of mocha, black plums and fleshy blackberries. A rippling velvet texture keeps the pleasure rolling layer after layer. So nicely structured with medium- to full-body weight.  47704  13.80%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Château Grimont Cuvée Prestige Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Premières Côtes De Bordeaux, France: Terrific value for this straight-forward, juicy Bordeaux. Black cherries, smoke and mouth-watering acidity with a medium-bodied texture. Drink: 2010-2013.  160416  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Vinos De Fabula Vivir, Vivir Viñedos Neo Tempranillo 2007, D.O.C., Ribero Del Duero, Spain: Incredible value! Juicy, full-bodied, balanced and tasty! Terrific ripe blackberries and plums. Great party wine given the price and its broad appeal.  162693  13%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Lailey Vineyard Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara River, Ontario, Canada: Savoury rich with notes of black plum, berries and some herbal nuances. Nicely balanced and spice-infused finish.  591396  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $25.00  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


A By Acacia Pinot Noir 2008, California, United States: A very big Pinot with juicy plump black cherries. Silky and full-bodied.  118927  13.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Cathedral Cellar Triptych, Kwv 2006, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Love it! Juicy, dark, brooding. Keeps unfolding flavour after flavour of black fruit and smoke on the palate all wrapped in smoky richness. This wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and shiraz.  53124  14%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Thomas Henry Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: A juicy, herbal Merlot with dark plums and blueberry aromas. Full-bodied and smooth.  161257  14.10%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Seifried Estate Pinot Noir 2008, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: This wine won a Silver Medal for Pinot Noir at the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Lovely vibrant cherry with mouth-watering acidity. Silky, medium-bodied texture with vibrant come alive flavours.  707778  13.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Vina Zaco Bodegas Bilbaínas Tempranillo 2006, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Smoky and oaky with tasty black cherries, ready and robust. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010-2012.  146209  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Baron Philippe De Rothschild Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Beguiling nose of cassis, violets, blackberries and leather. Pleasantly bitter finish with full-bodied texture on the palate.  32151  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Gladium Bodegas Campos Reales Crianza Tempranillo 2006, D.O., La Mancha, Spain: This wine is made 100% from the Tempranillo grape. Mocha-smoke on the nose with dark berries and plums to flesh out the palate. Full-bodied, velvet texture and a satisfyingly long finish. Old World balance with New World power and concentration.  162677  13.80%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Domaine De La Croisette Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: A rustic, full-bodied, tasty red with cedar and black cherry notes. Smelling this wine is like walking through a spring cedar forest after rain: inviting and wonderful. What a great price.  155465  14%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. April 3, 2010 Full Review


Gallo Barrelli Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Gorgeous aromas of classic cassis and blackberry perfume from the glass. So beautifully balanced (not a fruit bomb). Supple texture with full-bodied weight. A finish infused with dark spices. Wow! Drink: 2010-2020.  555615  14%  D  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 92/100. April 3, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Torres Floralis Oro Moscatel, Spain, Spain: A pure apricot richness unfolds on your palate. Lovely layers of ripe tree fruit and peach preserves. Wonderful after-dinner dessert wine. Drink: 2010-2016.  642173  15%  MS  500 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. April 3, 2010 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review