Vintages Wine Picks August 19, 2008

White Wine

Markus Molitor Kabinett Riesling 2007, Q.M.P., Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: A true visionary, Markus Molitor is driven by an uncompromising devotion to quality at all stages of the winemaking process and believes that each vineyard and vintage should express itself through his wines. In the Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard, only organic materials are used, yields are kept low, and grapes are hand-picked. Keeping with his philosophy of authenticity, Molitor ferments his wines using only wild ambient yeasts. This world-famous vineyard site is known for producing wines that are impressive for their juicy fruit, unique balance, nuance interplay and piquant acidity. My note: Great complexity and layers in this lushly ripe Riesling. Apricots and pears compete for your attention and delight the senses. Medium-bodied and persistent. Perfect for casual get-togethers.  115634  8%  M  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Jardin Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This well-known winery’s name is ‘Jordan’ in South Africa and other markets, but for trademark reasons it is known as Jardin in North America. The 2008 vintage in South Africa was a pleasingly moderate one with a near-perfect balance of heat, cool, sun and rain. The wines, such as this Chardonnay, featured great harmony between the fruit, oak and acid. Enjoy this lively and persistent wine. My note: Love it! Buttery but not heavy: rich aromas of ripe fleshy pears, peaches, honeysuckle and hazel nuts.  663336  14%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Peller Estates Private Reserve Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A zippy, lemon-fresh quaffer with notes of white peach, melon and pink grapefruit. Mouth-watering and tasty without a splinter of wood. Perfect as an aperitif, particularly around 6 pm when you’re ready to relax Drink: 2009-2011.  641969  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Hogue Cellars Riesling 2007, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Solid value from this fresh, well-made wine. Aromas of field daisies, white peach and apricot. Light-bodied and carefree. Closed with a screwcap.  363291  12%  MD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Selbach-Oster Kabinett Riesling 2007, Q.M.P., Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Terrific zesty acidity with deep aromas of the ripest peaches and pears. Live and let live with this wine. Kick back on the deck or dock. Medium-bodied and lasting.  114793  9%  M  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 91/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Pfeffingen Scheurebe Spätlese Scheurebe 2007, Q.M.P., Ungsteiner Herrenberg, Pfalz, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Scheurebe is a wonderful grape variety to explore. A crossing of Riesling and Silvaner, this variety was developed by (and is named after) famed viticulturalist Dr. Georg Scheu. The grape thrives in sandy soils, so Pfeffingen’s sand and limestone-rich Ungsteiner Herrenberg vineyard is an ideal home. This wine expresses rich grapefruit, lime and mineral character. Its moderate sweetness is balanced by racy acidity, leading to a lip-smacking finish. My note: Totally yummy! Okay it’s got sweetness, but you need to get past that, please. Sweet doesn’t mean simple: this is fleshy, ripely sweet. Totally different ballgame. Apricots, peaches and a parade of other tantalizing tree fruit. Come on, just try it for Pete’s sake. Not a dessert wine but eat with spicy and hot foods or those with sweetness like glazed ham and so on.  14837  10%  MS  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 92/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Two Tracks Chardonnay 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A sturdy, reliable Chardonnay with straight-forward notes of green apples, butter and smoke. Full-bodied but balanced.  126854  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy notes with some citrus lift in the middle: white grapefruit and white melon. Refreshing.  9167  13%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Bodega Oceana Riesling 2007, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Oceana Estates is a recent undertaking of Burgundy’s famed Boisset Family. Devoted exclusively to Riesling, this bold venture is testament to the increasing worldwide popularity of this noble grape. Using mostly fruit grown in Monterey County, this medium dry, well-balanced Riesling offers juicy key lime and peach flavors as well as a hint of minerality on the crisp fruit finish. My note: A very soft, gentle white with low acidity and ripe peaches and pears. Versatile with many dishes and a nice little aperitif, too.  119669  13%  MD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 86/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Forchir Glére Gewürztraminer 2007, I.G.T., delle Venezie, Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Traminer Aromatico, as it’s called in some pockets of Europe, is more widely known as Gewürztraminer. This is a classic interpretation of the variety. True to its local name, the wine is quite aromatic, offering a profusion of floral, tropical fruit, oatmeal, ripe grapefruit and rosewater notes. Nicely balanced, with just a hint of sweetness in evidence at the edge of the racy, mouth-watering acidity. A pretty sipper. My note: A lovely light white with aromatic notes of lychee, rose petal, mandarin and musk.  117135  12%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 85/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Carmen Reserva Auvignon Blanc 2007, Casablance Valley, Chile: Pleasantly grassy and herbal with a little white pepper in this zippy number. Refreshing, not oaky, great citrus mouth-watering acidity. Enjoy it tonight.  31096  13%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Pellegrino Gibelè Secco Carlo Pellegrino Zibibbo 2008, I.G.T., Sicilia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromatic and refreshing, this Zibibbo (a.k.a. Muscat of Alexandria) was aged in stainless steel to preserve its fresh fruit and floral characteristics. Bursting with youthful citrus, peach and jasmine aromas and flavors, this crisp, medium-bodied wine makes a great summer sipper for the patio. My note: Very pretty light wine with notes of orange zest and musk. Grapey in a good way with zesty mouth-watering acidity.  121103  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 86/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Soft and pretty, lovely! Springtime grandeur that can be enjoyed year-round. Ripe apricots and peaches with some acidity but not huge. Light-bodied, skip-down-a-shady path wine.  43281  10%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Studert-Prüm Spätlese Riesling 2007, Q.M.P., Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: A luscious wine that keeps on giving! A river of ripe apricot, peach, pear and loganberries. Creamy without oak, expressive without shouting, satisfying without clubbing you on the head. Take to me to Mosel in my mind.  114777  10%  M  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Santa Ana La Mascota Chardonnay 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This carefully crafted Chardonnay is a steal at this price. The grapes are hand-picked, then sorted before they are crushed and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. About 30% of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation on its lees, giving the wine a soft round mouth feel and added complexity. Aged for nine months in a mix of French and American oak, this rich and complex wine features ripe pear, pineapple and subtle vanilla-oak flavors. My note: A medium-bodied, buttery Chardonnay that’s not heavy. Hazelnuts and green apples.  126870  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Domæne Gobelsburg Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner 2007, Kamptal, Austria: A tasty “green” wine with herbal and grapefruit notes, this is extremely refreshing. The fruit isn’t sweetly ripe and the style is bone dry and refreshing.  965368  12%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Stella Bella Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Big acidity and herbal notes, a lot of green aromas with some kiwi and limes. Medium-bodied and zippy  108159  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 86/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Chardonnay 2007, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This rich, flavorful, harmonious Chilean Chardonnay is a good bet. Two thirds of the wine is aged in French oak for up to ten months, adding a smooth caramel note. Ripe apricot, guava and passion fruit emerge on the nose and on the round, medium full-bodied palate. The wine’s soft and creamy texture owes to its 8-12 months spent on the lees. Tasty now, this solid value can also be cellared for 2-3 years. My note: Dependable and incredibly priced. Buttery, chunky and warm: ripe tree fruit and a smoky satisfying finish. Great for the money.  928580  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Duca Di Quadri Catemario Collezione Privata Pinot Grigio 2007, D.O.C., Friuli, Grave, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a great value in Pinot Grigio from Friuli. An eclectic mix of floral, thistle, oatmeal and honey aromas mingle on the nose. The palate is ripe and round, with good aroma replays, medium body and a lengthy, clean finish. Makes a fine sipper. My note: Tasty sipper that works as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to many dishes. Vibrant notes of limes and green apples. Medium-bodied.  120782  12%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Max Ferd. Richter Kabinett Riesling 2007, Q.M.P., Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Gorgeous depth yet the wine is light and free. Beautiful aromas of ripe pears, peaches and apricots. Medium-bodied with fantastic persistence of flavor. No oak.  998120  8%  MD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 92/100. August 19, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Vinosia Essenza Malvasia Novoli Candia Aromatica 2007, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This pretty white blends three different varieties of Malvasia: di Novoli, di Candia, and di Candia Aromatica. It’s got a ripe, peachy aromatic core, with floral notes and honeydew melon adding complexity. The palate is juicy, round and peachy with a medium body, crisp acidity and a smooth, elegant finish. A lovely sipper for lounging on the deck. My note: A simple, lovely sipper with notes of orange peel, grapes, musk and honeysuckle.  122341  13%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 85/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Red Wine

Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, D.O., Penedès, Spain: Here’s the half-bottle size of a very popular wine from our Vintages Essentials Collection. Perfect for two. A stunningly delicious and balanced red with full-bodied notes of black fruit, vanilla smoke, dark spices and rich mocha goodness. Crack it open beside the barbecue. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection.  626721  14%  D  375 mL  $9.95  Score: 91/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Comte De Lauze Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., CÔTES DU Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep, dark ruby color. Quite concentrated nose heavy with blackberry, black olive, and earth. Good fruit core on the palate, with excellent balance. Medium full-bodied yet lithe due to bright acidity, with fine ripe tannins and a lengthy, almost brooding, black fruit finish. My note: Simple and extremely rustic with full-bodied notes of black fruit and cherry liqueur. Don’t think about it, just knock it back and enjoy.  127050  13%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Menhir No. Zero Negroamara 2006, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This rich, warm Negroamaro is a terrific example of how modern winemaking techniques can fuse with traditional Italian grape varieties to make an extraordinary wine. Sourced from very old vines, this beauty features concentrated flavors of ripe fleshy plums, cherry and licorice, supported by vibrant acidity and some grippy tannins on the long finish. A Silver Medal winner at the New World Wine Show 2008 in New Zealand. My note: A juicy, purple-plum red with generous layers of flavor and texture. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Perfect for pizza night.  123364  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Beringer Vineyards Third Century Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Beringer created a collection of premium varietal wines to celebrate their third century of winemaking in California. This 2005 vintage Cab is bursting with blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, plus notes of licorice, tobacco and baking spices. Full-bodied and concentrated with ample structure and tannic depth, it offers a long, fruity/spicy finish. My note: Very well-made wine with terrific structure and fruit depth. Aromas of blackberries, mocha and smoke with an overlay of vanilla spice. Perfect for first dates and book clubs, or bookish first dates.  47704  14%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


RavensWood Old Vine Zinfandel 2006, Lodi, California, United States: A richer, darker Zinfandel than in the past with more of a bite: love it! Complexity and layers are growing yet it holds true to the traditional signature of blackberries, brambleberries and a lick of dark spices. Jammy cherries and raspberries.  942599  14%  D  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 92/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Château Bourgneuf 2005, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Mysterious and appealing with dark spices, peppered raspberries and anise. Gorgeous depth and length with polished tannins with a smoky finish.  501296  14%  XD  750 mL  $59.00  Score: 92/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Le Tobele Valpolicella Ripasso 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This is an exceptionally priced, complex Ripasso. The wine gains its extra depth and richness of flavor from the grape skins of Le Tobele’s Amarone. Bursting with ripe cherry fruit accented by cocoa notes and a subtle spicy character. My note: A pleasant sipper with notes of ripe berries and cherries. A whiff of smoke on the finish. Very satisfying.  106914  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Katnook Founder's Block Shiraz 2005, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Monty dark with brooding black underneath. Unseen depths go to the bottom of the ocean on this one. Dark spices and a saucy node to cedar forests and underbrush. Phenomenal price: don’t be cheap.  108167  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Feudi Di San Marzano Primitivo 2007, I.G.T., Puglia, Italy: Juicy sweet with fleshy ripe purple plums. Gulpable and quaffable. Full-bodied and smooth.  120915  14%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 85/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Château Ampelia Cuvée Carolle 2005, A.C., Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France: Get a grip with this wine, literally! Robust chunky tannins mean you should decant for 2 hours. Opens with lovely black fruit aromas and a touch of cedar spice in the background. Full-bodied, indeed. Rustic in a charming way.  500330  14%  XD  750 mL  $25.00  Score: 88/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Domaine De Poujo Claude Lanux, Prop.-Récolt. Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, A.C., MADIRAN, Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: What an amazing value! Sourced from 20-year-old vines, this Tannat-dominated wine is blended with some Cabernet Sauvignon for added complexity. The nose is expressive with rich black fruits, spices and a hint of game meat. It’s very dry with a medium body, fine tannins, a core of black fruit and a hint of pepper. A charming wine from a very good vintage. My note: A tough little wine with fighting notes of robust black fruit and smoke. I like that in a wine: spirit and heft.  719674  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Liber Pater Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore Cantine Vincenzo Ippolito Nero D’Avola 2006, D.O.C., Calabria, Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This family winery is driven by a passion for crafting quality wines. Far from rustic, this modern winery on the west side of Sicily employs state-of-the-art winemaking tools to achieve their lofty goals. Dry with a medium body, this velvety smooth Nero d’Avola is redolent with red cherry, mixed berry and spicy pepper aromas and flavors leading to a long, fresh finish. My note: Full-bodied deep purple plums and black cherries with a blanket of smoky oak. Day, brooding, temperamental and interesting.  121061  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Château La Cardonne Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2000, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Quite oaky but there’s fruit to carry it in this blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Already drinking well from this terrific vintage. Aromas of mocha, blackcurrant and plum.  980417  13%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 89/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Vignobles Jérôme Quiot Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Rhône, Estate Btld., France: Seductive blend of black cherries in silky night-dress… slip right over your mouth and down the hatch. (Must be a more romantic word than hatch?) Gorgeous wine with full-bodied goodness and generosity. Terrific fruit extraction as they say in the wine snob circles. Use that phrase whenever you’re stuck.  983650  14%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 94/100. August 19, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Telesio Donnici Riserva, Cantina Spadafora Magliocco Montonico Malvasia 2003, D.O.C., Calabria, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Diploma di Gran Menzione at Vinitaly 2008, this wine is a blend of Magliocco, Montonico and Malvasia cultivated in the hills of Donnici. Aromas of cherry, floral, candle wax, leather, and dried fruit arouse the senses. On the palate, each of these nuances makes an appearance with ripe cherry taking the lead. Medium full-bodied and approachable with nice, plush tannins and a lengthy, satisfying finish. My note: Mocha-dark chocolate nose with black cherries and plums. Full-bodied and supple. Perfect for watching the Da Vinci Code (not complex but divertingly tasty).  123539  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 88/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Santadi Grotta Rossa Carignano 2006, D.O.C., Carignano del Sulcis, Sardinia, Italy: Dark and delicious with an invitation to danger. Hulking but not stalking, this wine has a persistent flavor and finish. Big black fruit with a supple texture. Drink: 2009-2012.  121137  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Tyrrell's Wines Rufus Stone Shiraz 2006, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia: This Shiraz was a Gold Medal winner at both the Adelaide Wine Show 2008 and the Canberra Wine Show 2007. Juicy, generous and good-natured. Slap-you-on-the-back Shiraz. Lovely aromas of blackberries and plums.  91488  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Pirramimma Old Bush Vine Grenache 2004, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This Grenache is sourced from the oldest dry-grown bush vines on the Pirramimma Estate. Planted in 1944, these low-yielding vines celebrated their 60th birthday with this vintage. Nearly opaque, this wine shows intense aromas of ripe blackberry, red licorice, spice, fruit compote and chocolate. It’s dry, ripe, round and full-bodied with ripe black fruit flavors and spice replays on the palate leading to a lengthy finish. My note: Rich and darkly moody with black fruit, spice and smoky oak. Juicy and mouth-watering. It won’t yield until you do.  108068  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Odoardi Savuto Gaglioppo Greco Nero Nerello Cappuccio Magliocco Canino Sangiovese 2004, D.O.C., Calabria, Italy: This grippy, full-bodied red is a blend of Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Nerello Cappuccio, Magliocco, Canino and Sangiovese grapes. Blackberries and dark spices with a sprinkle of pepper.  121004  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Château Côte Montpezat Vignobles Bessineau Merlot Blend 2003, A.C., Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France: An expressive wine with rich, brooding notes of blackberries and cassis. The grapes for this wine are grown just east of St. Emilion in clay and limestone soil. There’s 70% Merlot in this blend which lends a lovely plushness of fruit and texture to this wine. The grapes were hand-picked and the wine spent 12 months in oak barrels. Great for dinner parties involving meat.  45658  14%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 89/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2003, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: A peppery number with full-bodied warmth and ripe black fruit. A lick of smoke and spice. Dry and satisfying.  947309  14%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 89/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Domaine de La Sauveuse 2007, A.C., Côtes de Provence, Certified by Ecocert, France: A dynamite wine with deep and delicious aromas of plush black plums, ground pepper, cedar and blackberries. Full-bodied but supple with a pleasingly long finish. This organic wine contains just 6 mg/L of free sulfur.  43174  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Finca Urquiza Reserva Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Perfectly structured Malbec from Argentina’s best region for the grape, Mendoza. Deep purple in color with aromas of ripe blackberry and blueberries as well as hints of cocoa and leather. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with fine fruit flavors. Warm and well-structured with firm tannins and balanced acidity. Enjoy now to 2011. My note: Ultra-simple and tasty. Don’t analyze, just drink.  55467  14%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 85/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir 2007, California, United States: Sweet cherries play with your palate, inviting you further into this wine. Come hither fruit aromas are wrapped in a gentle spice, like lace-edged lingerie. Okay back to the wine. What else can I tell you? Raspberries, cherries and strawberries.  101824  14%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 90/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Schild Estate Old Bush Vine Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A superb value from this family estate, this full-bodied blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Mataro (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) and 20% Shiraz is sourced from old vines with an average age of 70 years! Supple and approachable in style, it’s packed with black cherry, licorice, blueberry, earthy notes and spicy black pepper. Soft and voluptuous, this wine is carefully crafted to offer immediate enjoyment. My note: A big hulking red with a black heart. Gorgeous depths of flavor. Mint and dark chocolate. A warm embrace of fruit.  108183  15%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 91/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Alain Jaume & Fils Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES, France: Love it! Black peppered crushed berries, gorgeous, gorgeous. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated but supple with a velvet texture. Bring on the cherry liqueur and garrigue (that’s underbrush to North Americans). Drink: 2009-2018.  76331  15%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Beringer Vineyards Third Century Merlot 2005, North Coast, California, United States: A plush, rich red with satin plums and a blackberry heart. Full-bodied and supple with a long finish.  45211  14%  D  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 89/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Blackjack Ranch Vineyard & Winery Shiraz 2004, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia: Chocolately great! Black fruit-infused with layers of full-bodied flavor and supple texture.  95612  14%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 89/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Odisseia Jean-Hugues Gros Touriga Nacional 2006, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Odisseia is a member of 1% For The Planet (www.onepercentfortheplanet.org), and donate 1% of their profits to environmental causes. This exceptional value — made with the same grapes usually used for Port — is filled with cherry, blackberry and spice box aromas and flavors. Dry, rich and robust, the wine is perfectly balanced out by fine tannins. Cellar it 3-5 years or enjoy it tonight. My note: A pleasant simple wine with aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Full-bodied but supple with a good grip on the finish. Keeps you coming back for a top-up: imminently gulpable.  115709  13%  D  750 mL  $18.00  Score: 89/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Vignamaggio Suhaili Syrah 2006, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: An intriguing take on Syrah from Puglia. Offers complex nuances of wild raspberry, black pepper, chestnut and leather, all nicely draped in silky tannins. Medium-bodied and well-balanced with a long, spicy finish. My note: Purple plums, coffee and dark chocolate welcome you into this wine and layers of flavor keep you floating to the bottom of the bottle where you will sit and stare regretfully until someone opens another bottle.  121038  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Rosés

Sansilvestro Monferrato Chiaretto Satriano Figli Rosé 2008, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: The Sartirano family has been crafting wine since 1871. This racy rosé offers fresh raspberry, floral and redcurrant notes that replay vibrantly on the palate. Medium-bodied with a crisp finish, it’s a food-friendly, approachable wine just right for a summer afternoon  117374  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. August 19, 2008 Best Value Rosé. Full Review


Rabl Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2008, Niederösterreich, Limited, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright salmon pink in color, this Cab rosé shows fresh and savory aromas of wild strawberries, redcurrants, ripe red pepper and citrus. It’s dry, medium-bodied with a round texture and the perfect amount of balancing acidity for the ripe red berry fruit. The medium-length, crisp finish, features some notes of pomegranate and mineral. My note: Simple and strawberry ripe. A field of flowers and berries. Run!  117382  12%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 86/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Cave De Turckheim Pinot Noir Rosé 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Alsatian Pinot Noir is renowned for its finesse, and this pink version is certainly true to its roots. Ripe strawberry fruit provides a lovely, juicy core around which hints of herbs and spring flowers bloom. Nicely balanced and easy to drink, this is a lovely sipper. My note: Light strawberries and fun. Goodness in a glass, not complicated.  117333  12%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 86/100. August 19, 2008 Full Review


Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Grenache Syrah Cinsault Rosé 2008, A.C., Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Mas des Bressades uses the saignée method to make this lovely rosé, endowing the wine with more robust flavors than conventional versions. Enjoy this delicious blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. My note: Incredible depth and length. Vast fields of strawberries await you… run with your mind and palate through them and soak up the pleasure. Bone-dry and lovely.  950576  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 90/100. August 19, 2008 Favorite Rosé. Full Review