Wine Picks

Values Wine Picks October 7, 2008

Note: I publish batches of reviews that I call Good Values Wine Picks. These are from the regular section of the liquor store rather than the Vintages section, and tend to be lower priced and the most widely available of all wines. The last four reviews I did were: March 7, January 4, December 16 and November 20.

White Wine

Malivoire Wine Company Gewurztraminer 2006, Ontario, Canada: Lovely, subtle white packed with flavor. Notes of lychee, ginger and roses. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2008-2013. 89897 13% XD 750 mL $25.80 Score: 92/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

E. & J. Gallo Winery Pinot Grigio 2007, California, United States: You just can't argue with this price. A simple but refreshing white with melon-lime notes. 82594 13% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Hillebrand Winery Artist Series Muscat 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Lovely notes of orange blossom. Light-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. 222222 11% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Nottage Hill Chardonnay 2007, Australia: An oaky, smoky wine with green apple notes. Closed with a screwcap. 283457 14% D 750 mL $11.45 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Hillebrand Winery Limited Edition Pinot Gris 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A pretty, vivacious white with lovely, light notes of field flowers and melon. Closed with a screwcap. 333333 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Louis Jadot Chardonnay 2006, Burgundy, France: Classic Burgundian lines with now mellow richness. Ripe apples, butter and smoke fill the glass. Full-bodied. 933077 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2007, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: A luxurious Pinot Gris with layers of ripe melons and pears. Luscious texture. Drink: 2008-2011. 585745 14% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Ocopogo's Lair Pinot Grigio 2007, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: Lovely, sunny melon, peach and floral notes. Closed with a screwcap. 555555 14% D 750 mL $16.15 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Willm Riesling Reserve 2007, Alsace, France: A vibrant, mouth-watering white with grapefruit and lime aromas. 11452 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Herbal refreshment. Notes of grass and lime. 620054 14% D 750 mL $17.90 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Cono Sur Viognier 2008, Chile: A refreshing, simple white with wild field flowers, lime and apricot. 64287 14% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Mike Weir Wine Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A balanced Chardonnay that has rich buttery, green apple notes without going overboard. 26 13% D 750 mL $15.96 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Robert Mondavi Woodridge Chardonnay 2006, California, United States: A blend of 80% Chardonnay, 6% French Colombard, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, 2% Viognier and 2% Muscat. A simple, oaky Chardonnay with some pear notes. Full-bodied. 99408 14% D 750 mL $13.45 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Conundrum Sauvignon Blanc White Blend 2006, California, United States: Every time I try this wine, I fall in love again (with the wine). Exotic blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli. This delicious white yields lychee, rose petals, lime and white flowers. So beautifully aromatic. 694653 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. October 7, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Bursting with herbal refreshment. A consistently good producer year after year. Closed with a screwcap. 316570 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Rodney Strong Wine Estates Zinfandel 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Zinfandel vines have been thriving in Sonoma County for the last three centuries. When Rod Strong first acquired benchland acreage on the west side of Russian River, they chose to leave untouched the 15 acres of old, gnarled zinfandel vines that had been growing there since 1904. Today they still harvest zinfandel from those same old vines, along with a handful of vineyards to the north in Alexander Valley. A rich, warm Zinfandel with excellent balance. Smooth and full-bodied with notes of dark plums and berries. Drink: 2008-2012. 363358 14% XD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Toasted Head Chardonnay 2006, California, United States: A luxuriously layered Chardonnay with gorgeous notes of ripe mango and toasted oak. 594341 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Angels Gate Winery Riesling Reserve 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Lovely, light sipper with enticing notes of melon, pear and white field flowers. 620104 14% D 750 mL $14.15 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Hillebrand Winery Artist Series Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara, Canada: A gorgeous and refreshing Riesling bursting with delicate white flowers and green apples. Closed with a screwcap. 88377 12% D 750 mL $10.75 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Gris 2006, Ontario, Canada: A crisp, refreshing white with lovely melon notes. Nice balance. Good aperitif. 591305 13% XD 750 mL $19.00 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Loire Valley, France: A well-priced, simple, refreshing wine with notes of grass and a good mouth-watering acidity. 68676 12% D 750 mL $10.90 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Cookoothama Chardonnay 2006, Darlighton Point, Australia: A round, warm Chardonnay with ripe apples, butter, vanilla and melon. Closed with a screwcap. 619403 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Red Wine

Dalton Safsufa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Israel: A balanced and tasty red that's kosher for passover. Notes of black raspberries and smoke. Smooth and full-bodied. 28266 14% D 750 mL $18.35 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Marcus James Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A simple, but tasty, robust red. 518431 14% D 750 mL $9.25 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

RavensWood Vintners Blend Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: A juicy, delicious Zinfandel with brambleberry and blackberry notes. Full-bodied and smooth. 359257 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Red Willow Shiraz 2006, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: Conditions of budburst and flowering were excellent. The summer growing season was quintessential Okanagan, with low humidity and above average temperatures which lasted through October. A full-bodied Shiraz loaded with ripe blackberries and mocha notes. 444444 12% D 750 mL $18.15 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Quinta do Crasto Tinta Roriz Touriga Franca Touriga Nacional 2006, Douro, Portugal: A blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional. The grapes are hand picked in small plastic craters. Alcoholic fermentation during ten days in stainless still tankswith temperature control. A simple, robust wine that's remarkable for the price. Aromas of black berries and toasrty oak. Elegant with spice characters. Drink: 2008-2015. 81588 13% XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 85/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Paso Robles, California, United States: A smooth, long and elegant red. Rich aromas of black raspberry, vanilla and violets. 656561 14% XD 750 mL $19.80 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A supple, medium-bodied red bursting with ripe cherries. 13904 12% D 750 mL $17.25 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Cookoothama Shiraz 2006, Australia: An amazingly great value! A vibrant Shiraz filled with black cherries and other berries. Smooth with a gorgeous texture. Closed with a screwcap. 619460 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2005, Valpolicilla, Italy: A rich, robust red with layers of dark plums, black cherries and tobacco. Long finish. 317057 15% D 750 mL $37.45 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Merlot 2006, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: A stunning Merlot with rich depths of black plums, cassis and smoke. Full-bodied with a velvet texture. 585737 14% D 750 mL $30.00 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2005, Adelaide, Australia: This wine gets better every year, the result of years of experience. Classically structured with Bordeaux-like balance and elegance, but the power of New World fruit and vitality. 611210 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Nottage Hill Shiraz 2006, South Australia, Australia: A robust red bursting with berry-ripe layers of plums and toasty oak aromas. 375964 14% D 750 mL $13.45 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Langhorne Creek, Australia: First a wisp of minty coolness on the nose. Then the full-on rush of hedonistic black plums and blackberries. 470120 15% D 750 mL $36.00 Score: 92/100. October 7, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Syrah Blend 2005, Rhone Valley, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, France: A full-bodied red with loose-yourself aromas of black cherry, garrigue, cedar and spice. Full-bodied with a difference. 926626 14% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 91/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Castelmonte Cent'Are 2006, Sicily, Italy Nero D'avola: Incredible value for this robust, rich red with aromas of black plums, tobacco and mocha. 546192 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Syrah 2006, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: A huge wine with black fruit, bacon and pepper. Rich and full-bodied with a smooth texture. Drink: 2008-2015. 73072 14% D 750 mL $38.00 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Canaletto Nero D'avola Merlot 2006, Sicily, Italy: A rich, deep Merlot with ripe black plum notes. 29421 13% D 750 mL $13.75 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Chile: Barrel-aged in French oak for 14 months. Notes of blackberry, dried herbs and tobacco. Full-bodied. 337238 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Family Estate Select Lot Collection Merlot 2004, V.Q.A. Niagara, Canada: Full-bodied aromas of black plums and cherries. Supple, smooth and layered. Pleasant dark chocolate finish. 68353 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

J.P. Chenet Grenache Shiraz 2005, Minervois, France: A rustic, full-bodied red with black cherries and wild herb notes. 28597 13% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2007, Chile: A smooth, medium-bodied red with ripe raspberry aromas. Closed with a screwcap. 341602 14% D 750 mL $10.45 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Malivoire Wine Company Rose 2007, Ontario, Canada: A zippy, terrific, bone-dry rose with notes of ripe strawberries. 559088 12% D 750 mL $16.00 Score: 91/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A simple, robust red, but you can't beat the price! Full-bodied with blackberry notes. Closed with a screwcap. 257329 14% D 750 mL $11.90 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Hillebrand Winery Artist Series Meritage 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A lovely balanced red with delicious ripe plums and berries. Smooth, round and medium- to full-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. 56390 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

EW Efrat Winery Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Israel: A straight-forward, pleasant red that's kosher for Passover. Full-bodied and smooth. 613091 13% D 750 mL $14.70 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

R.H. Phillips Shiraz 2005, California, United States: A great price for this smooth, easy-drinking red with mocha and plum notes. Full-bodied. 576272 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: Juicy, lip-smacking delicious and filled with purple plums. Great price. 329110 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A robust red with blackberries, tobacco and plum notes. 478727 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Inniskillin Wines Pinot Noir Reserve 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A lovely, light Pinot with ripe red plums and cherries filling the glass. 669390 12% D 750 mL $18.25 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

[yellow tail] Shiraz 2007, Australia: A sweet, simple and delicious red with sweet dark plums. Revenge of the anti-snobs! 624544 14% D 750 mL $12.20 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Rodney Strong Wine Estates Pinot Noir 2006, California, United States: A gorgeous, smooth, long silky Pinot with seductive notes of cherries and plums. Medium to full-bodied. 954834 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Katnook Founder's Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Coonawarra, Australia: A splendidly robust Cabernet with classic mint, black plum and vanilla notes. 620070 14% D 750 mL $17.00 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2007, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: A highly aromatic Cabernet Franc, one of the best I've tasted of this single varietal. Loaded with dark red fruit and violets. Long finish and great balance. Drink: 2009-2011. 111111 14% D 750 mL $33.00 Score: 91/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Francis Ford Coppola Shiraz 2006, California, United States: A robust, smooth red with notes of dark chocolate and plums. 57034 14% D 750 mL $15.35 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Robert Mondavi Merlot 2006, California, United States: A rich, layered, velvety red with dark plums and berries. Nice length and balance. 524769 13% M 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Chile: A well-structured, elegant and balanced Cabernet. Classic notes of cassis and blackberries. 177451 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, California, United States: A little pricey but a lovely red with classic structure and aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. 314575 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Sandeman Duque De Viseu Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz 2004, Dao, Portugal: A terrific wine for the money. Full-bodied with notes of cassis and blackberries. 546309 14% D 750 mL $12.85 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A good price for this medium-bodied red with notes of cranberry, cassis and bell pepper. 27839 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Penedes, Spain: A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tempranillo. A rich, robust and balanced red with cassis and blackcurrant notes. 36483 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Vigonier 2006, Mclaren Vale, Australia: The vineyards bushland that surrounds the d'Arenberg winery are home to the unique native Australian bird, the Kookaburra, famous for its distinctive laughing call. Much to the amusement of the family, Chester Osborn's daughters, Alicia and Ruby, named their two wild pet Kookaburras the "Laughing Magpies". The Magpie plumage is black with stripe of white feathers and bears no resemblance to its famous cousin, but to this day the name has stuck. The Osborns thought the name was a good choice for McLaren Vale's first ever Shiraz Viognier blend combining the (black) Shiraz and its white partner, Viognier and for its being such a cheerful wine (with color and life) it resembles this cheeky native bird. I love the way Viognier brightens and lifts this robust red. Layers of plummy, cranberry goodness. Closed with a screwcap. 936971 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Twin Fin Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, California, United States: A simple, smooth, medium-bodied red with layers of plums and berries. Closed with a screwcap. 613273 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Red Knot Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia: A delicious, robust red at a great price. Filled with ripe, juicy plum notes. 619395 14% D 750 mL $17.15 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Beyer Ranch Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: A juicy Zinfandel with sweetly ripe berries and plums. Smooth and full-bodied. 66118 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Noir 2006, Ontario, Canada: Great bones and minerality. Redolent of cherries, violets, earth and happiness. Medium-bodied. 996777 13% XD 750 mL $32.00 Score: 93/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

San Pedro Shiraz 2006, Central Valley, Chile: A lovely, rich red with deep dark plums, mocha, leather and tobacco. Full-bodied. 237800 14% D 750 mL $13.25 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Bellingham Shiraz 2005, South Africa: The dash of Viognier in this wine lifts and brightens it. An incredible value. Plummy richness. 554360 14% D 750 mL $13.85 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, California, United States: A smoky, mocha number with black plum aromas. 55517 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Fuzion Shiraz Malbec 2007, Argentina: An outstanding value for this deep, delicious red. 83188 13% XD 750 mL $7.45 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Zenato Ripassa 2006, Veneto, Valpolicella, Italy: A rich, smooth, layered wine with dried cherries and black raspberries. 479766 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Tommasi Ripasso 2005, Valpolicella, Italy: A lovely, balanced red with full-bodied notes of black plums, spice and cocoa. 910430 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2005, Mclaren Vale, Australia: d'Arenberg has been making Shiraz since the winery was built in 1927. First labeled just Shiraz, the wine in the 1980s was the first wine would to be labeled 'Old Vine', taking on the name 'The Old Vine Shiraz'. Footbolt was a horse that the founder of d'Arenberg owned. Joseph Osborn was also one of the most successful racehorse owners in South Australia until 1912 when he sold this stable to buy the d'Arenberg Property. The Footbolt Shiraz was aged 12 months in new and older American and French oak barriques including casks. Dense, dark, full-bodied red with black plums, cherries and pepper notes. Closed with a screwcap. 984021 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: An absolutely phenomenal wine for the money! Rich, robust with black plums and comfort. 694208 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Stormy Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Western Cape, South Africa: A robust, structured Cabernet with blackberry aromas. Closed with a screwcap. 665299 14% D 750 mL $11.75 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Merlot 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A vibrant Merlot filled with delicious blackberries and toasty oak notes. 89847 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

d'Arenberg D'arny's Original Shiraz Grenache 2005, MClaren Vale, Australia: Powerful aromas of black cherry liqueur. Aged 18 months in oak. Blend of 50% Shiraz, 50% Grenache. 942904 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Minervois 2004, France: A full-bodied, dependable red filled with dark fruit. 22384 13% D 750 mL $13.20 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Hillebrand Winery Pelee Island Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A soft, light-bodied red with pleasant and delicious strawberry layers filling the glass. Great value. 135939 12% D 750 mL $12.45 Score: 87/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2004, South Africa: A rich, layered red with dark red fruit and hulking red fruit and a hulking oak wrap. Big, bulky and tasty. 561142 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Medium- full-bodied red with aromas of dark red fruit and some mocha. Closed with a screwcap. 1545 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Sella & Mosca Cannonau Do Sardegma Grenache Reserva 2005, Sicily, Italy: A bright, vibrant red that's ideal for many Italian dishes. Notes of tart cherries and sundried tomatoes. 425488 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Jackson-Triggs Merlot Propietors Reserve 2005, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: An incredible wine for the money. Rich and full-bodied with notes of black cherries and mocha. 543876 14% D 750 mL $14.75 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Rosés

Les Maitres Vignerons De La Presquile de Saint Tropez Carte Noire Rosé 2005, Cotes de Provence, France: The rosé wines are vinified at a low temperature after a light maceration or by direct pressing and racking (clarification of the must before fermentation). A light, lovely bone-dry rosé with notes of fresh strawberries. 319384 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Sparkling Wine

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Reserve 2006, Champagne, France: A beautifully balanced Champagne with a long, toasty finish. Notes of melon and baked bread. Add the slightly spicy notes of Muscat Grape. 36962 12% XD 750 mL $55.50 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Piper-Heidieck Champagne Brut 2007, Champagne, France: Won the gold medal for the Mondial de Bruxelles, Belgium in 2006. The majority of the blend of Piper-Heidsieck's signature Cuvee Brut is composed of Pinot Noir. Hand-selected parcels of Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay also play important roles in the elaboration of this well-balanced cuvee. selected reserve wines from preceding years are incorporatedinto the blend to ensure consistency of style year after year. The blend is aged for minimum of 24 months on the lees before release. A toasty, well-crafted bubbly with notes of green apples. Drink: 2009-2012. 462432 12% XD 750 mL $57.65 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review