Values Wine Picks November 6, 2010

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

Cave Spring Cellars Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: You simply won't find a better price/quality ratio among white wines. Gorgeous aromas of vibrant peach, pear and dry apricot. Zippy acidity. Goodness, this is a fantastic wine!  233635  11.50%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Château des Charmes Generation Seven White 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Amazing quality for the price! A mild, soft white with pretty aromas of white flowers and melon. Like pinot grigio but more fun. Drink: 2010-2012.  197988  13%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Wayne Gretzky Estates Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: Wonderfully concentrated in flavour without a trace of heaviness on the weight. Here's minerality if you've been wondering what the heck that is. Aromas of peach, dry apricot and lime. Some kind of wonderful!  144865  11.30%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


TILIA Torrontes 2009, Argentina: Exotic wine with floral aromas! Open your senses and world of hedonistic happiness and try this wine. I can't imagine a better wine for Asian and curries.  186403  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Clos Du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2007, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, USA: Buttery-rich and mouth-filling with aromas of ripe peach, pear and apple. Perfect for dinner parties. Drink: 2010-2014.  421941  14.50%  MD  750 mL  $39.95  Score: 91/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Prospect Winery Larch Tree Hill Riesling 2009, Okanagan, V.Q.A, Canada: Zippy and refreshing with notes of lime, Granny Smith apple and lemon zest. Great aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2013.  145136  13%  D  750 mL  $12.99  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Hillier Creek Estates Riesling 2009, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A pretty, mouth-watering white with aromas of lime and white peach. Terrific aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2012.  1822  10.50%  MD  750 mL  $19.00  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Simi Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma County, USA: Rich, round and generous with lapping layers of pleasure. Aromas of green apple and toasted almond. Yum! Drink: 2010-2013.  200881  14.50%  MD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 91/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


White Cliff Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2009, New Zealand: Herbal, grassy and refreshing with a lime zest finish. Perfect for a wide range of vegeatrian dishes, salads and shellfish.  610972  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Trout Vallet Riesling 2008, Nelson, New Zealand: Wonderful balance with refreshing aromas of limes, chive and lemon zest.  177790  12%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Château des Charmes Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musqué 2008, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Lovely floral aromas with peach blossom palate. Wonderful blend of tangerine zest and honeysuckle, yet this is a dry and refreshing white. Break out of your Chardonnay rut tonight with this wine. Unoaked yet packed with flavour. Simply brilliant! Drink: 2010-2012.  322016  13%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2009, New Zealand: Herbal fusion with lime, chives and lemon zest. Very refreshing.  426601  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Sandhill Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., British Columbia, Canada: Okay buttery chardonnay with a blousy, full-bodied weight and rich texture. Perfect for cream sauces and lobster in butter.  157982  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Jackson-Triggs Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: A zippy white with herbal, grapefruit and lime aromas. A riotously refreshing wine! Drink: 2010-2012.  988330  13.20%  D  750 mL  $19.75  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Mission Hill Family Estate Martin's Lane Riesling 2009, Okanagan, V.Q.A, Canada: Absolutely superb Riesling! Clearly now one of Canada's best white wines. Lovely aromas of white peach, white flowers and a little flinty-petrol on the finish (this is a good thing, trust me). Mouth-watering and packed with flavour yet not heavy: medium-body. Perfect for so many dishes or as an aperitif. (You won't care when dinner is ready if you're drinking this wine.) Drink: 2010-2016.  776545993007  13%  M  750 mL  $25.00  Score: 91/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Rodney Strong Wine Estates Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2008, Chalk Hill AVA, Sonoma County, California, USA: Full-bodied, voluptuous and gorgeous! Classic Californian Chardonnay with aromas of green apples, butter and ripe peach. Drink: 2010-2013.  275552  14.20%  D  750 mL  $26.99  Score: 90/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Mission Hill Family Estate Perpetua Chardonnay 2008, Okanagan, V.Q.A, Canada: Rich, round and full-bodied with lovely aromas of green apples, almond and vanilla smoke. To die for with lobster in butter or roast chicken. Drink: 2010-2015.  776545555564  13.50%  M  750 mL  $40.00  Score: 90/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Carl Reh Kabinett 2008, Mosel, Germany: Soft and lovely with just a touch of sweetness that tastes more like ripe fruit than sugar. Fleshy apricot and peach aromas. Wonderful!  174854  8.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand: Herbal and refreshing with lime-grassy finish. Mouth-watering and very versatile with food.  293043  13%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Cave Spring Estate Bottled Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A lovely medium-bodied white with aromas of lime and granny smith apples. Mouth-watering and juicy.  234583  11.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Red Wine

Errazuriz Estate Carmenere 2009, Chile: Phenominal value for this rich red bursting with dark berries and ripe, fleshy plums. An herbal note on the finish with some smoke.  16238  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


La Capitana Barrel Reserve Carmenere 2009, Chile: Full-bodied with black berries, plums and dark chocolate notes. Smooth and long.  169896  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Mission Hill Family Estate Compendium Cabernet blend 2007, Okanagan, V.Q.A, Canada: This superb blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet France, 21% Merlot and 5% Petite Verdot offers gorgeous depths of blackcurrant, blackberry, dark spices and smoke. Savoury notes come through as well such as sage, cedar and black cherry. Perfect for dinner parties. Drink: 2010-2018.  776545555601  14%  MD  750 mL  $35.00  Score: 94/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Auka Malbec 2007, Argentina: A full-bodied, black-fruited red with generous oak and smoke.  168401  13.90%  XD  750 mL  $12.15  Score: 85/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Graham Beck Railroad Red Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, South Africa: A robust, well-oaked red with black fruit and smoke  665273  14%  XD  750 mL  $12.65  Score: 86/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet 2008, Chile: Splendid value for this rich, robust red. Aromas of dark currants, cassis and berries with a long, dry finish.  358309  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.05  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Clos Du Bois Briarcrest Cabernet Sauvigon 2005, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, USA: A big, black-fruited beautiful wine with deep, brooding aromas of blackberry, dark plum and black currant. Full-bodied with a towering structure. A dark spice-infused finish that is satisfyingly long. This wine screams steak! Drink: 2010-2017.  954933  14.50%  D  750 mL  $45.00  Score: 93/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Clancy's Red Peter Lehmann Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2007, Australia: Full-bodied with juicy ripe black fruit and a generous treatment of oak. Smoky finish.  611467  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.05  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Sella & Mosca Reserva Cannonau Di Sargegna 2006, Sardinia, Italy: Love the Old World styling here! Aromas of alluring leather, spices and earth. So lovely not to taste a fruit bomb. Widen your world with this wine. Fantastic value.  425488  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2004, Barossa Valley, Australia: Gorgeously plump and delicious! Full-bodied layers of black cherry and fleshy plums. Simply stunning! Drink: 2010-2015.  971705  14.50%  D  750 mL  $39.75  Score: 91/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Ogier Heritages Syrah Blend 2007, Cotes Du Rhone, France: Terrific value for this ultra-tasty, robust red with black cherry and black raspberry and some pepper. Great party wine!  535849  14%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Alegoria Navarro Correas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Argentina: A full-bodied, ultra-dry wine with aromas of blackcurrant and blackberries.  28936  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Ravenswood Winery Icon Mixed Blacks 2007, Sonoma County, USA: A big, blockbuster wine yet lively and vibrant, not heavy. Voluptuous layers of fleshy dark cherries and blackberries. A wine to cuddle up to and hoard. Drink: 2010-2019.  200873  14.90%  D  750 mL  $74.95  Score: 94/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2007, New Zealand: Big acidic attack here that's lovely with a dish that has equal acidity. Lovely cherry-berry flavour, supple and medium-bodied.  146548  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Mission Hill Family Estate Quatrain Merlot blend 2007, Okanagan, V.Q.A, Canada: This delicious blend of 42% Merlot, 24% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific structure and balance. It's full-bodied with rich flavours of dark berries and other fruits, with a kiss of toasty oak on the finish. Drink: 2010-2015.  776545555618  14%  MD  750 mL  $45.00  Score: 90/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Clos Du Bois Marlstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, USA: Nicely balanced with terrific structure and full-bodied weight. Classic aromas of black currant and cassis. An elegant dinner party wine or gift. Drink: 2010-2016.  955104  14.50%  D  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 94/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Jackson-Triggs Delaine Vineyard Merlot 2007, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Gloriously plush and supple with aromas of black plum, dark spices and black cherry. Velvet texture and the promise of happiness. Works for dinner parties and more casual gatherings. Drink: 2010-2015.  989285  13.80%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Louis Jadot Pinot Noir 2007, Bourgogne, France: Vibrant acidity with ripe, bright cherries and field raspberries. Medium-bodied and silky. Wonderful and versatile food wine.  162073  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Artisian Wine Co Wild Horse Canyon Merlot 2008, Okanagan: Plummy rich with a plush, smooth medium body. Great party wine. Drink: 2010-2012.  776545999160  14%  MD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 85/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Perrin & Fils Les Sinards Syrah Blend 2007, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, France: Gorgeously robust with a river of black cherry liqueur running through it. Love it!  926626  14%  XD  750 mL  $38.95  Score: 91/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Chile: Full-bodied, rich and wonderful! Black fruit, good tannic grip. Decant for 1-2 hours. Perfect tseak wine.  335174  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.05  Score: 90/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Chapoutier Syrah Blend 2008, Cotes Du Rhone Villages, France: Rustic and robust with cedar-infused aromas of dark cherries and berries. Lip-smacking tasty and supple.  321539  14%  XD  750 mL  $17.80  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Artisian Wine Co Wild Horse Canyon Shiraz 2008, Okanagan, Canada: Dark and smoky with blackberries and black plums. Smooth and full-bodied. Great party wine. Drink: 2010-2012.  776545999191  14%  MD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 85/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Big House 2008, California, United States: A delicious, full-bodied red that delivers terrific value at this price point. Wonderful red for potluck gatherings and pizza night.  178632  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Kim Crawford Constellation Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Juicy, mouth-watering pinot with ripe fleshy cherries and field berries. Medium-bodied and smooth.  626390  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Artisian Wine Co Wild Horse Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Okanagan: Tasty and gulpable with a smooth, medium-bodied texture and weight. Aromas of ripe dark berries. Great party wine. Drink: 2010-2012.  776545999153  13.50%  M  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 85/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


La Vieille Ferme Syrah Blend 2009, Cotes Du Luberon, France: Vibrant and ripe, bursting with bright cherry flavour. Full-bodied and smooth with some pepper notes on the finish.  34991  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Miguel Torres Santa Digna Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Chile: Stunning quality and taste for the money! Plush dark berries and plums with nicely integrated oak. Good acidity makes this a terrific wine for food: it'll literally whet your appetite. I can't think of a better party wine, whether it's a large gathering or a smaller dinner party. Drink: 2010-2014.  177451  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Little Yering Yering Station Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2005, Australia: Simple and tasty: perfect party wine! Full-bodied, juicy with dark berry flavours.  145326  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 85/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Barossa Valley, Australia: Lovely dark chocolate, mint and blackberry aromas on the nose. Great structure and balanced, with full-bodied weight. Judicious use of oak. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2010-2015.  39537  14%  D  750 mL  $39.75  Score: 90/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Painted Rock Estate Winery Ltd. Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Big, black bruiser with fleshy dark fruit and smoky oak. Needs time, but will be magnificent when mature. Aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months. Smokin! Drink: 2010-2017.  864496  14%  XD  750 mL  $40.00  Score: 90/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Marques De Casa Concha Y Toro Cab Sauvignon 2008, Chile: Classic Chilean nose of cassis, blackberry and smoke. Full-bodied and lip-smacking tasty.  337238  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 87/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Cellierdauphins Carte Noire Syrah Blend 2008, Cotes Du Rhone, France: Simple and tasty with dark berry flavours and no heavy oak.  110197  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $10.00  Score: 83/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Miguel Torres Coronas Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Catalunya, Spain: Luxurious layers of black cherry and plums. A smokey weave of oak on the finish that is satisfying and long-lasting. Incredible quality and taste for this price. Drink: 2010-2015.  29728  13%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Love it! Vibrant, ripe cherries dance across your palate. Lovely silky texture with medium body, yet juicy and mouth-watering for food. Doesn't get much better than this, especially at this price point.  54353  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Hillier Creek Estates Gamay 2007, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Light and pleasant with peppery cherry notes. Easy drinking; great for movie night. Drink: 2010-2012.  23406  11.50%  D  750 mL  $20.00  Score: 86/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Chanson P & Fils Pinot Noir 2008, Bourgogne, France: Lovely cherry-berry flavour, almost New World in style. Supple and silky with a medium body. Very versatile with food.  50575  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Rodney Strong Wine Estates Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, California, USA: Round, full-bodied and balanced with attractive aromas of cassis and blackberry, an a touch mint. Terrific structure. Drink: 2010-2013.  833376  14.40%  D  750 mL  $29.99  Score: 90/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Washington, United States: Lovely mocha-rich nose with black plums and currants. Rond and luxurious with a dark chocolate (dry) finish.  144022  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Dessert Wine

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005, Portugal: Terrific value for this tasty after-dinner drink. Aromas of blackberry jam and blackcurrant perserves.  191239  20%  XD  750 mL  $17.45  Score: 88/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review


Featherstone Winery Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc 2008, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Lovely cinnamon-sprinkled apple pie with sweet fleshy strawberries. Such a playfully fun, tasty wine… surprise yourself Drink: 2010-2015.  210757  12%  S  375 mL  $19.95  Score: 93/100. November 6, 2010 Full Review