Wine Picks

Vintages Wine Picks March 31, 2012

White Wine

Domaine Frey Charles & Dominique Vieilles Vignes Dominique Et Julien Frey Vignerons Riesling 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Clean and crisp with lemon and dry apricot brightness. An extremely versatile food wine with lovely acidity. Great aperitif too. Drink: 2012-2016. 261669 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Castello Della Cervaro Della Sala 2009, I.G.T., Umbria, Italy: I adore the hazelnut and toasted almond richness of this wine. Then it brightens like a sunshaft through clouds and you get the bright green apple vibrancy that pierces, satisfies and soothes. Drink: 2012-2015. 512376 13% XD 750 mL $54.35 Score: 94/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: A full-bodied Cal chard, with classic aromas of toasted almond, hazelnut, green and toasty oak. Drink: 2012-2016. 54585 13.50% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Megalomaniac Eccentric Savagnin, Oliveira Vineyard John Howard Cellars Of Distinction 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lemon freshness and under-stated in a good way. Crisp and pure with good acidity. Great food wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 273870 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Cormòns Pinot Grigio 2010, D.O.C., Isonzo Del Friuli, Italy: Clean, crisp and simple with white grapefruit and lime. Drink: 2012-2014. 734038 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Crazy By Nature Dry Flint, Millton Chenin Blanc 2009, Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand: Clean and crisp with lemon brightness. Very balanced. A lovely aperitif or terrific and empathetic companion to salads and seafood. Drink: 2012-2015. 214429 12.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Auntsfield Long Cow Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: terrific lime awakening of the tasebuds! Not too grassy, just borderline. Refreshment and summer in a glass. Drink: 2012-2014. 663286 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Momo Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lemongrass and chives and herbal notes but not too grassy. Lovely refreshment and brightness. Great food wine. Drink: 2012-2014. 9167 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Peter Lehmann Wines Layers White 2010, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia: Lemon loveliness beside a sun-dappled brook. Close your eyes and someone will pass you a sandwich from the picnic basket in a few minutes. Drink: 2012-2015. 167171 11.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Château Roquetaillade La Grange Blanc 2010, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: Crisp and fresh with lemon notes. Nicely balanced, no heavy oak and not fruity. Good price. 240374 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Grand Cru Gewurztraminer 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Lychee, rose petal and baking spices on the nose. Mouth-watering acidity is terrific for Asian and spicy dishes. Very distinctive and aromatic. Drink: 2012-2015. 259770 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Cave Spring Estate Bottled Cave Spring Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2010, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Perfect gewurz, especially at this price! Gorgeous aromas of lychee, rose petal and a hint of spices. Great for Asiana and spicy dishes. Exotic and fantastic. 302059 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Nettle and lemongrass on the nose; crisp and clean on the palate. Very appealing and fresh. Like it lots! 57430 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Extremely grassy and herbal and refreshing. Ultimate salad and veggie wine. Drink: 2012-2014. 267906 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Fielding Estate Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A fresh, lively, mouth-watering white with mercifully no oak. What you get is pure fruit essence and refreshment. Lovely notes of green apple and white peach. This wine was a Double Gold winner at the 2010 All-Canadian Wine Awards. Incredible price. Drink: 2011-2015. 164491 12.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Yalumba Viognier 2010, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Love it: beautiful and exotic with white floral notes. Drink: 2012-2015. 954644 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Zuccardi Serie A Chardonnay Viognier 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific, lovely white with floral and white peach notes. No heavy oak. Summer day wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 262097 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Jean-Pierre & Alexandre Ellevin Vaucoupin 1Er Cru Domaine Ellevin Chablis 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: An elegant expression of Chablis with white peach and melon notes and a pure crispness. No oak on this chardonnay, just Burgundy in the glass. Drink: 2012-2016. 264457 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Amayna Viña Garcés Silva Estate Btld. Chardonnay 2008, Leyda Valley, San Antonio, Chile: Full-bodied and smooth with hazelnut and green apple aromas. Drink: 2012-2015. 76265 14.50% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Red Wine

Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2008, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Blueberry and blackberry aromas and flavours with attractive savoury middle notes on the palate. Good weight and a lovely velvet texture. Drink: 2012-2016. 408864 14.50% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Such a lovely, balanced California cab with classic aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015. 671164 14.60% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Generous, rich and round with plush black plums and mocha-smoke. Smooth and satisfying. Drink: 2012-2015. 723478 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Château Bru Lagardette Cahors 2008, A.C., Southwest, France: Big, hulking and dark-hearted with black fruit and a meaty note. Knock-it-back kind of party or barbecue wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 264242 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Barossa Valley Estate Moculta Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A gorgeous red, especially for fans of the cult favourite E&E Black Pepper Shiraz, its parent. Love the layers of dark fruit flavour here. Savoury, juicy goodness through and through. Drink: 2012-2016. 263707 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Gotham Old Vine Salmagundi Wineinc 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Absolutely delicious! Stunning intensity and brightness of flavour. Rich dark plums roll over your tongue followed by a caress of smoke and spice. It's like the happy ending to a bedtime wine story. Drink: 2012-2016. 265942 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Les Dolia Laudun Laudun Chusclan, Vign. 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: A tasty, full-bodied red with dark fruit aromas and toasty oak. This is a blend of 50% grenache noir and 50% syrah grapes. 271999 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Galévan Coralie Goumarre, Prop. 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Dried herbs and dark spices co-mingle on the nose to reveal black juicy fruit and smoke on the palate. Full-bodied, rich and delicious. Drink: 2013-2019. 251603 14.50% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Gérard Bertrand Minervois Syrah Grenache 2009, A.P., Midi, France: Rustic and cedary with tart black cherries. Tasty and full-bodied. Will benefit from 2 hours decanting before drinking. Drink: 2012-2015. 952804 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Flagstone Music Room Bruce Jack Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Mocha seduction followed by a fleshy blackberry caress. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. If you love Australian cabernet (or shiraz), you must try this. 205245 15% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino 2008, D.O.P., Puglia, Italy: Peppery with dark spices and black fruit. Savoury, meaty and full-bodied with juicy smooth layers of pleasure. Pair with hearty meat dishes and meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2012-2015. 177527 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

The Paring 101 Wine Company 2007, California, United States: A full-bodied and balanced red with attractive dark fruit aromas and a chalky dry finish that's a great foil to food. Drink: 2012-2016. 218909 15.20% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

A To Z Wineworks Pinot Noir 2009, Oregon, United States: Juicy with pleasantly sour cherries and terrific acidity for food. Silky with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012-2016. 229781 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied with good acidity and fleshy ripe dark fruit. Nicely balanced. Drink: 2012-2015. 25106 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

R Collection By Raymond Field Blend Lot No. 7 2009, California, United States: A terrific wine for the money! Full-bodied, juicy and mouth-watering. Luscious layers of dark fruit and berries that finishes long, smoky and satisfying. Drink: 2012-2015. 265959 13.80% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Terra Valentine Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and tasty with ripe black plums and some dark spices on the finish. Over-priced by $20. Drink: 2012-2015. 269431 14.90% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Sodaro Felicity Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Savory, cedary and rustic with an underlying carpet of black plum energy. Full-bodied and smooth with a satisfying mocha finish. Drink: 2012-2016. 272641 14.50% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Lacrima Di Morro D'alba Velenosi Querci'antica 2010, D.O.C., Marche, Italy: Exceedingly pleasant for this price point! Aromas of dark fruit, chalky dry and a medium-body. Smooth. 268128 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

La Castellina Tommaso Bojola Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: I like it! Juicy and savoury with a I-feel-like-dancing-after-dinner pep to it. Layers of juicy dark fruit and a pleasantly long finish. 268987 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Aldiano Riserva Cantina Tollo Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2007, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Phenomenal for the price! Juicy, black and brooding with enticing toasty oak on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth with a lusciousness that's wonderful with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2012-2017. 51706 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Lamùri Tasca D'almerita Nero D'avola 2009, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Full-bodied and smooth. A smoky and oaky red with savoury black fruit aromas and tar. Great for brontosaurus burgers. A Fred Flintstone wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 568089 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Monsanto Riserva Fabrizio Bianchi, Prop. Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Smokey and dry with incredibly mouth-watering layers of dark berries. Complex, long, deep and lovely with full-bodied richness and loads of cellar potential. Decant for 2 hour. Drink: 2013-2020. 719864 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Vintage Ink Wines Merlot Cabernet 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Remarkably great wine for the price! The toasty oak recedes as the dark red and black fruit aromas come forward: gorgeous layers of black cherry and black raspberry. Terrific acidity for food. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2011-2015. 250209 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Lip-smacking delicious! Savory with meaty aromas and flavours of black fruit, anise and smoke. Drink: 2012-2015. 24737 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Vistalba Corte B 2008, Lujan De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Yum! Savoury and black with mouth-watering, full-bodied weight. Dark plums and smoke. Very tasty. Cries out for prime rib. Drink: 2012-2015. 24919 15% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

La Posta Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Very balanced with lovely fleshy dark plums, smoke and a dry, chalky finish. Lots of layers of enjoyment here with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012-2015. 261586 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Alain Jaume & Fils Terrases De Montmirail 2009, A.C., Gigondas, Rhône, France: Beautiful black cherry richness with savoury cedar and a gorgeously long finish. Full-bodied but not heavy despite its alcoholic strength. Love it! Drink: 2013-2022. 264234 15% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 94/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine De La Janasse 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Full-bodied and tasty with black cherries and cedar smoke. Juicy and balanced. Excellent quality for the money. Pair with hearty meat dishes. 705228 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Black fruit and loads of oak with a savoury, juicy acidity. Full-bodied and black as night. Drink: 2012-2016. 636407 14.80% XD 750 mL $64.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Antiche Terre Venete Amarone Della Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Full-on chocolate aromas even though the wine is dry. Richly concentrated with black cherry liqueur. Smooth and full-bodied. This one will last in the cellar a long time. Drink: 2012-2020. 177733 15% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Serego Alighieri 650 Anniversario Classico Superiore, Masi Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008, Doc, Appaxximento, Veneto, Italy: Juicy with lovely fleshy ripe dark berries and fruit. Full-bodied but not heavy and an ideal food companion. This is an extremely fair price for this quality wine. Drink: 2012-2016. 661306 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz 2007, Australia, Australia: Rich and luscious with terrific intensity. A core of black cherry runs through the heart of this dark wine. Ultra-satisfying and hedonistic. Drink: 2012-2016. 719575 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Tyrrell’S Rufus Stone Shiraz 2009, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia: I love this shiraz, even as I watched its price increase rapidly due to popularity. It's rich and round with warm, inviting aromas of fleshy black plums. A lovely acidity brightens the middle. Some kind of wonderful. Drink: 2012-2016. 91488 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Elderton The Ashmead Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: I'm lovin it! Smoky with lots of toasty oak, yet that's supported by some lip-smacking delicious black fruit. Full-bodied and balanced. Drink: 2012-2016. 9175 14% XD 750 mL $30.95 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Cedarcreek Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Big bright red and black cherries on the nose with some spice and cedar mingling in. Luscious and mouth-watering with terrific balance. Very new World fruity style. Drink: 2012-2016. 273482 13.90% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Falernia Reserva Carmenère 2007, Elqui Valley, Chile: Blackberry and purple plum liqueur richness and concentration. Full-bodied and smooth with terrific richness. Drink: 2012-2015. 269175 15% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Anakena Ona Pinot Noir 2010, Leyda Valley, Chile: Very perfumed with sweet cherry aromas and some spices. Silky smooth and lovely. Very fruity and aromatic. Drink: 2012-2015. 269183 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Château De Pez 2008, A.C., St-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: Seductive black whisper on the nose, luscious, dark fruit and smoke on the palate with a long finish. Elegant, balanced and complex. One that will age in the cellar very well and one of the better Bordeaux from the 2008 vintage. Drink: 2013-2020. 140400 13.50% XD 750 mL $44.00 Score: 93/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Hecht & Bannier 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Fantastic! Oh tripe yum. Savoury, juicy and meaty with seductive and slippery black cherries wrapped in cedar smoke. Layers and layers of pleasure. Drink: 2012-2017. 142802 15% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 94/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Besancenot Clos Du Roi 1Er Cru 2009, A.C., Beaune, Burgundy, France: Lovely, elegant and balanced with a satin texture and cherry aromas. Dry and satisfying with Old World finesse. Drink: 2012-2016. 183772 13% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion 2004, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Robust and rich yet great freshness and elegance. This wine has a lot of cellar life still left in it. Well-built and complex. Drink: 2014-2020. 264283 12.50% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 94/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées 2010, A.C., Morgon, Beaujolais, France: A mouth-watering wine with great acidity for a variety of dishes from grilled chicken to salmon. Juicy aromas and flavours of field berries. Smooth and medium bodied. Drink: 2012-2015. 264465 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Manuel Olivier 2008, A.C., Morey Saint-Denis, Burgundy, France: Juicy with terrific tart and mouth-watering cherries. Silky texture with a medium body. Terrific length and elegance. I can't think of a better wine for planked salmon. Drink: 2012-2916. 264523 13% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Terre De Granit St-Joseph Guy Farge 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Black and cedary with robust weight and rich texture. Decant for 2 hours for maximum pleasure. Drink: 2012-2015. 270215 12.50% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Tamarí Ar Malbec 2007, Argentina, Argentina: Full-bodied and smooth with mocha-espresso aromas wrapped in black plums. Smooth and satisfying. Drink: 2012-2015. 273425 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Château Du Périer M. Saintout, Prop. 2008, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Straight-forward, robust and rustic with toasty oak, black fruit and tarry notes. Decant for 2 hours. 35634 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Monte Del Frà Tenuta Lena Di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Dry and chalky with pleasing aromas of dark fruit and sun-dried tomatoes. Terrific for most Italian dishes. Drink: 2012-2016. 165662 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Rosés

Gassier Sables D'azur Rosé 2011, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: I love it! (I also just shouted that out the window to some surprised people on the sidewalk.) So very pretty with a basket of fresh field strawberries. Bask in the sun and pretend you are by the Mediterranean. Dry and refreshing. Drink: 2012-2014. 33621 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Rosé. Full Review

Château De Trinquevedel Demoulin Rosé 2011, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: A lovely and elegant Tavel rose that's not as robust as others I've tasted. That is not to say it's wimpy. Lovely aromas of raspberries. Bone-dry and refreshing. Drink: 2012-2014. 729947 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Rosé. Full Review

Sparkling Wine

Tenuta S. Anna Extra Dry Genagricola Prosecco, D.O.P., Veneto, Italy, Italy: A pleasant and tasty bubbly that's at a great price for parties and large gatherings. Drink: 2012-2014. 169128 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Boeri Ribota Moscato D'asti 2010, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A lovely light fizz with aromas of clementine and honeysuckle. Perfect as an aperitif or after-dinner sipper, as well as with spicy and hot dishes. Drink: 2010-2013. 184978 5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Graham Beck Premier Cuvée Brut Blanc De Blancs 2007, W.O., Robertson, South Africa: Surely South Africa's best sparkling wine producer: this bubbly offers incredible complexity and depth with great refreshment as well. Lovely toasty notes with green apple brightness through its core. Yum! Drink: 2012-2015. 907568 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Joseph Cattin Brut Méthode Traditionelle Rosé Crémant D'alsace, A.C., Alsace, France: A lovely bubbly with a hint of fresh field raspberries and a refreshing dry finish. Drink: 2012-2014. 264572 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Baron-Fuenté Grand Millésime Brut Champagne 1998, A.C., Champagne, France: An incredibly fresh and vibrant wine, especially given its age. In fact, the maturity has only imparted a depth and richness that deepens its complexity but doesn't diminish its refreshment. Drink: 2010-2015. 155119 12% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Dessert Wine

Delaforce Corte Vintage Quinta And Vineyard Bottlers Vinhos Port 1997, D.O.C., Douro, Quinta Da Côrte, Portugal: Rich and complex with layers of dark plum and berry liqueur flavour. Superb after-dinner drink. Drink: 2008-2022. 199695 20% S 750 mL $38.95 Score: 95/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review

Warre’S Vintage Port 1983, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: A lovely mature port to enjoy after dinner. Terrific complexity and nuance, and now with several decades under its belt, elegance. Drink: 207-2018. 161877 20% S 750 mL $89.95 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review

Quady Elysium Black Muscat 2010, California, United States: Gorgeous flavours of blackberries and black raspberries. Terrific dessert wine on its own, with fruit or Black Forest Cake. Drink: 2011-2016. 276840 13% S 375 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review