Vintages Wine Picks September 4, 2010

White Wine

Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Rich, creamy, baked apple-scented Chardonnay with an elegant use of oak to add texture and structure. Soft, round and ripe with a long and buttery finish. My note: Very well made with green apples, lime and hazelnut. A toasted almond finish is lovely.  226936  13.80%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Wakefield Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Australian Savvy is a little fuller than the New Zealand style. Look for aromas of peach, citrus and floral with a tangy green fruit quality on the palate. The wine has impressive weight and a lengthy finish. My note: Zippy and refreshing with good balance. Lime and lemon zest with some herbal notes. Ultra-refreshing.  166942  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Vinicole De Hunawihr Vieilles Vignes Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Vibrant, award-winning Gewurz with aromas of candied citrus, rosewater, lanolin, Turkish delight and spice box. Dry, but quite intense on the palate, with excellent aroma replays. Fairly vibrant acidity for balance from a generally low-acid variety. Medium bodied with a solid finish. My note: Beautifully made (and consumed!) Bursting with aromas of exotic rose petal, lychee and baking spices. I adore it! Perfect with curries, Asian dishes and a get-you-out-of-your-rut aperitif. Drink: 2010-2014.  169474  13.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Duca Di Quadri Catemario Collezione Privata Pinot Grigio 2008, D.O.C., Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This fine PG features an eclectic array of aromas, such as spring flowers, nettle, oatmeal with honey and a hint of citrus. Dry and fairly round, this wine proves PG can have finesse and dimension. Enjoy this version. My note: A subtle, neutral, mildly flavoured wine with white grapefruit notes and no heavy oak. Good aperitif.  120782  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 86/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Geyser Peak Chardonnay 2008, Alexander Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Founded in 1890, Geyser Peak Winery is one of the pioneers of the Alexander Valley appellation. This Chardonnay is made in a crisp, crowd-pleasing style with terrific balance between sweet fruit aromas and hints of oak. My note: A generous but terrifically balanced Chardonnay with notes of green apple, lime and toasted almond finish. Full-bodied and smooth.  343475  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Sandhill Small Lots, Osprey Ridge Vineyard Viognier 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Lovely, lovely! Wafts out of the glass like happiness and sunshine: wild white field flowers, peach essence and Asian pear. Love it!  126862  14.90%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 93/100. September 4, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review


Kim Crawford Sp Boyszone Pinot Gris 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A mildly flavoured but zippy white with mouth-watering acidity that makes it refreshing and food friendly.  36954  13%  D  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Gray Monk Estate Winery Gewurztraminer 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Adore it! Masterly Gewurztraminer with classic aromas of rose petal and lychee but not overdone. Lovely purity and clean lines. Get out of your white wine rut with this winner. Drink: 2010-2012.  321588  12.50%  D  750 mL  $16.99  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Malivoire Musqué Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely and vibrant with fresh ripe peaches and pineapple in a summer basket of glory. Zippy and refreshing and packed with a flavour.  189670  9%  M  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault Les Clous Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Lovely, rich hazelnut-infused white redolent of green apples, peach and Asian pear. Great length and elegance. Drink: 2010-2018.  661322  13%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Emiliana Natura Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This organic wine contains just 21 mg/L of free sulphur. Grassy and herbal with very zippy acidity.  93914  13%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 86/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


William Fevre Chile Gran Cuvee Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Impress your guests with something unique: a Sauvignon Blanc from Burgundy. And you’ll only find them in Saint-Bris. My note: A very mildly flavoured white with none of the herbal or lime zest of New World Sauvignon Blanc. This neutral taste will appeal to many folks who don’t like heavy flavours of fruit, oak or alcohol. Clean and crisp.  626523  12%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 86/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s further proof, if any were needed, that the 2009 vintage was a stellar one for white varieties, especially Riesling. It’s aromatically charged with pear, lime, grapefruit, and impressive minerality. Off-dry with racy acids bringing a touch of refreshment. The aromas replay beautifully on the palate. This is a medium-bodied, long-finishing, fruity/crisp wine. My note: Ultra-tasty and mouth-watering with peach and petrol minerality. Adore it! Needs food, don’t leave this wine alone!  43281  11%  MD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


O. Fournier B Crux Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Lime-fresh Sauvignon Blanc with incredible flavors of green melon and lemon zest. The grapes for this wine were harvested in two parts, 10 days apart; the first, for fresh fruit and acidity, the second for ripe fruit and complexity/richness. No oak.  177949  12%  XD  750 mL  $18.00  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Malivoire Guilty Men Sauvignon Blanc 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Martin Malivoire may once have worked alongside Hollywood’s elite as an SFX engineer, but there are no smoke and mirrors here – this Sauvignon Blanc is for real. Pale yellow with a green tint in the glass, it opens to an almost sinfully rich nose of grass, orchard blossoms and ripe tropical-fruit notes. This tremendously aromatic, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc, with its zesty, bright acidity, is a delicious example of the quality we expect from Ontario’s ’09 vintage. My note: Herbal and refreshing with good acidity for food. Lime zest and green apple.  186254  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Domaine Nicolas Maillet Le Chemin Blanc Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Mâcon-Verzé, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Mâcon-Verzé is an intriguing region and village in southern Burgundy whose wines are still little known in our market. This version – featuring fine aromas of lemon, lime, green apple and even hints of fresh ginger – shows the region’s Chardonnay in a very good light. This expressive and tangy wine is a lovely aperitif. My note: Mildly flavoured but I like it! White peach and melon with some green apple notes. Refreshing, clean and crisp. Drink: 2010-2013.  702605  13%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2008, Stellenbosch, South Africa: This wines spent 9 months on the lees, 70% of it in oak barrels. Good balance between fresh fruit flavour and smoky toasty oak. Lovely green apple aromas. Full-bodied and rich. To be released in Vintages August 7, 2010.  172601  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.00  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Luc Pirlet Les Barriques Viognier 2008, Vins De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made famous in Condrieu in the Northern Rhône, Viognier has travelled to other parts of France (and the world) with great success. Medium straw in colour, the Barriques Viognier greets you with a wave of intense peach on the nose, followed by pear and hints of honey. The palate expands with creamy flavours of citrus, orange blossom, and hints of fennel. This is medium bodied, aromatic, and features a crisp, dry finish. Bound to please with a vegetarian stir-fry. My note: Pretty and aromatic with notes of white flowers and peach. A wonderful aperitif or companion to many dishes, from medium curries and seafood. Rockin’ price. Drink: 2010-2013.  177675  13%  D  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 87/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lime zest and herbal notes with a zingy acidity for food. Bright and refreshing.  662882  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Red Wine

Ironstone Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this Reserve Zin is sourced from a single vineyard that was planted in 1909 – now that’s old vines! Not surprisingly, this wine is intensely rich and plush with ultra-ripe blackberry, strawberry and dried fruit aromas and flavours, along with hints of chocolate and pepper. It will reward 2-4+ years in a cellar, or enjoy it tonight, decanted. My note: A warm, full-bodied Zin with classic brambleberry, blackberry and blueberry flavours. Ultra-tasty with a supple, smooth texture. Terrific barbecue wine!  659946  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Astrolabe Wines Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Clean with pure cherry fruit flavours. Good acidity that asks for food. Silky and medium-bodied. Superb!  179200  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio Chianti Classico 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Juicy, full-bodied and well-structured with lovely aromas of tangy cherries, sun-dried tomatoes, baking spices and smoke. Delicious and mouth-watering. Drink: 2010-2018.  942607  14%  XD  750 mL  $54.95  Score: 92/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Steve Bird Big Barrel Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Wonderfully vibrant with bright cherries that dance across your mouth followed by lovely silky layers of baking spices, field berries and a little smoke. A core of plush fruit. Medium- to full-bodied and generous. Love this style! Drink: 2010-2013.  178707  14.20%  XD  750 mL  $26.95  Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Rosewood Estates Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Cherry-berry bright with some warm mocha notes as an underlay. Medium-bodied and very silky. A lovely wine!  112177  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $20.00  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Irony Merlot 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Classic Napa Merlot with aromas of black cherry, mocha, raspberry and vanilla. Elegant use of oak gives the whole package a fine structure and balance. My note: Juicy, full-bodied and bursting with dark fleshy berries and plums. Nicely balanced and ultra smooth.  183186  14.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Vign. Jérôme Quiot Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Tasty and balanced; full-bodied but not heavy. Pleasant aromas of cherry, cedar and spice. Drink: 2010-2016.  983650  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Marziano Abbona Terlo Ravera Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Big, black, tarry and brooding. I don’t recommend a lot of Barolos as I find the fruit missing but this one is lovely though it needs time. Black plums, violets and smoke on a long finish. Drink: 2012-2020.  67918  14%  XD  750 mL  $36.95  Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Delas Domaine Des Grands Chemins Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France: Full-bodied with black cherries, forest floor, cassis and smoke. Tasty and rustic. Drink: 2010-2015.  101105  13%  XD  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: From Bodegas Nieto Senetiner’s signature line, this glass-coating opaque-purple Malbec is appropriately bursting with personality. Bold aromas of tar, blackberry, blueberry and smoke are nicely replayed on the palate. Dry, with ripe fruit, voluptuous tannins and a core of balancing acidity. This medium-full-bodied wine will evolve over the next 3-5 years. If enjoying it now, its deliciously long, fruit-laden finish will leave you salivating for a marinated steak, cooked rare. My note: Full-bodied with a good concentrated core of blackberry and black plum favour and some violets on the finish. Very plush.  178657  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.00  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Want a powerful, deeply concentrated, full-bodied red? Here you go! Ultra-big aromas of fleshy black cherries and plums, spices and smoke. Womp!  531228  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Takler Pince Kékfrankos 2008, Szekszárd, Hungary: Vintages Wine Panel: Made entirely with the Kékfrankos grape, this wine features notes of plum, cherry, raspberry, spice, cassis, some light smoke and a hint of earth on the nose. Lightly tannic, with a sweet core of red fruit, and some sour cherry notes on the mid-palate. Medium bodied, with good length and a touch of herbs on the finish. My note: Simple, smooth, full-bodied and quaffable with dark fruit and smoke.  180141  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 83/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Vignerons De Gigondas La Font Des Grières Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Gigondas, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gigondas is one of the Southern Rhône’s warmest areas, so even in marginal vintages it has the ability to make robust wines. In a year such as 2007, it can do it without breaking a sweat. This example proves the point with its great concentration and its intense aromas of black cherry, plum and spice that all brilliantly replay on the palate. Dry, full bodied, and perfectly constructed with a long, luxurious finish. This is the real deal for either your cellar (8+ years) or your dinner table tonight. My note: Deep, rich and concentration with blackberries and cherries, vanilla smoke and spice. Lavishly textured with full-bodied weight. Spectacular with any meat dish. Drink: 2010-2017.  175729  15%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Gigondas, Rhône, France: Elegant, balanced and bursting with finesse and polish in this full-bodied number. Aromas of black cherry, spices, cedar and smoke. A fantastic dinner party or a very classy gift wine. They’ll think you paid double. Drink: 2010-2018.  17400  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $22.95  Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Sandhill Sandhill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A fascinatingly different wine with aromas of blackberry, cassis, pencil led (that’s good), vanilla smoke, dried herbs and tobacco. I do like it! Drink: 2010-2015.  186833  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Carta Vieja Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Loncomilla Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Classy, value-priced Chilean Cab with abundant aromas of blackberry, cassis, clove and vanilla. Dry and generous on the palate with just enough acid and tannins to balance it all out. Fairly full bodied. An ideal wine. My note: Savoury dark flavours of black fruit, spice, bacon, vanilla smoke and dried tobacco. An exceptionally well-priced wine.  169888  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Creek Shiraz 2005, Victoria, Australia: Classic mint and plush black plums with a pepper finish. Full-bodied, plush and wonderful!  719575  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Perrin Les Sinards Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Pure black cherry liqueur in concentration and flavour. Rich, robust and layered. Full-bodied doesn’t begin to describe it for those who love a full-palate wallop. This one will age well in the cellar. This half-size bottle will mature faster than the 750 mL bottle that he’s referring to – 6-8 years is probably more accurate. It’s part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Drink: 2010-2020.  5975  14.50%  XD  375 mL  $19.95  Score: 93/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Stonehedge Merlot 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Stonehedge’s mission is to make great hand-crafted wines that everyone can enjoy. This Merlot is a smart buy that definitely fits the bill! Expect ripe fruit aromas of cherries and blueberries, as well as some plum and spice notes. Dry and medium-bodied. My note: Straight-forward and tasty with dark fruit, mocha dark chocolate and smoke aromas.  657577  13%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 85/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Rustenberg Brampton Shiraz 2007, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Good balance, full-bodied with savoury, juicy notes of blackberry, bacon, sage and cedar. Yum!  674523  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Gallo Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Cherry liqueur with smoke and spice. Full-bodied and tasty with a silky-smooth texture. Terrific party wine!  463810  13.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Château Saint Maurice Les Grès Laudun, Christophe Valat, Vign. Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2008 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. The village of Laudun’s best vineyards tend to be north-facing and grown on sandy clay. This award-winner shows why. Intriguing aromas include pomegranate and black licorice, plus the more-expected scents of plum, raspberry and pepper/spice. Dry, with a very ripe core that, due to zippy acidity, is not at all jammy. A value-priced candidate for the cellar (3-5+ years). For current enjoyment, decant it for 2+ hours and serve with rare steaks or roast beef. My note: Juicy, delicious and full-bodied with alluring aromas of black cherry, cedar box, violets and smoke. Love it! Incredible price. Drink: 2010-2015.  177576  14.80%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Cuvée Shiraz Blend 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Mundus Vini International Wine Awards. Aged for 20 months in a combination of French and American oak, this blend of Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is a great value from the Barossa. Expect a dry, full-bodied and smooth-textured red packed with sweet blackberry/cherry fruit, spice, toasty oak and vanilla. My note: A big honkin’ red with classic notes of mint, black plum and fleshy berries. Very plush and satisfying!  684357  15%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


George Wyndham Founder's Reserve Shiraz 2005, South Australia, Australia: Mint and black plums with full-bodied goodness. Packed with flavour. Sit down and take a load off and pour yourself a glass. This multiple Gold Medal-winning Shiraz was rated the #1 red at the 2009 InterVin Awards.  107904  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 90/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Renwood Sierra Series Zinfandel 2007, Sierra Foothills, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 New World Wine Competition. Remarkably light ruby colour leads to a refined, almost elegant nose of plum, new leather and sour cherry. Dry and quite fresh, with fine fruit and moderate tannins bringing it all into a very pleasing balance. This is not a fruit bomb, nor is it a shrinking violet. It’s a vibrant and refreshing Zinfandel that will reward 2-4 years in a cellar. My note: Big brambleberry-zingy berry (I made that up) purple plums juicy fruit, lip-smacking tasty Zin. Full-bodied but soooo smooth. This wine wants to be your best friend and will sidle up beside you as you sit in front of the barbecue sipping on a glass and watching the burning embers.  942581  14.50%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Zenato Superiore Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Zenato is renowned (and a Vintages customer favourite) for producing top-notch wines in the classic styles of Veneto. This fine Valpolicella Superiore, with its lower yields and stricter controls, is another in a long line of successes. It is brimming with expressive aromas of dark fruit and chocolate. It’s a dry, supple and full-flavoured wine that reveals more dark fruit, red field berries and some sour cherry on the palate. Medium bodied, more textured and fuller than any Valpols, and sporting a lovely medium-long finish. My note: Mocha-rich nose with dark cherries and fleshy plums. Lovely full-bodied and smooth. Great value! Drink: 2010-2015.  995704  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.00  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Réserve Des Armoiries Terres D'avignon, Vign. Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Silver Medal winner at the 2008 Mâcon Wine Challenge. This is an exceptional value for a wine of this quality, showing how handsomely the 2007 vintage rewarded the Côtes du Rhône wines. Filled with black fruit, plum, spice and cranberry aromas. Dry, nicely concentrated with an impeccable balance between the fruit, acids, and tannins. Drink it now with steaks or roast beef, or hold it for two years or more. My note: Juicy, simple, tasty and medium- to full-bodied. Black cherry and smoke notes. Ultimate party wine that won’t break the bank. Drink: 2010-2013.  175653  14%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 85/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Antiche Terre Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C.G., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: It’s up to you whether you want to add this rich, ripe, balanced, chocolate-accented wine to your cellar. Either will work, because the structure is there for 4-6+ years of cellaring, but it’s also completely approachable now. So, you decide. Whatever route you take in this delicious dilemma, you won’t be disappointed. My note: Lovely rich, flavour-packed! Gorgeous depth and length. Aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, violets and the good life. Lie back and let it flood your senses. Drink: 2010-2015.  177733  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 93/100. September 4, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review


Perrin Peyre Blanche Cairanne 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Spectacularly dense and flavourful without being heavy. Lovely balance in this full-bodied, juicy wonder. Packed with aromas black plums, berries and black cherry liqueur. Fantastic price! Drink: 2010-2016.  650960  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Mendocino Wine Co. Big Yellow Cab Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mendocino County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Here’s a Cab that is easy to hail. The whimsical name and label are all in good fun, but the wine inside is surprisingly serious. An excellent value, the wine is bursting with juicy blackberry flavours with notes of mocha and toasty oak. It’s dry, well-balanced and ready-to-drink. Well worth the fare. Enjoy it tonight. My note: Mocha dark chocolate nose with blackberries and dark plums. Full-bodied and smooth and straight-forward.  35014  13.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 87/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Domaine Joseph Voillot Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Volnay, Burgundy, France: Juicy and tart with bright red cherries and wild raspberries. Mouth-watering and smooth. Cries out for food. Drink: 2010-2014.  91884  13%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Chateau Ksara Prieuré 2007, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon: Vintages Wine Panel: Grown in the brick-red clay and chalk of the Bekaa Valley, the wines of Ksara are acclaimed as some of Lebanon’s best. This wine is no exception. Notes of plum, mulberry, raspberry and cassis offer an exotic introduction to the wine. The palate follows in kind, but adds a charming touch of cherry stone mid-palate. This is a dry blend. My note: A simple, tasty, full-bodied red with dark fruit, smoke and a savoury, mouth-watering finished. Great for meat dishes. Drink: 2010-2013.  178095  13%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 84/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Rutherglen Estates Petit Sirah 2007, Victoria, Australia: A robust, big bruiser of a wine with aromas of black fruit and smoke. Supple on the palate with more robust flavours coming through. Cries out for a juicy steak! Drink: 2010-2015.  179127  14.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Full Review


Rosés

Domaine Le Malaven Rosé Tavel Isabelle Et Dominique Roudil, Prop.-Récolt. Grenache Blend 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Fresh, young rosé from Grenache, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, Syrah and the white grapes Clairette, Picpoul, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. This delightful wine has an expressive nose featuring raspberry, citrus, watermelon and apple. Quite dry and crisp, this is a great aperitif wine or try it with Cantonese food or freshwater fish. My note: Classic Tavel styling with ripe dark raspberries and strawberries. Flavourful and full-bodied and bone-dry.  184101  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value Rosé. Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Santa Margherita Brut Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Wonderful bubbly, packed with peach and pear notes! Want to service bubbly at your wedding or large reception but not break the bank? This is your go-to sparkler. Can’t beat the value/taste/price ratio. Yum!  687582  11.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


J. Lassalle Préférence Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: A toasty, tasty bubbly that is reasonably priced for Champagne. Some green apple note.  27615  12%  XD  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 89/100. September 4, 2010 Favourite Sparking Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Lenz Moser Prestige Trockenbeerenauslese 2007, Q.M.P., Burgenland, Austria: Gold Medal winner at the 2010 World Wine Championships. Gorgeous apricot jam and peach preserves. Wonderful after dinner dessert wine.  729657  10.50%  S  375 mL  $18.95  Score: 95/100. September 4, 2010 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review