Vintages Wine Picks April 28, 2007

White Wine

Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Riesling Kabinett 2005, Rheingau, Germany: Incredible structure, finish and balance. Packed with aromas of ripe pears, peaches and limes. Mineral depth. Drink: 2007-2015.  735241  MD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 91/100. April 28, 2007 Favorite White Wine. Full Review


Niagara College Teaching Winery Barrel Feremented Chardonnay 2005, Ontario, Canada: A lovely buttery, toasty chardonnay from one of the most exciting wineries in Niagara. Winemaker Jim Warren is a master and it shows particularly in his chardonnays. Loaded with ripe pear fruit. Warmly oaky and full-bodied.  40634  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Red Wine

Yann Chave Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage 2005, AC, Rhone, France: Though not officially organic, Chave is still recognized as a true steward of the land. Among other things, they fertilize with natural compost, use only indigenous wild yeast and reduce yields to ensure the vines and soil are not overtaxed. The results are clear in the bottle as its vibrant fruit literally jumps out of the glass. My note: Lively aromas of ripe red cherries and black plums. Drink: 2007-2010.  18812  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. April 28, 2007 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review


Shiraz 2005, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Since 1959, Jim Barry's superb wines have helped put Clare Valley on the map. Jim passed away in 2004, leaving his children to carry on his legacy. His sons Peter, John and Mark have assumed the roles of managing director, vineyard manager and chief winemaker, respectively. The Lodge Hill vineyards consistently produce a classic Shiraz that is supple and easy-drinking. Layers of plum, red berries, mint, violets and a measured amount of sweet vanilla oak dominate this wine. Enjoy this stylish wine over the next five years. My note: A whopper of a wine with full-bodied black fruit aromas and flavors. Drink: 2007-2011.  998476  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Sportoletti Assisi Rosso 2005, DOC Assisi, Umbria, Italy: Gorgeous haunting aromas of black cherries and smoke. Full-bodied but not heavy. Drink: 2007-2009.  926857  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Syrah 2004, Peumo, Chile: A rich and luxurious red at a terrific price for its quality. Full-bodied with aromas of plums and berries. Silky texture.  19042  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Corino Barolo Vigna Giachini 1999, DOCG, Piedmont, Italy: A serious big barolo with blockbuster black fruit. Full-bodied, alcoholic but packed with flavor. Decant for an hour or two. Drink: 2007-2015.  20438  XD  750 mL  $64.95  Score: 90/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Les Fiefs De Lagrange 2001, AC St-Julien, Second Wine of Château Lagrange, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with young vines or from newly developed vineyard locations, Château Lagrange's second wine, Les Fiefs de Lagrange, is a soft, round and ripe wine with a lovely fresh berry/cherry character. My note: Elegant Old World styling from one of Bordeaux's best chateau. Smoky aromas of black fruit and good breeding. Full-bodied, balanced but not too heavy. Drink: 2007-2009.  10504  D  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Rocca Di Montemassi Le Focaie Maremma Sangiovese 2004, IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Maremma, a southwest coastal region of Tuscany, is one of the most popular Italian tourist destinations for its pristine landscapes, ancient villages, local delicacies, and, of course, prestigious wines. A charming ambassador for this region, this wine offers up a bouquet of pleasing scents of violets, cherries and wild berries. My note: Lovely medium-bodied wine with a smooth texture. Mouth-watering acidity makes it an excellent partner to many Italian dishes.  31005  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Shiraz 2003, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Generous layers of black plums and cherries, coffee and peppers aromas. Full-bodied and rich. Another whopper.  737817  XD  750 mL  $42.95  Score: 90/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Rocca Delle Macìe Rubizzo Sangiovese Di Toscana 2005, IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: You just can't beat this price. An easy to like red (95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot) that delivers a bushel full of ripe berry fruits and a touch of earth and spice on the bouquet. My note: Lovely juicy red fruit and lip-smacking delicious flavor. A happy, full-bodied wine that's great for parties.  913780  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Tarapacá's Ex-Zavala vineyards and vinified in stainless steel. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, the wine then spends an additional year maturing in bottles before release. This intense wine displays cassis and ripe blackberry fruit aromas and flavours as well as notes of black pepper, chocolate and spices. My note: Absolutely outstanding for the price. Aromas of black fruit and chocolate. A touch tannic so decant for an hour or two. Drink: 2007-2010.  18721  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. April 28, 2007 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review


Arnaud Sié Chateau De Treviac Rouge 2005, AC Corbières, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: An excellent choice for roast leg of lamb with an herb rub. This blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache has classic Midi aromas of blackberry, pepper and particularly garrigue, the unique-to-Midi aroma of thyme, rosemary, basil, sage and lemon verbena that lingers in the air. There's a very good balance between the fruit, acids and ripe tannins. My note: Peppery with ripe red fruit notes. Delicious and a terrific value! Full-bodied.  670505  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Rocca Di Castagnoli Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva 2001, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy: Aromas of liqueur cherry and black plums. A full-bodied wine to put hair on your chest. Intense and concentrated. Drink: 2007-2014.  23374  XD  750 mL  $31.95  Score: 91/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Grenache 2004, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Round and full-bodied but not too heavy. Packed with flavor and aromas of dark red ripe fruit. An interesting change from shiraz and cabernet from an overlooked grape. Try it. Drink: 2007-2010.  713040  XD  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Governors Bay Pinot Noir 2004, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from vineyards in both the Marlborough and Canterbury regions, this vibrant Pinot is dry and medium-bodied with lots of bright raspberry and cherry fruit flavors and hints of toasty oak. Soft and smooth, it offers excellent value. My note: Smoky notes with vibrant cherries. Not acidic like some New Zealand pinots, more round and smooth. A consistently good producer of both pinot and sauvignon blanc.  656405  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 89/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Waterstone Merlot 2004, Napa Valley, California, USA: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced primarily from vineyards in Napa's cool climate Carneros district, this wine also includes a small amount of Cabernet Franc for added complexity. Big and multi-layered, it's packed with juicy ripe cherry and plum flavors along with notes of vanilla and black licorice. My note: A classic and well-structured Napa merlot (to heck with Miles from Sideways). Great balance and length on the finish. Decant for an hour. Drink: 2007-2013.  25288  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Taittinger Champagne Brut, AC, Champagne, France: Lovely crisp aromas of green apples, citrus and toast. A lasting finish.  814723  750 mL  $54.95  Score: 91/100. April 28, 2007 Full Review


Pol Roger Chardonnay Brut Champagne 1998, AC, Extra Cuvée de Réserve, Champagne, France: Fantastic warmth, toastiness and yeasty folds of flavor. Ripe pears and green apple aromas. Refreshing and zesty. If you haven't tried vintage-dated champagne, now's the time. Try the shabby-chic combo of bubbly and fried chicken or fish and chips ... new vistas of pleasure await you. Drink: 2007-2012.  96685  XD  750 mL  $79.95  Score: 92/100. April 28, 2007 Favorite Sparkling Wine. Full Review