Wine Picks

Values Wine Picks December 4, 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: May 22, March 7, January 4 and December 16.

White Wine

Shafer Red Should Ranch Chardonnay 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Carneros is Napa's most southerly American Vintercultural area close to San Pablo Bay. This region has more of a cool climate due to the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir do extremely well here. Barrel fermentation, aging and the use of Malo-lactic fermentation. A gorgeously rich Chardonnay with layers of vanilla, butter, ripe pears and apples. Wrapped in a smokey blanket. A long, satisfying finish. 45583 14% D 750 mL $58.95 Score: 93/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Riesling Reserve 2006, V.Q. A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely seam of acidity provides a refreshing backbone for the luscious notes of sweet fruit. Such as pears, apricot and peaches. 898528 10% 375 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Cono Sur Viognier 2008, Chile: Freakin' amazing wine for the price. Gorgeously aromatic with notes of rose petals, lychee, apricot and Asian pears. 64287 13% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 89/100. December 4, 2008 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Caliterra Chardonnay Reserva 2007, Curico Valley, Chile: A robust, oaky Chardonnay with green apple, butter and pear notes. Closed with a screwcap. 257147 13% MD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

E. & J. Gallo Winery Laguna Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, Russian River Valley, California, USA: Rich and full-bodied, with creamy notes of ripe apples and pears. Smoky oak fills the glass. 261099 14% 750 mL $28.00 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Inniskillin Wines Riesling Reserve 2007, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: Terrific notes of white field flowers and a faint whiff of honey, with some orange peel. Good crisp refreshment with mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied. 34025 11% 750 mL $14.25 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: A herbal, grassy, refreshing white with great acidity. Medium-bodied. 18689 13% D 750 mL $16.00 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Inniskillin Wines Chardonnay 2006, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: Rich and buttery with some top notes of green apples wrapped in oak. Full-bodied. 317768 12% 750 mL $15.50 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2006, Ontario, Canada: Full-bodied Chardonnay with layers of depth, complexity and minerality. Notes of apple, peach, vanilla, nutmeg and almond. Extraordinarily long finish. 36806 13% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 93/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

McWilliams Hanwood Estate Chardonnay 2006, Australia: A lusciously rich, full-bodied Chardonnay with notes of ripe pear, peach and apple. Lovely layers of butter, vanilla and smoke. 13% XD 750 mL $11.99 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Beringer Vineyards Stone Cellars Chardonnay 2006, California, United States: A medium- to full-bodied Chardonnay with lovely green apples, vanilla and buttery notes. Balanced and so pleasant. 606806 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 duck, smoked salmon, shirmp fetuccine, sushi. Full Review

Rosemount Estate Traminer Riesling 2008, Australia: Fruit for this wine was sourced form selected vineyards in South Eastern Australia. The 2008 vintage was warm to hot, with a pro-longed heatwave in mid-March. This wine was matured in stainless steel to maintain varietal purity. A pretty, simple, light-bodied white with apricot and peach notes. A touch of sweetness softens the wine to make a perfect match for dishes with some sweetness. Drink: 2008-2010. 244301 10% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Gewurztraminer Reserve 2007, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Red Rooster Winery is located above Okanagan Lake on the Naramata Bench, just north of Penticton. This area is known for its southwestern exposure and unique microclimate. And why a rooster? Because the winery's founders kept Rodiseland Reds in Switzerland; because roosters are good luck symbols in many cultures; and because roosters have a long association with wine (for example, the rooster is the symbol of the Chianti region of Italy). Picked in early October, this Gewurztraminer Reserve was whole cluster pressed to extract aroma and flavor components and cool fermented in stainless steel. Highly aromatic wine with notes of lychee, banana and pink grapefruit. Medium-bodied, off-dry wine. Closed with a screwcap. 399799 13% 750 mL $19.99 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Pierre Sparr Extreme Riesling 2007, Alsace, France: A vibrant white redolent of limes, white grapefruit and green apples. Zesty and medium-bodied. 618546 12% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Pascal Jolivet Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc 2000, Loire, France: A smooth, refreshing Sauvignon that leads with gooseberry and wild white field flowers. Light touch of whispy smoke from the flinty notes (not oak). The finish is vibrant with citrus notes. 947663 12% D 750 mL $41.65 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Chardonnay 2007, California, United States: A pleasant oaky, balanced white with a pleasant texture and rich layers. Medium- to full-bodied. Notes of pear, peach and green apples, with a touch of oak. 99408 14% XD 750 mL $13.45 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Cline Cellars Zinfandel 2007, California, United States: A juicy, full-bodied red with a soft, smooth mouth-feel and very little acidity. Notes of black raspberries, vanilla and brambleberries. Vanilla-spice finish from oak aging. 489278 14% D 750 mL $13.10 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Sandhill Pinot Blanc 2006, Okanagan Valley, V.Q.A. British Columbia, Canada: This Pinot Blanc was whole cluster pressed and cool barrel-fermented for 5 months in 50% new American oak and 50% stainless steel. Hand-stirred on the lees weekly to add to overall mouthfeel and complexity. An aromatic, refreshing, zesty white with notes of melon and bosc pear. Medium-bodied with great minerality. Closed with a screwcap. 541185 14% 750 mL $17.99 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Cave Spring Cellars Riesling 2007, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: Great attack with mouth-watering acidity. Vibrant ripe limes and citrus notes. 286377 11% D 750 mL $18.25 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2006, Ontario, Canada: The granddaddy of the line. This kingly wine has all the elegance, finesse and depth you're expect in a flagship wine (or monarch). Notes of butter, apricot, white peach, almond, vanilla and smoke. A finish that lasts til the next day. 34561 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 95/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Victoria, Australia: Herbal, grassy, lime, gooseberry goodness. Zesty, oh yes! 560839 11% 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2007, Venezie, Italy: A crisp white with mild white grapefruit and melon notes. Good acidity. 77990 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

St. David's Bench Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007, V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A medium-bodied, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with lovely notes of gooseberry and citrus. Excellent value. 453423 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 92/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Calona Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay 2007, Okanagan Valley V.Q.A. British Columbia, Canada: Crisp and refreshing with notes of melon and green apples. Lovely lack of oak. 364323 13% 750 mL $13.99 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Casillero Del Diablo Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Chile: Loaded with melons, pineapple and pears with a backbone of vanilla and smoke. 58420 13% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Angels Gate Winery Gewurztraminer 2007, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A wine of lovely laser focus and classic lychee and rose petal notes. Full-bodied with a pleasant finish. 58594 13% 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Le Clos Jordanne Village Chardonnay Reserve 2006, Ontario, Canada: A haunting Chardonnay with notes of green apple, vanilla, spice, fig, almond, hazelnut and white peach. An incredible finish. Great value. 33936 13% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 92/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Deakin Estate Chardonnay 2006, Victoria, Australia: A buttery, oaky Chardonnay with generous ripe pears and green apples. 588418 14% MD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Red Wine

Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: Delicious notes of purple plums, blueberries and vanilla oak. Full-bodied with a touch of pepper. 434605 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Efrat Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006, Ella Valley, Israel: A rich, full-bodied wine with warm notes of mocha and black plums. Wrapped in smoke from French oak aging. Kosher for passover. 613091 13% XD 750 mL $14.70 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Sauvignon Franc 2006, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Aged in small oak barrels. Notes of blackcurrants, cassis and blackberries with a smoke and cedar backdrop. Full-bodied and smooth. 303800 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, California, United States: A warm, full-bodied red with juicy notes of black plums and cassis. Cedar, smoke and vanilla notes from the oak. Deliciously smooth. Closed with a screwcap. 68924 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Barefoot Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: A simple, supple, delicious Cabernet with juicy black fruit notes and a kiss of oak. 97113 13% XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Durbanville Hills Shiraz 2005, South Africa: The vineyard looks over the Atlantic Ocean, which helps extend their ripening through a maritime climate. Matured in small French oak barrels. Notes of blackberries, purple plums, vanilla and smoke. Full-bodied, simple and delicious. 22269 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Penmara Five Families Shiraz 2006, New South Wales, Australia: Robust red with black fruit and oak. Simple and tasty. 568929 14% D 750 mL $14.45 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2006, British Columbia, Canada: Rich notes of mocha, coffee, black plums, vanilla, and smoke. Smooth tannins and a lovely finish. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 222222 14% XD 750 mL $17.99 Score: 89/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2006, British Columbia, Canada: A lovely, rich and deeply textured Cabernet Merlot. Notes of black raspberries with vanilla and smoky oak. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 530725 14% XD 750 mL $17.99 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

The Spanish Quarter Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo 2006, Spain: A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Tempranillo with notes of sweet, ripe cherries, raspberries and plums. Smooth and full-bodied. 72546 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz 2005, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A rich, berry-ripe Shiraz with black cherries, vanilla and a little spice. Full-bodied and smooth. Closed with a screwcap. 189415 14% D 750 mL $9.50 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Wild Horse Canyon Shiraz 2007, British Columbia, Canada: Lip-smacking sweet plums and a smooth texture on this juicy little number. 54429 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2007, Chile: Terrific for the money! Smooth, juicy and delicious. Medium-bodied. Great aperitif and party wine. Notes of ripe cherries and strawberries. Closed with a screwcap. 341602 12% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

E. & J. Gallo Winery Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, California, United States: A delicious, straight-forward, full-bodied red with a smooth texture and ripe dark plum notes. 326447 13% 750 mL $15.35 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Alianca Tempranillo Blend 2005, Barirrada, Portugal: Vista TR, from the Beiras region of Portugal, is produced from two local grape varieties; predominantly Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo in its native Spain) with 10% French oak barrel-aged Touriga Nacional. Terrific value for this robust red. Aromas of black raspberries, blackberries and toasty oak. 89672 13% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Baron Ricasoli Campo Ceri Chianti 2006, Tuscany, Italy: The original blend for chianti was created by Baron Bettino Riscasoli in 1874. This is a blend of sangiovese and canaiolo grapes. A lovely ruby wine with deep notes of ripe red cherries and black raspberries. Full-bodied and smooth. 241844 13% XD 750 mL $13.00 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Shiraz 2006, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A spicy, peppery number with blackberries and black fruit. Smokey oak notes. 70052 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

McWilliams Hanwood Estate Merlot 2006, Australia: A supple, smooth, full-bodied red with notes of black plums, blackberries and smoke. 621599 14% XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Red Rooster Winery Meritage 2006, Okanagan Valley V.Q.A. British Columbia, Canada: Red Rooster Winery is located above Okanagan Lake on the Naramata Bench, just north of Penticton. This area is known for its southwestern exposure and unique microclimate. And why a rooster? Because the winery's founders kept Rodiseland Reds in Switzerland; because roosters are good luck symbols in many cultures; and because roosters have a long association with wine (for example, the rooster is the symbol of the Chianti region of Italy). The grapes for the Meritage come from a variety of vineyards through the south Okanagan, including Malbec from the home vineyard. After primary fermentation was done in open top stainless steel tanks the wine was aged in a combination of American and French oak for 12 months. A rich, robust red with notes of ripe blackberries, cinnamon, vanilla and mocha. Smooth with a good finish and silky tannins. 533208 13% 750 mL $24.99 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

De Bortoli Vat 10 Pinot Noir 2006, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Simple, delicious red bursting with ripe cherries. Smooth and medium-bodied. 61622 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Gamay 2007, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: Lovely ripe tart raspberries, strawberries and cherries. Light- to medium-bodied and very fresh. Serve slightly chilled. 291112 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q. A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A superb pinot of elegance, finesse and balance, Aromas of ripe cherries, fresh earth, vanilla, pomegranate and violets. 33894 13% 750 mL $70.00 Score: 94/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Rosemount Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2007, Australia: A blend of 65% Shiraz, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. Parcels of this wine were matured for four months on oak. A supple red with cassis, blackberries and plum aromas. Toasty oak notes fill the glass. Closed with a screwcap. 214270 XD 750 mL $14.05 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Obikwa Shiraz 2008, South Africa: A full-bodied delicious red with notes of mocha, smoke, oak and black plums. Great value for the money. Closed with a screwcap. 527499 13% XD 750 mL $9.50 Score: 86/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Dalton Safsufa Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Galilee, Israel: From vineyards in upper Galilee, a lush, smooth, full-bodied red with notes of blackberries and plums. Some faint vanilla and smoky notes. Kosher for passover. 28266 13% XD 750 mL $18.35 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Inniskillin Wines Varietal Series Pinot Noir 2007, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A mouth-watering, light-bodied, smooth red with notes of tart cherries and pomegranate. The acidity makes this wine a natural food partner. 261099 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Merlot 2006, British Columbia, Canada: Similar to previous vintages the Merlot grapes were crushed and fermented in separate lots. After fermentation the wine was then placed in American oak barrels and allowed to age for approximately one year. A combination of new to four year old barrels were used for aging. After oak aging the wine was put into stainless steel tanks where the different lots were allowed to blend together before being bottled in May of 2008. A juicy, generous, supple Merlot with full-bodied notes of raspberries, mocha and vanilla spice. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2014. 530725 14% D 750 mL $18.99 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Wolf Blass Gold Label Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2007, Adelaide Hills, Australia: A vibrant, medium-bodied red with ripe cherries and plums. Silky tannins. Closed with a screwcap. 599787 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Rosemount Estate Grenache Shiraz 2007, Australia: A blend of 55% Grenache, and 45% Shiraz. Parcels of this wine were matured for four months on oak. Luscious, juicy and welcoming. This red has mouth-watering ripe red berries and plum notes. Full-bodied goodness with a supple texture. Closed with a screwcap. 476838 XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Soft and plush with lovely ripe cherries and berries. A hint of vanilla. Medium-bodied and smooth. Love it! 54353 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Espiritu De Chile Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Central Valley, Chile: A delicious, lip-smacking, full-bodied red with mocha, ripe black plums and juicy cherries. Vanilla and smoke fun. 60657 14% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Lindemans Shiraz Reserve 2006, Australia: A hulking, brooding, oaky number that's perfect for full-on wine lovers. Notes of black plums and berries. Closed with a screwcap. 482299 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Golan Heights Winery Yarden Mount Hermon Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005, Galilee, Israel: A robust, rich blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. Classic notes of cassis and blackcurrant. Balanced, with a long satisfying finish. Grown from vineyards in the Golan Heights in a cool climate with rocky volcanic soil and a high altitude. Kosher Lamehadrin and kosher for passover. 611293 13% XD 750 mL $17.45 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Stellenbosch Dornier Donatus Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, South Afirca: A Bordeaux blend that's cellar worthy. Smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Terrific vibrant and full-bodied red with cassis, black plum and blackberries. Drink: 2008-2015. 606020 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Baco Noir Reserve 2005, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: Aged in a combination of new and one/two year old American Oak for 15 months. A gorgeous, full-bodied red with deep notes of black plums and blackberries. Cedar and spice notes. 461699 13% 750 mL $22.50 Score: 89/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Gaya Nebbiolo 2004, Barbaresco: In 1856 the Gaja's opened a small tavern in the town of Barbaresco. Here they started to serve their own wines to complement the food. The success of the winery came through the four generations of Gaja's, with each generation improving the quality of wines. It changed drastically when Angelo joined the family business in 1961. He did this by stopping buying grapes from other local farmers, reducing the yields, identifying the best Barbaresco vineyards and vinifying and bottling them separately. A perfectly delicious, robust red redolent of violets, black cherry, mushroom, earth and cigar box. 226568 750 mL $88.00 Score: 95/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Don Mendoza Merlot Reserve 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A lip-smacking, delicious and full-bodied red. Notes of mocha, luscious plums, black cherries and vanilla. Smooth and round. Vineyards are in the Uco Valley, which has hot days and cold nights. 29306 13% XD 750 mL $10.50 Score: 89/100. December 4, 2008 Best Value Red. Full Review

St. David's Bench Vineyard Gamay Droit 2007, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A peppery, robust number loaded with delicious blackberries and black plums. Great balance and smooth texture. 582353 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Angels Gate Winery Gamay Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,, Canada: After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the Gamay Noir was aged in new and seasoned French oak barrels. Hand-harvested, hand-sorted in the vineyard and hand-sorted at the winery. A remarkable wine for the money. Bright, zippy cherries with ripe strawberries. Mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied. 107714 13% MD 750 mL $12.75 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Inniskillin Wines Pinot Noir Reserve 2007, Niagara Peninisula V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: Rich Pinot with ripe cherries and plums and a smokey oak backbone. Full-bodied. 669390 12% 750 mL $18.25 Score: 88/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Ubuntu Shiraz 2006, South Africa: A simple and delicious red with ripe plums and blackberries. Smooth and full-bodied. 665281 14% XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 85/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Rosés

Beringer Vineyards White Zinfandel Rosé 2007, California, United States: Step back form your prejudices! Drinking white Zinfandel doesn't mean you're less evolved. We've got sweetness here but not syrup. Ripe, sweet strawberries fill the glass. Sunshine on a summer day. 60715 10% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Best Value Rosé. Full Review

Sparkling Wine

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut 2006, Ontario, Canada: A lovely bubbly with notes of ripe strawberries and white lilies. Medium- to full-bodied. Non-vintage, keep chilled. Chill up to four hours in its thermal tube packaging. 83139 12% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Favorite Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut, Australia: A fruity and delicious bubbly that's a great value. Notes of lime and green apple. 649996 10% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Banrock Station Sparkling Chardonnay, Australia: A generous, fruity, tasty bubbly with notes of green apples and white peach. Great value. 534974 11% XD 750 mL $12.80 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Moet and Chandon Dom Perignon 1999, Champagne, France: A toast, robust Champagne with notes of brioche, ripe pear and green apples. The age on this bubbly has deepened its flavors and aromas, bringing out the yeasty notes. Extraordinarily long finish. 280461 12% XD 750 mL $219.95 Score: 96/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Dessert Wine

Reif Estate Vidal Icewine 2005, V.Q. A. Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A vibrant icewine filled with honeyed notes of ripe apricot and baked peaches. 544791 10% 200 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Graham's 10 Years Old Tawny Port 1998, Portugal: Graham's wines come primarily from its own Quinta do Malvedos near Tua and Quita das Lages in Rio Torto. Graham's 10 Years Old is made from wines matured in seasoned oak casks of 534 litres until their peak of maturity is reached. Gorgeous notes of caramel, toffee, almonds and honey. Lovely tawny color. Great depth and complexity. 206508 20% S 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Fielding Estate Winery Vidal Icewine 2004, Ontario, Canada: A lovely smooth dessert wine with appetizing aromas of ripe pear, peach, orange peel and honey. 86850 10% 200 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Riesling Icewine 2007, Niagara V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A gorgeous and luxuriously concentrated elixir. Ripe apricots, honey, and brioche. Heavenly wine: Riesling with wings. 430561 9% S 375 mL $54.95 Score: 93/100. December 4, 2008 Favorite Dessert Wine. Full Review

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003, Portugal: Graham's 2003 Late Bottled Vintage, like Vintage Port, is a wine of a single year but it is not a "declared" Vintage Port. Whereas Port spends only two years in casks and the matures in bottle, LBV is aged in casks and then bottled with a light filtration at between four and six years old. At the time of bottling it has completed its maturation and is ready for drinking without the need for decanting. Aromas of dried figs, purple plums and jammy blackberries. Smooth, full-bodied and warm. Superb value. 191239 20% S 750 mL $16.80 Score: 87/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Riesling Reserve Icewine 2006, V.Q.A. Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada: This hedonistic elixir captures the essence of ripe pears and peaches in a glass. A well-made, elegant icewine with classic notes of honeysuckle, lychee and orange marmalade. It's luscious yet lively, perfect for starting a new romance, or I guess, ending an old one. Life's bittersweet, isn't it? 24898 9% 375 mL $55.00 Score: 94/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review