Vintages Wine Picks October 2, 2010

White Wine

La Crema Chardonnay 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The vineyards of Sonoma Coast have a long, cool, even-keeled growing season. Fog and winds from the nearby Pacific Ocean moderate temperatures throughout the growing season leading to an ideal slow-ripening process. The autumn is extended and the increased hang time results in highly concentrated aromas and flavours (apple, pear, citrus and vanilla amongst them) and crisp acids. La Crema ages this wine in a combination of both new and seasoned French and American oak for seven months, lending the wine a pretty smoky/oaky flavour. My note: Big, round and lovely with butterscotch, smoke, green apples and peach. Drink: 2010-2013.  962886  13.90%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Peter Lehmann Wines Riesling 2008, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Very interesting white with aromas of flint, Asian pear, grapefruit and lime. Crisp, refreshing and clean. Drink: 2010-2013.  186361  11%  XD  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal, grassy and refreshing with good acidity for food. Crisp and clean. Drink: 2010-2012.  734798  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Torres Gran Viña Sol Chardonnay 2008, D.O., Penedès, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Torres adds a dollop of the indigenous Parellada grape to their Chardonnay. The Parellada contributes a nice crisp punch to this round and generous Chard. Torres’ eco initiatives (e.g., the use of lightweight bottles) have garnered them green awards. My note: Wonderfully balanced and tasty! Aromas of green apples, peach, butterscotch and smoke. Nicely balanced. Perfect for Sunday dinner of roast chicken. A steal at this price. Drink: 2010-2013.  171660  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Coyote's Run Estate Winery Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The wine starts with a pretty medium-yellow/straw colour. The aromas suggest ripe apple, toast, tropical fruit and spice cupboard. Dry with an impressive balance between the fruit and the oak. Medium full-bodied with a substantial, and tasty, finish. This will improve in a cellar for 2-4 years, or enjoy it tonight or a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My note: Hazelnut-infused white with lovely green apple and lime notes. Full-bodied, rich and balanced. Drink: 2010-2014.  49775  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $21.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Wonderful revelation! Staggeringly great value/taste for the price. Packed with aromas of peach, pear, melon and zen. Perfect for almost any social situation and a wide variety of palates. Drink: 2010-2013.  599274  8.50%  MD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Los Vascos Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite) Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Assertive herbal and grass aromas with a mouth-watering acidity that cries out for food. Refreshing and crisp. Serve well-chilled. Drink: 2010-2012.  168534  13.50%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Pfalz, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Rainer Lingenfelder created the Vineyard Creatures QbA line of wines to highlight the clear, crisp, vibrant flavours of the vineyard. With its lovely aromatics of peach, nectarine and citrus and just-off dry flavours balanced by crisp acidity this very popular ‘Bird Label’ Riesling has been in our market many times. We debut the fine 2009 vintage in this release. My note: I recommend this wine year after year after year: love it! Incredible quality/taste for the price. Loaded with peach and pear fruit. Terrific mouth-watering acidity for so many dishes. Buy a case or two for your house white wine. Drink: 2010-2014.  568634  11%  MD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review


Kim Crawford Dry Riesling 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This dry Riesling is made in a distinctively New Zealand style. It has zesty lime and grapefruit characters with an underlying minerality. The palate is clean and vibrant, with good depth of flavor and acidity. Enjoy it with shellfish, such as clams, scallops and mussels. My note: Bone-dry Riesling that’s simply delicious! High on the hedonistic scale. Aromas of white peach, lime, lemongrass and sunny days running through a field of white flowers. Medium-bodied and zesty.  626408  12.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Peter Lehmann Wines Layers White Semillon Muscat 2009, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of semillon (39%), muscat (23%), gewurztraminer (16%) and pinot gris. Such a pretty wine! Aromas of field flowers, peach and pear and honeysuckle a fresh spring day. Terrific aperitif. Drink: 2010-2013.  167171  11%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review


Red Wine

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Dark berries and black plums perfume this wine. Full-bodied goodness and smooth texture. There’s a lot of hedonistic pleasure here. Perfect for movie night! Drink: 2010-2014.  84996  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 91/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Charles Cimicky Trumps Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Richly extracted with a deep vein with black cherry jam, blackberries and raspberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2013.  27383  13%  XD  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Ripely-sweet cherry fruit with luscious layers of flavour. Silky texture and medium- to full-bodied weight. Perfect for a wide range of foods and friends. Drink: 2010-2015.  687970  13.20%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


St. Augustine Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz 2006, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: St. Augustine is a proprietary red that is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. According to the John Platter South African Wines 2008, it lays claim to the title of most popular South African red since the 1940s. Named for the first Saint of Africa, this full-bodied wine is ripe and round and packed with plum, black cherry and notes of leather and spice. My note: A rustic, robust, straight-forward red with satisfying flavors of dark berries, cassis and smoke. Full-bodied.  652628  14%  D  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Merlot 2007, Peumo, Rapel Valley, Chile: Garrigue aromas of mixed dried herbs and cedar, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied and rugged and very delicious. Terrific value for the price. Long finish. Drink: 2010-2014.  939827  14.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: A solidly made wine with terrific balance and structure. The fruit is ripe and tasty but not over-the-top. Superb effort! Drink: 2010-2014.  226944  13.80%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Cantine Luciani Rosso Di Montalcino 2007, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Often made with younger vines from the same vineyard that produces Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso wines only require one year of barreling prior to release. In recent years, the wines have become credible quality wines that will age, but are also very accessible in their youth. Try this plum-, cherry- and earthy-scented with your best Tuscan dish. My note: Very pleasant, full-bodied, supple red with notes of black cherries and field berries. Rich and long. Drink: 2010-2015.  182238  14%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


La Rosa La Capitana Carménere 2009, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep, dark ruby, impossible to see through. Forceful cedar, blackberry and dark chocolate aromas, with a hint of mint. Dry with a very good structure featuring fine fruit/cedar flavours, plus nice, gently firm tannins and fresh acidity. This medium-full-bodied, long-finishing wine is a good candidate for 2-4 years in a cellar, or open it tonight (be sure to decant it). My note: Purple plum liqueur with dark cherry highlights. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth with fleshy ripe sweet fruit. Drink: 2010-2014.  169896  14.50%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Yering Station Little Yering Pinot Noir 2008, Yarra Valley, South Australia, Australia: Cherries and minty-medicinal on the nose. Silky satin texture and beautiful medium body. Juicy tasty. Drink: 2010-2014.  188094  13.50%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A full-on palate-whacker! Bring it on… aromas of black fruit, smoke, spice and a touch of pepper. Drink: 2010-2015.  535104  14.50%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 91/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Castelnuovo Del Garda Amarone 2006, .D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Tempting aromas of plum, cassis, dried fruit and chocolate spice lure you into even more fruit and herbs in the flavours, which show brilliant tenacity on the satisfying finish. Full flavoured with complexity to spare, this Amarone will impress. My note: Savoury and juicy: it doesn’t taste as dark and heavy as many amarones. Lovely concentaration of flavour, terrific dark cherries and mocha notes. Very smooth. Drink: 2010-2016.  181040  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $32.95  Score: 91/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Casa Lapostolle is the only Chilean winery to have the talents of international wine consultant Michel Rolland at its disposal. This muscular Cabernet is handpicked from the same 60-year-old vines as the winery’s flagship wine, Clos Apalta. Big and brawny, it’s full of blackberry, raspberry, cocoa and toasty oak flavours, with firm tannins and a long finish. Decant an hour before serving or cellar for 2-4+ years. My note: So smooth and long, takes you in gently… a killing-me-softly with gorgeous flavour and texture. Full-bodied with a deeply satisfying finish. Loaded with ark fleshy fruit. Drink: 2010-2015.  947929  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $34.95  Score: 93/100. October 2, 2010 Favourite Red Wine (Tied). Full Review


Stonehedge Reserve Zinfandel 2008, Amador County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The average age of the vines used to create this wine is estimated to be 75 years, as half the vineyards were planted a decade after prohibition and the other half date back to the early the 1900s. The result is an evolved and complex wine that is a true witness to what Old Vine Zinfandel character can be. It sports plenty of spicy fruit, a robust texture, and impressive concentration. My note: Juicy delicious with purple plums and blueberries. Full-bodied and supple. Lovely! Drink: 2010-2013.  183178  14.90%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Palacios Remondo Remondo La Vendimia 2008, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: A simple and robust red with peppery dark red fruit flavours. One to knock back rather than to analyze.  674564  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Maxwell Four Roads Shiraz Grenache Viognier 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Balanced and plush with a full-bodied and supple texture. Very attractive aromas of blueberry, spice, smoke and field berries. Very nice! Drink: 2010-2014.  57000  14.50%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Poggio Bonelli Riserva Chianti Classico 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Rich and luxurious with a supple texture and aromas of dark berries and plums. Lovely long finish. Drink: 2010-2018.  180067  14%  XD  750 mL  $28.95  Score: 92/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Juan Gil Gos Monastrell 2009, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The Juan Gil estate’s sandy/chalky/rocky soil vineyards (which sit at 700 metres above sea level) and Jumilla’s dry hot weather provide the ideal setting for the cultivation of Monastrell (Mourvèdre). Aged for four months in a mix of new French and American oak barrels, this full-bodied, well-balanced wine is dark and fruity, with lovely cherry and plum notes on the nose. My note: Awesome value: stock up for your fall parties. Rich aromas of black and purple plums, and dark berries. Ultra-supple and full-bodied. Top me up! Drink: 2010-2013.  94888  14.50%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review


Sandalford Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Minty black fruit with a smoky finish. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2013.  191080  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Ornellaia Tenuta Dell'ornellaia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Blend 2007, D.O.C., Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy: You bet it’s a great wine. Worth $179? Depends on what else is on your shopping list or your lifetime priorities. Great structure and balance with fleshy dark fruit and smoke. I like it but I’m too cheap to buy it. Drink: 2010-2018.  722470  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $179.95  Score: 92/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From the northern-Italian producer of our top-selling Essentials Collection wine (i.e., the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, 106450), comes this fruit-forward, vibrant Chianti Classico from Tuscany. This charming wine is made in the classic Chianti style with a fine combination of red fruits, plus game and underbrush aromas and flavours. My note: A juicy, chewy, mouth-watering red with attractive aromas of black cherry, sun-dried tomato, dried herbs and succulent blackberries. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair it with great conversation. Drink: 2010-2015.  91694  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Corte Giara Allegrini Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The popularity of Ripasso wines has soared over the past decade, and for good reason. Rich aromas of black plum, raspberry, and strawberry join with earthy notes of tar and licorice. The flavours echo the aromas, repeating on the palate through a dry, flavourful finish. A delicious and perfect complement for the rich gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce flavours that accompany a traditional Thanksgiving feast. My note: Love it! Juicy delicious with aromas of purple plums and blackberries. Some dark cherries prance down the middle of this wine leaving you thirsty for a top up. Have fun with it! Drink: 2010-2014.  83964  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Grant Burge Barossa Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Fifth-generation winemaker Grant Burge is a master of Shiraz. This fine version showcases classic Barossa character, with individual flair to boot. Opaque ruby red in the glass, it’s brimming with spicy fruit – think fully ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, with notions of menthol, cloves, dark chocolate and smoke. Dry, medium-full bodied and mouth-filling, with a silky texture, a ripe fruit core, and impressive tannic structure. Nice, lengthy finish. Hold for 1-2 years or savour it tonight. My note: Richly extracted with gorgeous depths of flavour. Aromas of black cherry liqueur, blackberry preserves and black raspberries. Full-bodied and sensual. Yum! Drink: 2010-2015.  738567  14.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 92/100. October 2, 2010 Favourite Red Wine (Tied). Full Review


Elderton Command, Single Vineyard Shiraz 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Classic Shiraz with textbook balance and fullness. A very big wine. Aromas of black fruit, smoke, spices and happiness. Drink: 2010-2015.  716142  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $89.95  Score: 92/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Pietro Rinaldi San Cristoforo Barbaresco 2006, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Robust and concentrated with black and purple berries and some espresso and smoke on the finish. Drink: 2010-2016.  184911  14%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Domaine De La Côte De L'ange Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Black cherry liqueur and dark rich brooding notes of cigar and spice. Blackberries and black raspberries… you get the theme here? Like Bach: slow, ponderous and thunderous. Drink: 2010-2017.  74856  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 91/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Cramele Recas La Putere Feteasca Neagra 2008, D.O.C., Recas, Romania: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with the hard-to-pronounce grape, Feteasca Neagra, this pretty wine is easy-drinking. It starts with an attractive medium ruby-red colour. The aromas suggest blueberry, raspberry, new leather and spice. It’s dry, quite vibrantly fruity, with a good core of acidity and gentle tannins. Ideal for rich autumn stews. My note: tasty, smoky and straight-forward. Great party wine. Aromas of dark fruit and tobacco. Drink: 2010-2013.  178830  14%  D  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 87/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: From 25-year-old+ vines, this Argentine Cabernet shows they can do so much more than just Malbec. Classic barrique-aged Cab aromas of cassis, vanilla, plum, cedar and smoky oak. Dry with a wonderful balance between the fruit, tannins and acidity. This is a medium-full-bodied wine. There’s enough structure to easily allow it to mature in a cellar for 2-3+ years. My note: Rustic, robust and straight-up tasty. Purple plums and berries. Drink: 2010-2013.  17202  14%  D  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 87/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Edge Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: A solidly made wine with great balance. Pleasant drinking. Full-bodied with dark fruit, some mocha and smoke. Drink: 2010-2014.  34223  14.40%  D  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Pleasant bitter fruit complexity mixed with violets and tar (yes that’s good). This is not your sweet fruit New World wine. I like it. Full-bodied. Needs cellar time. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2012-2016.  651141  14%  XD  750 mL  $64.95  Score: 91/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Apollonio Rocca Dei Mori Salice Salentino Rosso Negroamaro Malvasia Nera 2006, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Salice Salentino – blends vary, but this one is about 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera – has been made in Salento (the “heel” of Italy) for centuries. Sweet, slightly spicy aromas of mince tart, blackcurrant and blackberry mingle with some earthy, woody notes. The aromas recur in the flavours, revealing lots of crisp, ripe fruit that roll on the palate to a refreshing finish. A crowd-pleasing red, with a medium body and good length. My note: Black cherries wrapped smoke: absolute yum! A savoury bacon fat character in the middle that keeps me smacking my chops for more. Love it! Fantastic price… party wine. Drink: 2010-2014.  180257  14%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Banfi Centine 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: A pleasant quaffer with dark cherry, smoke, some spice and a supple palate. Full-bodied with good balance. Nice to have a decent half bottle selection.  980649  13.50%  XD  375 mL  $8.95  Score: 87/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Giuseppe Quintarelli Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2001, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: This one is so extracted and big that I feel my face warm before tasting it. Deeply rich and supple with a river of black cherry liqueur running through it. Bring it on if you like the full-monty palate whacker. Drink: 2011-2016.  986117  15%  D  750 mL  $84.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Louis Jadot Château Des Jacques Gamay 2006, A.C., Moulin-À-Vent, Beaujolais, France: A vivacious, happy wine with tart cherries that dance across your palate. Smooth, silky and medium-bodied, this is a wine you can drink over an evening rather than passing out on the sofa after a glass or two. Drink: 2010-2013.  700187  13%  XD  750 mL  $27.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Jackson-Triggs Delaine Vineyard Syrah 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Superb value and craftsmanship! Gorgeous depths of flavour with a rich, velvet texture. Full-bodied but balanced with aromas of fleshy blackberries and black raspberries. Perfect for casual get-togethers and dinner parties. Drink: 2010-2015.  86553  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 91/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Miguel Torres Mas Borràs Pinot Noir 2008, D.O., Penedés, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this gorgeous Pinot Noir is sourced exclusively from the small Mas Borràs vineyard where yields are kept very low to concentrate the fruit flavours. Aged in new Nevers French oak barriques for several months, it is rich with violet, cocoa, pomegranate, raspberry and earth aromas. The dense fruit flavours are brought into focus by ripe tannins and mild acidity. This is consistently one of Spain’s finest Pinot Noirs that can stand up to the best from anywhere else. A terrific match for game meats or cellar it for up to 5+ years. My note: I’ve recommended this full-bodied year after year. This year it delivers robust oak aromas hemmed with mocha followed by dark plums and berries. Very smooth. Drink: 2010-2014.  673483  14%  XD  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2008, Yarra Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty, ripe, smooth and juicy pinot whose fresh floral perfume and sweet presence of jammy red cherry fruit, molasses and charry oak is likely to flesh out with considerably more depth. My note: Deeply ripe and fleshy with black cherries and berries. Satin smooth and a long finish. Drink: 2010-2015.  472613  14%  D  750 mL  $29.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Lovely plush ripeness here with mocha, blackberries and cassis. A smoky finish is lovely. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2010-2015.  59956  14%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Arboleda Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Chadwick takes as much care with this fine entry-level wine as he does with his premium Seña. Look for raspberry, earth, plum and cedar aromas and flavours with a good core of tannin and acid to bring it all in line. Cellar it 2-4 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: So plush and delicious, this full-bodied red is liquid satin. Aromas of dark cherries and fleshy plums. Ultra-satisfying. Drink: 2010-2013.  46284  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Chalk Hill The Procrastinator Wits' End Vineyard Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied palate wacker with big black fruit and smoke. Enjoy with beef kebabs or gourmet burgers. Drink: 2010-2014.  684100  14.50%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Poulleau Père & Fils Les Mondes Rondes 2007, A.C., Côte De Beaune, Burgundy, France: A pleasantly tart and silky red wine with a medium body. Aromas of zingy cherries and cranberries. Very smooth and easy drinking. Drink: 2010-2013.  69518  12.50%  XD)  750 mL  $23.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Michel Torino Don David, Bodega El Esteco Malbec 2007, Cafayate Valley, Argentina: Fleshy dark berries descend on the palate followed by loads of dark cherries and some spices. Full-bodied and smooth. Terrific for the price. Drink: 2010-2014.  64998  14%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review


Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Delightfully vibrant with juicy rich flavours of purple plums and blueberries. Supple, full-bodied and gulpable. Drink: 2010-2014.  678698  14.50%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Evans & Tate The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Rich and deep with black plums and blackberries. Full-bodied and smooth with a smoky finish. Drink: 2010-2014.  60186  14%  XD  750 mL  $25.95  Score: 92/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Penley Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: A honkin’ huge wine with deep concentration of black cherry liqueur and blackberries. Plum preserves and a satin texture. Drink: 2010-2014.  701821  15%  XD  750 mL  $59.95  Score: 90/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review


Sparkling Wine

Freixenet Brut Nature Vintage Reserva Cava Macabeo Parellada 2007, Spain, Método Tradicional, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Freixenet used the indigenous Macabeo and Parellada grapes for this vintage-dated, traditional-method fizz. The earlier ripening Macabeo gives the wine a bright freshness, while the Parellada brings the fruit and the structure. The resulting bubbly is both quite flavourful and refreshingly crisp. My note: Stunning for the price! Crisp, toasty and tasty. Aromas of green apples and lime. Terrific! Drink: 2010-2013.  180844  12%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review


Dessert Wine

Konzelmann Estate Winery Vidal Icewine 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Absolute yum! It doesn’t get much better than this for pure hedonists. Apricot preserves, peach jam and sunshine. Lovely effort here. Drink: 2010-2015.  476192  10.50%  S  375 mL  $65.10  Score: 94/100. October 2, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine. Full Review