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Vintages Release June 21, 2008

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Rossignol Estate Iced Liberty Blossom 2006, Prince Edward Island, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Think Icewine made from apples. This unique, sweet treat combines McIntosh, Courtland and Red Delicious apples freeze-concentrated to produce a nectar-like fruit wine. A sinfully delicious dessert on its own. My note: A delicious wine with lovely notes of apple. Rossignol Estate Iced Liberty Blossom food pairings: cinnamon pastries, apple dumplings. 69476 11% S 375 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Neige 2011, Quebec, Canada: Fun! Essence of apple: the platonic ideal of apples. A delicious cider of green tart apples. 39305 12% MS 375 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Barossa Valley Estate E Minor Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Known the world over for its legendary E&E Black Pepper Shiraz and Ebenezer Shiraz, Barossa Valley Estate is proud to announce this new addition to the family. Deep ruby in color, this Shiraz exhibits intense aromas of blueberry, raspberry, plum, cocoa and spicy oak. It’s dry, medium to full-bodied with its juicy fruit flavors kept in harmony with lively acidity and user-friendly tannins, culminating in a lingering, lip-smacking finish. My note: Wow! A second label for an incredible price. This shiraz is loaded with black fruit notes. Shiraz food pairings: steak crusted in peppers and herbs. 71043 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Haut-Vigneau Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, Ac Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pessac-Léognan was separated from the larger Graves AC in 1987. Its distinctive soils, principally fine-draining gravel, are also assisted by its proximity to the moderating Garonne River. In fact, it is believed that the AC’s soils are pulverized rocks from when, eons ago, the river covered a much larger area. So the river not only affects the wines today, it also had an influence on the soils of the region. My note: A full-bodied, classic Bordeaux nose of cassis, blackcurrants and a touch of smoke. Drink: 2008 - 2012 29678 13.5% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 88/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Guyot Crozes-Hermitage Le Millepertuis 2005, Ac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: In Northern Rhône, the Rhône River is narrow, steep-banked and moves rapidly; in the southern Rhône, the river widens, the banks flatten out and the current slows. It is in the north that the Rhône’s most noble grape, Syrah, thrives. Growers have been known to plant their grapes in whatever superior nooks and crannies they can find along the river in this spectacular landscape. My note: A cedary black cherry wonder. Full-bodied and balanced. Guyot Crozes-Hermitage Le Millepertuis food pairings: steak, stew, bison. 73890 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

E. & J. Gallo Winery Frei Brothers Reserve Syrah 2005, Russian River Valley, Northern Sonoma, California, United States: Packed with black brooding fruit and layers of flavor. 60426 14.1% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Café Culture Merlot 2005, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Founded in 1973, Chateau St. Jean is one of the pioneers of fine winemaking in Sonoma County. This Merlot is a gem with attractive aromas of ripe black cherry, plum and spice notes. It’s dry and supple with rich plum flavors as well as some cedar notes all leading to a racy finish. My note: A classic merlot with plummy fruit notes. Terrific balance. Merlot food pairings: roast beef sandwhich, grilled spicy lamb burgers. 67926 D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 90/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Erath Pinot Noir 2006, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a great value for a classic Pinot Noir from Oregon. This solid wine, with its cherry, tobacco leaf and earthy aromas and flavors, would be a great house red to keep around all summer long. Dry, medium-bodied and supple. My note: A medium-bodied red with notes of dried herbs and cherry. Well-balanced with a long finish. Closed with a screwcap. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, roasted chicken, gourmet burgers. 394718 13.5% Xd 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ninquen Antu Syrah 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Viña Ninquén is amongst a number of Chilean producers now realizing the potential of planting at higher elevations. Ninquén’s mountain vineyards have produced a Syrah that is rich with layers of plush blackberry, plum and black cherry fruit flavors and aromas along with notes of mocha, earth and smoke. My note: A lip-smacking delicious red with dark red fruit notes. Syrah food pairings: smoky barbecue ribs, grilled lamb chops. 675371 14.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

De Martino Legado Merlot Reserva 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: For their Legado series, De Martino’s winemakers focus on highlighting the natural qualities of each grape variety and encouraging the wine to express a keen sense of place. Grapes for this Merlot are grown in the alluvial soils of the Santa Inés Vineyards in the picturesque Maipo Valley. With lush black cherry and vanilla notes and deliciously smooth tannins. My note: Incredible depth and concentration. Aromas of black fruit and a velvet texture. Merlot Reserva food pairings: roast beef burritos, smoked cheeses. 59345 D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Good balance with this full-bodied red. Great Length with aromas black fruit. Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled meats. 434662 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.00 Score: 88/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hollick Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: A lovely enveloping red with ripe black cherry and mocha aromas. Drink: 2006 - 2012 18343 14% XD 750 mL $75.00 Score: 90/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Torbreck Old Vines Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this wine was hand-picked, gently pressed with a traditional basket press and aged for 12 months in seasoned hogsheads and French oak. The finished wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined to preserve its complex character. Rich and luxurious, it features flavors of red cherry, plum, spice and earth wrapped in supple tannins. A pleasing, easy-drinking wine. My note: I love those grenache-based reds. Gorgeous depth and suppleness. Beautiful red fruit flavors. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008 - 2012 10223 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. June 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wakefield Winery Merlot 2005, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A red that possesses rich plum fruit notes with some hints of smoke. 683201 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Torlesse Pinot Noir 2004, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely, generous cherry fruit and dried herbs. Closed with a screwcap. Pinot Noir food pairings: chicken, pork, paté. 699330 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tohu Wines Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A full-bodied red. Juicy cherry fruit bursts through this bright, happy wine. Closed with a screwcap. 58156 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Raymond Julien Château Mirausse Le Grand Penchant Minervois 2006, A.C. Minervoi, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Minervois AC takes its name from the nearby town of Minerve, scene of one of the worst sieges in the 13th century between the Catholic Church and the Cathar sect. Archaeological evidence indicates that winemaking has been ongoing in this region since the time of the Romans. My note: A big black wine with smoky notes. Decant for 2 hours. Minervois food pairings: hamburgers, steaks, gourmet sausages, roasted vegetables. Drink: 2008 - 2012 61267 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mas Des Bressades Cabernet/Syrah 2006, Vin De Pays Du Gard, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah offers exceptional value year after year. Rich and concentrated, this wine is packed with cassis, blackberry, earth and spice notes with ripe tannins and acidity providing structure. My note: A terrific full-bodied, balanced wine with ripe red fruit and cedar. Mas Des Bressades Cabernet/Syrah food pairings: grilled bison steaks. 712174 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Les Vignobles Elie Jeune Domaine Du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2004, Ac, France: A big, hulking, oaky red with black fruit and a long finish. 993964 15% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2003, Veneto, Italy: A full-bodied red bursting with cherry liqueur, fruit and black plums. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: BBQ steak. Drink: 2006 - 2016 75127 15.5% D 750 mL $64.95 Score: 90/100. June 2008. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fonseca Porto Quinta De Camarate Touriga Nacional Aragonez Castelão 2005, Vinho Regional Terras Do Sado, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: An excellent value, this red is a blend of local grape varieties, namely Touriga Nacional, Aragonez and Castelão. It uses grapes grown along the alluvial Sado River, famed as a habitat for river dolphins. You can use your ‘bottle nose’ to appreciate the unique qualities the territory imparts to this exotic, plum- and coffee-scented wine. My note: A smooth, lovely textured red with plum fruit notes. A medium- to full-bodied red. Touriga Nacional Aragonez Castelão food pairings: black bean and avocado salad. 471268 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Los 800 Los 800 2003, D.O.C.A. Priorat, Spain: A terrific, delicious and unusual red, packed with bright red fruit. Full-bodied. 75150 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Bodega Francois Lurton Bodega Lurton Rosado Bonardo Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This thirst-quenching rosé comes from the Argentine outpost of the Lurton wine empire. A blend of Bonarda and Malbec, this dazzling pink wine is bursting with berry fruit flavors balanced by a lively seam of acidity. It’s a superb summer sipper. My note: A bone-dry rosé with notes of tart raspberries. Medium-bodied. 999839 D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Salena Estate Winery Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Rosé 2007, Riverland, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Salena’s family-owned estate winery modified their vineyard practices and launched a range of certified organic wines including this rosé blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. The 2007 growing season was very warm and dry in Riverland so the bright fruity flavors of strawberry and raspberry are very ripe. It’s dry, medium-bodied and soft-textured with a crisp fruity finish you can enjoy all summer long. My note: A soft and dry rosé with lovely notes of strawberries. Full-bodied. 68908 D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Laurence, Jean-François et Dominique Vaillant, Prop.-Vitic. Domaine Les Grandes Vignes Cabernet D'anjou Rosé 2007, A.C. Loire, France: A very soft, smooth, simple rosé with sweet raspberry notes. 71076 11% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Kendall-Jackson Camelot Chardonnay 2005, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The Camelot Chardonnay is a fantastic value and, hosts take note, it’s very food-friendly. This dry, medium full-bodied white offers a bouquet of ripe apple, pear and tropical fruit, good aroma replays and judicious use of oak. My note: A simple but pleasant chardonnay. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, buttery corn on the cob. 60319 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Waimea Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: A tart, mouth-watering white with grassy and herbal flavors. 714295 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Boyar Estates Blueridge X.R. Chardonnay 2004, Bulgaria, Bulgaria: Vintages Wine Panel: Since the collapse of the Soviet union, Boyar Estates has grown into one of the most dynamic, quality-focused wineries in southeastern Europe. This barrel-aged Chardonnay offers terrific value with ripe pear, apple, vanilla and toast flavors and aromas. Dry, soft and creamy. My note: A fantastic value. Simple but pleasant but not too oaky. Ripe pear fruit notes. Chardonnay food pairings: roasted chicken stuffed with lemon halves. 73197 13% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. June 2008. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antonin Rodet Meursault 2005, A.C. Côtes De Beaune, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The well-respected Nadine Gublin has been cellar master at Antonin Rodet since 1990. She and her team made this lovely Meursault from the impressive 2005 vintage. It displays a pale gold color with silver-grey tints, aromas of toast and vanilla with lemony notes, and flavors of toast, brioche, and white/dried fruits. My note: A lovely white with amazing balance. Chardonnay at its best. Meursault food pairings: freshwater trout, lobster in butter, corn dishes. 963470 12% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Masi Colbaraca Soave Classico 2007, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Masi proudly embraces the Soave DOC (while others have abandoned it) as they have found ways, within the rules, to make wines of distinction and impact. The Classico zone has a well-deserved reputation for superior Soave. Masi’s single vineyard Soave Classico is a crisp, flavorful wine that makes a great aperitif. My note: An aromatic white with vibrant citrus notes. Masi Colbaraca Soave Classico food pairings: hor d'oeuvres, mushroom risotto. 724161 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Select Lot Collection Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2005, V.Q.A. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A blend of 79% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Semillon. Two-thirds fermented in barrel and aged sur lies for 3 1/2 months in French oak. A dry mouth-watering style with intriguing melon and grapefruit notes. 68361 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 87/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zilliken Riesling Kabinett 2002, Qmp, Ockfener Bockstein, Estate Btld., Germany: Absolutely lovely and soft with floral and pear notes. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: seafood, chicken, pork, salads. Drink: 2008 - 2010 71241 8% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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