Argentina
La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina: This wine won Gold and the trophy for best Cabernet Sauvignon at the first ever Argentina Wine Awards in 2007. A full-bodied red filled with black fruit wrapped in smoke. Drink: 2008 - 2009 66720 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Trentham Estate La Famiglia Sangiovese Rosé 2007, New South Wales, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Trentham’s La Famiglia wines are made using only classic Italian grape varieties. This Sangiovese rosé is easy-drinking with lovely aromatics of red cherry, strawberry and a hint of wild herbs. Juicy and refreshing with fruit salad flavors, it’s perfect to sip while lunching on an
antipasto plate on a sunny afternoon. My note: A simple light Rosé with pleasant strawberry notes. Serve slightly chilled. Closed with a screwcap. 66811 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Favorite Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Grant Burge Filsell Old Vine Shiraz 2005, Barossa, Australia: A full-bodied red with cherry liqueur notes. Shiraz food pairings: boar, game meats. Drink: 2008 - 2015 987453 15% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Coonawarra, Australia: Blockbuster red with a pow palate of black fruit. 590471 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Margaret River, Australia: A gorgeous wine at an amazing price. Full-bodied and smooth with notes of blackberries and plums. Drink: 2008 - 2010 59956 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Larch Tree Hill Riesling 2007, V.Q.A. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Ganton and Larsen are the two growers who supplied Mission Hill with its grapes in the winery’s early years. These well-respected properties are now the source for terrific wines like this citrus and
peach-packed Riesling. Soft and juicy with delicate mineral notes, it’s the perfect wine to sip and savor during the waning weeks of summer. My note: An exotic Riesling with Gewurztraminer in the blend. Notes of lychee, lime and rose petals. Closed with a screwcap. 70698 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wildass Rosé 2006, V.Q.A. Niagara Penisula, Ontario, Canada: A pleasant Rosé with ripe raspberry notes. Smooth without a lot of acidity. 71712 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Consistently a terrific value, this stylish Cab has the stuffing for some short-term cellaring, but it’s already delicious so why wait? It’s bursting with cassis, blackcurrant, and sweet spice aromas.
Dry and full-bodied with loads of fruit flavor as well as hints of dark chocolate and spice, this elegant Cab is supported by fine-grained tannins and balancing acidity. My note: An absolutely delightful wine with alluring aromas of mouth-watering black fruit and oak flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rare beef tenderloin, grilled ribeye steaks. Drink: 2008 - 2012 208859 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005, Central Valley, Chile: A terrific wine for the money. Full-bodied with juicy notes of ripe plums and blackberries. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva food pairings: juicy steak. 32110 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Martin Steimer Gewurztraminer 2006, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: This shows classic Gewürz aromas and flavors including honey, lychee, dried apricot and paraffin. Dry, ripe and round. My note: Gorgeous! Redolent of rose petal and lychee. Gewurztraminer food pairings: Asian dishes, curries, spicy shrimp dishes, salmon teriyaki. 709790 13.3% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Riesling 2003, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: With a combination of enviable terroir, ancestral knowledge and modern technology, the Sparr family have been at the top of the winemaking game for three centuries. This cellar-worthy Riesling comes from a tiny Grand Cru vineyard (0.9 ha) and features peach, apple and mineral flavors as well as racy acidity. An intense Riesling with a long finish. My note: A floral, aromatic white with white blossoms. Riesling food pairings: choucroute, roast pork. 686006 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Baret Bordeaux 2003, A.C., France: Loaded with classic Bordeaux aromas: cassis, blackberry and smoke. Bordeaux food pairings: steak, venison, boar. Drink: 2008 - 2010 81877 13% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Henri Delagrange Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: There is a famous quote from Volnay that says, “l’aimable gaieté fuire vos festins si de Volnay vous ne serves les vins”, which loosely translates as “the fun and gaiety will flee your feast if you do not serve Volnay wines”. This Pinot Noir, from the great 2005 vintage, is a true testament to this aphorism. So, to enliven your late summer or early autumn feasts, pull out this cherry-, berry and beetroot-scented wine. My note: A highly aromatic wine, beautifully perfumed with ripe cherries and violets. Medium-bodied and supple. 69138 13% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 92/100. August 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Saint-Just Cabernet Franc 2007, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: This fresh and fruity Cabernet Franc is sourced from 35-year-old vines in the heart of the Loire’s Saumur Champigny appellation. Dry, medium-bodied with fresh red berry flavours and a zesty seam of acidity. My note: A terrific, vibrant wine with bright notes of red berries and beetroot. Cabernet Franc food pairings: grilled burgers, sausages, pork chops, barbecue. 81331 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mas Janeil Cotes Du Roussilon-Villages Syrah Grenache Carignan 2005, A.C. Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Bordeaux-based Lurton brothers have been venturing into the Midi for some years now, producing exciting, quality-priced wines such as this. This popular blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan typically shows aromas of raspberry and red currants with notes of spice, pepper and chocolate. There is great fruit concentration and well-integrated oak in this fresh, full-bodied wine. A fantastic value. My note: A terrific wine for the money. Lovely, mouth-watering notes of black raspberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Syrah Grenache Carignan food pairings: grilled steaks, portobello mushrooms. 992800 14.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Les Roques Cahors Malbec 2006, A.C. Cahors, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Cahors is unique amongst the important appellations of Southwest France in that neither of the Cabernets are allowed in the blends. The majority must be Malbec (called Auxerrois, locally), with Tannat and/or Merlot in a supporting role. This example is filled with aromas and flavors of
spiced plum, cinnamon, blackberry, menthol, flowers and fresh herbs. A dry, supple, medium-bodied and food-friendly wine. My note: Juicy, with delicious notes of plums and blueberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Great value! Malbec food pairings: rich pasta, vegetable-based dishes. Drink: 2008 - 2010 948315 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Prunotto Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Italy: A stunning red, ready to drink now though it will last 15+ years. Notes of tar, black fruit, truffles and violets. Drink: 2008 - 2030 540079 13.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Camp Al Sorbo Rufina Riserva Chianti 1997, D.O.C.G., Italy: A gorgeous, balanced wine of tremendous depth. Dark red fruit and oak notes. Chianti food pairings: cheeses, roasts and grills. 551507 13% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Ciarliana Vino Nobile Sangiovese 2004, D.O.C.G. Di Montepulciano, Italy: Delicious, mouth-watering red that's perfect for Italian dishes. Notes of tart cherries and earth. Sangiovese food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce, lasagna, pizza. 73486 14% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Brigida Colli Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, I.G.T. Della Toscana Centrale, Italy: A pleasant, full-bodied sipper with black plum and cedar notes. Drink: 2008 - 2010 13599 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Schubert Marion's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand: Sexy, silky texture. Bursting with ripe cherries wrapped in smoke. Medium-bodied. 67009 14.1% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Capela De Sta. Margarida Tinto 2006, D.O.C. Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Trincadeira, Aragónês and Castelão (Periquita), this wine may throw a bit of sediment, even in its youth, as the producer does very light filtering or fining. By fining and filtering minimally,the producer believes he creates a wine with more flavor and impact than others that have been given full filtration. Look for rich plum, blackberry and earth aromas and flavors. My note: Another oaky wonder. Balanced with big, black fruit. Full-bodied. Tinto food pairings: braised beef dishes, venison, rich meat stews. 82172 13.7% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Colinas De Sao Lourenco Touriga Nacional Baga Merlot 2005, D.O.C. Bairrada, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Touriga Nacional, Baga and Merlot, this wine is filled with raspberry and other berry aromas and flavors. It is round and smooth textured with fresh acidity and ripe tannins for balance. Superb structure and persistently fruity finish make it an excellent value at this price. My note: A pleasantly bitter red with dark red fruit aromas. Full-bodied. Touriga Nacional Baga Merlot food pairings: roast beef, root vegetables. 81570 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quinta Da Fonte Jaen Aragónês Trincadeira Touriga Nacional Reserva 2005, D.O.C. Dao, Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Quinta da Fonte do Ouro is an exciting, up-and-coming Dão house producing balanced, flavorful wines such asthis blend of Jaen, Aragónês, Trincadeira and the great Port grape, Touriga Nacional (at least 50%). My note: A comfy wine like faded jeans. Dark red fruit and dried herbs. Jaen Aragónês Trincadeira Touriga Nacional Reserva food pairings: grilled steak, lamb. Drink: 2008 - 2012 80382 12.9% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Bellingham Dragon's Lair Shiraz Blend 2005, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Part of Bellingham’s Legends collection, this inaugaral vintage is a blend of 88% Shiraz, 10% Mourvedre and 2% Viognier. The name honours the legend of St. George’s victory over the rancorous dragon. Bursting with bright berry fruit flavours as well as touches of smoke and spice, this full-bodied red is fresh and well-balanced. My note: A great producer at various price points. This wine is rich and layered with dark red fruit notes. Shiraz Blend food pairings: bison burgers, lamb chops. 68692 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2001, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: Smooth and exotic red with high notes of cherry. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008 - 2013 947309 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Muga Tempranillo Reserva 2004, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: A deep, rich red that is consistently great year after year. Smooth, full-bodied with notes of dark plums and raspberries. Drink: 2008 - 2015 177345 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Emina Prestigio 2005, D.O. Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Scrumptious wine of many dimensions. Rich, layered and full-bodied with smokey notes of dark red fruit and cedar. Drink: 2008 - 2020 67066 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Senorio De Penalba Mencia Crianza 2003, D.O. Bierzo, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: For many years Mencía was thought by some to be a cousin of Cabernet Franc, while others suggested it was identical to Portugal’s Jaen. Those believing it to be Jaen were proven right. Producers in Bierzo have taken great care with this grape, dramaticallly reducing yields and sourcing from hillside-planted vineyards. The resulting wines are bright, flavorful and impeccably balanced. Sip this wine on its own to really explore it. My note: Ready for something different? Try this! Lovely notes of raspberry. Full-bodied and smooth. 82107 13.2% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Monasterio De Las Viñas Garnacha Blend Gran Reserva 2001, D.O. Carinena, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Garnacha (Grenache), Tempranillo, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon, this fine Gran Reserva is just approaching its prime drinking window. Featuring dried plum, raspberry, leather and vanilla aromas and flavours, this wine is clearly being released now to take advantage of its near-perfect maturity. My note: Mouth-watering, delicious red. Full-bodied, but not heavy with notes of ripe dark red fruit. Garnacha Blend Gran Reserva food pairings: braised beef dishes. Drink: 2008 - 2012 82024 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mas Collet Garnacha Blend 2005, D.O. Montsant, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Mas Collet is a blend containing two different clones of Garnacha (Grenache), as well as Cariñena, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the Garnacha clones is called the Catalan (Garnacha del Pais), believed to be indigenous to Spain, which thrives in the Montsant terroir. The other is the Grenache from the Rhône Valley (Garnacha Peluda), imported to Spain after the devastation of the Spanish vineyards by the phylloxera louse; it brings structure to the wine. The other grapes all add their own specialty to create a cherry-, blueberry- and toast-scented wine that is perfectly balanced on the palate by ripe tannins. My note: Simple, but delicious. Full-bodied. Garnacha Blend food pairings: grilled lamb, rabbit, cassoulet, ratatouille. 80705 14.4% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Artazuri Garnacha 2006, D.O. Navarra, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Made by Artazu’s brilliant winemaker, Juan Carlos Lopez de la Calle, this is a 100% old vine Garnacha (Grenache). Look for an elegant wine featuring raspberry, cherry and plum aromas and flavours. It is beautifully
textured and has a long finish. My note: A robust, simple red with black fruit and cedar. Garnacha food pairings: osso buco. Drink: 2008 - 2010 80812 14.4% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Piedra Tempranillo Azul 2005, D.O. Toro, Spain: Absolutely delicious! Tremendous value. Rich, ripe red fruit notes. Get out of your Merlot rut! Drink: 2008 - 2011 82214 14.4% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Muga Viura Malvasia 2007, Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, this wine is given a slow fermentation in new French oak barrels, plus a further three months resting on its lees. The resulting wine is rich, impeccably balanced and concentrated. My note: A round, rich white with ripe pear and oak notes. Viura Malvasia food pairings: planked salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2011 958736 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Franciscan Chardonnay, California 2006, Napa Valley, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Dry, medium full-bodied, this Chard offers ripe pear, apple and melon flavours with a touch of tannin and some mineral notes. Gentle with a creamy texture. My note: A stunning Chardonnay with layers of oak, butter and ripe peaches. Lose yourself in this wine. Full-bodied. Chardonnay, California food pairings: herb-roasted veal chops, roast chicken, pork. 496125 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pacific Rim Wines Dry Riesling 2006, Washington, United States: A simple, refreshing white with lemon and lime aromas. Closed with a screwcap. Dry Riesling food pairings: smoked fish, prosciutto. 70656 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. August 2008. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Napa Valley, California, United States: A stunning wine of incredible depth. A trophy wine that you should actually drink. Dark red fruit, smoke, violet and cassis fill the glass. Drink: 2008 - 2037 709881 14.5% XD 750 mL $132.95 Score: 91/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel 2006, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Contra Costa County is one of California’s most historic winegrowing appellations and home to some of the state’s oldest Zin vines which managed to escape the scourge of Phylloxera. This concentrated old vine Zin also has a small amount of Petite Sirah blended in for additional structure. Ripe and juicy, it’s bursting with wild berry, plum, ripe cherry and peppery spice and earth notes. My note: A rich, aromatic Zinfandel that's more complex than most Zinfandels I have tasted. Brambleberry and violet notes. Zinfandel food pairings: paellas, roasted chicken, barbecued ribs. Drink: 2008 - 2012 70425 14.8% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Waterbrook Syrah 2005, Columbia Valley,Washington State, United States: A full-bodied, black and brooding red. Drink: 2008 - 2013 70607 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 89/100. August 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart