Dessert Wine
Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2005, Hungary, Hungary: Gorgeous honeyed depth with apricot preserves and peach jam. The wine of kings, this makes any meal fit for royalty. 972836 10% S 250 mL $19.95 Score: 95/100. June 2010. Favourite Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
De Loach Pinot Noir 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A rich, deep California Pinot full of slightly chewy dark berry and cherry fruit, with hints of cola, Asian spices and forest floor adding complexity. My note: Ripe, fleshy cherry-berry flavours with purple plums in the background. Supple and full-bodied. Packed with flavour. Pinot Noir food pairings: stuffed veal tenderloin, planked salmon with fruit salsa. 25171 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bogle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: Juicy black and purple fruit with mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied and smooth with delicious flavours of blueberries and plums. 904565 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Beringer Third Century Pinot Noir 2007, Central Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Beringer’s Third Century line marks the beginning of their third century in business (they were established in 1876). For this elegant Pinot Noir, they use fruit sourced from Central Coast vineyards because they feel this region mirrors the cool climate of Burgundy. This wine exhibits aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, earth and oak spice. It is fruity, but ably balanced by fine-grained tannins. Cellar it for 2+ years. My note: Tart cherries with a silky-satin texture. Medium-bodied and rich in ripe berry flavour. Very balanced. Pinot Noir food pairings: pork roast. 43786 13.9% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, California, United States: Decidedly delicious! Pure cherry flavour with an ethereal lift that only Pinot Noir (the good kind) can give you. Satin texture and medium- to full-bodied weight. Stunning! 154442 14.5% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 92/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2006, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia: Strong minty aromas wrapped in fleshy blackberries. Full-bodied and supple. Powerful, whack! 935890 14.5% D 750 mL $19.25 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hugh Hamilton The Ratbag Merlot 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Ratbag is Aussie slang for a rogue, a cunning person, a non-conformist – in short, a real character. Quite a character himself, winemaker Hugh Hamilton lets his vineyards speak for themselves and tries to interfere as little as possible with the naturally ebullient and fruity character of this Merlot. We’re sure you’ll agree that this Ratbag is a charmer! Enjoy this winning wine. My note: Juicy, generous and it keeps on delivering on the palate! Fleshy ripe plums and berries. Supple and full-bodied, very purple plum and blueberry. Merlot food pairings: barbecued chicken, gourmet burgers. 59972 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hunter's Wines Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Jane Hunter, owner and viticulturalist of Hunter’s Wines, is in esteemed company. Her wines have gone on to win over 100 international prizes, and her Pinot Noirs are treasured by those who know and love this challenging grape. Enjoy this one now, or cellar for 2-4 years. My note: Chocolate and dark spice on the nose then it lifts on the palate to fleshy cherries and other berries. Silky texture with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Lovely! Pinot Noir food pairings: veal tenderloin, grilled lamb. 586115 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Du Séminaire Valréas Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Aromas of black cherry liqueur, cedar, dark spices and smoke. Lovely fleshy black raspberry notes. Full-bodied and supple. 173237 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Michel Gassier Les Piliers Syrah 2007, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Black as night, dark as pitch. This big brooder will deliver a mouthful of blackberries, black cherry liqueur and black fleshy plums. Some smoke on the finish. Superb effort! 678086 14% D 750 mL $19.25 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luigi Righetti Ripasso Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Campolieti means “happy fields,” a very appropriate name considering the high quality of the grapes used in this wine. Only happy vines could produce wines this good. Righetti’s ripe, rich and fruity Campolieti Ripasso is delicious with lamb or beef dishes. My note: Vibrant. Mouth-watering acidity but I love it! There’s also generous, juicy blueberries, blackberries and black raspberries. Full-bodied and supple. Needs food. Valpolicella food pairings: lamb, beef. 695890 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Monte Alentejano Reserva Dfj Vinhos Trincadeira Aragónez 2005, Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker Jose Neiva has crafted a wine, made with Trincadeira and Aragónez (Tempranillo), that is filled with blackberry, mint, plum and cedar aromas and flavours. Dry, smooth and elegant, this is a great wine to enjoy over casual food and great conversation, or great food and casual conversation. My note: Rustic, robust and tasty. You can’t go wrong for $12.95; that’s less than a parking ticket. Blackberries and smoke, nice combo to knock it back. 164848 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Torres Gran Sangre De Toro Reserva Grenache Cariñena Syrah 2005, D.O., Catalunya, Spain: Mature and at its peak, drink now. Leather, cigar box and dark berries. Full-bodied, supple and intriguing. Grenache Cariñena Syrah food pairings: grilled octopus, fresh tuna with sautéed peppers, broiled red snapper, salad. 315648 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Saint Siffrein Syrah Blend 2007, A.C.,Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Pure black cherry liqueur: dark, concentrated, supple and rich. A river of flavour flows over your mouth as you (somewhat wobbling) hold out your glass for a top up. It’s strong stuff but terrific. Drink: 2010 - 2022 169771 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 95/100. June 2010. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spier Wines Vintage Selection Pinotage 2006, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Supple, beautifully structured Pinotage featuring clean aromas of blackberry, vanilla and mint. Dry and quite fruity, with gentle acids and tannins bringing balance. Medium bodied with a lingering finish. My note: Intriguing notes of blueberries and purple plums. Full-bodied and satiny supple on the palate. Loads of satisfying flavour. Perfect for pizza and a movie. Pinotage food pairings: grilled portobello mushrooms, lamb kebabs. 146928 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vergelegen Mill Race Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Lots of plum and cassis as well as hints of oak adorn this well-made blend. Dry and fruity with impeccable balance coming from the ripe tannins and fresh acidity. This is a medium-bodied, long-finishing wine. My note: Love it! Meaty, robust aromas of dark fruit and savoury bacon fat. Supple and long-lasting (on your palate not in the bottle). Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot food pairings: grilled lamb chops, gourmet sausages. Drink: 2010 - 2015 146530 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hunter's Wines Pinot Noir 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand Pinot Noir food pairings: veal tenderloin, grilled lamb. 586115 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Domaine Houchart Jerome Quiot Rosé 2009, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Perfect for alfresco dining, this charming apple-, cherry-, cranberry- and strawberry-scented rosé is dry and fruity with a nice racy acidity bringing balance. Chill it down. My note: Such a pretty, bone-dry rose wit field strawberry notes and a lovely mouth-watering refreshment. Drink it all afternoon then have a nap. Rosé food pairings: warm chicken salad. 118653 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Maby La Forcadière Rosé 2009, A.C. ,Tavel, Rhône, France: Maby must be French for yummy! Gorgeous notes of fleshy strawberries and raspberries. I’m buying a case, how about you? 701318 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Favourite Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscato D'asti, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: One of the perfect late spring/early summer wines is Piedmont’s gently sparkling, slightly sweet, low-alcohol Moscato d’Asti. Perfect for those casual afternoon get-togethers on the backyard patio, especially when served with simple seafood nibbles or just-in-season strawberries. My Note: Every time I taste a Moscato, I fall in love. Orange zest, apple blossom and honeysuckle. Sweetness balanced with effervescence and acidity. Perfect after-dinner drink! Moscato D'asti food pairings: seafood nibbles, strawberries. 168195 6% MS 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Jermann Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy: A benchmark for Pinot Grigio: ripe notes of white peach, lime, grapefruit with a zesty finish. Incredibly refreshing and mouth-watering. Great as an aperitif or with many dishes, from seafood to salad. Pinot Grigio food pairings: salads, vegetarian dishes. 117093 12.5% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vineland Estates Winery Pinot Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2007 growing season was long, warm and ideally dry. As a result, relatively neutral but full-bodied wines, such as Pinot Blanc, benefited. This version is filled with apple, pear and green plum aromas. Dry and quite fruity. My note: Pleasant mild melon and white peach notes. No heavy oak. Refreshing aperitif; ideal for those who like Pinot Grigio. Pinot Blanc food pairings: grilled rainbow trout, grilled free-range whole chicken. 164467 11% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Morgan Highland Chardonnay 2007, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: Generous and luxurious with layers of flavour and velvet mouth-feel. Green apples, smoke toasted almond, hazelnuts and smoke. Yes, yes, yes! 953273 14.2% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wakefield Winery Chardonnay 2008, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A ripe, luscious, peach-, nectarine- and citrus-scented wine with well-integrated creamy oak tones. This is a clean, balanced, and fruity wine. My note: Robust Chardonnay with big aromas of butterscotch, vanilla smoke and fleshy peach. Full oak treatment in this full-bodied white. Chardonnay food pairings: roast pork, mushroom risotto, Chinese spice-encrusted duck. 711556 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kim Crawford Sp Flowers Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Adore it! Citrus notes lead with some herbal as a backdrop. Expertly made to deliver maximum pleasure. No heavy oak or alcohol: you’re free to enjoy pure fruit flavours of gooseberry. 69245 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. June 2010. Favourite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Lime fresh with vibrant, quivering notes of citrus and herbs. Mouth-watering and dangerously delicious. 32805 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal, yes, but also lifted through the middle by lovely citrus notes: lime and lemongrass. Lovely! Mouth-watering but not aggressive. ice balance here, no oak. Totally refreshing. 677450 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. June 2010. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Leopard's Leap Family Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Riveting and intense with aromas of green grass, gooseberry, asparagus and fresh herbs. Dry and racy with excellent aroma replays on the palate. Vibrant, full-throttled New World style of Sauvignon Blanc for your backyard barbecue. My note: Grassy and herbal with terrific refreshment! Needs food. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: barbecued fish, seafood. 146886 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Graham Beck Chardonnay 2008, W.O., Robertson, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Citrus-, peach-, apple-, toast and mango-scented Chardonnay with a lovely round and ripe texture on the palate. Mid-palate acids come in to bring a fine balance. It’s fairly full bodied and has a long fruity/oaky finish. My note: Good value for this toasty, buttery Chardonnay with green apple notes. Full-bodied and supple. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken with a wild mushroom sauce. 593475 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Morgenhof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008, W.O., Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Fuller-textured Sauvignon Blanc than usual with pleasing aromas of cut grass, citrus, nettle, melon and green peas. Dry with lots of ripe fruit brought into balance by racy acidity. Nicely made Savvy with hints of both the New and Old World. My note: Herbal and grassy with terrific acidity, this wine delivers great refreshment. Medium-bodied, versatile food companion. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled fish, grilled calamari with a mild sauce. 18507 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart