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Wine Picks November 6, 2010

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Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

Dessert Wine

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005, Port, Portugal: Terrific value for this tasty after-dinner drink. Aromas of blackberry jam and blackcurrant perserves. 191239 20% XD 750 mL $17.45 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Featherstone Winery Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc 2008, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Lovely cinnamon-sprinkled apple pie with sweet fleshy strawberries. Such a playfully fun, tasty wine… surprise yourself Drink: 2010 - 2015 210757 11.5% S 375 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Miguel Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2009, Catalunya, Spain: Luxurious layers of black cherry and plums. A smokey weave of oak on the finish that is satisfying and long-lasting. Incredible quality and taste for this price. Tempranillo food pairings: red meats, creamy cheeses, traditional paellas. Drink: 2010 - 2015 29728 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Compendium 2007, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A, Canada: This superb blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet France, 21% Merlot and 5% Petite Verdot offers gorgeous depths of blackcurrant, blackberry, dark spices and smoke. Savoury notes come through as well such as sage, cedar and black cherry. Perfect for dinner parties. Drink: 2010 - 2018 520097 14% MD 750 mL $55.00 Score: 94/100. November 2010. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Quatrain Merlot blend 2007, Okanagan, V.Q.A, Canada: This delicious blend of 42% Merlot, 24% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific structure and balance. It's full-bodied with rich flavours of dark berries and other fruits, with a kiss of toasty oak on the finish. Drink: 2010 - 2015 776545555618 14% MD 750 mL $45.00 Score: 90/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, United States: Round, full-bodied and balanced with attractive aromas of cassis and blackberry, an a touch mint. Terrific structure. Drink: 2010 - 2013 833376 14.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hillier Creek Estates Gamay 2007, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Light and pleasant with peppery cherry notes. Easy drinking; great for movie night. Gamay food pairings: bruschetta, turkey, pork. Drink: 2010 - 2012 23406 11.5% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 86/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Painted Rock Estate Winery Ltd. Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Big, black bruiser with fleshy dark fruit and smoky oak. Needs time, but will be magnificent when mature. Aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months. Smokin! Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: red meats, flavorful and hearty (red) pastas, lamb, strong-flavored cheese, dark chocolate. Drink: 2010 - 2017 864496 14% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 90/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Central Valley, Chile, Chile: Stunning quality and taste for the money! Plush dark berries and plums with nicely integrated oak. Good acidity makes this a terrific wine for food: it'll literally whet your appetite. I can't think of a better party wine, whether it's a large gathering or a smaller dinner party. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: meat dishes, game, barbecued or grilled meats. Drink: 2010 - 2014 177451 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Barossa Valley, Australia: Lovely dark chocolate, mint and blackberry aromas on the nose. Great structure and balanced, with full-bodied weight. Judicious use of oak. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2010 - 2015 39537 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 2010. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Artisian Wine Co Wild Horse Canyon Merlot 2008, British Columbia, Canada: Plummy rich with a plush, smooth medium body. Great party wine. Drink: 2010 - 2012 776545999160 13.5% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Artisian Wine Co Wild Horse Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Canada: Tasty and gulpable with a smooth, medium-bodied texture and weight. Aromas of ripe dark berries. Great party wine. Drink: 2010 - 2012 776545999153 13.5% M 750 mL $11.95 Score: 85/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jackson-Triggs Delaine Vineyard Merlot 2007, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Gloriously plush and supple with aromas of black plum, dark spices and black cherry. Velvet texture and the promise of happiness. Works for dinner parties and more casual gatherings. Drink: 2010 - 2015 989285 13.8% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ravenswood Icon Mixed Blacks Named Varietal Blends-Red 2007, Sonoma County, United States: A big, blockbuster wine yet lively and vibrant, not heavy. Voluptuous layers of fleshy dark cherries and blackberries. A wine to cuddle up to and hoard. Drink: 2010 - 2019 200873 13.5% D 750 mL $76.00 Score: 94/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos Du Bois Briarcrest Cabernet Sauvigon 2005, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, United States: A big, black-fruited beautiful wine with deep, brooding aromas of blackberry, dark plum and black currant. Full-bodied with a towering structure. A dark spice-infused finish that is satisfyingly long. This wine screams steak! Drink: 2010 - 2017 954933 15.5% D 750 mL $45.00 Score: 93/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos Du Bois Marlstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, United States: Nicely balanced with terrific structure and full-bodied weight. Classic aromas of black currant and cassis. An elegant dinner party wine or gift. Drink: 2010 - 2016 955104 14.5% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chapoutier Syrah Blend 2008, Cotes Du Rhone Villages, France: Rustic and robust with cedar-infused aromas of dark cherries and berries. Lip-smacking tasty and supple. 321539 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.80 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cellierdauphins Carte Noire Syrah Blend 2008, Cotes Du Rhone, France: Simple and tasty with dark berry flavours and no heavy oak. 110197 14% XD 750 mL $10.00 Score: 83/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chanson P & Fils Pinot Noir 2008, Bourgogne, France: Lovely cherry-berry flavour, almost New World in style. Supple and silky with a medium body. Very versatile with food. 50575 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Perrin & Fils Les Sinards Syrah Blend 2007, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, France: Gorgeously robust with a river of black cherry liqueur running through it. Love it! 926626 13.5% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 91/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Vieille Ferme Syrah Blend 2019, Cotes Du Ventoux, Rhone, France: Vibrant and ripe, bursting with bright cherry flavour. Full-bodied and smooth with some pepper notes on the finish with enough to go around in this 1.5L format. Drink: 2021 - 2023 447896 13% XD 1500 mL $25.40 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ogier Heritages Syrah Blend 2007, Cotes Du Rhone, France: Terrific value for this ultra-tasty, robust red with black cherry and black raspberry and some pepper. Great party wine! 535849 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Big House Winery Red 2008, California, United States: A delicious, full-bodied red that delivers terrific value at this price point. Wonderful red for potluck gatherings and pizza night. 178632 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Graham Beck Railroad Red Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, South Africa, South Africa: A robust, well-oaked red with black fruit and smoke 665273 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.65 Score: 86/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Auka Malbec 2007, Argentina, Argentina: A full-bodied, black-fruited red with generous oak and smoke. 168401 13.9% XD 750 mL $12.15 Score: 85/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errázuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Chile, Chile: Full-bodied, rich and wonderful! Black fruit, good tannic grip. Decant for 1-2 hours. Perfect tseak wine. 335174 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Washington, United States: Lovely mocha-rich nose with black plums and currants. Rond and luxurious with a dark chocolate (dry) finish. 144022 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Capitana Barrel Reserve Carmenere 2009, Chile, Chile: Full-bodied with black berries, plums and dark chocolate notes. Smooth and long. 169896 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.40 Score: 86/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2007, New Zealand, New Zealand: Big acidic attack here that's lovely with a dish that has equal acidity. Lovely cherry-berry flavour, supple and medium-bodied. 146548 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errazuriz Carmenere 2009, Chile, Chile: Phenominal value for this rich red bursting with dark berries and ripe, fleshy plums. An herbal note on the finish with some smoke. 16238 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alegoria Navarro Correas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Argentina: A full-bodied, ultra-dry wine with aromas of blackcurrant and blackberries. 28936 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sella & Mosca Reserva Cannonau Di Sargegna 2006, Sardinia, Italy: Love the Old World styling here! Aromas of alluring leather, spices and earth. So lovely not to taste a fruit bomb. Widen your world with this wine. Fantastic value. 425488 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clancy's Red Peter Lehmann Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2007, Barossa, Australia: Full-bodied with juicy ripe black fruit and a generous treatment of oak. Smoky finish. Drink: 2007 - 2011 611467 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.00 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Classic Chilean nose of cassis, blackberry and smoke. Full-bodied and lip-smacking tasty. 337238 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Jadot Pinot Noir 2007, Bourgogne, France: Vibrant acidity with ripe, bright cherries and field raspberries. Medium-bodied and silky. Wonderful and versatile food wine. 162073 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kim Crawford Constellation Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Juicy, mouth-watering pinot with ripe fleshy cherries and field berries. Medium-bodied and smooth. 626390 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Wayne Gretzky Estates Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: Wonderfully concentrated in flavour without a trace of heaviness on the weight. Here's minerality if you've been wondering what the heck that is. Aromas of peach, dry apricot and lime. Some kind of wonderful! 144865 11.3% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand: Herbal, grassy and refreshing with a lime zest finish. Perfect for a wide range of vegeatrian dishes, salads and shellfish. 610972 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

TILIA Torrontes 2009, Argentina, Argentina: Exotic wine with floral aromas! Open your senses and world of hedonistic happiness and try this wine. I can't imagine a better wine for Asian and curries. 186403 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand: Herbal and refreshing with lime-grassy finish. Mouth-watering and very versatile with food. 293043 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandhill Winery Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., British Columbia, Canada: Okay buttery chardonnay with a blousy, full-bodied weight and rich texture. Perfect for cream sauces and lobster in butter. 157982 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2009, New Zealand, New Zealand: Herbal fusion with lime, chives and lemon zest. Very refreshing. 426601 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trout Vallet Riesling 2008, Nelson, New Zealand: Wonderful balance with refreshing aromas of limes, chive and lemon zest. 177790 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Dry Riesling 2008, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: You simply won't find a better price/quality ratio among white wines. Gorgeous aromas of vibrant peach, pear and dry apricot. Zippy acidity. Goodness, this is a fantastic wine! 233635 11.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. November 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Cellars Estate Bottled Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A lovely medium-bodied white with aromas of lime and granny smith apples. Mouth-watering and juicy. 234583 11% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Simi Winery Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma County, United States: Rich, round and generous with lapping layers of pleasure. Aromas of green apple and toasted almond. Yum! Chardonnay food pairings: mushroom risotto, crab cakes, roast chicket, bouillabaisse. Drink: 2010 - 2013 200881 14.5% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2007, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, United States: Buttery-rich and mouth-filling with aromas of ripe peach, pear and apple. Perfect for dinner parties. Drink: 2010 - 2014 421941 13.8% MD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jackson-Triggs Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: A zippy white with herbal, grapefruit and lime aromas. A riotously refreshing wine! Drink: 2010 - 2012 988330 13.2% D 750 mL $19.75 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hillier Creek Estates Riesling 2009, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A pretty, mouth-watering white with aromas of lime and white peach. Terrific aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Riesling food pairings: light fish dish, pickerel mild cheese, fruit plate. Drink: 2010 - 2012 1822 10.5% MD 750 mL $19.00 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château des Charmes Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musqué 2008, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Lovely floral aromas with peach blossom palate. Wonderful blend of tangerine zest and honeysuckle, yet this is a dry and refreshing white. Break out of your Chardonnay rut tonight with this wine. Unoaked yet packed with flavour. Simply brilliant! Chardonnay Musqué food pairings: pan-seared arctic char with a citrus glaze, tender greens with a lemon poppyseed vinaigrette. Drink: 2010 - 2012 322016 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Martin's Lane Riesling 2009, Okanagan, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Absolutely superb Riesling! Clearly now one of Canada's best white wines. Lovely aromas of white peach, white flowers and a little flinty-petrol on the finish (this is a good thing, trust me). Mouth-watering and packed with flavour yet not heavy: medium-body. Perfect for so many dishes or as an aperitif. (You won't care when dinner is ready if you're drinking this wine.) Drink: 2010 - 2016 776545993007 13% M 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Perpetua Chardonnay 2008, Okanagan, V.Q.A, Canada: Rich, round and full-bodied with lovely aromas of green apples, almond and vanilla smoke. To die for with lobster in butter or roast chicken. Drink: 2010 - 2015 776545555564 13.5% M 750 mL $40.00 Score: 90/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château des Charmes Generation Seven White 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Amazing quality for the price! A mild, soft white with pretty aromas of white flowers and melon. Like pinot grigio but more fun. Food pairings: oven-roasted chicken basted with fresh herbs, lemon and butter, sweet potato mash. Drink: 2010 - 2012 197988 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Prospect Winery Larch Tree Hill Riesling 2009, Okanagan, V.Q.A, Canada: Zippy and refreshing with notes of lime, Granny Smith apple and lemon zest. Great aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Riesling food pairings: spicy dishes, chicken curry, stir-fried scallops, exotic cheeses. Drink: 2010 - 2013 145136 12.5% D 750 mL $12.99 Score: 87/100. November 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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