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Vintages Release June 6, 2011

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Argentina

Graffigna Centenario Grand Reserve Malbec 2008, San Juan, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A more restrained, refreshing style of Malbec from Argentina’s San Juan province. Deep ruby, with spicy plum, menthol, sour cherry, a hint of vanilla and coffee bean on the nose. Despite its elegance and fine tannins, it’s nonetheless substantial on the palate, with a medium-full body and good acidity, leading to a spicy, finessed finish. This intriguing style of Malbec still makes a fine partner for full-flavoured steaks and other red meat dishes, though it will also show nicely with somewhat lighter fare, such as grilled eggplant or sliced roast beef. My note: Juicy and generous with lovely aromas and flavours of rich fleshy black plums and berries. Love the texture on this wine! Drink: 2008 - 2013 162149 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Henry's Drive Morse Code Shiraz 2008, Padthaway, Australia: Wonderfully plush and juicy with delicious aromas and flavours of fleshy dark plums and berries. Smooth and full-bodied. This is an incredible price for this wine: stock up for your parties and summer barbecues. Shiraz food pairings: pepper steak, prime rib, brisket. Drink: 2010 - 2012 207399 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Knot Shingleback Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Big, black, ripe fruit with generous toasty oak. A smoky, brooding wine that is ultimately satisfying, full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for pizza night, poker night, movie night or a night on your own. Shiraz food pairings: meat lovers' pizza, hamburgers, juicy steak. Drink: 2011 - 2014 619395 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jacob's Creek Riesling 2010, Barossa, Australia: This lemony-floral crisp white is a breath of spring sunshine breaking through the clouds. It's bone-dry and mouth-watering which makes it perfect for cutting through the cheese on pizza or the cream in a pasta sauce. There's a zesty lime-citrus finish. Delicious! Riesling food pairings: oysters, shellfish, spicy Thai salads. Drink: 2010 - 2015 212704 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fifth Leg Shiraz Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Western Australia, Australia: A savoury, meaty, juicy red that's bursting with black plums and berries. There's a little mint on the nose which gives the wine a pleasant lift. Darkly concentrated, this is a terrific party wine. Start a party just by opening it. Shiraz Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb, roast beef, hambrugers. Drink: 2011 - 2014 212605 14.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kangarilla Road Vineyard & Winery Charlie's Blend Shiraz Cabernet 2008, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Wonderfully dark, fleshy blackberries and plums with lip-smacking, full-bodied weight and a smooth texture. Some lifted dark berries and spices on the finish. Incredible quality and value for this price point! Shiraz Cabernet food pairings: burgers, meat lovers' pizza, pasta and tomato sauce. Drink: 2011 - 2013 212720 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kangarilla Road Vineyard & Winery Kangarilla Road Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Spectacular richness and depth with savoury blackberries and meaty texture. Luscious, full-bodied flavours of black cherries, coffee and a whiff of vanilla smoke on the finish. This is definitely a second or third date wine when you know it's worth opening something special. Shiraz food pairings: beef wellington, BBQ AAA steak. Drink: 2011 - 2016 212738 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, South Australia, Australia: Big ripe blackberries and cassis in this powerful, full-bodied red. Loaded with black plum pleasure and a kiss of oak. Perfect for movie night. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak. 602615 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mitolo Junior Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Minty blackberry richness on the nose with the signature style and structure of Mitolo's flagship wine. Full-bodied and supple with lots of fleshy dark fruit. This is an exceptional value for the price point. Shiraz food pairings: steak, hamburgers. Drink: 2008 - 2014 183947 14.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pikes Wines Riesling 2009, Clare Valley, Australia: Lime blossom freshness and mouth-watering vibrancy! This lovely riesling cries out for food, and will partner with a wide range of dishes. The cool climate has preserved its zesty come-alive character. Riesling food pairings: seafood, freshly shucked oysters. Drink: 2009 - 2014 215111 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Knot Shingleback Shiraz 2015, Mclaren Vale, Australia Shiraz food pairings: meat lovers' pizza, hamburgers, juicy steak. Drink: 2011 - 2014 619395 14% D 750 mL $17.95 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Open Rosé 2016, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Rosé food pairings: light goat cheese, salad, sushi. Drink: 2017 - 2019 175349 11.3% D 750 mL $12.95 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Open Rosé 2015, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Rosé food pairings: light goat cheese, salad, sushi. Drink: 2009 - 2012 175349 11.3% D 750 mL $12.95 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Open Rosé 2018, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Rosé food pairings: light goat cheese, salad, sushi. Drink: 2020 - 2022 175349 11.3% M 750 mL $12.95 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Open Rosé 2017, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Rosé food pairings: light goat cheese, salad, sushi. Drink: 2029 - 2021 175349 11.3% M 750 mL $12.95 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Vidal Icewine 2007, V.Q,A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A rich, honeyed nectar of ripe apricots and peach preserves. A mouth-filling definition of delectable. Vidal Icewine food pairings: triple cream and blue veined cheeses, rich savoury pates, seared scallops, onion soup, fruit-based desserts especially pear flans and apple crisps. Drink: 2010 - 2015 388306 10% S 375 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Equifera Estate Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Lovely lifted cherry aromas surrounded by a field of violets and truffles. I love the sensual, silky texture of this wine with its flavour-packed medium body. I even put it through the torture test of leaving it open for a week, and it still tasted terrific. Yum! Pinot Noir food pairings: hearty meat dishes, duck, salmon, roasted pork, grilled chicken. Drink: 2007 - 2015 134163 12.7% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flourish Wines Merlot Pinot Noir 2010, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Bursting with juicy purple plums and blueberries. Tasty and plush with a smooth, medium body. Terrific wine for parties and barbecues. Merlot Pinot Noir food pairings: pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto or pasta. Drink: 2011 - 2013 988260 11.8% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flourish Wines Vidal Icewine 2007, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous apricot, honeyed dessert wine with lovely layers of hedonistically ripe peach preserves. Walk your senses through a tropical fruit grove on a summer's day. Liquid lovely! Vidal Icewine food pairings: dessert on its own or with fruit-based desserts. Drink: 2011 - 2016 222356 9.5% S 375 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Prospect Winery Census Count Oaked Chardonnay 2009, Okanagan Valley, Bc, V.Q.A., Canada: A buttery, green apple number that's rich and full-bodied but not too heavy. Good use of oak brings together the package in a creamy, toasty, tasty quaff. Chardonnay food pairings: served slightly chilled with roasted chicken, creamy pasta sauces, or grilled vegetables. Drink: 2011 - 2014 776545400024 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.99 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Prospect Winery Haynes Barn Merlot Cabernet 2008, Okanagan Valley, Bc, V.Q.A., Canada: Juicy and mouth-filling with a supple, full-bodied texture and weight. Bursting with ripe blackberries and black cherries. Merlot Cabernet food pairings: roasted chicken, spicy pad-Thai, aged cheeses. Drink: 2011 - 2013 776545400086 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.99 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Open Rose 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: A delightful rose with a field of fresh strawberries and raspberries wafting up from the glass. So pretty! Medium-bodied. A real crowd pleaser, though you should also drink it on your own on the patio or deck: it pairs perfectly with that novel you've been wanting to read. Rose food pairings: light goat cheese, salad, sushi. Drink: 2009 - 2012 175349 11.3% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Open Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, subtly flavoured Sauvignon Blanc with white melon and lime notes. Not grassy and there's no aggressive acidity here. Very pleasant aperitif. Top me up! Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled seafood, quiche. Drink: 2009 - 2013 178681 11.9% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Inniskillin Niagara Estate East West Series Riesling Gewurztraminer 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: So very pretty! Floral loveliness wafts up from the glass in a profusion of lime blossoms and lemon zest. Light- to medium-bodied. Terrific aperitif or companion to many dishes. Riesling Gewurztraminer food pairings: soy and maple mustar stained prawns, Thai cuisine, sushi, grilled shellfish, grilled chicken or baked fish. Drink: 2010 - 2013 988344 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Gewurztraminer Icewine 2007, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: A terrific dessert wine that will cap a wonderful meal. Redolent of ripe apricot, peach and pear preserves. Lovely honey-infused finish. Bring it on! Gewurztraminer Icewine food pairings: serve slightly chilled on its own, with rich pâtés, fresh fruit, rich (but not overly sweet) desserts or a selection of fine cheeses. Drink: 2011 - 2020 593954 12.5% S 750 mL $64.95 Score: 93/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: The buttery richness of the Santa Carolina Chardonnay sinks into creamy cheeses. There are lip-smacking delicious notes of toffee and vanilla that will make your brie and camembert melt in your mouth. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, fish, creamy pasta. Drink: 2010 - 2014 304022 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errazuriz Estate Carmenere 2010, Chile, Chile: Herbal, cedar and blackberry-rich. Full-bodied and smooth with a savoury, chewy note for hearty meat dishes. Think of this as merlot-plus. Carmenere food pairings: roast beef. Drink: 2012 - 2015 16238 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

MontGras Reserva Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Terrific value for this full-bodied red. Loaded with black plums, berries and some smoke. Evenly oaked with a robust, satisfying weight. Yum! Drink: 2009 - 2012 178624 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

35 South Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Curico And Elqui Valley, Chile: A laser-sharp, refreshingly crisp white wine with zesty aromas of grapefruit, lime and chives. Mouth-watering and clean with no heavy oak. Terrific aperitif or companion to many dishes. Incredible price. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: shellfish, salads. 170001 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Emiliana Adobe Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This wine is made from organically grown grapes. It offers lovely notes of melon, guava and lemon zest. It's not grassy, just crisp and refreshing. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: vegetarian dishes, quiche. 266049 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

MontGras Reserva Carmenère 2015, Colchagua Valley, Chile 178624 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009, Burgundy, France Pinot Noir food pairings: roast turkey, salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2014 162073 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.60 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011, Burgundy, France Pinot Noir food pairings: roast turkey, salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2014 162073 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.60 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2008, Burgundy, France: Round, smooth and medium-bodied with a satin texture. Terrific mouth-watering action makes you want to eat many things with this wine. Beautifully balanced, and a bargain for Burgundy. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast turkey, salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2014 162073 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.60 Score: 89/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michel Picard Mercurey Vignes Blanches Domaine Voarick Pinot Noir 2007, Burgundy, France: Lovely aromas of apple, pear, and baking spices. Full-bodied yet balanced and elegant with great length. Vanilla smoke and hazelnut on the finish. Opulent and satisfying. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken, pan-fried halibut, turkey. Drink: 2007 - 2016 197335 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Yealands Estate Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A zesty, refreshing, mouth-watering white with lime, herbal and chive notes. This wine cries out for food so don't deprive it, or yourself. Terrific! Drink: 2011 - 2013 199935 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mud House Wines Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand: Vibrant with bright, tart cherry aromas. Lively and mouth-watering with a medium-body and satin-smooth texture. Some cranberry and dark cherry on this finish. A terrific pinot for this price point! Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled salmon with pinot noir sauce, coq au vin, roast turkey. Drink: 2011 - 2014 12630 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Las Rocas San Alejandro Garnacha 2009, D.O., Calatayud, Spain: Lovely peppery, black cherry nose with savoury, mouth-watering goodness on the palate. Full-bodied, supple and smooth. Great party wine. Garnacha food pairings: steak, hamburgers. Drink: 2010 - 2015 95190 14.7% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Best Value Red Wine Tied Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Sebastiani Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Absolutely lovely! Buttery and round with luxurious aromas of ripe Asian pear, green apple and creme brulee. This wine spent seven months in oak, which gives it gorgeous aromatics of toasted hazelnut and butterscotch. It won a Gold Medal (Best in Class) at the 2009 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. What more could you ask of a Chardonnay? Yum! Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, corn dishes, lobster in butter. Drink: 2007 - 2014 364497 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mumm Napa Pinot Noir Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, United States: This wine is a blend of 85% Pinot Noir 15% Chardonnay grapes. It's a terrific bubbly that delivers lovely aromas of wild strawberries and bing cherries. Perfect as a pre-dinner drink or keep sipping it throughout the meal. Pinot Noir Chardonnay food pairings: Thai and Italian dishes, aperitif, hors d’oeuvres such as duck liver paté or caviar. Drink: 2009 - 2014 205641 12.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma Valley, California, United States: The wolf head icon on the Jack London wines comes from the cover of the novel, The Call of the Wild, written by former owner of this vineyard and California author, Jack London. This Cabernet has fiercely attractive black cherry, dark spices, dried herbs, and yes, a savagely good finish. It's got a grip from robust tannins so age it or decant for two hours if you can't. Plush dark fleshy berries but solid structure and balance. Drink at your next book club meeting. This will will come out in Vintages October 19, 2011. Drink: 2010 - 2018 470500 14.5% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 92/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, California, United States: This is a long-time favourite wine of mine, and the bonus is that it's organic. Well-crafted with terrific structure and balance. Attractive aromas of cassis, blackberry and vanilla smoke. Terrific! Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: organic steaks and roasted potato wedges topped off with stir-fried portobello mushrooms. Drink: 2010 - 2015 342428 12.09% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. June 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bonterra Chardonnay 2009, California, United States: Toasted almond and hazelnut goodness, with rich, generous layers of peach, pear and green apple. Lovely depth and length. Yes, it's organic so you can feel terrific about your hedonistic desires toward this wine. Chardonnay food pairings: veal tenderloin with roasted red peppers. Drink: 2009 - 2015 342436 13.6% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Little Black Dress Merlot 2008, California, United States: Juicy cherry and blackberry aromas in this playful Merlot. Medium- to full-bodied with a supple texture and a knock-it-back tastiness. Top me up! Merlot food pairings: pork chops, veal, pasta dishes. Drink: 2008 - 2013 72769 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fetzer Merlot 2008, California, United States: Supple and easy-drinking with aromas of plush plums and dark berries. Lovely mocha-infused finish with some black cherry. Yum. Merlot food pairings: pork, grilled chicken. Drink: 2009 - 2013 341131 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: There's no irony about this wine in terms of its price in relation to its quality: It's absolutely phenominally well-made! This easy-drinking Cabernet is ready to drink now, but will also do well in the cellar for a few years. It's loaded with fleshy ripe blackberries, raspberries, plums and just a hint of red licorice and rose petal. Yep, all that and it adds up to tasty-great. There's a wisp a vanilla smoke on the finish. Top me up! This wine will be available in Vintages July 23, 2011. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: filet mignon, lamb shank, gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2010 - 2016 25106 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ménage à Trois Red 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: You gotta love the name of this wine. It actually refers to the three grapes in the blend: Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There's even more to love inside the bottle: lusciously ripe dark plums and berries with some black raspberry on the finish. Rich flavours and firm tannins give this wine heft and grip. It's full-bodied yet supple. Rich and decadent. This wine will be back in stock July 9, 2011. Terrific value: top me up! 308007 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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