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Vintages Release August 5, 2011

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Dessert Wine

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Totally Botrytis Affected Optima 2009, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia B.C. V.Q.A., Canada: An opulent homage to after-dinner relaxation. Redolent of ripe apricot and muscat aromas, this richly layered dessert wine will make visions of sugarplums dance in your head. Extraordinary craftsmanship! Food pairings: vanilla panna cotta and apricot preserves, biscotti. Drink: 2011 - 2023 390328 14% XD 375 mL $120.00 Score: 92/100. August 2011. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Miguel Torres Infinite Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Penedes, Spain: This gorgeous blend of tempranillo (85%) and cabernet sauvignon (15%) grapes offers rich, ripe blackberries and plums on the nose. The wine is full-bodied, deeply flavoured and mouth-watering. It's an incredible price for this quality. Snap up a case for your next party. Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: legumes to rice dishes with meat and vegetables, grilled steak, hamburgers Ideal with poultry and cured cheese.. Drink: 2011 - 2015 231795 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2008, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Rich, savoury and juicy with aromas of redcurrant and cranberry. This wine was aged in both French and American oak. No fining agent was used for this organic wine so it's suitable for vegans & vegetarians. Cabernet Franc food pairings: braised beef ribs in a cabernet sauce, steak. Drink: 2011 - 2013 237065 13.3% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errázuriz Single Vineyard Carmenere 2009, Aconcagua, Chile: Fleshy black plums mingle on the nose lifted by some savoury herbal notes. Supple texture with polished satin tannins. There's both freshness and richness: a hedonist's dream combination. Think of it as every merlot would like to be, but can't. Perfect for relaxing and thinking: life's good, baby! Carmenere food pairings: slow-roasted beef with root vegetables, spicy Thai. Drink: 2011 - 2015 143180 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errazuriz Estate Reserva Pinot Noir 2010, Aconcagua, Chile: A fruit-driven wine with a kiss of oak that is a superb value for this price point. Lots of cherry-berry aromas and flavours. This wine was barrel-fermented for 8 months in French oak, but no new oak was used, giving is a whiff of smokiness. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled salmon or tuna, chilled avocado soup. Drink: 2011 - 2015 226696 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errazuriz Vinedo Chadwick 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Spectacular: words fail. Gorgeous depths of black fruit, dried tobacco and herbs, violets and inexplicable happiness. Full-bodied with voluptuous layers of liquid velvet to caress and please the palate. This is a lifetime experience not to miss. Food pairings: osso bucco, roasted lamb rack and slow braised beef with root vegetables. Drink: 2011 - 2020 123456 14% D 750 mL $165.00 Score: 98/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tawse Winery Inc. Meritage Meritage Tawse Niagara Peninsula 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A spectacular blend of cabernet sauvignon (48%), cabernet franc (36%) and merlot (16%) aged 18 months in French oak. Smooth, fleshy and full-bodied, this luxurious red delivers seductive aromas of dark plums and berries with a hint of smoke. Not too heavy, but deeply satisfying with a juicy, generous style. Meritage Tawse Niagara Peninsula food pairings: grilled beef or bison steak, roast beef, lamb chops. Drink: 2011 - 2021 670459000663 13% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 93/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Burrowing Owl Vineyards Meritage 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Bc, Canada: Simply stunning! Lashings of black plums and cassis fill your senses, followed by fleshy ripe blackberry and blackcurrant. Layers of hedonistic pleasure with a smoke-infused finish. Terrific balance, structure and complexity. Needs cellar time. Drink: 2014 - 2020 688229007088 14.9% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 95/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Catena Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A fine elegant wine with terrific balance, flavour and depth. There's a nervy energy to this wine: French elegance keeping the power and concentration of Argentine fruit in check. Full-bodied but not heavy. Finishes with dark spices and tobacco smoke. Lovely. Malbec food pairings: asado (barbecued beef), lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2011 - 2015 478727 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

TILIA Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: A stunningly great wine for the money! Juicy, rich layers of dark fruit wrapped in full-bodied goodness. Perfect for potluck gatherings and movie night. Malbec food pairings: lamb, steak. Drink: 2011 - 2013 160945 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

TILIA Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Medium- to full-bodied with ripe blackberries. Smooth and tasty. Perfect for backyard barbecues and pizza night. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak, hamburgers. Drink: 2011 - 2013 163428 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Parducci Sustainalbe Red 2007, Mendocino County, California, United States: A rich, robust blend of: 34.5% Syrah, 23% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 16%, Petit Syrah 5%, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Viognier grapes. Solid and crowd-pleasing with good balance between the fruit and structure. Aromas of blackberry and dark raspberries. Food pairings: meat lovers' pizza, spaghetti and meat balls, grilled meats. Drink: 2011 - 2013 229740 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Southbrook Vineyards Connect Rosé Cabernet Franc 2010, Niagara Peninsula V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: More fun than a mouth should have! This fleshy-ripe robust rose offers aromas of raspberries and summer strawberries. It's dry and jubilantly vibrant in the glass. Hurray! Cabernet Franc food pairings: grilled salmon or tuna, pork chops, salads. Drink: 2010 - 2012 168492 12.5% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tantalus Vineyards Single Vineyard Rosé 2010, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Bc, Canada: A deliciously robust style of rosé with peppered rose petals, tart cranberry and a finish of black raspberry. This blend of Pinot Meunier Pinot Noir grapes is refreshing and mouth-watering. Make summer last a little longer with this wine. Drink: 2011 - 2015 626990067382 13.6% D 750 mL $21.90 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Farnese Cerasuolo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2010, Ortona, Italy: A bright and vibrant rose with terrific aromas of field-ripe strawberries on a summer's day. Great refreshment as an aperitif or companion to seafood and salads. Bring it to your next potluck gathering. You can't beat the price! Cerasuolo Montepulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: roast chicken, grilled fish, fish stew, ham, shellfish. Drink: 2010 - 2012 233425 13% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Barefoot Cellars Bubbly Moscato Spumante, California, United States: A delightful bubbly with aromas and flavours of ripe apricot and peach. The sweetness in this bubbly is offset by the refreshing bubbles for a delicious, zesty combination. Moscato Spumante food pairings: spicy foods, light desserts, fresh fruit. 215061 9.5% S 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Henry of Pelham Winery Pinot Grigio 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Absolutely delightful! Lovely fresh melon and white peach notes. Medium-bodied, mouth-watering and balanced. Refreshing as an aperitif or as a companion to many dishes. Pinot Grigio food pairings: seafood, salads. Drink: 2011 - 2013 779376450619 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tantalus Vineyards Single Vineyard Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Bc, Canada: A cracking great Riesling, with come-alive lime zest and lemon aromas. Spectacularly juicy and mouth-watering with a finish of Granny Smith apple. Taste and see what BC is capable of when it comes to vibrant Riesling! Drink: 2011 - 2018 626990067412 12.2% M 750 mL $22.90 Score: 92/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vintage Ink Wines Rite of Passage Chardonnay 2010, V.Q.A. Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Lusciously ripe tropical fruit aromas of passion fruit and pear followed by just a kiss of oak from five month barrel aging. Nicely balanced and rich in flavour. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster dripping in butter, grilled tuna and salmon, rich cream sauce pasta dishes, savoury roast turkey and marinated chicken. Drink: 2011 - 2013 245712 14.4% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château des Charmes St. David's Bench Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2008, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: A spectacular gewurztraminer: one of the best I have tried from Niagara! Opulent aromas of apricot and lychee, with a luscious and voluptuous texture. Full-bodied yet not heavy. Finishes with some light spices. Gewurztraminer food pairings: beef stir fry over a bed of hearty buckwheat soba noodles, Asian dishes, Thai green curry, suishi. Drink: 2011 - 2015 453472 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Southbrook Vineyards Connect White Vidal 2010, Niagara Peninsula V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: I love it when I find a wine that's so low in alcohol yet so packed with flavour! It means you can enjoy it over an evening without falling asleep on the sofa at 7 pm. This wine is liquid refreshment: light floral notes, white peach and melon. It's slightly off-dry (a touch of sweetness) which makes it perfect for dishes with a little sweetness or spice, such as glazed ham or light to medium curries and Asian fare. The bonus is that this wine is organic. Vidal food pairings: seafood, salad, pork. Drink: 2010 - 2013 249078 9.6% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

TILIA Torrontes 2010, Salta, Argentina: My favourite wine from this winery! Floral, white peach notes nuzzle up from the glass. Cool refreshment follows with every zippy, mouth-watering swallow. Great as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Torrontes food pairings: seafood, salads. Drink: 2010 - 2013 186403 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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