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Vintages Release May 10, 2008

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Argentina

Tomero Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: An amazing value in this wine with notes of cherry liqueur, pepper and spice. Full-bodied. Tomero Malbec food pairings: steak. 57943 14% XD 750 mL $12.75 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

RJ Vinedos Pasión 4 Merlot 2006, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This Merlot is made from hand-harvested grapes sourced from the lofty heights of the Uco Valley where the vineyards are planted at over 1000 metres above sea level. Ripe and round, this medium-to full-bodied wine shows attractive cassis, chocolate and smoky oak aromas and flavors. My note: A simple, straight-forward delicious red with notes of dark red fruit. Full-bodied. Pasión 4 Merlot food pairings: pasta with spicy beef and tomato sauce, grilled lamb chops. 59287 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Red Hill Estate Red Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2005, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: There are cool-climate pockets throughout Australia that have shown great success growing Pinot Noir. Mornington Peninsula is one of the most important new Pinot producing areas. This wine shows that strength. Now, look for plum, cherry and strawberry with a structure that brings it all together. If you can wait up to five years, the profile will add layers of game and savory tones. My note: A lovely cool-climate, maritime pinot that shows the moderating and cooling effects of the ocean. Zesty seam of acidity with ripe cherry notes. Closed with a screwcap. 58073 12.6% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

d'Arenberg D'arenberg The Galvo Garage 2004, Mclaren Vale/Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: A huge, concentrated wine with cherry liqueur and licorice. A full-bodied blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, and cabernet franc. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008 - 2015 907584 14.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Yarra Hill Winery Punt Road Shiraz 2005, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Delicious and mouth-watering with notes of blackberries and pepper. Closed with a screwcap. 59923 14.5% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Brokenwood Pinot Noir 2006, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia: A great price for this robust pinot that would like to be a shiraz when it grows up. Big aromas of cherry liqueur. Pinot Noir food pairings: BBQ hamburgers. 23780 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2001, Mclaren Vale, Australia: A spectacular wine that rewards sip after sip. rich black fruit flavors with an elegant underlay of oak. 461368 14% XD 750 mL $89.95 Score: 93/100. May 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Austria

Leth Vineyards Leth Klassic Pinot Noir 2006, Wagram, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale ruby color with aromas of strawberry, sour cherry, pickled beetroot and spice. This pretty, dry, fruity, light-bodied, creamy, clean pinot would make a very attractive sipping wine. My note: A pleasantly tart pinot with vibrant notes of sour cherries. Cries out for food. Closed with a screwcap. Leth Klassic Pinot Noir food pairings: gourment hamburgers, salmon. 66548 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Via Wine Group Chilensis Reserva Syrah 2005, Maule Valley, Chile: Amazing value. Rich and robust with aromas of black fruit. Chilensis Reserva Syrah food pairings: smoked wild boar, gourmet burgers. 590745 13% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cousino-Macul Finis Terrae 2003, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: On ancient maps, Chile was often labeled 'Finis Terrae' (the end of earth). With loads of dark berries accented by hints of cocoa and black truffle, this will have you scouring the ends of the earth for more. My note: A merlot & cabernet sauvignon blend that's full-bodied, balanced and lovely. 901983 14% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Clos Saint Jean Close Saint Jean Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, A.C., France: If you love palate whackers this is for you. Notes of cherries and spice. 70888 16% XD 750 mL $56.00 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Val-Joanis Château Val Joanis Côtes Du Luberon Rosé 2007, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with grenache and syrah, this Rhône rosé makes an excellent palate refresher on a hot day. The berry fruit and cherry aromas and flavours are well complemented by a racy acidity. My note: Gorgeous summer sipper. Sun on your shoulders: does it get any better than this? Château Val Joanis Côtes Du Luberon Rosé food pairings: spring salads, grilled freshwater fish, chicken satay with peanut sauce. 707281 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau De Malle Sauternes 2004, Bordeaux, France: Rich and redolent of baked pear, bread and apples. 62232 14.5% S 375 mL $19.80 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Les Jonqueyres Château Les Jonqueyres 2004, A.C. Bordeaux Superieur, France: A blend of 80% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc, this wine's grapes are hand-harvested and the juice is carefully fermented at low temperatures. Only 20% is given oak contact, while the remainder is aged in stainless steel. This process helps retain the desired bright fruitiness, with the small amount in oak giving the wine some lovely back-end structure. My note: A balanced medium-bodied red with classic Bordeaux structure and aroma. Château Les Jonqueyres food pairings: prime rib. 65094 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Senejac Château Lanessan 1996, Ac Haut-Médoc, France: A lovely, aged wine that's ready to drink. This was a great vintage. 598011 13% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean-Max Roger Château Planères Cuvée Prestige 2005, Ac Côtes Du Roussillon, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this blend of syrah, mourvèdre and grenache was meticulously hand-picked. The wines were allowed to mature separately for approximately 10-12 months in new French barriques and then blended to show off the strengths of each variety. The resulting wine is filled with aromas of raspberry, cedar, vanilla and plum. My note: Great value. A terrific BBQ wine for summer. Château Planères Cuvée Prestige food pairings: mildly spiced beef dishes, BBQ. 70748 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2005, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone A.C., France: Over-the-top concentrated wine, dripping with notes of cherry liqueur and black plums. Full-bodied. Drink: 2011 - 2020 951475 14.5% XD 750 mL $67.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Rosé 2007, Les Vignerons De Tavel, France: Nothing like Tavel. A basket of raspberries. Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Rosé food pairings: herbed chicken dishes, grilled eggplant, zucchini, red peppers. 739474 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Favorite Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Sipp Pinot Noir 2003, A.C. Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Louis Sipp sources fruit from several vineyards around Ribeauvillé. The soils share a common bond of clay, silt and chalk. Coupled with a moderate climate, the grapes mature evenly and the yields are naturally reduced. From the warm 2003 vintage, this wine offers pretty aromas of cherry, raspberry, plum and beetroot. On the palate, it is remarkably ample with good structure to balance it out. My note: A robust, full-bodied pinot with notes of black cherries and blackberries. Louis Sipp Pinot Noir food pairings: warm chicken salad, grilled salmon. 61366 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blason De Bourgogne Beaune Cuvee 2005, A.C., France: Pleasant tart cherries and a lively acidity. Blason De Bourgogne Beaune Cuvee food pairings: salmon, chicken, pork. 69526 13% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vincent Sauvestre Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Saint-Georges 2005, A.C., 1Er Cru, France: A stunning pinot of incredible depth and structure. Alluring aromas of cherries, raspberries, spice and earth. Silky texture, with an endless finish. Drink: 2008 - 2016 66464 13% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Bonnard Domaine Bonnard Sancerre Rouge 2004, Ac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: When one thinks of Sancerre, one generally thinks sauvignon blanc. Red Sancerres are made in very limited quantities and always with pinot noir. When handled properly, such as this fine example from Domaine Bonnard, the results can be downright beguiling. Classic aromas of cherry, beetroot, underbrush and blackberry dominate. The fruit, crisp acids and fine tannins give this dry Sancerre Rouge dimension. My note: Classically tart and mouth-watering. Medium-bodied with lovely notes of tart raspberries. Domaine Bonnard Sancerre Rouge food pairings: lamb chops with mint sauce. 24693 12.9% XD 750 mL $31.00 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Winzergenossenschaft Oberbergen Müller-Thurgau Trocken 2006, Q.B.A. Baden, Obergergener Bassgeige, Kaiserstuhl, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with grapes sourced from Baden’s Kaiserstuhl, an area considered the warmest in Germany, this shows Müller-Thurgau at its best. Created by Herman Müller in 1882, Müller-Thurgau is a cross between riesling and madeleine royale, a table grape. When firing on all cylinders, as is this example, its aroma profile suggests gorgeous light peach, pear and sweet apple. Round and ripe, this white is a good sipper. My note: Zippy and refreshing. Winzergenossenschaft Oberbergen Müller-Thurgau Trocken food pairings: grilled salmon. 71688 11% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 2008. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Weingut Karl Erbes Karl Erbes Riesling Spåtlese 2005, Qmp, Ürziger Würzgarten, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Peach drops, mineral and lime aromas are front and center. A nicely plump, medium in sweetness wine with acid bringing balance on the mid-palate. This medium-bodied wine is an excellent choice. My note: Great balance and vivacity. Citrus notes and a long finish. Karl Erbes Riesling Spåtlese food pairings: spicy Indian curries. 49866 8% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kruger-Rumpf Riesling Kabinett 2006, Qmp, Münster Pittersberg, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Nahe wines are admired for their aromas of fruit, clay, slate and sandstone (indicative of the soils they are grown on). This one has that in spades, plus a lovely collection of scents, including orange marmalade, lime and green apple. Medium-dry to medium in sweetness, this wine is ripe, zippy, and delicious. My note: More bite here - great balance of flavor and acidity. Kruger-Rumpf Riesling Kabinett food pairings: sweet and sour barbecued backribs. 692368 10% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Darting Riesling Kabinett 2006, Q.M.P., Dürkheimer Michelsberg, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine displays aromas of Asian pear, stone fruit, melon and wet stones. It has a long, beautifully balanced finish. My note: Zippy and vibrant with citrus notes. Darting Riesling Kabinett food pairings: spicy pork sausages. 950212 10% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Schloss Schönborn Riesling Kabinett 2005, Q.M.P., Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg, Estate Btld., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale lemon yellow color leads to a nose rife with cloved peach, beeswax, buckwheat honey and lemon curd. Medium in sweetness with a rich, creamy mouth-filling texture. It is quite full-bodied with a long, perfectly balanced finish. My note: Soft and lovely like a summer evening. Aromatics of field flowers. Schloss Schönborn Riesling Kabinett food pairings: freshwater fish, light curries. 928184 10% M 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Marc De Grazia San Pietro Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero) 2006, Doc Alto Adige, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot nero, the Italian name for pinot noir, is emerging as a style of wine to watch. Producers, such as San Pietro, in Alto Adige are finally giving the grape the location and care it deserves. These are pretty, light- to medium-bodied fruity/crisp wines that are excellent as aperitifs. My note: A lovely, light-bodied red for summer picnics. Tastes and smells like a basket of strawberries. San Pietro Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero) food pairings: grilled chicken, white fish. 66381 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tommasi Chiaretto 2006, D.O.C. Bardolino Classico, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Chiaretto, an Italian term for rosé, literally means ‘neither red nor white‘. Made with the local corvina, rondinella and dindarella grapes, the wines are allowed only a few hours on their skins to extract the pleasant pink color. My note: A lovely dry rosé with loads of strawberry fruit. Tommasi Chiaretto food pairings: cold appetizers, cold cuts, pan-fried freshwater fish. 685057 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Casa Vinicola Calatrasi Calatrasi Accademia Del Sole Viognier 2006, I.G.T. Sicilia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From sunny Sicily comes the northern Rhône's great white wine, viognier. Loaded with peach, apricot and pear aromas and flavors. My note: Lovely and aromatic with notes of rose petals and lychee nuts. Calatrasi Accademia Del Sole Viognier food pairings: mildly spiced shrimp, Asian curries. 687921 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barolo Cabutto Tenuta Vigna La Volta 2003, Piedmont, Italy: Gorgeous notes of violets, blackberries and leather. Full-bodied with a long finish. Barolo Cabutto Tenuta Vigna La Volta food pairings: grilled meats, cheeses, game. 586354 14% XD 750 mL $55.95 Score: 91/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barolo Cabutto Tenuta Vigna La Volta 2001, Piedmont, Italy Barolo Cabutto Tenuta Vigna La Volta food pairings: grilled meats, cheeses, game. 586354 14% XD 750 mL $55.95 May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Spy Valley Wine Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Highly aromatic and packed with flavor. Medium-to full-bodied with gorgeous aromas of ripe cherries and violets. 242205 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Saint Clair Family Estate Tuatara Bay Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Saint Clair Estate Wines produces this high-calibre mid-range pinot noir that offers a terrific middle ground between New World exuberance and ripeness and Burgundian elegance. The result is a wine displaying terrific aromas of black cherry, strawberry and a hint of spice. My note: A vibrant pinot with bright, ripe notes of tart cherries and cranberries. Tuatara Bay Pinot Noir food pairings: filet mignon. 57760 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wither Hills Wither Hills Pinot Noir 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely, layered pinot with generous notes of cherries and plums. 919829 14.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Goldwater Estate Goldwater Chardonnay 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely, layered chardonnay, buttery with a backbone of ripe pear. 991463 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

Quinta Do Corujao Quinta Do Corujão Reserva 2003, D.O.C. Dão, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Protected by the Serra da Estrela and Serra do Carmulo mountain ranges, Quinta do Corujão has been crafting high quality wines in Portugal's Dão region for generations. This blend of indigenous varieties includes trincadeira, touriga nacional, jaen, and alfrocheiro. It's full bodied and packed with rich ripe black fruit, raisin and smoky oak aromas and flavors. My note: Silky, seductive texture with rich layers of blackcurrants and plums. Quinta Do Corujão Reserva food pairings: grilled sausages, smoky barbecued game. 67983 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Casa De Santa Vitoria Tinto 2005, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine plays to Portugal's strength of blending its flavorful indigenous grapes with popular international varieties to create a wine experience that is both unique and familiar. In this case, the local Aragonês and trinicadeira are blended with cabernet sauvignon and syrah. This medium-full-bodied wine features cherries, dried spices, ripe plum and a touch of vanilla. My note: A perky, vibrant red with tart notes of cherries and plum. Casa De Santa Vitoria Tinto food pairings: roast leg of lamb. 70896 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Miguel Torres Mas Borràs Pinot Noir 2006, D.O. Penedès, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this pinot noir is sourced exclusively from the small Mas Borrás vineyard where yields are kept very low to concentrate the fruit flavours. Aged in new Nevers French oak barriques for several months, it is rich with violet, cocoa, pomegranate, raspberry and earth aromas. The bright fruit flavors are brought into focus by clean tannins and a mild acidity. My note: A tremendous value for this rich, luxurious pinot. Redolent of plums, violets and raspberries. Full-bodied. Miguel Torres Mas Borràs Pinot Noir food pairings: bison steak, game meats. 673483 13% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Switzerland

Vins Schenk S.A. Cave St-Pierre Pinot Noir Pentes Roties 2006, A.C. Valais, Switzerland: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Noir is by far the most-planted red grape in Switzerland, but it is rarely available in markets outside the country because most of it is enjoyed locally. This flavorful example features an attractive nose of floral, cherry, cinnamon, fresh fig and beetroot. Light-bodied, round and balanced, this is a fantastic sipping wine. Serve lightly chilled. My note: A lovely, light-bodied red with delicious notes of cherries. 66886 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Jackson Family Wines La Crema Pinot Noir 2005, Los Carneros, United States: Rich and luxurious texture. Ripe cherries and spices on the nose, full-bodied. 58024 14.5% D 750 mL $45.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Adelsheim Vineyard Adelsheim Pinot Gris 2006, Willamette Valley, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Label features painting of Susanna Kuo by Ginny Adelsheim. Adelsheim began producing Pinot Gris in 1984. This vital Gris exhibits classic spicy pear aromas and flavors. The finish is lively and fresh. My note: Refreshing and mouth-watering. Adelsheim Pinot Gris food pairings: steamed clams or mussels. 27524 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jackson Wine Estates International La Crema Pinot Noir 2006, Russian River Valley, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A vibrant Russian River Valley Pinot with a plethora of aromas, including raspberry, rosehip tea, licorice, fresh rosemary, lavender and vanilla. Dry and forwardly fruity on the palate, there is a lovely ripe tannin and touch of acidity on the mid-palate to bring it all into balance. My note: A full-bodied pinot with rich notes of ripe, black cherries, plums and spice. Luxurious texture. La Crema Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions in red wine sauce. 154442 14.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Adelsheim Vineyard Adelsheim Pinot Noir 2006, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Label features Diana Lett by Ginny Adelsheim. Adelsheim’s intent with their non-vineyard-specific Pinot Noir is to blend fruit from throughout the Willamette Valley that unites all the strengths of the region, especially the fresh fruity flavors that typify Pinot in Oregon. By blending the wines from many of the region’s finest vineyards, winemaker Dave Paige is able to produce focused Pinots. My note: A vibrant and exotic pinot with notes of tart cherries and black plums. Adelsheim Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled salmon, duck breast, stuffed veal tenderloin. 683821 13.5% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Napa Valley, United States: Balanced, elegant with aromas of cassis and mocha. 60020 14% D 750 mL $85.95 Score: 92/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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