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Vintages Release January 10, 2009

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De Heuvel Shiraz 2005, W.O. Tulbagh: Revealing a blackberry ripeness on the nose followed by jammy plums, pepper, smoked beef and cedar. Full-bodied with a smorgasbord of sensual pleasure. Shiraz food pairings: pot roast, marinated chicken, grilled tuna, grilled vegetables. 89680 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Argentina

Santa Julia Malbec Reserva 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific, flavorful Malbec with robust notes of blackberries and black plums. This is a remarkably great price for wine of this quality. Full-bodied with a satisfying finish. Malbec Reserva food pairings: venison, barbecued beef ribs, cheddar cheese, sausages, baked or grilled eggplant. 429761 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

De Bortoli Wines - Yarra Valley Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2007, Yarra Valley, Australia: Reveals a creamy cherry-scented nose on opening and follows up with a ripe core of blackberry and spice. Medium- to full-bodied with a lovely long finish. Mouth-watering acidity makes it an ideal partner for many dishes. Pinot Noir food pairings: smoked salmon sandwiches, French baguette, duck with mango, matzo ball soup, pepperoni pizza. 15511 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marquee Classic Artisan Grenache Syrah Mourvedre 2006, Australia: Opens with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, cedar and spice, with an overlay of jammy fruit. Full-bodied, balanced and well-structured. An impressive effort from this producer. Grenache Syrah Mourvedre food pairings: hard cheeses, prime rib, steak fajitas, spicy thyme and sage stuffing. 75010 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandalford Estate Vineyards Protégé Shiraz 2005, Margaret River, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Founded in 1840, Sandalford Wines is one of Australia’s oldest and largest privately owned wineries. It’s situated in the picturesque countryside of the Swan River Valley, less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Perth. This approachable Aussie Shiraz is a deep red with loads of blackberry and complex spicy layers on the nose. It’s dry and medium-bodied with a rich and satisfying finish. My note: A seamless, blackberry-scented wine with savory game and spice notes. Lots of layered flavor here with a warm, satisfying finish. A lusty Shiraz for cold winter nights. Shiraz food pairings: lamb chops, barbecued beef ribs, hearty lamb stew, pork mole pablano. 80671 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

St. Hallett Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia: One of my favorite producers for consistently creating delicious, well-priced wines. This one is no exception. It has copious amounts of ripe berries and plums with admirable power and richness. Shiraz food pairings: venison, causoulet brisket, grilled cheese sandwiches, rich meat and game casserole. 980631 14.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Watershed Senses Shiraz 2004, Margaret River, Australia: In 2007, this Shiraz was awarded Gold by the prestigious Mundus Vini International Wine Academy. This wine exhibits lots of fruit concentration and intensity with robust aromas of ripe black raspberries, tar, kirsch and smoke. Not overdone but offers lots of flavor for the buck. Shiraz food pairings: spicy chicken sausage, roast beef sandwich, beef wellington, dark almond chocolate. Drink: 2008 - 2015 73767 14% D 750 mL $20.25 Score: 93/100. January 2009. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zonte's Footstep Shiraz Viognier 2006, Langhorne Creek, Australia: A big honkin' Shiraz with a warm embrace of dark red fruit. When you bang for your buck, go straight to the Aussie aisle of your liquor store. There’s 6% of the Viognier grape in this blend to give the wine a lovely lift and brightness on the mid-palate. The wine was also aged in 20% new oak. A sweet blackcurrant nose with notes of pepper, violets and plump plums on the follow-up. This multi-textured wine is a superb value. Perfect for casual weeknight meals at home or potluck get-togethers. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: Tandoori flavored dishes, roast goose, tongue, parmesan cheese, grilled vegetables. 72975 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pillar Box Red 2006, Padthaway, Australia: As this wine is unfined and unfiltered, decant it for 1-2 hours. This is a blend of 50% Shiraz, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot. The wine was aged in both French and American oak. Aromas of gloriously ripe purple plums, fleshy black fruits and some spicy oak on the finish. Full-bodied and smooth-textured. Red food pairings: madeira port sauce, ratatouille, beef stew, grilled cheese sandwich, brisket. 685941 15% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Torbreck Old Vines Grenache Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of two classic Rhône varieties, Grenache and Shiraz (aka Syrah), is packed with concentrated fruit flavors. Dry, with a supple texture, it’s bursting with black raspberry, juicy strawberry, peppery spice and vanillin-oak flavors that culminate in a lengthy finish. My note: Torbreck’s owner and winemaker David Powell continues to make what are some of Australia’s greatest wines. A flamboyantly-styled, intense wine with dense notes of blackberries, plums, game meats and cigar. A lengthy finish adds to its enjoyment. Grenache Shiraz food pairings: beef wellington, herb-crusted cheese, Mexican dishes, ostrich. 80721 14% 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Coriole Vineyards Estate Grown Shiraz 2005, Mclaren Vale, Australia: A blockbuster of a wine with a dense jammy nose and notes of purple plums, blueberries, licorice and smoky oak. Offering good depth and a nice finish. Grown Shiraz food pairings: game casseroles, rare roast beef, fruit chutney, grilled vegetables, dark chocolate. Drink: 2008 - 2012 931600 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 88/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Vina Calina Alcance Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Viña Calina uses grapes from specific single blocks within their estate vineyards to craft their Alcance wines. The fruit for this Cab was grown in a rocky, hillside block in their El Maitén Vineyard in Maule. This deeply colored Cab is packed with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and ample sweet oak and coffee. The palate is bursting with sweet cassis and red berry preserve flavors leading to a touch of vanilla on the lingering finish. My note: Spicy oak with an underlay of violets, blackberry, black plums and cigar box. This is an attractive wine that will provide lots of drinking pleasure. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rib roast with coffe and pepper rub, cheddar cheese, Thai coconut shrimp. 79533 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

William Fevre Chardonnay 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: The best of both worlds in a bottle here: Old World styling and finesse with New World depth of flavor and fruit. Bring it on! A fresh, lively chard with notes of spicy oak, citrus, butter, caramel and unbridled fruit richness. Full-bodied and luscious. Vintages Wine Panel: William Fèvre is a well-respected producer of Chablis in Burgundy who has successfully transplanted his expertise to Chile. The dominant flavors of this beautifully balanced Chardonnay – apple, pear, toast and butterscotch – are concentrated but not overwhelming. An exceptionally priced, versatile Chard. Chardonnay food pairings: pasta in cream sauce, chicken breasts stuffed with goat cheese, stir-fried veggies, baked risotto. 45146 13.9% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baron Philippe De Rothschild Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The Rothschild family’s most recent project in Chile is a line of regionally designated wines. In each region, they have selected the variety best suited to the growing conditions there. Maipo Valley is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, and this well-delineated wine has flavors of black fruit, with hints of cedar and fine-grained tannins. This is a classic Bordeaux-styled Cabernet. My note: An elegant, balanced and full-bodied wine with notes of blackcurrants and cassis. A distinguished finish. Decant for 1-2 hours before serving. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva food pairings: Tuscan breads, dark chocolate almonds, roasted red meats. 32151 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Terranoble Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Very attractive nose, almost Bordeaux-like, with roasted coffee, toast, cassis, blackberry and chocolate aromas. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with layers of cassis, raspberry, cedar, and chocolate notes, medium acidity and fine tannins all leading to a lingering finish. Harmonious and elegant, this is put together really nicely. My note: This knockout wine has ripe blackberry notes along with roasted nuts, black plums, toasted oak and vanilla in the background. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: breaded veal cutlets, creamed onions, wild boar, pralines, fajitas, spicy roast beef. 46268 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Casa Lapostolle Merlot 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine has typical Merlot aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, black pepper, earth and a touch of roasted green bell pepper. The first thing you recognize on the palate is a very smooth texture, carrying ripe, forward fruit and spicy vanilla notes. The flavors are backed up by mild to medium acidity and soft tannins. My note: Loaded with black fruit and glycerin, this full-bodied number has aromas of vanillin, prunes, black plums and kirsch. Merlot food pairings: pocini mushrooms, barbecued backribs, pan-seared steak, Mexican dishes, rack of lamb. 405712 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chilensis Reserva Carmenere 2006, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The once-forgotten Bordeaux grape, Carmenère, is thriving in Chile’s winemaking valleys and is proving to be as important to Chile as Malbec is to neighboring Argentina. This is a fresh and fruity mouth-filling red with aromas and flavors of juicy ripe cherries, chocolate, gentle herbal notes and toasty oak. My note: Redolent of smoked herbs, jammy cassis, and gamey notes. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Tremendous value. Reserva Carmenere food pairings: venison, hard cheeses, rack of lamb, pepper steak. 657981 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Chateau Larroque Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From a lesser-known estate, this 2005 Bordeaux was a Gold Medal winner at the Concours de Bordeaux in 2006. Château Larroque is on a plateau near the Graves appellation, in the village of Coimères, and is run, as it has been for years, by the Ducourt family. This treasure offers excellent structure, blue and blackberry characteristics with bramble fruit and earth tones. A real find from this highly rated vintage. My note: Classic notes of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberries. Some tobacco, licorice and herbs in the background. Plenty of tannins so decant for 1-2 hours. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: prime rib steak, roast lamb, oyster and kidney pie, game terrine. 92536 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Pesquie Grenache Syrah 2006, A.C. Cotes Due Ventoux, France: This wine was not fined or filtered and is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. A dense, blackcurrant-scented nose follows up with black cherries, toasty oak and some earthy notes. Grenache Syrah food pairings: banon cheese, petit provencal cheese, cheese-based pastas. 652313 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Delas Freres Saint-Esprit Syrah Blend 2006, A.C. Cotes Du Rhone, France: A ripe, tarry wine bursting with notes of black cherry, dried herbs, cedar, cigar box and pepper. Full-bodied with mouth-filling textured layers of flavor. Syrah Blend food pairings: moussaka, lasagne, cornish hen, goose, beet soup. 729962 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave de Saumur Des Vignerons Saumur Reserve Cabernet Franc 2005, A.C., France: A lovely, long expression of blue fruits, violets, cassis, mushrooms and cigar. Old World style and structure with a deliciously long finish. Cabernet Franc food pairings: cinnamon and cumin spiced dishes, mild curries, ham, seared tuna with a pepper crust, blue cheese sauces. 103879 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Roubia 2006, A.C. Minervois, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is certified organic by the Nature et Progrès organization and contains 13 mg/L of free sulphur. A good value red from southern France with aromas of blackberry, leather and underbrush. Soft and rich with good tannins to bring balance. My note: A delicious, robust red with chewy berry fruit, black plums, garrigue, oak and dried herbs. This wine offers solid value for the money. Food pairings: grilled steak, portobello mushrooms, spicy sausage pizza, lasagne. 705632 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Bellevue Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Fronsac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château Bellevue lies just outside of Saint-Michel de Fronsac in the heart of the Right Bank. Olivier Decelle purchased the estate in 2000 and his commitment to quality is plain to see, investing heavily in the vineyard and winery as well as introducing biodynamic methods of viticulture. Well-structured, with ripe tannins, and beautiful ripe, red fruit, this wine is clearly part of the new wave of classically made, affordable Bordeaux coming out of minor appellations. My note: Exhibits a concentrated nose of mocha, cassis, blackcurrant and vanillin. A elegant wine with a long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: steak au poivre, Irish stew, rabbit in mustrad sauce, bittersweet chocolate. Drink: 2008 - 2013 45708 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Dr. H. Thanisch Riesling Spatlese 2003, Q.M.P., Germany: Pure essence of Mosel slate, with penetrating minerality, ripe lime notes and some floral notes in the background. Medium-bodied. Versatile with both food and as an aperitif. Riesling Spatlese food pairings: Chinese spare ribs, cheese fondue, apple fritters, crab mousse, carrot soup. 82818 9% M 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Moselland Insignum Riesling Kabinett 2005, Q.M.P. Mosel, Germany Riesling Kabinett food pairings: duck a l'orange, sashimi, butternut risotto, crab salad, smoked fish. 72355 8% M 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. January 2009. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Anselmann Riesling Spatlese 2007, Q.M.P., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: From this award-winning winery in the relatively warm Pfalz region comes this classic late-harvest Riesling. Pale straw color with light green tinges, leads to clean notes of peaches, apricots and grapefruit on the nose. On the palate, its slightly sweet centre is very well balanced by a fine backbone of acidity, and a long and refreshing finish. My note: Lovely notes of white flowers, toasted almonds, bergamot, candied lemon and lime. Medium-bodied with a gorgeously long finish. Riesling Spatlese food pairings: warm apple risotto with pancetta, cod, bean based dishes, pork with apple sauce, biscotti. 87494 14% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Pitars Pinot Grigio 2007, D.O.C. Grave Del Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot Grigio has a distinctly floral nose. It’s dry, with a medium- to full-body, smooth, round texture, crisp apple flavors with a hint of gentle herbs, and a medium-long finish. My note: Lovely notes of white grapefruit, orange peel, white flowers and limes. Medium-bodied, crisp and refreshing. A versatile wine that will appeal to a broad range of palates. Pinot Grigio food pairings: antipasto plate, baked sole, cheese straws, fried shrimp with seafood cocktail sauce. 22800 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Le Arche Della Valpolicella Amarone 2005, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: There’s a nice intensity to the nose, displaying floral notes, Christmas cake, dried fruit, red plum, candied cherry, leather and sweet spice aromas. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with a soft and lush mouthfeel. The aromas replay beautifully on the palate and are balanced by medium acidity and refined tannins. Very tasty, this is a wine to contemplate as it lingers on the finish. My note: Kirsch liqueur on the nose with gorgeous depths of black fruit, cappuccino, dried herbs and violets. A powerhouse wine with a blockbuster length. Amarone food pairings: stuffed mushrooms, Italian cheese bred, turkey burgers, lentil patties, salami. 95836 15% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Leone de Castris Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva Negroamaro Malvasia Nera 2004, Puglia, Italy: Why are Italian wines so popular? This southern Italian red has all the muscle of sun-ripened fruit with the balancing acidity from wine's style: perfect for Mafioso weddings and pizza nights. A blend of 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera grapes. Plenty of black raspberries here along with some notes of opulently textured cherries and spiced vanilla. Robust and layered with a nice finish. Negroamaro Malvasia Nera food pairings: sichuan beef, pasta in tomato sauce, veal scallopini, lasagna, pizza, pesto sauce. 597534 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Distant Land Gewurztraminer 2007, North Island, New Zealand: A vibrant and refreshing wine with notes of zesty citrus, lime, rose petal and lychee. Crisp and satisfying with a pleasing vivacious style. Gewurztraminer food pairings: gouda cheese, foie gras, grilled salmon in ginger and soy sauce, lobster, sweet potato. Drink: 2008 - 2012 75549 13% 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2008, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot Gris from the warm Hawkes Bay region is another notable bargain. The nose features lovely peach, pear and apple aromas. It’s just off-dry with a round texture and juicy fruit flavors beautifully balanced by a bright seam of acidity. My note: Ripe tree fruit on the nose with floral and quince notes to follow. A well-delineated wine that offers both refreshment and hedonistic pleasure. Pinot Gris food pairings: Asian noodle dishes, liver pate, fried camembert with blueberry sauce, Mediteranean tilapia, mushroom ravioli. 32292 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

Joao Russo Monteiro Arrobeiros Douro Tinto Reserva 2005, D.O.C., Portugal: A stylishly elegant wine with rich notes of berry fruit, cigar box, ripe blackcurrants and vanillin. There’s a touch of herbaceousness in the nose. Full-bodied and rich. Tinto Reserva food pairings: grilled steak, green peppers, pork chops, Mexican dishes, hard cheeses. 103457 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Croft Port Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003, Portugal: Is there anything more comforting than port? (I mean aside from human contact.) I think of port as the Diana Krall of wines: sultry, seductive and smooth. This is a warm, rich after-dinner drink with layers of black plums and blackberries. A long, satisfying finish. Vintages Wine Panel: One of the benefits of a LBV is that you can enjoy the blessings of a declared vintage right away. Made in a modern style, this rich and fruity port impresses with its plump berry fruit flavors. Enjoy this ready-to-drink LBV. Late Bottled Vintage Port food pairings: fine dark chocolate, wlanuts, stilton cheese, pears in red wine, spice cake. 87601 20% s 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 2009. Favorite Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Boschendal 1685 Grande Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc 2007, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa: The year 1685 commemorates the founding of Boschendal and its 300-plus years of winemaking heritage. Tangy lemon and lime aromas with a backbone of mouth-watering acidity. Zesty citrus, white flowers and a mouthful of white grapefruit. It’ll wake up your mouth. Medium-bodied. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: Thai shrimp, carpaccio, brushetta, chicken and feta tostades. 91249 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dornier Wines Cabernet Franc Blend 2004, W.O. Stellenbosch, South Africa: A blend of Cabernet Franc (70%) and Merlot (30%). Dense aromas of black fruit, garrigue, roasted coffee and mocha. Great fruit extraction with a warm, lengthy finish. Cabernet Franc Blend food pairings: goat cheese, lightly spiced curries, babaganoush, asparagus, pepperoni pizza. 606020 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Ruins Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, W.O. Eilandia Robertson, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this very approachable red is dry, medium to full-bodied with aromas and flavors of spicy black pepper, blackberries, mixed red berries and a touch of smoky oak. Well-balanced, this wine is a lovely winter warmer. Made with organic grapes, this wine contains 26 mg/l of free sulfur. My note: Excellent berry ripeness here with layers of plums. Bargain seeker will love this number from South Africa. It offers notes of smoked meat, jammy black fruit and some robust tannins. Decant for 1-2 hours. This wine will make a big splash at your next party. Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork, bison steak, smoked porkchops, garlic and grilled vegetable casserole. 18739 14.8% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blue Cove Winemaker's Choice Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, W.O. Western Cape, South Africa: Uncomplicated and delicious: pleasure and power in the dark fleshy fruit. Nose of dark chocolate, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied, oh yes indeed. A wine to drink when you want enjoyment but no analysis, like the guy you'll date but not marry. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: shepherds pie, lamb raggout with roasted sweet peppers, roast veal, mature hard cheeses. 88823 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Taja Reserva Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo Merlot 2003, D.O. Jumilla, Spain: This wine is made by the owners of the coveted Château Palmer in Bordeaux. It’s a blend of Monastrell (Mourvèdre), Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot. Terrific richness and depth. Aromas of juicy black plums, kirsch, pepper and dusty cigar box. Full-bodied with a good finish. Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo Merlot food pairings: beef daube, roasted turkey, tongue, tacos. Drink: 2008 - 2016 243329 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Salinas Mo Monastrell Blend 2006, D.O. Alicante, Spain: This red is a blend with the Monastrell grape leading. A garrigue-scented nose with terrific fruit density. Notes of ripe blueberries, pepper and glycerin. Monastrell Blend food pairings: hard cheeses, prime rib with a cherry reduction sauce, dark chocolate. 95133 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Albada Vinas Viejas Garnacha Tinto 2005, D.O. Calatayud, Spain: This wine is made from 100% Garnacha grapes and aged in oak for one year. Opulent texture with aromas of intense blackberry, lavender and black fruits. Fleshy flavors wrap around a core of smoky, toasty oak. Full-bodied. Garnacha Tinto food pairings: hard cheeses, garlic bread, grilled cheddar cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers. 93005 14% 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gran Toc Hill Tempranillo Blend 2002, D.O. Penedes, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The Gran Toc Hill Reserva is made from 60% Tempranillo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, which are fermented and macerated in stainless steel tanks and then aged in American and French oak barrels. My note: A heady mixture of black cherry, wild herbs, and mature plum flavors in this full-bodied number. Excellent fruit depth and flavor length. Tempranillo Blend food pairings: hard cheeses, lamb chops, cotechino, grilled zuchini, eggplant parmigano. 673608 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

N Sentido 2005, D.O. Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Copious amounts of blackberries, plums and cigar box. Polished tannins with many layers of flavor and complexity. A long, satisfying finish for this robust wine. Food pairings: duck, roast lamb, bacon, grilled portobello mushrooms, prime rib steak. 82081 15% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Merryvale Chardonnay 2005, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: A subtly wooded wine with ripe tree fruit aromas of tangerine, citrus and apples. Vibrant, full-bodied, rich and satisfying. Chardonnay food pairings: perogies, guacamole, swiss cheeses, fried chicken, scrambled eggs. Drink: 2008 - 2013 76026 14.5% D 750 mL $65.00 Score: 92/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blackstone Winery Merlot 2006, California, United States: A full-bodied, generous red with fleshy plums, ripe blackberries, mocha, cigar box and some toasty oak. Layers of richess. A treat to drink. Merlot food pairings: goat cheese stuffed chicken, chicken wings, beet salad, strong cheeses. 606327 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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