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Vintages Release November 8, 2008

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Dessert Wine

Château Suau Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A lovely, concentrated elixir of honey, apricots, ripe pear and vanilla. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: prime rib steak, game terrine, kidney and oyster pie, grilled steak. Drink: 2008 - 2012 86835 14% S 375 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Favorite Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quinta De Santa Eufemia 10 Year Old Tawny Port 1998, Douro, Portugal: A solid and pleasing port with orange peel, almond and coffee aromas. 10 Year Old Tawny Port food pairings: almonds, blue cheese, chocolate cake, coffee cake, oreos. 87528 20% S 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Chateau de Pez Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A classic Bordeaux with boarding school breeding. Good bones, nice diction. Full-bodied with notes of cassis, smoke and black plums. Decant for two hours. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: steak, venison, stew, horseradish sauce, Thai coconut shrimp. Drink: 2008 - 2016 102798 13% XD 750 mL $63.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Du Tertre Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 1996, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A fine, elegant Cab/Merlot blend that is hitting peak maturity. The nose is still quite vital featuring a combination of both dried and fresh red fruit with a lovely earthy/spicy undertone. A fine mouth-feel leads to a long, pleasant finish. My note: A smooth, simple but satisfying Bordeaux that's light- medium-bodied. Almost no perceptible tannins. Aromas of earth, cherries and faint leather. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot food pairings: game bird, mature cheeses, grilled rainbow trout. 87668 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Lilian Ladouys Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Lovely notes of cassis, blackcurrant, purple plums and a dash of black pepper. Nice integration of oak. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: steak, stew, boar, game meats, grilled meats. Drink: 2008 - 2018 86827 12% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Loudenne Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001, A.C. Bordeaux, France: All the finesse and class of a Bordeaux twice the price. Lovely balance and length. Classic cassis, blackcurrant and smoke notes. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: steak, boar, roasts, rack of lamb, barbecued beef ribs. Drink: 2008 - 2013 87718 12% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Dame De Malescot Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A distinguished and subtle Bordeaux with a pleasant bitter finish. Blackcurrants, cassis and oak notes. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: blue cheese, lamb ragout with roasted sweet peppers, pheasant, Thai coconut shrimp. Drink: 2010 - 2016 79269 13.5% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau De L'estang Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A fine wine featuring the aromatic signatures of traditional Bordeaux. Blackcurrant, bell pepper, blueberry, toast and game dominate. Dry with rich mid-palate. My note: A pleasantly bitter Bordeaux with blackcurrant and cassis. Full-bodied and tannic. Decant for two hours. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: steak, boar, grilled meats, game, cheddar crown bread. Drink: 2008 - 2012 92809 13.7% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Hauchat La Rose Merlot 2004, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Merlot-based wine features lovely aromas of cassis, cherry and woodsmoke. The tannins are softening allowing the bright, fresh fruitiness to come to the front. My note: A rich and textured Bordeaux with mouth-watering flavors of black plums and berries. Smooth and full-bodied. Merlot food pairings: roast beef, root vegetables, hamburgers, game, asparagus. Drink: 2008 - 2012 86611 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Le Carillon Cabernet Sauvilgnon Blend 2005, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Nicely balanced and layered. Complex and satisfying. Full-bodied with notes of dark chocolate. Black plums and blackberries fill the glass. Cabernet Sauvilgnon Blend food pairings: steak, beef stew, gourmet hamburgers, goulash. Drink: 2008 - 2012 107664 13.5% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

7 Deadly Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: A smoky, spicy number with delicious black fruit and berries. Zip and zing in this full-bodied red. Zinfandel food pairings: hamburgers, grilled meats, mature hard cheeses, dark chocolate. Drink: 2008 - 2012 59311 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Duck Pond Cellars Pinot Noir 2006, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This bright Pinot is a terrific value from Oregon. It’s bursting with aromas and flavours of tart cherries, cranberry and raspberries as well as floral and earth notes. Crisply dry, medium bodied with a touch of spice. My note: Vibrant ripe cherry notes with a wonderfully lifted, bright mid-palate. Earth and cranberry aromas with a spice edge. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal chops, spiced duck breasts, pizza with anchovies. Drink: 2008 - 2012 427872 13.8% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Amancaya Gran Reserva Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Amancaya is the second wine of Bodegas Caro, a co-production between Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite and the Catena family. Full-bodied and dense, this youthful blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with blackberry, black cherry and pretty floral notes. It’s dry, with firm tannins and fresh acidity providing structure. My note: A juicy, savory red with blackcurrant and cassis. Full-bodied. Decant for two hours. Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef tenderloin, shepherd's pie, osso bucco, rack of lamb, mint sauces, barbecued spare ribs. Drink: 2008 - 2012 16097 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Doña Paula Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A pleasing, delicious, lip-smacking red with dark plums and spice aromas. Full-bodied. Malbec food pairings: steak fajitas, spicy pork chops, pot roast, leg of lamb, baked or grilled eggplant. 394783 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penfolds St. Henri Vineyard Shiraz 2004, South Australia, Australia: A beautifully structured, supple, and full-bodied Shiraz with notes of blackberry and smoke. Long-lived the terrific balance. Shiraz food pairings: creamed onions, garlic casseroles, grilled mushrooms, grilled tuna, pork with soy sesame oil and ginger. 510875 14% D 750 mL $150.00 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Torbreck The Steading Grenache Blend 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia: A blend of a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mataro, and 20% Shiraz. chewy, rich, savory wine redolent of bacon, blackberry, pepper, black cherry and garrigue. Full-bodied. Grenache Blend food pairings: Lamb, Greek dishes, tzatziki, beef dishes, shepherds pie. Drink: 2008 - 2018 723890 14% D 750 mL $48.95 Score: 94/100. November 2008. Tie Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia: A full-bodied beauty of remarkable length and depth. This wine keeps talking long after you've run out of things to say. Blackberry, blueberry, spice, pepper and tobacco notes. Shiraz food pairings: pot roast, Ehtiopian stewed chicken, gumbo, bison steak, ostrich. Drink: 2008 - 2016 927533 15.2% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Marc Roy Pinot Noir 2006, A.C. Burgundy, France: A highly aromatic wine with a heavy perfume of violets, field flowers, raspberries, smoke and cedar. Beautiful balance and length. Pinot Noir food pairings: pepperoni pizza, pork chops, salmon with ginger and soy marinade, seared tuna with a pepper crust,. 70185 13.5% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antonin Rodet Gevrey Chambertin Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot Noir is from the outstanding 2005 vintage is highlighted by black cherry, blackberry, nutmeg and almond aromas. It offers depth and structure, with lots of fruit and well-balanced tannins on the palate. It’s noted for its earth, subtle wood and spice qualities and long fruit-filled finish. My note: A remarkably balanced and long wine with gorgeously smooth tannins and ripe cherries, mushrooms, violets and earth notes. Medium-bodied. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, fried turkey, chicken sausage, marinated chicken on the grill. Drink: 2008 - 2012 84558 13% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave De Tain Crozes Hermitage Fine Fleur De Crozes Syrah Blend 2005, A.C. Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This classic northern Rhône Syrah is specially selected by the winemaker and designed for early enjoyment. Barrel-aged and fermented, it’s deep ruby in color with aromas of blackcurrant, spice, mineral and toasty oak notes. It’s rich and silky with fresh black fruit flavours mingling with mineral notes, supportive acidity and smooth tannins. My note: A savory red with mouth-watering flavors of bacon, fat, black cherries, garrigue and smoke. Full-bodied and balanced. Syrah Blend food pairings: roasted lamb sprinkled with rosemary, spicy beef stew. Drink: 2008 - 2016 76380 12.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château de Beaucastel Syrah Blend 2006, A.C. Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone, France: A savory wine with notes of black cherry liqueur, bacon, leather, smoke and blackcurrants. Full-bodied. Syrah Blend food pairings: steak, gourmet hamburgers, venison, black pudding, garlic casseroles. Drink: 2010 - 2015 968750 14.5% XD 375 mL $47.95 Score: 93/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc Syrah Blend 2005, A.C. Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone, France: Black cherry liqueur with smoke, cedar, cassis, tobacco and leather aromas. Full-bodied, smooth with a vibrant long finish. Syrah Blend food pairings: peppercorn steak, Tandoori flavored dishes, rich meat casseroles, smoked pork chops, grilled vegetables. Drink: 2008 - 2020 43026 13% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Haut Monplaisir Malbec 2004, A.C. Prestige, France: A hulking, brooding black-fruited wine with full-bodied texture. Black plums and berry notes with a hint of black pepper. Malbec food pairings: steak, game, hamburgers, porke tenderloin with a wine reduction sauce, grilled lamb chops. Drink: 2008 - 2012 462374 13.4% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 88/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Reserve 2006, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, United States: A gorgeously aromatic red with heavy bouquet of violets, ripe cherries, raspberries and a wisp of smoke. Medium- to full-bodied with a silky, seductive texture. Pinot Noir Reserve food pairings: beef bourguignonne, roast beef, fried chicken, game dishes, mild cheeses. 677690 14% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 94/100. November 2008. Tie Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Coto Real Grenache Tempranillo Reserva 2001, D.O.C.A., Spain: A mouth-watering, full-bodied red with black plums, cherries and smoke notes. Full-bodied with a great length. Grenache Tempranillo Reserva food pairings: lamb chops, grilled eggplant, portobello mushrooms, zucchini, hard cheeses. Drink: 2008 - 2015 80341 13.6% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Legaris Crianza Tempranillo 2004, D.O., Spain: A meaty, savory red with licorice, blackberries and pepper notes. Full-bodied, smooth and supple. Decant for one hour. 699736 13.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Chateau Lamothe De Haux Rosé 2007, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Regardless of where the grapes are sourced, AC Bordeaux Clairet is the only designation allowed for Bordelais rosés. From the 2007 vintage, this rosé is a blend of 50/50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. An excellent fall sipper, this crisp, raspberry-scented wine is perfect. My note: A light, pleasant rosé with ripe raspberry and strawberry notes. Rosé food pairings: grilled salmon, roast chicken, roasted root vegetables. 684969 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. November 2008. Best Value Rose Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Deutz Champagne Classic Brut 2004, A.C. Champagne, France: A toasty, generous bubbly with notes of baked bread, green apples and orange peel. Champagne Classic Brut food pairings: Chinese dishes, caviar, oysters, smoked salmon. 710038 12% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 92/100. November 2008. Favorite Sparkling Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Taittinger Champagne Brut 2002, A.C. Champagne, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A lovely structure dominates this very young Champagne. Filled with aromas of pear, apples, bread dough and mineral, this is a champers that will amply reward cellaring. It is approachable now because of the classic gentle and creamy Taittinger style. My note: A classic bubbly leading with Chardonnay in the blend. Notes of green apples, toast and baked bread. Champagne Brut food pairings: avocado mousse, Chinese dishes, caviar, oysters, smoked salmon on a cedar plank. Drink: 2010 - 2015 989905 12% XD 750 mL $87.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, California, United States: A pear-ripe Chardonnay with green apples and buttery undertones. Full-bodied, rich and creamy. Chardonnay food pairings: pan roasted salmon, shrimp scampi. Drink: 2008 - 2012 80226 13.5% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antonin Rodet Chardonnay 2006, A.C. Puligny Montrachet, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Known as one of Burgundy’s great negoçiant houses, Antonin Rodet was founded in 1875. The secret to their ongoing success has been the close relationship they forge with growers to ensure quality across their portfolio. This Puligny-Montrachet is dry, full-bodied with layers of lemon, spice, and almond notes leading to a long toasty finish. My note: A gorgeous, round, rich Chardonnay with notes of green apples, pears and vanilla. Chardonnay food pairings: rich seafood dishes, oysters, salmon, chicken with tarragon cream sauce. Drink: 2008 - 2012 84541 13.4% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 94/100. November 2008. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Genetin Sauvignon Blanc 2006, A.C. Pouilly Fume, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The name Genetin harkens back to an ancient grape called Muscat Genetin, which eventually evolved into Sauvignon Blanc. This wine features classic aromas of gooseberry, lemon and mineral notes leading to a medium-bodied, juicy textured palate. My note: Fresh, zesty and refreshing. Melon and grapefruit notes on this Sauvignon blanc-based white. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: steamed mussles, goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin, chicken and feta tostades, beef carpaccio. 653154 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dr. H. Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2004, Q.M.P., Germany: Terrific acidity with ripe apricot and citrus fruit notes. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: duck liver pate, roasted turkey with gravy, Thai dishes, spring rolls, lemon-mint risotto. Drink: 2008 - 2020 85076 8% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quinta Da Alorna Arinto Chardonnay 2006, Vinhos, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a blend of Chardonnay and the native Portuguese variety Arinto, which adds fine acidity and a citrus quality to the wine. Crisp and refreshing, it features pineapple and lemon characteristics, as well as hints of floral, spice, and vanilla. My note: A zesty, balanced white that delivers grassy notes without needing to get out your lawnmower. Arinto Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, baked cod, turkey scallopini, rustic bread, poached salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2012 81505 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 2008. Best Value White Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Conde de Valdemar Macabeo 2006, D.O.C.A., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from the Spain’s popular Viura grape, (aka Macabeo), this light and fruity white possesses notes of white flower, yellow fruit, melon, and oak/spice hints. Crisp and fresh, it has excellent length. My note: A refreshing, nervy white with white peaches and limes. Macabeo food pairings: paellas, asparagus. 80952 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. November 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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