Dessert Wine
Château De Malle 2003, Ac Sauternes, 2E Cru, France: A lusciously rich dessert wine with honeyed apricot notes. Drink: 2008 - 2012 64964 14% MS 375 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2000, Hegyalja, Hungary: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with the classic Tokay grapes Furmint (75%) and Hárslevelü (25%), this wine is loaded with caramel, ripe peach, vanilla bean and honeyed-mango aromas and flavours. A rich, medium-sweet wine that is balanced by a fine seam of acidity. Cellar it for 3+ years. My note: A lovely, rich dessert wine with peaches and cream notes. Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos food pairings: creme brulee. 71498 14% S 500 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Barón de Ley Rioja Reserva 2002, Rioja D.O.C.A, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Located less than 300 miles south of Bordeaux, the estate of Baron de Ley resembles a French Château in appearance and its wines exhibit French, in addition to Spanish, influences. Aged in both American and French oak, this Reserva is spicy with smoky vanilla, tobacco, cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors. My note: An oaky, full-bodied red with notes of dark red fruit and leather. Reserva food pairings: barbecued corizo sausage, lamb skewers, french cheeses. 958868 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Shepherds Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This wine won a Gold Medal at the Royal New Zealand Easter Show 2007. A delicious red with notes of bright, ripe cherry fruit. Shepherds Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon, pork. 586099 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Another lovely red from a producer of zesty sauvignon blanc. Deep layers of ripe plums with a toasty overlay. 60038 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely, balanced, but aromatic pinot with aromas of black and red cherries. Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir food pairings: pork, mushroom dishes. 60061 13% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: A rich, layered pinot with more heft then some other New Zealand pinots. Lovely notes of black cherries, vanilla and wild mushrooms. Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon, pork. 66803 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Coopers Creek Gravels And Metals Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2004, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: A consistent quality producer. (I also like their sauvignon blanc.) This well-structured blend has terrific red berry and cassis notes. Coopers Creek Gravels And Metals Merlot/Cabernet Franc food pairings: veal, pork roast with tamari. 56465 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sacred Hill Basket Press Merlot 2006, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Sacred Hill strikes the perfect balance between winemaking tradition and innovation. Over the last two decades, they have used time-honored techniques to handcraft exceptional wines all the while leading the industry with many environmental initiatives. Winemaker Tony Bish employed the traditional, hand operated basket press to gently coax from the grapes the full flavors of this supple Merlot. A rich, plummy nose leads to a deep yet softly textured wine layered with ripe black fruit flavors and supported by gentle tannins. My note: New Zealand is doing a great job with reds other than pinot. The cool climate means the wines are balanced but still achieve great depth of flavor. 60087 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Waimea Estates Spinyback Pinot Noir 2006, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The lizard-like Tautara (a.k.a. Spinyback) is native to New Zealand. Apparently, it’s the last living
dinosaur! Waimea Estates donates 5 cents of every bottle sold to help protect this unique species. Showing sour cherry, toasty oak and spicy characteristics, this lighter-style Pinot Noir from Nelson is ready to drink
and would be perfect served lightly chilled along with some light summer fare. My note: A zippy pinot with great refreshment value. Spinyback Pinot Noir food pairings: chicken, mushroom dishes. 60079 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Waitiri Creek Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Some red cherry aromas and nice delicate florals. Quite a pretty nose. Pretty wines in fact with fine cherry fruit notes. My note: Gorgeously ripe cherry fruit and berries on the nose with a zippy, mouth-watering character. Waitiri Creek Pinot Noir food pairings: duck. 683342 14% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. May 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Taltarni Three Monks Cabernet/Merlot 2005, Victoria, Australia: A deep, rich red with notes of black fruit and toast. Taltarni Three Monks Cabernet/Merlot food pairings: meat dishes, barbeque. 684183 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De La Tour Du Bief Moulin-À-Vent 2005, Ac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine de la Tour du Bief’s Gamay from the Moulin-à-Vent AC has been favourably compared to Gevrey-Chambertin and other Burgundian Pinot Noirs. From its elegant aromas to its cherry and plum flavors, this Gamay will charm you. It should reward 2-4 years in a cellar, rare for a Gamay. My note: A lovely, medium-bodied red with aromas of cherries and raspberries. Domaine De La Tour Du Bief Moulin-À-Vent food pairings: roast beef au jus. 707984 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Flaugergues Cuvée Sommelière 2006, Ac Coteaux Du Languedoc, La Méjanelle, France: A deep, rich wine with dark fruit, smoke and spices. Drink: 2008 - 2012 65896 13.8% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vign. Diffonty Cuvée Du Vatican Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Reserve Sixtine 2005, Ac, France: A blockbuster, big wine with cherry liqueur notes wrapped in smoke. Cuvée Du Vatican Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Reserve Sixtine food pairings: steak, stew. Drink: 2010 - 2022 740639 14% XD 750 mL $56.95 Score: 92/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Excellence 2006, Ac Costières De Nîmes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This delicious, barrel-aged Syrah, made by a modern producer in one of the southern Rhône’s best undiscovered regions, offers exceptional quality and value vintage after vintage. The ripe berry and brambly fruit flavors are balanced by earth, meat and spice notes as well as ample tannin and acidity. My note: A terrific red at an amazing price. Loaded with dark plums and berries. Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Excellence food pairings: leg of lamb, rich meat-pasta dishes. 708750 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Ragose Amarone Della Valpolicella 2003, D.O.C., Italy: For those who like their wines, here you go. A red with aromas of black fruit and solid oak. Le Ragose Amarone Della Valpolicella food pairings: braised beef, lamb dishes. 700872 14.5% D 750 mL $76.95 Score: 92/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Musar Red 1999, Bekka Valley, Lebanon: My favorite wine from Lebanon and an icon for the country. It compares to nothing; try it. A full-bodied red with aromas of dark exotic fruit and spices. 708552 13% D 750 mL $79.00 Score: 91/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Ragose Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Italy Le Ragose Amarone Della Valpolicella food pairings: braised beef, lamb dishes. 700872 14.5% D 750 mL $76.95 May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel 2013, Lodi, United States Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel food pairings: saucy barbecued ribs. 336064 15% D 750 mL $22.95 May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Lodi, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Proprietors Steve and Lori Felton’s vine-growing roots run deep, going back five generations in Lodi. This rich and ultra-ripe Zinfandel is full-bodied with intense cherry, raspberry and dried-fruit flavours. Soft and
easy-drinking. My note: A generous, full-bodied zinfandel with ripe berry notes. Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel food pairings: saucy barbecued ribs. 336064 15% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosenblum Vintner's Cuvee Syrah 2005, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Rosenblum’s mammoth house-style Syrah offers a mouthful of flavor, not to mention terrific value. It serves up aromas of black cherry, mocha and vanilla leading to a palate that features mouth-filling berry and spice flavors, chewy tannins and a long, dry finish. My note: A lovely, balanced, full-bodied syrah (shiraz). Rosenblum Vintner's Cuvee Syrah food pairings: rare steak. 686535 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Finca El Padruell/Jaume Serra Euroamerican Trading Malbec 2004, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific producer of Argentina's icon grape/wine. A full-bodied red with black fruit notes. 993824 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. May 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Peter Lehmann Rosé 2007, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from old-vine Grenache in the Barossa Valley, this vibrant-pink rosé is bursting with fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. It’s dry with a round texture, medium body and a seam of natural acidity providing a refreshing backbone. My note: A basket of ripe raspberries. Serve chilled. Peter Lehmann Rosé food pairings: antipesto. 34298 11% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau D'aqueria Tavel Rosé 2007, Ac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Not far from Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône is the ancient town of Tavel, the world headquarters for classic rosé. This perennial favorite is hot pink in color and offers aromas of raspberry, maraschino cherry and citrus notes. Built for food, it’s very dry, light- to medium-bodied with a touch of tannin and a balancing seam of acidity. My note: A classic rose bursting with ripe raspberries and strawberries. Chateau D'aqueria Tavel Rosé food pairings: barbecued salmon, chicken caeser salad. 712000 13% XD 375 mL $11.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Honda Monastrell Rosé 2007, Do Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This family winery has been crafting wines in the heart of the Jumilla region in southern Spain since 1925. This fresh and fruity rosé is made from 100% Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre). My note: A terrific tasty rose with floral and berry notes. Viña Honda Monastrell Rosé food pairings: manchego cheese, smoked or pan-fried fish. 71431 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, Sonoma County, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A succulent fizz with vibrant aromas of ripe apple, caramel, spice, cherry and cinnamon toast. It will reward 2-4 years in a cellar. My note: One of California's best bubbly producers. Check out their amazing pinot noir as well. Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut food pairings: steamed clams, grilled salmon, roasted pork tenderloin, roasted red peppers. 59543 12% D 1500 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ricossa Moscato D'asti 2007, D.O.C.G., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Few wines smell and taste like spring as the lovely, slightly sweet, low alcohol, highly aromatic and frizzante Moscato d’Asti does. Its aromas are reminiscent of spring meadow flowers, grapefruit, table grapes and sweet herbs. Medium sweet, it is nicely balanced out by a seam of youthful acidity. My note: Try this beautiful slightly sweet, slightly bubbly wine as an aperitif or with fruit desserts. Ricossa Moscato D'asti food pairings: mildly spiced Thai or Indian dishes, fruit desserts. 72272 5.5% MS 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
La Playa Block Selection Estate Reserve Carmenère 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Chile's signature red grape is carmenere because it's round, robust and delicious just like its cousin merlot. 59410 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penmara Reserve Chardonnay 2006, New South Wales, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Penmara is a co-operative of five vine-growing families in New South Wales. Together they own 400 acres of prime vineyard land in Australia’s oldest wine-growing state. The Reserve Chardonnay is packed with concentrated melon and citrus fruit flavors. It is dry and full-bodied with its ripe fruit flavors balanced by subtle oak notes. My note: A round, full-bodied chardonnay with ripe apple and pear notes. Penmara Reserve Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, pan-seared scallops. 912790 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 2008. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Heath Southern Sisters Reserve Riesling 2005, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A zippy, mouth-watering glass of lime and white flavors. 58487 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Borgo Magredo Pinot Grigio 2006, Doc Friuli, Grave, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Borgo Magredo is located in an area of Friuli known for its gravelly soil. Its vineyards abut against the foot of the Carnic Alps, enjoying a microclimate that helps create a crisp, fresh, and vivacious wine filled with pear and citrus aromas and flavors. My note: A classic pinot grigio with melon and citrus notes. Borgo Magredo Pinot Grigio food pairings: pasta with cream sauce. 72389 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cyril Marès, Vign. Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2007, Ac Costières De Nîmes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Marès family began making wine in Algeria during the early 20th century and would later acquire properties in Bordeaux (Château Puy Castéra) and in Costières de Nîmes where they founded the renowned winery that produces this wine. Their Cuvée Tradition is a floral, Muscat-like wonder. My note: One of my favorite producers in Rhone. Consistently balanced and delicious. Great value. Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc food pairings: cheeses. 701094 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. May 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart