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Wine Picks February 6, 2017

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Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

Dessert Wine

Dalva Port 2010, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: This dessert wine is a classic late bottled vintage port with flavours of black and purple plum. Ready to drink much earlier than traditional vintage-dated ports yet sharing many of the same aromas and flavours. Pair with Black Forest cake. Port food pairings: crème brûlée, fruit-based desserts, pastries, fresh field berries in cream. Drink: 2012 - 2018 169755 20% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Poças Jr. Late Bottle Vintage Port 2009, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: An attractive after-dinner dessert wine: this fortified port is made in the Late Bottled Vintage style so it doesn't have to be aged, like Vintage ports do. Aromas of blackberry jam. Pair with Black Forest Cake. Port food pairings: blue cheeses, chocolate mousse, fresh fruit. Drink: 2016 - 2022 642058 20.2% S 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. February 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Taylor Fladgate First Estate Reserve Port, Douro, Portugal: Taylor Fladgate's First Estate features the house signature of concentrated dark fruit with great balance and length. This dessert wine is a blend of youthful red wines produced in the Cima Corgo region, then aged several years in oak barrels. Intense ruby hue. Aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, black plum and star anise. Firm tannins. Pair with star anise chocolate and hard cheeses. Taylor’s First Estate Port celebrates the producer's first vineyard purchase Casa dos Alambiques at Lugar das Lages in the upper Douro Valley back in 1744. Drink: 2016 - 2023 309401 19% S 750 mL $17.15 Score: 90/100. February 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011, Douro Valley, Portugal: Stunningly great dessert wine for the money! Aromas of blackberry liqueur and cassis jam. Smooth and supple. Pair with Black Forest Cake. Drink: 2013 - 2022 191239 20% S 750 mL $17.25 Score: 90/100. February 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Warre's Vintage Port 1980, Douro, Portugal: A gorgeous black-violet hue in the glass. This classic vintage-dated port offers aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and dark spice. Long finish. Drink: 1995 - 2025 747022 20% S 750 mL $120.00 Score: 94/100. February 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Rupert & Rothschild Classique 2014, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: This South African red wine is produced by Anthonij Rupert & Benjamin de Rothschild and so elegant with great finesse and length. France comes to South Africa and picks up some muscle yet keeps its balletic grace. I’d serve this at a dinner party or give it as a gift. Finishes with dried herbs and tobacco leaves. Savoury, meaty, racy. Pair with rare filet mignon. Yes please! Food pairings: beef. Drink: 2016 - 2019 717991 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. February 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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