Dessert Wine
d'Arenberg Vintage Fortified Shiraz Chambourcin 2005, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Fantastic dessert wine! It’s fortified for extra richness, body, sweetness and alcohol. Redolent of blackberry jam, black raspberry liqueur and fig paste. 606244 17.5% S 750 mL $33.95 Score: 93/100. October 2009. Favorite Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Winner of a Silver Medal at the All-Canadian Wine Championships in 2009. A mocha-rich, blackberry-ripe Cabernet with supple layers of flavor goodness. 143784 13.9% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ironstone Merlot 2007, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A terrific value, this bright and fruity Merlot is extremely well-balanced and very food-friendly. It’s dry, medium-bodied, soft textured with clean plum and cherry flavors plus notes of licorice and vanilla. My note: A lovely, silky, easy drinking red with plush, plump plums and berries. Nicely integrated oak. Such a comfy blue jeans kind of wine. Thank-you! Merlot food pairings: roasted pork, veal chops, medium-rare steak. 704353 14% XD 750 mL $18.25 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Finca El Origen Santa Carolina In Argentina/Bodegas Y Viñedos La Esperanza, Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Santa Carolina, the popular Chilean producer, moves into the Argentine market with these wines. My note: Concentrated nose of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant. Smoke wraps around the basket of dark fruit for a satisfying finish. Terrific value. 19396 14.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trapiche Broquel Bonarda 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A juicy-ripe red with rich black fruit, licorice, blueberry, coconut, dark spices and vanilla smoke. The vines for this wine were 20 years old, and the wine was aged in oak barrels for 12 months. Good firm tannins. Decant for 1-2 hours. Bonarda food pairings: tomato-sauce dishes, pasta, steak, ribs, meat casserole. 55558 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Carolina Selection Carmenère 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A fantastic value, this full-bodied Carmenère is sourced from selected vineyard sites in the Rapel Valley and aged in French oak for 12 months. It’s packed with blackberry and black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco and spice. Savor this hearty and crowd-pleasing wine. My note: You can go wrong with this lovely, full-bodied red redolent of mint and blackberries. Savory and robust with layers and layers of supple flavor. Lick your lips and enjoy! Carmenère food pairings: meat stews. 640888 14.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Winner of a Gold Medal at the Royal Perth Wine Show in 2008. I’ve long loved this wine, packed with generous notes of fleshy blackberries and black raspberries. Some pepper and spice give it a lick and kick. Gorgeous! 535104 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 95/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Shingleback Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and generous; invites you back for another glass, then another one … Aromas of black cherry, dark spices and peppered plums. Savory bacon fat runs down the middle; oh so good! 57844 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tait Basket Pressed Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Amazing depth and flavor intensity with aromas of blackberry, bacon fat, anise, peppered plums and mocha. The grapes are grown on 60-year-old vines with just 1 – 2 tons per acre harvested. 138339 16.2% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 93/100. October 2009. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Glaetzer Wines Glaetzer Wines Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A bruiser of a wine that’s looking for trouble and fun. Dense, dark and solid with a core of blackberry and blackcurrant. The Shiraz grapes come from 80- to 120-year-old vines. This wine is aged for 14 months in French and American oak. 627869 15.1% D 750 mL $44.00 Score: 91/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mission Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Established in 1851, Mission Estate is New Zealand’s oldest winery. This Cab includes fruit sourced from the renowned Gimblett Gravels sub-region in Hawkes Bay. My note: Mocha-blackberry richness with full-bodied layers. This wine is a blend of 10 per cent Cabernet Franc and 5 per cent Malbec. 132159 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Goats do Roam Goat-Roti Syrah Viognier 2007, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: A lovely supple and full-bodied red with notes of ripe dark plums and berries, some smoke in the background with dark spices. Closed with a screwcap. 943175 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Haut-Plaisance Michel Coudroy, Prop. Merlot Blend 2003, A.C., Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2005 Concours Général Agricole Paris. Hitting its prime drinking window, this 2003 Bordeaux features aromas of bakery fruit, plum, cedar, vanilla and mocha. Dry with mature fruit and virtually resolved tannins, this delicious, well-priced claret. My note: Pleasingly tart dark cherries with some dark spices and a lick of smoke. Juicy and medium-bodied with good balance. Merlot Blend food pairings: roast beef with root vegetables. 138784 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château La Gorce Pascal Fabre & Fils Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: This winery has been a farm, a monastery and is now a mansion. The wine is incredible for the money with warm, rich aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry with dark spices and smoky oak. Robust, well-structured and deep with good length. Decant for 1 hour Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: steak, grilled lamb chops. Drink: 2009 - 2013 87668 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Tour St. Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: This wine won a Bronze Medal at the prestigious 2007 Concours de Bordeaux Vins de Aquitaine. A rustic, robust red with dark rich red berries and cassis. Smoky oak wraps around it nicely. Balanced with good length. Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2010 - 2016 138701 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Thébot Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A terrific value-priced Bordeaux from the great 2005 vintage. Lots of plum, stewed blueberry, vanilla and cherry dominate this wine. Dry and fruity with good ripe tannins giving balance. My note: A meaty, rustic wine with blackberries and blueberries. Tasty and gulpable to enjoy now. Decant 2 hours. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: grilled steak with onions and mushrooms, calf’s liver. 138792 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Collin-Bourisset Gamay 2007, A.C., Moulin-À-Vent, Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France 2008. A very generous Gamay with aromas of black cherry and plum. Dry and elegant, with a fine core of tannin that one expects to find in better cru Beaujolais such as this. The fruit comes on nicely on the finish. My note: Bright, vibrant cherries and strawberries. Lovely, mouth-watering acidity and clean, fresh finish. Medium-bodied and delightful. Gamay food pairings: stuffed veal, pork tenderloin. 129791 12.6% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cantine Due Palme Primitivo 2005, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Dark chocolate and black raspberry richness: lovely! Dark plums unfold on the palate with gorgeously rich layers of blackberry jam. Primitivo food pairings: grilled baby back ribs. 658351 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alianca Winery Particular 2006, D.O.C., Dão, Portugal: This single-vineyard wine is a blend of traditional Portuguese varieties, aged for 12 months in French oak. Deep ruby in colour, it is bursting with mixed-berry fruit aromas and flavours. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with a mouth-filling texture and very nice balance. My note: Intensely aromatic: it invites you to jump into the glass. Lively notes of mouth-watering black cherries, blackberries, dark spices, dried tobacco and vanillin. Food pairings: wine-and-garlic marinated pork, Portuguese-styled filet mignon in a mushroom sauce. 527473 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, D.O., Penedès, Spain: Dark and moody, fascinating! Black raspberry, plum, mocha, anise, and smoke. Dense, round, supple and full-bodied with mouth-brightening and juicy acidity. Terrific length with a coffee-infused finish. Drink: 2009 - 2018 129676 14% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. October 2009. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera 2006, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Dark chocolate richness on the nose with smoky vanilla spice and dark flowers. Some savory notes of bacon fat on the palate with terrific mouth-watering juiciness. Full-bodied, deep and rich. Drink: 2009 - 2014 247262 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Arboleda Viña Seña Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2009 Wines of Chile Awards. Rustic and cedary with deeply satisfying flavors of black plum and cherry. Some herbaceousness as an undernote that gives the wine a zing. Decant 2 hours. 208859 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta di Capraia Chianti Classico 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A Chianti Classico that gains intensity as it progresses. On the nose, the fruit seems to peel back layer by layer. At first, there’s a hint of spring flowers, then raspberry tones come in, followed by a fine cedar and earthy quality. On the palate, all these elements come back for an encore. It is dry, full-bodied, fresh and very lively. It will reward 2-4 years in a cellar, but is also a good match for an array of meat-based dishes. My note: Smoky, tangy goodness with aromas of black cherries, plums and mocha. 135277 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Malgrà Fornace Di Cerreto Barbera D'asti Superiore Moscato Bianco 2006, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Juicy and dark with bright acidity. Tart cherries and berries with some mocha on the finish. Medium-bodied and silky. 4275 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Spinona Bricco Faset Pietro Berutti Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: 2004 was an exceptional vintage for Barbarescos. This highly aromatic Nebbiolo features aromas of black cherry, mulberry, raspberry and earth. Dry and fairly fruity with well-defined, but not over-dominating tannins. This structured wine will easily reward 4-6 years in a cellar, but it can also work tonight, decanted. My note: Tarry black cherries and dark spices. Long luscious layers of flavor, good balance and nice length. Barbaresco Nebbiolo food pairings: rare roast beef, lamb. 134726 13.5% XD 750 mL $63.95 Score: 90/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Volpaia Citto Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Volpaia’s Citto is a blend of Sangiovese with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to add depth to the flavours. The wines are unoaked, thus putting the fresh fruit aromas and flavors front and center. Look for cherry, blackberry, cassis and a hint of underbrush on the nose. Even without the oak, it has exceptional structure that will stand up to intense meat-based pasta dishes or even reward 2-4 years in a cellar. My note: Good grip in this wonderfully delicious full-bodied red. Aromas of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, cedar-spice, and red berries. Decant for 1 hour. 134817 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Collazzi Collazzi 2005, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: A tarry but succulent wine with juicy blackberries and tart blackcurrants. Notes of dried tobacco, herbs, and anise. Needs time. Drink: 2012 - 2020 656538 13.5% XD 750 mL $49.00 Score: 91/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Black and brooding as Heathcliff on the moor (can’t think of the Italian equivalent just now, sorry). Plush, opulent layers of black plum, blackberry and smoke. Long and satisfying. 33498 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Remo Farina Classico Superiore Valpolicella Ripasso 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Deep savory goodness with meaty flavors and blackberries. Terrific mouth-watering flavor with full-bodied balance. Some anise on the finish. 999946 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marqués De Vitoria Crianza Tempranillo 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Rustic and tannic now but it will be amazing and refined with age. Big, brooding aromas of black cherries and raspberries, cedar, cocoa, and cigar box. Deep, concentrated and powerful. Give it time. 678045 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Enrico Serafino Moscato D'asti Bianco 2008, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Even with its residual sugar and gentle frizzante, Moscato d’Asti is a remarkably versatile wine. It’s a good companion to a variety of foods. It also makes a fine after-dinner sipper. And it’s low in alcohol (5.5%) so you can be a good host. My note: Incredibly lovely “Life is Beautiful” kind of wine. If you haven’t tried Moscato d’Asti, you must! There’s simply nothing like it: light effervescence, orange zest and Clementine, slight sweetness and eternal happiness. Moscato D'asti Bianco food pairings: spicy Asian fare, grilled salmon steaks, fruit salads. 134833 6% MS 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. October 2009. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Thirty Bench Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Thirty Bench is a Riesling specialist. The 2007 vintage of this wine won a Gold Medal for Best Dry Riesling at the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards. My note: Refreshing with notes of lime, white peach, green apples and white flowers. Refreshing: great aperitif. 24133 11.1% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Stunningly, crazy great! I love this Chardonnay: rich layers of buttery, hazelnut goodness lap over your mouth followed by warm, fleshy pears and clementine. A smoky, peach-infused finish. I’ll stay here and finish the bottle: you go on without me. 726604 13.4% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 92/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Gris is becoming a staple in the vineyards of the Okanagan, resulting in a range of styles from light and crisp to ripe, round and robust. This fine example from Burrowing Owl comes right up the middle. It features aromas of lime, pear, mineral and even a slight hint of butterscotch. On the palate, it is quite dry with good lime/pear replays and a hint of toasty oak. This version has good weight in the mouth and a rather long crisp/fruit/oak finish. My note: Pinot Gris food pairings: grilled prawns. 585745 13% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: A voluptuous Chardonnay with rich, luxurious aromas of pear, green apples, and hazelnut. Incredible depth and length of flavor. 346304 14.4% D 750 mL $78.95 Score: 90/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clayhouse Adobe White Viognier Sauvignon Blanc Grenache Blanc Roussanne Chardonnay Chenin Blanc 2008, Central Coast, California, United States: A pretty floral wine with notes of rose petal, daisies, peach and Asian pear. 297382 13% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. October 2009. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Rita Medalla Real Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A pleasant creamy Chardonnay with green apple, peach and pear. 303628 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2008, South Australia, Australia: Wow! Intense but as ephemeral as clouds on the palate. Lime zest and crushed daisies (and torn poems). Perfect aperitif and accompaniment for many dishes. 625129 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage Terra Barossa Single Vineyard Riesling 2008, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: White peach, field daisies and lemongrass flood the senses. Fresh and clean like white linen on a clothes line in the summer sun. 75986 12.7% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spy Valley Chardonnay 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A reliable and robust Chardonnay with notes of green apple, butter, vanilla spice and peach. Matured 10 months in French oak barrels. Good balance and length. 57737 13% D 750 mL $23.00 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Pure grassy goodness with notes of lime, chive and lemon zest. Bottled kiwi sunshine and green hills. Medium-bodied. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled prawn with a moderately spicy sauce. 903625 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Le Pavillon De Boyrein Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: White Bordeaux is under-appreciated for its food-matching qualities. Here’s a racy 2007 Bordeaux blanc with lovely melon, apple and sweet herb aromas on the nose. Dry, crisp and fresh with good aroma replays. A great wine. My note: A rich a luxuriously long white with lovely notes of green apple, peach and hazelnut and smoke. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: bouillabaisse, boiled lobster with dip, goat cheese, lamb dishes. 138834 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Bonnard Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Gold Medal winning wine combines the best of Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of the New Zealand style: lime and mineral, plus cut grass and a hint of gooseberry. Dry and fresh with good aroma replays. My note: A balanced and refreshing sauvignon blanc that’s not overly herbal or oaked. A lovely balanced approach with tasty notes of lime, green apple and chives. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled prawns, poached salmon, roasted herbed chicken, goat cheese-stuffed roasted red peppers. 140525 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Studert-Prüm Riesling Spätlese 2004, Q.M.P., Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Incredibly lovely with ripe peach, pear, apricot and lime. Zippy acidity is perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness. 140756 8% M 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Spätlese 2007, Q.M.P., Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Rheingau, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: The Schloss Reinhartshausen estate, in the heart of the Rheingau, overlooks the Rhine river. Wine has been cultivated on this historic 77 ha estate since 1337. This house Spätlese (or late harvest) Riesling, made with fruit from the Erbach and Hattenheim vineyards, is rich and supple with lovely lemon/lime, ripe grapefruit and mineral characteristics. It’s medium-sweet, balanced with refreshing acidity leading to a long tangy finish. Cellar for 5 to 10 years. My note: terrific concentration in this medium-bodied white with absolutely lip-smacking delicious of ripe pear, peach and apricot. A touch of sweetness makes it incredibility versatile food-wise. Riesling Spätlese food pairings: spicy seafood, Thai cuisine. 129536 10% MS 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Collalto Pinot Grigio 2008, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: With more than a thousand years of family winemaking tradition, current owner Princess Isabella Collato de Croÿ has a legacy to uphold with her estate’s wines. This wine shows that the legacy is in very capable hands. Very pale straw in color, this PG displays floral, lime, pear and yellow plum aromas. It’s dry, medium-bodied with a soft texture and good depth of sweet citrus and orchard fruit flavors balanced by vibrant acidity. A shade more complex than most, this Grigio is refreshing on its own. My note: Lovely refreshment with notes of white melon, pink grapefruit and green apples. No heavy oak. Zesty and mouth-watering. Great aperitif. Pinot Grigio food pairings: fish-based risotto. 135590 12.6% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Falchini Vernaccia 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: “Vernaccia di San Gimignano is Tuscany’s premier white wine. It comes from the famous and ancient village of San Gimignano whose renaissance towers (one was measured by the height of one’s tower, so to speak) were the skyscrapers of their day. The wine is made from a local grape called Vernaccia and tends to be soft and full with pleasant complimentary acidity.” (www.tastings.com) Falchini estate’s 2008 version is crisp, dry and aromatic, with ripe citrus character. My note: Pleasantly refreshing and vibrant. White melon, lime, grapefruit and green apple. Great aperitif. 994012 12% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 87/100. October 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart