Red Wine
Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148 Carmenère 2007, Las Pataguas Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This single-vineyard Carmenère may just be the world’s best. Need proof? It was awarded the Grand Trophy at Chile’s 2nd Annual World Carmenère Competition in 2008. Deep ruby/purple color leads to a nose of ripe cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, mocha and wood smoke. Dry with loads of fruit perfectly supported by ripe tannins and fine smoky-oak tones. Medium full-bodied with a very long finish. Keep it 2-4+ years or enjoy it tonight. My note: Dark chocolate rounds out the blackberries and plums with a smoke-infused center. Full-bodied and rich. Great value for the money. Carmenère food pairings: very rare steak. 30957 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trumpour's Mill Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A. Prince Edward County, Ontario, Estate Btld., Canada: A vibrant Pinot Noir with bright tart cherries that dance across the palate and lots of mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied and smooth as well, you know. 122283 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Alicia Gran Reserva Carmenère 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Fantastic flavors and rich texture come alive on the palate. Gorgeous notes of black cherry, blueberry and cedar box. Supple and long. Perfect for a first date. 93831 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tabalí Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Limari Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The Limari Valley is Chile’s northernmost wine region. It’s located just south of the Atacama Desert and about 25 km inland from the Pacific Ocean. The cooling influence of the ocean extends the ripening process, allowing the finished wines to achieve exceptional balance and be more subtly nuanced in character. This supple Cab displays lots of smoky oak and concentrated dark berry fruit leading to a spicy finish. My note: Incredibly concentrated and deep; fantastic value for the money. Black cherry liqueur with layers and layers of hedonistic happiness. 569699 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MontGras Reserva Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: This wine won a Silver Medal at the 6th Annual Wines of Chile Awards in January 2009. You simply can’t beat this price for the taste! For those who do the price:quality ratio, this is your wine. Rushes out with a profusion of blackberries, dark chocolate and peppered raspberries. 960542 14.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Rita Reserva Especial Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Great value with rich texture and dark fruit flavors. Notes of espresso, dried figs and anise. Great for long conversations into the wee hours of the night (morning). 460170 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Terra Andina Sur Andino Carmenère 2008, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is a terrific value from one of the newer faces on the Chilean scene. Master winemaker Oscar Salas worked as the assistant winemaker at Terra Andina before taking the reins with the 2008 vintage. This intense Carmenère features dark berry fruit, plum, spice and cedar notes. Dry, with ripe mixed-berry flavors and a soft texture. My note: Staggeringly great value for the money! Succulently rich blackberries and black raspberries, smoke and cedar. Bring it on, again and again! Carmenère food pairings: smoky grilled back ribs, lamb chops. 127522 13.8% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Undurraga Sibaris Gran Reserva Carmenère 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A straight-forward and tasty number with full-bodied notes of dark fruit and smoke. Drink: 2009 - 2016 96602 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 86/100. August 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Jean-Pierre Sève Terroir Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Pouilly-Fuissé appellation represents the pinnacle of quality in the Mâconnais district. It has a reputation for producing excellent Chardonnays that emphasize fruit over oakiness. The natural rock formation that surrounds the area creates an almost perfect suntrap that helps the grapes to ripen. A popular choice in Parisian bistros and cafés, Pouilly-Fuissé pairs beautifully. My note: A pleasant Old World-style Chardonnay with enticing notes of green apples, peaches and oak. Medium-bodied. Chardonnay food pairings: roasted chicken, grilled fish. 681056 13.4% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nicolas Potel Montagny 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Classic, elegantly oaked southern Burgundy white. Toast, baked apple, tropical fruit, hazelnut, butter and mineral tones all present themselves for your approval. Dry with very nice harmony between the fruit and the oak. Medium full-bodied with a very long and very pleasing finish. My note: Gloriously voluptuous! White peach and pear with butter and vanilla-spice. Full-bodied and round. Pinot Noir food pairings: richer seafood dishes. 127431 13% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Nadine Ferrand Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., St-Véran, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: From a single plot of vines with an average age of 30 years. Aromas of apricot, citrus and floral with light nut accents lead to a palate redolent of generous apple, apricot, citrus and herbal touches. A little spicy zest, fine, crisp acidity, and a good finish make this flavorful St-Véran a standout and a real crowd pleaser. My note: A balanced and tasty Chardonnay with notes of green apples and white peach. Nice weave of oak. 127449 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Francis Fichet Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A Chardonnay that is simultaneously refreshing and robust. Featuring green apple, green plum, lemon, fresh pear aromas and flavors. Dry, crisp, fresh and fruity. Medium full-bodied with a bright, clean, lingering finish. My note: Green apples and white peach with a lovely texture and full-bodied goodness. Chardonnay food pairings: goat cheese dishes. 127399 12.2% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave Spring Cellars Merlot 2006, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2006 vintage in Ontario was cool. At first, '06 wines made with Bordeaux grapes were a touch muted. Now, a year or two on, the wines are starting to make a big impression. Cave Spring's Merlot is a prime example. Well-handled toasty oak surrounds an array of aromas, including black cherry, plum, vanilla and coffee bean, as well as a hint of minerality. On the palate, it's dry with good fruit replays, and moderate tannins bring fine balance. Medium-bodied with a lingering finish. Try it tonight. My note: a juicy, generous, plumy wine loaded with berry-ripe flavors and dark chocolate notes. Smooth and supple with full-bodied warmth. This is a wine that gives you coming back for more … and more. Merlot food pairings: rare roast beef. 235051 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Syrah 2005, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This iconic winery of BC boasts a stable of award-winning and critically acclaimed wines. Their Syrah displays plentiful blackberry and pepper aromas with hints of underbrush and cedar. On the palate, it suggests a bit more New World than northern Rhône, but not to excess. This is the appeal of BC Syrah - New World fruit underpinned by Old World structure. My note: truly destined to become a cult classic. This wine is everything I could want: rich dark fruit flavor, subtle texture, and endless finish. Layers of complexity and intrigue. Perfect to pair with a literary thrilled like The Russia House. Drink: 2009 - 2020 73072 14.5% XD 750 mL $50.00 Score: 94/100. August 2009. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir 2006, Carneros, California, United States: Sweetly ripe cherries and strawberries with a lovely satin texture and long finish. Medium-bodied and supple with a touch of spice for interest. 101816 13.7% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montes Alpha Syrah 2007, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Dark coffee, black plums, cassis, cedar and vanilla spice provide the opening act with lots of luxurious layers of flavor to follow. Dried herbs-infused finish. Lovely! 612 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cat Amongst The Pigeons Nine Lives, Barossa Earth Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Rich black cherry liqueur, blueberry jam and voluptuous texture. About 30% of the wine was matured in oak barrels. Vanilla-spice finish. 93138 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2004, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Over-the-top blockbuster with black cherry liqueur and raspberry jam. Brooding notes of cigar box and dried herbs. 971705 14.5% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Elderton E Series Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Elderton was the first winery in South Australia to be accredited as Carbon Neutral through Trees for Life's Carbon Neutral program. Elderton fans should note that this wine was formerly known as Tantalus. My note: Fantastic for the money! Terrific notes of ripe cherries and zesty spices all pulled together in a tight, mouth-watering package. Full-bodied goodness keeps you coming back for more. 108043 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Haut-Canteloup Cuvée Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This estate in the Médoc neighbors Château Potensac to the south and La Tour de By to the north. Unusually for the Left Bank, Merlot dominates the blend (and the estate's vineyards) with Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Cabernet Franc making up the rest. Densely planted with an average vine age of 40 years, this château consistently offers one of Bordeaux's best values. 2003 was a hot vintage, so this cuvée offers ripe black fruit flavors and is drinking well now. My note: A superb value for this Bordeaux red. Classic aromas of cassis and blackberry with a smoky notes wafting through. Full-bodied, elegant and balanced. 125534 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Roquetaillade La Grange Vieilles Vignes Bruno, Dominique & Pascal Guignard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: Buy only if you promise to age this one. The tannins are so grippy right now that it won’t do the wine (or your tastebuds) justice to consume it now. Lovely notes of blackberries and cassis and mocha-spice on the finish. Full-bodied and balanced. Drink: 2012 - 2018 125666 13.3% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château La Serre Merlot Blend 2005, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Subtle with great finesse. Translation: good stuff! Complex, full-bodied with a long finish. Dark fruit and vanilla-spice. Drink: 2009 - 2015 501437 14% XD 750 mL $58.00 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château de l'Engarran Grés De Montpellier Syrah Grenache Carignan Mourvèdre 2005, A.C., Côteaux Du Languedoc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Château l'Engarran is a beautiful 18th-century château run by two sisters, Constance Rerolle and Diane Losfelt, who consistently craft quality wines. This blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre is an inky purple-ruby color. Intense, brooding aromas of black raspberry, cocoa, garrigue, and sweet floral notes lead to a plush palate bursting with black fruit and brambly flavors, with dried herbs and a touch of spice. Well-structured with a lingering, pleasant finish, this will drink well now to 2014. My note: Solidly crafted and imminently delicious aromas of dark chocolate and blackberries. Full-bodied with cigar box wrap. Drink: 2009 - 2014 76299 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Grand-Ormeau Madeleine Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005, A.C., Lalande De Pomerol, France: Gorgeous, earthy wonder, redolent of blackberries, smoky and violets. Full-bodied and well-structured. Impress your boss or new romantic conquest with this bottle. 502245 13% XD 750 mL $57.00 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Casa Vinicola Cortese Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Exemplary modern Barolo with plenty of forward fruit on both the nose and the palate. Primarily plum, rose petals, masala spice, leather and ripe cherry aromas. On the palate, the wine is fairly tannic, but the fruit is quite forward considering the youthfulness of the wine. Will easily last a decade, but only needs about 2-4 years to enter its drinking window. A very good value Barolo from a delicious vintage. My note: Exquisitely balanced with great finesse. Packed with dark truffles (the mushroom not chocolate kind), violets. Fresh-turned earth 9that’s a good thing) and blackberries. 119677 13.8% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 92/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Renzo Masi Riserva Chianti 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Dark chocolate and a river of black cherries. Full-bodied and supple. Terrific for Italian dishes, of course. Chianti food pairings: steak Florentine. 969469 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 86/100. August 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Valpantena Valpolicella Ripasso 2004, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: A simple, rustic, delicious, wine with mouth-watering red plums, cherries and berries. Full-bodied and smooth. Valpolicella Ripasso food pairings: chipotle chili, spicy chicken, rib roast, fried chicken. 642421 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Monte Zovo Sa' Solin Terre di Verona Agricola Ripasso Valpolicella 2004, D.O.C., Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy: Simple, yet it hits the spot! Tasty, knock-it-back quaffer for barbecues and potlucks. Perfect for watching Mission Impossible 14. Ripasso Valpolicella food pairings: roast leg of lamb, gourmet pizza with the works. 650713 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villalta Casa Girelli Ripasso Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Ripasso makes an immediate impression with its deep color and concentrated aromas (cherry, blackberry, smoked meat, plums and leather). On the palate, it is dry, fruity and well-structured with good length on the finish. My note: Great quaffer with rustic, dark fruit and cedar smoke notes. Ripasso Valpolicella food pairings: barbecued back ribs, grilled T-bone steak. 117242 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 85/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Torres San Valentín Garnacha 2007, D.O., Catalunya, Spain: Savory and mouth-watering: top me up! Floods the senses with blackberries and raspberries. A terrific spicy finish. Great for evenings on your own: no need to feel sorry for yourself with this wine. 673541 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Merlot, Montana, United States: This is a supple, balanced wine. 10111 Score: 88/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2008, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This robust, cherry-pink rosé is packed with ripe blackcurrant and berry aromas and flavors. Dry, medium-bodied and bursting with fruit, it's a bolder-styled rosé that's perfect for around the barbecue. My note: Light and carefree with enticing notes of strawberries. 59147 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 2009. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bieler Père Et Fils Sabine Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache Syrah Rosé 2008, A.C., Coteaux D'aix-En-Provence, Provence, France: A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Grenache and 15% Syrah. My kinda rose, thank-you! Full-bodied but bone-dry and not a tannin in sight. A profusions of strawberries, raspberries and field flowers. Take a walk through southern France in your mind. 71423 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Favorite Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Tenuta S. Anna Rosé Cuvée Brut Pinot Nero Merlot, Genagricola, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale peachy pink in color, this refreshing rosé fizz is a blend of 70% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) and 30% Merlot. The nose offers aromas of candied strawberry, pink grapefruit, sweet redcurrants and pear. It's dry, light-bodied with an easygoing round texture. Bright flavors of strawberry, red berries and tangerine are balanced by a gentle effervescence and zesty acidity. It's terrific as a summer afternoon sipper. My note: Incredible bubble for the money! Stock up for weddings, baptisms and New Years now. Lovely notes of raspberries in a effervescent package that keeps on bubbling. Simply lovely. Pinot Nero Merlot food pairings: seared salmon. 126300 11.7% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Segura Viudas Vintage Brut Cava Macabeo Parellada 2004, Spain, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with the local grapes Macabeo and Parellada, this sparkling wine is loaded with aromas of baked and fresh apple, citrus, bread dough and lees. Very dry and crisp with an impressive fizz that knits the fruits and acids together. Medium-bodied with a medium-long crisp/bubbly/fruit finish. My note: A full-bodied, robust bubbly with scrumptious notes of toast, nuts, peach and green apple. Macabeo Parellada food pairings: shellfish. 120956 11.8% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Gewürztraminer 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This spicy and voluptuous Gewürztraminer was honored with a Gran Menzione at Vinitaly 2009. A terrific Gewürztraminer, this juicy/fruity wine is pale lemon in color and displays pretty aromas of rose petals, apricots and a touch of lychee. It's just off-dry, medium full-bodied with medium acidity balancing the ripe and juicy exotic fruit flavors, leading to a medium-long, spicy finish. Well done. My note: A spectacular Gewurztraminer! Start with this one if you haven’t tried this type of wine before as it’ll be a lovely introduction (and help you get out of that Chardonnay rut). Gorgeous aromas of rose petals floating on fresh water, lychee nuts, light spices and lemon zest. Terrific acidity for a wide variety of dishes. Stunning. Gewürztraminer food pairings: spicy grilled shrimp kebabs. 134130 13.7% XD 750 mL $18.75 Score: 91/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delicato Vineyards Viognier Chardonnay 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Viognier is increasingly popular, and Delicato's blending of it with Chardonnay has produced an apricot-scented wine that is soft, sweet at the core, medium-bodied and full of pleasing citrus and grapefruit flavors. And the fruit keeps on going right to the impressive finish. My note: Good value for this price. Pretty notes of white flowers, lychee and white peach. Light-bodied and refreshing. 136390 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trapiche Broquel Torrontes 2008, Cafayete Valley, Salta, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This fragrant, floral and elegant Torrontes won a Gold Medal at the 2009 Argentina Wine Awards. One sniff and sip tells you why. Light peach, fresh apricot, melon, white flowers and lemon meringue aromas dominate. Quite dry and crisp with elegant fruit beneath. The apricot, peach and lemon replay beautifully on the palate. A great palate cleanser between courses. My note: Bring a bouquet to the table in a bottle: gorgeous floral aromas with white peach and lime. A summer’s day to brighten any evening. Mouth-watering and zesty. Medium-bodied. Torrontes food pairings: light seafood dishes. 127118 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zilzie Chardonnay 2007, Victoria, Australia: Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2008 Australian Inland Wine Show. Warm and scrumptious with lovely aromatic notes of fresh-baked bread and melting butter, fleshy peaches and pears. Round and full-bodied: just waiting for you. 108027 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy good with notes of lemongrass, lime, grapefruit and green apples. Very herbal. Mouth-watering and refreshing. 919514 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Des Aspes Viognier 2008, Vin De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The latest vintage of one of the most consistent Viogniers from the Languedoc. There is an evocation of Midi-in-a-glass here, including pit fruits, garrigue, melon and pear. Enjoy this delightful wine. My note: Lovely white flowers and lychee with white peach and lime. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Viognier food pairings: spiced seafood dishes. 712638 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domdechant Werner Riesling Spätlese 2002, Q.M.P., Hochheimer Kirchenstück, Rheingau, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium yellow color. This 7-year-old wine is still incredibly youthful. The peach, ripe apple, mineral and yellow plum aromas and flavors are well-supported by a vibrant acidity. Medium in sweetness to start, the fresh tones make it seem dry. Medium-bodied with a lingering finish. My note: Mature Riesling with some deep Asian pear notes and some petrol (good thing) and medium-sweet, lovely notes. So many dishes have sweetness in them: this wine is perfect. Riesling Spätlese food pairings: shrimp, linguine with pesto sauce. 127365 9.5% MS 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Leyda Reserva Chardonnay 2008, Leyda Valley, Chile: A rich Chardonnay with a white peach and pear edge. Nicely wrapped in a blanket of vanilla spice and butter. Full-bodied, you bet. 127506 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Chardonnay 2007, El Centinela Estate, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Big, buttery and buxom: a truly blousy wine in every sense. Ripe pears and peaches with a green apple back note. 127498 13.5% D 750 mL $25.25 Score: 90/100. August 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montes Special Cuvée Chardonnay 2007, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Voluptuous Chardonnay with rich butter-brushed peaches and pears glistening in the sunlight on a country window ledge. This wine will transport you. Full-bodied and comforting. Come away with me. 390203 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. August 2009. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart