Red Wine
Gray Monk Pinot Noir 2006, V.Q.A. Okanagan Valley, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Gray Monk is B.C.’s most northerly commercial winery, but they source their Pinot Noir grapes from growers throughout the Okanagan Valley. This is a delicate, medium-bodied, dry wine with red berry and
floral aromas. My note: A lovely, red with pleasant, bitter cherry and beetroot aromas. Gray Monk Pinot Noir food pairings: Pacific salmon. 60491 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ridge Vineyards Ridge Three Valleys 2005, Sonoma County, United States: Great price from a fantastic producer. A full-bodied wine with dark fruit notes. Ridge Three Valleys food pairings: pork roasts, ribs. 652875 14.2% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosenblum Appellation Series Zinfandel 2006, North Coast, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Trained as a veterinarian, Kent Rosenblum was an amateur winemaker who followed his dream to found
and build Rosenblum Cellars into one of California’s benchmark Zinfandel producers. Three decades later, he is still CEO and director of winemaking at Rosenblum. This rich, fruit-driven Zin from his appellation
series has layers of blackberry, raspberry and currant fruit as well as hints of spice and vanilla. My note: Pure purple goodness. A full-bodied red with purple plum flavors. Rosenblum Appellation Series Zinfandel food pairings: blackened salmon, back ribs. 31773 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña La Rosa La Capitana Barrel Reserve Merlot 2006, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This Merlot is blended with small amounts of Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon and is bursting with ripe red fruit, damson plum and dark chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s dry, full-bodied and very smooth and has a medium finish. Always an exceptional value. My note: A simple, hulking, but satisfying wine. Viña La Rosa La Capitana Barrel Reserve Merlot food pairings: roasted duck, veal chops. 58297 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viu Manent Viu Manent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2004, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A Silver Medal winner at the 2006 International Wine and Spirits competition, this wine exhibits lots of cherry, mint and fresh herb aromas with hints of licorice and dark chocolate. My note: A haunting wine with notes of blackberries and mint. A fantastic value! Viu Manent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva food pairings: lamb. 59196 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. March 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Barossa Valley Estate E & E Black Pepper Shiraz 2003, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Gorgeous, yes! Worth $99.95? no! But price is not a factor for some. A full-bodied, juicy red with black fruit notes. Closed with a screwcap. 731620 15% XD 750 mL $99.95 Score: 92/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Wakefield is called Taylors in Australia; they use this alternative name for the rest of the world to avoid confusion with an identically named California winery. My note: A classic Aussie Cabernet. Closed with a screwcap. 744235 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2004, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A zippy little red with mouth-awakening acidity. This red wine has layers of cherries and raspberries. Closed with a screwcap. Pinot Noir food pairings: chicken, pork chops, salmon. 590414 13.5% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
KWV Cathedral Cellar Merlot 2003, Wo Coastal Region, South Africa: A balanced, full-bodied and oaky red with blackberry notes. 522219 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lammershoek Roulette 2004, Wo Swartland, South Africa: A full-bodied red with sweet black fruit notes. 58164 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jean-Pierre Rivière, Prop. Château Moulin De Lavaud 2003, Ac Lalande-De-Pomerol, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Jean-Pierre Rivière has been the owner of Château Moulin de Lavaud since 1998. His 6 hectares of vineyards, located next to the Pomerol appellation, are composed of gravel and clay that require heavy green-harvesting to reduce yields. Incidentally, Jean-Pierre intends to increase the percentage of Merlot grown in his vineyards as the grape variety has responded so well to the soil conditions. Wines from this château are renowned for their full body and well-integrated fruit. Cellar this wine for 2-5 years. My note: A terrific value for this balanced, full-bodied red with a long finish. Château Moulin De Lavaud food pairings: rare Angus steak. 65607 13% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Kirwan 2004, Margaux, France: Intense aromas of black fruit, oak, smoke and dried herbs. Full-bodied, layered and complex. Food pairings: steak, bison burgers. Drink: 2008 - 2018 664391 13% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 91/100. March 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fort Médoc 2000, Ac Haut-Médoc, France: A great value for this smoky, full-bodied red with dark red fruit notes. Fort Médoc food pairings: medium-rare steak. 65581 12.9% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De La Rivière 2004, Ac Fronsac, France: Balanced and full-bodied wine with classic aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. 663948 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Earl Durand Père & Fils, Prop. Recolt. Domaine De La Vieille Ferme De L'eoune Rasteau Côtes Du Rhône-Villages 2004, Ac, France: If you like California Zinfandel, try this. A delicious, full-bodied red with notes of blackberry and plums. Domaine De La Vieille Ferme De L'eoune Rasteau Côtes Du Rhône-Villages food pairings: grilled lamb. 43141 13.7% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Caves Do Solar De São Domingos Colheita 2005, D.O.C. Bairrada, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: In order to preserve its fresh fruit intensity, this wine is matured exclusively in stainless steel vats. A blend of Baga, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, it features pretty aromas of blackberry, cherry, underbrush and
sweet oak spice. My note: A juicy, plummy, full-bodied wine. Caves Do Solar De São Domingos Colheita food pairings: beef. 875112 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Can Blau Montsant 2006, Do Monsant, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Can Blau is the joint effort of Jorge Ordóñez and Ángel Gil of Bodegas Juan Gil. This dark purple blend of Carignan, Syrah and Garnacha, first made in 2004, features aromas of dark fruit with hints of licorice and oak. Add mineral notions to the preceding for an idea of what this is like on the palate. It’s medium full-bodied, a big wine, with lots of fruit and spice on the long finish. Reviews aren’t in yet for the 2006 but this is an ever-popular and inexpensive beauty from an underrated region of Spain. My note: A full-bodied wine with delicious notes of black plums and smoke. 67397 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marqués De Vitoria Gran Reserva 1996, D.O.C.A. Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Unlike the majority of Rioja wines, which are blends of Tempranillo and other grapes (aged in American oak), this version is made with only Tempranillo and is aged in French oak casks for 24 months plus six years in bottle before release. The result is aromas of red currants, clove and black pepper. The palate shows a medium body, smooth tannins and lingering spice-filled finish. My note: A lovely rioja, big and oaky with a solid core of black-red fruit. Marqués De Vitoria Gran Reserva food pairings: stewed fish, game casseroles, suckling pig. 902916 13% D 750 mL $32.00 Score: 90/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Plantagenet Omrah Shiraz 2004, Mount Barker, Western Australia, Australia: A full-bodied, lush wine that's bursting with black fruit. 21360 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Doudet-Naudin Domaine Doudet Aloxe-Corton Les Guérets 2005, Ac, 1Er Cru, Vieilles Vignes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Aloxe-Corton is a tiny village at the foot of the Montagne de Corton and an appellation with a number of grand cru and premier cru vineyards, including Les Guérets near Savigny-lès-Beaune. Yves Doudet is
committed to the virtues of ‘small’ winemaking: hand-picking, no chemicals, and no filtration when possible. Domaine Doudet is one of the last independent, family-owned and operated wineries in the Côte d’Or. And they’ve been at it since 1849. This wine will definitely reward cellaring of 6+ years. My note: A silky, smooth red with luxurious layers of dark berries and spice. 66530 13% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Frédéric Magnien Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2005, Ac, France: My favorite type of Old World pinot: elegant, balanced and long-lived. A red with notes of raspberry and earth. 66480 12.5% D 750 mL $55.95 Score: 92/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Philippe-Le-Hardi Mercurey 2005, Ac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Philippe le Hardi, or Philip the Bold (1342-1404), is an important figure in the history of Burgundy wine as he ordered Pinot Noir to be planted, replacing the existing Gamay vines. The wines from the Mercurey appellation are renowned for their full body and complex aromas (e.g., raspberry, cherry and pretty earth tones). My note: A full-bodied wine with aromas of cherry liqueur. Château Philippe-Le-Hardi Mercurey food pairings: roast lamb with rosemary. 66365 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Moillard Bourgogne Pinot Noir Tradition 2006, Ac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Pinot is sourced from vineyards across Burgundy including the Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Hautes Côtes de Nuits and Côte Chalonnaise. This is prototypical Bourgogne Pinot Noir: light, fresh, juicy, and crisp. Best served with simple, non-spicy food. My note: A red wine with ripe cherry and berry flavors. A fantastic value. Moillard Bourgogne Pinot Noir Tradition food pairings: planked salmon. 66399 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis Max Gevrey-Chambertin Les Azerottes 2005, Ac, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Enjoy this deeply colored cherry, raspberry and beetroot-scented wine. My note: A gorgeous wine, with layers of black cherry, earth and spice. Possesses a lovely texture and finish. Louis Max Gevrey-Chambertin Les Azerottes food pairings: beef bourguignon. 66589 13.5% XD 750 mL $63.95 Score: 92/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Vincent Sauvestre Corton-Maréchaudes 2005, Ac, Grand Cru, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is a great value for a Grand Cru. Vincent Sauvestre, born in 1961, is the third generation of his family to be involved in the wine business. He creates both easy-drinking, food-friendly wines and more complex, flavorful products designed for the cellar. Both styles celebrate the terroir of each individual vineyard. Try this Corton-Maréchaudes tonight with rare roast beef or place it in the cellar and anticipate
something wonderful. My note: A lovely ephemeral pinot with aromas of cherries and raspberries. 66472 13% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 92/100. March 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Château des Charmes Chateau Des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Chardonnay 2004, Ontario, Canada: Perfectly balanced. A round white wine with buttery notes. 287268 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tawse Robyn's Block Chardonnay 2004, V.Q.A. Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A lovely, full-bodied white with ripe pear, apple, melon, butter and smoke notes. 662841 13.7% XD 750 mL $48.00 Score: 92/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Tiers Wine Co. Clarence Hill Chardonnay 2005, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: In 1990, twenty-five years after emigrating to Australia from Italy with his parents, Claudio Curtis founded the Tiers Wine Company. Clarence Hill is one of three premium wines that Tiers produces. This Chardonnay displays lovely melon, peach, vanilla and toasty oak aromas. It’s dry with bright fruit flavors and measured oak notes leading to a lingering finish. My note: A robust white with buttery and pear notes. Good acidity. Clarence Hill Chardonnay food pairings: apricot-glazed pork loin. 57679 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. March 2008. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Babich Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This exuberant Sauvignon Blanc bursts with intense floral and passion fruit aromas that lead to flavors of gooseberry, pear and melon on the refreshing palate. This is prototypical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with loads of personality and the promise of spring in every glass. My note: Grassy goodness. A refreshing and zippy white. Closed with a screwcap. Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: lemon chicken, grilled seafood. 9142 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart