Dessert Wine
Fonseca Porto Bin No. 27 Reserve Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Dark fruit, black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose. A core of purple plum and black cherry liqueur. Port food pairings: angel food cake, baked pears, cheesecake, stilton cheese, almonds. 156877 20% S 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific full-bodied red with exuberant notes of black raspberry and blackberry and some coffeed oak on the finish. Superb effort! 723478 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jackson-Triggs Delaine Vineyard Cabernet Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A terrific, full-bodied red with accented red and dark berries, plums and richly ripe cassis and currants. Beautifully structured with excellent balance, weight, depth and length on the finish. Take a taste of what Canada can do. 989269 13.7% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alamos The Wines Of Catena Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Loads of ripe dark plums up front, with cassis at the mid-palate and a violet-infused finish. Some pepper and rose petal notes in the background. This wine was aged for 9 months in American and French oak. Terrific quaffer! 467951 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Big black fruit up front, followed by rich and supple mid-palate flavours. Spreads peacock-style across your palate to be richly mouth-filling. More linear and structured than Malbec with great length. This wine was aged for 16 months in French oak. Elegant and satisfying. 985002 13.9% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: This wine won a Silver Medal at the 2009 Argentina Wine Awards. Sixty percent of this wine was aged for eight months in American oak barrels. It offers enticing dark fruit aromas on the nose followed by smoky warmth and peppered black and red currants and raspberries. 143248 14% D 750 mL $16.25 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kaiken Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This bold Malbec features attractive aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, mocha, cinnamon and sandalwood. It’s dry and medium-full bodied, with ripe mixed berry fruit and good concentration on the palate. A lively ribbon of acidity dances against a backdrop of smooth, ripe tannins and a creamy texture, culminating in a lingering finish. An outstanding value and a great match for a. My note: Mind-blowingly great for the money! Bring it on: maybe a case please? Deep, rich, full-bodied, supple, blackberry ripe, fleshy, rolls on forever. Drop me off at home and good night. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Malbec food pairings: thick juicy steak, beef fajitas. 58339 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Eighty percent of this wine was aged in French oak barrels for a year. A deep, rich, full-bodied red with generous dollops of blackberry and smoky black plum aromas. Lip-smacking delicious with a finish that rolls on. 50849 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luigi Bosca Reserva Merlot 2006, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This 100% Merlot was sourced from vineyards at an elevation of 820 metres in Luján de Cuyo. Aged for eight months in French oak barrels, it’s deep purple in colour with bright aromas of redcurrants, ripe plum and toasty vanilla. Dry, round and weighty, expect this wine to feature loads of ripe fruit, spice and mocha flavours. It’s very much a crowd-pleaser. My note: A full-bodied, juicy red with dark fruit aromas. A heart-warming smoky finish. Merlot food pairings: Peking duck, peppery steak. 143289 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luigi Bosca Reserva Syrah 2006, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Bodega Luigi Bosca built its fine international reputation on Malbec, but the winery has shown a real flair with such classic French grape varieties as Syrah, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Look for lots of blackberry, bacon, black pepper and blueberry. It is rich and lush with good balancing tannins. My note: Full-bodied, hedonistic red with black fruit, dark spices and a gutsy, lively character. Exactly what you want to satisfy a savage thirst. Syrah food pairings: gourmet sausages, grilled steaks. 143412 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Julia Magna Familia Zuccardi Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the 2008 Magna displays a cavalcade of aromas: ripe raspberries, vanilla, peppery spice, cherries, cinnamon and mocha notes all make appearances. It’s dry with a medium to full body. Flavours of crushed berries, spices and smoky oak are balanced by a good core of acidity and medium tannins, all leading to a long spicy finish. My note: Gorgeous depth and length of flavor in this luxuriously rich and delicious red. This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec and 10% Syrah. Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah food pairings: grilled sage-and-onion sausages. 93799 13.8% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Cobos Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied crowd pleaser with lively aromas of mixed dark berries, mulberry and coffee. Supported by a fair kick of savory notes in the core and lovely hickory-infused finish. Drink: 2010 - 2015 118067 14.5% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A solid wine that delivers pleasure. Blackberry and plum with great structure and a supple texture. Full-bodied. Decant for 1-2 hours. 973503 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Clos Jordanne La Petite Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2007 vintage of this single-vineyard Pinot is another brilliant achievement for Ontario Wine Awards Winemaker of the Year (2009), Thomas Bachelder. A stylish Pinot that’s all about expression and finesse. Ruby red with aromatics that paint a landscape of rustic charms — field berries, freshly tilled earth, and floral notes abound. Medium-bodied, with a silky texture. Bachelder’s nod to the classic Burgundian style is a success. My note: Alluring notes of violets, bing cherries, smoky raspberries and red plums interwoven with dried tobacco leaves. This plush wine keeps on giving to end of its truffled finish. Pinot Noir food pairings: prime rib with a mushroom sauce, seared tuna with a pepper crust, ostrich, pepperoni pizza, lasagna. 33944 13.5% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 95/100. January 2010. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Blackstone Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a straightforward, crowd-pleasing Cabernet to enjoy with hearty wintertime meals. It’s a robust wine with lots of black fruit aromas and flavours, and enough tannic grip. My note: This consistently good producer offers a tasty cab for the money. Classic notes of cassis and blackberry. Full-bodied and supple. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef stews, rich meat-based pasta sauces, roast beef. 714816 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau St. Jean Merlot 2006, California, United States: Let this wine take you to warmer climes as you kick back and enjoy its pure dark fruit flavours. Full-bodied with a lovely expression of dark plums and berries. 25304 13.8% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Siduri Pinot Noir 2007, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: This beguiling, silky Pinot send ripples of fleshy ripe cherries across your mouth followed by wave of mixed berry hedonism. Medium- to full-bodied. A cinnamon and baking spices finish makes you look longingly at your glass (and at the person holding the bottle). 159301 14.1% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos De Los Siete Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Syrah 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: This wine is a joint venture of five wineries and headed up by the famed flying winemaking consultant from Bordeaux, Michel Rolland. The blend is 48% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 12% Syrah. Half of the wine was aged in French oak for one year. It displays great complexity and balance, especially for a wine at this price point. Aromas of big black fruit (blackberry, cassis) with a little smoky oak in the background. Shows restraint and structure. Good grip with the tannins so decant for 1-2 hours. About 1.1 million bottles were produced. 622571 14.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Rita Medalla Real Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Very deep ruby colour, almost pitch black. The intensity carries over to the palate, where aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, woodsmoke, smoked meat, mocha/dark chocolate and black licorice are all apparent. Dry, well-structured with lots of fruit, oak, refined tannins and well-handled acidity. Full-bodied with a very long, complex finish. Give this 3-5+ years in a cellar, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Terrific 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). Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast beef from a slow cookerand root vegetables. 460170 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Concentrated and meaty with robust notes of black cherries, purple plums, coffee, mocha and spice. Nice mouth-watering acidity for food. A slippery wine that goes down fast. Shiraz food pairings: Ethiopian stewed chicken, Tandoori flavored dishes, ostrich, grilled vegetables, rich chocolate desserts. 984021 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Greg Norman Shiraz Cabernet 2007, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Delights from the get-go! This overachiever offers fleshy plums, currants and cassis. A pepper kick on the finish makes you want a top up. 586156 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penmara Reserve Shiraz 2007, Orange, New South Wales, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Penmara (Pen derives from the Greek word for five; Mara is Aborigine for five fingers or hand) came into being when five family-owned vineyards joined forces in order to gain greater control over their own production, winemaking and distribution. They now need a second ‘hand’ as a sixth family has joined the group. This wine has been a popular choice since we introduced it in 2004. It is a forceful, flavourful, but impeccably balanced berry-filled wine that is a fine choice. My note: If you like excess, you’ll love this full-bodied wonder. Laced with a dark fruit core of blackberries and plums. Finishes with some mocha and espresso. Shiraz food pairings: spareribs, rich meat pasta sauces. 912782 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zonte's Footstep Shiraz Viognier 2007, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: A big honkin' Shiraz with a warm embrace of dark red fruit. When you bang for your buck, go straight to the Aussie aisle of your liquor store. There’s 6% of the Viognier grape in this blend to give the wine a lovely lift and brightness on the mid-palate. The wine was also aged in 20% new oak. A sweet blackcurrant nose with notes of pepper, violets and plump plums on the follow-up. This multi-textured wine is a superb value. Perfect for casual weeknight meals at home or potluck get-togethers. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: Tandoori flavored dishes, roast goose, tongue, parmesan cheese, grilled vegetables. 72975 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Syrah 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Let this wine have its way with you: ripples of fleshy dark plums roll over your mouth punctuated by some peppery and dark spice notes. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. 156521 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sileni Estates The Triangle Merlot 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Deliver terrific dark fruit flavours wrapped in a peppery, toasty blanket. Some red and black currant at the core of this tasty wine. Manly yes but I like it too 586081 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Graham Beck Merlot 2006, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: This wine spent 14 months in French oak barrels which gives it a smoky richness. It’s a beautiful expression of black plums edged with a kiss of dark spices. 607804 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Beychevelle Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Julien, 4E Cru, Bordeaux, France: A wine of good breeding and bones: classically structured and balanced yet it still manages to tease hedonists with its lovely expression of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant. Polished texture with a medium to full-bodied weight. Definitely a cellar keeper! Drink: 2010 - 2025 564286 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Beychevelle Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Julien, 4E Cru, Bordeaux, France: A wine of good breeding and bones: classically structured and balanced yet it still manages to tease hedonists with its lovely expression of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant. Polished texture with a medium to full-bodied weight. Definitely a cellar keeper! Drink: 2010 - 2025 564294 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Branaire-Ducru Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Julien, 4E Cru, Bordeaux, France: A model of its kind, this beautiful Bordeaux opens with gorgeous aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, led pencil (yes that’s good) and dried tobacco leaves. Terrific structure, weight, balance and length. Leaves you wishing for the economy to recover soon so that this could become your house. Drink: 2012 - 2026 564625 13% XD 750 mL $79.00 Score: 91/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Branaire-Ducru Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Julien, 4E Cru, Bordeaux, France: A model of its kind, this beautiful Bordeaux opens with gorgeous aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, led pencil (yes that’s good) and dried tobacco leaves. Terrific structure, weight, balance and length. Leaves you wishing for the economy to recover soon so that this could become your house. Drink: 2012 - 2026 564591 13% XD 750 mL $79.00 Score: 91/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Branaire-Ducru Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Julien, 4E Cru, Bordeaux, France: A model of its kind, this beautiful Bordeaux opens with gorgeous aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, led pencil (yes that’s good) and dried tobacco leaves. Terrific structure, weight, balance and length. Leaves you wishing for the economy to recover soon so that this could become your house. Drink: 2012 - 2026 564617 13% XD 750 mL $79.00 Score: 91/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Branaire-Ducru Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Julien, 4E Cru, Bordeaux, France: A model of its kind, this beautiful Bordeaux opens with gorgeous aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, led pencil (yes that’s good) and dried tobacco leaves. Terrific structure, weight, balance and length. Leaves you wishing for the economy to recover soon so that this could become your house. Drink: 2012 - 2026 564633 13% XD 750 mL $79.00 Score: 91/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Branaire-Ducru Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Julien, 4E Cru, Bordeaux, France: A model of its kind, this beautiful Bordeaux opens with gorgeous aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, led pencil (yes that’s good) and dried tobacco leaves. Terrific structure, weight, balance and length. Leaves you wishing for the economy to recover soon so that this could become your house. Drink: 2012 - 2026 564641 13% XD 750 mL $79.00 Score: 91/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Calon-Ségur Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, 3E Cru, Bordeaux, France: One singular sensation of finesse, elegance and refinement. Displays dazzling aromas of blackberry, violets, truffles and woodsmoke. Some dried herbs and cloves on the finish. Gorgeous structure and supple texture. Medium to full-bodied. 563890 13% XD 750 mL $85.00 Score: 93/100. January 2010. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Calon-Ségur Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, 3E Cru, Bordeaux, France: One singular sensation of finesse, elegance and refinement. Displays dazzling aromas of blackberry, violets, truffles and woodsmoke. Some dried herbs and cloves on the finish. Gorgeous structure and supple texture. Medium to full-bodied. 563916 13% XD 750 mL $85.00 Score: 93/100. January 2010. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château D'armailhac Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006, A.C., Pauillac, 5E Cru, Bordeaux, France: This wine, produced by the folks who make the coveted Mouton Rothschild, is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, and then equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A liquid masterpiece, it exudes the confidence of its origins. Mulberry, blackberry and coffeed oak on the nose. Superb balance and length. One for the cellar. Drink: 2010 - 2020 563924 13% XD 750 mL $55.00 Score: 92/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château D'armailhac Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006, A.C., Pauillac, 5E Cru, Bordeaux, France: This wine, produced by the folks who make the coveted Mouton Rothschild, is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, and then equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A liquid masterpiece, it exudes the confidence of its origins. Mulberry, blackberry and coffeed oak on the nose. Superb balance and length. One for the cellar. Drink: 2010 - 2020 563973 13% XD 750 mL $55.00 Score: 92/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château D'issan Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Margaux, 3E Cru, Bordeaux, France: This revelatory Bordeaux floods the senses with aromas of black cherries, blackberries, blueberries, violets, truffles and cigar box. A stunning expression of Bordeaux elegance and a testament to why we pay so much for this coveted wine, even though this is actually a fair price for this wine. One to cellar. 564427 13% XD 750 mL $68.00 Score: 95/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château D'issan Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Margaux, 3E Cru, Bordeaux, France: This revelatory Bordeaux floods the senses with aromas of black cherries, blackberries, blueberries, violets, truffles and cigar box. A stunning expression of Bordeaux elegance and a testament to why we pay so much for this coveted wine, even though this is actually a fair price for this wine. One to cellar. 564401 13% XD 750 mL $68.00 Score: 95/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Sociando-Mallet Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Compelling aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, dried herbs, violets, led pencil and cedar. Wonderful core of fruit concentration held together with a towering structure, depth and length. Definitely a bowtie wine for special occasions, but why not make it a special occasion tonight by opening it? 563007 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Sociando-Mallet Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Compelling aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, dried herbs, violets, led pencil and cedar. Wonderful core of fruit concentration held together with a towering structure, depth and length. Definitely a bowtie wine for special occasions, but why not make it a special occasion tonight by opening it? 563031 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Marquis Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France: I’ve been a fan of this wine for years. Complex aromatics of dark fruit, spices, earth, truffles and violets. A black heart of blackberries and coffeed oak gives way to a lovely finish that rolls on and on. Perfect for dinner with a prospective spouse. Drink: 2011 - 2018 564740 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 92/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Masi Brolo Di Campofiorin Valpolicella 2006, I.G.T., Rosso Del Veronese, Italy: Full-bodied and mouth-watering with pleasant tart cherry notes accented by other dark fruits. Gorgeous texture and length. Perfect for when you’re reading Dante’s Inferno. They make this Valpolicella wine in the ripasso style with a second fermentation on the skins and stems of their amarone. Valpolicella food pairings: grilled meats, spiced lamb, nutty firm cheese. 976092 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Sergio Cerrino Brich Menu Moscato D'asti 2008, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pretty award-winning Moscato d’Asti with aromas of peach, ripe apple, pear and apricot. Medium in sweetness with excellent fruit replays and a fine core of acidity to bring balance. This moderately fizzy, low-alcohol wine is an excellent choice for after-dinner sipping, or serve it with freshly cut, unsweetened pineapple. My note: I love most Moscato d’Astis and every time I try them, I chastise myself for not drinking them more often. They have a light spritz and a touch of sweetness that expresses itself more in citrus ripeness and orange zest rather than in any sort of cloying sweetness. They make wonderful aperitifs and digestifs. This one has lovely notes of clementines, fleshy ripe peach and apricot preserves. Give it a go. Moscato D'asti food pairings: fruit-based desserts, biscotti. 159822 5.5% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Favourite Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Alamos The Wines Of Catena Torrontés 2008, Salta, Argentina: Torrontes is Argentina’s iconic dry white wine grape. Lovely lifted notes of peach blossom, orange zest and magnolias. A fantastic bone-dry aperitif or food companion. 81539 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Saint Clair Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A taut, vibrant wine of quivering delight. Aromas of crushed limes and lemons, chives and kiwi. A lovely note of orange zest on the finish. Saint Clair Family Estate Marlborough is celebrating 15 vintages with the release of this 2009 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Drink: 2008 - 2010 554196 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Mulderbosch has consistently shown a very deft hand with the grape, and their 2009 is no exception. Look for all the hallmarks of both Sancerre and New Zealand in one package. My note: Terrific freshness on the opening salvo followed by stimulating notes of Granny Smith apples, lime essence and gooseberry. Bring it on! Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled prawns, mildly spiced shrimp dishes. 933424 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 2010. Favourite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lenz Moser Prestige Grüner Veltliner 2008, Niederösterreich, Austria: Vintages Wine Panel: Niederösterreich (Lower Austria) is a large area that includes the sub-appellations Kremstal, Kamptal and Wachau, amongst others. Lenz Moser’s premium, limited-quantity varietal wines are released under the Prestige label. This is a fresh, balanced wine. My note: A refreshing bone-dry wine with zippy notes of limes and white grapefruit. Terrific aperitif. Youthful and invigorating. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: seafood stews, grilled salmon, chicken paprika. 71233 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Balbach Estate Kabinett Riesling 2008, Q,M.P., Niersteiner Pettenthal, Rheinhessen, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: The Balbach Estate is Fritz Hasselbach’s (you know, of Gunderloch fame) other winery. Here he creates some equally exciting Rieslings. In this case, it features aromas of ripe peach, citrus, mineral and a touch of petrol. Just off-dry with an ideal balance between the fruit and acid. A great sipper or enjoy it with a variety of simply cooked seafood (spicy or not). My note: A brisk and refreshing white with stimulating notes of lime, white grapefruit and lemon. Needs no coaxing out of the glass: this wine will meet you more than half way. 148825 11.8% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart