Argentina
Kaiken Malbec Rosé 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Consider this Malbec-lite; absolutely perfect for barbecued chicken in a light hickory glaze. Rose petal pink in the glass. Its bouquet is a medley of scents: rosehip, red licorice, ripe strawberry, even an intriguing earthy note. Medium bodied and slightly off-dry with a bright fruit core and savoury, spicy notes. If you like your rosés with a little more flavour and weight then you’re in for a real treat. My note: Savoury, fleshy ripe strawberries bursting with summery goodness. What a joyful, delicious rose. Malbec Rosé food pairings: barbecued chicken. 169375 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Familia Mayol Kaleido Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Sebastian Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina: Dark, straight up and full-bodied with dark fruit and smoke. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled lamb-and-veggie kebabs. 55426 14.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Urban Uco O. Fournier Malbec Tempranillo 2008, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely! I like how Tempranillo fleshes out the malbec here. It makes for a lip-smacking delicious combination of dark fleshy fruit. Terrific price. 166397 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Jazz Wines The Shiraz Shiraz 2005, South Australia, Australia: Savoury, dark and juicy with full-bodied weight and aromas of black plums and some mint. 567826 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Heartland Shiraz 2007, Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Minty-plums with other dark brooding fruit and fantastic pleasure. Full-bodied, round and supple. 661934 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hollick Wrattonbully Shiraz 2006, Wrattonbully, South Australia, Australia: Round, dark and rich with mint, black fleshy plums and blackberries. A smoky finish and lasting pleasure. Very full-bodied. Drink: 2010 - 2012 165944 14.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Skuttlebutt Stella Bella Shiraz Merlot Rosé 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Dry and pretty with pleasant strawberry notes. 169383 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rosé 2009, Barossa, Wrattonbully, South Australia, Australia: Savoury, dry and mouth-watering: love this style! Dried herbs, fresh strawberries. 169425 11.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
St. Hallett Semillon 2005, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Savoury lanolin and lemon zest with lovely back notes of chives, dried herbs and happiness. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering without heavy oak. 658005 11.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Hidden Bench Winery Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A racy, vibrant Riesling with aromas of white peach, lime zest, chives and green apples. Such a versatile food wine but I think I’ll just drink it straight for the pure, unadulterated pleasure. 183491 11% D 750 mL $24.20 Score: 92/100. June 2010. Favourite White Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Flat Rock Seriously Twisted 2007, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula,Ontario, Canada: Lovely nutty enriched aromas with green apple goodness and fresh peach. I love this style. Get out of your white wine rut with this lovely number. 87783 11.7% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Perfect Niagara Riesling: zippy, mouth-watering lime essence with some eternal notes of flint and minerality. Makes you yearn to live in Niagara where you could (presumably) get new stock as you need it. 89029 10% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cidrerie & Verger St. Nicolas CIDRERIE ST-NICOLAS Pom'or Tradition 2009, Eastern Townships, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright, delicious, bubbly, refreshing apple cider that is true to what the style should be. Dry and very appley, but with an exceptional cleansing crispness on the mid-palate. Normandy-like. Finishes fairly long and filled with apple/citrus flavours. Try it with pork tenderloin, grilled salmon or apple crumble. My note: Love it! Pure sun-dappled apple goodness in this terrific cider. Zesty, refreshing and a fantastic low-alcohol alternative to wine. Pom'or Tradition food pairings: port tenderloin, roasted chicken, seafood, thai food, apple crumble, aperitif. Drink: 2010 - 2011 179473 7% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Flat Rock’s Pinot Noir Rosé is a pretty salmon-pink colour featuring aromas of sour cherry, watermelon, wild raspberry and red grapefruit. Just barely off-dry, the wine is fruity and savoury and light on its feet. It finishes with a nice tangy berry quality. A fine sipper. My note: Fleshy field strawberries and raspberries with a surprisingly dry finish. So very refreshing and pretty. Pinot Noir Rosé food pairings: crab salad, grilled salmon, calamari. 39974 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave Spring Cellars Chenin Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Wonderfully great wine! Mouth-watering, refreshing, no heavy oak and bursting with lime essence. Perfect aperitif. 627315 11.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
13th Street Gamay Noir 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a great follow-up to the exceptional 2007 vintage. Complex Gamay with fascinating aroma profile including smoky cherry, plum, bacon bits, beetroot, floral and underbrush. Dry, lithe, round wine that is unabashedly fashioned in a New World-meets-European wine style. A classic choice for roast beef with garlic and gravy. My note: Lovely black pepper and dark plum notes with cassis, blueberries and spices running through the heart of this supple and full-bodied red. Very polished tannins. Gamay Noir food pairings: roast beef. Drink: 2012 - 2015 177824 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quails' Gate Estate Winery Merlot 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, rich and full-bodied Merlot that’s the opposite of boring (Miles). Fleshy dark plums and berries. Love it! Drink: 2010 - 2015 169961 15.47% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winemaker's Series Three Vineyards Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A big pinot with ripe round fleshy plums and black cherries. There’s also an attractive line of mocha-dark chocolate on the nose. Nice finish. Silky and medium- to full-bodied. 175174 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Tabalí Reserva Especial Named Varietal Blends-Red 2007, Limari Valley, Chile: Black as night with ripe fruit and smoke. Full-bodied, oh yes! 107540 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Leyda Classic Reserva Carmenère 2008, Rapel Valley, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Leyda’s Classic Reserve Carmenère comes from specific vineyards in higher elevation areas of the Rapel Valley. In these sky-bound vineyard sites, the intense heat of the day is balanced by cool temperatures at night; as a result, the fruit ripens slowly and achieves balance. Featuring aromas of plum, cedar, vanilla and smoke, this Carmenère is an excellent choice. My note: Plummy, rich, deep, savoury and delicious! Full-bodied red with black plums and berries. Supple and round. Carmenère food pairings: grilled steak, liver and onions. 66845 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Garcés Silva Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Leyda Valley, Chile: Fresh and not too herbal but still lively. Balanced and extracted but not heavy. Limes dance across the palate. Drink: 2010 - 2013 77693 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Willy Gisselbrecht Riesling 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This fine Riesling’s reputation precedes it. The wine took home a Silver Medal at Grand Concours des Vins d’Alsace de Colmar 2008. Brimming with ripe citrus fruit, bright acidity and a lovely claystone minerality. My note: Love it! Mouth-watering (drenching) acidity with lime fruit, flint, mineral depth. Phenomenal. Riesling food pairings: shellfish, lemon grass chicken. 169011 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 92/100. June 2010. Favourite White Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jean Geiler Lieu-Dit Pinot Gris 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is Pinot Gris for those who like a little minerality in their wines: unsurprisingly it’s from Alsace, which is a promised land of sorts for mineral-fanatics. Wonderfully delicate layers of clay and wet stones take the lead here, with pretty floral and orchard-fruit notes adding complexity. Sports a medium body and silky-smooth texture, culminating in a crisp finish. A nice and refreshing contemplative sipper. My note: Fleshy ripe peaches and apricot with the freshness of a June morning. Lovely, endless pleasure as you rock slowly back and forth in your hammock. Pinot Gris food pairings: stuffed crab, scallops in a white wine sauce. 169003 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Du Pavillon Haut-Gros-Bonnet Merlot Blend 2006, A.C., Canon-Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This elegant Merlot blend from Canon-Fronsac has an attractive nose of cedar, wild strawberry, cinnamon, vanilla and grated ginger. A dry, well-structured wine that nicely balances its persistent fruit and silky tannins, this red has good length and a pleasant, gently spicy finish. You could put this wine in your cellar for 1-2 years. My note: Rustic, tannic and delicious for those who love full-bodied, classic Old World style. Some back fruit and a good dollop of smoky oak that integrates well throughout. Merlot Blend food pairings: rare roast beef. Drink: 2010 - 2012 722546 12.8% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Canon-De-Brem Merlot Blend 2003, A.C., Canon-Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: Very brooding and black as midnight. Redolent of black plums, blackberry liqueur and cassis. Spicy-peppery finish. Very satisfying. Top me tip! Drink: 2010 - 2016 178806 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
E. Guigal Saint-Joseph Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Rhône, France: A robust towering wine that still needs time in the cellar. Big black fruit, smoke, dried herbs and spices. Bring it on! Drink: 2012 - 2017 30031 13.5% XD 750 mL $48.00 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila-Haut 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Love it! This wine has it all: balance, length, great extraction of rich black cherry and spice flavour. Drown me in this and don’t bother with a rescue please. Incredible price: must be an accounting error. Drink: 2010 - 2016 168716 14% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 91/100. June 2010. Best Value Red Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Willy Gisselbrecht Riesling 2011, A.C., Alsace, France Riesling food pairings: shellfish, lemon grass chicken. 169011 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 June 2010. Favourite White Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Podere Castorani Picciò Syrah 2008, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Sicily, with its ultra-sunny climate, has no trouble in fully ripening Syrah. This ruby-coloured wine serves up delectable black cherry, black raspberry, pipe tobacco and spicy black pepper. Dry, though the fruit is quite succulently sweet, the wine is medium-full bodied with fine, ripe tannins. Drink this Syrah over the next 3 years. My note: Purple-blueberry liqueur that’s deep, rich and inviting. Supple and full-bodied. Great price. Syrah food pairings: churrasco chicken, char-grilled meats. 173260 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spadina Una Viola Signature Syrah 2006, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Rich and deep with gorgeous layers of smoky black raspberries, mocha-dark chocolate and black cherries galore. Velvet texture with a pleasingly long finish. Drink: 2010 - 2015 171629 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Best Value Red Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montiverdi Vigneto Cipressone Sangiovese Blend Chianti Classico 1998, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Sangiovese blend from Tuscany has a mature bouquet with aromas of raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and dried flowers which lead to rich, chewy flavours of berries and stewed fruit. A nicely structured wine with good fruit that culminates in a dry finish. Treat yourself to this Italian red tonight. My note: Very mature Chianti, not quite over the hill but you need to drink it now. Intriguing to see what mature Chianti tastes like: lovely tertiary aromas of leather, cigar box and dried fruit. I like it, but it’s an acquired taste. Sangiovese Blend Chianti Classico food pairings: barbecued salmon, veal scaloppini with mushrooms. 954370 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Caruso & Minini Terre Di Giumara Grecanico 2009, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from the Grecanico grape; a Sicilian specialty. Simply astounding value here. Medium gold in the glass, this ebullient wine opens with pretty honeysuckle, fresh apricot, melon and candied citrus. Dry, medium bodied and vibrant on the palate, with nervy acidity. Finishes nice and clean, with floral accents. A fun wine that will make a lovely summer sipper. My note: And now for something completely different: love it! Aromas of wild forest flowers, orange zest and dried apricot. This is so intriguing: I’m still trying to figure it out. In the meantime, though, pour me another glass, will you? Grecanico food pairings: pita bread and lemon-herb hummus. 174961 13.5% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mexico
L.A. Cetto Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Guadalupe Valley, Mexico: Cedar forest and black plums: full-bodied and simple but you can’t argue with the price. 114066 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Momo Seresin Estate Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Searingly tart acidity for mouth-watering juiciness: demands food. Tart cherries and lovely supple, round layers of flavour. Oh yum! 163972 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wither Hills Two Tracks Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: A lively and approachable Sauvignon Blanc. Grassy, with pure notes of pea pods and green apples. Clean and crisp on the palate. Perfect for sipping on the patio. My note: Rev your lawnmowers and bring on the big grassy field! This refreshing, zippy, herbal white is summertime in a bottle. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood salad. Drink: 2009 - 2012 163980 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Te Kairanga Chardonnay 2007, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Perfect chardonnay, in my opinion. Hazelnut richness bathed in aromas of green apple, peach and pear and a little lime. Rich, voluptuous and never-ending: just as life and hedonism should be. 727024 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Quinta Do Tedo Fine Tawny Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Outstanding value Tawny Port. Medium brick-amber colour. Fairly expressive aromas of dried cherries, raspberry pie, hazelnuts, truffles and figs. Medium in sweetness and medium-full bodied, with a core of spicy dried fruit. Nice acidity, soft silky tannins, and a pleasing, lingering finish. Enjoy as an after-meal treat unto itself. My note: I like it … a lot. Lovely toffee and spices. Vibrant and wonderful. Port food pairings: mixed nuts. 170233 19% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Companhia das Quintas Prova Régia Arinto 2008, D.O.C., Bucelas, Portugal: Refreshing, simple and tasty with notes of lime and white grapefruit. No heavy oak. Nice aperitif. Drink: 2010 - 2012 166587 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2009, W.O. , Coastal Region, South Africa: Fresh field strawberries with a pleasingly tart, mouth-watering essence. Bright as a summer day. Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé food pairings: poultry, fish, light pastas, appetizers, creamy cheeses. 999821 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Bodegas Agnusdei Terra Firme Albariño 2008, D.O. ,Rías Baixas, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Albarino is the most popular source of dry white wines in the Rías Baixas region. This version from Terra Firme has lively aromas of white peach, apricot, citrus, apple, orange blossom and camomile; apple, lemon and floral characters shine on the palate upon entry. It all leads to a concentrated burst of citrus fruit mid-palate, which lasts through the finish. This has crisp, pleasing acidity and a medium body, and is ready to drink now. My note: refreshing, herbal and classically typical of the region and grape. Great aperitif. Albariño food pairings: bouillabaisse, seafood paella. 166751 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Miguel Torres Viña Esmeralda Moscatel De Alejandria Gewürztraminer 2009, D.O., Catalunya, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A pretty blend of Moscatel de Alejandria and Gewürztraminer, Viña Esmeralda has a very seductive floral/perfumed nose. Aromas such as honeysuckle, ripe pear, custard apples, vanilla and spun sugar can all be found here. My note: Rose petal, lychee and lovely perfumed field flowers. I’ve loved this wine for a long time. Perfect aperitif. Moscatel De Alejandria Gewürztraminer food pairings: lightly spiced seafood dishes, avocado salad, herbed chicken breast. 113696 11.5% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, D.O., Penedès, Spain: A stunningly delicious and balanced red with full-bodied notes of black fruit, vanilla smoke, dark spices and rich mocha goodness. Crack it open beside the barbecue. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Drink now. Right now. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: braised veal blade and root vegetables, roast pork tenderloin. 626721 13.5% XD 375 mL $9.95 Score: 91/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodegas Patrocinio Senorio De Unuela Crianza Tempranillo 2006, Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2009 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This 100% Tempranillo has a wonderful deep ruby colour. Engaging aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and sweet cedar delight the nose. Dry with plush tannins and ripe blackberry and stone fruit on the palate. My note: Well-structured and robust Rioja with big, fleshy, ripe black fruit, smoke and earth. This wine was aged for 12 months in oak. Terrific price! Tempranillo food pairings: spicy paella, Thai dishes, slow-roasted lamb, beef tenderloin topped with cherry sauce, barbeque chicken. Drink: 2010 - 2014 172544 14.1% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Rodney Strong Merlot 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby hue. Lovely bouquet brimming with scents of blackberry, plum, sour/red cherry, mineral and hickory. Good aroma replays on the dry, medium-full bodied, plush yet elegantly fruity palate. Gentle tannins, bright acidity, and great harmony here. Terrific barbecue wine, especially with steak, or cellar for 2-3 years. My note: A Silver Medal winner at the 2010 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition in San Diego. Savoury and juicy with lovely balance. Fleshy dark plums and some spices and dried herbs. Absolute yum! Merlot food pairings: steak. 497933 13.8% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Liberty School Zinfandel 2007, California, United States: Rushes out of the glass with aromas of blackberry preserves, dark plums, licorice and black raspberry. Full-bodied, supple and lip-smacking delicious. A smoky dark chocolate finish. Drink: 2010 - 2014 41095 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Seghesio Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Incredibly intense concentration and extraction of flavour. Pure blackberry liqueur running through its heart with cassis preserves and dark spices. Hugely full-bodied. 56879 15% D 750 mL $60.00 Score: 91/100. June 2010. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau St. Jean Robert Young Chardonnay 2007, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Expertly made with terrific balance and length. Smoky like a comforting campfire and all the stories to boot. Loaded with green apples, hazelnut and some spice. Perfect for your next lobster feast or corn roast. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster, corn roast. Drink: 2010 - 2015 990499 14.4% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
McManis Viognier 2008, California, United States: Love this! Exotic rose petal, toasted almond and baking spices. Endlessly intriguing. This was one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Wines of 2009. 658112 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. June 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart