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Wine Picks July 23, 2010

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Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

Dessert Wine

Greenlane Estate Winery Riesling Icewine 2008, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A gorgeous, beautifully scented dessert wine with aromas of apricot preserves, honeysuckle and peach jam. Perfect balance. Triple yum! Riesling Icewine food pairings: strong cheeses, smoked almonds. Drink: 2010 - 2015 988591000060 10.7% S 200 mL $30.00 Score: 91/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Mapoggo Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008, Paarl, South Africa: Savoury and absolutely delicious! Smooth, earthy and full-bodied with fleshy, ripe blackberries, black olives and smoke on the finish. Yum! Drink: 2010 - 2014 14.5% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Barbara Winery North Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Barbara County, Los Alamos, United States: Rich cherry liqueur with full-bodied flavour and juicy goodness in this robust Pinot. There's some spices on the finish with a profusion of berry flavour that rolls on long after your glass is empty. Drink: 2010 - 2014 194332 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stags' Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, United States: Beautifully balanced with classic aromas of blackberry, truffle, espresso and blackcurrant. Full-bodied with a polished, velvet texture. A long finish infused with black plums and deep satisfaction. Drink: 2010 - 2016 996405 13.9% 750 mL $79.95 Score: 91/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Union Wines Pinot Noir Cabernet, Merlot Gamay Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Good value for this supple, medium- to full-bodied red with dark cherry-berry flavours and aromas. This would be a crowd pleaser at a party. Pinot Noir Cabernet, Merlot Gamay Noir food pairings: red meats, BBQ, pastas, tapas. Drink: 2010 - 2014 197152 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Cuvee County Pinot Noir 2008, Prince Edward County, Canada: A gorgeous pinot with extraordinary elegance and balance. Ripe cherry aromas but not too berry-fruity: some subtle earthiness. Satin smooth and medium-bodied. Drink: 2010 - 2013 834328002282 12% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Greenlane Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: Mocha-rich goodness on the nose with deep flavours of blackberries, blackcurrants and cassis on the palate. Velvet smooth with medium- to full-bodied weight. Impressive. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: charbroiled beef steaks. Drink: 2010 - 2017 988591000053 13% D 750 mL $24.00 Score: 88/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Greenlane Estate Winery Cabernet Merlot 2007, Ontario, Canada: This Cabernet Merlot blend is full-bodied, smooth and has delicious aromas and flavours of dark berries and plums. An auspicious start for this new winery! Well-made wines out of the gate at very reasonable prices. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: meat lovers' pizza, hamburgers. Drink: 2010 - 2015 9888591000046 12.5% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Greenlane Estate Winery Chardonnay 2008, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: A balanced, solid Chardonnay with a nice rounded texture and aromas of green apples, smoke and hazelnut. A judicious use of oak that's well-integrated into the wine. Well done, especially for the first vintage. Chardonnay food pairings: smoked trout. Drink: 2010 - 2013 988591000039 12.5% D 750 mL $16.00 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Weingut Leopold Schätzle Leopold Gruner Veltliner 2008, Kamptal, Austria: Incredibly clean and refreshing with aromas of white grapefruit and a minerally flint. Some smokiness lends some richness. Terrific aperitif or companion to many foods. Gruner Veltliner food pairings: sushi, lightly prepared fish, chicken, schnitzel, crumbed dishes. Drink: 2010 - 2012 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.50 Score: 86/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dürnberg GmbH Rabenstein Gruner Veltliner 2009, Niederosterreich, Austria: Crisp, clean, light and refreshing with notes of white melon and grapefruit. Makes a good aperitif. Drink: 2010 - 2013 2222 12.5% M 750 mL $17.99 Score: 85/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Union Wines Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Gewurztraminer Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Pretty floral and white peach notes on the nose of this refreshing, vibrant white wine. Makes a terrific aperitif as well as an accompaniment to many dishes. Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Gewurztraminer Chardonnay food pairings: fusion foods, seafood salads, spicy tapas, grilled chicken. Drink: 2010 - 2013 197145 12% 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Musque Chardonnay 2009, Prince Edward County, Canada: So pretty! Lively and juicy aromas of lime and white peach. Zesty and refreshing as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Medium-bodied and ultra-tasty. Drink: 2010 - 2011 834328002398 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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