Alzamora Grand Reserve Syrah 2005, San Juan, Argentina: This wine has it all: elegance, depth, length and terrific fruit concentration. It's a captivating wine with many layers of flavor to discover and dive into. Notes of black raspberry, blackberry, clove, rose and violet. Aged in French oak for 12 months. Fleshy and full-bodied and ultimately satisfying. 14% XD 750 mL $19.00 Score: 94/100. June 12, 2009
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Crios Brioso Dominio Del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot Merlot 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Fantastic expression of elegance, balance and finesse. Old World restraint with New World fruit power. Aromas of dark fruit: cassis and blackcurrant in this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. This wine was aged 14 months in new French oak barrels. An international benchmark wine. 14% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 95/100. June 12, 2009
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Limited Edition Syrah 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: My favorite wine in a terrific line-up from this producer. Generous, balanced and plush. Aged 12 months in French oak. Aromas of violets, cinnamon and blackberry. Superb. 14% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 96/100. June 12, 2009
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Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A wonderful, vibrant Shiraz with nicely balanced fleshy fruit and acidity for food. Lots of layers of flavours and ultra-satisfying. Perfect for potluck get-togethers and movie night. Nice to have a great half-bottle selection. Drink: 2010-2014. 180430 14.50% D 375 mL $11.95 Score: 91/100. September 18, 2010
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Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Canadian Wine Awards. The 2009 vintage in Niagara was very strong for Riesling, and Flat Rock has translated this into a spectacular wine. Pale gold, it serves up expressive aromas of lime and lime peel, floral, white peach, nectarine and mineral. Dry, medium bodied, with bright acidity and tangy fruit dancing on the palate. Crisp, mouth-watering finish. A pretty wine, to be sure. It will age gracefully for at least 5 years. My note: Absolutely marvellous! Peach, petrol (that’s good) and long, deep lines of minerality and pleasurable satisfaction. Love this style of Riesling. Drink: 2010-2016. 578625 11.60% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 13, 2010
Favourite White Wine Tied. Full Review
Concha y Toro Terrunyo Carmenère 2005, Cachapoal Valley, Peumo Vineyard, Block 27, Unfiltered, Chile: This unfiltered wine has dense, inky aromas of black fruit and spicy oak. The longer it sits in the glass (if you can wait), the more aromas emerge, such as violets, black plums, blueberry paste and vanillin. Terrific depth, richness and concentration. 562892 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. March 28, 2009
Favorite Red Wine. Full Review
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 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 15, 2009
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Château Signac Combe D'enfer Cuvée Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages Chusclan, France: Big and black with tasty dark-bruiser fruit. Full-bodied and satisfying. Great for dinner parties featuring steak. Drink: 2010-2018. 184226 13.60% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 13, 2010
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