Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Buttery and round with a peach core that drives me back to this bottle. Minerality even with the plushness of the Chardonnay. Great effort! 1552 13.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010
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Marques De Casa Concha Peumo Vineyards Concha Y Toro Merlot 2009, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Big mocha and espresso from the oak aging supported by fleshy ripe blackberries and black plums. Rich and smooth. Drink: 2012-2015. 939827 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 9, 2012
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Maison Roche De Bellene Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Vinified by Nicolas Potel, this is considered to be one of the finest Gevrey-Chambertin that he has ever made and our panel is certainly of the same mind. The nose offers tremendous complexity and depth, with layers of dark fruit and suggestions of violets. The palate is dry, deep and presents big plush dark fruit and fantastic structure. Simply superb. This wine will evolve over 5+ years in cellar. My note: Fresh-turned earth, dried leaves and tart cherries. Medium-bodied, smooth and mouth-watering. Fresh floral notes. Drink: 2011-2019. 240424 13% D 750 mL $47.95 Score: 91/100. September 17, 2011
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Mud House Wines Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand: Vibrant with bright, tart cherry aromas. Lively and mouth-watering with a medium-body and satin-smooth texture. Some cranberry and dark cherry on this finish. A terrific pinot for this price point! Drink: 2011-2014. 12630 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 6, 2011
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The Beach House Rosé 2009, South Africa: Simple and tasty with ripe field strawberries. Lovely aperitif. Carefree wine! 164343 12.50% MD 750 mL $10.85 Score: 85/100. May 14, 2010
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Nederburg Manor House Sauvignon Blanc 2009, South Africa: Grassy good with good acidity and herbal notes on the palate. Some green pepper on the finish. 13.40% XD 750 mL $14.00 Score: 86/100. May 13, 2010
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Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Sonoma County, CA, United States: An enticing smoky nose wraps around melon and Granny Smith apple notes. A refreshing herbal finish makes this a terrific aperitif. Drink: 2010-2012. 839712 13.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. July 20, 2010
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Line Shack Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Central Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Launched in 2004 by winemaker Bob Balentine and his wife Daphne, Line Shack is named after a run-down cabin on their property that was once used by cowboys as shelter on the open range. The renovated shack is now their tasting room. Using fruit sourced mainly from the new San Antonio Valley AVA, this ripe and balanced Cab is made for near-term enjoyment. My note: Loaded with mocha, coffee and blackberry goodness. Full-bodied, and aromatic with a cassis-infused finish. A warm-hearted wine for the weekend. 105965 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 2, 2009
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Clayhouse Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Paso Robles, California, United States: Extraordinary balance and complexity. Layers of flavor with cassis, blackcurrant and mocha predominating. Full-bodied with a lovely length on the finish. 57869 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 20, 2009
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Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2009, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Dense with rich concentration and pleasure, Black cherry and raspberry wrapped in smoky oak. Drink: 2011-2019. 70391 15.50% D 750 mL $80.00 Score: 92/100. September 17, 2011
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