Casa Montes Alzamora Syrah 2006, Tulum Valley, San Juan, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: San Juan is home to some simply outstanding Syrah, and the Alzamora is no exception. Expect a full-bodied, dry, superbly structured wine with impressively concentrated blackberry, dark cherries, smoked meat, clove and peppery spice notes with a delicate and lifting touch of violet. Will also evolve nicely with 2-3 years in cellar. My note: Pleasantly bitter with rich blackberry fruit. Smooth and dark. Dark spices on the finish. Drink: 2011-2015. 220673 13.90% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 5, 2011
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Bodegas Callia Magna Shiraz 2008, Tulum Valley, San Juan, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Beautifully structured, complex, with great and balanced tannic presence, it’s loaded with notes of cloves, cinnamon, raspberries, vanilla bean and chocolate. Good structure and length. This is still quite youthful, and should show intriguing evolution over the next 2-3 years. My note: Juicy-great with luscious, mouth-watering black and purple plums. Full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for barbecues. Bargain price. Drink: 2011-2014. 218818 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 5, 2011
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Concha y Toro Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007, Limarí Valley, Chile: Stunning! Hazelnut, green apple and a little butter and toast. So seductive. This is my kind of chardonnay. Full-bodied but supremely balanced. Drink: 2011-2015. 162040 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011
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Fog Head Highlands Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Monterey County, Highland Series, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Tasty, toasty Chardonnay with loads of tropical fruit and citrus aromas. Dry and zippy with lots of fruit on the palate. A nicely balanced, mouth-filling wine. My note: Robust with buttery oak and a hazelnut-infused finish. In the middle, there are green apple notes. Drink: 2011-2015. 158568 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. March 5, 2011
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