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| Spirits - February 18 Release |
| Scotch Whisky |
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FINLAGGAN 'OLD RESERVE' ISLAY SINGLE MALT
(The Vintage Malt Whisky Company)
Finlaggan is the 'hidden distillery' of Islay. The Vintage Malt Whisky Company closely guards the source of these individual barrel bottlings in order to offer a terrific Islay whisky at a bargain price. Since there are only eight active distilleries on the island, you have a one in eight chance of guessing correctly who supplied the barrel for this 'Old Reserve'.
674978 700 mL $49.95
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GLENFARCLAS 15 YEAR OLD
Highland SINGLE MALT
Tasting Note: Nose: Earthy. Autumnal. Rain on the forest floor. A smoky peat fire somewhere in the distance. Palate: Big, firm, cereal-grain nuttiness. Develops a lot of sweetness, then a balance of floweriness. Finish: Intense. Honey, shrubs and reeds. Mustardy. Comment: Judging from the colour, as well as aroma and flavour, this is Glenfarclas without its dressing of sherry. Having removed its jacket and necktie, it appears more muscular and aggressive. Score - 8 1/4 (out of 10). (Michael Jackson, www.whiskymag.com, Jan. 2003)
345199 700 mL $99.95
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| Brandy |
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ASBACH URALT
Germany
Tasting Note: Amber. Spicy, dried fruit and raisin aromas. A soft entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with wood spice and mild dried fruit notes. Finishes with a fruity, peppery fade of lean wood notes and peppery alcohol. (www.tastings.com, May 12, 2004)
21089 750 mL $29.95
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| Liqueur |
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UNICUM BITTERS
(Zwack Unicum Co.)
Tasting Note: A bitter produced according to an ancient Hungarian recipe . The purity of the alcohol used is combined with over 40 types of official herbs and a mixture of roots and spices. Aged in durmast casks, it is an ideal conclusion of a meal. The traditional recipe calls for adding brandy and an orange slice to the Unicum Riserva, giving this bitter a special smoothness. (Davide Morena, www.mattonigranddrink.com, March 2004)
364851 500 mL $22.95
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| Fortified Wine - February 18 Release |
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| Port |
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QUINTA DE LA ROSA FINEST RESERVE PORT
Estate Bottled
Tasting Note: Quinta de la Rosa's Finest Reserve Port is a stunning example of what can be achieved and found in non-vintage Port blends. This small Port lodge has turned out a terrific, full-bodied, garnet/ruby-colored wine with a big, chocolatey, black-cherry, cedary nose, full-bodied, unctuously-textured flavors, and gobs of fruit and richness, as well as an off-dry, impressive finish . Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 1995)
715540 (S) 750 mL $20.95 
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Wine by Country - February 18 Release |
| Ontario |
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LEGENDS ESTATES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Tasting Note: Brilliant golden straw in colour, this delightful Sauvignon Blanc features aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest and some of the typical grassy notes. Medium-bodied with lots of citrus flavours, it's crisp and refreshing with a good balance of acidity and a long finish. Enjoy it as an aperitif or serve it with raw oysters, steamed mussels or a simple spinach salad. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2005)
675041 (XD) 750 mL $16.95
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| Ontario |
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LEGENDS ESTATES MERLOT 2003
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Tasting Note: Dark cherry red, with aromas of smoke, raspberry and earth. The more serious-minded nose belies the ripe, sweet red fruit flavours and hints of vanilla on the palate. Medium full-bodied, with smooth tannins and good structure this would match nicely to a hearty beef stew or grilled lamb chops. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2005)
675074 (XD) 750 mL $15.95 
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LEGENDS ESTATES PINOT NOIR RESERVE 2003
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Tasting Note: Ruby red with a tinge of amber, this complex Pinot proves quite convincingly that the difficult grape has viability in Ontario. It expresses powerful aromas of wet earth, cola, cherry, leather and smoke. Dry, medium full-bodied with cherry and mineral flavours, soft tannins and a medium finish. This is very good Pinot that would pair well with roast duck, veal chops or mushroom risotto. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2005)
661876 (D) 750 mL $17.95
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| California |
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ARROWOOD PINOT BLANC 'SARALEE'S VINEYARD' 2002
Russian River Valley
Tasting Note: Arrowood's Pinot Blanc Saralee's Vineyard exhibits beautiful aromas of minerals intermixed with hints of tangerine skins, honeyed melon, and apple butter. This wonderfully precise, refreshing, vigorous Pinot Blanc is loaded with fruit. Consumers have yet to catch on to just how good as well as food-friendly this white is. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2003)
694307 (D) 750 mL $34.95
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New at VINTAGES
ESSER CHARDONNAY 2004
California
This Chardonnay is another incredible 'best buy' made in a classic Cali-style. Look for aromas and flavours of apples, bananas and melon with a good balance of oak. Expect a creamy, opulent mouthfeel and a medium long tropical fruit finish.
675017 (D) 750 mL $14.95
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SHAFER 'RED SHOULDER RANCH' CHARDONNAY 2003
Carneros, Napa Valley
Tasting Note: The 2003 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is cut from the same mold as the 2002, with a bit more orange peel and tropical fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with good acidity but not the weight and overall headiness and complexity of the 2002, nevertheless it is still a stunning California Chardonnay to drink over the next 2-3 years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2005)
246090 (D) 750 mL $59.95
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| California |
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DOMINUS 'NAPANOOK' 2002
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec.
Tasting Note: The 2002 Napanook ... is more structured and tannic than the 2003, but also deeper colored with additional notes of plum liqueur, black currants, underbrush, cedar, and licorice. Full-bodied, rich, and powerful, this impressive effort requires 1-3 years of cellaring, and will drink well over the following 12-15 years. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2005)
703017 (XD) 750 mL $44.95 
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DOMINUS 2002
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot.
Tasting Note: The 2002 Dominus gets my nod as the greatest example of this cuvee since the 1991 and 1994 ... The deep, saturated purple-colored 2002 boasts an extraordinary perfume of roasted coffee intermixed with black currants, cherries, cocoa, cedar, cigar smoke, and new saddle leather. A classic, full-bodied palate possesses great structure, tremendous depth, loads of tannin, and a multilayered, concentrated yet elegant finish. It is difficult to predict when this beauty will plateau in terms of maturity. My best guess is it needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should last for 25 years. Score - 96. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2005)
703850 (XD) 750 mL $109.95
703637 (XD) 1500 mL $244.95
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MACROSTIE PINOT NOIR 2002
Carneros
Tasting Note: Very evident oak brings its own brand of sweetness to the ripe and moderately intense cherry-pie smells of this outgoing Pinot, and, while rounded and smooth on the palate, the wine is also vital and bright. Its accessible style in no way suggests that it is not capable of age, and it will be as attractive in three or four years as it is at the moment. Score - 88. (Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, Feb. 2005)
674903 (D) 375 mL $15.95
674911 (D) 750 mL $29.95
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New at VINTAGES
ROCK RABBIT SYRAH 2003
Central Coast
Packed with ripe fruit flavours of blackberry, blueberry, and cherry, this is a fantastic value. Rock Rabbit's winemaker adds 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petite Sirah to the blend for added depth and complexity. Enjoy with roast chicken or gourmet pizza.
673830 (D) 750 mL $19.95
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SHAFER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002
Napa Valley
Tasting Note: One of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons to date from Shafer is the 2002, a beautifully made wine that shows a dense ruby purple color and a big, sweet nose of flamboyant black currant fruit intermixed with hints of chocolate, tobacco, earth, and oak. A beautiful wine that is medium to full-bodied, elegant, with nothing out of place, it should drink well for at least 10-15 years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2005)
346270 (XD) 750 mL $78.95
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| Washington State |
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COLUMBIA CREST 'GRAND ESTATES' SYRAH 2001
Columbia Valley
Tasting Note: This lovely, spicy wine seamlessly mixes bright berry fruit and smooth chocolate, with hints of earth and pepper ... Score - 88. (Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, May 1, 2004)
674929 (XD) 750 mL $18.95
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BODEGA LURTON CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA 2003
Uco Valley, Mendoza
Global winemakers Jacques and Francois Lurton were among the first to recognize Argentina's potential to become the next New World wine phenomenon. Over the past decade they have planted vineyards, built their winery and developed relationships with quality growers in the Mendoza region. The grapes for the Reserva range are sourced from lower yielding, old vines planted in the foothills of the Andes. Expect a big flavour packed Cab and an amazing value.
591735 (XD) 750 mL $14.95
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VINITERRA 'MOMENTO II' SYRAH 2003
Estate Bottled, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza
Viniterra's winemakers use time-honoured techniques to craft this full-bodied Syrah. The grapes are picked from the sloping vineyards of Lujan de Cuyo at the peak of ripeness. The pressed juice is fermented in large oak vats then the wine is aged in French oak barriques for nine months before bottling. This is an incredible value, with ripe red fruit flavours mingling with notes of spice, chocolate and coffee from the oak contact.
672568 (XD) 750 mL $14.95
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CASTEL PUJOL TANNAT DE RESERVA 2002
(Bodegas Carrau)
(Cahors, Madiran and other Southwest appellations) has risen to prominence. The vineyards of Uruguay are in high country in the north of the country and Pujol is the main producer. The aromas on the nose are very faint blackberry-currant fruit with a hint of oak and dried herbs. Mid-weight ripe, soft and warm on the palate, almost chianti-like with nicely integrated tannins. Fruit loses its way a bit on the dry, hot finish. Good length. Best 2004 to 2007
Tasting Note: Uruguay is the only place outside of France that I know where the tannat grape (Steve Thurlow, Wine Access, 'First In Line E-Report', Jan. 2005)
940387 (XD) 750 mL $11.95
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BROKENWOOD 'CRICKET PITCH' SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON 2004
South Eastern Australia
Tasting Note: A dynamite value in dry, fragrant, tasty white wine is the 2004 Cricket Pitch White, a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon that was fermented and aged in stainless steel prior to bottling. Elegant aromas of lemons, limes, white peaches, and orange rinds emerge from this crisp, medium-bodied, well-made dry white. Consume it over the next year. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2005)
662627 (D) 750 mL $17.95
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CHATEAU REYNELLA CHARDONNAY 2002
McLaren Vale, South Australia
As well as being the state's oldest operating winery, Chateau Reynella is also considered the birthplace of South Australia's internationally renowned wine industry. Look for loads of bright green apple fruit and toasty oak character in this creamy, full-bodied Chardonnay.
510610 (D) 750 mL $25.95
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GREG NORMAN CHARDONNAY 2004
Victoria
Here's another fine offering from golf pro turned wine proprietor Greg 'The Shark' Norman. This medium-bodied Chardonnay is made in a fairly buttery-oak style with some peachy fruit flavours. Enjoy with linguini and clams in a cream sauce or grilled chicken breasts in a mushroom cream sauce.
552083 (D) 750 mL $19.95
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New at VINTAGES
HUGH HAMILTON 'THE TRICKSTER' VERDELHO 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia
This fresh and racy wine would be perfect with seafood or spicy dishes. While the Verdelho grape is used in Portugal for producing Madeira, the Australian take is a zesty, dry table wine. The 'trick' in achieving this style is to harvest to taste rather than ripeness levels so the wine has finesse and zest. Expect exotic tropical fruit flavours and a firm backbone of acidity.
694554 (D) 750 mL $16.95
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SANDALFORD 'ELEMENT' CHARDONNAY 2004
South Eastern Australia
Tasting Note: This multi-regional Chardonnay blends in small amounts of Verdelho and Semillon for added depth and character. Displays baked apple, peach and crisp citrus fruit flavours as well as a good balance of sweet oak. Good mouthfeel and a medium-long finish. (VINTAGES panel, Mar. 2005)
661959 (D) 750 mL $15.95
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ANNVERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002
Langhorne Creek, South Australia
The 2002 Cab has won a slew of awards including a Gold Medal from the 2004 Winewise Small Vigneron Awards and a Bronze from the International Wine Challenge 2004.
Tasting Note: The mint and cassis nose leads to a lush berry palate with oak toast and soft tannic structure. (Panel, International Wine Challenge 2004, May 2004)
626705 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
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BROKENWOOD 'CRICKET PITCH' RED 2002
South Eastern Australia
Tasting Note: A knock-out red wine bargain is the 2002 Cricket Pitch Red, a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Shiraz aged in neutral American and French barrels for 18 months. Sweet, peppery, black currant aromas intermixed with notions of smoke, licorice, and damp earth are followed by impressive fruit on the attack as well as the mid-palate. The velvety finish reveals surprising persistence. This 2002 should drink well for 2-4 years. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2005)
Food match: pasta and light meat dishes.
731638 (XD) 750 mL $22.95
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CHATEAU REYNELLA SHIRAZ 2002
Basket Pressed, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Winner of a Blue Gold Award at the Sydney International Wine Competition 2005, this appealing Shiraz is known for its rich and spicy nose. Expect flavours of ripe supple black plum, currants and pepper notes in this medium- ull-bodied wonder. Enjoy with beef stew, prime rib or aged cheese.
Score - 89+. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2005)
510628 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
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COCKFIGHTER'S GHOST CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002
Langhorne Creek, South Australia
(Poole's Rock)
Tasting Note: Dark ruby. Meaty wild game aromas, with ripe plum, prune, licorice, leather and cracked pepper tones. Rich and thick in the mouth, with the meat, pepper and licorice notes almost overpowering the wine's dark berry flavors. A serious, brooding shiraz that should be served alongside the heartiest dishes. Score - 87. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2005)
672550 (XD) 750 mL $22.95
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FIRESTICK SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2002
South Australia
(Poole's Rock)
Tasting Note: The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz (30% of the former and 70% of the latter) spent nine months in primarily French oak. It exhibits a deep ruby color as well as a sweet perfume of licorice, mint, and black currants. Medium-bodied, fruity, and supple-textured, it should be consumed over the next 1-2 years. This is an excellent value. Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2004)
962324 (XD) 750 mL $16.95
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HEARTLAND SHIRAZ 2004
Langhorne Creek/Limestone Coast
Tasting Note: This is a great value wine. Syrupy, slippery, sweet-fruited - it's a sweet wet smooch of a wine. Coffeed oak sits a fraction above pure, lively, plummy fruit, with a hit of sweet musk and a lovely, even, drinkable weight. Supple, and excellent. Drink: 2005-2009. Score - 90. (Campbell Mattinson, Winefront Monthly, Oct./Nov. 2005)
661934 (XD) 750 mL $17.95
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Arrive in Style product
KATNOOK ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002
Coonawarra, South Australia
Tasting Note: Peppery, coffee, gamey, olive, green bean Coonawarra nose with flecks of cassis jam, black cherry and vanilla. Ripe, round, good concentration with fine grained, elegant tannins. Savoury, black olive, black cherry, cassis, smoky tobacco, meaty flavours. Fine fruit and balance, best yet from Katnook. Needs 5-7 years. Score - 91. (Stuart Tobe, www.gismondionwine.com, Nov. 2005)
590471 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
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PYRENEES RIDGE SHIRAZ 2004
Pyrenees, Victoria
Pyrenees Ridge is a family-run boutique winery that specializes in Shiraz. The 2004 Shiraz has already won a number of awards including the trophy for 'Best Shiraz', the trophy for 'Best Table Red' and a Gold Medal at the Ballarat Wine Show 2005.
661918 (XD) 750 mL $24.95
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SEPPELT CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT 2003
Victoria
Tasting Note: A minty Victorian cabernet blend whose attractive aromas of mulberries, cassis and dark plums are backed by sweet cedar/chocolate oak and dusty, herbal undertones of eucalypt and forest floor. Moderately long, it's vibrant, ripe and smooth, showing good palate sweetness and balance, finishing with a hint of menthol. Score - 87. (Jeremy Oliver, www.onwine.com.au, Oct. 19, 2005)
661942 (XD) 750 mL $19.95
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New at VINTAGES
TORAMBRE 'NISSEN HUT' GRENACHE 2002
Loxton, South Australia
Tasting Note: Quite a burst of floral aromas with underlying notes of dark chocolate and smoked meat, medium full-bodied with soft tannins and well-balanced acidity providing structure. A good match for pork roast or braised beef dishes. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2005)
661926 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
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WOLF BLASS 'GOLD LABEL' SHIRAZ 2003
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Tasting Note: Barossa written all over it. Black, resiny, leathery, earthy fruit, a sheer slip of toffeed oak, a punch of crunchy tannin and fruit force at every turn. Very good. Drink: Now-2008. (Campbell Mattinson, www.winefrontmonthly.com.au, April/May 2005)
Food match: slow roasted lamb shanks with tomato relish and creamy pepper mashed potatoes.
590273 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
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New at VINTAGES
AUNTSFIELD 'LONG COW' SAUVIGNON BLANC 2004
Marlborough, South Island
Auntsfield was established in 1873, making it Marlborough's first vineyard and winery, although it fell into disuse in the 1930s. Filmmaker Graeme Cowley (Smash Palace) and his wife Linda have redeveloped the historic property. From just their second vintage this wine features a big, classic Sauvignon Blanc nose. Grassy, with some asparagus scents, this is absolutely mouth-watering.
663286 (XD) 750 mL $18.95
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BORTHWICK VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2001
Wairarapa, North Island
Veteran winemaker Paddy Borthwick began his own label in 1996 after decades of working with wineries both in New Zealand and around the world. The 2001 is his winery's third vintage of Pinot Noir and it won a Silver Medal in its youth at the 2002 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. Made in a Burgundian style, expect a mouthfilling and mature Pinot loaded with strawberry and cherry fruit flavours and spicy oak notes.
586065 (D) 750 mL $21.95
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COOPERS CREEK MERLOT 2004
Hawkes Bay, North Island
Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2005 Air NZ Wine Awards.
Tasting Note: Smooth, vibrant red, full of drink-young charm. Rich, rounded berry/plum flavours seasoned with spicy oak and a long, finely textured finish. Score - **** (out of 5). (Cuisine, New Zealand, 2005)
Food match: barbecued steak with new potatoes and salad.
672451 (D) 750 mL $17.95
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COOPERS CREEK PINOT NOIR 2004
Marlborough, South Island
This approachable Pinot would be an excellent match for grilled rack of lamb and roast potatoes sprinkled with rosemary. Sourced from three different vineyard sites in Marlborough, expect a wine with good weight and ripe core of strawberry and cherry fruit and a lengthy finish.
599969 (D) 750 mL $19.95
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WAIPARA SPRINGS PINOT NOIR RESERVE 2002
Waipara Valley, North Island
Tasting Note: Seemingly a lighter style pinot than many from 2002, this smells of woody herbs and cherry with a touch of mushroom leading into a savoury, tarry, cherry flavour and a lengthy savoury finish that lingers with herb flowers and cherries. It develops some feral nuances as it sits in the glass and overall it has elegance with a good fruit backbone and soft velvety tannins. It's a young wine and should develop some interesting flavours with time. From a cooler season in Waipara. (Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com, Oct. 13, 2003)
663294 (D) 750 mL $25.95
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GOATS DO ROAM WHITE 2005
WO The Western Cape
This fresh and fruity blend is from Fairview 's irreverent goat-obsessed second label. The 05 vintage is comprised of Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche, and Riesling, as well as smaller amounts of Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Always a great value, you can expect an array of tropical fruit aromas and flavours along with crisp apple and some spice notes in this medium-bodied white.
943167 (D) 750 mL $11.95
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New at VINTAGES
THEUNISKRAAL ESTATE SEMILLON/CHARDONNAY 2005
WO Tulbagh
Tasting Note: A treat. Brilliant straw in colour, with elegant honey and peachy scents, and a lipsmacking clean finish. (VINTAGES panel, April 25, 2005)
663351 (D) 750 mL $11.95
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GRAHAM BECK 'THE RIDGE' 2002
WO Robertson
Tasting Note: Last glimpsed ex-cask, ['The Ridge'] has [a] piercing mulberry fruit core, with mocha/woodsmoke spicing. A lesson in elegance, finesse, & harmonious tannins: iron fist in velvet glove. Has 7+ yr future. Score - ****1/2 (out of 5). (Christine Rudman, John Platter South African Wines 2005)
607812 (XD) 750 mL $24.95
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SALOMON-UNDHOF WIEDEN GRÜNER VELTLINER 2004
Stein
Tasting Note: The nose of lentil, green herbs and wet stone leads to a juicy palate with melon, a hint of raspberry, and lots more herbs and lentils. Deceptively simple, this is a wine with the poise and vibrancy of fruit, not to mention a long, thirst-slaking finish, that is not easy to achieve. Score - 89. (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2005)
670513 (XD) 750 mL $17.95
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| Alsace |
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'COMTES D'ISENBOURG' GEWURZTRAMINER 2004
AC
(Châteaux et Terroirs)
Tasting Note: Straw colour, with a bright complex nose of flowers, peach, honey, tropical fruit as well as a mineral element. The abundant ripe fruit flavours are well-balanced giving the medium full-bodied wine an attractive edge. There's mineral and spice on the long finish which suggest spicy maki rolls or chicken paprikash as good food matches. (VINTAGES Panel, Dec. 2005)
675736 (D) 750 mL $18.95
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| Burgundy |
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LOUIS JADOT MEURSAULT 2001
AC
Tasting Note: Very ripe, buttery aromas of pit fruits, mint and sage. Fat, round, sweet and easygoing; a soft, round 2001 with moderate thrust. Includes a good bit of declassified Narvaux, Chevaliers and Tessons. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2003)
678136 (XD) 750 mL $42.95
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| Bordeaux |
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New at VINTAGES
CHÂTEAU BARRAIL DU BLANC 2001
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
Tasting Note: Mid-ruby in colour. The nose features cherry and earth tones. This is medium-bodied with a sweet centre and a lingering finish. (Claudius Fehr, March 2005)
674317 (XD) 750 mL $28.95
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Exceptional Value
CHÂTEAU DE FONBEL 2003
AC St-Émilion
This marvellous Merlot-based claret from St-Émilion is managed by Château Ausone co-owner Alain Vauthier. It's crafted in a slightly more 'New world' style with ripe blackberry, mint and spice aromas. Expect a mouth filling, full-bodied, dense and smooth wine with a long finish. Enjoy it now or cellar for 5+ years.
673285 (XD) 750 mL $28.95
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CHÂTEAU LANESSAN 1996
AC Haut Médoc, Cru Bourgeois Superieur
Tasting Note: A sleeper of the vintage, Lanessan's 1996 boasts an impressively saturated dark ruby/purple color, and knock-out aromatics of melted chocolate, asphalt, and cassis. Deep, rich, and medium-bodied, with excellent concentration and purity, this impressively-endowed, flavorful, well-structured wine should be at its finest between 2004-2016. Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 1999)
598011 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
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New at VINTAGES
CHÂTEAU ROQUE LE MAYNE 2003
AC Côtes de Castillon
This magnificent Merlot-based claret is made by the estate's extremely talented owner/winemaker, Jean-François Meynard. Though the property has been in his family for three generations, it has really blossomed with his leadership and ability to craft wines of depth, body and fine fruit flavours. His wines offers the quality of a Grand Cru at an incredible price.
674184 (XD) 750 mL $25.95
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| Midi |
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DOMAINE BASSAC SYRAH 2004
Vins de Pays des Côtes de Thongue
Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this organic wine contains 28 mg/l of free sulphur.
Tasting Note: Ruby/violet in colour. On the nose, cooked berry compote with a floral note. This is light- to medium-bodied and pleasingly soft in texture; a real quaffer. (VINTAGES panel, July 4, 2005)
673210 (D) 750 mL $11.95 
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| Rhône |
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DOMAINES PERRIN 'NATURE' CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 2003
AC
Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this wine contains 9 mg/l of free sulphur.
An elegant and approachable blend of Grenache and Syrah, with an environmental conscience. The Perrin brothers of Château de Beaucastel fame have been practicing organic methods for decades. In June of 2005 it was listed as one of the 'Top Ten Organic Wines' by The Independent in London.
948059 (XD) 750 mL $15.95
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LINGENFELDER RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2003
QmP Grosskarlbacher Osterberg, Estate Btld.
Tasting Note: Profound aromatics of white flowers intermingled with minerals burst from the glass of the 2003 Riesling Spatlese Grosskarlbacher Osterberg. A seamless, suave, complex wine, this light to medium-bodied effort delivers lush waves of rocks, minerals, and rye in its classy, complex personality. Projected maturity: now-2014. Score - 90. (Pierre Rovani, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2004)
928192 (M) 750 mL $21.95
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New at VINTAGES
VILLA WOLF RIESLING KABINETT 2004
QbA, Estate Btld.
(Dr. Ernst Loosen)
Tasting Note: Villa Wolf is Dr. Ernie Loosen's property in the Pfalz. Pale straw in colour with lovely floral, mineral and slight tar note on the nose that is typical of Riesling. Light-medium bodied, it's just off-dry with a lively and incisive palate and a medium-long finish. Excellent value. (VINTAGES panel, June 2005)
670729 (D) 750 mL $12.95
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New at VINTAGES
ST. DONATUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT CUVÉE 2003
Garamvári Selection, Balatonelle
St. Donatus is located in the Balaton Lake region and has been producing some of the Hungary's finest wines since it was established in 1992. Balaton is Europe's largest lake and the major influence on the regions vine-friendly, warm and mild climate.
Tasting Note: Medium ruby colour with aromas of ripe red currants, undergrowth and a touch of oak. Medium-bodied, it has a gentle round mouthfeel and mild tannins. A pure tasting meritage blend that is ready to drink. (VINTAGES panel, June 2005)
672576 (D) 750 mL $14.95
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| Piedmont |
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New at VINTAGES
LA SCOLCA GAVI 'IL VALENTINO' 2004
DOCG Gavi
Tasting Note: Pale greenish straw in colour. Aromas are mineral, smoky, green apple and anise. Light and lively and well balanced. From the winery that put Gavi on the map, enjoy with oysters or spaghetti with white clam sauce. (VINTAGES panel, June 2005)
670760 (XD) 750 mL $14.95
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| Piedmont |
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AURELIO SETTIMO BAROLO ROCCHE 2000
DOCG
Tasting Note: Fantastic aromas of plums, fresh flowers, licorice and tar follow through to a full-bodied palate and supersilky tannins. This is tight but shows excellent potential. Best after 2008. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, July 31, 2004)
975136 (XD) 750 mL $58.95
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| Veneto |
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New at VINTAGES
LE RAGOSE VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2001
DOC
Tasting Note: Mid-ruby in colour. The complex nose features plum and cherry with some humus and oak. This is a light- to medium-bodied wine; its character is mellow, wrapped around a sweet, ripe centre. Would go well with pasta, fish in tomato sauce or shish kebab. (VINTAGES panel, June, 2005)
991984 (D) 750 mL $19.95
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MASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 'SEREGO ALIGHIERI VAIO ARMARON' 1999
DOC
Tasting Note: Well-balanced and well-integrated, with clean and spicy raisin fruit character. Full-bodied and silky, with just enough of the typical slightly bitter fruit flavor. Long finish. Textbook Amarone. Best after 2006. 4,000 cases made. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 15, 2004)
Food match: richly flavoured roasts, game or with aged cheese such as parmesan or pecorino.
462812 (D) 750 mL $69.95
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JOSÉ MARIA DE FONSECA PERIQUITA CLASSICO 2001
'Special Reserve', Vinho Regional Terras do Sado
Tasting Note: This limited production version of the multimillion-bottle Periquita brand was aged for 24 months in American oak. Made from the Castelão grape, it is rich and velvety with flavors of dark figs. This is a wine that can certainly age-keep it for 5 years or more. Score - 90. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Nov. 15, 2005)
726679 (XD) 750 mL $26.95
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QUINTA DE PANCAS RESERVA RED 2001
Vinho Regional Estremedura
Tasting Note: Complex bouquet includes blackberry, spice, tar, mushroom, and leather. Medium to full in body and supple in texture. This is harmonious now and will gain complexity with ageing. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 18, 2005)
678094 (XD) 750 mL $33.95
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