Archive for March 31, 2007
Release
Spirits | Fortified
Wine | Wine by country Crossing
Australia: Western
Australia | South Eastern Australia
Please note: Vintages
Spirits
- March 31 Release
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| Grappa |
CASTELLO
VICCHIOMAGGIO GRAPPA LA PRIMA
Italy
Tasting Note: A heavy bouquet with rich offerings of Russian leather
and heavy citrus tones such as grapefruit and orange; becomes somewhat lighter
on the palate with a winy, slightly aggressive finish. (Axel & Bibiana
Behrendt, Grappa, 2000)
019323 500 mL $49.95
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Sparkling
Wine - March 31 Release
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| Sparkling
Wine |
CODORNÍU
RESERVA RAVENTÓS CAVA BRUT
Méthode Traditionnelle, Spain
Tasting Note: A fruity and fresh cava that would please many as an aperitif.
Grapefruit, lemon, herbal tea and floral nuances make for an inviting nose.
Mostly citrus fruit in the mouth with good acidity and mousse. Nicely proportioned
overall with a consistency of citrus fruit from start to finish. Well made.
Score - 88. (Jeff Davis, Wine Access, ‘First In Line
E-Report', Nov. 2004)
521773 (XD) 750 mL $16.95 
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Wine
by country - March 31
Release
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| Ontario |
VQA
ON Tour
FIELDING
ESTATE CHARDONNAY MUSQUE 2006
VQA Twenty Mile Bench
(Wismer Vineyards)
Tasting Note: We're told that the previous vintage of this wine blew
out the winery doors and it looks like the 06 vintage is poised to do the
same. It's bursting with youthful aromas of sweet apple, cinnamon, melon,
peaches and cream as well as perfumed floral notes. Dry, medium bodied,
it's fresh and youthful with the apple and melon flavours replaying nicely.
Delicious and refreshing. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2007)
037879 (D) 750 mL $15.95
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VQA
ON Tour
FIELDING
ESTATE RIESLING SEMI-DRY 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Recently selected as the official VQA white wine for the Legislative
Assembly of Ontario 2006/2007.
Tasting Note: Very pale lemon in colour with youthful green tinges,
this wine displays very fruity aromas of limeade, peach and pear. It's
off-dry, medium bodied with juicy lime and pear flavours balanced by racy
acidity. The finish is long and refreshing. A great match for spicy shrimp
stir-fry. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2007)
036202 (MD) 750 mL $15.95
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| Ontario |
VQA
ON Tour
FIELDING
ESTATE CABERNET FRANC 2004
VQA Ontario
Recently selected as the official VQA red wine for the Legislative Assembly
of Ontario 2006/2007.
Tasting Note: This wine's very bright nose features dark cherry,
plum and berry fruit as well as new leather and smoky aromas. It's dry,
medium full-bodied with ripe cherry and berry fruit flavours, light tannins
and a medium long finish. Very good Cab Franc to enjoy with pasta in a
tomato sauce or grilled meats. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2007)
036194 (XD) 750 mL $17.95
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VQA
ON Tour
FIELDING
ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Tasting Note: Here's a pleasant little Pinot that seems to rise above
the rest. Light in colour, which is typical for Ontario pinot, the nose
is wonderful with strong hints of black cherry and oak, but the taste is
decidedly different with sweet red pepper wrapped in oak with mild easy
drinking tannins. Very enjoyable and tasty. (Michael Pinkus, www.ontariowinereview.com,
Dec. 7, 2005)
36186 (D) 750 mL $20.95
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| California |
Organic
product
BONTERRA
MERLOT 2004
Mendocino County
Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this organic wine
contains 15 mg/l of free sulphur.
Tasting Note: Here's an extremely ripe wine brimming with cherry
and black raspberry jam flavors and an edge of coffee and cocoa. The bigness
is balanced by rich, finely-ground tannins and firm acidity, which makes
it all bright and clean. At its best now, it's a versatile food wine.
Score - 87. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast,
Dec. 31, 2006)
025247 (XD) 750 mL $20.95
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CLOS
DU VAL ZINFANDEL 2003
Napa Valley
This zesty Zin is dominated by ripe dark cherry fruit aromas with hints
of spice and black pepper. Dry, soft and creamy, with more ripe red fruit
flavours and moderate tannins, this wine is easy to love. You may want
to break out the barbecue early for this wine.
590216 (XD) 750 mL $22.95
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GEYSER
PEAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003
Alexander Valley
This pioneering winery situated on 220 acres of estate vineyards in
Sonoma's Alexander Valley celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2005. Expect
this oaked, ready-to-drink, full-bodied Cab to be brimming with ripe cherry
and sweet oak flavours with a generous mouthfeel. The winery's website,
www.geyserpeakwinery.com features several terrific recipes that would
pair well with this wine.
675850 (XD) 375 mL $12.95 
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JOCELYN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002
Napa Valley
Tasting Note: Enticing with its generous array of ripe fruit complexity
built around fleshy plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit, supported by
firm, ripe tannins. The finish returns to the wine's core of fruitiness,
making it fun and easy to drink now. Drink now through 2010. Score
- 90. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Nov.
15, 2005)
26344 (XD) 750 mL $47.95
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RAVENSWOOD
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2004
Sonoma County
Good Zinfandel is easy to love and Ravenswood is well known as one of
California's foremost Zin producers. This deep and dense wine from Sonoma
County displays aromas of blackberry, licorice and toast. It's dry and
medium full-bodied with rich flavours of black cherry, berries and a hint
of mint leading to a long finish. Enjoy it over the next 3-7 years with
smoky spareribs or grilled steaks.
673798 (XD) 750 mL $28.95
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RAY'S
STATION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003
Sonoma County
Though Ray's Station's macho slogan is ‘Hearty Red Wines for Men', we
submit that this big Cab with its layers of cassis, pepper, toasty oak
and chocolate notes would easily cross over gender lines. If you are looking
for a food match, check out the winery's website (www.raysstation.com)
for manly recipes such as Ray's Strong-as-Hell Ribs, Bunkhouse Chicken
and Drunken Grilled Lamb.
25510 (XD) 750 mL $24.95
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RUTHERFORD
HILL MERLOT 2003
Napa Valley
Tasting Note: Two thumbs way up. Medium-bodied and food friendly,
this wine has bright berry flavors with a supporting cast of nutmeg, leather
and licorice notes. It has just enough tannin. (Gil Kullers,
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Jan. 11, 2007)
948935 (XD) 375 mL $16.95
959338 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
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SILVER
OAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002
Alexander Valley
Tasting Note: The Alexander Valley cuvee is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
aged in new oak. The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley offers abundant
quantities of spice, vanillin, cedar, herbs, and smoke, soft, round, creamy-textured
flavors, good black cherry and currant notes, and a spicy, medium-bodied,
easy-going personality. Enjoy it over the next 7-10 years. Score
- 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2005)
943472 (XD) 750 mL $82.95
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SIMI
MERLOT 2003
Sonoma County
Tasting Note: Winemaker Steve Reeder calls himself a hands-off winemaker,
but I can see his fingerprints all over this one. It's the style a big,
husky, broad-shouldered Merlot with the grape's trademark plum, brown spice,
cocoa notes on the nose, and Reeder's wallop of dusty, earthy flavors with
tannic scratch on the palate. About a quarter of the wine is aged in new
oak. It doesn't have that “sweetness” from the alcohol so popular today,
nor the raisiny flavors of some reds that remind you of port. It's just
good grapes and wood. And I think Steve would say, “that's all you need.” And
it's just a babe. It's a nice experience now, but I know it will shine
more with some cellar age. (Sandra Silfven, The Detroit News,
Feb. 1, 2006)
30759 (XD) 750 mL $30.95
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Exceptional
Value
TWO
TONE FARM MERLOT 2003
California
The name Two Tone Farm was borrowed from a painting by Santa Fe artist
Patrick McFarlin. The winery was so taken with the artwork, they put it
on their labels. This medium bodied wine is a terrific value with bright
cherry and plum flavours dominating, along with notes of coffee and toasty
oak supported by grippy tannins. Enjoy with casual fare like pizza, meatloaf
or even fried chicken.
586206 (D) 750 mL $18.95
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Exceptional
Value
ALFREDO
ROCA PINOT NOIR 2005
San Rafael, Mendoza
Sourced from a small vineyard high up in the Andes where the altitude
helps create the cool conditions that Pinot Noir adores, this is an unbelievable
value. This dry, light-bodied Pinot has lovely cherry, cola and earth
notes. It is a delicious every-day red to enjoy with chicken or fish dishes.
32979 (D) 750 mL $13.95
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Exceptional
Value
CHAKANA
MALBEC 2005
Lujãn de Cuyo, Mendoza
Tasting Note: Enticing spicy, cardamom, savoury, meaty nose with black
cherry jam with a touch of chocolate pudding. Rich, ripe, round, smooth,
slightly tannic entry with some warmth. Big savoury, licorice root, malbec
entry with smoky, spicy, black cherry and resin flavours. Somewhat chewy,
spicy, savoury finish. Perfect foil to barbecued meats. Score - 87. (Anthony
Gismondi & Stuart Tobe, www.gismondi.com, March 9, 2006)
3509 (XD) 750 mL $11.95
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DOÑA
PAULA ESTATE MERLOT 2004
Mendoza
Tasting Note: Ripe and fleshy, with plum and blackberry fruit backed
by judicious vanilla and toast notes. Nice creamy finish. Crowd-pleasing
style. Drink now. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2006)
17020 (D) 750 mL $17.95
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CASA
SILVA CARMENÈRE RESERVA 2005
Colchagua Valley
Located in the heart of the Colchagua Valley, Casa Silva is one of Chile's
finest estates. This family winery has received numerous awards including ‘Best
Winery of the Continent' honours in the South American Guide: Vineyards,
Wineries & Wines. With every vintage they seem to raise the bar.
This ultra-ripe Carmenère is a blockbuster with loads of blackberry,
prune, graphite, leather, and spice aromas. It is dry with rich fruit
tones surrounded by intriguing herbal notes and fine tannins which add
complexity and intrigue.
24679 (XD) 750 mL $14.95
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CHATEAU
LOS BOLDOS VIEILLES VIGNES MERLOT 2001
Limited Edition, Requinoa, Cachapoal Valley
(The Massenez Family Wine Estate)
Tasting Note: Big Merlot, especially for its age, with lush plum,
raspberry and chocolate notes followed by more elegant tobacco, vanilla
and cedar hints on the finish. Nicely done. Drink now. Smart Buys. Score
- 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com,
May 15, 2006)
16006 (XD) 750 mL $19.95
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Organic
product
DE MARTINO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
Maipo Valley
Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined that this organic wine
contains 15 mg/l of free sulphur.
Tasting Note: Made with certified organic grapes, it's a perfectly
balanced wine. There's plenty of fruit yet the profile is lean with lots
of secondary earthy flavors mingling with the blackberry core. California
has a hard time producing wines like these at twice the price. Try it with
a really good cut of beef. (Jerry Shriver, www.usatoday.com,
Nov. 28, 2006)
16048 (XD) 750 mL $15.95
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KIM
CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006
Marlborough, South Island
Tasting Note: Concentrated and complex, with vivid passion fruit,
grapefruit and tangy peach flavors. Vibrant minerality and tangy lime juice
acidity keep thumping through the finish. Drink now. Smart Buys. Score
- 92. (Daniel Sogg, www.winespectator.com, Dec.
15, 2006)
035386 (XD) 750 mL $19.95
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BACKSBERG
JOHN MARTIN RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2005
WO Coastal Region
Tasting Note: Intense aromas of gooseberry,
cumin spice, peach and grass leap out of the glass.
It's dry, medium-bodied and soft with a light smoky
character from a measured use of oak, and enough
acid for balance and a lingering finish. Enjoy this
with lightly spiced Asian dishes. (VINTAGES
panel, June 2006)
19026 (D) 750 mL $19.95
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| France
- Burgundy |
New
at VINTAGES
A. LIGERET
PULIGNY-MONTRACHET 2004
AC
Tasting Note: Pale gold colour. This has a nice nuttiness to it, with
dollops of almond butter, baked apple and vanilla bean. Attractive, dry,
with a creamy, ripe centre. Refreshing spice and fruit tones lead to a
crisp medium-long finish. It may be enjoyed tonight with rich shellfish
dishes or cellared for 3+ years. (VINTAGES panel, June 2006)
16873 (D) 750 mL $41.95
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DOMAINE
DES MALANDES CHABLIS PREMIER CRU MONTMAINS VIEILLES
VIGNES 2005
AC
Tasting Note: A strikingly pure, perfumed and pretty nose of acacia
blossom and orange peel blends into tender, precise and almost delicate
flavors that possess ample minerality and punch, all wrapped in a long
finish. Like the Côte de Léchet, this is a wine of understatement
and grace. Score - 89-91. (Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com, Oct. 1, 2006)
16626 (XD) 750 mL $31.95
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| France
- Loire |
DOMAINE
SAUGER CHEVERNY BLANC VIEILLES VIGNES 2005
AC
Tasting Note: This Sauvignon Blanc exhibits
classic grassy, white peach and fresh straw notes.
Dry, racy and fresh with good stature. Medium body
and medium finish. An excellent match for steamed
clams or mussels. (VINTAGES panel, June
2006)
16832 (XD) 750 mL $15.95
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PASCAL
JOLIVET POUILLY-FUMÉ 2005
AC
Tasting Note: Pale straw colour. Typical fresh-cut
grass scents with sweet citrus and herbs. This is
dry, crisp and refreshing with good depth and a
pleasing, lengthy finish. A Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy
with salmon steaks with lemon dill sauce. (VINTAGES
panel, June 2006)
948356 (D) 750 mL $27.95
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| France
- Midi |
DOMAINE
DES SALICES VIOGNIER 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc
(J & F Lurton)
Over the past decade, Viognier has shown remarkable
success in the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon
(a.k.a., Midi). Once confined to vineyards in northern
Rhône, today Viognier is thriving not just
in the Midi, but throughout other warm climate
regions around the world. Enjoy this fruity, low
acid, aromatic wonder with lightly spiced seafood
dishes, turkey breast or grilled salmon.
487272 (D) 750 mL $13.95
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| France
- Bordeaux |
CHÂTEAU
DE L'ESTANG 2004
AC Côtes de Castillon
Tasting Note: Deep ruby colour. Aromas of raspberry, leather, blueberry,
plum and spice. Dry, poised, good aroma replays on the medium-long finish. (VINTAGES
panel, July 2006)
24562 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
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CHÂTEAU
PALMER 2003
AC Margaux, 3e Cru
Tasting Note: Blackberry, licorice and tar follow through to a full-bodied
palate, with firm, silky tannins and a medium berry and vanilla aftertaste.
Juicy wine. Best after 2008. Score - 90. (James
Suckling, www.winespector.com, March 31, 2006)
595983 (XD) 750 mL $229.00
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CHÂTEAU
ROZIER 2003
AC St.-Émilion Grand Cru
Tasting Note: Deep ruby in colour. Scents of espresso, plum vanilla,
cherry, with a hint of pepper. Dry, flavourful, balanced, with good tannins.
Medium-bodied with a medium-long finish. (VINTAGES panel, June
2006)
24539 (XD) 750 mL $31.95
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| France
- Beaujolais |
MICHEL
PICARD MOULIN-À-VENT 2004
AC
The Moulin-à-Vent AC has long been recognized as Beaujolais'
finest production region, creating wines that age longer, taste fuller
and are more concentrated than the other village ACs. Michel Picard's
2004 is an excellent example of this style. Try it with grilled ham or
veal tenderloin.
16865 (D) 750 mL $20.95
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| France
- Burgundy |
DOMAINE
DU PAVILLON POMMARD CLOS DES URSULINES 2004
AC
(Maison Albert Bichot)
Tasting Note: A lovely floral nose - violets with a mineral undertow.
Much more structure than the Bourgogne, very good acidity and mouth-coating
tannins. The fruit is high-toned with lovely extension into the mid-palate
and further! A very stylish Pommard. Lovely. (Bill Nanson, The
Burgundy Report, Spring 2006)
23820 (XD) 750 mL $57.95
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DOMAINE
PARENT POMMARD LA CROIX BLANCHE 2003
AC
Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour. Notes of floral, dark chocolate,
black tea, and plum. Dry and medium-bodied with good replays. Still very
young. Will reward short-term ageing of 1-3 years. Try with a mushroom
risotto or leg of lamb. (VINTAGES panel, June 2006)
903492 (XD) 750 mL $47.95
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| France
- Loire |
ALLIANCE
LOIRE SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY LIEU-DIT LES VIGNOLES 2004
AC
Created in 2002, [Alliance Loire] is a grouping of seven Loire valley
cooperatives, comprising 700 vignerons and 3,600 hectares of vines ...
Of particular interest is the range of wines called Le Lieu-Dit. Each
wine in this category comes from a single vineyard, the characteristics
of which are noted on the label. Particularly good examples included the
... Saumur-Champigny lieu-dit Les Vignolles, a red made from cabernet
franc.
(Jacqueline Friedrich, The Wines of France, 2006)
662585 (D) 750 mL $15.95
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| France
- Midi |
CHÂTEAU
D'OR ET DE GUEULES CUVÉE TRASSEGUM 2001
AC Costières-de-Nîmes
Old carignan and mourvèdre vines blended with syrah and aged
in oak produce what may be the best representative of the Costières
de Nimes appellation, the cuvée Trassegum, a succulent, scented,
reasonably priced red.
(Jacqueline Friedrich, The Wines of France, 2006)
597112 (XD) 750 mL $20.95
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CHÂTEAU
DES ERLES FITOU 2003
AC
(J & F Lurton)
Tasting Note: Vibrant, juicy red, with touches of elegance and layers
of raspberry, red plum, berry and spice flavors. Finishes creamy and lush.
Impressive for the appellation. Grenache, Carignane and Syrah. Drink now
through 2009. Score - 90. (Kim Marcus,
www.winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2006)
654590 (XD) 750 mL $49.95
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DOMAINE
DE SALICES SYRAH 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc
(J & F Lurton)
Grown on the vineyards around the gorgeous medieval town of Carcassonne,
this Syrah is rich, ripe and very fruity. Aged for 11 months in oak barrels,
the wine shows superb a balance between the oak and fruit. Enjoy this
delicious quaffer with grilled steaks, hamburgers, pasta with meat sauce
or gourmet sausages.
926287 (D) 750 mL $14.95
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| France
- Rhône |
DOMAINE
LA BARANIÈRE EXCELLENCE CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE
VILLAGES 2004
AC
(Vignerons de Chusclan)
This wine is impressively dark and purple. Anise comes to the fore of
an attractive, spicy nose. A pleasing, full mouthfeel reveals great balance.
Chusclan is fast emerging as one of the most fascinating of the Villages
under the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation. Match it to grilled
steaks or lamb chops.
18788 (XD) 750 mL $16.95
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DOMAINE
SANTA DUC CAIRANNE LES BUISSONS CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE
VILLAGES 2003
AC
Tasting Note: Lots of spice - particularly anise, but also clove and
cinnamon - with wonderfully supple tannins to carry the flavors through
a long finish. Ready to drink now. Score - 90. (Joe
Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast, Nov. 15, 2006)
17079 (D) 750 mL $19.95
On the Back Cover
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E.GUIGAL
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2001
AC
Tasting Note: Old-fashioned, this full-bodied traditional wine seduces
with its decadent game, saddle-leather, plum and sautéed wild mushroom
aromas. No hint of fancy oak, just a mouthful of Châteauneuf character
that swirls around to a long, sweet finish. Another great négoce
red from Guigal. Drink now through 2008. Score - 93. (Perl-Henrik
Mansson, www.winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2003)
727503 (D) 750 mL $53.95
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| Germany
- Rheingau |
SCHLOSS
REINHARTSHAUSEN RIESLING AUSLESE 1993
QmP, Erbacher Schlossberg, Estate Btld.
Quality German Rieslings in older vintages are some of the great bargains
of the wine world, and this delicious 1993 Riesling Auslese is a perfect
example. The lush aroma profile is a fruit basket of peach, pear, honeyed
apricot, golden delicious apple, plus hints of spice and lovely whiff
of petrol. It is medium sweet, but hints of acidity are still present
and balance it out beautifully. This is a wine that is an excellent contemplation
wine, but it is also a fine accompaniment to spicy Asian dishes.
29025 (MS) 750 mL $29.95
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SCHLOSS
REINHARTSHAUSEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE 1999
QmP, Erbacher Marcobrunn, Estate Btld.
Schloss Reinhartshausen is located right on the Rhine River. In fact,
portions of its ancient cellars are located directly under the river,
thus giving them near perfect temperature and humidity conditions. This
Spätlese is dominated by ripe apricot, citrus and peach aromas and
flavours. Enjoy with grilled duck breast, stuffed roasted chicken or salmon
steaks.
29033 (M) 750 mL $25.95
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DISZNÓKÓ ESTATE
TOKAJI DRY FURMINT 2005
Tokaj
Furmint is a versatile grape used for Tokay's
legendary sweet wine Tokaji Aszü and, more
increasingly, for tasty dry wines like this one.
This Furmint combines the crispness of a fresh
apple with enticing aromas of honey and peach.
Try it with a chicken paprika dish.
681544 (XD) 750 mL $18.95
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| Italy
- Sicily |
New
at VINTAGES
CALATRASI
D'ISTINTO CATARRATTO/CHARDONNAY 2005
IGT Sicilia
Catarratto brings a nice core of acidity, to the low acid Chardonnay.
The result is a full-bodied, apple-fresh wine with a fine acid backbone
and a solid finish. Try it with grilled prawns.
28886 (D) 750 mL $14.95
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| Italy
- Abruzzi |
ILLUMINATI
ZANNA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO COLLINE TERAMANE
RISERVA 2003
DOCG
Tasting Note: Aged for four years in Slovenian oak, it shows the very
ripe, sweet fruit signature of the 2003 vintage, but also lots of structure
from tannin and a touch of spicy, smoky oak that is interesting but also
surprisingly restrained given the duration of exposure. Texture is impressively
balanced between rounded fruit elements and structure from acidity and
tannin, and the wine has excellent symmetry overall. Score - 92. (Michael
Franz, www.winereviewonline.com, July 11, 2006)
23242 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
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| Italy
- Piedmont |
New
at VINTAGES
MARCHESE
LEOPOLDO MONFERRATO ROSSO 2003
DOC
(Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta)
This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. When Piedmont's DOC system was reorganized
in the 1990s, Monferrato Rosso DOC was created. It is a very open-minded
DOC, as many of the international varieties, such as Pinot Noir, can be
used.
27656 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
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MOCCAGATTA
BARBARESCO BRIC BALIN 2001
DOCG
Tasting Note: The 2001 Barbaresco Bric Balin is an intense expression
of Nebbiolo. Dark in color and broad on the palate, this dense, dark and
chewy Barbaresco is a multi-layered, gorgeously delineated wine, with an
exotic and penetrating nose. In the glass the wine reveals an array of
flavors including stewed prunes, anise, mint, cocoa, licorice and tar with
outstanding length. I find it the most complete of the Moccagatta Barbarescos.
Anticipated maturity: 2007-2015. Score - 92. (Antonio
Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006)
971960 (XD) 750 mL $57.95
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| Italy
- Puglia |
New
at VINTAGES
CALATRASI
ALLORA NEGROAMARO 2004
IGT Puglia
Calatrasi has three wineries: this one in Puglia, one in Sicily (where
the d'Istinto Catarratto/Chardonnay, 028886, $14.95, is located) and one
in Tunisia. Their aim is to create wines that perfectly reflect the growing
regions of each property. Negroamaro is a deeply-coloured, black currant
and tea-leaf-scented wine that is a great match for Italian country cooking.
28894 (D) 750 mL $17.95
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New
at VINTAGES
CASA
GIRELLI VIRTUOSO PRIMITIVO 2003
IGT Puglia
An attractive Primitivo (a.k.a., Zinfandel), this wine exhibits aromas
and flavours of ripe plum, lavender and licorice. It is dry, ripely fruity
with a good core of tannin for balance. Enjoy this forceful, favourful
wine with pot roast, roasted potatoes and root vegetables.
23424 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
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| Italy
- Tuscany |
CARPINETO
DOGAJOLO 2005
IGT Toscana
Tasting Note: The wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances
of ruby red, moderate transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean and
pleasing aromas which start with hints of black cherry and plum followed
by aromas of blueberry, violet, cyclamen, raspberry and hints of vanilla.
The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack
and pleasing crispness, however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense
flavors. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry and plum.
Dogajolo ages for some months in cask. Score - *** (out of
5). (www.diwinetaste.com, Jan. 2007)
461897 (XD) 750 mL $17.95
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COLLEZIONE
DE MARCHI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2001
IGT Toscana
(Isole e Olena)
There are few men in Tuscan wine I admire more than Paolo De Marchi,
for me the number one producer in the region for the variety and consistent
high quality of his wines. (Daniel Thomases, www.erobertparker.com, April
2004)
Tasting Note: The 2001 Cabernet De Marchi Collection is even more
impressive, lovely in its focused and layered expression of blackberry
fruit, vanilla, and minerals, savory in flavor, velvety in texture, and
with the size and weight of a fine Medoc. Drink: 2006-2020. Score
- 93. (Daniel Thomases, www.erobertparker.com,
April 2006)
25668 (XD) 750 mL $69.95
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DELL'ORNELLAIA
LE SERRA NUOVE 2004
DOC Bolgheri
Tasting Note: Gorgeous aromas of currant and coffee, with hints of
chocolate. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a lovely finish. Wonderfully
balanced. Wow. The second wine of Ornellaia. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best after 2008. Score - 92. (James
Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2006)
606194 (XD) 750 mL $54.95
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GREVEPESA
CHIANTI CLASSICO LAMOLE 2003
DOCG
[Grevepesa] is a strictly run co-operative of over 180 growers. It was
established in 1965 and today has 200 associate farms using the latest
techniques to produce a wide range of Chianti Classico. (www.wineselecta.com)
The wine exhibits lovely hints of dried cherry and vanilla pod. It is
dry, fresh, medium-bodied with a lingering, balanced finish. Try it with
meat lasagna.
730804 (XD) 750 mL $28.95
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LA
DOGA MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2004
DOC
This full and intense Chianti-like wine displays aromas of black berry,
blueberry and wild raspberry. It is ably supported by vanilla and wood
tones. This dry and elegany, harmonious wine is a good match for roast
beef or grilled leg of lamb.
23309 (XD) 750 mL $18.95
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New
at VINTAGES
ROCCA
DI FRASSINELLO 2004
IGT Maremma
Rocca di Frassenello is a new joint venture between Castellare di Castellina
owner Paolo Panerai and Eric Lafite de Rothschild and 2004 is the first
vintage they have released. A new winery has been built near Maremma and
the Rocca di Frassinello vineyard newly planted in 2000.
25692 (XD) 750 mL $56.95
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New
at VINTAGES
ROCCA
DI FRASSINELLO LE SUGHERE DI FRASSINELLO 2004
IGT Maremma
Established in 2002 in the fast-developing Maremma region, Rocca di
Frassinello is a joint venture between cooperation between Paolo Panerai
of Castellare di Castellina and Eric Lafite de Rothschild. This, and Poggio
Alla Guardia (025718, $23.95) are the first two wines from this project.
This wine is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet and 25% Merlot. They
mature 50% of the wine in new French oak. It's softly fruity with good
oak and tannin for backbone.
25700 (XD) 750 mL $34.95
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New
at VINTAGES
ROCCA
DI FRASSINELLO POGGIO ALLA GUARDIA 2004
IGT Maremma
The wine is a blend of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese
is matured strictly in stainless steel to preserve the bright fruit tones
of all three grapes. Try this fresh, fruit-forward wine with pasta with
a simple meat and tomato sauce.
25718 (XD) 750 mL $23.95
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RUFFINO
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DUCALE ORO 2003
DOCG
Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro is Ruffino's flagship wine. The
wine is 85% Sangiovese with the remaining 15% a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot and Colorino. Vintage after vintage this critically acclaimed wine's
next release is eagerly awaited by savvy consumers. The new vintage doesn't
disappoint with its deep colour, ripe fruit flavours and balancing tannins.
A rich and flavourful wine that befits the hot 2003 vintage, this wine
may easily be enjoyed tonight with grilled lamb and roast beef, or lay
it in a cellar for 2-4 years.
353201 (XD) 750 mL $44.95
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BODEGAS
LAN VIÑA LANCIANO RESERVA 1999
DOC Rioja
Tasting Note: Bright cherry red colour with ruby edges. The nose is
somewhat closed at the beginning, but an hour's oxygenation begins to reveal
its complexity: central fruit aromas complemented by hints of coffee, toast,
tobacco, pepper and wet metal notes overtop of vegetal and leather characteristics,
all wrapped up a hint of licorice. On the palate, flavourful and harmonious,
revealing good structure and length, and the tang of mature tannins; lingering
licorice at the end. To sum up, this wine is well-balanced, fruity, complex,
but needs aeration. It has an attractive bouquet and good length. (Translated
from the Spanish, www.verema.com, Sept. 11, 2006)
955096 (XD) 750 mL $37.95
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MIGUEL
TORRES MAS BORRÀS PINOT NOIR 2004
DO Peñedès
Tasting Note: This seemed to strike a chord with many tasters at the
pre-release tasting, and I'm in there, too. This is a very approachable
Pinot Noir with good typicity and plenty of character. The barrel regime
is clear on the nose, with aromas of toasty oak, but the concentrated fruit
shines through brightly. Look for a mélange of cherries with notes
of spice and cedar. It's medium bodied, smooth textured and very well balanced,
and it makes an excellent partner for full-flavoured red meat and game
dishes. Score - ***** (out of 5). (Rod
Phillips, winecurrent.com, July 22, 2006)
673483 (D) 750 mL $25.95
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Wine
of the Month
RENÉ BARBIER
SELECCIÓN CABERNET SAUVIGNON CRIANZA 2000
DO Penedès
Tasting Note: Deep ruby colour with a pretty, maturing mahogany rim.
The aromas are pronounced cassis, blackberry, toasty oak and dried fruit.
It is dry, good structure, sweet-centred and perfectly balanced by ripe
tannins. Medium-bodied and long finishing. Try it with filet mignon or
grilled lamb chops. (VINTAGES panel, July 2006)
14639 (D) 750 mL $18.95
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