2007 Vasse Felix Chardonnay, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: A round, generous and voluptuously textured Chardonnay with aromas of ripe fleshy peaches, Asian pear, tangerine, almond, baked bread and vanilla spice. Full-bodied with layers of flavor and a warm finish. Pair with: grilled vegetables, chicken burger, risotto, chicken fried rice. Drink: 2009-2014. 903617 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Cave Spring Estate, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Niagara produced terrific wines in 2007, including this racy Riesling that has exuberant notes of green apple, lime, lemon zest, white peach and a hint of white field flowers. Mouth-wateringly delicious, this is an excellent aperitif or an accompaniment to many dishes. It’s part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Pair with: fried chicken, grilled prawns, seared callops, salmon with lemon sauce. 286377 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Konzelmann Estate Winery Late Harvest Vidal Special Select, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: VC: This wine earned a Gold Medal at the 2008 International Wine Competition. My note: Suffused with ripe apricot, pineapple, kiwi, gooseberry and passionfruit aromas. Lovely texture and richness, but not too heavy. A perfect close to a sumptuous dinner. Pair with: grilled salmon steaks, Chinese dishes, fettucine alfredo, spring rolls. 409474 10% MS 375 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Frogpond Farm Organic Winery Riesling, V.Q.A., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada: VC: This organic wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulfur. Made in an almost Alsatian style, this is a racy/fresh version of Riesling. Nose is of orange marmalade, green apple, mineral and lime. Dry, very clean and fresh, with good fruit/mineral replays on the mid-palate. My note: A bright and vibrant wine full of zesty lime and green apple notes. Nice minerality and mouth-watering acidity. A laser-like focus and purity of fruit with a clean finish. Pair with: cajun catfish, grilled salmon steaks, salmon sashimi, chicken burger. Drink: 2008-2015. 590190 12% D 500 mL $11.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Vinedos Y Bodegas Córpora Chardonnay Reserva Gracia De Chile, Cercania, Bío Bío Valley, Chile: VC: Gracia de Chile is gradually embracing Green initiatives to lessen their carbon footprint. Their biggest step to date is the use of solar panels to generate electricity at their winery. Bío Bío Valley is a cool-climate region of Chile, and this Chardonnay is a good representation of the area. Apple, tropical fruit, citrus, pineapple and grapefruit are the prime aromas here. Fairly dry and crisp with good fruit on the mid-palate. Acidity and fruit persist to the finish. My note: Soul-soothing wine with rich aromas of Asian pear, Granny Smith apple, fig, gooseberry, almond and brioche. A lovely country kitchen wine that will have you gazing absent-mindedly out the window. Pair with: grilled prawns, seared scallops, lemon grass chicken.. 93765 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Natura Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Special Lot, Chile: This organic wine contains just 23 mg/L of free sulfur. Gets my vote for refreshing wine of the month. Delivers intensely ripe grapefruit, lime, green apple and white peach notes over a nervy wire of acidity that makes for a great food companion. Medium-bodied and imminently quaffable. Pair with: oysters, sushi, lobsters in a mayonaise sauce, chicken dishes. 93914 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc Grenache Blanc Roussanne Clairettes Bourboulenc, A.C., Rhône, France: The wine is a blend of equal portions Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairettes and Bourboulenc grapes. A gorgeously viscous texture with alluring aromas of fig, almond, peach and field flowers. Full-bodied, mouth-coating goodness. Pair with: mild curries, lobster with mayonaise, salmon, chicken enchiladas. 102962 13% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Hugel Hugel Gentil, A.C., Alsace, France: VC: Hugel’s Gentil is what is known as a field blend. In the past, some vineyards were planted to a variety of different vines. To make life easier, the grower would pick all the fruit together and make it into a wine. The blend is usually a secret but, since this is Alsace, the likes of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc would be a good guess. My note: A classic, refreshing white with lovely notes of lime, Asian pear, white peach and grapefruit. Perfect as an aperitif or an accompaniment to many dishes. Pair with: seared scallops, sushi, eggplant dishes, vegetables. 367284 12% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2001 Oderman-Kettern Riesling Auslese P.S. Bäumler Becker Erber, Q.M.P, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Estate Btld., Germany: VC: This wine hails from the prestigious Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard, a tiny 2.5 hectare plot that is considered one of the Mosel’s finest. Aromas are classic Mosel: slate, citrus, pear, lime and grapefruit. Hint of petrol too. Medium in sweetness, with the acids still vibrant making the wine taste more like a Spätlese than an Auslese. This great-value wine will develop for ages yet (7+ years). My note: Here’s a great reason why German reislings remain among my favorite white wines. This is zippy and lively yet incredibly packed with flavor and complexity. Limes, apricot, honeysuckle and May blossoms are a lovely entrée to this wine. Incredible mouth-watering juiciness and the sweetness to accompany so many dishes from spicy to slightly sweet. Pair with: Pad Thai with spicy, lemon grass chicken, grilled salmon steaks. 114769 8% M 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Feudo Montoni Grillo, I.G.T., Sicilia, Italy: White peaches and pears are alluring up front. The mouth-watering acidity keeps you coming back for more. Get out of your Chardonnay with this wine! Pair with: chicken enchiladas, seafood casserole, mild cheeses, mussels. 116319 12% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Cristina Ascheri Moscato D'asti, D.O.C.G. Piedmont, Italy: VC: Moscato d’Asti is aromatically intense and slightly sweet, making it a terrific wine to sip at the end of a fine dinner, or during the pleasant idle-chat-and-sipping moments as a meal winds slowly to a close. It has a slight ‘frizzante’ sparkle, giving it a lovely refreshing quality, and its low alcohol means that you can be a very responsible host. My note: A delightful, lightly sparkling wine with yummy aromas or mango, clementine, honeysuckle and May blossoms. Light-bodied and carefree: a terrific aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Pair with: sushi, lobster, Pad Thai, chicken with a lemon sauce, pasta dishes. 746479 5% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 TerraVin Wines Ltd Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This wine is a blend of Sauvingon Blanc (70%) and Sémillon (30%) and offers delightfully quaffable notes of pit fruit, limes, green apple, kiwi and lemongrass. The Semillon gives it some lanolin notes that balance the herbacousness of the Sauvignon Blanc beautifully. Pair with: brie cheese, seafood risotto, fettucine alfredo, chicken chow mein. 106021 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: VC: Vintage after vintage, the world-renowned Kim Crawford displays his winemaking prowess with Sauvignon Blanc. This racy beauty exhibits aromas such as gooseberry, lime, tropical and grassy notes. Part of the VINTAGES Essentials Collection. My note: Spring sunshine and energy in a glass. Vigorous aromas of lime, green apple, chives, bell pepper, gooseberry and coriander. Medium-bodied, mouth-watering pleasure. I can’t help but smile broadly when I drink this wine. Pair with: monkfish with tomato and fresh herbs, steamed mussels. 35386 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Bonterra Chardonnay, California, USA: VC: Bonterra uses only organically grown grapes in their wines. The nose shows attractive aromas of banana, melon and peach along with hints of caramel, vanilla and oak. The wine is dry, vibrant and packed with fruit, and is a ‘natural’ selection for grilled red pepper or eggplant dishes. This organic wine contains only 17 mg/L of free sulfur. My: A rich, plush Chardonnay with soothing layers of ripe pears, peaches, mango and pineapple. Full-bodied and balanced with an excellent structure. Perhaps for the picnic table or deck. Part of the Vintages Essentials. Pair with: grilled red pepper, eggplant dishes, Asian dishes, roast chicken. 342436 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Jocelyn Lonen Chardonnay, Carneros, Sonoma County, California, USA: VC: From the 2006 Chardonnay (they made about 1000 cases) you can expect a rich, minerally, pure-styled Chardonnay that delights right from the get-go with its scents of pear, brioche and citrus. Designed to be enjoyed within the first six years of its life, this Chard is now hitting its prime. My note: Creamy notes of apple, pear, peach, coconut, cedar and fresh dough. Full-bodied with an opulent texture. Recommended for hedonists. Pair with: lobster, king crab legs, pasta with a cream sauce. 90076 14% D 750 mL $45.95 Score: 91/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Trapiche Broquel, Mendoza, Argentina: The grapes for this wine come from 25-year-old vines grown in a high-altitude vineyard. The wine was matured for 15 months in barrels. Delightful from start to finish! Impresses with dollops of blackcurrant, black raspberry, anise, fig and cedar forest notes. Full-bodied with a firm structure that will open up with decanting. Pair with: macaroni and cheese, chili, beef daube, beef wellington, spicy sausage, quesadillas. 17202 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Bodega Catena Zapata Merlot Bodega Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina: VC: Argentina’s greatest visionary, Nicolás Catena, was just named Decanter’s 2009 Man of the Year. Over the years, his wines have continued to receive widespread acclaim. This Merlot is a perfect example of his achievements. Dry and fruity (cherry/raspberry), this wine is a real crowd-pleaser. My note: You’ll be the hero of the evening if you bring this bottle to dinner at a friend’s house. It’s rich and inviting with peppy aromas of blackberry, plum, espresso, violets and savory game. Full-bodied with mesquite smoke, plush texture and a lingering finish. Tango! Pair with: roast lamb, beef stew, turkey with traditional trimmings, fried chicken. 57976 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Kaiken Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: VC: Owned by the Chilean winery, Montes, Kaiken (pronounced Kay-ken) is named for a wild goose that flies a migratory pattern between Chile and Argentina (thus the winery’s slogan, “The Best From Both Sides of the Andes”). This bold Malbec features attractive aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, spice box, chocolate and sandalwood. It’s dry, medium-bodied with fresh fruit flavors balanced by decent acidity and ripe tannins. A fantastic value. My note: A thoroughly hedonistic wine with rich aromas of mulberry, blueberry, plum, fig and anise. A warm-hearted, full-bodied wine that’s perfect for casual gatherings. Pair with: roasted or grilled lamb, thyme and rosemary stuffing, roast turkey, roast beef. 58339 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Reilly's Grenache Old Bushvine, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Blueberry paste and strawberry preserves on the nose invite you into the glass. A core of black plum beckons further. You’re done in by the time the finish follows up with its tingling notes of coffee and warm spices. Beautifully rounded and full-bodied. Surrender and enjoy! Pair with: meat-based pastas, barbecued steak, rack of lamb, herb-crusted cheeses. 103986 12% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Heartland Stickleback Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Dolcetto Grenache, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Dolcetto and Grenache grapes. An expressive sipper with corpulent aromas of cranberry, black currant, plum and cassis. Full-bodied goodness in rich layers and texture. A great wine to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Pair with: beef tenderloin with a madeira sauce, grilled mushrooms, asparagus. Drink: 2009-2012. 116574 14% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Sandalford Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Margaret River, Western Australian, Australia: Won the Gold Medal at the Western Australia Wine Show in 2008. Another superb effort from this producer! Displays lively notes of cranberry, black plum, cherry and fig against a deeper backdrop of violets, cedar underbrush, smoky oak and dried herbs. Full-bodied with fine tannins and length. Pair with: herb-crusted pork tenderloin, beef tendeloin with a mushroom sauce, portobello mushrooms. Drink: 2009-2015. 22293 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 95/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Bremerton Cabernet Shiraz Bremerton Matilda Plains, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: VC: Bremerton carefully regulates its water use and constantly monitors their impact on the environment. Aromas of blackberry, smoke, plum/prune, tar and chocolate dates are primary in this super-rich, round, almost-voluptuous wine. Just off-dry, smooth, full and intense. My note: A big hug of a wine with black pepper, fig, plum, blackberry, kirsch and dried tobacco leaves. Full-bodied with viscous texture that offers luxurious layers. A good thrust of flavor and depth. Pair with: meat-based stews, slow-cooked lamb dishes, lasagna, pate. 25015 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Plunkett Fowles Shiraz Plunkett Blackwood Ridge, Central Victoria, Australia: Lavish aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, blackberry, plum and fig greet you up front. Then the aroma cloud broadens and encompasses espresso, anise, dried herbs and smoke. Full-bodied richness makes this a great wine beside your first spring barbecue. Pair with: philly steak sandwich, grilled asparagus, gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. 507277 15% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Hewitson Ned & Henry's Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: VC: Hewitson Ned & Henry’s Shiraz is a consistent critical favorite. The 2007 is a full-flavored, traditional Barossa Valley red, designed for early enjoyment. My note: A warm-hearted wine that needs no coaxing out of the bottle. Floods the senses with accented notes of black plum, cherries, currants, figs and prunes. All nicely bundled in a judicious use of toasty oak and full-bodied texture. Pair with: grilled back ribs, meat-based pastas, barbecued steaks. 54221 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Sandalford Estate Vineyards Shiraz Reserve, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: My vote for Mr. Personality in the Shiraz category! Superb instant gratification with a fair kick of blackberry, plum, kirsch, briary, marzipan and ginger spice. No hard edges in this full-bodied number. This wine hides its stride in the mid-palate and rolls on with lots to enjoy. Pair with: prime rib steak, olive tapenade, brushetta, roast beef with heavy gravy. 90209 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. April 11, 2009
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2004 Eppalock Ridge Shiraz Cabernet Merlot Susan's Selection, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia: VC: This small family winery is located in the heart of central Victoria and specializes in crafting a small portfolio of red wines. The founders, Sue (aka Susan) and Rod Hourigan, left their careers at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in the 1970s to pursue their passion for fine wine. Rod is the winemaker but clearly Susan calls the shots on this blend. My note: A medium- to full-bodied wonder with knock-your-socks-off aromas of ripe blackberries, red currant, mocha, anise, and a hint of mint. Expressive with a good thread of acidity and a nice balance and length. Pair with: steamed mussels, barbecued ribs, chili, hard cheeses, cheesy dips. 90308 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2001 Temple Bruer Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Reserve, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: VC: This organic wine is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (81%) and Petit Verdot (19%) and contains just 6 mg/L of free sulfur. A towering wine with bring-it-on aromas of black cherry and raspberry, anise, pepper, dark spices and espresso. A judicious amount of vanillin oak underneath gives it a firm support structure. Lots to enjoy here. Pair with: lasagna, barbecued ribs, bison steak, roast beef, mature cheeses. 90316 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Coates Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This organic wine contains 14 mg/L of free sulfur and was matured in French and Russian barrels. A muscular, satisfyingly chunky wine with exuberant notes of blueberry, plum, prune, ground black pepper, tar and a whiff of mint on the top. Full-bodied with an unctuously deep texture. Pair with: prime rib steak, beef tartare, spicy sausage, grilled portobello mushrooms. 95273 14% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 d'Arenberg Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre The Ironstone Pressings, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of Grenache (70%), Shiraz (25%) and Mourvedre (5%). Saturated flavors of fig paste, raspberry jam, cappuccino, smoke, vanilla and cinnamon spice and hickory smoke. Great purity of fruit expression with a gutsy core of polished tannins and mouth-watering acidity. Full-flavored finish lasts and lasts. Pair with: rosast leg of lamb, goose, venison steak, grilled mushrooms. Drink: 2010-2025. 974816 14% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 95/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: VC: The moderate climate and gravelly soils of the Margaret River region are often compared to the famous communes of Bordeaux’s Left Bank. So the refined and elegant quality of Cabernet Sauvignon from this region should come as no surprise. With aromas of cassis, plum, vanilla, leather and mint; and flavors of black fruit, spice and minerals; this dry, medium-bodied wine is a fine ambassador for the area. My note: A sleeper of a wine that surprises and delights with every glass. Classically balanced and structured, this is a terrific wine for when you’re serving steak or lamb but want more fruit power than perhaps Bordeaux can deliver. Pair with: herb-rubbed roast leg of lamb, beef daube, beef fajitas, game. 995639 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Noir Malivoire Mottiar, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A remarkable from one of Canada’s best producers. This wine gives me faith in Ontario’s future for Pinot Noir. You’ll reveal in it’s plush, ripe aromas of strawberries and raspberries resting on a bed of field daisies. There’s some cinnamon dust and a sprinkle of rose petals and fresh-turned spring earth. This satiny, medium-bodied wine plays across your palate all the way to a long, berry-infused finish. Pair with: beef tenderloin with a mushroom sauce, goulash, grilled vegetables. 125252 13% XD 750 mL $34.00 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Tawse Winery Inc. Pinot Noir, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: An opulent Pinot Noir with revelatory aromas of pleasantly tart cherries, raspberries, boysenberries, cinnamon, clove and mid-summer forest richness. Medium-bodied with round, polished tannins give this wine a velvet texture. A grad finale on the finish leaves you wanting more. Pair with: chicken stir-fry, fried chicken, beef stew, mushroom risotto. 54809 13% D 750 mL $32.20 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Viña Quebrada De Macul Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Syrah Merlot Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot Pargua Ii, Maipo Valley, Chile: VC: Pargua is a word from the native Huilliche language that means ‘Full Moon’. The people behind Pargua work intimately with the land, treating it with the utmost respect; the connection to the land goes beyond just rules and certifications issued by independent panels. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère, 15% Syrah, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this is a vibrant, fruity, delicious wine. This organic wine contains just 31 mg/L of free sulfur. My note: This wine needs no coaxing: its aromas leap out of the glass, with rich notes of blackberry, cassis, mulberry, licorice and a lick of hickory smoke. Full-bodied with a mocha-infused finish. Pair with: beef wellington, gourmet cheeseburgers, sausages, dark chocolate. 83279 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Viña Lomas De Cauquenes Cabernet Sauvignon Las Lomas, Maule Valley, Chile: VC: Las Lomas is both organic and Fair Trade certified. The winery is actually a co-op of 240 members who control 2,400 hectares of vineyards. In 1995, a select group of members began growing their grapes organically, and it is their fruit that is used to make this wine. This Cabernet is fruit-forward, round, ripe and ready to drink. This organic wine contains just 12 mg/L of free sulfur. My note: A seriously good wine for those who love ripe dark fruit framed in a solid structure. Excellent balance and style here with full-bodied flavor and length. Aromas of black plums, cassis and graphite with a hint of smoke and dried herbs. Satisfying! Pair with: gourmet hamburgers, pizza, pasta with a rich tomato sauce. 917922 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Tabalí Merlot Reserva, Limarí Valley, Chile: VC: A beautifully balanced Merlot from Chile’s geographical mid-point. Blackberry, cherry, mocha, blueberry, vanilla and menthol all come to the fore. Dry, rich and appealing with mid-palate acidity giving the wine a nice liveliness. A ready-to-drink style. My note: Minty note mingle with coffee, anise, blackberry, and black plum on the nose. The wine opens with great fruit extraction and concentration on the palate. The perfect wine for nights on your own or when your date is running late. Pair with: barbecued back ribs, steaks, sausages, steak fajitas. 93740 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Vicar S.A. G7 Gran Reserva, Loncomilla Valley, Chile: VC: Pascal Marty, former director of winemaking at the illustrious Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Bordeaux, joined the long-established Pedregal family winery in 2004, and is responsible for optimizing all aspects of quality here. His G7 red wines – a celebration of 7 generations of winemaking expertise – are warm, rich, and fruit-filled blockbusters. My note: This wine could be your new best friend. Accessible aromas of rich dark plums and berries laced with savory bacon fat, underbrush and cedar notes. Full-bodied with a great spine and layers of luscious flavor. Warm finish. Pair with: grilled steak, roast beef au jus, barbecue chicken sandwich, fajitas. 94136 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Les Fils De Joseph Sabon Grenache Clos Du Mont-Olivet Font De Blanche Côtes-Du-Rhone, A.C., Rhône, France: VC: From a fourth-generation family estate comes this soft and elegant Grenache-based blend. It shows generous strawberry, cherry, raspberry aromas and flavors along with notes of smoke and spice. This lovely red will be right at home on your dinner table. My note: A beautiful expression of Rhone Valley terroir. Offers notes of dried herbs, garrigue, black cherry and raspberry wrapped in a cigar box. Medium- to full-bodied with warm layers of flavor and a satisfying finish. Pair with: roast beef au jus, steaks, grilled mushrooms, chili, venison. 102947 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Château Haut La Grenière Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc, A.C., Lussac-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: VC: A Silver Medal winner at the Concours des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants 2007, this wine is comprised of 55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. This stylish red from Bordeaux’s legendary 2005 vintage will pique dinner guests’ interest, and then hold it with its food-friendly black fruit and herbal/spice character. My note: You can’t beat the wines from the 2005 for value and terrific quality: it’s a vintage to stock up on for your cellar. This uptown wine is ideal for dinner parties involving a meat entrée: it’s stylish, complex and well-balanced. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and currant waft up from the glass. Full-bodied with excellent structure and length. Pair with: gourmet sausages, barbecued back ribs, roast lamb, mature cheeses. Drink: 2009-2014. 117614 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Château Saint-Roch Syrah Blend, A.C., Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: A superb effort from this producer: it has all the elements of greatness… balance, finesse, fruit extraction, length. Rock your world with this rich red. Lifted aromas of brambleberry, garrigue, black cherry, dark spices and hickory smoke. Full-bodied and gorgeously textured. Pair with: barbecued back ribs, pasta with a tomato and sausage sauce. 119354 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Château Hauchat, A.C., Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: Excellent value for this delicious, lip-smackingly good red. Vibrant notes of blackberries and plums with a hint of toasty oak. Pair with: beef daube, grilled steak, beef stew, grilled eggplant. 123489 13% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 88/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Georges Duboeuf Gamay Domaine Des Sablons Saint-Amour, A.C., Beaujolais, France: VC: Domaine des Sablons is one of the Saint-Amour appellation’s finest single cru properties. This Gamay is reminiscent of well-made Bourgogne Pinot Noir: elegantly balanced, graceful and refined. It has delicate yet bright flavors and a light body. My note: A fresh, lively red with aromas that ripple with new strawberries and raspberries. Silky texture and zippy acidity. A wonderful aperitif. Pair with: salmon and cream cheese dip, grilled salmon, pate, grilled lamb. 2923 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Clos Saint Jean Syrah Blend, A.C., Rhône, France: Ground pepper, anise, purple plum, back raspberry and cherry on the nose, followed by graphite, violets and a hint of tar on the palate. Full-bodied with a long finish. Pair with: lamb kabobs, gourmet hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, goose. 70888 16% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 93/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Le Gravillas Syrah Blend Cave Des Vignerons À Sablet, A.C., Rhône, France: VC: Arguably, after Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas produces the best wines in the southern Rhône – this wine makes a strong case for that notion. Featuring aromas of cocoa, plum, blackberry, garrigue and strawberry, this dry, rich, full, and complex wine is expertly balanced and displays a long finish. Cellar it 3-5+ years. This wine won Gold at the 2007 Foire aux vins d’Orange, one of the Rhône’s oldest wine competitions. My note: One for the cellar, for sure! This wine has a towering structure, balance and length. It will age beautifully. Rich depths of black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Bring it on! Pair with: roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic, grilled salmon, roast chicken with gravy. 78808 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2004 Château Falfas Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, A.C., Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux, France: This organic/biodynamic wine contains just 6 mg/L of free sulfur. A beguiling wine with superb structure, balance and finesse. Uptown aromas of cassis, blackberry and black plum are wrapped in a smoky cigar box. Full-bodied with a tightly woven grain that will open up with aging or decanting. Pair with: hard cheeses, blue cheese encrusted beef tenderloin, gourmet cheeseburger. 908301 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2004 Salice Salentino Riserva, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: VC: Filled with aromas of cherry, chestnut and raspberry, this red is beautifully balanced by acid and fine tannins. A pretty, sweet core is followed by a long and luxurious finish. Guaranteed to get your tastebuds, and the party, jumping. My note: A delicious red that delivers exceptional quality and taste for the money. Notes of ripe fleshy cherries, raspberries and plums. Good mouth-watering acidity. An excellent blue-jeans weekend wine. Pair with: pate, fried chicken, shrimp, spring rolls. 121632 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Pellegrino , D.O.C., Sicily, Italy: VC: This delicious Passito was awarded the trophy for best Italian fortified wine at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2008. Lavish notes of field flowers, ripe peach, apricot, May blossoms. Luxurious layers and texture. Long, smooth finish. Pair with: steamed mussels, barbecued ribs, chili, hard cheeses, cheesy dips. 585703 15% S 500 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2003 Castellani , I.G.T., Toscana, Tuscany, Italy: Wow, you can see why Tuscany established such a fabulous reputation with wines like this one. Rich and powerful without being heavy, it offers delicious aromas of red berries, plums, sun-dried tomato and dried herbs. Mama mia! Pair with: meat-based stews, slow-cooked lamb dishes, lasagna, pate. Drink: 2009-2014. 72371 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2004 Rocca Delle Macìe Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: This wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, powerful and gorgeously textured, this wine delivers all the goods. It has the balance and structure to age gracefully, but I’m not sure I can wait. Pair with: barbecued back ribs, steaks, sausages, steak fajitas. Drink: 2009-2015. 930966 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Montana Wines Pinot Noir Reserve, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: VC: Sourced from Central Otago, one of the mostly southerly wine-growing regions on the planet, this Pinot Noir is medium ruby in color: actually quite deeply hued for the variety. A bouquet of sweet raspberry, ripe cherry, and freshly tilled earth floods the senses, leading to aroma replays on the smooth, silky-textured palate. Great length and balance add to the wine’s considerable charms. My note: Opens with cherry, red currant and smoky raspberry, followed my mouth-filling, velvet layers of ripe red berries on the palate. Medium-bodied and extremely seductive. The vibrant, zesty acidity makes for a wonderful food companion. Pair with: grilled steak, roast beef sandwich, turkey with traditional trimmings. 93708 13% D 750 mL $30.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Sonop Cabernet Sauvignon, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: VC: An excellent value, this certified-organic Cab is also one of a growing number of wines that are certified as Fair Trade. Such a certification guarantees that producers and workers are paid a living wage and that grapes are grown using environmentally conscientious practices. This medium-bodied Cab delivers cassis and typical cigar box aromas, ripe fruit flavors and fairly soft tannins. This organic wine contains just 22 mg/L of free sulfur. My note: A lovely mellow wine that’s perfect for casual get-togethers and Friday night flops in front of the TV. Aromas of fleshy dark berries and plums sidle up beside any meal or take-out. There’s also a mouth-filling core of dark spices and mocha notes. A rock solid effort from this producer. Pair with: pasta in a meat sauce, ravioli, steak, brussel sprouts. 606160 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 KWV Pinotage Cathedral Cellar, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: VC: This excellent Pinotage won Gold at South Africa’s prestigious Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2005. My note: Elegant length and depth of blackberries and plums. Delicious for potluck dinners. Pair with: steak tartare, lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, garlic mashed potatoes. 99267 15% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Muga Tempranillo Garnacha (Grenache) Mazuelo Graciano Reserva, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Spain: VC: Muga’s Reserva is a seductive wine with supple and dense fruit flavors as well as notes of cedar, spice, vanilla and coconut. Regularly on the receiving end of high praise from publications like Wine Spectator, this is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha (Grenache) and 10% of Mazuelo and Graciano. Part of the VINTAGES Essentials Collection. My note: I recommend this lovely wine year after year: what a terrific producer! Full-bodied goodness is wrapped in aromas of black pepper, plum, kirsch, coffeed oak and dried herbs. A wine that will take you on a mini vacation mentally and then bring you back gently. Pair with: meat paella or hearty and spicy beef, game stews. 177345 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Celler Piñol Cariñena Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Tempranillo, D.O., Terra Alta, Spain: This winery owns 100 acres in Terra Alta, near but warmer than the winemaking districts of Montsant and Priorat. It’s a blend of Cariñena, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo and is aged for six months in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak. This organic wine contains just 6 mg/L of free sulfur. Pair with: grilled cheddar cheese sandwich, porcini mushrooms, grilled vegetables, dark chocolate. 30171 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California, USA: VC: A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from five Paso Robles vineyards, with the majority coming from the winery’s estate vineyard. It’s already drinking wonderfully with lovely blackcurrant, cassis and wild-berry flavors as well as well-balanced sweet oak notes and refined tannins. An eye-catching (and palate-pleasing) addition to the dinner table. My note: Get in the groove with this delicious Cabernet. It’s packed with aromas of black plum, blackberry, currants, dark spices and dried tobacco leaves. A firm structure and full-bodied texture take you right through to a finish that rolls on for several minutes. Enjoy! Pair with: rack of lamb, rosemary covered pork tenderloin, beef stew. Drink: 2008-2014. 105866 15% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2006 Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County, California, USA: VC: This Cabernet uses only organically grown grapes. The extra effort rewards with pure and polished aromas and flavors of cassis, cherry, roasted herbs, licorice and ripe blackberry, all wrapped in silky tannins with a medium-long finish. This organic wine contains just 15 mg/L of free sulfur. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. My note: Saturated with lavish aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, cassis, dark spices and cigar box. A core of coffee and some savory meat notes. Full-bodied with firm tannins and a mocha-infused finished. Pair with: rosemary-and-thyme-rubbed veal chops, hearty lasagna of beef, zucchini and eggplant. 342428 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
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2007 Bonterra Zinfandel, Mendocino County, California, USA: VC: This organic wine contains just 16 mg/L of free sulfur. A wine that has great pizzazz with a trio of berry-ripe flavors: brambleberry, blackberry and blueberry. A delicious quaffer that delivers instant gratification. Full-bodied with a satin texture and a cedar-tinged finish. Pair with: prime rib, pork tenderloin stuffed with goat cheese, gourmet hamburgers. 530139 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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2005 Tangley Oaks Merlot, Napa Valley, California, USA: VC: A Merlot from Napa that bountifully displays the virtues of this misunderstood grape. Filled with cherry, espresso, spice and toast aromas and flavors, this wonderfully balanced wine will cellar 2-4 years. My note: A mellow wine of deep comfort and oodles of pleasure. Aromas of ripe plums, mixed berries, dark spices, and an even-handed use of toasty oak. Full-bodied with a luxurious texture. Pair with: grilled lamb, gourmet sausages, goose, bison steak. 68155 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. April 11, 2009
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