2007 Alamos Torrontes Catena, Salta, Estate Btld., Argentina: A playful, sunny wine with expressive notes of wild field flowers, ripe peach and a little lime zing on the side. This aromatic wine rushes out of the glass to be your friend. The perfect summer deck aperitif. Honey can you flip the salmon on the grill? Pair with: fried chicken, roast turkey, mushroom risotto, crab cakes, lobster, pasta in a creamy sauce. 81539 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Stella Bella Chardonnay, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Ripples through with warm layers of ripe peach, pear and baked bread. A full-bodied embrace of flavor. Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2008 Margaret River Wine Show. Pair with: grilled salmon, lobster with a butter sauce, crab cakes, fried clams, ham, cheese pizza, ceasar salad. 102061 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009
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2008 Sticks Sauvignon Blanc, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: VC: This just-released wine is already a multi-award winner, including a Silver Medal at the 2008 Yarra Valley Wine Show. The winery recommends serving this gooseberry- and asparagus-scented wine with Salt and Pepper Squid with Chilli Jam. The recipe can be found on their website, www.-sticks.com.au under the Food link. My note: A youthful charmer with fresh scents of green apple, peas, and lemongrass. One to splash open for a picnic. Pair with: scallops in rich sauces, mussels, brussel sprouts, vegetarian pizza, passa with a vodka sauce, sushi, spring rolls. 109363 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Benwarin Semillon, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: A fresh, vibrant white with exuberant notes of white melon, grapefruit, lime and green apple. Terrific mouth-watering acidity and length. A social wine that invites conversation. Pair with: goat cheese, foie gras, fish and chips, mussels, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, biscotti. 683235 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Colio Estate Wines Chardonnay Musque, V.Q.A., Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario, Canada: Chardonnay Musqué is a clonal cousin of Chardonnay, but it tends to be more redolent of honeysuckle, orange peel and apricot. This wine has that lovely bouquet plus a succulent medium-bodied richness and a honey-infused finish. Pair with: baked ricotta on toast, stir-fried vegetables, turkey scaloppini, kugel, raw oysters, crab cakes with a spicy tartar sauce. 116509 13% D 750 mL $15.55 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009
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2008 Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Rapel Valley, Estate Btld., Chile: A blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon offers crisp refreshment and grassy goodness. Simple yet beguiling. Pair with: beef carpaccio, cheese, fondue, swiss cheese, chicken francese, quiche, lemon-mint risotto, gelfilte fish, striped bass. 396994 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Nicolas Potel Chardonnay Nicolas Potel Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes, A.C., Burgundy, France: A beautiful expression of Chardonnay, with pure fruit aromas of white peach, apple and Asian pear. Hints of white field flowers are woven through this pleasant, medium-bodied wine. Terrific structure, balance and length. Pair with: beef bourguignonne, potato bread, coeur de rollet cheese, grilled chicken, scallops, raw oysters, savory fruit sauces. Drink: 2014-2018. 110403 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Hugel Riesling, A.C., Alsace, France: An energy wine with lots of sass and attitude: nervy acidity overlaid with ripe peach and pear fruit with some zesty lime, grapefruit and green apple. Pair with: braised beef with olives, munster cheese, duck liver pate, foie gras, butternut squash risotto, baby greens salad with fig dressing. 42101 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Nicolas Potel Chardonnay Nicolas Potel Meursault Vieilles Vignes, A.C., Burgundy, France: A fresh, vigorous Chardonnay with warm, enticing aromas of toasted almonds, ripe peach and pear and smoky vanilla. A voluptuously rich mouth-feel with layers of silky flavor. Pair with: mild curries, seafood risotto, hollandaise sauce, poached salmon, fishcakes, creamed corn, pumpkin. Drink: 2008-2015. 67850 13% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Château De Maligny Chardonnay, A.C., Burgundy, France: A lovely, vibrant Chardonnay with zesty note of green apples, limes and lemongrass. Refreshing, balanced and medium-bodied with a lingering finish. Lots to enjoy here. Pair with: squash dishes, leeks, shrimp salad, lobster with mayonaise, fettucine alfredo, scallops, roast chicken. Drink: 2010-2015. 718288 13% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Sp Spit Fire, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A long-time favorite of mine, Kim Crawford produces stunning Sauvignon Blanc! This one is no exception: mouth-watering notes of gooseberry, lemongrass, chives, orangey citrus and white peach. A live-wire wine that will rock your world. Pair with: Chinese roast pork, guacamole, asparagus quiche, sauerkraut, irish stew, ceviche, oysters. 38240 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Millton Chardonnay Riverpoint Vineyard, Gisborne, North Island, Bio-dynamically Grown Grapes, Estate Btld., New Zealand: A succulent wine with rich aromas of ripe apples, Asian pear, tangerine and almond. A get-in-the-grove-for-the-evening kind of wine. This biodynamic wine has just 23 mg/L of free sulfur. Pair with: creamed onions, shrimp salad, fried oysters, Thai dishes, chicken tetrazzini, challah. 92486 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2008 Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc Kwv, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: VC: South African Sauvignon Blancs have been coming on strong in recent years, giving the Kiwis a run for their money. This fresh 2008 is an excellent value that would pair well with seafood casserole or asparagus dishes. Look for aromas and flavors of fresh-cut grass, green peas, grapefruit and tropical fruit as well as a crisp backbone of acidity and a lingering finish. A great wine to buy by the case and have around in the warmer months ahead. My note: A lively, refreshing white that’s not too grassy. Pair with: tacos, chestnuts, succotash, avocado mousse, cobb salad, gouda cheese, spicy chicken sausage. 662718 13% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009
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2008 Kleine Zalze Cellar Sauvignon Blanc, W.O. Western Cape, South Africa: Lavish notes of lime, peach and green apple with a nervy acidity. Mouth-filling and delicious. A wine that will take you to a wide green pasture under an open blue sky. Pair with: turkey pot pie, ham, pesto pizza, dim sum, rich fish, smoked salmon, french fries, creamy italian salads. 96255 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Clos Du Val Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, Estate Btld., United States: An alluring Chardonnay with just the right balance of toasty vanilla oak and ripe pears, peaches and a hint of zesty green apples. Full-bodied richness without too much weight. A superb effort from this producer. Pair with: duck a l'orange, turkey burgers, camembert with calvados, nut sauces, wild salmon with a hollandaise sauce, shrimp. 297499 13% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Alamos Malbec Catena, Mendoza, Estate Btld., Argentina: A satiny plush wine that offers rich aromas of ripe purple plum, blueberry, dark spices and dried tobacco. Great gulpability. Pair with: meat fondue, rare roast beef, steak and kidney pie, chicken with truffles, rack of lamb with rosemary, barbecued pork spareribs. 467951 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Graffigna Centenario Cabernet Sauvignon, San Juan, Estate Btld., Argentina: VC: This wine is like bottled sunshine. In the sun-drenched desert region of San Juan, run-off streams flow down from the Andes Mountains soothing the otherwise scorching-hot vineyards and irrigating the vines. The abundant sun exposure makes for ripe, mouth-filling Cabernet Sauvignon with plush tannins and intense flavors. Graffigna’s 2006 Centenario explodes with blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and mocha notes. My note: A rugged, muscular wine with blackberry, currant, mocha aromas and feral undernote. A country kitchen table wine. Pair with: grilled rib steaks topped with caramelized shallots, peking duck, lamb ragout with roasted sweet peppers, pork tenderloin with a gorgonzola sauce. 93716 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Humberto Merlot Canale Estate, Rio Negro Valley, Patagonia, Estate Btld., Argentina: Expressive notes of plum, black raspberry, anise and dried fig. Lovely interplay of flavors across the palate. Full-bodied and plush. This wine is made exclusively from Merlot grown in the southern tip of Argentina. Pair with: chili dog, beef with stout, mushrooms, bean-based dishes, grilled tuna, beef tenderloin with a wine reduction sauce. 94326 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Bremerton Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec Merlot Rebecca Willson, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Shiraz, 13% Malbec and 7% Merlot. A wine of resolute convictions: dark fleshy fruit, robust body, polished tannins and a good length. Great to serve at dry political conventions in need of some life. Pair with: beef en croute, cheddar crown bread, grilled cheese sandwich, romano cheese, seared tuna with a pepper crust. 108050 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Piping Shrike Shiraz Charles Cimicky, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Opens with dark plum, black cherry, allspice and a whiff of pepper. Full-bodied and richly textured, it unfurls on the palate with terrific intensity of flavor. Pair with: barbecued beef ribs, roast beef, parmesan cheese, chili, creamed onions. 48504 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Saltram Of Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon Mamre Brook, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A full-on palate-whacker with terrific fruit extraction. Delicious dark fruit aromas wrapped in a smoky blanket. Offers a blackberry-infused finish. Pair with: tacos, succostash, kangaroo, Thai coconut shrimp, osso buco, chocolate covered nuts. 48579 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2008 De Bortoli Pinot Noir Windy Peak, Victoria, Australia: Cherry-berry intensity with a velvet texture on the tongue. Medium- to full-bodied richness that offers warm red fruit aromas on the palate and finish. Love in a glass. Pair with: smoked salmon sandwiches, frankfurters, sourdough bread, fried chicken, Korean food, pork with hoisin and honey sauce. 48587 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 The Hedonist Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A wonderfully balanced and full-bodied wine that ripples through with saturated flavors of dark berries and fruits. Nicely balanced oak and a touch of pepper on the top give it lovely contrasting qualities. This is a biodynamically grown wine has just 20 mg/L of free sulfur. Pair with: bison steak, peppercorn steak, goose, cassoulet, Tandoori flavored dishes, kangaroo. 90191 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Storm Bay Pinot Noir, Tasmania, Australia: Lovely ripe red cherries, currants and a touch of beetroot. Fine, silky tannins and a generous medium-bodied texture with mouth-watering juiciness. Pair with: cinnamon and cumin spiced dishes, pepperoni pizza, matzo ball soup, brussel sprouts, salmon with ginger and soy marinade. 90225 13% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2002 Colio Estate Wines Merlot Barrel Aged Reserve Colio Cev, V.Q.A., Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario, Canada: This wine won the Best Merlot at the 2005 Cuvée Wine Awards. A full-bodied beauty with saturated aromas of blackcurrant, coffee and cassis on the nose and a follow-through of violets, truffles and smoke on the palate. Good structure and nice length. Pair with: roast beef with gravy, meaty stews, goose, romano cheese, french baguette, lasagna. 500447 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Concha Y Toro Carmenère Terrunyo, Cachapoal Valley, Peumo Vineyard, Block 27, Unfiltered, Chile: This unfiltered wine has dense, inky aromas of black fruit and spicy oak. The longer it sits in the glass (if you can wait), the more aromas emerge, such as violets, black plums, blueberry paste and vanillin. Terrific depth, richness and concentration. Pair with: venison, ostrich, blue cheese, shepherds pie, meat pie, grilled asparagus. 562892 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Botalcura La Porfia Cabernet Franc Grand Reserve Reserve, Maule Valley, Chile: VC: Aged for one year in French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels (30% new), this full-bodied, well-structured Cabernet Franc displays tantalizing aromas of black cherry and cassis with notes of toast, coffee, vanilla and sun-dried fruits. My note: Opens with black plum, prune, cocoa and vanilla smoke. Full-bodied richness with a plush mouth-feel. Perfect for a casual or impromptu get-together. Pair with: game meats, lasagna, Ethiopian lamb dishes, haggis, kidneys, turkey. 83717 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Cellier Des Dauphins Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre Cinsaut Réserve Saint-Maurice, A.C., Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, Estate Btld., France: VC: From the village of Saint-Maurice, this wine is dominated by 65% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsaut making up a further 25% (the remaining 10% is listed as other). It’s deep ruby in color with youthful purple highlights, and the fresh aromas feature strawberry, cherry, plum and underbrush. Dry, medium bodied with fleshy fruit intensity balanced by soft tannins, it should be enjoyed anytime over the next 2-3 years with lamb stew or grilled game meats. My note: an excellent value for this tasty, vibrant red. Imminently quaffable, no analysis required (and any would be considered strange). Love the cedary, black cherry richness. You don’t need to pay a lot for pleasure. Let go and let it roll. Pair with: tofurkey, pork tenderloin, mature hard cheese, pasta with a herbed tomato sauce, brisket, grilled steak. 102970 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Domaine Berthoumieu Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon Pinenc Cuvée Haute Tradition, A.C., Madiran, Southwest, France: VC: Domaine Berthoumieu is one of Madiran’s most reliable producers and this approachable cuvée, which features the native Tannat variety, is a great example of this appellation’s modern reinterpretation of its signature red grape. It’s a classic local blend of 55% Tannat, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Pinenc. My note: A corpulent wine loaded with cranberry, cherry liqueur, dried tobacco leaves and cigar box. Polished silky tannins give way to incredible length on the finish. Pair with: veal marsala, grilled eggplant, tacos, spicy sausages, corned beef and cabbage, beef daube. 102996 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Petit Mars Mas Du Soleilla, A.C., Coteaux du Languedoc, La Clape, Midi, Estate Btld., France: A chunky, muscular wine that will elbow up beside whatever you’re eating and feel right at home. Dense, dark aromas of black fruit, smoke, graphite and dark spices. Full-bodied with a great texture and long finish. Pair with: prime rib steak, grilled asparagus, partidge, beet soup, beaded veal cutlets, cornish hen. 107185 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Perrin Syrah Blend Cairanne Peyre Blanche, A.C., Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, Estate Btld., France: A rich, plush wine with enticing aromas of raspberry jam, smoky cherries, cedar, pencil led and savory bacon. You need a knife and fork for this meaty wine. Full-bodied but balanced and delicious. Pair with: grilled salmon, braised root vegetables, savoury biscuts, beef cooked in red wine, ostrich, lamb kebabs with vegetables. Drink: 2008-2010. 650960 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Cuvée Du Vatican Syrah Blend Diffonty, A.C., Rhône, CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Estate Btld., France: Not for the timid: this wine explodes with concentrated dark fruit aromas and flavors. Notes of black cherry liqueur, blackberries, fig paste, cocoa and anise. A tightly woven wine with a towering structure and long length on the finish. This is why I love the Rhone Valley. Pair with: pasta with a carbonara sauce, leg of lamb, pheasant, tourtiere, nmature hard cheeses, cranberry sauce. Drink: 2009-2022. 719120 13% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009
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2004 Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvée Prestige, A.C., Premières Côtes de Blaye, Bordeaux, Estate Btld., France: A chewy, well-balanced wine with aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, plum and cassis. Underneath a wispy layer of spicy oak and cigar box. Winemaker Christian Ray has created this wine that is primarily Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery’s 28 hectares. Pair with: macaroni and cheese, brisket, veal marsala, turkey sandwiches, roast pork tenderloin with a savory fruit sauce. 91405 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2003 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Brunello Di Montalcino Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A brooding, full-bodied red with deep aromas of black raspberry, kirsch, dark spices and some pepper. Polished tannins, silky texture and a nice long finish. Pair with: oxtail, veal piccata, mushroom stew, grilled steak, leg of lamb, mature cheeses. Drink: 2012-2022. 650432 13% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese, I.G.T., Toscana, Tuscany, Estate Btld., Italy: A blend of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Sangiovese grapes. A substantial wine with a core of pure dark fruit extraction: think black plums, kirsch, blackcurrant and blueberries. There a tarry richness with dark spices, smoke and anise on the palate. Great balance and length in this full-bodied red. Pair with: Tuscan bread, cheddar cheese sandwiches, goose, grilled portobello mushrooms, barbecued ribs, roast beef. Drink: 2011-2025. 72439 13% XD 750 mL $67.95 Score: 93/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Luce Della Merlot Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon Luce Della Vite La Vite Lucente, I.G.T., Toscana, Tuscany, Estate Btld., Italy: Lavish notes of black raspberry, strawberry and cranberry on the nose, with a spicy, smoky cigar box suffusion on the finish. This full-bodied wine is silky and beautifully layered. It is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair with: meatloaf, gourmet hamburgers, brillat savarin cheese, marinated chicken on grill, dark chcolate. Drink: 2010-2020. 747030 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009
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2004 Marcarini Barolo Barolo La Serra, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A beautiful expression of northern Italian terroir. Opens with alluring aromas of violets, black plums, dark spices, and black cherry. Firm structure, terrific balance and a long tar-noted finish. Full-bodied with robust tannins so be sure to decant for 1-2 hours. Pair with: comte cheese, beef cooked in red wine, coq au vin, wild boar, rack of lamb, cotechino. Drink: 2010-2025. 7807 13% XD 750 mL $68.95 Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Sportoletti Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, D.O.C., Umbria, Italy: A terrific price for this Italian beauty. A kiss of sun-ripened cherry fruit wrapped in a smoky, dried herb blanket. Mouth-watering acidity makes it especially food friendly. This wine will have you sitting in a sunny piazza, enjoying the afternoon calm. This wine is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair with: hard cheeses, cold meats, roasted turkey with gravy, ostrich, roast veal, baked eggplant. Drink: 2008-2012. 926857 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Luce Della Merlot Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon Vite La Vite Lucente, I.G.T., Toscana, Tuscany, Estate Btld., Italy: Lavish notes of black raspberry, strawberry and cranberry on the nose, with a spicy, smoky cigar box suffusion on the finish. This full-bodied wine is silky and beautifully layered. It is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair with: pork tenderloin, tacos, grilled salmon, veal stuffed with sausage, beet salad, rustic bread. Drink: 2010-2020. 979062 13% XD 1500 mL $89.95 Score: 92/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Graham Beck Shiraz, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: I keep coming back to this producer year after year, wine after wine: consistently great wines with lip-smacking aromas and flavors of fleshy blackberries, plums and cherries. A dark spice note on the finish is like the quivering end to a transporting melody. Pair with: lamb vindaloo, Ethiopian stewed chicken, venison, beef tenderloin with a madeira port sauce, garlic casserole. 607796 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier The Wolftrap, W.O., Western Cape, Estate Btld., South Africa: Begin a love affair with this wine: it’s supple, generous and assumes the best in you. Manly yes, but I like it too: Its full-bodied richness is balanced with plush tannins and good balance. A savory finish makes you come back for more. A blend of 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvèdre and 1% Viognier. Pair with: perail de brebis cheese, Asian dishes with black bean sauces, rabbit, pasta with bolognese sauce, mackerel, wild mushroom dishes. 626333 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Pardevalles Prieto Picudo, D.O., Tierras de León, Spain: This wine is made exclusively from the Prieto Picudo grape and aged for 9 months in French and American oak. Seriously good juice. Black cherry aromas infused with cigar box, violets and graphite. Full-bodied but mellow. More George Clooney than Brad Pitt: a wine to relax with by the fire. Pair with: lasagna, pasta in a herbed tomato sauce, grilled steak, lamb shanks, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2008-2015. 103556 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2001 Conde de Valdemar Tempranillo Mazuelo Graciano Conde De Valdemar Gran Reserva Bodegas Valdemar, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Spain: VC: Conde de Valdemar is Bodegas Valdemar’s flagship line. This wine is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano from their oldest vineyards. Aged 26 months in a combination of French and American oak, and then another 48 months in bottle prior to release. My note: Opens with red currants, black cherry, cigar box and a back note of licorice. Full-bodied with polished tannins and good acidity. A great wine to buy for the boss Pair with: prime rib steak, beef tenderloin, duck, zucchini, grilled green peppers, grilled eggplant. Drink: 2008-2012. 114504 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2004 Lealtanza Crianza Tempranillo Bodegas Altanza, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Estate Btld., Spain: This wine was made from Tempranillo grapes gown on 30-year-old vines and then matured for a year in French and American oak. It floods the senses with ripe blackberries, dark plums, cedar and hickory smoke. Full-bodied, but velvety smooth with terrific balance and a long, warm finish. Pair with: griled steak, hard cheese, duck, turkey, Mexican dishes. Drink: 2008-2014. 114835 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 El Curato Tempranillo Old Vines, Canto Petirrojo, D.O., Toro, Spain: This wine is made exclusively from Tinta de Toro grapes (aka Tempranillo). Plush, exuberant and jammy-ripe black fruit and berries on the nose, with a warm core of expressive black cherry and dark spice. Crack this one open at a potluck gathering. Pair with: lamb kabobs, stuffed pork tenderloin, steak, grilled portobello mushrooms, bacon. 117879 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Pintia Tempranillo, D.O., Toro, Spain: Delivers enticing aromas of black raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant with a wisp of dried tobacco leaves and herbs underneath. Full-bodied with polished tannins and an exceptional structure and balance. The flagship winery of Spain, Vega Sicilia, also owns this winery that has 96 hectares in the Toro region. It’s made exclusively from Tinta de Toro grapes (aka Tempranillo) and matured for 12 months in French and American oak. Pair with: beef tenderloin with a mushroom sauce, lamb chops, mature cheeses, Mexican dishes, turkey. Drink: 2010-2027. 22954 13% D 750 mL $64.95 Score: 96/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Finca Allende Allende Tempranillo, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Spain: Corpulent aromas of purple plums, blackberries, allspice and grilled meats. A full-bodied wonder that would be a dinner party hit. This wine is exclusively made from the Tempranillo, then barrel-fermented and aged for 14 months in French oak. Pair with: roast lamb, hard cheeses, prime rib steak, duck, cotechino, grilled eggplant. Drink: 2008-2014. 954560 13% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 93/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Luna Beberide Mencía, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: A honkin’ big red that gives you a full embrace of fleshy ripe red berries and fruit. Silky tannins give it a voluptuous mouth-feel that ripples through with jammy flavors. Pair with: beef stew, meatloaf, gourmet hamburgers, fried chicken, portobello mushrooms, marinated chicken on grill. 95554 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2001 Tempranillo Mazuelo Graciano Reserva, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Spain: This wine is a blend of old-vines Tempranillo (85%) and 15% of the grapes Garnacha and Graciano. Dollops of ripe black cherry and plum wrapped in cigar box smoke and anise. Full-bodied with a solid structure and a dark spice-tinged finish. Lovely. Pair with: lamb chops, bacon, turkey, eggplant parmigiana, zucchini, green peppers. Drink: 2008-2012. 976670 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2009
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2007 Cline Carignane Ancient Vines, Contra Costa County, California, United States: VC: Carignane (Carignan in France) is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. When it is properly pruned and sourced from low-yielding old vines, such as this version, it results in lovely blackberry, cedar and floral-scented wines. The fruit is well-balanced by a seam of acidity and ripe tannins. My note: A bold, chunky wine with mouth-filling blackberries and plums and a thread of smoke. Warm, dark spiced finish. Pair with: roast beef with roasted potatoes, goulash, beef daube, grilled vegetables, shepherds pie. 32177 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Malbec Petit Verdot, Alexander Valley, California, United States: VC: Though a Cab in name, this sophisticated red is more in keeping with a Meritage blend. It’s comprised of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot and is crafted to emphasize elegance rather than power. Aged for 13 months in mostly French oak, it features complex layers of black cherry, black currant, earth, vanilla and toasty oak. While approachable now, this wine will undoubtedly improve with 3 to 4 years of cellaring. My note: A gutsy, honest wine with immediate fruit and a great structure to back it up. Full-bodied with smoky goodness and a lush texture. The ideal wine for an intellectual date you hope to transform into a torrid love affair. Pair with: beef wellington, braised escarole and endive, rich pates, roast beef au jus, cheddar cheese, black pudding. Drink: 2008-2015. 655506 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2005 Emmolo Merlot, Napa Valley, California, United States: A bunny slippers by the fire kind of Merlot with dollops of fleshy ripe plums and dark berries and a nice seam of acidity. Round, supple, and immensely comforting. Pair with: beef bourguignonne, meatballs, chicken stir-fry, tacos, turducken, veal stuffed with sausage. 96024 13% D 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. March 28, 2009
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2006 Ridge Zinfandel Petite Sirah Carignane Ridge Lytton Springs, Sonoma County, California, Estate Btld., United States: A blend of 77% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah and 6% Carignane grapes. A big honkin’ red laced with red currants, smoky cherries, black plums and cassis. A deep core of violets and anise give this wine a black, brooding heart. Crazy good juice. Pair with: olive tapenade, cheeseburgers, liver, pasta with artichokes and pancetta, strong blue cheese. Drink: 2008-2016. 982413 13% XD 750 mL $58.95 Score: 93/100. March 28, 2009
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