2007 Pasión 4 Merlot R.J. Viñedos/Joffré Hijas, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: VC: This Merlot is made from hand-harvested grapes sourced from the lofty heights of the Uco Valley, where the vineyards are planted at over 1000 meters above sea level. Ripe and round, this medium full-bodied wine shows attractive cassis, chocolate and smoky oak aromas and flavors. Serve with pasta in a spicy beef and tomato sauce, or alongside some grilled lamb chops. My note: The wine cheapskate in me is very happy with this wine. Dark berries, oak and robust texture. 59287 13.50% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Ballast Stone Merlot, Currency Creek, South Australia, Australia: VC: Ballast Stone is not a name chosen lightly. In the 1800s, ships used ballast stones to keep them seaworthy. When they arrived in Australia, the stones were off-loaded to make room for goods such as grain and wool. The Ballast Stone winery buildings were constructed with the stones left behind. Filled with plum, blueberry and cherry aromas, this dry, flavorful, full-bodied and ripe wine is an excellent choice for your cottage barbecue. My note: Jumps out with rich ripe fleshy blackberries and black cherries. The it keeps going in a river of flavor across the palate to a lovely mocha-infused finish. Perfect for long evenings and quiet conversations. 127555 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2005 Branson Coach House Shiraz Greenrock Block, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Over-the-top blockbuster with black cherry liqueur. For those who like a full-blown palate whacker. Smooth and rich with tasty berry-jam aromas. 127563 16% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Wayne Gretzky Estate Pinot Noir No. 99, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Canada: VC: Gretzky’s 2007 Pinot Noir could double as a good quality Bourgogne. The medium ruby color is followed by aromas of black cherry, earth, strawberry preserves and cedar. It’s dry with surprising tannic grip and bright acidity providing ample structure. Medium-bodied with a solid core of cherry fruit, earth and beetroot notes. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years with rare roast beef, veal tenderloin, or grilled portobello mushrooms. My note: Tart and juicy with lip-smacking delicious aromas of tangy cherries and dark spices. Supple, smooth and clean with great refreshment value. Score another one for the Great One. 129056 12.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Quails' Gate Estate Winery Pinot Noir, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Canada: Gorgeously ripe with tart cherries playing in the background to create a mouth-watering sensation. Silky layers of polished tannins in this medium-bodied red. Not oaky or smoky, just pure berry essence and finesse. Perfect for a romantic dinner. 560052 13.70% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Noir, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Canada: According to winemaker Shiraz Mottiar: “Chardonnay takes the most effort. Pinot Noir takes the most thought.” This is an extremely thoughtful Pinot Noir, with rich layers of satin texture and aromas of bright, tart cherries. Medium-bodied and fleeting in a haunting way. 996777 12.50% XD 750 mL $32.00 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Apaltagua Envero Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva, Apalta Vineyard Selection, Estate Btld., Colchagua Valley, Chile: VC: This wine earned Gold Medals this year at both the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Monde Selection International Wine Contest. Made with Carmenère and a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, this expressive wine features lovely aromas and flavors of cherry, blackberry, mint and cigar tobacco. Dry, rich and ripe, this wine is an exceptional value and an excellent partner for grilled rare leg of lamb. My note: Incredible minty-blackberry infusion with voluptuous layers of flavor. Full-bodied: fall into it! Incredible price. 129973 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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2005 Santa Alicia Merlot Gran Reserva De Los Andes, Maipo Valley, Chile: VC: Santa Alicia was named Chilean Winery of the Year at the 2007 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. My note: Dark plums, spices and mocha. Supple, rich and full-bodied. Terrific price for the quality. 663088 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Casa Silva Merlot Reserva, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Terrific value and taste for the money! Lush aromas of ripe cherries and black strawberries with some spice and licorice on the finish. Refreshing and vibrant. 718650 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Ferraton Syrah Blend Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes-Hermitage, A.C., Rhône, France: Tempestuous black fruit and a kick-*ss finish. Full-bodied and deep. Violets and smoke; love and revenge. 127712 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Ogier Syrah Blend, A.C., Côtes du Rhône Villages, France: Lovely balance: a Class A top-me-up-again wine. Full-bodied but velvet smooth with aromas of seductive dark cherries and raspberries. A pleasant peppery finish. 127738 750 mL $19.95. August 29, 2009
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2005 Domaine Saint-Pierre Syrah Blend Earl Fauque, A.C., VACQUEYRAS, Rhône, France: Terrifically rich and full-bodied with black cherry liqueur intensity and flavor. Concentrated, inky notes of black fruit with some tobacco smoke. Perfect to celebrate you early purchase of Google stock. 130013 13.80% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 94/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Domaine Paul Henry Syrah Blend, A.C., CÔTES DU RHÔNE, France: VC: This wine won a Silver Medal at the 2008 Concours des Vins Orange in Rhône, France. It was also ‘Star’ reviewed in the 2009 Le Guide Hachette des Vins. This lovely Grenache-based wine features plum, strawberry, black fruit and a hint of kirsch eau-de-vie. Dry, soft, fruit-forward and pretty, it’s very approachable. In the final days of summer, or the early days of fall, this wine will show beautifully with grilled whole chicken; or hold it until Thanksgiving and match it with turkey dinner. My note: Warm and rustic and satisfying. Full-bodied notes of black raspberries and cedar. Perfect for a potluck gathering. 130021 14.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Domaine Montmartel Visan Syrah Blend, A.C., Côtes du Rhône Villages, France: VC: The village of Visan is prime Côtes du Rhône real estate. Domaine Montmartel has crafted a creamy, medium-weight beauty with dark notions on the nose: blackcurrant, black plum, black olive, and black pepper are interwoven with kirsch, smoked meat and oak spice. Soft on the palate, with tantalizing fruit and spice characteristics, this would be a perfect match for a spicy stew – and a viewing of your favorite film noir. My note: Love it! Fresh cherry-cedar notes give a savory, mouth-watering taste followed by more ripe dark berries and forest-at-dawn freshness. Full-bodied but smooth. So satisfying. 130062 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Château Mourgues Du Grès Syrah Grenache Mourvèdre Carignan Les Galets Rouges, François Collard, A.C., Costières de Nîmes, France: This wines is a blend of 78% Syrah with the balance being Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. This wine is warm on the palate and finish from the alcohol level but it’s rich and comforting too. Gobs of flavor and hedonistic happiness. 132548 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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2005 Château L'archange Merlot Cabernet Blend, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Supple and subtle with a lovely interplay of dark berry fruit, dried herbs and cigar box on the palate. Make you tongue happy tonight—or in 10 years! 501213 14.50% XD 750 mL $62.00 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009
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2005 Château La Gravière Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Blend, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Supple, luscious and inviting. Fall into the layers of flavor of espresso, blackberry, dark plum and smoke. Full-bodied. 501742 13% XD 750 mL $54.00 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Domaine De Cristia Syrah Blend, A.C., CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Rhône, France: Savory bacon fat and black cherry liqueur aromas. Rich, full-bodied and voluptuously textured. Perfect for hearty meals and barbecues. Some smoky notes play in the background. 67678 15% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Delas Syrah Blend, A.C., CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU PAPE, Rhône, France: Dark, brooding and seductive; just like Heathcliffe. This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Displays ravishing notes of black cherries, dried herbs, violets and saddle sweat. (Kidding about the saddle sweat.) Enjoy it on the moor with your favorite Victorian hero or in the backyard with a barbecue. Drink: 2010-2018. 74195 15% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Le Gravillas Sablet Syrah Blend Cave De Vignerons À Sablet, A.C., Côtes du Rhône Villages, France: Pretty ripe cherries and raspberries in a summer field of sun. Full-bodied but very supple and smooth. Terrific mouth-watering acidity, balance and finish. 78790 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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2005 Château St. Georges Merlot Cabernet Blend, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: VC: Château St. Georges sits in the Libournais satellite of St-Georges-St-Émilion. The château itself was built in 1774 on the former site of a feudal castle, and its vineyards are some of the oldest in France. Known for its consistent high quality, this cuvée combines glorious fruit aromas such as cherry and plum with fine tannins and precise acid crispness. This beautifully balanced wine is a fine candidate for cellaring 2 to 5 years, or enjoy it tonight with roast beef and root vegetables. My note: A lovely weave of dark fruit and smoke: balanced, elegant and long. A profusion of dark berries on the nose and the mid-palate is rich and satisfying. Yum! 960310 13.50% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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2005 Christian Moueix Merlot Cabernet Blend, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: A balanced wine with dark plums, berries, vanilla-spice and smoke. Good dinner party wine that will appeal to many palates. Decant for 1-2 hours or age for 5 years. Drink: 2010-2016. 979955 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Golan Heights Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel: VC: With its hot days balanced by cool nights, Galilee is considered by many to be Israel’s finest wine- growing region. This wine from the Golan Heights Winery shows why. Match it to lamb kebabs. This wine is kosher. My note: A lovely wine with a supple, full-bodied textured and generous layers of dark raspberries and black plums. A superb effort from this producer. 611152 13.90% XD 750 mL $18.00 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Sartori Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Black cherry liqueur depth and concentration: full-bodied and smooth. Big palate-whacker. Violets and vanilla with bacon fat notes. 117234 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Tommasi Merlot Le Prunée, I.G.T., delle Venezie, Italy -- Veneto: VC: Any dinner parties on the horizon? With its deep ruby-red hue and its lovely chocolate, berry and cappuccino notes, this single-vineyard Merlot is sure to wow dinner guests. This easy-drinking, food-friendly red makes a natural partner with pastas. My note: Dependable and straight-forward with tasty notes of black cherries and dried herbs. Full-bodied and smooth. 24505 12.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Babich Pinot Noir, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vibrant with black cherries and some dark spices, smoke and cloves. Lovely satin texture. 216 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Quinta Das Amoras Castelão Periquita Camarate Tinta Miúda Touriga Nacional Colheita Seleccionada, Casa Santos Lima, Vinho Regional Estremadura, Portugal: VC: This multi-award winning red wine is a blend of Castelão (Periquita), Camarate, Tinta Miúda and Touriga Nacional. The wine features concentrated aromas of blackcurrants, mixed berry fruits and oak spice. Dry and fruity with pleasant balancing acidity and soft tannins. Bring on the grilled meats! My note: An phenomenal value/taste for the money. Incredible. Buy a case, or two. Full-bodied and smooth with tasty notes of dark berries. Not too heavy on the oak. This is a party pleaser. 131862 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Ramos Pinto Touriga Franca Tinta Roriz Touriga Nacional Duas Quintas, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: VC: The vineyards for this wine, Quinta de Ervamoira and Quinta dos Bon Ares, are located in the heart of Douro’s Port-producing area. Ramos Pinto uses the traditional Port grapes Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional in this dry red wine. It has an intense nose of blackberries with a wisp of vanilla, and a long, silky finish. Try it with meat dishes with lots of garlic. My note: Savory and rich with full-bodied goodness and warmth. Redolent of aromas of blackberries and black plums and a whiff of smoke through it. 359893 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Kleine Draken Pinotage Zandwijk Wines, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: VC: Zandwijk Wines produce kosher wines under the guidance of Rabbi Maizels of the Cape Beth Din. The estate is noted for its success with the challenging process of making mevushal wines. Their Kleine Draken Pinotage is a particularly successful example, featuring aromas of black- berry, sour cherry and leather, and a palate full of bright fruit nicely supported by silky tannins. Enjoy it with grilled steaks. My note: A pleasant wine with dark red fruit, some leather and oak. Straight-forward and satisfying. 613208 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Fairview Shiraz, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Smoky with dark berries and a lovely mouth-watering texture. Violets and dried herbs greet anyone who wants to think about the wine a little more than knocking it back which it is imminently suited to. Luscious and good-natured, like the goats that roam the estate. Closed with a screwcap. 626358 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Jj Hand Made Wines Merlot Stellenrust, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: VC: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2008 Veritas Awards, one of South Africa’s most important and respected wine competitions. This Merlot earns its ‘hand-made’ moniker through the low-tech, gentle winemaking techniques used to make it. No machinery is used in the process. Aged for 18 months in oak, and bottled unfiltered, this charismatic wine features plum, black cherry and blue-berry fruit flavors with notes of spice and cedar. It’s dry, round, medium bodied and ready to serve alongside roast pork or smoked cheddar. My note: A balanced and full-bodied red with rustic red fruit aromas and oak. Satisfying. Great for casual gatherings. 96586 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Ètim Selección Garnacha Carignan Syrah Falset-Marca, D.O., Monsant, Spain: A pleasant, full-bodied red with notes of blackberries and blackcurrant. Not a wimpy wine, this will please those like a good bang for their buck. This wine is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Carinena, [Carignan] and 10% Syrah and was matured for 6 months in French and American oak. 681346 14% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2001 Lan Gran Tempranillo Reserva, D.O.C.a, Rioja, Spain: Gorgeous depth of taste and savory notes of blackberries, espresso, anise and mocha. Full-bodied with a long, long finish. 928622 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 29, 2009
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2005 Napa Cellars Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California, United States: VC: An unbeatable value from Napa, this intensely fruity Zinfandel is sourced mainly from the warmer sub-appellations of Calistoga, St. Helena and Pope Valley within the Napa Valley. Tank fermented and aged in a mixture of French & American oak, it shows ripe mixed-berry fruit, plum, spice and smoky notes supported by supple tannins. The finish is long and plush. This full-throttle Zin is a natural match with hickory-smoked barbecued pork. My note: Big, purple, black and brooding: this is a wine looking to pick a fight it’s so feisty. Full-bodied with blackberry jam. Pow! 126607 15% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Candor Lot 1 Zinfandel, California, United States: Dark chocolate and sweet purple plums on the nose with a liqueur-like texture and jammy figs on the palate and a warm finish. The grapes come from the Lodi, Sonoma County, and Paso Robles regions of California. 133389 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Clos Du Bois Zinfandel, North Coast, California, United States: VC: Clos du Bois adds 3% each of Petite Sirah and Carignan to this Zin; they then age the wine in new oak barrels, thereby introducing accents of coconut and mocha. These combined measures add layers of complexity to this robust, blackberry- and raspberry-scented wine. It’s a delicious partner for barbecued back ribs My note: Extremely pleasant Zinfandel with lovely rich berry aromas, not too much, not too little. Full-bodied with a nice finish. 38000 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2009
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2005 Howling Moon Zinfandel Old Vine, Lodi, United States: A wonderfully balanced Zin with rich aromas of brambleberry, blueberry and blackberry. Nice spicy finish and full-bodied supple texture. 57356 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Folie À Deux Zinfandel Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Red, California, United States: VC: Ménage à Trois is aptly named, as it is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Very fruit-driven, featuring pretty aromas of plum, blackberries and blueberries with hints of spice box and oak. Soft and textured, this is a great wine for barbecued back ribs with your most impressive sauce. My Notes of chocolate and dark plums and blueberry jam. Rich and decadent. Knock it back! 665158 13.50% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. August 29, 2009
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2006 Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California, United States: VC: Grgich Hills is a leader in eco-progressive viticulture, recognized as the largest biodynamic grape grower in the United States. Nearly all the winery’s power comes from solar energy, and their wines are made entirely from biodynamically grown fruit. Blended with 5% Petite Sirah, this formidable Zin abounds with sweet cherry, boysenberry and tilled earth as well as notes of black licorice, dried herbs and allspice. It’s dry and medium-bodied, with impressive structure and vivacious acidity. A natural to savor with grilled meats, or pastas with tomato sauce. My note: Incredibly dense and concentrated with blackberries and plums. Great finesse and structure. It’s pricey but intriguing. 903237 14.90% D 750 mL $48.95 Score: 91/100. August 29, 2009
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2007 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel, Sonoma County, United States: Pure blackberry liqueur: incredible depth, richness and flavor. Some wild herbs and pepper on the finish. Oh so satisfying! 942151 15.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. August 29, 2009
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