2006 Evans & Tate Chardonnay, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Rich and voluptuous but also balanced and elegant. Definitely not over the top. Incredible layers of ripe peach and nectarine with hickory smoke wafting in the background. Full-bodied with a long finish. Closed with a screwcap. Pair with: corn dishes, cream sauces, roast chicken, Pacific salmon. 677765 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Quails' Gate Estate Winery Chardonnay, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: VC: Considering how warm the Okanagan can be, this crisp, cool and green apple-fresh Chardonnay suggests a much more moderate climate. The refreshing nature is very appealing, especially with the addition of grapefruit, melon and honey aromas and flavors. My note: Gorgeously and beautifully balanced with enticing notes of green apples, peach and toasty oak. Superbly crafted. Pair with: corn dishes, cream sauces, roast chicken, Pacific salmon. 377770 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Megalomaniac (John Howard Wines of Distinction) Riesling John Howard Cellars Of Distinction, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Edna's Vineyard, Ontario, Canada: Light and carefree with ephemeral notes of white peach, pear and white flowers. Perfect for dockside sipping. Pair with: salads, seafood. 67587 11% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Hidden Bench Winery Chardonnay, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: VC: Opened in 2007, Hidden Bench is an artisanal winery dedicated to producing top-notch wines made exclusively with estate-grown fruit. Guided by a non-interventionist and terroir-driven philosophy, proprietor Harold Thiel and winemaker Jean-Marc Bouchard have carefully crafted this well-structured, deep and fleshy Chardonnay. The measured oak notes perfectly complement the rich and ripe fruit flavors of this exciting wine. Pair it with rich seafood or cellar for 3-4 years. My note: A rich, creamy Chardonnay with aromas of ripe pear and apples, vanilla smoke and almonds. Lovely effort. Have with a bibs-on lobster feast and butter. Pair with: lobster. 68817 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Concha Y Toro Chardonnay, Pirque, Maipo Valley, Chile: Generous and opulent with rich notes of green apple, quince, peach, vanilla smoke, butter and hazelnut. Lapping layers of flavor caress the palate. A wow wine for the money. Pair with: crabcakes. 342857 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Domaine Des Malandes Chardonnay, A.C., Burgundy, France: VC: Classic Chablis Chardonnay with apple, cinnamon and lots of chalky mineral aromas. Dry, crisp, fresh and quite lively. Medium-bodied with an extended finish. My note: Vivacious wine that proved Chardonnay doesn’t need oak to be delicious. Pure fruit flavors of green apple and white peach. Wonderfully refreshing. Pair with: herbed grilled chicken breast, poached salmon with dill, roast chicken, pork, cream sauces. 111658 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Domaine Michel-Andreotti Montagny 1Er Cru Chardonnay, A.C., Burgundy, France: VC: Springtime in a glass. Aromas suggest apple blossoms and then the apples themselves. On top of that, there are lovely ginger, lime and mineral tones. A fresh, lively and well-made Chardonnay from the southern reaches of Burgundy. My note: Lovely aromas of lemongrass, green apples and hazelnut. Fresh with a wonderful core of lime essence. Medium- to full-bodied with a long finish. Pair with: spring/summer salads, grilled pork chops with apple sauce. 112516 13% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 André Blanck Pinot Blanc, A.C., Ancienne Cour des Chevaliers de Malte, Alsace, France: VC: There’s a story behind the ‘Ancienne Cour des Chevaliers de Malte’ on André Blanck’s labels. The estate sits on land that once housed the cellars of the Knights of Malta, an ancient military order created in the Middle Ages. Still active today, the order battles disease, poverty and intolerance not with swords but by peaceful means. Dry and fresh, this pear-, apple- and mineral-scented Pinot Blanc is a terrific wine. My note: Refreshing limes and green apples, without a trace of oak. Terrific minerality and mouth-watering flavor. Perfect for casual get-togethers. Pair with: quiche, asparagus. 626606 12% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Cantina Tramin Gewürztraminer, D.O.C., Süditrol, Alto Adige, Italy: Classic Gewürztraminer: lychee, rose petal, light spices in a full-bodied package with layers of flavor. Wow! This is the ultimate wine to have with any Asian fare. Pair with: Asian dishes, curries, spicy noodles, shellfish, grilled seafood, smoked salmon. 117028 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Duca Di Castelmonte Tripudium Grillo, Chardonnay And Zibibbo, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: VC: Tripudium is Latin for rejoicing or joyful. This blend of Grillo, Chardonnay and Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) lives up to that definition. This wine is filled with flavors of peach, pear, table grapes and ripe apple, all of which are surrounded by refreshing acidity. We suspect there will be much rejoicing if you serve this white. My note: A vibrant, light-bodied white with white fruit notes of peach and grapefruit. Refreshing. Pair with: grilled prawns. 117531 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Albino Armani Pinot Grigio, D.O.C., Valdadige, Alto Adige, Italy: VC: In order to retain the bright, crisp fruitiness of this wine, Albino Armani matures this Pinot Grigio strictly in stainless steel tanks. The aromas suggest spring flowers and ripe peas. The palate sees a replay of these aromas coupled with a lovely racy acidity. My note: Extremely light without any oak for those who love their wines refreshing and delicate. White peach, lime and grapefruit note, but not a lot of acidity. Pair with: pan-fried freshwater fish. 63032 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Villa Giada Moscato D'asti Muscat, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: VC: Villa Giada’s Moscato d’Asti showcases expressive fruit flavors, particularly lemon, lime blossom, Muscat grape, tangerine and peach. The wine’s frizzante character adds a liveliness that keeps its residual sweetness nicely in balance. My note: I know I keep saying this but every time I taste this wine, I think: why? Why? Why don’t I drink this more often? Some questions in the universe cannot be answered. One must simply act. Buy this wine. It’s light, zippy, slightly bubbly, moderately sweet (the good kind from natural fruit ripeness) and has lovely notes of melon, orange blossom and tangerine. Pair with: coffee-flavored ice cream with fresh strawberries. 705897 5% M 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2008 Spy Valley Wine Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: An incredibly great value for the money! Fresh-cut grass and herbal notes with zippy acidity and a gooseberry-tinged finish. Closed with a screwcap. A wonderful wine for summer. Pair with: cream sauces. 686675 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Kim Crawford Riesling, Waipara, North Island, New Zealand: Wonderfully aromatic notes of white peach, melon, daisies and dried apricot. Medium-bodied, mouth-watering and incredibly refreshing. Pair with: grilled vegetables. 90134 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California, United States: Rich and warm with lovely layers of ripe peaches and pears, some lemon and lots of vanilla-butter goodness with the oak. Full-bodied. Pair with: corn dishes, cream sauces, roast chicken, Pacific salmon. 270694 14% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Cuvaison Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: A beautifully fat Chardonnay with aromas of ripe peach, pear, apples and melon. Terrific balancing acidity and a lovely, long finish. Pair with: lobster in butter. 988261 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Alta Vista Malbec Grande Reserve Terroir Selection, Mendoza, Argentina: VC: Smoky-dark with rich aromas of blackberries, plums and cassis. This wine was aged for a year in French oak. It’s full-bodied but smooth with a black raspberry-infused finish. A great wine to bring to a dinner party. Pair with: rare beef. 686626 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Hewitson Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and lip-smacking delicious with blackberry, blueberry, brambleberry and many other berries I’m sure. Velvet smooth, rich and warm with a nice satisfying finis. This wine is a blend of 47% Grenache, 47% Shiraz, and 6% Mourvedre. Pair with: pot roast. 107870 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Hazyblur Baroota Shiraz, South Australia, Australia: Minty cool on the nose with a big blackberry follow-up. Reminds of Eileen Hardy’s Shiraz (which I love). The grapes are grown in the Southern Flinders Ranges, the newest and most northerly region of South Australia. The vines are 30 years old or older which concentrates the fruit flavor. Love the name of this wine: it could be the title of my next book. Pair with: pork shops. 52126 15% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Dowie Doole Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: VC: McLaren Vale may be known for its Shiraz, but, as this example from Dowie Doole demonstrates, the region’s Cabernet Sauvignons deserve similar praise. Loaded with blackberry, floral, black licorice and wood smoke aromas and flavors, this supple wine has an elegant mid-palate and fine finish. Age it 2-4 years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Juicy, full-bodied richness with cassis, blackberry ad hickory smoke. Terrific wine for 5 pm, that necessary transition from daytime flurry to nighttime blurry. Pair with: grilled pepper steak. 732735 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Ferngrove Shiraz, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: Deep, dark and brooding with aromas of blackberry, cassis and cedar box. Great gift or dinner party bottle. Pair with: barbecued chicken wings. 90282 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 William Cole Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Curicó Valley, Single Vineyard, Chile: VC: William Cole is the American proprietor of this exciting Chilean enterprise. Columbine, the name of this state-of-the-art winery’s reserve series, is a tip of the hat to the state flower of Colorado and the software company responsible for William Cole’s fortune. Hand-picked from a single vineyard and aged in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months, this powerful Cab displays black fruit, coffee and chocolate flavors supported by ripening tannins. A Silver Medal winner at London’s International Wine Challenge 2007. My note: Incredible value and taste for the money! Rich, generous aromas of blackberries, cassis, mocha, dark spices, pepper and black raspberry. Full-bodied, smooth and lip-smacking delicious. Perfect for barbecues. Pair with: lamb with mint or rosemary. 93856 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Concha Y Toro Merlot, Peumo, Rapel Valley, Chile: Beautifully buffed tannins give this a slippery good texture with rich ripe blackberries and plums. Incredible depth and flavor for the money. Some tar, dried herbs, tar and cigar box. Pair with: brisket. 939827 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Maison Des Princes Anjou Cabernet Franc Donatien Bahuaud, A.C., Loire, France: Known as a support player in the Bordeaux blend, Cabernet Franc is a star in the Loire. About one third of all the wines produced in the Anjou appellation are 100% Cabernet Franc. Bursting with bell pepper, blackcurrant and dark spices. Quite herbal but tasty. Pair with: stew. 107094 12% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Vincent Girardin Pinot Noir, A.C., Burgundy, France: VC: A very elegant Pinot Noir that is filled with style and class. Aromas suggest raspberry, plum, beetroot and a hint of wood smoke. Dry, smooth and round with just the right amount of tannin to bring it into balance. This is all capped off by a long, complex finish. Try it tonight or cellar it for up to five years. My note: Rich and delicious with incredible layers and depths of flavor. Ripe cherries, fresh-turned earth and medium spices. Medium-bodied and silky smooth. Long finish. Pair with: beef Bourguignon. 110353 14% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009
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1999 Château Verdignan Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: VC: The 99s on the Left Bank have truly benefited from bottle ageing, offering a wider aromatic range, greater complexity, and finer balance. This wine displays layers of cassis and black cherry fruit, supported by fine tannins and refreshing acidity. It’s very approachable now, but it will reward short-term cellaring (2-3 years). My Note: A gloriously well-aged wine that you can enjoy now. Classic lines of black fruit and smoke. Robust, complex, layered and tasty. Pair with: grilled leg of lamb. Drink: 2009-2014. 125286 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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1998 Château Le Caillou Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: VC: Château Le Caillou is a tiny 7-hectare property that is principally located atop the gravelly Pomerol plateau. Producing a mere 3,000 cases a year, Château Le Caillou is known for creating richly textured wines featuring well-integrated tannins. The aromas and flavors are of ripe plum, fruit-cake, and black cherries complemented by notes of cedar and spice. Hailing from the Right Bank’s last great vintage of the 1990s, this Pomerol is an exceptional value. My note: Classic Bordeaux with smoky black fruit: blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant. A robust knowledge of oak has asserted itself in the education of this wine, but not to its detriment. Chewy tannins mean decant for 2 hours or better yet, age it. Pair with: veal tenderloin. Drink: 2009-2016. 45682 12% SD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Château Grand Mayne Merlot Blend J. P. Nony, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Benchmark Bordeaux with notes of blackberry, cassis, smoke, violets and dried herbs. Full-bodied and long. Incredibly well-structured and balanced. Great finesse Pair with: pepper steak. Drink: 2012-2025. 501981 13% XD 750 mL $79.00 Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Hauts De Pontet-Canet Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Alfred Et Gérard Tesseron, A.C., Pauillac, Second Wine of Château Pontet-Canet, Bordeaux, France: VC: Here’s a terrific second wine by a legendary producer. Lovely aromas and flavors of black-berry and pipe tobacco greet the nose and grace the palate, all balanced by fine tannins and crowned with a very pretty finish. It’s a wine to be savored sooner rather than later. While your more age-worthy 2005 Bordeaux sit in the cellar, this Pauillac can give you a taste of this marvelous vintage. My note: Classic Bordeaux with cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant. Full-bodied and richly textured. Pair with: lamb shank. 90159 13% XD 750 mL $69.00 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Domaine Grand Veneur Syrah Blend Alain Jaume & Fils, A.C., Rhône, France: A core of blackberry, cloves, cassis and black plum wrapped in a cigar box. Wonderfully rich and full-bodied with a long, satisfying finish. Meaty tannins that need time or decanting. Pair with: shepherd's pie. Drink: 2009-2020. 989061 15% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 92/100. May 23, 2009
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2003 Spadina Nero D’Avola, I.G.T., Sicilia, Italy: VC: The 2002 vintage of this wine was on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wine list in 2005. Since the 2003 vintage in Sicily was equally fine, expect this not-yet-reviewed vintage to be similarly spectacular. This Nero d’Avola is big and meaty with mineral and blackberry tones, exceptional balance, and good ageing potential (5+ years). My note: Rich and plumy with attractive notes of licorice and pepper. Pair with: meat casserole. 10330 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Renato Ratti Barbera, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: VC: This flavorful, crowd-pleasing wine is vibrant and approachable, with a hint of licorice on the finish. A smart buy. My note: Lip-smacking delicious berry-ripe red with mocha and dark chocolate notes. A real party pleaser wine that will appeal to many palates. Pair with: marinated, barbecued lamb skewers. 47266 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Palliser Estate Pinot Noir, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Full-bodied, black cherry richness with a core of coffee-mocha running through it. Field strawberries and rose petals. Balanced with good mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Pair with: roast chicken. 120766 14% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Neudorf Pinot Noir, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: A fragrant Pinot Noir with lovely ripe black cherries and raspberries, some dark spices are borne aloft a silky texture and medium-body. Perfectly calibrated. Pair with: salmon. 120790 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Ngatarawa Merlot, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Deeply plumy with full-bodied richness. Blackberry pepper and cassis undernotes. Pair with: roast beef. 120832 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2008 Elephant Hill Syrah, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: VC: This state-of-the-art Hawkes Bay winery just opened its doors in November 2008. Premium quality is its focus and the vineyards, planted in 2003, are already producing superb wines like this succulent Syrah. With aromas of black pepper, juicy black fruits and a hint of anise, there’s a clear Northern Rhône influence here. Look for more rich fruit and spice on the palate supported by refined tannins and tangy acidity. My note: Juicy, plumy and dark chocolately. Rich and full-bodied with layers of flavor. Perfect for backyard barbecues. Pair with: New Zealand Spring Lamb. 121673 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2007 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: VC: This is a very well-made and well-priced Pinot that’s ripe and ready to drink. It has a medium-ruby color and a delightful nose displaying aromas of raspberry, strawberry and cinnamon along with hints of cherry cola and earth. It’s dry and very fruity with a touch of oak spice. A zesty backbone of acidity provides verve and some light silky tannins support the lengthy finish. An excellent value from Marlborough. My note: I love it but says more Merlot to me than Pinot Noir with rich notes of plum and mocha. Medium- to full-bodied with a velvet smooth texture. Closed with a screwcap. Pair with: stuffed veal tenderloin, planked salmon. 590414 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Carrick Pinot Noir, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Mouth-wateringly tart cherries, cloves, black raspberries and dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied. Lusciously long finish. Closed with a screwcap. Pair with: pate, veal. 919837 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. May 23, 2009
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2004 Linton Park Shiraz, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: VC: South Africa is making a name for itself producing Shiraz that channels the best of both the Rhône and South Australia. This example from Linton Park features aromas of blackberry, pepper, raspberry and cedar. It’s dry and fruity on the palate, with an elegant structure brought by a seam of acidity and softening tannins. My note: Juicy and smoky with blackberry and plum goodness and a hickory smoke threaded through. Full-bodied. Pair with: veal medallions. 910844 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 23, 2009
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2001 Rioja Bordón Gran Tempranillo Reserva Bodegas Franco-Españolas, D.O.Ca., Rioja, Spain: VC: A classic old-school Rioja, featuring aromas of dried figs and dates, wood smoke, tar, cedar and fresh herbs. Dry, very supple, round and ready to drink. The years in wood and bottle before release have paid wonderful dividends. Decant it before serving to remove any sediment. You can sip and savor this mature Rioja on its own, reveling in its kaleidoscope of flavors. My note: Love this old style Rioja, with dried herbs, leather, cigar box and dried cherry fruit. Absolutely stunning for when you’re ready to enjoy a mature wine and all its glories. Pair with: beef, lamb. 114454 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. May 23, 2009
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2004 Barón De Ley Tempranillo Reserva, D.O.Ca., Rioja, Unfiltered, Spain: VC: A classy, traditionally made Rioja — 100% Tempranillo, 20 months in American oak, plus 24 months in bottle before release. It shows pretty aromas of blackberry, fig, raisin, and cedar. In the mouth, it’s dry, medium-bodied with well-typed fruit flavors balanced by silky tannins, and completing the picture is a pleasing medium-long finish. My note: Classic mature Rioja with leather, dried herbs, black fruit and smoke. Stunning depths of flavor. Oaky and big but balanced. Pair with: chorizo sausage, lamb skewers, hard cheeses. 958868 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Gnarly Head Merlot, California, United States: Rich with kirsch and black raspberry liqueur resonances. Cedary underbrush shore up the backbone. Tannins are smooth and silky. Warm and deep and full-bodied. Blueberry jam finish. Pair with: meat lovers pizza. 104158 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Spellbound Zinfandel Old Vine, Lodi, California, United States: Juicy brambleberry, blueberry goodness. Don’t think about it, just drink it. Terrific for beachside and dockside dining Pair with: hamburgers. 104216 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County, California, United States: VC: This is a well-crafted Cali Cabernet Sauvignon that really delivers at a value price. Filled with elegant black fruit aromas and flavors, this wine is nicely balanced by ripe tannins. It doesn’t require any further cellaring beyond a year, or maybe two, so drink up. My note: A beautifully balanced Cabernet with classic notes of cassis and blackberry. Chewy tannins so decants for 1-2 hours. Full-bodied with a lovely long finish. Pair with: grilled back ribs, steaks. 104240 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Shafer Merlot, Napa Valley, California, United States: I’ve long been a fan of this aristocratic wine from Napa. In the land of overdone, this wine comes off as beautifully polished, structured and elegant. A blend of 17% Cabernet Sauvignon; 7% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, fig, smoke and leather, it’s a classic. Pair with: prime rib. 346262 15% XD 750 mL $72.95 Score: 95/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Next Pinot Noir King Estate Winery, Oregon, United States: VC: A wine with good density and structure, King Estate’s Next Pinot Noir is redolent of cherry, spice, plum and florals. Round yet balanced, this wine is drinking very well now and will also reward 3-5 years in a cellar. My note: Juicy generous with ripe cherries, field strawberries and medium spices. Pair with: veal, pork tenderloin,. 70599 14% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 90/100. May 23, 2009
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2006 Cuvaison Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Sweet cherry fruit with a silk scarf texture. Dark spices and a black raspberry-tinged finish. Love it. Full-bodied. Pair with: roast turkey. 714519 14% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. May 23, 2009
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2005 Liberty School Syrah, California, United States: An easy-going, easy-drinking, with full-bodied cherry, delicious aromas, with a smooth texture. Lovely fruit flavors and great persistence on the palate. Pair with: grilled lamb. 942383 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 23, 2009
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