2008 Beckett's Flat Five Stones Sauvignon Semillon, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: VC: Beckett’s Flat is a family-owned estate located in the heart of Margaret River, a region well-known for the superb quality of its wines. This same quality is evident in its Five Stones kosher wines which are produced under the strict supervision of Kosher Australia, the Kashrut Authority of Western Australia and the Orthodox Union USA. This classic blend of Sauvignon and Semillon shows ripe gooseberry, green apple and grapefruit with underlying herbaceous and mineral notes. My note: Very aromatic with grassy goodness with springs of thyme, chives and basil. Mouth-watering and zesty. Terrific! Pair with: Jarlsberg cheese, corned beef and cabbage, cheese fondue, turkey pot pie, egg dishes, asparagus quiche, guacamole. 108001 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2008 Richard Hamilton Chardonnay Almond Grove, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: VC: Before it became famous for its grape vines, McLaren Vale was known for its almond groves. Made exclusively with free-run juice, this delicious and vibrant chardonnay was fermented in French oak (25% new) and aged on its lees for 6 months. This popular, full-bodied Chard consistently displays a harmonious balance between its juicy tree-fruit flavors, creamy texture and moderately toasty oak notes. Serve with grilled tuna or butter chicken. My note: A buttery, oaky ole’ Chard with a blousy style. Round and supple with full-bodied goodness. Long, warm finish. Pair with: corn dishes, beef bourguignonne, breads, cheese, chicken and poultry. 741009 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 West Cape Howe Sauvignon Blanc, Great Southern, Western Australia, Estate Btld., Australia: Very grassy: rev’ the lawnmowers! Good attack and refreshment. Medium-bodied. Screwcap. Pair with: sushi, pasta with cream-based sauce, pizza, grilled salmon. 90910 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Cave Spring Estate, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A zesty, vibrant white with mouth-watering acidity and zing. Lovely white peach and floral notes with lime and citrus as well. Pair with: vegetarian dishes, salads, shellfish. 286377 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Riesling Old Vines, V.Q.A. Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Zesty and refreshing with lovely ripe peaches, rose petal, lime and lychee. Light-bodied. Terrific aperitif. Pair with: beef , poultry, game birds, pork. 64584 10% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Michel David Clos Du Ferré Muscadet, A.C. Loire, France: VC: A seamlessly made Muscadet from a 16.5 hectare plot called Clos du Ferré. The extended lees contact has added dimension and depth to this minerally, floral and fruity wine. Enjoy it with oysters, veal scallopini or grilled rainbow trout. My note: Vibrant acidity gives a refreshing attack. Zesty notes or lemons, limes and white grapefruit. Pair with: smoked ham, soft cheeses, light curries, shellfish, seafood, vegetarian, quiche, omelets. 106286 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Domaine Saint-Rémy Gewurztraminer Vieilles Vignes, Philippe Ehrhart, A.C. Alsace, France: VC: A love and respect for the environment inspired the Ehrhart family to move towards organic production. The transformation is ongoing and is expected to be completed within one or two vintages. In the meantime, wrap your palate around this delectable, slightly off-dry Gewürztraminer. It features classic aromas and flavors of rose petals, lychee and spice. Serve it with mildly spicy seafood dishes. My note: Gorgeously rich and plush with just enough sweetness to make a killer combination with spicy and slightly sweet dishes. With today’s cooking, we need more wines like this. Classic notes of rose petals and lychees. Pair with: cheese, fish, poultry, spicy foods, curries and Asian dishes. 106872 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Frey-Sohler Riesling, A.C. Alsace, Estate Btld., France: VC: Classic Riesling aromas, including peach, petrol, honeycomb and citrus. Dry and very fresh, with good replays on the palate. A wonderful palate refresher, or match it to grilled salmon steaks with salsa. My note: Incredibly mouth-watering and delicious. Zesty, tangy ripe limes, lemons and green apples. Medium-bodied. Pair with: roast chicken, lobster in butter sauce, corn dishes, beef bourguignonne. 107151 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Roger Lassarat Chardonnay Terroir De Vergisson Pouilly-Fuissé, A.C. Burgundy, France: VC: Pouilly-Fuissé is the most recognized appellation in the Mâconnais. Producing only Chardonnay, the wines from the village of Vergisson – with their pronounced elegance – are considered exceptional. Look for apple, mineral, light pear and citrus aromas and flavors. Enjoy this medium full-bodied wine with grilled herbed chicken or white fish fried in butter. My note: An exquisite Chardonnay without too much oak and lots of mouth-watering acidity with ripe white peaches and green apples. Voluptuous texture. Pair with: roast chicken, lobster in butter sauce, corn dishes, beef bourguignonne. 110288 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2003 Zilliken Riesling Kabinett, Q.M.P. Saarburger Rausch, Estate Btld., Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Stunning flavor and flavor yet incredibly light: white peach, lime and field flowers. A wine of immense contradictions and intrigue. Brainy but funny like Gweneth Paltrow. Pair with: egg dishes, spicy foods, seafood. 931097 9% MD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 J. Geil I. Erben Riesling Kabinett, Q.M.P. Bechtheimer Rosengarten, Estate Btld., Rheinhessen, Germany: Good workhorse Riesling with solid pleasure and taste: ripe peaches and firm acidity. A tangerine-infused finish. Pair with: Asian noodles, turkey butternut squash risotto, avocado salad. Drink: 2009-2018. 994764 10% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Hilltop Prémium Range Pinot Grigio, Neszmély, Hungary: VC: In Hungary’s Neszmélyi region, France’s Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio) is known as Szürkebarát. The region’s climate is relatively mild, with long and pleasantly warm summers, allowing for a full and even ripening of the grapes. Pale straw with beautiful pear, apple, floral and hints of grass on the nose. Soft and round, gently off-dry, with medium body and a fine seam of acidity on a crisp, refreshing finish. My note: A lovely floral white with ripe white peach and melon. Medium-bodied and balanced. Pair with: light curries, shellfish, seafood, vegetarian, quiche, omelets. 106625 13% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 92/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Soljans Estate Winery & Café Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy good and refreshing. Zesty attach with terrific notes of limes and lemons to follow. Medium-bodied. Screwcap. Pair with: bell peppers, cilantro, smoked cheeses, shellfish, Caesar salad. 91223 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Lords of McGregor Sauvignon Blanc, W.O. McGregor, South Africa: VC: This wine contains 24 mg/L of free sulphur. Clean with clear grapefruit, lemon zest, floral and mineral notes on the nose. Dry, medium-bodied with a lively presence on the palate, good grapefruit replays and a touch of melon. The finish is racy and the length is medium. A very fine example. My note: Terrific, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc that’s not too grassy. Lovely herbal and lime notes. Fantastic acidity in this organic wine. Pair with: sushi, pasta with cream-based sauce, pizza and grilled salmon. 101162 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay Kwv, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa: Fantastic Chardonnay: big, oaky and buttery yes, but not too heavy. Generous and rich with flavor yet balanced. I love the wines from this producer. Pair with: Asian dishes with black bean sauces, pork, seafood or recipes that have a cream base. 328559 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Caitec Pinot Noir Bodega Del Añjeo, Patagonia, Argentina: VC: How about a wine from the end of the world? Patagonia, Argentina’s cool, southern wine region, is at the extreme edge of viticulture. It’s not surprising, then, that Patagonia is a great source for Pinot Noir, a grape which is at its most expressive when grown in difficult conditions. This ready-to-drink version is a real bargain with lots of juicy cherry and plum flavors along with spice and mineral notes and fresh, balancing acidity. Enjoy with turkey or chicken in a mushroom sauce. My note: Great value for this lip-smacking delicious pinot. Generous, sweetly ripe cherries and strawberries. Smooth texture and a medium body. Pair with: prime rib, roast beef, brisket, turkey, pork tenderloin, mushroom and truffle dishes. 109025 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Badgstein Oak Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina: VC: Badgstein, the first winery to export kosher wines from Argentina, was founded by an enthusiastic group of young entrepreneurs who challenged themselves to craft excellent quality wines while complying with the strict rules of the kosher tradition. This 100% Malbec was handpicked in the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza. Aged for 6 months in a combination of American and French oak, this medium full-bodied red is full of fresh red and black berry fruit flavors as well as notes of vanilla and coffee. My note: A simple, tasty wine with ripe purple plums and berries. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Pair with: sausages, steak and kidney pie, prime rib, cheddar, Adobo de Cerdo (spicy pork chop), bison. 120212 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Dona Paula Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Dona Paula Estate, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Mocha, dark chocolate nose with black plums and fleshy blackberries. Full-bodied with solid structure. A smoky finish that's memorable. Pair with: babaganoush, lightly spiced curries, game birds, lasagna, cheese pizza. 95281 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2005 Zuccardi Tempranillo Familia Zuccardi, Mendoza, Estate Grown & Btld., Argentina: Tobacco, black fruit nose: smoking’! Full-bodied and smooth with a black, brooding heart. Pair with: eggplant parmigiana, portobello mushrooms. 973503 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2005 Leasingham Shiraz Bin 61, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A Gold Medal winner at the Sydney and Queensland Wine Shows in 2007, and at the Perth Wine Show in 2008. Juicy black fruit flavor with mouth-watering acidity and a supple texture. Pair with: steak and kidney pie, prime rib, cheddar, Adobo de Cerdo (spicy pork chop), bison. 448241 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Beckett's Flat Five Stones Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: VC: The terroir of the Margaret River region is notably similar to that of Bordeaux with its well-drained gravel soils and maritime climate. In general, the reds here show more elegance and finesse than the powerhouse wines of South Australia. This dry, medium full-bodied blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Shiraz displays layers of blackcurrant, cassis, cherry and mint aromas. It has vibrant fruit flavors typical of Australia but with well-balanced acidity and plush tannins providing structure. My note: Amazingly well balanced and fresh with lots of fruit flavor and richness. What a terrific combination. Classic notes of blackberry, plum, cassis and some mocha. Long finish. Superb effort. Pair with: boar, venison, braised lamb shanks, spaghetti and meat balls. 58693 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 d'Arenberg Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre The Cadenzia, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Minty black fruit on the nose. Plush, round and full-bodied on the palate: very satisfying and delicious. Made from mostly Grenache grapes that lend plushness to the wine with some Shiraz and Mouvedre. Matured in French and American barrels for ten months. The word Cadenza refers to an impassioned improvisation by a virtuoso soloist toward the end of a performance. Pair with: hamburgers, sausages, steak and kidney pie, prime rib, cheddar. 661587 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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2005 Henschke Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre Viognier Henry's Seven, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, and 5% Viognier. Gorgeously ripe black berries and plums are lifted and highlighted in the mid-palate with the Viognier. Wonderful balance and complexity with a smooth and hugely satisfying finish. Pair with: grilled meats and vegetables, beef stew, meat lover's pizza, barbecued ribs. 685578 15% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 94/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Water Wheel Shiraz, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia: A dark and brooding wine with fleshy dark fruit as well as ground pepper, anise and dark spices. Delicious and full-bodied. Pair with: grilled or spice-rubbed chicken, chicken sausage, fajitas, ostrich, game casseroles. 700815 16% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 d'Arenberg Grenache The Custodian, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Generously ripe with juicy red and black berries and plums. Plush texture and great fruit purity. Good finish. Pair with: chicken, duck, Asian-styled noodles, babaganoush. 713040 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Grant Burge Cabernet Sauvignon Cameron Vale, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A remarkable value and quality for this price. Concentrated flavor and plush texture and complex layers of black fruit and smoke. Long finish. An excellent producer you can trust. Pair with: beef casseroles and stews, chateaubriand, cheeseburgers, beef stroganov. 937276 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. March 14, 2009
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2004 Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot Ode To Lorraine, The Ashmead Family, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A juicy, full-bodied blend of 57% Cabernet, 27% Shiraz and 16% Merlot. Aromas of savory meat, bacon fat, black cherry, smoke and vanilla. Nicely balanced. Pair with: rosemary-flavored dishes, choucroute garnie, Mexican dishes, turkey (dark meat). 976423 14% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Yalumba Shiraz Barossa Patchwork, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A meaty Shiraz with a good grip on the palate, full-bodied texture and mouth-watering fleshy black fruit. Decant for 1-2 hours. Pair with: boar, venison, braised lamb shanks, spaghetti and meat balls. 98392 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Tricyclo Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc, Colchagua Valley, Estate Btld., Chile: VC: Three classic grape varieties from three different vineyards are expertly assembled to craft this versatile wine. Packed with raspberry and plum fruit flavors, this richly concentrated, long-finishing wine would be wonderful with smoky barbecue ribs or peppercorn steaks. My note: A simple, delicious, full-bodied red with ripe raspberries and currants. Decant for an hour for extra smoothness. Pair with: braised lamb shanks, spaghetti and meat balls, breaded veal cutlets, osso buco. 27474 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 14, 2009
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2005 Mayu Reserva Carmenère, Elqui Valley, Coquimbo Region, Chile: VC: Viña Mayu is a relatively new winery located in Chile’s most northerly wine region, the Elqui Valley, and this Carmenère is from their debut vintage. Aged in French oak for eight months, this wine shows aromas of smoke, vanilla, cassis, blackberry jam and a hint of bell pepper. It’s dry, medium full-bodied with concentrated ripe black fruit flavors playing contrast to the smoky tar notes. Good length. My note: Dried tobacco leaves, black cherries and spice on the nose. Full-bodied richness and warmth on the palate with a cigar-infused finish. Pair with: barbecued ribs, braised brisket of beef, hamburgers, pepperoni pizza. 90035 15% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Domaine Latour-Giraud Pinot Noir La Fussière Maranges 1Er Cru, A.C. Burgundy, France: VC: A Pinot Noir made with exceptional varietal precision, featuring aromas of rose petals, sour cherry and a hint of dried meat. Dry with good fruit and fine, balancing acids and tannins. There is a vibrancy to the whole enterprise that will reward enjoyment tonight with grilled game bird, or cellar it for 2-4 years. My note: Fleshy ripe cherries and beetroot. Smooth texture with a lovely long finish. Terrific mouth-watering acidity. Pair with: mushroom and truffle dishes, coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine), beef bourguignonne (beef cooked in red wine), grilled salmon, cassoulet. 111823 14% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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2005 Domaine La Haute Marone Gigondas, A.C. Le Coeurs du Mistral, Rhône, France: VC: Mistral refers to a strong wind that blows down the Rhône River Valley from the Alps, bringing cool air to this Mediterranean wine region. When these winds are mild, such as in 2005, the growing season is extended and the wines become more complex. This fabulous Gigondas is packed full with ripe and spicy berry fruit. It’s dense, deep and softly tannic. My note: Feral notes of cedar, underbrush and wild cherries. Love it! Good grip and acidity with many layers of pleasure. Long finish. Pair with: red meats, casseroles, game. 33845 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2007 Henri De Villamont Pinot Noir Bourgogne, A.C. Burgundy, France: VC: A ready-to-drink Pinot Noir that is a great value-priced intro to the charms of Burgundy. Chill it down slightly and enjoy this cherry- and strawberry-scented wine with grilled salmon steaks. My note: Pleasantly tart, almost sour cherries, that make your mouth water. Some strawberry notes and vibrant acidity. Medium-bodied and smooth. Pair with: roasted and braised lamb, pheasant, duck, shark, swordfish and tuna with rosemary. 84616 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2004 Pavillon De Poyferré Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc, A.C. Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France: VC: A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, this second wine of Château Léoville Poyferré is sourced from younger vines in the same vineyard as their first wine. The château’s first wine garnered widespread acclaim, so the Pavillon will display many of the same virtues but in a more drink-now style. Look for cassis, toast and raspberry aromas with a fruity, balanced palate. My note: A dark, brooding wine with black fruit, smoky oak and cigar box aromas. Full-bodied, rich, complex and deep. Pair with: grilled chicken, duck, Asian-styled noodles, babaganoush, grilled lamb chops. Drink: 2010-2020. 91447 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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2005 Clos Laborie Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Château Tayac, Prop., A.C. Margaux, Bordeaux, France: VC: Clos Laborie is the sister property of Château Tayac, a family-owned operation for over four generations. In the 19th century, Clos Laborie was part of Château Desmirail, a highly respected third-growth property. Today, it is a stand-alone site with a 60/40 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot mix. From the great ‘05 vintage, it features aromas of caramel, blueberry and vanilla. Dry, lush and ripe on the palate, it is ably balanced by firm tannins. My note: Classic notes of cassis, blackberry and black plum. Full-bodied and a bit tannic so decant for 1-2 hours if you’re going to drink it now. This vintage (2005) was spectacular and the quality translates through all price ranges. Pair with: rare roast beef, lamb dishes, game (venison, partridge, ostrich, pheasant), cheddar. Drink: 2010-2018. 91454 13% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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2004 Ella Valley Vineyards Merlot, Ella Valley, Estate Btld., Israel: Superb structure and styling in this Bordeaux-like red made from mostly Merlot with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Classic notes of ripe blackcurrant, dark spices and cigar box. Pair with: barbecued beef ribs, beef wellington, brisket, stews, meaty casseroles. Drink: 2008-2014. 58891 14% D 750 mL $43.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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2004 Yarden Pinot Noir Golan Heights Winery, Galilee, Israel: A warm, full Pinot with fleshy ripe, almost jammy, cherries and raspberries. Silk tannins and texture. This wine is kosher of Passover. Pair with: grilled salmon, cassoulet, roasted and braised lamb, pheasant, duck, shark, swordfish. 60756 14% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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1998 Remo Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Monte Fante, D.O.C. Veneto, Italy: VC: This exceptional single-vineyard Amarone riserva displays all the strengths of Remo Farina’s regular bottling, but taken to an even more elevated level. The fruit is hand-selected to ensure supreme quality in the finished wine. You can expect the resulting product to be rich and round, with a complex blend of earthy cherry, ginger and stewed-fruit flavors and aromas. My note: Big, black and brooding with dark cherry liqueur and fleshy black raspberries. Full-bodied and incredibly plush and smooth. A finish that will fly you to Italy. Pair with: blue cheeses, polenta dishes, sausage, lasagna, venison, beef daube. Drink: 2008-2020. 101634 15% XD 750 mL $77.95 Score: 92/100. March 14, 2009
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2004 Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico, Italy: Super concentrated, black cherry liqueur nose and palate. Wowa! If you like palate-whackers, this one is for you. There’s something richly alluring and deceptively slippery about this amarone: I love it. Pair with: stews, Mexican Mole, leg of lamb, pasta with tomato sauce and dark chocolate. Drink: 2008-2020. 356220 15% D 750 mL $52.95 Score: 93/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Morgante Nero D’Avola, I.G.T. Sicilia, Estate Btld., Sicily, Italy: VC: Without a doubt, Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s best-known and most widely planted native black grape. Nero d’Avola takes well to barrel maturation, and expresses wild plum and dark chocolate aromas, with firm tannins and lively acidity surrounding the fruit. It is also valued in blends (especially with international varieties) for contributing intense color, full body, fresh acidity and good tannins. My note: What a vibrantly beautiful wine. Rushes out to meet you from the glass with fleshy ripe cherries, spice and plum. Gorgeous palate with rich layers, silky tannins and a warm blackberry-infused finish. Terrific value. Pair with: bianco sardo cheese, pasta alla norma, sausages. Drink: 2008-2015. 40816 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Santa Margherita Chianto Classico (Sangiovese), D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Mocha and fleshy blackberries on the nose with a Cabernet-like palate along with tobacco, dark spice and cassis. Good acidity and richness. Balanced with a long finish. Pair with: venison stew, braised lamb shanks, barbequed pork spareribs. 91694 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Bodegas Ateca Garnacha Old Vines, D.O. Calatayud, Spain: This wine is made from Garnacha grapes, with vines that are 80-120 years old. Juicy, full-bodied and delicious: wow! Mouth-wateringly ripe, fleshy blackberries and black raspberries. Smooth, velvet texture. Absolutely yummy. Pair with: lightly spiced curries, game birds, lasagna, cheese pizza, mint sauce. Drink: 2008-2012. 103473 14% XD 750 mL $23.00 Score: 93/100. March 14, 2009
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2005 Les Mines Priorat , D.O., Spain: From the southern region of Catalonia comes this delicious, mouth-watering, lush and full-bodied red. Ripe blackberry and plum with backnotes of smoke, graphite and cedar. Terrific minerality. Long and lovely. Pair with: spaghetti and meat balls, breaded veal cutlets, osso buco. 103481 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. March 14, 2009
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2006 Hagafen Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, Estate Btld., California, United States: Lovely ripe, tart cherries with pomegranate, beetroot and red currant. Mouth-watering acidity is so refreshing. Kosher for Passover. Pair with: cassoulet, roasted and braised lamb, pheasant, duck, shark, swordfish. 11460 14% D 750 mL $41.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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2005 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, United States: One of Napa’s “first growths,” this classic red has so much finesse and elegance yet it also delivers beautiful fruit flavor and concentration. Full-bodied with a long finish. Pair with: beef casseroles and stews, chateaubriand, pepper steak. 189795 14% XD 750 mL $73.95 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009
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