2008 Heartland Shiraz (Australia) - Wine Review

It's time for another wine review. This one was purchase only a few days ago from the latest Vintages Release.

HEARTLAND SHIRAZ 2008 - Langhorne Creek/Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia (#661934) (D) - $19.95

Tasting Note:
Warm aromas of mint, eucalyptus, wet earth. Flavours of sweet red fruits (raspberry and cherry), herbs, pepper. Medium-bodied. Screw-top. Very uncomplicated. A good wine, but probably doesn't warrant the rating of 91 points given by Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh of the The Big Red Wine Book. Will be having this with one of my favs - simple rice and lentils dish with chaas (yogurt mixed with water, salt & cumin) called khichdi.

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Magnificent Sparkling in Massachusetts?

Tucked inside the shores of Buzzard’s Bay, 80 acres of chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling, rkatsiteli, and several other varietals surround a first class winery operation on what was once a potato farm. This close to the coast, the warm ocean temperatures moderate the New England winter, bringing less snowfall to damage the vines.

In spring, cooler ocean water moderates early warm spikes, delaying bud break and preventing frost damage from retarding growth. And in fall, the warmer water extends the growing season, allowing a later harvest here than in other New England vineyards. Combine this microclimate with a family dedicated to quality wines and you have Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery, the gem of New England winemaking that has won dozens of Gold Medals and been raved about by local, national and international press.

A friend urged me to visit Westport Rivers when researching my novel Sin & Vengeance, saying that the wines were as good as anything grown in the Napa Valley and that the family would welcome me with open arms. He was right on both counts.

The Russell family taught me so much about wines and winemaking my readers assume I’ve been an enthusiast for years. I am so enamored with their fruity sparkling wines I serve them at every function and book group meeting I attend. My guests can’t believe the sparkling is produced right here in Massachusetts and many go on to explore the vineyard for themselves.

Three times I’ve brought my readers to tour the vineyard. We discuss the action from my novel Sin & Vengeance and the script for the Sin & Vengeance movie, both of which are set on the property. The Russell family delights the crowd with information about winemaking and a touch of family history.

As my friend before me, I urge you to visit Westport Rivers Winery on your next trip to Massachusetts. It’s about 30 minutes from the excellent restaurants in Providence, a few miles from Horseneck Beach, and about 40 minutes from the bridges to Cape Cod. Throw in a bed and breakfast and you’ve got a fantastic weekend getaway.

CJ West is the author of 5 thrillers set in New England. Find him at www.22wb.com.

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2009 Terredora Loggia della Serra Greco di Tufo (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine was purchased only a couple of weeks ago from the July 23 Vintages Release. Normally, I'm not a fan of white wines from Italy, but this was one I HAD to try. I'm glad I did - it was worth it! I would go even as far to say that this is the best white wine I've ever had from Italy.

TERREDORA LOGGIA DELLA SERRA GRECO DI TUFO 2009 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#983197) (XD) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Lime, minerals, flowers and wet earth aromas all come through on the palate. Well integrated. Dry and delicious. Creamy long finish (even the bottle was creamy, for some strange reason. LOL.) Very highly recommended if you like dry white wines. Will be enjoying the rest of this wine with whiting fish fried in masala.

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Tastes of Chile + BC Crafters: August 6 Vintages Wine Release

The next Vintages Release on Saturday, August 6 focuses on the tastes of Chile. It's great to see the secondary feature of this release highlighting 5 of our friends from out west (we don't get enough wines from our fellow countrymen & women in British Columbia). However, most of the wines from B.C. in this release are extremely pricey and don't provide great value.

Lots of good Chilean wines to choose from. I'm a sucker for Carmenère - if you haven't tried this grape before, then check out the Siegel (#237859). Normally, I'm not a big fan of Zinfandels, but the Kunde from California looks big enough to try.

Among the whites, the Riesling Spatlese from Mosel stands apart from the rest. For those that prefer unoaked whites, 'Unplugged' Chadonnay from Flat Rock is unoaked.

Enjoy this week's picks, and let me know if you try any of these!

Red Wine:

• HEARTLAND SHIRAZ 2008 - Langhorne Creek/Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia (#661934) (D) - $19.95
• DOMAINE ARMAND SOLEÏADOR CAIRANNE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2009 - AC, Rhône, France (#237560) (XD) - $16.95
• GEHRINGER BROTHERS DRY ROCK VINEYARDS MERLOT 2009 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#229898) (XD) - $18.95
• SIEGEL CRUCERO RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2008 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#237859) (XD) - $13.95
• KUNDE ZINFANDEL 2007 - Sonoma Valley, California, USA (#965921) (XD) - $16.95
• EMILIANA ADOBE RESERVA SYRAH 2009 - Rapel Valley, Chile (#213553) (XD) - $12.95

White Wine:

• HOFFMANN-SIMON RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2009 - Prädikatswein, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Mosel, Germany (#216499) (MD) - $19.95
• ANAKENA LILÉN SINGLE VINEYARD VIOGNIER 2010 - Requínoa, Chile (#45138) (XD) - $13.95
• GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE DRY MUSCAT 2009 - IGP Pays d’Oc, Southwest, France (#234674) (D) - $13.95
• MONTES ALPHA CHARDONNAY 2009 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#390203) (XD) - $19.95
• FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY 2010 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#68015) (D) - $15.95

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2008 Zuccardi Q Tempranillo (Argentina) - Wine Review

Last night's wine was purchased from the June 25 Vintages Release, which had a major focus on wines from Argentina.

ZUCCARDI Q TEMPRANILLO 2008 - Santa Rosa Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina (#973503) - $19.95

Tasting Note:
Made with grapes from 40 year-old vines. Aromas of red berries, blackberry join the flavour profile with lots of pepper/spice, and a touch of cola. Letting the wine breathe in glass relieves some of the spiciness. Chewy tannins will reward ageing another 1-2 years. This is definitely a good wine for the BBQ. I enjoyed this wine with chicken shish kebabs and wings prepared over a charcoal BBQ.

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How to Host Your Own Wine Tasting

I find myself slightly envious of those who live downtown, surrounded by an endless supply of restaurants, patios, and other potential dining opportunities. Need a glass of wine? Just text a friend and hook-up in, say 20 minutes at the bistro around the corner. On occasion though, even these folks ask themselves: What would it take to host a wine tasting in my own home?

I’ll let you in on a little secret; it’s not that difficult. Let me give you a few pointers, but first, some background: I don’t live downtown. In fact, I’m so far removed from the concrete jungle that modern amenities like fibre optic phone lines and natural gas are a figment of my imagination. But rather than make the trek southbound to the urban sprawl for a regular dose of the wine tasting experience, I took it upon myself to recreate the same concept closer to home. I call it North of 9 Fine Wine.

Hosting a wine tasting in your own home or at a local restaurant does involve some preparation and planning. To simplify the process, I’ll break the necessary considerations down as a step-by-step checklist to ensure that we cover all the bases.

Planning:

• Choose a style of wine or a region that you wish to profile
• Pick a theme: stand-up and mingle or sit-down and focused
• How many people will attend? ____
• 1 standard bottle will serve 12 people a 2-ounce pour
• Food should always be available when alcohol is served (at the very least, a sliced baguette)
• Consider the legalities and liquor laws in your area

Preparation:

• Select 4 to 6 different labels to represent your theme
• Consider food pairings to compliment your wine choices
• If ranking the wines, provide grading sheets and pencils
• Select your stemware (something large enough to swirl but not too cumbersome to handle).
  7 oz. / 200 mL ISO tasting glasses cost ~ $4 each
• Consider separate glasses for each wine or one glass with a rinse station
• Provide wine charms if using one glass per person or use a paint marker to write each person’s name on the base of their glass
• Labelled placemats will help keep multiple glasses organized
• Spittoons should be made available as an option
• Whites and sparkling wines may require ice buckets for chilling
• Provide drinking water in a separate glass or bottle
• Have a plan if someone has too much to drink i.e. a key bowl, taxi phone#

Presentation:

• Know your material
• As your guests arrive, consider serving a glass of sparkling wine. The bubbly will give them something to discuss while you fine tune last minute details.
• Consider your crowd and set the tone: fun/informative or wine snobbery (there is a place for each)
• Reinforce the need to consume responsibly before you begin
• Explain the basics (not everyone will be comfortable with the concept)
• Taste in order of dry to sweet and light to full bodied
• Consider the use of props such as decanters, various corkscrews, maps and literature related to your subject
• When finished, allow some social time between the last wine sample and your guests’ departure by offering tea, coffee, and a selection of baked goods.

Coordinating a wine tasting at an establishment outside of your home involves taking the concept to the next level and I recommend that you hire a BYOB licensed restaurant for the event. Initially, the thought might seem intimidating but in actuality, much of pressure to perform is alleviated by leaving the food prep and wine service to the restaurant staff. Consider reserving a small room for your group and rather than a large meal, prearrange several rounds of appetizers specifically chosen to pair with your wine selections. As you conduct the tasting with the group, the staff will circulate with the food and wine which will make you look like a real hotshot!

Enjoy yourself and have some fun with it! That’s why we drink the stuff in the first place.

- Cheers
Tyler is the founder of North of 9 Fine Wine and also writes about wine in Footprints Magazine.

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2009 Château Ste. Michelle Chardonnay (Washington) - Wine Review

I've always been a fan of wines from Washington State. It's a shame we don't get many more offerings from Washington here in Ontario. This fine wine was purchased last month.

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CHARDONNAY 2009 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#232439) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Grapefruit, lemon, herbal, mineral/stone aromas. Buttered popcorn, green apple flavours. Oak evident, but definitely in the background. Medium-bodied. Quality Chard that's well-made. Due to the power outage, I almost had grilled salmon on the BBQ. Instead, I will be having this with pan-fried salmon dusted with cajun. I think it will pair well. ;)

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Signature Italian Grapes + Chardonnays: July 23 Vintages Wine Release

Saturday, July 23 is the next LCBO Vintages Release. This week's release focuses on the signature grape  varieties from Italy, as well as (expensive) Chardonnays from cool-climate regions such as Ontario, Oregon, South Africa, and Côte de Beaune (Burgundy).

Overall, there are lots of good, refreshing whites from the Italian feature, and slim pickings for sub-$20 Italian reds. However, the Tedeschi Capitel red from Veneto (#719294) does stand apart from the crowd.

The Ontario highlight of this Release focuses on Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench area. Great area, if you have never been! It's also not often we get a rosé from British Columbia - hopefully this is well-stocked on Saturday! Enjoy!

Red Wine:

• TEDESCHI CAPITEL SAN ROCCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2008 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#719294) (XD) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU L’ARGENTYRE 2006 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#226217) (XD) - $19.95
• LAMADRID SINGLE VINEYARD RESERVA BONARDA 2008 - Mendoza, Argentina (#232652) (XD) - $16.95
• SHINGLE PEAK PINOT NOIR 2009 - Matua Valley, New Zealand (#032441) (XD) - $19.95

White Wine:

• TERREDORA LOGGIA DELLA SERRA GRECO DI TUFO 2009 - DOCG, Italy (#983197) (XD) - $17.95
• INNISKILLIN WINEMAKER’S SERIES THREE VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#105379) (XD) - $17.95
• ARTESA CHARDONNAY 2009 - Carneros, California (#657585) (D) - $19.95
• BODEGAS SHAYA VERDEJO 2009 - DO Rueda, Spain (#241554) (D) - $17.95
• DOMAINE TROTEREAU QUINCY 2009 - AC, Loire, France (#225185) (XD) - $17.95
• VINEA GARGANEGA 2009 - IGT Veronese, Veneto, Italy (#230656) (XD) - $12.95

Rosé Wine:

• MISSION HILL FIVE VINEYARDS ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#229716) (D) - $15.95

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2009 Rose Hill Private Edition Cabernet Merlot (Niagara) - Wine Review

It was a busy (and fun) weekend, with my cousin's wedding (some of you may have noticed my tweets from the reception Saturday night). Here is the red wine that was served on each table and at the bar. There was also a Rose Hill white wine (I believe a Chardonnay), that I did not taste.

ROSE HILL PRIVATE EDITION CABERNET MERLOT 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

Tasting Note:
Dark fruit, red berries and currant aromas. Not overbearing on the palate, with sweet fruit replays. Fairly easy drinking, food-friendly and crowd pleasing. It went well with Chicken Tikka and the Supreme Chicken (among the many very delicious dishes that were on the menu!)

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2006 The Garden Path Shiraz/Cabernet (Australia) - Wine Review

Purchased this one back in November of 2010, and could have cellared it for a couple more years, but felt like opening it tonight.

THE GARDEN PATH SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2006 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia (#199539) (XD) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Mint, cassis, black currant, oak, earth/barnyard aromas. Black currant and blueberries on the palate. Ripe tannins. Fleshy, medium-bodied. Tasty. I think it will go well with the Chicken Biryani we're having tonight!

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2009 Naia Verdejo (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is an impressive offering from great 2009 vintage in Spain. Purchased from the April 30 Vintages Release.

NAIA VERDEJO 2009 - DO Rueda, Spain (#211045) - $18.95

Tasting Note:
Muted aromas of citrus, floral (I think I chilled it too much). Rich and creamy on the palate, with tree fruits like apple and pear. Lees aging evident. Made in a dry style with a long finish. Could have been aged for another year or two. Quality wine.

***edit***
One thing I forgot to add - this is definitely a "food" wine (i.e. it would go well with various lunch or dinner fare).

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Top Marks New 90+ Wines and Sparklers: July 9 Vintages Wine Release

The upcoming Vintages Release on Saturday, July 9 looked promising when I first gazed at the cover. However, I found the bulk of the 90+ wines were well over $20, and tasting notes that seemed a little dated based on the ageability of the wine.

On the other hand, the feature on Sparkling Wines, including Champagne is outstanding. Lots of variety with great value! On page 18, you will also find a table on various different methods used to make Sparkling wines.

If you're looking for something to cellar away for a couple of years, the Bordeaux red (#231886) from the great 2009 vintage, the 2007 Lirac (#213082) from Rhône, or the 2005 Lan Reserva (#042929) from Spain are good candidates.

Red Wine:

• LAN RESERVA 2005 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#042929) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU AUGUSTE 2009 - AC, Cuvée du Moulin, Bordeaux, France (#231886) (D) - $16.95
• LOMOND SYRAH 2008 - WO Cape Agulhas, South Africa (#146464) (XD) - $19.95
• BAGLIO DI PIANETTO SHYMER SYRAH/MERLOT 2008 - IGT Sicilia, Italy (#219501) (D) - $15.95
• DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR ANTARÈS LIRAC 2007 - AC, Rhône, France (#213082) (D) - $19.95

White Wine:

• LEONE DE CASTRIS MESSAPIA VERDECA 2009 - IGT Salento, Puglia, Italy (#221879) (D) - $14.95
• GURRUTXAGA TXAKOLI 2009 - DO Bizkaiko Txakolina, Spain (#240333) (XD) - $18.95
• MOLTÈS RÉSERVE RIESLING 2009 - AC Alsace, France (#223925) (D) - $17.95
• DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER RIESLING 2009 - QbA Mosel, Germany (#596601) (MD) - $12.95

Sparkling Wine:

• FERRÉ I CATASÚS BRUT RESERVA CAVA - Spain (#224717) (D) - $16.95
• LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D’AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - AC, Burgundy, France (#048793) (XD) - $18.95
• CERRINO BRÎCH MENU MOSCATO D’ASTI 2010 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#159822) (MS) - $13.95

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2009 Granacha Signargues (Rhône, France) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine was purchased in May, from the May 14 Vintages Wine Release, featuring wines from Southern Rhône.

Tasting Note:
Lovely cherry, brandy, raspberry, earth, pepper aromas. Strong herbal characteristics, some plum and tobacco on the palate; short finishing. Definitely ready to drink now, but lip-smacking tannins would reward cellaring 1-2 years. Will be having this with fish in curry sauce.

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2010 Malivoire LadyBug Rosé (Ontario) - Wine Review

To celebrate Canada Day, I was determined to choose something made locally. Fortunately, I had one Canadian-made wine ready to drink now (the rest are being aged). This wine was purchased from the May 14th Vintages Release, which had a tremendous focus on refreshing rosés.

2010 MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#559088) - $15.95

Tasting Note:
I have purchased this wine in previous vintages and enjoyed it each and every time. It has become a personal favourite. The 2010 features citrus, spring flowers, and strawberry aromas. Watermelon, red berries on the palate. Medium-bodied and feels heavy (not typical of a rosé.) Slightly off-dry. It's well made and definitely recommended. Happy Canada Day to all!

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2008 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel (California) - Wine Review

PREDATOR OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2008 - Lodi, California, USA (#219485) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Red fruits, milk chocolate, earthy, and light oak aromas. Dried cherry, fruit-forward, and some cocoa on the palate. Light to medium-bodied. Lacking a little oak for my palate, but otherwise good structure and well made. Having this tonight with curried chicken made over charcoal.

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Argentina + Canada Day Toast: June 25 Vintages Wine Release

Alright...here we go again. "The Heat Is On" Argentina as the primary focus of this Saturday's LCBO Vintages Release. With Canada Day celebrations around the corner, a few wines throughout the country (including Quebec) were highlighted - but none made my cut.

Many great value white wines in this Release. If you're looking for a dry offering, seek the Chardonnay (USA), Vinho Verde (Port.), Vernaccia di San Gimignano (Italy) or the Torrontés (Arg.). The other white wines are all off-dry - something sweeter for your taste buds.

A couple of rosés once again made my list - and I will likely pick up one of these on Saturday. Enjoy this week`s selection!

Red Wine:

• ZUCCARDI Q TEMPRANILLO 2008 - Santa Rosa Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina (#973503) - $19.95
• PERRIN LES CORNUDS VINSOBRES 2009 - AC, Rhône, France (#241604) - $15.00
• ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - La Consulta/Tupungato Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina (#140855) - $19.95
• CARLA CHIARO RESERVE MALBEC 2007 - Mendoza, Argentina (#235085) - $14.95

White Wine:

• CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CHARDONNAY 2009 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#232439) - $17.95
• SALTERIO ALBARIÑO 2010 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#002774) - $17.95
• BERTON VINEYARDS THE WHITE VIOGNIER 2010 - South Eastern Australia, Australia (#093435) - $14.95
• SOLAR DAS BOUÇAS LOUREIRO VINHO VERDE 2010 - DOC, Portugal (#221036) - $13.95
• PEDRO ESCUDERO FUENTE ELVIRA VERDEJO 2009 - DO Rueda, Spain (#218313) - $13.95
• TENUTE NICCOLAI SANTA CHIARA VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2009 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#231852) - $16.95
• FAMILIA ZUCCARDI ORGANICA TORRONTÉS 2010 - Mendoza, Argentina (#232694) - $ 13.95

Rosé Wine:

• TRUMPOUR’S MILL ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#055046) - $14.95
• FOLIE À DEUX MÉNAGE À TROIS ROSÉ 2009 - California, USA (#120220) - $17.95

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2008 Château la Verriere (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

CHÂTEAU LA VERRIÈRE 2008 - AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#199000) - $14.95

Tasting Note:

Cork was a bit dried out, even though it was purchased only in April 2011. Nevertheless, it did taste/smell like very delicious dark chocolate. Gold medal winner in 2010. Aromas of cherries, herbs, smoked wood aromas. On the palate - lots of lilac/violet flavours, plus some toasty smoked oak. Medium-full bodied with lovely, rich tannins. Long finishing fruit. Could have been held for another year, but definitely ready to drink now. Having this with cheese strings right now. ;)

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2010 Bieler Père et Fils Sabine Rosé (France) - Review

Purchased this dry Rosé earlier this week from the latest Vintages Release and chilled it for about 90 minutes in the refrigerator (a bit too much I think). But it warmed up quickly thanks to this great weather we're having!

BIELER PÈRE ET FILS SABINE ROSÉ 2010 - AC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence (#071423) - $12.95

Tasting Note:
Very light, pretty, peachy hue. Aromas: citrus, nectarine, peach, grass. Dry style with flavours of herbs and grass - reminds me of a Sauvignon Blanc, but stronger in flavour. Some bubbles, slightly acidic. Long finishing, especially for a rosé. Will be having this home-made chicken souvlaki with Greek salad on the side. Yum!

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Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2007 (Italy) - Wine Review

Here's my review of this Tuscan wine purchased last month as part of the May 28th Vintages Release. I decided to open this Chianti tonight knowing that it was ripe and ready to drink now, and ageing it would certainly reduce it's quality and appeal.

RENZO MASI CHIANTI RISERVA 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#969469) - $14.95

Tasting Note:
Ripe black cherry, blueberry, cedar, mocha, plum aromas. Full of blackberry, cola, tobacco flavours. Quite bitter for my palate. A touch of acidity on the medium-bodied, long finish. Ready tannins. Having this tonight with chicken meatballs in Indian curry.

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Veneto Italy + Father's Day Gifts - June 11 Vintages Wine Release

This week's Vintages Release on Saturday, June 11 features Veneto in all its glory, along with some new & notable wines from Ontario. Some expensive selections for Father's Day are also highlighted.

Among my picks, a Rosé made the list again, as well as a couple of refreshing whites for those sunny days on the patio. Among the several reds on my list, none stood out from the rest, but all appear enticing and ready to drink now! Enjoy!


Red Wine:

• CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS FAT CAT 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia (#222042) - $17.95
• ROSE HILL PRIVATE RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT 2007 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#233841) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU DU LUC LES MURETS CORBIÈRES 2008 - AC, Midi, France (#219410) - $16.95
• TENUTA SANT'ANTONIO MONTI GARBI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2008 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#029850) - $17.95
• ZENI COSTALAGO 2008 - IGT Rosso Veronese, Veneto, Italy (#220848) - $14.95
• PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARDS RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#226001) - $18.95
• COLONIA LAS LIEBRES BONARDA 2009 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#219303) - $11.95
• FALERNIA RESERVA SYRAH 2007 - Elquí Valley, Chile (#208371) - $15.95

White Wine:

• JARDIN BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2009 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#663336) - $17.95
• GIUSEPPE CAMPAGNOLA LE BINE MONTE FOSCARINO SOAVE CLASSICO 2009 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#134551) - $13.95

Rosé Wine:

• BIELER PÈRE ET FILS SABINE ROSÉ 2010 - AC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence (#071423) - $12.95

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Kruger-Rumpf Riesling Spätlese 2006 (Germany) - Review

Purchased this beaut back in January.

KRUGER-RUMPF RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2006 - QmP, Münsterer Dautenpflänzer, Nahe, Germany (MD) (#189662) - $16.95

Tasting Note:
Petrol, slate, mineral aromas. Delicious melon, peach, citrus flavours. Smooth and refreshing. Off-dry. If you like off-dry Reislings, this is definitely one to try today or in 10 years. Not sure what I'll be having this with...

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2006 Nativa Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile - Review

I'm a big fan of Chilean wines, so tonight's wine is an Organic version from Nativa. Purchased only last month as part of the April 30th Vintages Release.

NATIVA SINGLE VINEYARD GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 - Organically Grown, Maipo Valley, Chile (#975359) - $19.95

Tasting Note:
Gorgeous herbs (eucalyptus), pepper/spice, earth aromas. Raspberry, blackberry, herbal, cocoa/coffee flavours. Prevalent tannins would reward some years in cellar. Oak lays in (far) background. Dry. Medium-full bodied. Very nicely made for an organic wine. Recommended. Will be having this with Cajun Chicken Sliders and Fries.

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Cali Confidential + Alsace Alliance - May 28 Vintages Release

This week's LCBO Vintages Release on Saturday, May 28, 2011 focuses on wines from California. Now, because I'm not a big fan of Cali wines (because I find many of them grossly overpriced), I was left wondering if there would be anything in this release that I might purchase. Sure enough, I did find a couple of wines that appear to be good quality, and within budget!

There is also a minor focus on Alsatians wines from France - the Pinot Noir stood out for me. For the 2nd consecutive release, a couple more Rosés from Ontario were selected. (Check out the May 14 Vintages Release for 2 more quality Rosés.)


Red Wine:

• PREDATOR OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2008 - Lodi, California, USA (#219485) - $17.95
• RENZO MASI CHIANTI RISERVA 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#969469) - $14.95
• JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT NOIR 2009 - AC Alsace, France (#224618) - $14.95
• VIÑA HONDA CRIANZA 2006 - DO Jumilla, Spain (#208108) - $17.95
• SANTA JULIA MAGNA 2008 - Mendoza, Argentina (#093799) - $14.95
• BOMMARITO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#213918) - $19.95

White Wine:

• DOMAINE ROUX PÈRE & FILS MONTAGNY 1er CRU 2009 - AC, Burgundy, France (#208017) - $18.95
• TRES OLMOS LIAS VERDEJO 2009 - DO Rueda, Spain, (#218354) - $13.95

Rosé Wine:

• CATTAIL CREEK SERENDIPITY ROSÉ 2009 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#118059) - $14.95
• KACABA SUMMERTIME SERIES REBECCA ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#227025) - $14.95

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2007 Flagstone The Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon - Review

Not sure how I missed posting this when I opened the bottle, but here it is. Purchased this one back in January as part of the Smart Buys Release.

FLAGSTONE THE MUSIC ROOM CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - South Africa (#205245) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Cedar oak, cassis, smoky aromas. Cassis, cherry, espresso on the palate. Spicy mid-length, finishing smooth. Medium-full bodied. Ripe tannins and lip-smacking finish. Could be aged another 1-2 years, but definitely enjoyable now. Had this with spinach & chicken, with rice.

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2009 Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand - Review

Purchased this one back in April as part of the New Zealand / Easter release.

JULES TAYLOR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#224428) - $18.95

Tasting Note:
Classic gooseberry, nettle, some grass, and tinge of orange blossom aromas. Palate: Citrus with touch of honey. Flavourful. Dry. Long finish. Quite nice on this fine spring evening. Having this with vegetable lasagne.

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Audi A7 Launch Party

Earlier this week I attended the Audi A7 Launch party hosted by Pfaff Audi at Miele. This was my 2nd such event (the first was back in 2009 for the Q5 launch). This time, they had several serving stations featuring Asian cuisine, as well as some roving appetizers (yummy bbq shrimp!). Also on tap were the Erdinger wheat ale and a grapefruit-flavoured beer (I forget the name). Both were impressive! Now, because this is a wine blog, on to the wines...

Both wines were from Vineland Estates Winery from the Niagara Peninsula (Ontario). I started off with the Pinot Grigio. Normally, I'm not a big fan of this grape - but this wine is delicious. More of an apertif, off-dry style with peach, lemon, melon aromas and flavours. Crisp and refreshing!

After that, I had a glass of the Elevation Cabernet. This wine I did not enjoy at all. Aromas of dark fruit, and cocoa. On the palate - pungent fruit, tobacco/leather, petroleum flavours. Maybe it was just a bad bottle, I don't know.

Otherwise, I enjoyed the evening and thank Pfaff for the invitation. Until the next launch...

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2008 Oscar's Estate Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa (Australia) - Review

Purchased this one back in April as part of the New Zealand + Easter Vintages Release.

OSCAR'S ESTATE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia (#225631) - $15.95

Tasting Note:

Pepper, mint, herbal, blackberry, light oak/smoke aromas. On the palate, it opens with surprising gobs of sweet mulberry. Settles down with ripe blackberry fruits and cocoa. Easy drinking and fruit forward. It should pair nicely with the Chicken Lasagne we're having tonight!

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Southern Rhône + Refreshing Rosés - May 14 Vintages Release

This week's LCBO Vintages Release on Saturday, May 14 focuses on (mostly Grenache-based red) wines from the Southern Rhône region of France. As well, 3 styles of Rosés from various wine regions around the world - just in time for the Spring/Summer patio season.

The Ladybug from Malivoire is one of my favourite Rosés - and the 2010 looks to be a winner! My red wine picks for this week all look like they will reward if aged for 1-2 years. See for yourself and enjoy this week's selection!

Red Wine:

• LES VIGNERONS D'ESTÉZARGUES LA GRANACHA SIGNARGUES 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Vieilles Vignes, Unfiltered, France (#082560) - $17.95
• DOMAINE MARTIN CAIRANNE 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Unfiltered, France (#223461) - 16.95
• ELEMENTOS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Mendoza, Argentina (#218974) - $12.95
• SANTA CAROLINA DRY FARMING CARIGNAN 2008 - Cauquenes Valley, Chile (#213520) - $16.95
• DOMAINE CROZE-GRANIER CUVÉE RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 - AC, France (#736371) - $13.95
• TOR DEL COLLE RISERVA BRINDISI 2006 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#211847) - $12.95
• VINELAND PINOT MEUNIER 2009 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#225508) - $17.95

White Wine:

• SOLS & SENS LAUDUN 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France (#223438) - $13.95
• MICHEL DELHOMMEAU CUVÉE HARMONIE MUSCADET DE SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2009 - AC, Sur Lie, Loire, France (#164624) - $12.95

Rosé Wine:

• MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#559088) - $15.95
• STREWN CABERNET ROSÉ 2008 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#467753) - $13.95

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2009 Fontamara Pinot Grigio IGT (Italy) - Review

FONTAMARA PINOT GRIGIO TERRE DI CHIETI 2009 - IGT, Italy - $????

Tasting Note:
Received this one over Easter long weekend. Chilled the wine too much Friday evening, so had to wait for it to warm up. Once at a more optimal temperature, this wine showed aromas of apple, pear and light smokiness. Apple, pear, pale straw, gooseberry, nettle on the palate. Light oak evident. Dry and very straightforward. Having this tonight with spinach.

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2007 Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Estate Series Cabernet/Merlot - Review

Purchased this gem from fabulous Ontario Strikes Gold Release back in February.

WAYNE GRETZKY NO. 99 ESTATE SERIES CABERNET/MERLOT 2007 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#128652) - $19.95

Tasting Note:
VERY good offering from #99 himself. Lead/pencil/graphite, smoke aromas. All remain on the palate + cassis notes and blackberry. Medium-full bodied with a long finish. Chalky tannins that would have rewarded 2-3 years in the cellar, but definitely enjoyable now with a full flavoured dish - as I did last night.

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2002 Strewn Vidal Icewine - Review

Bought this one in 2007 and only realized during the Easter long weekend that I should have opened it sometime in 2009. Oops! Let's see how the extra ageing affected this Icewine.

STREWN VIDAL ICEWINE 2002 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#467746) - $24.95 (200 mL)

Tasting Note:
Honey, peach and toast aromas. On the palate it's Syrupy honey, peach, toast (butter). Creamy texture and sweet. Looks like the extra time in bottle did not hurt at all! I enjoyed this with a triple-berry cream cake from Longo's. Yum!

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Southern Italy and Families of Australia - April 30 Vintages Release

This Saturday's Vintages Release at the LCBO focuses on the wine-making families of Australia and highlights some of Italy's southern regions. Good quality in this release, but the prices seem to be edging ever closely to $20. All 4 of my Whites picked below look fantastic - it will be a tough choice which one(s) to purchase. Enjoy making the decision!

Red Wine:

• NATIVA SINGLE VINEYARD GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 - Organically Grown, Maipo Valley, Chile (#975359) - $19.95
• VALLE REALE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2007 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#216408) - $17.95
• FIRRIATO ETNA ROSSO 2008 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#219592) - $16.95
• LEONE DE CASTRIS SALICE SALENTINO ROSSO RISERVA 2006 - DOC, 50th Vintage, Puglia, Italy (#597534) - $16.95
• CHÂTEAU DE FONTENELLES CUVÉE RENAISSANCE 2006 - AC Corbières, Midi, France (#148692) - $18.95

White Wine:

• NAIA VERDEJO 2009 - DO Rueda, Spain (#211045) - $18.95
• McWILLIAM'S MOUNT PLEASANT ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 - Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia (#225441) - $19.95
• BÉRES PREMIUM SELECTION LÖCSE TOKAJI FURMINT 2007 - Hungary (#200154) - $18.95
• MEINHARDT HUBE STEINBACH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 - Südsteiermark, Austria (#211094) - $19.95

Dessert Wine:

• CAMPBELLS RUTHERGLEN MUSCAT - Victoria, Australia (#225425) - $19.95 (375 mL)

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2010 Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling, Niagara - Review

Tonight's wine is a local Riesling from the Niagara Peninsula. It's also from the latest Vintages Release that partly focused on food & wine pairings for Easter dinners.

FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#080234) - $16.95

Tasting Note:
Mineral, flowers, and honey aromas all follow through on the palate. Dry, soft, ripe and focused. Gorgeous with lots of flavour, and not over-bearing with sweetness. Had this tonight with chicken meatballs in curry.

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2009 Cave des Vignerons de Bel Air Beaujolais-Villages - Review

Opened this light, easy drinking Beaujolais - which was purchased from the latest LCBO Vintages Release - last night for guests who prefer red wines with little-to-no oak.

CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE BEL AIR BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2009 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#208058) - $13.95

Tasting Note:

Cherry, strawberry aromas and flavours. Some pepper notes. Finishes a touch smoky. Light-medium bodied with a medium-long finish. A lighter style of wine that appears unoaked and ready to drink now. Tasty!

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2008 Joseph Cattin Pinot Gris (Alsace, France) - Review

Purchased this one from the February 5th Vintages Release.

JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT GRIS 2008 - AC Alsace, France (#196956) - $18.95

Tasting Note:
Subdued orange, melon aromas. Definitely didn't expect the peach, apple, spiced pear, fennel/licorice, and oak flavours. Intense spicy start, finishes smooth. Delicious! Having this tonight with one of my favourite Indian dishes: spinach. Yum!

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New Zealand & Easter - April 16th Vintages Release

Starting with this Release and going forward, I will also be posting my Wine Picks a few days prior to the Release date so you have some time review, prior to heading to your local LCBO outlet on Saturday. I hope you are enjoying my bi-weekly selections and reviews.

The upcoming Vintages Release on Saturday, April 16th spotlights New Zealand and the upcoming Easter festivities.

My 2 Sauv Blanc picks from NZ are not your typical gooseberry/nettle/grassy/lemon/lime-style - they are different and definitely worth a look. There are also numerous reds that provide great value and will go well at get-togethers during Easter long weekend (and on many occasions this summer). Cheers!

Red Wine:

• OSCAR'S ESTATE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia (#225631) - $15.95
• BARONIA DEL MONTSANT FLOR D'ENGLORA ROURE 2009 - DO Montsant, Spain (#210989) - $15.95
• VILLA MATILDE ROCCA DEI LEONI AGLIANICO 2007 - IGT Campania, Italy (#165035) - $19.95
• CASAS DEL BOSQUE RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2009 - Rapel Valley, Chile (#205872) - $13.95
• APOLLONIO VALLE CUPA 2004 - IGT Salento Rosso, Puglia, Italy (#084046) - $17.95
• LONE KAURI RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2009 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#214858) - $16.95
• CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE BEL AIR BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2009 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#208058) - $13.95
• GROVE STREET CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#161190) - $15.00

White Wine:

• JULES TAYLOR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#224428) - $18.95
• FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#080234) - $16.95
• GIESEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 - The Brothers Land, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#223180) - 14.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS TRADITION SYRAH ROSÉ 2009 - AC Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) - $14.95

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2008 Kacaba Escarpment Cabernet/Syrah - Review

Received this from a friend last week who was at Kacaba Vineyards hosting an event that I was, unfortunately, unable to attend due to short notice. But, she graciously brought back this red wine for me.

Tasting Note:
Aromas of plum and raisin when opening. Crushed red berries, earth, barnyard, oak aromas in the glass. Currant, smoky, and light, new oak on the palate. Chalky tannins. Medium-bodied. Ripe and ready-to-drink. Overall, this red makes a nice impression, but something seems to be lacking that would make it an "exceptional" wine.

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Burgundy & South Africa - April 2nd Vintages Release

Today's Vintages Release focuses on wines from Burgundy (France) and South Africa. There are some quality wines in this release, but for the most part, I found it a little weak among Reds. For white wine lovers, there are quite a few nice backyard on-the-patio sippers. Enjoy!


Red Wine:

• CHÂTEAU LA VERRIÈRE 2008 - AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#199000) - $14.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM GAMAY 2009 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#291112) - $14.95
• PISANO RÍO DE LOS PÁJAROS RESERVE TANNAT 2008 - AO Progreso, Uruguay (#222141) - $16.95
• ROUX PÈRE & FILS CÔTE DE BEAUNE-VILLAGES 2009 - AC, Burgundy, France (#208520) - $17.95
• THE OAK VALLEY BLEND 2005 - WO Elgin, South Africa (#214361) - $16.95
• OLIVARES ALTOS DE LA HOYA MONASTRELL 2008 - Do Jumilla, Spain (#163154) - $13.95

White Wine:

• DOMAINE SAINT-SATURNIN DE VERGY BOURGOGNE HAUTES CÔTES DE NUITS BLANC 2009 - AC, Burgundy, France (#128686) - $18.95
• CATTAIL CREEK CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ 2009 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#222257) - $17.20
• CHÂTEAU LA GRAVE D'ARZAC BLANC 2009 - AC Graves, Bordeaux, France (#206714) - $14.95
• SAN FELICE PEROLLA VERMENTINO 2009 - IGT Maremma Toscana, Italy (#222802) - $15.95

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2008 Chateau d'Argan AC Medoc: Review

Opened this Bronze Medal winner on Saturday evening:

CHÂTEAU D'ARGAN 2008 - AC Medoc, Bordeaux, France (#199018) - $16.95

Tasting Note:

Cassis, blackberry and black cherry notes. Some fine tannins remain, could have been aged for 1-2 years, but definitely enjoyable now. Dry, medium-bodied. Very good!

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Scheid Vineyards Odd Lot White 2008: Review

Tonight's wine is a 2008 white from Scheid Vineyards. Not really sure how this landed in my cellar, but here goes:

SCHEID VINEYARDS ODD LOT WHITE 2008 - Monterey, California, USA

Review:
Butter, mineral/slate aromas definitely do not forewarn of the sweet flavours to follow. Off-dry style with creamy peach, lime notes. Quite nice, pleasant to drink if you like white wines on the sweeter side. Needed a bit more time to chill prior to opening (look for an update later in an hour or so). Will be having it with masala-fried whiting fish.

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Spain & Portugal - Rivers of Gold. March 19 Release

This week's Vintages Release has a special feature on wines from Portugal and Spain. As such, I've chosen a few Spanish and Portuguese wines. A few wines from other parts of the world also stood out. Without further ado, here are my top Vintages Wine Picks from this latest release. Enjoy!

Red Wine:

• ETERNUM VITI 2008 - DO Toro, Spain (#210963) - $18.95
• FINCA SOBREÑO CRIANZA 2007 - DO Toro, Spain (#040360) - $17.95
• COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES MERLOT 2006 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#263418) - $15.95
• THE WATCHER 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia (#219196) - $19.95
• SERRADAYRES RESERVA 2008 - DOC Ribatejo, Portugal (#214023) - $14.95
• ROSSO DEL PIGARO PIGARO 2007 - IGT Rosso Veronese, Veneto, Italy (#203992) - $14.95

White Wine:

• ADEGA VILA REAL RESERVA BRANCO 2009 - DOC Duoro, Portugal (#218289) - $14.95
• SIETEFINCAS CHARDONNAY 2010 - Selected Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina (#222752) - $13.95

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Argentina, Chile, Northern Italy - March 5th Vintages Release

Here are my picks for the Vintages Release on Saturday, March 5th. If you will be trying any of these, let me know. I'd love to hear your review! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• TERRE DI RUBINORO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2006 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#206862) - $17.95
• BODEGAS CALLIA MAGNA SHIRAZ 2008 - Tulum Valley, San Juan, Argentina (#218818) - $15.95
• PISONI TEROLDEGO 2008 - IGT Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Alta Adige/Trentino, Italy (#209353) - $14.95
• ELDERTON FRIENDS VINEYARD SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Barossa, South Australia, Australia (#595389) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU HYOT 2006 - AC Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France (#063537) - $14.95
• DOMAINE DE MATABRUNE BOURGUEIL 2009 - AC, Loire, France (#196865) - $14.95
• SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#684597) - $15.00

White Wine:

• AMARAL COOL CLIMATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 - Leyda Valley, Chile (#048025) - $14.95
• BÉRES TOKAJI SÁRGAMUSKOTÁLY 2008 - Hungary (#200147) - $12.95 (MD)
• TERENZUOLA VERMENTINO 2009 - DOC Colli di Luni, Liguria, Italy (#205823) - $17.95

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