February 5 - Vintages

SANDBANKS 10 TH ANNIVERSARY
SELECTION BACO NOIR 2009
VQA Ontario
TASTING NOTE: A crowd-pleasing red that’s
chockfull of charm and rich, fruit flavour, it jumps
from the glass with a whoosh of sweet vanilla and
concentrated, dark field-berry aromas. Palatecoating
flavours of black currant jam, plum
compote, some spice and hints of dark chocolate
persist through the lingering, lip-smacking finish.
It’s medium-full bodied and looking for a hearty
companion – grilled steak, osso bucco or leg
of lamb … Score: HHHHK (Vic Harradine,
www.winecurrent.com, Dec. 8, 2010)
211318 (D) 750 mL $19.95 1
BRITISH COLUMBIA
DIRTY LAUNDRY
BORDELLO 2008
VQA Similkameen Valley
The origins of Dirty Laundry Vineyards’ name are
delightfully unseemly. In the early 20th century,
the town of Summerland was a centre for furtraders
and gold-miners. A laundry was opened to
clean the clothes of the men who came through
town. The owner quickly realized his back rooms
could have another use, as a bawdy-house and
gambling den. The winery’s name is a tribute
to this unsavoury history. Their Bordello red is a
blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The
2008 is a big, flavourful, age-worthy wonder that
is bound to attract awards and acclaim, as the
2007 vintage did.
219717 (D) 750 mL $49.95 2
USA – WHITE WINE
CALIFORNIA
BERINGER FOUNDERS’ ESTATE
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009
California
Beringer’s focus on crafting well-balanced
Sauvignon Blanc that is true to the variety’s
essence, yet still unmistakably Californian, shines
through wonderfully here. Soft and approachable
with aromas of citrus fruit and fresh-cut grass.
The palate unveils ripe tropical fruit and a touch
of toast, leading to a refreshing, fruity finish.
Enjoy this well-priced wine with grilled prawns or
even a spicy curry.
031815 (D) 750 mL $17.95 1
DISCOVER OUR LATEST • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2011
GHOST PINES WINEMAKER’S BLEND
CHARDONNAY 2007
Monterey/Napa/Sonoma Counties
(Louis M. Martini Winery)
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Chardonnay exhibits
plenty of pineapple, nectarine, pear, and peach
characteristics in its fresh, lively, medium to
full-bodied, crisp personality. The oak is kept
well in the background ... The Ghost Pines
offerings merit serious attention from bargain
hunting consumers. Score: 88 (Robert Parker
Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008)
136408 (D) 750 mL $19.95 2
KALI HART CHARDONNAY 2008
Monterey County
(Robert Talbott Vineyards)
TASTING NOTE: Though Talbott makes pricier
Chards than this one, the Kali Hart is my favorite,
because it’s consistently well made and well priced.
It has aromas of bright tropical fruit and pineapple,
along with melon and tropical fruit flavors. It has
zippy acidity and minimal oak character. Score: 91
(Tina Caputo, www.winereviewonline.com,
Feb. 16, 2010)
046417 (D) 750 mL $21.95 2
ROBERT YOUNG CHARDONNAY 2006
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
TASTING NOTE: Smooth, rich and creamy, with
ripe pear, hazelnut, toasty oak and a hint of
mineral and bubble gum, gaining complexity and
length and ending with a delicate note. Drink
now through 2011. Score: 90 (James Laube,
www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2009)
670430 (XD) 750 mL $46.95 1
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2011 VINTAGES 31