January 22 - Vintages

GLASS MOUNTAIN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
California, Vintner’s Selection
Despite the name of the winery, there is nothing
delicate about this fruit-driven, ripe Californian
Cab. Loaded with dark fruit, black pepper, vanilla
and smoke, this wine packs a real punch and
calls for meaty fare to keep pace with it. Enjoy it
with gourmet sausages, barbecued ribs or steak.
727511 (D) 750 mL $14.95 2
NAPA CELLARS MERLOT 2007
Napa Valley
This wine garnered a Platinum Medal – the
highest honours – at the 2010 San Diego
International Wine Competition.
TASTING NOTE: A great buy in a smooth, dry
Merlot that shows real Napa elegance and style.
It’s medium-bodied and lush, with appealing
cherry, currant, licorice, tobacco, mocha and
spice flavors. Drink now for the immediate appeal.
Score: 90 (Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 15, 2010)
161299 (XD) 750 mL $23.95 2
Featured as our Benchmark
NOVY SYRAH 2007
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Syrah is a textbook
effort revealing notes of pepper, forest floor, black
olives, earth, and copious black fruits. It is a
fleshy, round, dense wine with gorgeous purity as
well as a long, heady finish. Enjoy it over the
next 4-5 years. Drink: 2009-2014. Score: 91
(Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com,
Aug. 2009)
208959 (D) 750 mL $27.95 2
DISCOVER OUR LATEST • SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011
RAVENSWOOD
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2008
Lodi
TASTING NOTE: Medium-deep ruby colour.
Impressive array of aromas, including blackberry,
sweet black cherry, bumbleberry pie, freshly
turned earth, and masala spice. Dry and quite
flavourful, and very nicely balanced by a racy
freshness and velvety tannins. This hefty but
vibrant wine is an ideal match for Korean-style
ribs. It will also reward 1-3 years in a cellar.
(VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2010)
942599 (D) 750 mL $19.95 2
TRENTADUE OLD PATCH RED 2006
North Coast
TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby in the glass, this
Zinfandel-based blend offers generous notes of
toast, vanilla and red fruits on the nose and
palate. Dry and medium bodied, with a toasty,
medium-long finish. Really over-delivers at this
price. This is a great barbecue wine, so wait for a
particularly mild day (or just throw on your parka)
and slap some juicy ribs on the grill. Will also pair
nicely with zesty pulled-pork sandwiches.
(VINTAGES panel, May 2010)
686709 (D) 750 mL $15.95 2
OREGON
COOPER HILL PINOT NOIR 2008
Willamette Valley,
Made With Organic Grapes
(Cooper Mountain Vineyards)
Our Quality Assurance Laboratory determined
that this wine contains 16 mg/L of free sulphur.
TASTING NOTE: Light and airy, with a welcome
transparency to the raspberry and cherry flavors,
hinting at tobacco and mineral as the finish
lingers delicately. Drink now through 2013. Smart
Buy. Score: 89 (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com,
July 31, 2010)
199802 (D)
4 Organic Product
750 mL $21.95 2
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011 VINTAGES 37