WHITES:
89 Riesling Spatlese Trocken 2010 Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Kerpen, Allemagne 11409338 22,95 $
Tasted with a group of knowledgeable winos, this lovely Riesling pleased all. Advertized dry (trocken), a few grams of residual sugar add richness and texture. Typical peach, citrus and petrol scents. Fresh acidity assures balance. Perfect as an aperitif. 

89 Riesling Eroica 2008 Columbia Valley, Château Ste-Michelle & Dr. Loosen, États-Unis 10749681 24 $  
Joint venture between Château Ste-Michelle of Washington State and the famous German producer Ernst Loosen.  Superb Riesling with peach, apple and a hint of petroleum. Regardless of the few grams of residual sugar, it remains fresh and lively. Lovely semi-dry white for sushi and sashimi or as an aperitif.

88 Odisseia Reserva 2010 Douro, Jean-Hugues Gros,
Portugal 11349056 21,45 $
The best Douro whites offer ripe flavours with fresh acidity. Partially barrel fermented, its well oaked nose brims with tropical fruit and citrus scents. Soft acidity good balance and a hint of bitterness that adds length. Try it with a Greek  salad.

87 Bourgogne Jurassique 2010 Jean-Marc Brocard, France 11459087 19,95$ 
A light, lively and refreshing white with great minerality and lots of green apple and citrus. A slight bitter finish adds length. Quite reminiscent of Chablis.

87 Monte Fiorentine 2009 Soave Classico, Ca’ Rugate, Italie 11775061 19,75 $ Made with the indigenous Garganega grape, this seductive white displays fruity aromas of apples and pears. Medium weight with soft acidity, a hint of bitterness, good balance and length. An easy drinking flavourful white to marry with pasta with broccoli, anchovies and garlic.

REDS:
93 Château Montus Prestige 2002 Madiran, Sud-Ouest, France 705475 52,50 $
Graphite with blackberries and a hint of smoke. Full bodied with solid tannins but remains elegant. Already enjoyable and will continue to improve over the next 3 to 5 years. A well balanced and ripe Madiran. Superb !

92 Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Grande Réserve 2007, Domaine de Mourchon France 32,85$ $ (514) 742-7682 Private Import
 Quite complex nose with scents of ripe berries, sweet spices and hints of terroir. A modern styled rich and full bodied Rhône red with good structure and potential (4 to 6 years). Better than many Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  

90 Syrah Reserva 2008 Mendoza, Bodegas Norton, Argentina 10961884 18,10 $
Great wine for the price ! A superb Syrah brimming with ripe berries (currant, blackberry).         Quite full and flavourful but remains elegant. Volume, richness, velvety tannins and good balance. Try with seared duck breast.

90 Copa Santa 2009 Coteaux du Languedoc, Domaine Clavel,
France 10282857 24,40 $
A lovely blend of Syrah (77 %), Grenache (17 %) and Mourvèdre (6 %) that offers good extract and charming ripe flavours. Almost sweet, its Syrah dominated nose displays scents of field berries, black licorice and smoke. Lots of character with supple tannins. Ideal with grilled lamb.

90 Dominio del Bendito 2009 Toro, Spain 11155251 21,40 $
In the Toro region, Tempranillo is called Tinto de Toro.  Ripe and full with floral and blackberry scents. Lots of extract and character, rich and plump. Try with Italian sausage pizza.

89 Grande Cuvée 2007 Coteaux du Languedoc-Pic Saint-Loup, Château de Lancyre, France 864942 25,70 $
In a modern style : lots of extract and structure. Ripe nose : blackberries, smoke and a hint of animal.  Soft and velvety, rich and full bodied but surprisingly easy drinking. Try with simply grilled beef.

89 Malbec 20010 Mendoza, Acahval Ferrer, Argentina 11473268 23,50 $
We like Malbec in this province! Just look at Cahors sales to confirm.  Subtle nose offering hints of animal, graphite and field berries.   Full bodied with firm tannins and good aging potential (3 to 5 years).

89 Baby Bush Mourvèdre 2010 Barossa Valley, Hewitson,
Australia 11370509 23,95$
This lovely Mourvèdre displays a ripe seductive nose. Typical Barossa intensity and richness. Well balanced and surprisingly charming. Should marry well with grilled lamb cutlets.

88 Cormi 2007 IGT Veneto, Zenato, Italy 11462083 22,95$
The Cormi is a lovely blend of Corvina and Merlot. Some of the fruit was dried 2 months to concentrate flavours. Jammy nose, velvety flavours and quite tasty. Soft and seductive. Try with the Holiday turkey.

88 Carmenère Reserva de Familia 2009 Valle del Rapel, Santa Carolina,
Chile  11386893 20,20$
This Bordelais grape almost vanished, but Chile revived Carmenère and has made it its signature grape. Reputed for its deeply coloured and structured reds with scents of peppers and currant, la Reserva de Familia is true to its origin. A full bodied intense red with some potential (2 to 3 years). Ideal for meat dishes.

88 Sangervasio 2007 Toscana, Sangervasio, Italy 11201537 19,60 $
This organically grown blend of Sangiovese (70 %), Merlot (20 %)  and Cabernet Sauvignon (10 %) is made in a full flavoured traditional style. Slightly oaked, earthy, with some ripe red fruit and hints of animal.  A very tasty and lengthy rosso, perfect for an Osso Bucco.

88 Donnadieu 2010 Saint-Chinian,  Clos Bagatelle, France  642652 16,95 $
Soft and supple with lots of ripe youthful fruit. A lovely blend of Syrah (40 %), Grenache (35 %) and Carignan (25 %) that should satisfy the fan of ripe low acid wines. Try with grilled pork fillets previously marinated in balsamic vinegar and red wine.

88 Petalos 2009 Bierzo, Descendientes de J. Palacios Spain 10551471 21,60 $
From the Mencia grape. Superb nose offering dark plums, black pepper with just enough oak. Medium bodied, well balanced, very flavourful with velvety tannins. Try with a beef and broccoli Asian style dish.

85 Vila Regia 2009 Douro, Sogrape Vinhos, Portugal 464388 10,10 $
This everyday red is from the indigenous varieties of the Douro :Touriga Nacional and Francesa, Tinta Barocca and Roriz.  Seductively fruity but discreet nose. A light bodied, soft and supple easy drinking red ideal for grilled chicken.

DESSERT WINES :
90 Banyuls Rimage 2009 Roussillon, Domaine La Tour Vieille,
France 884908 22$ (500ml)  
Similar to Port, Banyuls is usually  lighter and more elegant in style. Made from  Grenache noir, it is delicate and soft, but remains rich and full. Lighter in alcohol (16,5 %) it offers a lovely aroma of jammy field berries.

88 Porto Late Bottled Vintage 2006 Offley, Portugal 10455383 20,50 $
Superb nose displaying ripe plums, dried raisins and black licorice. A rather rich and velvety LBV with good length. Quite intense but remains elegant, it should marry well with chocolate desserts.

TOP 10 SPARKLING:
90 Cuvée No. 1 Marlborough, No. 1 Family Estate,
New-Zealand 11140658 34,50 $   
Made according to the « méthode traditionnelle champenoise» and 100 % Chardonnay, it offers finesse and a refreshing character. Will surprise the Champagne aficionado.

90 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs 2005 Domaine Carneros,
California 11604782 51,75 $
One of the best California sparklers. From Chardonnay only. Quite delicate and charming.
 
89  Brut Prestige Mumm Napa, California 265678 26,95 $
Constant quality. Well balanced with a fresh finish. Lovely !

89 Cuvée Prestige Brut Franciacorta, Ca’ del Bosco, Italy 11008024 33 $
Flavourful and easy to drink. Quite similar to Champagne.

88 Perle Rare Crémant de Bourgogne 2006, Louis Bouillot,
France 884379 20,25 $
What a bargain ! Superior to many Champagnes. Balanced and elegant.

88 Montesina Dizero Brut Blanc de Blancs, Franciacorta, Marchesi Antinori,
Italy 11355528 45,25 $
Very Champagne like: toasted bread nose of good intensity. Well balanced.

88 Brut Anderson Valley Roederer Estate, California 294181 26,65 $
Lively, intense and seductive: typically Californian.

87 Chandon Brut Classic, Domaine Chandon California 11456038 24,25 $
For those who prefer a soft sweet finish.

87 Cuvée de l’Écusson Brut, Caves Bernard-Massard Luxembourg 95158 17,75 $
This cuvée is proof that we do not have to pay big bucks for excellent sparkling wine.

87 Blason de Bourgogne Brut Réserve Crémant de Bourgogne, Caves de Marsigny, France 10970131 19,45 $ 
Reminiscent of Champagne with its high acidity and slight bitter finish.

SPARKLING : TWO SPANISH DEALS
87 Parés Balta Brut Cava, Penedes 10896365 15,65 $
Great nose and character at a great price.

86 Brut Classico Cava, Codorniu 503490 13,55 $ 86
Typical toasted nose. What a bargain !

CHAMPAGNES : for those who need to pay more !
90 Brut Majeur, Ayala 11553137 51,25 $
Evolved nose of toasted bread and nuts. Very dry, refreshing and good length. A well aged Champagne.

88 Henri Abelé Brut,  Champagne Henri Abelé 11469568 59,75 $
Also evolved nose of apples and cider. A classic Champagne, fresh and elegant.

88 Special Cuvée Bollinger 384529 65,50 $
Slightly toasted nose, lively and refined. A classic !

87 La Cuvée Brut Veuve A. Devaux 11551852 62,75 $
Fresh and delicate, still youthful with a typical dry finish.

87 Brut Rosé 2006 Louis Roederer 368415 87 $
Few good rosés out there. Fruity nose, soft with a charming touch of sweetness.

«Certains ce ces produits ont été dégustés pour le magazine Vins & Vignobles»

Point Scale 

Red wines   Rosée wines   White wines   Sparkling wines/Champagne

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