Monthly Picks: January 2011

Quinta Da Garrida 2006 Vinho Tinta (Dao) Portugal - $12-17
Savoury, smoky and earthy in character with some dark berry fruit notes on both the nose and palate. Very smooth with well-structured medium tannins and acidity. A moderate-plus finish with lingering spicy-oak.
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Xanadu Wines 2007 Next of Kin Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River) Western Australia - $15
Good concentration of cassis, dark cherry, vanilla and earth characters on the bright nose and well-balanced palate.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - $19
Crisp, yet juicy citrus fruits of grapefruit and lemon dominate the nose and palate of this refreshing, pale straw coloured wine. Dry, with just enough residual sugar (2 g/l) to tame the austere acidity and mineral notes nicely.
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Young and Wyse Collection 2009 Merlot (East Bench Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - $20
Crushed dark berries dominate and provide the sweetness accompanied by warm stone aromas reminiscent of the desert-like conditions of Osoyoos itself.
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Altesino 2007 Rosso Tuscana (Montalcino) Tuscany - $23
This is a well balanced wine with structured tannins and good acidity. Pair this wine with braised meat dished like Osso Buco. Drinking beautifully now, don't cellar for long.
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Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Village Reserve Chardonnay (Vinemount Ridge) Niagara Peninsula - $25
A well-balanced, Burgundian recipe of oak, fruit on the edge of ripeness, silky textures and minerality. This is a good quality Chardonnay that is drinking beautifully now and will last another few years.
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Poplar Grove Winery 2007 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - $30
This is a serious Syrah, dark and brooding, with a good expression of terroir and spicy pepper notes. Oak treatment enhances the nose and palate without overshadowing the fruit characters.
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