Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
www.nataliemaclean.com

Vintages Release June 9, 2012

Login to see Natalie's scores and notes

Reviewed Wines | All Wines | Group by Wine Type | Group by Country/Region

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Dessert Wine

Fonseca Porto Bin No. 27 Reserve Fonseca Guimaraens Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Deep purple and black plums with blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and rich: like the perfect live-out boyfriend. Drink: 2012 - 2017 156877 20% S 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Les Avaux 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 1998, A.C., Burgundy, France Drink: 2012 - 2016 932855 14% XD 750 mL $52.95 June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean-Philippe Janoueix Château Le Conseiller Meritage 2016, A.C., Bordeaux, France Drink: 2019 - 2027 135731 13% XD 750 mL $25.00 June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mont Tauch Le Tauch Fitou 2009, A.C., Midi, France: Savoury and rustic with a full-bodied weight and black fruit. A pleasantly bitter finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 272484 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rocca Delle Macìe Riserva Chianti 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A juicy, full-bodied red with aromas of sundried tomato, earth and some pleasantly tart black cherry. Chianti food pairings: charcuterie platter, carbonara pasta. Drink: 2012 - 2015 111641 13.9% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Durigutti Bonarda 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Straight up pleasure with ripe blackberry and plum aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and smooth. Great party wine. Bonarda food pairings: marinated meats, grilled burgers. Drink: 2012 - 2015 275164 13.9% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Norton Reserva Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Juicy and full-bodied with blackberry and black currant aromas wrapped up in some toasty oak. Good acidity. Drink: 2012 - 2015 17061 14.7% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Lackey Kilakanoon Wines Shiraz 2009, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, luscious and mouth-watering with fleshy ripe black plums and blackberries. Terrific price. Pair with great conversation. Shiraz food pairings: spicy ribs, roast leg of lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2015 5199 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean-Philippe Janoueix Château Le Conseiller Meritage 2008, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Rustic, sturdy and savoury: great taste for the money. Tannic so decant for 2 hours. Classic Bordeaux structure with smoke, black fruit for a fraction of the price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 135731 13% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 88/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henri De Villamont Prestige Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: A lovely, light- to medium-bodied silky red with joyous aromas of bright cherries and field raspberries. Incredibly great price for this quality. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb burgers with bacon, pheasant in a red-wine reduction. 84616 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Crianza, Bodegas Alitus 2003, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Ultra dry with dried red fruit and herb aromas. Leather and smoke co-mingle on the finish. Food pairings: thick barbecued porterhouse steak. Drink: 2012 - 2015 167601 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Altaïr Sideral 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Huge! Big black fruit, lots of oak and alcohol: definitely your full palate whack. Superbly made and enjoyed. Drink: 2012 - 2016 660837 14.8% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pio Cesare Barbera D'alba 2009, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Savoury and juicy with mouth-watering flavours of tart black fruit and some smoke on the finish. Barbera D'alba food pairings: Italian cheeses, veal in a truffle and mushroom sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 938886 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2008, Santa Rosa Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina: Succulent, juicy and meaty with big, black fruit aromas and flavours. Judicious use of oak, good balance, very tasty. Tempranillo food pairings: roast leg of lamb, suckling pig. Drink: 2012 - 2015 973503 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marques De Casa Concha Peumo Vineyards Concha Y Toro Merlot 2009, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Big mocha and espresso from the oak aging supported by fleshy ripe blackberries and black plums. Rich and smooth. Drink: 2012 - 2015 939827 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Block Las Terrazas, Old Pirque Vineyard Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Pirque, Maipo Valley, Chile: Full-bodied and smooth with black plum, blackberry and mocha aromas. Nice balance. Great for barbecues. Drink: 2012 - 2015 562918 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Oveja Negra The Lost Barrel 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Black fruit and generous oak on this full-bodied, smooth red. Terrific juicy and meaty flavours. Drink: 2012 - 2015 273979 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Les Avaux 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Full-bodied for a Burgundian pinot noir with rich layers of black cherry and some mocha from the oak aging. Decant for an hour. Drink: 2012 - 2016 932855 14% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Remo Farina Montecorna Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Delicious! This full-bodied and juicy red offers aromas of fleshy ripe blackberries and raspberries. This wine would pair well with hearty meat dishes. It would also be an excellent dinner party wine or host gift. Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso food pairings: prime rib, filet mignon, pasta with meat sauces. Drink: 2012 - 2015 56267 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bellingham Merlot Malbec 2009, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Amazing especially at this price! Full-bodied with some spicy oak and damson plums. So beautifully balanced. My eyes keep drifting back to that price, wow. Drink: 2012 - 2015 129718 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J.Lohr Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Paso Robles, California, United States: Mocha with black plum nose followed by cassis and blackcurrant on the palate. Velvet smooth with a full-bodied weight. Nicely balanced. Great dinner party wine. 686584 14.9% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Macrostie Pinot Noir 2007, Carneros, California, United States: Lovely with bright cherry aromas on the nose, then a sunshine-filled palate of fresh field berries and mouth-watering juiciness. Silky with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012 - 2016 271460 14.2% D 375 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Macrostie Pinot Noir 2007, Carneros, California, United States: Lovely with bright cherry aromas on the nose, then a sunshine-filled palate of fresh field berries and mouth-watering juiciness. Silky with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012 - 2016 674911 14.2% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mcnicol Aj & Cj Mitchell Shiraz 2003, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Smoky and loaded with oak and black fruit. Dark fruit and a long finish. Full-on palate whack! Drink: 2012 - 2016 278572 14% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 91/100. June 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Balanced and elegant with layers of dark fruit and complexity. I love that this is not a fruit bomb: shows what Australia is capable of in the finesse category. Nice acidity for a variety of dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2016 21017 14.5% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. June 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mayu Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009, Elqui Valley, Coquimbo, Chile: Love it! Big smoky. Mocha black fruit with generous layers of luscious dark flavours on the palate. Terrific price for such quality. Drink: 2012 - 2015 90035 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. June 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Potro De Piedra Family Reserve Viña Requingua Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2008, Curicó Valley, Chile: New World fruit and energy with Old World styling and balance. Really liking this wine! Terrific balance with juicy, mouth-watering dark fruit flavours and a lovely finish. Drink: 2012 - 2016 273995 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. June 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Grenache Syrah 2009, A.P., Côteaux Du Languedoc, Montpeyroux, Midi, France: Incredibly juicy with fleshy ripe purple and black plums and the most seductive aromas of wild violets in the middle of a forest. A profusion for the senses. Make yourself happy. Grenache Syrah food pairings: marinated beef kebabs. Drink: 2012 - 2016 147983 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. June 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Love this juicy, black-hearted wonder! Beautifully structured with layers of exotic black fruit and some smoke. Drink: 2013 - 2018 942607 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 92/100. June 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Van Ruiten Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Love it! Concentrated and complex from the old vine intensity on the grapes. Balanced and juicy yet a lot more dimension than most zins. Try this and you'll love zin. Superb! Zinfandel food pairings: smokehouse ribs, gourmet char-grilled burgers. Drink: 2012 - 2016 58685 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. June 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean-Philippe Janoueix Château Le Conseiller Meritage 2018, Bordeaux A.C., France Drink: 2020 - 2028 135731 13% XD 750 mL $25.00 June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Block Las Terrazas, Old Pirque Vineyard Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Pirque, Maipo Valley, Chile Drink: 2012 - 2015 562918 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Kaiken Malbec Rosé 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied with ripely sweet cherry fruit. Tasty. Malbec Rosé food pairings: grilled eggplant and red peppers on foccacia, paella. Drink: 2012 - 2014 169375 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Cadierenne Bandol Cuvée Grande Tradition Rosé 2011, A.C., Provence, France: Delicious with robust aromas and flavours of strawberries and raspberries. This is high alcohol for a rose, but it's balanced. Rosé food pairings: spicy grilled lamb, chicken dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2014 119453 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Regaleali Le Rose Tasca D'almerita Rosé 2011, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Big acidic attack up front softens on the palate with strawberry notes. Needs food... Cries out for it. Rosé food pairings: grilled salmon with lemon and dill. Drink: 2012 - 2014 276329 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cabriz Dão Sul Rosé 2011, D.O.C., Dão, Portugal: Delightful, fresh, dry and straight-forward with faint notes of small, field strawberries. Rosé food pairings: barbecued pork, churrasco chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2014 30445 12% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Les Maitres Vignerons de la Presquile de Saint Tropez Carte Noire Rosé 2011, Côtes De Provence A.C., France: This is a long-time favourite rose of mine. Lovely fields of strawberries forever with a mouth-quenching acidity. Rosé food pairings: smoked salmon and cream cheese on crostini. Drink: 2012 - 2014 319384 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Perrin & Fils Tavel Rosé 2011, A.C., Rhône, France: Rose is a carefree wine but this one is complex is the most delightful way! Layers of rose petal, strawberry and sunshine. Love it! Rosé food pairings: grilled chicken, seafood salads, bouillabaisse, pork tenderloin, grilled lamb chops. Drink: 2012 - 2014 680801 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. June 2012. Top Rated Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Enrico Serafino Moscato D'asti 2011, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Lovely peach preserves and honeysuckle, yet it's still oddly refreshing (must be the acidity). Moscato D'asti food pairings: sushi appetizers. Drink: 2012 - 2014 134833 6% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Faive Brut, Nino Franco Sparkling Rosé 2010, Veneto, Italy: A toasty bubbly with mild field berry notes. Crisp, dry and refreshing. Sparkling Rosé food pairings: veal tenderloin, fish and chips. Drink: 2012 - 2014 31567 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Alamos The Wines Of Catena Chardonnay 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Balanced yet full-bodied with hazelnut richness and green apple aromas and flavours. Great price! Chardonnay food pairings: crab cakes, grilled fish, chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 801571 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010, Limari Valley, Chile: Full-bodied with a good acidic attack of green apple vibrancy. Drink: 2012 - 2015 162040 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Pierre De La Grange Vielle Vignes Sèvre Et Maine Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet 2010, A.C., Sur Lie, Loire, France: Lemon vibrancy with a strong acidic attack that cries out for food. No heavy oak. Clean and refreshing. Drink: 2012 - 2015 274654 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bollini Empson & Co. Pinot Grigio 2011, D.O.C., Trentino, Italy: Clean and crisp with lime, grapefruit and white melon aromas. Great aperitif. Pinot Grigio food pairings: grilled prawn dish, hors d’oeuvres. 951319 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. June 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Barrel Aged Pinot Gris 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Zesty lemon and lime vibrancy with a crisp, clean finish. Medium-bodied. Pinot Gris food pairings: grilled tuna, smoky (not saucy) pulled pork on a bun. Drink: 2012 - 2015 177766 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Caliterra Tributo Single Vineyard Algarrobo Block Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Leyda Valley, Chile: Refreshing and grassy with come-alive flavours of lime and chives. Wake up to spring and the rest of your life. Drink: 2012 - 2014 283648 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2010, Q.B.A., Pfalz, Germany: Summer forever! I'm buying 2 cases. Light-bodied with delicate pear and peach aromas. The moderated sweetness makes it a divine aperitif or companion to many dishes from glazed ham to Asian and spicy. Riesling food pairings: lightly spiced Thai, Indian cuisine. Drink: 2012 - 2016 568634 10.5% M 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concha y Toro Reserva Concha Y Toro Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Casablanca, Rapel, Limarí Valleys, Chile: Classic Chilean Sauvignon Blanc with grassy good aromas and herbal refreshment. Terrific acidity for food. Clean and crisp. Drink: 2012 - 2014 649129 13.4% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Moncontour Demi-Sec Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2010, A.C., Loire, France: While this is an off-dry wine, the lovely acidity makes it seem much drier and more savoury. Love this: so different with lemon zest and Asian pear aromas. Drink: 2012 - 2016 16709 11.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandhill Small Lots Osprey Ridge Vineyard Viognier 2010, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Perfect! Floral and enticing but not over-the-top. Great with Asian and spicy dishes. Mouth-watering and balanced with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012 - 2016 126862 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Grassy and vibrant with aromas of lime, chives and lemongrass. Ultra-refreshing. This organic wine has just 10 mg/l of free sulphur. Drink: 2012 - 2015 346296 14.3% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Emiliana Signos De Origen La Vinilla Chardonnay Viognier Marsanne Roussanne 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This organic wine has plenty of big generous flavours of green apple and butter, but I love how it's balanced and calibrated with the acidity for food. Terrific layers of flavour and pleasure. Drink: 2012 - 2015 63909 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cono Sur Limited Edition 20 Barrels El Centinela Estate Chardonnay 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Round, buttery and generous with a lovely balance. If you love big New World chardonnay, you'll love this one especially for the price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 127498 13.5% D 750 mL $25.25 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean Geiler Réserve Particulière Gewurztraminer 2010, A.C., Alsace, France: Viscous and rich with a hint of honey though mostly dry. Gorgeous notes of rose petal and lychee. Perfect for Asian and spicy dishes. Gewurztraminer food pairings: pad Thai with spicy chicken, chili con carne. Drink: 2012 - 2016 106864 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hunter's Jane Hunter Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: What a mouth gusher! Loaded with bright lime acidity and grassy goodness. Classic and lovely. Bring on the seafood! Drink: 2012 - 2015 280271 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. June 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Simi Winery Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Balanced and full-bodied and lovely. Not heavy-handed but rich and layered with green apple vibrancy wrapped in buttery toast. Drink: 2012 - 2016 200881 14.5% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. June 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010, W.O., Elgin, South Africa: Drop to your knees gorgeous. Makes me love chardonnay all over again. Buttery, rich, Asian pear and laughter play on the senses. Full-bodied and generous, but not heavy. Ripe green melon notes mid-palate then finishes with a sweep of toast. Are you cooking the roast chicken tonight, or am I? Drink: 2012 - 2017 277939 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. June 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2009, Pradikätswein, Mosel, Germany: Sublime! Lime vibrancy delivered on a bed of honeysuckle that's not cloyingly sweet. Drink: 2012 - 2019 197186 7.5% S 750 mL $30.95 Score: 94/100. June 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Colaneri Estate Stellucha Reserve Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A gorgeous riesling with incredible intensity of flavour yet it's not heavy. Lovely white peach and mineral nose with layers of mouth-watering juiciness that will have you crawling back to the bottle, especially at this price. Drink: 2012 - 2016 279778 11.3% XD 750 mL $16.00 Score: 90/100. June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandhill Small Lots Osprey Ridge Vineyard Viognier 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2014 - 2018 126862 14% D 750 mL $26.95 June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Caliterra Tributo Single Vineyard Algarrobo Block Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Leyda Valley, Chile Drink: 2012 - 2014 283648 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 June 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2015, Limari Valley, Chile Drink: 2012 - 2015 162040 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 June 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean