Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Books and Bottles

Natalie MacLean

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Alamos Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Big, black and delicious! Full-bodied with lots of dark fruit and toasty oak. Superb quality for the price. Serve it at BBQs and movie night. Drink: 2012-2015. 295105 13.50%  750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 7, 2012 Best Beef Wine Full Review
Yalumba Organic Viognier 2011, South Australia, Australia: A fragrant and floral viognier with notes of lime blossom and baking spices. Full-bodied yet not heavy. Drink: 2012-2015. 288217 13.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 10, 2012 Full Review
Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut Sparkling Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely bubbly with notes of ripe field strawberries, fleshy raspberries and white roses. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with terrific persistence of flavor on the palate. Is there anything prettier than strands of pink pearls gliding up the side of your glass? Float a fresh strawberry or raspberry on top for an extra festive feel. Perfect for all those celebratory moments in life. Serve well chilled. In my Drinks Matcher tool, I've paired this bubbly with a wide variety of dishes. 217505 12% D 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review
Inniskillin Niagara Estate Vidal Icewine 2007, V.Q,A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A rich, honeyed nectar of ripe apricots and peach preserves. A mouth-filling definition of delectable. Drink: 2010-2015. 388306 10% S 375 mL  $49.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2011 Divine Dessert Wine Full Review
Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: A lively, expertly crafted Chardonnay. Notes of coconut, butterscotch, toast, pear preserves, grapefruit and yellow plum. Dry, medium bodied, crisp and elegant with racy acidity. The oak adds lovely accents to the tangy fruit. Layered, lingering finish. It will also reward 2-4 years in a cellar. My note: Something inside me melts every time I taste this wine, a slow dissolving to sensory bliss. Full-bodied, opulent, buttery and peach-apricot aromas. Drink: 2011-2016. 33936 13.50% XD 750 mL  $30.00 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Big black fruit and chewy, meat core. Wild blackberries and cedar forest floor. Drink: 2012-2015. 322586 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 10, 2012 Full Review
Veuve Clicquot Non-Vintage Ponsardin Brut Champagne, Champagne A.C., France: Notes of green apples, orange zest and white peach on the nose with toasty goodness through the core and finish. Drink: 2008-2008. 563338 12% D 750 mL  $67.95 Score: 91/100. December 5, 2009 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Fantastic Fried Chicken Wine Full Review
Gassier Sables D'azur Rosé 2011, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: I love it! (I also just shouted that out the window to some surprised people on the sidewalk.) So very pretty with a basket of fresh field strawberries. Bask in the sun and pretend you are by the Mediterranean. Dry and refreshing. Drink: 2012-2014. 33621 12.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Rosé. Full Review
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. Drink: 2012-2016. 568634 10.50% M 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. June 9, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Liberty School Zinfandel 2009, Pasa Robles, California, United States: Glorious purple plums and blueberry notes. Succulent, smooth and full-bodied. Don't analyze, just drink it! Drink: 2012-2015. 41095 13.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 4, 2012 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Ménage à Trois Red 2010, California, United States: Full-bodied, smooth, juicy and delicious with fleshy blackberry. Blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet and Merlot grapes. Pair with grilled meats. Fun name is the bonus. Drink: 2012-2018. 308007 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 26, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

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