Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Vintages Release August 20, 2011

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Red Wine

Lafond Srh Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby in the glass with layered spice, along with red and black fruit aromas. The palate is dry, balanced, well structured with some tannic grip working superbly in conjunction with the rich and full fruit. My note: Big acidity up front, but I like it! Black cherries and smoky oak with a plus texture and full-bodied weight. Very satisfying wine. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled salmon, grilled lamb with mushrooms and green onions. Drink: 2011 - 2015 998666 14.5% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Peachy Canyon Winery Petite Sirah 2007, Paso Robles, California, United States: Big black and concentrated with depths of blackberry fruit and blackcurrant-dark spices on the finish. Lovely and ultra-yummy. Drink: 2011 - 2015 239483 15% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Star Lane Vineyard Astral Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: Lovely liquid darkness envelops your senses. Bring on the black fruit wrapped in smoke and luxuriate in the full-bodied layers of hedonistic pleasure. Drink: 2011 - 2017 239509 14.1% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 93/100. August 2011. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ampelos Gamma Syrah 2006, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California, United States: A lovely, full-bodied organic red with attractive dark red and black berry aromas. Smooth and balanced. Drink: 2011 - 2016 239459 14.3% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: Classic and elegant Californian cabernet, the way I love it! Cassis, blackberry and a touch of dried herbs on the nose, followed by a luxurious complexity, depth and balance as it rolls around your mouth. Drink: 2011 - 2017 101774 15.1% D 750 mL $43.25 Score: 93/100. August 2011. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Anne Amie Cuvee A Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Red apple, sour cherry, raspberry and mineral aromas lead to a medium-bodied and fruity palate. Great fruit replays with some oak influence adding depth and character. Very well balanced and harmonious, this is another fine example of Oregonian Pinot. My note: Love it! Smoky with black cherry and whiff of mocha. Plush and luxurious, with a satin smooth texture and a lovely medium- to slightly full-bodied weight. Superb craftsmanship. Pinot Noir food pairings: blue-cheese-crusted filet mignon. Drink: 2011 - 2016 242479 13.3% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Chocolate, mocha, espresso nose with dark fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Would complement a barbecued steak with a mildly spicy rub. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued steak. Drink: 2011 - 2015 551481 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.75 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pascual Toso Barrancas Vineyards Reserve Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Coffee-toasted black fruit with full-bodied weight and a velvet texture. Terrific for scary movies. Drink: 2011 - 2014 183897 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Don Cristobal 1492 Oak Reserve Shiraz 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: How odd, I was indifferent to the nose but the palate is rich and full and dark fruited. Who can complain at this price and really, who is swirling and analyzing a $13 wine? Shiraz food pairings: grilled bison steak. Drink: 2011 - 2014 236133 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: An intense, expertly made wine. Almost pitch black in the glass. Impactful aromas of cassis, woodsmoke, cloves, mineral and mocha come wafting forth. Dry and very richly fruity, but it is immediately brought into balance by bright acidity and chewy tannins. This robustly full-bodied and long-finishing wine is an ideal candidate for mid-term cellaring (2-4 years), but it will also reward enjoyment tonight. My note: Juicy-black concentration of flavours and happiness. This is incredibly flavourful for cabernet which is usually far more austere than shiraz. I love it because the balance is just right between structure and fruit power. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled lamb, bison burgers topped with portobello mushrooms and chimichurri sauce. Drink: 2011 - 2017 730374 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. August 2011. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concha y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Carmenère 2009, Peumo Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile: Luxurious rich cherry liqueur concentration! Full-bodied and staggeringly tasty. Drink: 2011 - 2015 169862 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: This is what elegance tastes like from Australia: French grammar school, Australian graduate studies by the consummate gentleman winemaker Peter Gago. This wine was matured for a year in French oak, 26% of which was new. Lovely aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry with just enough toasty warmth from the oak. Drink: 2011 - 2018 509919 14% XD 750 mL $61.00 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stonier Pinot Noir 2009, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: Juicy, tart, mouth-watering cherries with an ultra-smooth, medium weight and texture. Plush and satisfying. Drink: 2011 - 2015 25338 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ross Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Big cherry liqueur on the nose with incredible juicy mouth-watering action on the palate. Full-bodied, smooth and rich: just what you want in a drinking partner. Drink: 2011 - 2016 233825 14.5% D 750 mL $30.95 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Fifth-generation winemaker Grant Burge is a master of Shiraz. The 2009 is classic Burge Barossa with layers of blackberry, plum and black cherry with smoky cloves and dark chocolate. Dry and delectably mouth-filling, with impressive tannins and a ripe fruit core. Enjoy tonight. My note: Fantastic value/taste for the money! Deliciously ripe blackberries with just a touch of mint and a warm, comforting weave of toasty oak. Perfect party wine when you want guests to think the wine cost twice as much as this. Shiraz food pairings: spaghetti and meatballs in a spicy BBQ sauce. Drink: 2011 - 2015 738567 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache Shriaz Mourvèdre 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Holy smokes! This wine wafts up from the glass in layers: one note didn’t hit me first, many did. Gorgeous, gorgeous aromas of cedar smoke, fleshy ripe blackberry and black cherry and exotic, seductive dark spices. In the mouth, it rolls and caresses with a black cherry liqueur-like concentration, even though it’s a dry wine. The finish is still going even as I post these notes. Drink: 2011 - 2017 236257 14.5% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 93/100. August 2011. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Glaymond El Abuelo Grenache 2008, Marananga, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Terrific blackberry concentration with an attractive menthol cherry finish. Full-bodied and extremely smooth. Drink: 2011 - 2016 236364 15.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kumkani Cradle Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Savoury cedar needs and tart blackberries. Vibrant, full-bodied and alive. Juicy and meaty: love it! Drink: 2011 - 2016 107391 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages Latour De France, Midi, France: Savoury black fruit, cedar and meaty notes. Full-bodied, smooth and complex with layers of satisfaction. Great for hearty meat dishes. Food pairings: hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2011 - 2016 643239 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Du Prieuré Des Mourgues 2009, A.C., St-Chinian, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: One of Saint-Chinian’s strongest producers, Château du Prieuré des Mourgues takes Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre and barrel-ages them separately for 12 months. The final blend accentuates the fruit of the Syrah, the pretty cedar tones of the Grenache, the backbone of the Mourvèdre, plus the vanilla from the oak to create this finely made, food-friendly wine. My note: Love the cedar-savoury black cherries here! Full-bodied and smooth with loads of flavour and depth. Give this overlooked region a try: you’ll be delighted. Food pairings: grilled leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary. Drink: 2011 - 2016 985598 12.7% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau De L'ille Cuvée Angélique Corbières 2008, A.C., Midi, France: This wine won the Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris and is a blend of 60% syrah and 40% grenache grapes. There’s big juicy cruisin-for-a-bruisin blackberries and blackcurrant. Terrific concentration and balance for the price point: it’s a steal. Drink: 2011 - 2015 237578 13.7% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine La Croix Belle Syrah 2009, Languedoc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Deeply coloured Syrah with aromas of blackberry, pepper and an intriguing touch of new leather. Dry and fruity at the start with gentle tannins bringing balance on the mid-palate. This wine is showing beautifully already and can be enjoyed tonight. My note : Big oaky, smoky nose with some hulking black fruit underneath. Full-bodied and straight-up. Syrah food pairings: gourmet burgers, sausages. Drink: 2011 - 2013 160150 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Teyssier Meritage 2005, A.C., Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Black, savoury and full-bodied with aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and smoke. Pleasant tarry finish. Full-bodied to the max: brooding like Heathcliffe. Decant for 1-2 hours. Meritage food pairings: roast lamb. Drink: 2011 - 2017 226035 13.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Collin-Bourisset Les Terres Bleues Gamay (Beaujolais) 2009, A.C., Côte De Brouilly, Beaujolais, France: Smooth and mouth-watering with vibrant acidity and tart cherry aromas and flavours. Terrific wine for food because it’s so juicy. Not complex but hey what do you want for $15.95? Drink: 2011 - 2013 590521 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Cabernet Franc 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Tart and savoury with notes of cranberry and cedar wrapped up in a herbal blanket. Medium-bodied and smooth with nice depth and complexity. Drink: 2011 - 2015 940783 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Duc Rasteau Les Blovac 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas and flavours of slate, toffee, tar and berry abound in this wine. The palate is dry with a sweet fruit centre, great length and a flavourful finish. My note: Savoury dark spices, mouth-watering juiciness and full-bodied goodness. It sure doesn’t taste like 15% alcohol. Black fruit and light happiness. Food pairings: grilled steaks bathed in rich mushroom sauce. Drink: 2011 - 2015 234641 14.8% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Célestière Tradition 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: This seductive blend of 70% Grenache and then equal parts Mourvèdre, Cinsault and other grapes is simply gorgeous! Full-bodied with classic black and dark red berries and smoke. This wine almost fumes from the glass: concentrated and deep. Drink: 2011 - 2020 247999 15% XD 750 mL $39.75 Score: 93/100. August 2011. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dauvergne Ranvier Vin Rare Gigondas 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: Ultra-dense and concentrated and powerful with a thick core of black fruit. Juicy and mouth-watering too, which is an exquisite combination. Full palate whacker with this alcohol, but delicious. Drink: 2011 - 2020 226928 15.5% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 92/100. August 2011. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pietra Pura Mandus Primitivo Di Manduria 2008, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The partnership of Rocca Delle Macìe & Terre di Sava has created six exciting expressions of the terroir of the Salento region using the indigenous grapes. The Mandus Primitivo di Manduria is one of this union’s two high-end offerings and delivers aromas and flavours of blackberry and coffee. Medium bodied and tremendously well made. My note: Superb for the money! Full-bodied purple plum richness… smooth and satisfying. Perfect for BBQ ribs and chicken wings. Yum! Primitivo Di Manduria food pairings: grilled meats, game, aged cheeses. Drink: 2011 - 2015 216457 13.8% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Caruso & Minini Sachia Perricone 2008, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Lovely supple medium-bodied smooth red with juicy red berries and fruit. Full-bodied but not heavy. Absolutely divine for a party. Drink: 2011 - 2015 211854 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frascole Chianti Rufina 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A rustic, robust chianti with tarry black cherries, cedar smoke and a good grip. Decant 1-2 hours. Big and black. Drink: 2011 - 2014 85167 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cantine Cipressi Rumen Molise Rosso 2007, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Merlot has a quite intense nose with black cherry, blueberry, plum, and oak with a supporting herbal quality. The palate is dry, medium bodied and pleasant with complex fruit, nicely integrated oak and smooth tannins. Finishes very attractively and medium-long. My note: Dark fruit, juicy mouth-watering action, tarry, straight up pleasure. Fantastic for the price. Food pairings: carpaccio, bacon-wrapped roast venison. Drink: 2011 - 2014 222646 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michele Castellani Colle Cristi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Ca' Del Pipa, Veneto, Italy: Dried raisined cherries with a deep, luxurious layers of richness. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious aromas. A finish that says “buy me again!” Drink: 2011 - 2020 222109 15.5% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 96/100. August 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Nacional Companhia Geral Da Agricultura Das Vinhas Do Alto Douro 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: A full-bodied, savoury red with black fruit, cedar and smoke. Lovely texture and satisfying finish. Drink: 2011 - 2015 408112 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Parés Baltà Mas Elena Meritage 2007, D.O.C., Penedès, Spain: A tasty organic wine with just 7 mg/L of free sulphur. It’s a blend of 61% merlot, 31% cabernet sauvignon and 8% cabernet franc. Pleasant aromas of dark fruit, mocha and a touch of toasty oak. Drink: 2011 - 21014 687236 13.5% D 750 mL $18.75 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beronia Elaboración Especial Tempranillo 2009, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Fantastic! Juicy and savoury with lovely rich flavours of black cherry and cedar. Wow, this blows me away for the price. Drink: 2011 - 2015 723643 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mas Foraster Josep Foraster Criança 2006, D.O., Conca De Barbera, Montblanc, Spain: A big, black, brooding blend of Cabernet 40%, Syrah 30%, Tempranillo 30%. Hulking black fruit and smoke from the oak. Tasty, knock-it-back wine. Drink: 2011 - 2014 218321 13.8% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Château De Fontenelles Tenue De Soirée Corbières Rosé De Syrah 2010, A.P., Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gold Medal winner at the 2011 Concours des Grands Vins de Languedoc-Roussillon. Aromas of candied fruit, cranberry and ripe strawberry effortlessly fill the nose. The palate is equally agreeable as it offers up its consistent and deeply satisfying suggestions of strawberry and cranberry. Dry and medium-bodied rosé with a lovely fresh and long finish. Enjoy this sunny wine as an apéritif. My note: Love it! Robust with black raspberries, bone-dry loveliness. Run your senses through a sunny field in late August. Rosé De Syrah food pairings: summer salads. Drink: 2011 - 2013 225011 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Moncigale Minéral Bandol Rosé 2010, A.C., Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This salmon-pink wine has aromas of rhubarb, strawberry and mineral delightfully supported by a touch of lime zest. The palate is fresh with very good aroma replays. A good length to the fruity finish, with a nice mineral note sealing the deal. A delightful wine that is the ideal starter for your evening, particularly if dining outside. My note: Loving the more robust rhubarb-strawberry-almost raspberry notes. Heft for those who need it, ephemerality for those who can’t take the pressure. Beautiful sunbeams captured in pale rubies. Rosé food pairings: pan-fried freshwater fish. Drink: 2011 - 2012 226670 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

L'amphore De Provence Rosé 2010, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This classic bottle shape is exceptionally suitable for this fine Provence rosé. Pale salmon-pink in the glass with notes of rhubarb, strawberry and lemon. Fresh, lively and typically crisp in style. The palate is dry, soft and fruity with a wonderful finish. Fabulous on the back patio with a summer salad. My note: Funky bottle, wowa. Lovely light notes of roses and field strawberries. Bone-dry and refreshing. Rosé food pairings: summer salad, grilled chicken. Drink: 2011 - 2012 228940 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mike Weir Winery Rosé 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2010 vintage in Niagara was warm and sunshine-filled, the latter also being a fair description of this ripe and robust rosé. Medium bodied and seriously food-friendly, this Cabernet-based pink will pair nicely with anything. My note: Juicy with black raspberries and bone-dry refreshment. Mouth-watering with a lovely crispness, yet surprisingly robust for rose. Rosé food pairings: grilled pork, chicken, lamb, pasta with fresh garden veggies. Drink: 2011 - 2013 189688 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

E. Guigal Rosé 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Guigal family is renowned for producing extraordinary wines, so it is no surprise that their cranberry-pink Côtes du Rhône Rosé adds yet another feather to their cap. Delightful aromas of peach, strawberry and cranberry rise effortlessly from the glass. The palate is dry, medium bodied, fresh, fruity and nicely structured. This makes an ideal aperitif. My note: this producer is as dependably delicious as the sun rising and setting. Gorgeous, full-bodied rose with black raspberry notes and a bone-dry, mouth-watering texture and weight. Bring it on before the sun sets! Rosé food pairings: grilled salmon, chicken. Drink: 2011 - 2013 225003 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. August 2011. Top Rated Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Argiolas Serra Lori Rosé 2010, I.G.T., Isole Dei Nuraghi, Sardinia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium rose-petal red in the glass with aromas of strawberry, grapefruit, spice, red pepper jelly and a lovely lifted floral note. The palate is dry, medium bodied and fruity, with savoury red pepper really shining through on the way to a tasty medium-long finish. This will delight as a sipper, before or after dinner. My note : Such a pretty nose of roses and red jelly, then here comes the acidic attack: nice and refreshing! Light and juicy, just what you want from rose. Rosé food pairings: warm chicken salads, pasta in a rosé sauce. Drink: 2011 - 2012 224931 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fortius Selección Bodegas Valcarlos Rosé 2010, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine presents a wonderfully layered and loaded nose of crushed berry, ripe strawberry and violet. The palate is full, round and fruity with cranberry and strawberry really taking the fore. A delightful and fresh rosé that makes for an excellent backyard sipper. My note: Fantastic for the money! Full-bodied with black raspberry notes. Bone-dry and refreshing in a deep, sensual way. Rosé food pairings: salad featuring fresh strawberries. Drink: 2011 - 2012 224956 13.5% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Taittinger Brut Champagne 2004, A.C., Champagne, France: Stunning champagne! Green apple, brioche, white peach. Endless finish. One of the finest champagnes I’ve tasted. Drink: 2011 - 2016 989905 12.5% XD 750 mL $74.95 Score: 97/100. August 2011. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ascheri Moscato D'asti 2010, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Moscato d’Asti is aromatically intense and slightly sweet, making it a terrific wine to sip at the end of a fine dinner, or during the pleasant idle-chat-and-sipping moments as a meal winds slowly to a close. It has a slight frizzante sparkle, giving it a lovely refreshing quality that means it is also a fine palate-refresher with, or instead of, the sorbet between courses. As a plus for the responsible host, it is also delightfully low in alcohol (5.5% alc./vol.). My note: Supreme… I want to wear a sandwich board and let people know about this type of wine… well, almost. Orange zest, peach fuzz nuzzle, some spritz and a lot of laughter. Slight sweetness, don’t be afraid, you’ll like it. Drink: 2011 - 2013 576768 5.1% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Cattail Creek Estate Winery Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely Riesling! Lime vibrancy with lemon mouth-watering juiciness. Drink: 2011 - 2015 241547 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lafond Srh Chardonnay 2007, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California, United States: Voluptuous happiness! Butter, smoke, apple and peach mingle about the glass. Full-bodied and pleasing. Chardonnay food pairings: Ahi tuna tartare, grilled salmon. Drink: 2011 - 2014 998641 13.9% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Eberle Estate Chardonnay 2009, Paso Robles, California, United States: Lovely rich roundness with generous aromas and flavours of butter, green apple, peach and smoke. Drink: 2011 - 2014 115964 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Montes Limited Selection Leyda Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Leyda Valley, Chile: Rev your lawnmowers, it’s time cut the grass! Limes, chives and lemon dance in the glass. Mouth-watering and refreshing. Drink: 2011 - 2013 32060 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Spectacular! Luscious green apples wrapped in a blanket of toasted almond and hazelnut. Full-bodied and rich. Makes me love Chardonnay all over again. Drink: 2011 - 2016 243154 13.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 93/100. August 2011. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Adore it! Zippy and herbal with a citrus lime-lift! Mouth-watering and refreshing. Drink: 2011 - 2014 990580 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This is the half-bottle size of our fine Essentials Collection product (035386). A great wine for two. My note: My go-to Sauvignon Blanc when I want to be sure I’m getting great lime-chive refreshment at a reasonable price. This is classic and deserves the spectacular reputation it has. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled prawn dish, summer salad. Drink: 2011 - 2014 160085 13% XD 375 mL $9.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

René Muré Signature Gewurztraminer 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Muré family have been growing grapes in Alsace since 1648. Their wines always express the classic characteristics of each grape variety they use. This Gewurztraminer is sourced from 29-year-old vines and displays aromas of intense lychee and rose petals. It’s dry, full bodied and spicy. It will delight as an aperitif or pair it with exotic foods. My note: The Platonic ideal of Gewurztraminer. Lychee, rose petal and light baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Love, love it! Asian dishes find their soul mate in the wine. Gewurztraminer food pairings: lamb curry. Drink: 2011 - 2017 61218 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. August 2011. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave De Hoen Vieilles Vignes Pinot Gris 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Gris is considered one of the noble Alsatian grapes, and there is a real aristocratic air to this gorgeous wine. The nose is rife with notes of melon, spice, pear, mineral and floral tones. Off-dry and medium bodied, the palate is rich, delicious and quite weighty with yellow apple, pear, mineral and spice. My note: Soft, not acidic with round peach and pear. Exotic with lychee and rose petal. Pinot Gris food pairings: spicy Chinese dish. Drink: 2011 - 2014 224261 12.8% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alain Geoffroy Domaine Le Verger Chablis Alain Geoffroy, Prop. Vitic. Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This offers a very attractive nose of citrus fruit, pear, mineral and white flowers. The palate follows suit and is equally pleasing, dry, and very balanced with a good weight. Refreshing with lovely replays from the nose and very well-priced, this Chablis will pair deliciously with grilled chicken. My note: Clean and crisp unoaked Chardonnay, but don’t look for buttery, smoky aromas. This is quite austere but refreshing. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken. Drink: 2011 - 2015 181289 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Talmard Mâcon-Uchizy Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Prop.-Récolt. Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Though not indicated on the label, a portion of this wine is very likely made with the aromatic clone of Chardonnay called Chardonnay Musqué. The wine exhibits expressive aromas of mandarin orange, mango and peach. Medium bodied, fruit-forward and expressive on the palate with balanced acidity, this wine would match well with your favourite shellfish. My note: Lemon-zip refreshment. Clean and straight-forward. Perfect served chilled as an aperitif. Chardonnay food pairings: seafood. Drink: 2011 - 2014 733956 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Des Fines Caillottes Jean Pabiot & Fils Pouilly-Fumé 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A terrific Sauvignon Blanc with classic Pouilly-Fumé aromas of straw, grapefruit and mineral. Dry and zesty with good aroma replays all around it. This is a refreshing, medium-bodied wine. My note: Savoury and mouth-watering, and quite unlike New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. More dried herbs and lemon-smoke than cut grass. I love this style as it’s less in-your-face, more subtle. Pouilly-Fumé food pairings: pan-seared scallops with grilled asparagus. Drink: 2011 - 2014 695908 12.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gérard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Viognier 2009, Vins De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A bright, attractive, flavourful Viognier featuring aromas of peach, grapefruit and spring flowers. Dry with fruit upfront supported by a fine seam of acidity. Medium-full bodied with a long, concentrated finish. A wonderful apéritif. My note: A flavourful white that’s not too floral, white peach. Viognier food pairings: seafood salad, grilled salmon. Drink: 2011 - 2014 147975 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Kabinett 2009, Q.M.P., Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen, Rheingau, Germany: Peach essence with pear support. Juicy, soft and slippery in the best way. Drink: 2011 - 2015 114801 12.5% MD 750 mL $23.00 Score: 90/100. August 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Muga Barrel Fermented White 2010, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, this wine is given a slow fermentation in new French oak barrels, plus a further three months resting on its lees. The resulting wine is rich, impeccably balanced and concentrated. Cellar it 2-3 years or enjoy it tonight. My note: A joyous, zippy blend of white grapes that result in mouth-watering juiciness and ultra-food-friendliness. White peach and lime lead with a terrific long finish. Food pairings: planked salmon. Drink: 2011 - 2014 958736 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2011. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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