Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Vintages Release August 2, 2014

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Red Wine

Louis Latour Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2012, Burgundy, France: This medium-bodied, silky Old World Pinot Noir has all the charm of a snappy elderly aunt. Wit, spice and and an acid tongue. Slightly stemmy, herbal and green, it's an acquired taste that I've definitely acquired having consumed many bottles of this as almost a house red. You want fleshy and fruity? Not here my dear. Drink: 2013 - 2017 69914 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Alexander Valley, California, United States: A stunningly complex and rich wine of great depth, concentration and flavour. Long finish with complete, almost perfect, balance. Aromas of black fruit, just enough toasty oak, dark spice and wild violets. Pass that bottle please. Drink: 2017 - 2020 350454 14.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Manos Negras Malbec 2012, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich, dark and deep with brooding, fleshy ripe black berries, black plums and purple plums. Supple and smooth. Malbec is the reigning red wine grape of Argentina and it plays the leading role in this terrific wine. Malbec food pairings: barbecued beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 271205 13.9% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Due Torri Cesari Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Ultra-dry with mocha-espresso-dark-chocolate aromas from the oak aging. Full-bodied, juicy and smooth with big black fruit flavours on the palate. Good price for the quality. Try it with pepperoni pizza. Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore food pairings: eggplant parmigiana. Drink: 2014 - 2017 159400 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Croix Valong Terres D'avignon 2011, Côtes Du Rhône A.P., France: Full-bodied French red wine from the Rhone Valley, with purple plums and cedar brush. Rustic and pleasant. Hearty meat dishes. Decant 1 hour. Food pairings: pepper steaks and grilled mushrooms, hearty meat dishes, ribs. Drink: 2013 - 2016 328443 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ascheri Podere Di Rivalta Barbera D’Alba 2011, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: Brooding black bruiser of a wine with fleshy black fruit, sour black cherry, tar, toasty oak and smoky spice aromas. Full-bodied Italian red wine and smooth. Pair this single-vineyard Barbera wine with grilled pork chops. Barbera D’Alba food pairings: antipasto, beef, chicken, pizza, pasta Bolognese. Drink: 2013 - 2017 982462 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Boutari Xinomavro 2009, Naoussa, Macedonia P.D.O., Greece: Full-bodied, smooth and juicy with haunting aromas of rose petal and dried red fruits. Lots of acidity for food. Earthy and dry. Classic Old World style, not fruit-forward. Some dark spices on the finish makes it ideal for hearty meat dishes. This has the signature of Xinomavro, the leading red grape in modern Greek wines, with cedar and black olive notes. Loads of mouth-watering acidity for lamb. Excellent for the price. Xinomavro food pairings: lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2017 764118 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.25 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frascole Chianti Rufina 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A rustic, robust Chianti with tarry black cherries, cedar smoke and a good grip. Decant 1-2 hours. Big and black. Finishes with a smoky note. Drink: 2013 - 2017 85167 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Paarl, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: A rustic, robust red that offers blackberry and cassis aromas. Decant for 1-2 hours. Finishes with wild blackberry, mocha, vanilla spice and dried herbs. Pair it with game dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 68767 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château La Gorce 2010, Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: A terrific value for this Cru Bourgeois red wine! Classic Bordeaux in the glass at a fraction of the price. Previous vintages of this wine won gold in the prestigious Concours de Bordeaux competition. Loaded with wild red berry aromas, cedar forest and black plums with a touch of spice. Full-bodied and savoury. Perfect with filet mignon. Food pairings: beef, marinated steaks, game with rosemary portobello mushrooms. Drink: 2015 - 2019 91397 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Luigi Bosca Reserva El Paraíso Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina: A juicy and soft pinot noir, with lovely sweet cherry fruit and bright, ripe field berry aromas and flavours. Very reasonably priced, especially for the heartbreak grape. Try it with roast chicken or planked salmon tonight. Pinot Noir food pairings: prime rib, turkey, pork tenderloin, mushroom and truffle dishes, coq au vin. Drink: 2013 - 2016 143420 13.7% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tommasi Poggio Al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Full-bodied, savoury and rich with good balancing mouth-watering acidity for food. Aromas of anise and blackcurrant. Supple. Decant 1 hour and serve with heart meat dishes or pasta in a tangy meat sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2018 203927 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Viticcio Bere 2011, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Full-bodied with blackberry and tart black cherry aromas on the nose and palate. This is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Some dark spice and smoke on the finish. Perfect for gourmet hamburgers. Food pairings: pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2016 224311 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied and balanced with aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. Nicely integrated oak. Flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant, and vanilla oak with a full-bodied weight. Try it with gourmet hamburgers. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pulled pork, burgers, hard cheese, grilled rare steak, smoked beef ribs. Drink: 2013 - 2018 226944 13.8% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Arvedi Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella 2010, Valpantena, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Dark and savoury with complex, deep layers of dark cherry liqueur and dark spice nuances. This wine was produced in Valpantena, the only cru denomination in the Valpolicella region. It has tremendous intensity and concentration of flavours. There's some seductive smoky charcoal on the finish wrapped in dark chocolate. Speaking of that, pair this blockbuster red with dark chocolate that's 65% or more cacao. Yes please! Amarone Della Valpolicella food pairings: dark chocolate, blue cheeses, venison, beef daube, pasta with tomato sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2020 568741 15.5% D 750 mL $57.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stonehedge Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: A pleasant sipper with notes of blackberry, mocha, dark chocolate and smoke. Full-bodied and smooth. The Reserve wines from Stonehedge are made from 100% Napa Valley grapes. Great balance, depth and complexity. Try it with grilled pork chops. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese, barbecued hamburgers, steak. Drink: 2013 - 2018 25122 14.3% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Teusner The Riebke Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with tart black fruit, toasty oak and a good grip on the palate from the tannins. Barossa is Australia's heartland for Shiraz. This one offers great complexity and a long finish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 48470 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Arrocal 2012, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: Big black cedar forest aromas with dark cherries and a great savoury, mid-palate meaty note. Full-bodied, juicy and delicious. Made from the Tempranillo grape. Decant for 1-2 hours and serve with a hearty meat dish. Food pairings: roast lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2018 67868 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sasso Al Poggio Piccini 2008, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Robust and generous (you gotta like that in a wine or a person) with attractive aromas and flavours of tart cherry and wild blackberry. This wine cries out for food, especially anything with a tangy tomato sauce. A solid finish. Great for potluck gatherings. This full-bodied red wine is a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet, 20% Merlot grapes grown in vineyards in Castellina area of the Chianti region. Food pairings: stew, roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2017 134809 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Peter Lehmann Wines Layers Red Shiraz Tempranillo Mourvèdre Grenache 2011, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A robust expression of Barossa red wine in all its glory from Peter Lehmann Wines and the Hess Family. Nice price, too. This full-bodied wonder offers toasty oak with generous fleshy blackberries, currants and plums aromas. Smooth and juicy. Previous vintages of this wine have won a Blue-Gold Medal at the Sydney International Wine Competition, which is judged with food. No wonder: it would make a great companion to hearty meat dishes. Shiraz Tempranillo Mourvèdre Grenache food pairings: hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2017 138883 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Cuvée County Pinot Noir 2010, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Love it! Light and acidic with bright cherry-mulberry-cranberry flavours. Vibrant: says hello! Right out of the glass. So versatile with food. Love the supple satin texture. Previous vintages of this wine won a Gold Medal at the ARTEVÏNO Prince Edward County Wine Competition. Finishes with racy spice. Nice. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast beef, brisket, turkey, pork tenderloin, coq au vin. Drink: 2011 - 2017 225748 13.2% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alpha Estate Red 2008, Florina P.G.I., Greece: This big-bones Greek red wine offers plenty of drinking pleasure. The Alphas Estate is the winery's flagship wine and the blend of red grapes comes from the estate's best vineyards that are mostly alluvium, sandy, clay soils with excellent drainage and a semi-continental climate which results in deep concentration and depth in the wine. The French oak barrels for aging were of medium toast and fine grain. This wine was unfiltered and has all the good stuffing left in it. Drink: 2015 - 2020 92361 14.5% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Matetic Corralillo Syrah 2011, San Antonio Valley, Chile: Tannic and mouth-watering with a savoury, meaty heart of black fruit and minerality. Superb balance. Roasted meat on the mid-palate is surprising and delightful. Who needs food anyway? Finishes with great vibrancy and complexity. Drink: 2014 - 2019 146407 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stonestreet Rockfall Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied with a big grip on the palate. Blackberry liqueur aromas and flavours, though the wine is dry and complex. The grapes come from the cool climate of Sonoma's Alexander Valley. Drink: 2014 - 2020 249367 14.5% XD 750 mL $88.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2012, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Rich cherry aromas and flavours without being too sweet. Love the balance and acidity that adds complexity to this wine. Medium-bodied and satin-textured. Gorgeous mouth-filling voluptuousness. Long finish. Great value. Drink: 2014 - 2018 295592 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Longview Devil's Elbow Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Very menthol, mint, eucalyptus on the nose with wild blackberry underneath. On the palate, surprising acidity and tart black raspberry. Full-bodied, layered and delicious. Drink: 2014 - 2019 660050 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Alicia Gran Reserva De Los Andes Carmenère 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: Minty black plum aromas on the nose that open to a fleshy seductive richness on the palate. Full-bodied and supple. I like that the fruit doesn't taste sweet but more savoury. Great food wine, and all-round terrific wine for the money. Carmenère is definitely one of Chile's signature red wine grapes, and it shows in this example. Carmenère food pairings: pizza, T-bone steaks, bison burgers, tomato-based dishes, dark chocolate. Drink: 2013 - 2017 93831 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 92/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grgich Hills Estate Grown Zinfandel 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Incredibly intense and concentrated with enticing aromas of blackberries and plums. Great finesse and structure. It’s pricey but worth it so taste benchmark Californian zinfandel. This wine has 5% of Petite Sirah grapes in the blend. Serve with pepperoni pizza and a great movie. This winery is a leader not just in its first-class wines, but also in in eco-progressive viticulture as one the largest biodynamic grape growers in the United States. Almost all of the winery’s power is derived from solar energy. Let's raise a glass to them tonight. Zinfandel food pairings: pasta, grilled meat. Drink: 2014 - 2020 903237 15.5% XD 750 mL $58.95 Score: 92/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Bancroft Ranch Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, United States: Elegant yet powerful with rich layers of black fruit, tarry toasty oak, violets and smoke. The 2007 vintage of the Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch is a tremendous effort of superb craftsmanship. The grapes are all sourced from a single vineyard Drink: 2016 - 2023 362418 14.6% XD 750 mL $110.00 Score: 94/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Toasty oak, blackberry and cassis. Chalky dry, full-bodied with polished tannins. Finishes long and dry with dark spices. The alcohol is high at 15.5% but it doesn't taste hot or out of balance. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued steaks, smoked brisket. 38125 15.5% XD 750 mL $41.75 Score: 93/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Paso Robles, California, United States: This robust Californian Cabernet hails from the Paso Robles region, a warm climate that ripens red wines to great intensity. This wine is no exception. Pair it with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak. Drink: 2013 - 2018 161141 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Perrin & Fils Peyre Blanche Cairanne 2011, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Amazing wine for the money! This robust red is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah grapes that offers fleshy black cherry, anise, smoke and dark spices. Drink it with roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2017 650960 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Napa Angel Aurelio's Selection Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Luscious yet magnificently structured and balanced. Rich, concentrated depths of fleshy black fruit from one of Chile's best producers who owns this Napa Valley-based winery. Drink: 2013 - 2017 255794 15% XD 750 mL $70.95 Score: 94/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2011, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A terrific pinot noir, especially at this price point. Vibrant notes of sweet fleshy ripe cherries and raspberries. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Delicious! Perfect for movie night and casual get-togethers. Lovely long finish with spices and dark cherry. A value wine from truly one of Chile's best producers. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken or turkey, grilled salmon, smoked or braised meats, ratatouille with roasted garlic. Drink: 2013 - 2016 37937 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2011, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: Founded in 1998 by Alvaro Palacios, one of the most respected winemakers in Spain. A rich, meaty wine of great balance and length. Savory with blackberries and pepper. Full-bodied with an attractive subtle herbal note mid-palate. This wine is made from the Mencia grape, which is called Jaen in Portugal. Lovely dark spices and pepper on the finish. Great for the cellar or enjoy now after decanting for an hour. Top me up! Food pairings: shepherds pie, hamburgers, chicken with goat cheese, herbed crusted tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2016 446484 15% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Seghesio Zinfandel 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States: The Seghesio Zinfandel is one of Californian's best Zins. It packed with jammy black fruit. This wine has been produced since 1895 and today the vines are ancient at about 30 years old. Serious zin for fun barbecues. Zinfandel food pairings: prime rib. Drink: 2012 - 2016 942151 14.8% D 750 mL $30.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2008, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: What depth, length and intensity: wow! This is Pinot Plus... the plus is hard to describe, but you know when you taste it. Tempestuous black cherries and dark spices mingle with your senses. There's a meaty note in the middle that makes this a robust Pinot, but nonetheless balanced and satin-smooth. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled or planked salmon, pork, roast chicken or turkey, duck breast, heirloom beets, mushroom risotto. Drink: 2010 - 2018 639658 14% XD 750 mL $45.00 Score: 93/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Caves d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2013, Côtes De Provence, Provence A.C., France: Lovely pretty in pink rose with bone dry mouth-watering acidity. Perfect for planked salmon. Aromas of field strawberries. Surprisingly robust for Provence which tends to be very light. Drink: 2014 - 2016 325076 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Podrum Aleksandrovic Tema Selection Chardonnay 2012, Oplenac, Sumadija, Serbia: A full-bodied, toasty Chardonnay from Serbia with generous oak treatment. Smoky and robust. Makes for a tasty winter white wine to stand up to heartier dishes. Chardonnay food pairings: oven-baked breaded chicken with tomato and cucumber salad. Drink: 2013 - 2015 8606100294381 13.9% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Winery Family Tree 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Vibrant and pretty with lovely floral notes, almond and lime blossom. Medium-bodied and refreshing yet a great richness. A white wine blend of 44% Chardonnay, 29% Gewurztraminer, 14% Viognier and 13% Chardonnay Musque. Perfectly balanced and refershing as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Amazingly great price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 251116 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Viña Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Crisp, dry, grassy, straight up tasty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. No oak. Try with vegetarian dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: fresh fish, mild Thai salads, veggies & dip. Drink: 2013 - 2015 211904 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Boutari 2013, Santorini P.D.O., Greece: Dry, crisp and refreshing white wine made from the native Assyrtiko grape. Zesty notes of grapefruit and lime. A P.D.O. quality-designated wine. Nice aperitif or companion to seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes. Lemon freshness and medium body makes this a great companion to seafood. Food pairings: seafood, salads, vegetarian dishes, shellfish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 47985 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine du Chardonnay Chablis 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: Pleasant and light Old World Chardonnay with no oak. Notes of white melon and apple. Chablis food pairings: trout with toasted almonds, pesto sauce pasta. Drink: 2013 - 2017 183574 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Ksara Blanc De Blancs 2012, Békaa Valley, Lebanon: Hickory smoke and toasted almond with some apple. Mouth-watering and smoky. Dangerously different. Perfect for grilled chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2017 744805 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Liberty School Chardonnay 2012, Central Coast, California, United States: Nicely balanced white peach and pear with toffeed notes from generous oak aging. Classic California Chardonnay. Ripe tree fruit and caramel notes on the finish. Try it with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: rich fish, lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, grilled or pulled pork, poultry. Drink: 2013 - 2016 960120 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2013, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely, especially for the price! Rich and round with green apple aromas and a toasty goodness. The grapes for this Chardonnay were handpicked and then the wine was barrel-fermented for extra creaminess and texture. There's some golden lemon notes on the finish. Lots of toasty oak. Leaves you longing for more. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, broccoli mornay, turkey, cedar-planked salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2016 1461 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kuhlmann Platz Cave Hunawihr Pinot Gris 2012, Alsace A.C., France: Medium-dry with appealing peach-apricot notes. Lovely as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Finishes with orange zest and light white floral notes. Perfect as an aperitif. Pinot Gris food pairings: rich cheese, seafood, light pastas, grilled chicken and vegetables. Drink: 2013 - 2016 224204 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Napa Cellars Chardonnay 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and generous Californian Chardonnay, with toasted almond, peach and pear notes. Perfect for roast chicken or lobster in melted butter. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster with melted butter, barbecued pork. Drink: 2013 - 2017 225342 14.1% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Di Giovanna Grillo 2013, Terre Siciliane, Sicily I.G.P., Italy: Lightly floral and very pretty, like Torrontes but not as floral. Good acidity, very nice. Worth trying. Medium-bodied white wine. Grillo food pairings: seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2016 343053 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hahn Family Wines SLH Chardonnay 2012, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, United States: Butter and toffee with streaks of butterscotch through its core of this Californian Chardonnay from generous oak aging. Apple and white pear notes too. Drink: 2014 - 2019 382192 14.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Muga Barrel Fermented White 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: This gorgeous wine from Bodegas Muga is a blend of 90% viura and 10% malvasia grapes that was fermented in new French oak barrels and aged for 3 months on the lees. Lovely yellow apple, Asian pear and lily aromas. Medium-bodied. Dry and refreshing. Try it with roast chicken. Food pairings: roast chicken, grilled trout, pork. Drink: 2013 - 2017 958736 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pighin Pinot Grigio 2013, Fruili, Grave D.O.C., Italy: Clean and crisp with lemon and grapefruit notes, no heavy oak. The Friuli region in northern Italy is known for its crisp, zippy pinot grigio. This medium-bodied one has a spring fresh finish with some notes of white pear. Dry and satisfying! Lovely minerality on the finish. Try it with mixed field greens. Pinot Grigio food pairings: pan-fried freshwater fish, salads, frittata, basil pesto, herbed chicken breast. Drink: 2013 - 2015 987545 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery South Bay Chardonnay 2008, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Great finesse, elegance and balance in this Prince Edward County Chardonnay, from one of the region's best producers. This white wine also offers ripe pear fruit, toasty oak and nutty almond. Drink: 2013 - 2018 88955 12.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zolo Fincas Patagonicas Torrontés 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried Torrontes, the grape name of the aromatic white wine. This is a wonderful interpretation of peachy-floral splendor. Ignore the price as it’ll bias you because it’s so low.  Torrontés is truly Argentina’s benchmark white wine: such a unique signature. Finishes with peach blossom and sunshine. Try it with mild curries or fresh seafood. Torrontés food pairings: grilled prawns, crab cakes, spiced Asian seafood dishes, barbecued fish. Drink: 2014 - 2017 183913 13.8% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean-Max Roger Winery Cuvée C.M. Sancerre Blanc 2012, Loire A.C., France: Clean and fresh with lemon sunshine in this Old World Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. Signature Sancerre. Not too acidic. Perfect for seafood and vegetarian dishes. Sancerre Blanc food pairings: freshwater seafood, shellfish, goat cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2018 196667 12.5% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fielding Estate Winery Estate Bottled Riesling 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Gorgeous off-dry Riesling in all its glory: lemon, lime, petrol, happiness. Try with glazed ham or salsas. Drink: 2014 - 2019 251439 10.5% M 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Loan Wines Special Reserve Unoaked Tanunda Creek Vineyards Semillon 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Unwooded Seductively different! Incredible that there's no oak on this wine as there's generous smoky notes on the nose and finish. This actually comes from the unique character of the semillon grape. Rich and full-bodied with lanoline and lemon. Try this distinctively different and delightful white wine with smoked salmon or chicken. Finishes with lanolin, lemon wax and butternut squash. Wow. Semillon food pairings: planked or smoked fish, antipasti, poultry, pasta. Drink: 2012 - 2016 301127 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Darting Dürkheimer Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett 2012, Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany: Terrific Deutscher white wine! White florals, peach blossom and lime aromatics with great acidity. Off-dry, food versatile. This Riesling Kabinett is medium-bodied, with lovely layering of flavours for mild to medium curries and spicy dishes. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: moderately spiced grilled shrimp, ceviche. Drink: 2013 - 2018 950212 9.5% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Camelot Highlands Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay 2012, Santa Maria Valley, California, United States: Extremely concentrated and full-bodied Californian Chardonnay: toasted almond and butterscotch from generous oak aging. Aromas and flavours of pear, peach and apple. Drink: 2013 - 2018 59139 14.5% XD 750 mL $37.75 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Kevin Judd produces this signature New Zealand Sauvignon Blanch with classic herbal aromas, fresh cut grass and asparagus with mouth-watering juiciness. Such a food friendly wine. Zesty, crisp, clean and medium-bodied. Ultra-refreshing as an aperitif or companion to line-caught halibut. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: cheese, shellfish, Caesar salad, corned beef and cabbage, turkey pot pie. Drink: 2014 - 2016 164228 13.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2013, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lemon petrol nose of this classic Niagara Riesling, with great elegance and incredibly mouth-watering and juicy. Love it! Riesling food pairings: barbecued fish. Drink: 2014 - 2021 183491 11% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Crisp, dry and fresh with a lemon-lime lift through the core. Very deft/light use of oak preserves the refreshment of this wine and its versatility with food. This wine is mostly Sauvignon Blanc and with a splash of Semillon. Sixty percent of the wine is barrel fermented, and then it's all aged sur lie in French oak for extra richness, creaminess and lovely dimension.  A very dry white wine that pairs well with seafood. Fumé Blanc food pairings: chicken salad, pork tenderloin, seafood, barbecued lobster. Drink: 2013 - 2016 221887 13.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spinyback Waimea Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal and grassy with big mouth-watering acidity for a variety of dishes. Medium-bodied and food-friendly. Lime zested on crushed stones on the finish. Yum! Try it with vegetarian pizza. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: pasta, shellfish, Caesar salad, corned beef and cabbage, turkey pot pie. Drink: 2013 - 2015 694737 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baron de Hoen Réserve Gewurztraminer 2012, Alsace A.C., France: Aromatic and floral with notes of rose petal, lychee and baking spice. Great medium-bodied wine for curries and spices. Gewurztraminer food pairings: pork seasoned with ginger, sushi with lots of wasabi. Drink: 2013 - 2016 377721 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Angels Gate Winery Old Vines Chardonnay 2011, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Big oak on the nose of this Niagara Chardonnay, but it's hugely seductive like Meursault from Burgundy. Concentration and depth follow through on the palate. This one will go the distance in the cellar. Love it! Drink: 2014 - 2019 116350 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. August 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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