Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Vintages Release September 14, 2013

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Dessert Wine

Chateau De Ricaud Alain Thiénot, Prop. 2006, A.C., Loupiac, Bordeaux, France: Lemon drops and butterscotch. Lovely dessert wine. Drink: 2013 - 2017 333450 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quinta De Ventozelo Vintage Not Filtered Villa Nova De Gaia Port 2003, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Black fruit, tar and toasted oak. Rich and full-bodied with some burnt tarry notes. Dessert wine to the max, needs Black forest cake. Drink: 2013 - 2017 336354 20% S 750 mL $48.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Snoqualmie Whistle Stop Red Cabernet Merlot 2009, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Full-bodied with black fruit and a bite. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: meaty pizza, barbecued burgers, sausages. Drink: 2013 - 2015 930321 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 86/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bùcaro Barrique Aged Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2011, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Everyday pleasure: full-bodied, mouth-watering with mocha and dark fruit. Not for analyzing: for quaffing. Montepulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: grilled lamb, pulled pork sandwiches, gnocchi with meat sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2015 277491 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Sant' Anna Chianti Colli Senesi 2009, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A straight-forward, full-bodied red with pleasant aromas and flavours of dark fruit, licorice, and dried herbs. Drink: 2013 - 2016 346585 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alamos The Wines Of Catena Syrah 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied with dark fruit and some dark spice. Smooth. Good price. Syrah food pairings: pepper steaks, grilled burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2015 183848 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sottimano Bric Del Salto Dolcetto D'alba 2011, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Blackberries and blueberries on the nose, yet ultra-dry on the palate with a tannic grip. Full-bodied and meaty. Good value. Drink: 2013 - 2015 330738 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau La Croix Saint-Pierre Meritage 2010, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux, Blaye, France: Bargain Bordeaux. Not complex but it has that Bordeaux signature. Dark fruit, toasty oak, great balance. Amazing price. Drink: 2013 - 2016 336875 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tommasi Graticcio Appassimento Parziale 2011, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Fleshy ripe purple plums and blueberries. Extra richness and juiciness from the style of winemaking. Full-bodied but not heavy. Perfect for hamburgers and meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2016 338939 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Spencer La Pujade Le P'tit Spencer Corbieres 2011, A.C., Southwest, France: Darker and more roasted than California zinfandel but you get the picture. Juicy, smooth, full-bodied and toasty-roasted almost chary. Pair with T-rex steak. Drink: 2013 - 2016 348821 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Le Fonti Chianti Classico 2010, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Full-bodied with mocha and coffee notes. Good layering, balance and finish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 295162 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Emiliana Novas Petit Verdot 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Full-bodied with a good grip on the palate, so decant 1-2 hours. This organic wine offers aromas and flavours of dark fruit and toasty oak. Great price for the quality. Petit Verdot food pairings: steaks, game grilled rare. Drink: 2013 - 2016 325662 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

L.A. Cetto Zinfandel 2011, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: Zingy and full-bodied with lovely purple plum and blueberry notes. This is your go-to party wine. A staggeringly great price… what have you got to lose except for any residual price snobbery when it comes to wine? Zinfandel food pairings: barbecued chicken, pork, spicy beef tacos, fajitas. Drink: 2012 - 2015 405605 14.5% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ironstone Merlot 2011, California, United States: Mocha-dark chocolate with fleshy black plum. Delicious and dependable. Merlot food pairings: grilled ribs or burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2015 704353 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Finca Sophenia Reserve Malbec 2010, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina: The famous winemaker consultant Michel Rolland works with this winery, and his signature is here in the robust, luscious fruit profile of this wine. The vineyards for this wine are located in the foothills of the Andes and the wine is matured in French oak for 8 months. The results is a intensely concentrated wine offering aromas of black plums, cherries and blackberries along with some smoke and fresh vibrant blackberries and toasty oak on the finish. What a delightful wine for meat lovers! Malbec food pairings: radicchio, lamb cutlets, beef tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 66837 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ferraton Père & Fils Plan De Dieu 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Dark, brooding and full-bodied. Looking to pick a fight with a wimpy chicken dish so keep it quiet (and happy) with steak. Drink: 2013 - 2015 74229 14.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Julia Magna, Zuccardi 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: A robust, deeply satisfying red with meaty, almost chewy big black fruit flavours and a pleasing smoky note. Full-bodied and layered for pleasure. This is your go-to party or barbecue wine. Incredible quality for the price. Food pairings: grilled pork chops, steak. Drink: 2012 - 2015 93799 13.8% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied, rich red with aromas and flavours black plum, pepper and dark spices on the finish. This muscular wine will elbow its way in beside a rare steak or prime rib. It's strong, but not overpowering like the ideal dinner companion conversation. Malbec food pairings: pepperoni pizza, radicchio, lamb cutlets, beef tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 105956 14% D 750 mL $17.00 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Camins Del Priorat Álvaro Palacios 2011, D.O.C.A., Priorat, Spain: This full-bodied Spanish red wine offers rich, deeply concentrated black fruit flavours. Dark spices on the finish with some anise. Great for hearty meat dishes. Winemaker Alvaro Palacios is one of Spain’s superstar vintners who also produces the cult wine L’Ermita. The grapes for this wine are mostly sourced from young vines in the same vineyards that create his second wine, Les Terrasses, which is made only from old vines. Try this with prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2016 216291 14.8% XD 750 mL $23.25 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gemma Barolo 2008, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: You must love barolo style to welcome this to the table. Acidic, tannic and loaded with tar, black fruit, and wild violets. It's classic barolo. Barolo food pairings: aged meats and cheeses, venison, herbed roast beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 285502 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Collin Bourisset Les Terres Bleues Brouilly Gamay (Beaujolais) 2011, A.P., Beaujolais, France: Gold Medal winner at the 2012 Concours de Mâcon. Juicy and lovely with happy fleshy ripe cherries and a spirited finished. Perfect for those who want an easy-drinking medium-bodied red that’s still very tasty. Very food friendly. Score: 90. Gamay (Beaujolais) food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce with sautéed mushrooms. Drink: 2013 - 2016 330100 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Collin Bourisset Douce Folie Saint-Amour 2011, A.P., Beaujolais, France: Classic Beaujolais! Jubilant tart red cherries, a little stemmy but no mind, medium-bodied, smooth, mouth-watering and very, very happy. This wine wants roast chicken. Listen to this wine. Food pairings: beef and mushroom kebabs, veal medallions in a mushroom sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2015 330118 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tuniche Gran Reserva Merlot 2008, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Rich and flavourful with a full-bodied weight and great layers of dark fruit notes. Just enough toasty oak in the blend. Great quality for the price. Merlot food pairings: gourmet burgers, grilled chops. Drink: 2013 - 2015 332890 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wynns Coonawarra Estate The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with black fruit and smoke. Juicy and mouth-watering. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: prime rib, rare steaks. Drink: 2013 - 2016 333229 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domeco De Jarauta Lar De Sotomayor Vendimia Seleccionada Tempranillo 2010, D.O.C., Rioja, Spain: Juicy, seductive and richly layered. The vineyard is located in Aldeanueva de Ebro, a small town in the region. It's supple and luscious with attractive aromas of dark fruit and spice. Long finish. Nice especially for the price. Drink: 2013 - 2015 336099 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château D'aydie L'origine Famille Laplace Au Château D’Aydie 2010, A.C., Madiran, Southwest, France: Full-bodied and restrained for the Madiran, usually the home of enamel-peeling reds. Doesn't even taste like 14% alcohol. Drink: 2013 - 2016 343566 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maison Roche de Bellene Savigny-Les-Beaune Vieilles Vignes Unfined Pinot Noir 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Love it! Racy, acidic wild black cherry, fresh earth after spring rain and some smoke from a fizzing campfire. Awesome price. Refreshing and satisfying. Nice. Drink: 2013 - 2018 344283 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

M. Chapoutier La Bernardine 2010, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Full-bodied, solid, balanced and structured. Textbook Rhone. Dependable, if not exciting. Aromas of black fruit, licorice, dark spice. Drink: 2013 - 2018 972331 14% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Coyote's Run Estate Winery Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Black cherry-berry nose with more on the palate, with mouth-watering acidity and great depth. Layers of pleasure. Terrific! Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb chops, cedar-planked salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2016 79228 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château de Nages Nostre Pais 2011, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Midi, France: A robust and delicious red with aromas of black licorice (it's dry), blackberries, black cherry and smoke. Lovely length and weight. Polished, smooth tannins make it easy to drink now though it'll also keep well in the cellar. This wine was mature for six months in French barrels, with most of it resting on its lees. Terrific price. Gassier is the iconic flagship of the Nimes region, and this wine shows why. Food pairings: hearty meat dishes, prime rib. Drink: 2012 - 2015 214378 14.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Cheval Brun Grand Cru Famille Rivière Meritage 2009, A.C., Saint-Émilion , Bordeaux, France: Black cherry liqueur and richness, depth and concentration yet balanced and dry. Layers of black plum, espresso, anise and cedar brush. Long finish. Drink: 2013 - 2018 303875 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vincent Sauvestre Aloxe-Corton Les Maréchaudes 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Very dense and concentrated for pinot noir with rich, fleshy almost jammy aromas and flavours of raspberry and strawberry. Complex and layered with a long finish. Drink: 2015 - 2020 330142 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

François Villard L'appel Des Sereines Syrah 2010, A.C., Vin De Pays Des Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhône, France: Nose tickling black pepper with fleshy folds of dark plum and mystery. Liquid velvet with a few brocaded tannins along the edges. Long finish, beautifully tailored. Drink: 2013 - 2016 12978 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Wine Estates Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2011, Northern Sonoma, California, United States: Rich, full-bodied and more richly woven than most zins. Dark fruit, mocha and a long finish. Zinfandel food pairings: dry-roasted ribs, soppressata pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2016 363358 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvèdre 2011, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied red with terrific structure and depth. Judicious use of oak wraps around blackberries and some dark spice notes. A pleasantly bitter, dry finish. Another classic red from Australia. Shiraz Mourvèdre food pairings: char-grilled steak, prime rib, osso buco, beef brisket. Drink: 2012 - 2016 468629 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Preuillac Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Juicy and generous with bright red vibrant fleshy berry aromas. Smooth and mouth-watering with medium- to full-bodied weight. Delivers so much satisfaction. This wine is a blend of 60% merlot, 37% cabernet sauvignon and 3% cabernet franc, and was aged 14 months in French oak. Superb effort! Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork tenderloin, lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2016 713925 13% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lan Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Subtle and complex with aromas of cigar box, leather, violets and black cherry. Full-bodied and mouth-watering. Love the taste and feel of maturity in this wine. It's hard to find wines with this much age on the liquor store shelf at this reasonable price. Drinking well now though will also keep in the cellar for a few years. Tempranillo food pairings: herbed steaks, portobello mushroom. Drink: 2012 - 2016 928622 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carpineto Riserva Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Gorgeous balance and richness in this signature chianti classico. Aromas of sun-dried tomato, dark, tart cherry and earth. Try it with meat dishes involving tomato sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2018 47118 13.7% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2011, Marlborough-Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: A gorgeous pinot noir, especially at this price point! Very aromatic of exotic wild violets and lush cherries. Medium- to full-bodied, silky smooth and mouth-watering. Subtle and superbly crafted. Pinot Noir food pairings: barbecue roasted herbed chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2017 60137 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alain Jaume Grande Garrigue 2010, A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France: Cedary aromas with black forest cherries on the nose. Full-bodied and generous though it needs 1-2 hours decanting for maximum pleasure. Dried herbs and some smoke on the finish. Pair it with film noir or a murder mystery. Food pairings: pepper steak, grilled pork chops. Drink: 2012 - 2016 233916 14.4% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Crema Pinot Noir 2011, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Cherry-berry mouth-filling wonder. Just enough oak for hedonists. Full-bodied, layered yet not heavy. Drink: 2013 - 2016 719435 13.9% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

John's Blend Individual Selection No. 35 John Glaetzer Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Concentrated flavours of cherry and raspberry jam in this robust red. It's dry but loaded with flavour. Drink: 2013 - 2016 927640 14.5% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, towering structure and incredible depth. One for the cellar if you can't wait. Dark fruit and a juiciness wonder on the finish. Drink: 2013 - 2017 80218 14.5% XD 750 mL $109.95 Score: 93/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Amisfield Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Ripe, fleshy cherries and raspberries wrapped in just the right amount of toasty oak. Medium- to full-bodied, plush and smooth. This is liquid satin for the senses. Don't wait for a special occasion though, drink it with dinner tonight and it will become a special occasion. Pinot Noir food pairings: salad, radicchio, basil pesto, frittata, rice porridge. Drink: 2012 - 2018 179754 14% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 93/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Corte Pavone Loacker Brunello Di Montalcino 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Pleasantly bitter black fruit, violets and tar: trust me, this is a good thing. Delicious: one of the best brunellos I've tasted in a long time. This wine is unfiltered, which gives it lots of character and stuffing, and almost a dark, feral nature. Decant for 2 hours, then put on some Italian baroque music. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: ravioli, autumn hodge-podge, chili, bastilles, onion dip. Drink: 2013 - 2018 237263 15% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 93/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2010, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied and powerful with the Australian sunshine in the fruit, yet with the perfect manners and French private school. Robust dark fruit hemmed in by a perfect seam of barely detectable acidity and a long finish that lasts a trans-Atlantic flight. This is one of the most iconic and classic wines of Australia. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, black bean soup, steak. Drink: 2012 - 2016 422782 14% D 750 mL $49.00 Score: 93/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beso De Vino Old Vine, Grandes Vinos Y Vinedos Garnacha 2011, Carinena, Spain: A full-bodied, juicy red wine that has has fleshy sweet purple plums aromas and flavours. Almost zinfandel-like. Smooth. Great for pizza. Garnacha food pairings: tapas, grilled meats, spicy dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2015 253591 13.5% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Chateau Gaudrelle Cremant De Loire, A.C., Loire, France: Crisp, toasty and refreshing with aromas of lemon toast, green apple and ocean spray. Great price. Drink: 2013 - 2015 339986 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Saniger Sparkling Wine Traditional Method Loxarel 2010, Penedès, Spain: Very traditional and delicious cava, the name for Spanish sparkling wine! Earthy, toasty and robust: anchored to the ground, yet it makes your head float in the stars. Lovely refreshment. Great price. Food pairings: poached salmon, steamed mussels. Drink: 2013 - 2015 348813 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Graham Beck Brut Méthode Cap Classique Rose Sparkling, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Full-bodied and loaded with pinot noir goodness in this toasty, zesty bubbly. Lovely cherry and strawberry notes and clean, crisp finish. Graham Beck is a master of sparkling wines, in my opinion, these are his best. Highly recommended. Rose Sparkling food pairings: planked salmon, shellfish, foie gras. Drink: 2013 - 2015 175588 12% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Ciù Ciù Merlettaie Offida Pecorino 2011, D.O.C.G., Marche, Italy: Exotic and different with clementine and toasty orange aromas and flavours. Good acidity. Medium-bodied. Try it with Asian and spicy dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2015 245670 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Raphaël Sallet Mâcon Uchizy Chardonnay 2011, A.C., Burgundy, France: Pleasant and pleasing and medium-bodied with white melon and white peach. Dry. Drink: 2013 - 2017 130450 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

False Bay Peacock Ridge Chenin Blanc 2012, Western Cape, South Africa: Very pleasant with mild aromas of white peach and pear, with some white melon. Dry and refreshing with a medium-bodied weight. Good aperitif or salad companion. Chenin Blanc food pairings: spicy Thai chicken dish. Drink: 2013 - 2015 337576 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cattail Creek Estate Winery Barrel Fermented Small Lot Chardonnay 2010, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Peach-citrus vibrancy! Full-bodied and mouth-watering with lots of layers of green apple, white peach and baked bread. Perfect for roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: barbecued pork, chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 348987 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Chardonnay 2012, Maipo Valley, Chile: Medium- to full-bodied quaffer without being too heavy. Aromas of green apples, peach, butter and some smoke with mouth-watering acidity. This wine hails from one of Chile’s newest wine-producing regions, the Limarí Valley. Lovely baked bread notes on the finish. Great value. Chardonnay food pairings: roasted chicken with a light glaze of honey, garden-fresh herbs, and lemon pepper, Basil pesto, prawn bisque, cheese fondue, frittata, pork. Drink: 2012 - 2015 342857 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Thatched Hut Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lime citrus and grassy notes in this vibrant, wake-up your senses sauvignon blanc. Crisp, clean and refreshing, very food-friendly. This wine offers classic cool climate Marlborough region notes of gooseberry and herbs, with white peach on the finish. Great aperitif whether you're in a thatched hut or semi-detached. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: citrus-grilled sea bass, chicken salad, pork tenderloin, linguine, salad. Drink: 2013 - 2015 262782 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2010, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Lemon sunshine yet there's full-bodied depth and richness here. Some baked bread, lime lift, stone and light laughter. Full-bodied, mouth-watering and ready for roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 288035 14.5% D 750 mL $58.00 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Vinho Branco Alvarinho 2012, D.O., Vinho Regional Minho, Vinho Verde, Portugal: Crisp and clean with pure lemon-lime intensity. Medium-bodied with mouth-watering acidity for food. Awesome for seafood and salads. Alvarinho food pairings: scallops, lemongrass chicken breast. Drink: 2013 - 2016 338905 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Momo Pinot Gris 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Makes my mouth water just smelling it! Lovely white peach and melon with mouth-watering acidity for food. Very refreshing as an aperitif or companion to many dishes from seafood to salads. Very classic aromas and flavours here for a cool climate region. Some toasted almond on the finish. Great wine for potluck gatherings. Pinot Gris food pairings: seafood, salads, basil pesto, radicchio, Chinese rice porridge. Drink: 2012 - 2015 163535 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Latour-Giraud Cuvée Charles Maxime Chardonnay 2011, A.C., Meursault, Burgundy, France: Come hither peach and pear notes folded gently into toasted almond and hazelnut. So alive, so seductive. Full-bodied but not heavy: gorgeous chardonnay! Very versatile: works well on first dates and twentieth wedding anniversaries. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, lobster dipped in melted butter. Drink: 2012 - 2018 299784 13% XD 750 mL $82.00 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2011, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lovely lime purity with major mouth-watering action! Light but packed with flavour. Great aperitif or food companion. Lime and green apple, Anjou pear. Terrific acidity and balance. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Riesling food pairings: barbecued lake fish, sushi, milder Thai dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2022 286377 12% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. September 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vincent Girardin Les Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuissé 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Lovely with white peach and a dry finish. Perfectly calibrated with medium- to full-bodied weight. No heavy oak. Like it lots! The finish is infused with notes of fresh green apple and some toast. This wine is ready to go when you are. Pouilly-Fuissé food pairings: lobster, crab dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2015 207894 13% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Daniel Lenko Gewürztraminer 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Totally lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Screams classic gewurz in a great way. There are only three acres plated with gewurz vines for this winery. Full-bodied, rich and waiting for you. Try it with Asian and spicy dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2017 356832 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Bernard Defaix Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, Côte De Lechet Reserve Chablis 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Gorgeously rich Chardonnay with amazing persistence of flavors on the palate. Aromas of peach, pear, apples, vanilla, butter and smoke. Viscous, opulent and layered for pleasure. Terrific, long finish. This wine delights from the get-go. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled cheese sandwich, goose, fried chicken, guacamole. Drink: 2012 - 2016 17541 13% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 93/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese 2011, Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany: Intense lime and lemon shafts of citrus vibrancy, lemongrass and grapefruit. Hard to believe natural sweetness of this wine as the acidity balances it perfectly. Concentrated pleasure. Drink: 2013 - 2020 339150 9% M 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Unfiltered Chardonnay 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Fall in love toasted hazelnut and almond on the nose. Ripe peach and pear emerge on the palate with layers of voluptuous mouth-filling richness. Liquid gorgeous. Drink: 2013 - 2018 184432 11.9% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 93/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Reserve Series Pinot Gris 2012, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Zesty lemon and lime vibrancy with a crisp, clean finish. Medium-bodied. Some white peach on the mid-palate. Excellent value. Works as a refreshing aperitif or companion to seafood and vegetarian dishes. Pinot Gris food pairings: BBQ soya salmon, chicken in shallot and mushroom sauce,and pastas in cream-based sauces. The body and depth of this wine allows for pairing with slightly heavier dishes such like veal and turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2015 177766 13% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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