Values Wine Picks March 1, 2012

Note: I publish batches of reviews that I call Good Values Wine Picks. These are from the regular section of the liquor store rather than the Vintages section, and tend to be lower priced and the most widely available of all wines. The last four reviews I did were: March 7, January 4, December 16 and November 20.

White Wine

Lakeview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Drink: 2013-2015.  226027  12.50%  MD  750 mL  $16.95. March 1, 2012 Full Review


Open Riesling Gewurztraminer 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: The pretty floral notes and zesty lime refreshment are terrific with a wide range of dishes, as well as making this an excellent aperitif. The wine also proves that wine and vegetables can make a terrific match. Lovely balance, packed with flavour but no heavy oak. This is an incredible wine for the money: stock up for your parties and informal gatherings.  134965  11%  D  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 88/100. March 1, 2012 Full Review


Grant Burge Summers Chardonnay 2007, Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: A lovely round, buttery, full-bodied chardonnay with layers of green apple notes and toasty oak. Perfect for roast chicken. Drink: 2012-2015.  57315  13%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. March 1, 2012 Full Review


Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: Lime zest lift with herbal refreshment! Mouth-watering acidity makes this a lovely aperitif or companion to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2013.  619452  12%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 89/100. March 1, 2012 Full Review


Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2010, Valdadige, Italy: White melon and lime zestiness. This wine is incredibly versatile with many dishes. Mouth-watering acidity also makes this a crisp, clean aperitif. Drink: 2010-2014.  106450  12%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. March 1, 2012 Full Review


Red Wine

Sledgehammmer Zinfandel 2009, North Coast California, USA: Gorgeous dark dark chocolate and black plum aromas on the nose, followed by a rich, smooth, full-bodied texture on the tongue: yum! There's some dark berries and dried tobacco notes on the finish. Superb quality for this price point. Drink: 2010-2014.  230466  15.10%  D  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 90/100. March 1, 2012 Full Review


Illuminati Riparosso 2009, Italy: A smooth, medium-bodied red with pleasant aromas of dark red fruit and smoke. Nice mouth-watering juiciness for food. Drink: 2010-2015.  269985  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 87/100. March 1, 2012 Full Review


Huff Estates Winery South Bay South Bay Merlot 2010, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada Drink: 2013-2018.  852478001252  13%    750 mL  $29.95. March 1, 2012 Full Review


Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Canada Drink: 2013-2018.  285791  12.50%  D  750 mL  $18.95. March 1, 2012 Full Review