Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
www.nataliemaclean.com

Vintages Release April 16, 2016

Login to see Natalie's scores and notes

Reviewed Wines | All Wines | Group by Wine Type | Group by Country/Region

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Dessert Wine

Taylor Fladgate 10-Year-Old Tawny Port, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: A toffee-rich ten-year-old tawny port with lovely layers of baked caramel and toasted almond. Long, satisfying finish. Port food pairings: blue cheese, nuts, pecan pie, crème caramel. Drink: 2015 - 2020 121749 19.8% S 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

House Of Croft Late Bottled Vintage Port 2010, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: Lovely Portuguese dessert wine, with black fleshy plums and prunes and dried fig aromas and flavours. Such a pleasant after-dinner sipper wine; great price. Pair with Black Forest Cake. Port food pairings: blue cheese, pasta arrabbiata, roasted almonds, fruitcake. Drink: 2015 - 2020 87601 20% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Constance Et Du Terrasous Vin Doux Naturel, Rivesaltes A.P., France: This rich, full-bodied southern French dessert wines offers aromas of raisins rolled in brown sugar with some toffee. Sweet but balanced. Pair with biscotti. Food pairings: apple tarte, fruit flan, fruit sorbet, fruit cheese cake. Drink: 2015 - 2025 447334 16% S 750 mL $27.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bodegas Álvaro Domecq Aranda Cream Sherry, Jerez D.O., Spain: A pleasant, sweet and rich sherry with attractive aromas of almond, dry toffee and spice. Pair with angel food cake. Sherry food pairings: almond tart, pecan pie, tapas, mild creamy cheeses. Drink: 2015 - 2018 449694 18.5% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Feudi San Pio Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2013, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: This robust Italian red wine is a blend of Corvina and other native grapes. Amarone in style without Amarone's price. Smooth, supple and tasty. Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: linguini marinara, slow-braised lamb shanks with tomato and garlic, tomato garlic and clam sauce over penne. Drink: 2015 - 2020 181446 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Bonnin Pichon 2012, Lussac Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: Rustic, full-bodied with charred black fruit, oak and smoke. Bargain Bordeaux at this price. Black fruit, smoke with full-body. Short finish: for immediate pleasure. Finishes with violets, dried tobacco and anise. Pair with a pepper steak. Food pairings: veal chops in creamy white wine sauce, veal schnitzel, Osso Buco, veal liver and olives in rose sauce. Drink: 2015 - 2025 280008 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine De La Charbonniere 2012, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone A.P., France: Black fruit, smoke and tar on the nose with dark spice, cedar brush and smoke on the palate. Full-bodied, layered and complex. Decant 2 hours. It will also do well in the cellar. Food pairings: maple glazed roasted root vegetables, vegetable cassoulet, spring green, asparagus salad with strawberry dressing. Drink: 2014 - 2020 62711 14% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Giribaldi Barbaresco 2011, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Love the pale brick colour on this wine and tanned leather and dried herb aromas. Dry and mouth-watering with great acidity for tangy dishes and tomato sauce. Full-bodied and ultra smooth and mature. Lovely the aromas of violets, spice and smoke. Perfect for lamb dishes. Barbaresco food pairings: roast goat shoulder with green beans and shallot and lemon dressing, venison curry, bison burgers. Drink: 2014 - 2025 101147 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Patrizi Barolo 2011, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Although it's not cheap, this is inexpensive for Barolo. Chalky dry with tarry oak and smoke and black fruit. More earthy than fruity. An acquired taste. Barolo food pairings: prime rib roast with rosemary and garlic, hamburgers stuffed with feta cheese, roasted vegetable stew. Drink: 2014 - 2025 653527 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Leccaia Brunello Di Montalcino 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Beautiful intensity of fruit flavor! Full-bodied aromas of black cherry, licorice, dark spices and blackberries. Polished tannins with a long finish. You’ll be the hero of the dinner party if you give this bottle to your host. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: sundried tomato and fresh basil sauce over fusli, Portobello mushroom stuffed with crab, avocado and cream cheese. Drink: 2015 - 2030 121905 14.5% XD 750 mL $74.00 Score: 94/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carpineto Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Mocha, earth, dust and smoky oak on the nose. Full-bodied Italian red wine with tart black cherries, leather, earth and toasty oak on the palate. I prefer the 2012, 2010 and 2009 vintages, but this is solid. Chianti Classico food pairings: linguini marinara, slow-braised lamb shanks with tomato and garlic, tomato garlic and clam sauce over penne. Drink: 2017 - 2022 356048 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michele Castellani Colle Cristi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2010, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Dried raisined cherry aromas on the nose of this seductive red wine, with a deep, luxurious layers of richness. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious aromas. This is a very generous Amarone, and lovers of this style should stock up. Incredibly long finish. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Food pairings: pepperoni, Italian sausage and pancetta pizza with mozzarella cheese, feta cheese stuffed hamburgers, Italian wedding soup. Drink: 2015 - 2020 222109 15.5% D 750 mL $45.95 Score: 95/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Treana 2012, Paso Robles, California, United States: Chocolate, espresso, coffee and dark chocolate on the nose and palate from oak aging. A dark, brooding red wine with toasty oak and black fruit flavours. Notes of blackberries and cassis wrap themselves around grilled meats. Good finish with lots of chocolate and mocha from generous oak aging. Pair with a t-bone steak. Food pairings: grilled Porterhouse steak with roasted vegetables, lamb lollipops, braised beef short ribs. Drink: 2015 - 2018 11221 15.5% D 750 mL $40.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: Mocha and dark chocolate with a full-bodied bite on the palate. Huge and towering. Worth the price? Do the math: PE multiple > price divided quality (score). Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: slow-braised beef short rib, bbq ribs, grilled marinated sirloin steak. Drink: 2015 - 2022 684308 14.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kacaba Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Mocha and chalky dry with lots of toasty oak. A full-bodied, rustic Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. Firm tannic grip on the palate. Decant 1 hour and pair with a juicy steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: venison meatballs and sauce, bobotie, wild game chili bites. Drink: 2014 - 2020 326496 12.7% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Mocha, ripe almost sweet black fruit and tar. Decant 2 hours. Lots of tannin, dark plum flavours and smoke. Black fruit, mocha from oak aging. Finishes with black smoke and anise. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: baseball steak with sautéed mushrooms on wilted greens, selection of prosciutto and breasola meats, bacon onion and potato omelet. Drink: 2014 - 2020 330174 14.6% XD 750 mL $58.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grove Street Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California, United States: A medium-bodied Cabernet with dark fruit notes. Needs pizza. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Mexican-style venison sausage and roasted root vegetables, stuffed rolled flank steak, boar stew. Drink: 2015 - 2018 161190 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Agrelo, Argentina: The wine offers aromas of black plums and blackberries with some pleasant tarry notes. Full-bodied and smooth. Great for steak dinner evenings. A generous and giving Malbec in the fullest flavour sense. Malbec food pairings: roast boar with roasted corn and root vegetables, roast venison with onion garlic and red wine, venison stew. Drink: 2015 - 2019 247304 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alamos Syrah 2014, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied Argentine red wine with dark fruit and some dark spice. Smooth. This red wine finishes with dark fruit and some spice. Try it with a pepper steak tonight. Syrah food pairings: Greek marinated lamb ribs on the grill, souvlaki, spanokapita pie. Drink: 2016 - 2022 183848 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Uco Valley, Argentina: A deeply powerful, concentrated and extracted red wine from Argentina's flagship grape Malbec, with aromas with black fruit, smoke and mocha-rich coffee. Full-bodied, supple with a warm finish. Try it with grilled lamb tonight. Malbec food pairings: venison filet mignon with red wine gravy, grilled bison strip steaks, goose and duck sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2015 - 2020 123729 15.1% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Shingleback Davey Estate 2012, South Australia, Mclaren Vale, Australia: A robust and vibrant Australian red wine blend with classic aromas of black currant, cassis, blackberry and dark spice with some smoke on the finish. Pair with roast beef. Food pairings: steak enchilada casserole, deep dish pizza and cheese pie, pan-fried goose breast with watercress. Drink: 2015 - 2025 444455 14.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pirathon Kalleske Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied Australian Shiraz with aromas and flavours of black plum and dark spice. Finishes with pepper notes. Pair with prime rib. Shiraz food pairings: kangaroo New York strip loin steak on the bbq, venison garlic sausage with roasted potatoes, corned venison. Drink: 2015 - 2021 130278 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2012, South Australia, Coonawarra, Limestone Coast, Australia: Lovely savoury bite on this Australian icon red wine. Elegant, refined and balanced like Sue herself. Classic cassis and blackberry fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Long finish. Pair with rare cuts of meat. Cabernet Shiraz Merlot food pairings: short ribs on the bbq, beef enchiladas, stuffed beef flank steak with minced pork mushrooms and garlic, steak Diane. Drink: 2015 - 2020 511600 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos Henri Bel Echo Pinot Noir 2014, South Island, Marlborough, New Zealand: Love the blend of expressive New World fruit with a savoury, earthy Old World edge in style. Aromas of mouth-watering black cherry, luscious layers of satiny fleshy fruit with some spice on the finish. Superb quality and taste for the money. Pair with planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: baked mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese crab and green onion, mushroom and onion risotto, cheese and potatoes rissole. Drink: 2017 - 2020 159137 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.25 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg W.O., South Africa: Full-bodied, savoury with dried herbs and dark fruit. Balanced and structured with a long finish. Pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef pot roast with dumplings, minced beef and cabbage casserole, tenderloin beef Wellington. Drink: 2015 - 2020 443374 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Sanctus 2012, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A terrific and complex Bordeaux wine from a strong 2012 vintage. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant with cigar box and dried tobacco leaves. Firm tannins, great structure, long finish. Pair with rare cuts of meat. Food pairings: roast beef with root vegetables, baron of beef with red wine sauce and scalloped potatoes, flat iron steak on the bbq. Drink: 2015 - 2025 444067 14.4% XD 750 mL $69.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Haut Selve 2012, Graves, Bordeaux A.C., France: Fleshy, black fruit aromas on this red wine from a great vintage. This is classic, with full-bodied weight and smooth texture. Some smoke on the finish. Lots of toasty oak and smoke and a big tannic grip on the palate, but it weaves beautify through the fruit and structure. Most excellent price for Bordeaux. Food pairings: cabbage rolls stuffed with beef rice and pimento, hamburger steak with wild mushroom and red wine sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2020 738120 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos Troteligotte K-Or Malbec 2014, Southwest, Cahors A.C., France: Black fruit, smoke and toasty oak on this well-price, robust southern French red wine made from Malbec grapes. Pair with grilled meats. Malbec food pairings: rabbit with dumplings, venison sausage cassoulet, venison Swiss steak. Drink: 2017 - 2022 299982 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Nozieres Cuvée Ambroise de l'Her 2012, Southwest A.C., France: Big, blackened fruit, smoke, tar and brooding dark mystery on the nose and palate of this full-bodied French red wine. Grippy tannins and lots of punch on the palate. Oak aging makes this wine finish with dark spice and smoke. Pair with grilled meats in a hearty sauce or stew, lamb or hard cheeses. Food pairings: Mediterranean spiced steak with red rice and quinoa dumplings, marinated beef long ribs on the bbq, beef stir fry. Drink: 2015 - 2021 276055 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo 2013, Salento I.G.T., Italy: Balanced, almost restrained for Primitivo aka the Italian version of Zinfandel. Black plums and blackberries with a smooth, supple texture. Perfect for pizza night. Primitivo food pairings: acorn squash apples and cabbage bake, stuffed zucchini with herbs tomatoes onions and garlic, stuffed baked tomatoes. Drink: 2015 - 2018 320929 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

San Felice Il Grigio Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Layered, complex, rich and deep with terrific balance and length. Superb craftsmanship in this Italian red wine blend. Complex, richly layered and full-bodied. Needs decanting 2 hours or better yet, give it cellar time. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Chianti Classico food pairings: rich tomato and roasted Italian vegetables sauce over penne, beef stuffed tomatoes and peppers. Drink: 2014 - 2018 403477 14.5% D 750 mL $51.95 Score: 94/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Smooth and robust with attractive wild black cherry and dark spices. Mouth-watering and very food friendly. Pair with grilled meats. Chianti Classico Riserva food pairings: spring vegetable pizza with goat cheese, sundried tomato, zucchini and red onion pizza,. Drink: 2015 - 2022 716266 14.5% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Guado Al Tasso Il Bruciato 2013, Tuscany, Bolgheri D.O.C., Italy: Lots of gripping and dry tannins with acidity on the palate of this full-bodied Italian red wine with sour chary notes and tobacco smoke. Needs tomato sauce or a tangy dish. Food pairings: pork shanks in red cabbage and onion, red peppers stuffed with mince pork onion garlic and tomato sauce, stir fried shredded pork and Asian vegetables. Drink: 2015 - 2020 185701 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 87/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Avignonesi Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Dark, brooding with some mint and charred black fruit. This Italian red wine is all about mouth-feel and texture, which is fabulous. Nose of dark fruit and some dark spice. Full-bodied and satin smooth. Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano food pairings: minced sirloin tomato mozzarella cheese pizza, three-sausage and cheese pizza, bacon ham and minced pork pizza with pineapple and onion. Drink: 2015 - 2021 943670 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Donatoni Massenà Rosso 2012, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Chocolate dipped black cherries are the prominent aromas and flavours in this robust Italian red wine. Fairly smooth. Pair with hearty meat dishes, especially caramelized meats with a touch of sweetness. Food pairings: Polynesian roast wild duck, grilled duck with wild rice, sautéed duck breast mushrooms in cream sauce and noodles. Drink: 2015 - 2019 332403 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Acinatico Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2013, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A smooth, full-bodied and balanced Italian red wine with aromas of dark dry cherry and some spice notes. The 2013 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Acinatico finishes with dark fruit and brooding. Grippy tannins, chalky dry on the palate. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: spaghetti with eggplant and tomato sauce, meat ravioli with roma and tomato sauce. Drink: 2015 - 2020 85159 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 87/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kistler Pinot Noir 2013, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A zesty acidic attack on the palate of this fleshy pinot noir. Aromas of tart black cherries and dark spices. Medium-bodied and smooth. Pair with roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb and pilaf casserole, roast leg of lamb in rosemary and garlic, lamb chops with Danish blue cheese. Drink: 2015 - 2017 330274 14.1% XD 750 mL $103.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Uco Valley, Argentina: Cigar box aromas borne on a river of black plum pleasure through the palate. Full-bodied with lapping layers of liquid velvet. Pair with a rare steak. Malbec food pairings: wild goose in gravy mushrooms and olives, roast saddle of rabbit with apricot and apple stuffing, venison shanks prunes in red wine sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2025 132357 14.7% XD 750 mL $96.00 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Clarke 2009, Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: A spectacular red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that's a third the price of comparable quality Bordeaux. Complex, rich and deep. The 2009 vintage was overshadowed by 2010, but when you find a gem like this one, snatch it up by the case. Great cellar candidate. Pair with fine cuts of beef. Drink: 2015 - 2022 503904 14% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 94/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Barossa Valley, Australia: Drinking beautifully right now! It's great to taste Australian Cabernet with some age, and displaying lovey tertiary aromas such as tanned leather, dried herbs and cigar box. Pair with pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2019 39537 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz Cabernet 2013, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: A lively, mouth-coating red wine blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from a consistently good producer. This vintage offers aromas of minty blackberry on the nose with fleshy black plum on the palate. Round, supple and satisfying with a great finish. Try it with gourmet hamburgers and all the fixings. Shiraz Cabernet food pairings: pizza, hamburgers. Drink: 2013 - 2018 186114 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: A full-bodied Californian red wine made from Merlot grapes offering aromas of black fruit, dark chocolate and lots of toasty oak. Pair with prime rib. Merlot food pairings: veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb, grilled pork chops, Tandoori-flavored dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2018 27516 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan De Dieu 2013, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône A.C., France: This southern French red wine from the Rhone is brought to us by Plan De Dieu Aubert Frères. Tasty, full-bodied and delicious! Superb value: staggeringly great for the price. Aromas of cedar, black fruit, smoke and juicy black cherry. This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah grapes. This, my friends, is your party wine. It'll dance with anything on the grill. Food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, grilled pork chops, barbecued steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 224592 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Culmina Family Estate Winery R&D Meritage 2014, Okanagan Valley, Golden Mile Bench, British Columbia B.C. V.Q.A., Canada: Smokey, coffee campfire on the nose: perfect for telling ghost stories under a starry night sky. Fleshy black fruit and shows on the finish. Pair with childhood memories. Meritage food pairings: roast chicken paprika with onion and herb stuffing, onion pie, roast bresse chicken. Drink: 2016 - 2020 445494 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cordillera Special Reserva Carmenere 2009, Curicó Valley, Chile: Fleshy ripe red berries with vibrant acidity that demands food. Lots of campfire smoke and dried herbs. Layered and complex with great full-bodied weight. Pair with prime rib. Carmenere food pairings: stir-fried beef with seasonal vegetables, veal liver sauté with sweet onions, tenderloin in croute. Drink: 2013 - 2018 301432 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Brazin (B)Old Vine Zinfandel 2013, Lodi, California, United States: A terrific, full-bodied Californian Zinfandel with classic aromas of black and purple plums wrapped in smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Zinfandel food pairings: lasagna, barbecued lamb loin, grilled duck breast, Italian sausage burgers.. Drink: 2014 - 2018 256750 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2011, Veneto, Italy: Gorgeous depth and complexity, especially after 2 hours decanting -- let this baby breathe! Aromas of black cherry, tar and brooding attitude. Pair with prime rib or the Fight Club. Amarone Classico food pairings: dark chocolate, hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2016 - 2025 317057 15.1% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Masi Campofiorin 2012, Verona, Italy: Seductive black cherry and smoke aromas on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, balance Italian red wine. Mouth-watering acidity for tangy tomato sauce dishes. Masi has made this wine since 1964 from local Veronese grapes such as Corvina that are dried before fermentation for the appassimento method to add add depth and flavour. Masi knows how to make fabulous wines at every price point. Food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2020 155051 13% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Bodegas Muga S.A Muga 2015, Rioja D.O.C.A, Spain: Robust dry Spanish rosé from one of the country's best-known producers. Aromas of tart strawberries and other red berries and some spice. Pair with roast chicken. This aromatic, fragrant rosé finishes with rose petal and spice. Pair with picnics, salmon and Thai dishes. Food pairings: endive and ham in Moray (white) sauce, chicken a la king, tagliatelle with ham. Drink: 2016 - 2017 603795 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

H. Blin Millésime Brut Champagne 2006, Champagne A.C., France: Fresh, clean and crisp Champagne at a terrific price. Notes of green apple and freshly baked bread. Pair with fried chicken. Champagne food pairings: seafood stew, broiled scallops, seafood cocktail. Drink: 2016 - 2018 299990 12.5% XD 750 mL $74.95 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Graham Beck Wines Brut Zero 2009, South Africa: One of South Africa's best producers of sparkling wine, and it shows in this example. Toasty, crisp and fresh with aromas of golden apple and brioche. Pair with shellfish. Food pairings: fresh steamed shrimp, seafood bites. Drink: 2016 - 2018 435453 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Maison Chanzy Rully En Rosey 2014, Costières De Nîmes, Burgundy A.C., France: Gorgeous Old World Burgundian Chardonnay with benchmark aromas of golden apple and butterscotch. Pair with roast chicken. Food pairings: oriental duck salad, stir fried duck and lemon and orange zest, Mandarin duck salad. Drink: 2016 - 2020 446286 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Tinel-Blondelet L'arrêt Buffatte 2014, Loire A.C., France: Grassy and green with nettles and gooseberry. Lots of searing acidity to make your mouth water. Demands food: feed it vegetarian dishes or spinach quiche. Food pairings: raw oysters on the half shell with lemon and herb dressing. Drink: 2015 - 2018 169730 12.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Foreign Affair Winery Enchanted 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A straightforward, light-bodied floral white wine with notes of lime blossom. Pair with fresh seafood. Food pairings: curried shrimp, biryani, green curry chickpeas and potatoes. Drink: 2016 - 2018 389767 11.4% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Simi Winery Chardonnay 2014, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied chardonnay with sunshine ripened fruit offering aromas of green apple, peach and pear wrapped in toasty oak. Some spices and cedar smoke on the finish. Try it with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roasted chicken spinach and chick pea salad with citrus honey dressing, Circassian chicken, grilled chopped chicken in crepes and white mushroom sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2020 673806 13.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2014, California, United States: Butterscotch and vanilla smoke on the nose of this California Chardonnay from toasty oak aging followed by green apple and white peach notes. Full-bodied and generous with a nice finish. Let's have it with roast chicken tonight! Chardonnay food pairings: three-cheese pizza, cheese bacon and onion quiche,. Drink: 2016 - 2020 703710 13.5% D 375 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

De Loach OFS Chardonnay 2012, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Clean and crisp yet also delivers hedonistic richness. Full-bodied with layers of pleasure. Long finish. Pair with seafood. Chardonnay food pairings: oriental chicken salad with yoghurt and citrus dressing. Drink: 2015 - 2018 729343 14.5% XD 750 mL $50.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concha Y Toro Marqués De Casa Concha Chardonnay 2013, Limarí Valley, Chile: Medium- to full-bodied quaffer without being too heavy. Aromas of green apples, peach, butter and some smoke with mouth-watering acidity. Lovely baked bread notes on the finish. Great value. Chardonnay food pairings: veal cutlets with caper sauce, veal breast wild mushrooms in white sauce, slow-braised veal chops with white wine sauce. Drink: 2015 - 2018 342857 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Two Rivers of Marlborough Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2014, South Island, Marlborough, New Zealand: Here's your ultimate NZ SB! Citrus lift, not too grassy and ultra refreshing. Want to love SB? Start here. Pair with shellfish. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: goat cheese and cranberry bake, beet salad spinach and goat cheese salad with red berry dressing, fig and orange balsamic with goat cheese. Drink: 2015 - 2017 277707 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Waimea Chardonnay 2014, South Island, Nelson, New Zealand: Buttery, rich and round and surprisingly full for New Zealand. Caramel dripped over red apple. Pair with roast turkey. Chardonnay food pairings: linguini with rose sauce, creamy green herb risotto, asparagus with fried egg. Drink: 2016 - 2018 650242 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Highfield Sauvignon Blanc 2013, South Island, Marlborough, New Zealand: Herbal, grassy good with sunshine streaked through it. Crisp, mouth-watering and refreshing. Pair with fresh seafood. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: pineapple and ham pizza, quinoa salad with pineapple papaya and spring onion, grilled pineapple and asparagus flan. Drink: 2014 - 2016 444380 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

KWV Chardonnay 2007, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: A full-bodied, generous round South African Chardonnay with aromas of butterscotch and smoke. Well-priced and delicious. Pair with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: cranberry braised partridge, pork filet au gratin with green herbs, grilled chicken breast with cranberry and red currant sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2019 328559 14.7% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2014, Alsace A.C., France: Dry quince, Asian pear on this zesty Alsatian white wine made from Pinot Gris grapes. Perfect for seafood. Pinot Gris food pairings: Caesar Salad, fried Gruyere cheese sandwich, raclette. Drink: 2015 - 2018 983395 13.5% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Talmard Mâcon Chardonnay Cuvée Joseph Talmard 2014, Macon, Burgundy A.C., France: Green apple freshness with a lime lift through the mid-palate. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Pair with halibut or Dover sole. Chardonnay Cuvée Joseph Talmard food pairings: steamed crab with lemon garlic butter sauce, seafood salad, mussel and clam soup. Drink: 2016 - 2020 392712 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bouchard Père & Fils Montagny 2013, Burgundy A.C., France: A nutty Old World Chardonnay that's balanced and mouth-watering with some golden apple notes. Not a lot of oak. Pair with roast turkey. Food pairings: turkey and vegetable casserole, roasted teriyaki turkey wings and legs, rolled turkey roast. Drink: 2015 - 2019 653683 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Darting Gewürztraminer 2013, Pfalz, Germany: Green and white melon spring sweetness, absolutely lovely! Layers of viscous richness and apricot preserves. Pair with fresh seafood. Gewürztraminer food pairings: chicken tikka masala, potato and cauliflower yellow curry, vegetable coconut curry. Drink: 2015 - 2017 789628 12.5% S 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fantinel Sant'helena Pinot Grigio 2014, Friuli, Collio D.O.C., Italy: Relatively full-bodied for Pinot Grigio with crisp notes of peach and white pear. Good acidity for a wide variety of dishes. This is not your typical "greige" Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio food pairings: spicy salmon and tuna sashimi, cream of curry soup. Drink: 2015 - 2017 310144 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 87/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Seven Falls Cellars Chardonnay 2012, Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Buttery, round Washington Chardonnay with attractive notes of caramel, toasted almond from toasty oak aging. Pair with roast chicken. 385773 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2013, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A pleasant Niagara Riesling made from grapes grown on old vines from the winery's estate vineyards. Notes of lime, grapefruit and white peach. Pair with seafood. Riesling food pairings: grilled chicken with lemongrass stalk, spicy pasta dishes, shrimp tempura, grilled salmon with lemon sauce, duck liver pate. Drink: 2013 - 2018 277228 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2014, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Another terrific off-dry Vineland Riesling from the solid 2014 vintage. Aromas of lime and lemon zest with a deep core of minerality. Pair with fresh halibut in a beurre blanc sauce. Riesling food pairings: crème brûlée, fruit-based desserts, double chocolate cake, bread pudding. Drink: 2014 - 2018 38117 8.4% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2014, Margaret River, Australia: Smoky, toffeed opulence with green apple vibrance on the palate. This is a gorgeous Australian Chardonnay from a cool climate in the country that punctuates this wine with racy acidity for food. Chardonnay food pairings: crisp-skinned roast pork, light chicken dishes, creamy pastas and soft cheeses such as brie. Drink: 2015 - 2020 416511 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean