Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Vintages Release May 10, 2014

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Dessert Wine

Florio Vecchioflorio Dolce Marsala Superiore 2010, Italy D.O.C., Italy: Lovely burnt almond and crispy toffee. Like it. Not just for cooking folks. Try this lovely dessert wine from Duca di Salaparuta with biscotti. Drink: 2013 - 2020 371732 19% S 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bosio Moscato D'asti 2012, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Honeysuckle pretty! Peach blossom, church picnic apple cobbler sunny day delightful. Sweetness yet but balanced. Pair with a gingham dress. Moscato D'asti food pairings: spicy sushi, fresh fruit. Drink: 2013 - 2015 371708 5.5% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zilliken Kabinett Saarburg Rausch Riesling 2011, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: Very soft, not a lot of acidity, honeysuckle and apple blossom notes. So pretty. Perfect for fruit-based desserts. Drink: 2013 - 2018 371344 8% S 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quinta Do Noval Black Port, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Black spice and scheming in dark alleys: a perfect dessert wine to sip while watching Hitchcock or film noir. This port house has been making wine since 1715. Drink: 2014 - 2020 S 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Anselmann Edesheimer Rosengarten Siegerrebe Spätlese 2011, Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany: This attractive dessert wine is made from the little known grape Siegerrebe and offers aromas of honeyed apricots and lime-lemon drops. Terrific value for the money. Try it with fruit-based desserts. Or instead of drinking this wine for dessert, try it with medium to spicy curries and other dishes with heat. Heat meets sweet and all is well as the intensity of flavours balance each other. Drink: 2014 - 2020 910554 8% MS 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2011, Prädikatswein, Moselle, Germany: Don't be off-put by the medium sweetness in this lovely Riesling. It's perfectly counter-balanced with a silver seam of acidity that makes this wine both complex and versatile with dishes such as curries, spices and those with sweetness themselves like glazed ham and sweet potatoes. Produced by Balthasar Ress. Riesling Spätlese food pairings: fruit-based desserts, biscotti, soft cheese, curries, spicy food. Drink: 2014 - 2020 301952 8.5% MS 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Malivoire Wine Company Icewine Riesling 2009, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The 2009 vintage was terrific for Riesling in Niagara, both for the dry style and the dessert version here. Lovely fragrant aromas of apricots and honey on the nose and palate, with a great balancing acidity. Malivoire is masterful in most styles and it shows here. Drink: 2013 - 2020 591321 10% S 200 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Été Indien Crépuscule Gamay (Beaujolais) 2012, Brouilly, Beaujolais A.C., France: An energetic, zippy red with a medium body and smooth texture. The appellation for this wine is AC, and it's a great price for the quality. Pleasantly bitter finish with some herbal, green notes. Made from 100% gamay grapes. Brought to us by Vignerons de Bel-Air. Mouth-watering and juicy -- it works on its own or with salmon. Gamay (Beaujolais) food pairings: salmon, ham, charcuterie. Drink: 2013 - 2016 159749 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Speri La Roverina Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Medium-bodied, supple and juicy with bright tart cherry aromas and flavours. A lovely everyday pasta wine. Think tomato sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2017 204008 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

D'Angelo Del Vulture Aglianico 2007, Basilicata D.O.C., Italy: This is a DOC-designated wine. A rustic and full-bodied red with cherry liqueur nose, amarone-like. High alcohol with powerful fruit flavours and concentration. Aglianico food pairings: grilled meats, strong cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 971689 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Valentina Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2011, Abruzzo D.O.C., Italy: This easy-drinking red wine delivers lovely dark red plums, berries and fleshy black plums on the palate, with mouth-watering acidity to accommodate tomato and meat sauces. Decant it for an hour for maximum pleasure. Great price for this quality. Montepulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: hearty pastas, tomato based meat dishes, grilled eggplant, garlic and mushrooms with a sprig of rosemary. Drink: 2014 - 2019 26179 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Broquel Bonarda 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied, black fruited wonder with luscious layers of dark mystery. Decant one hour and serve with gourmet hamburgers. Bonarda food pairings: steak kebabs, fajitas, gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2014 - 2017 55558 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Du Clos Gautier Cuvée Emile 2008, Côtes De Provence A.C., France: Tannic, tarry and black with a major grip on the palate. Black as night fruit with a pleasantly bitter bite. Decant 2 hours. This ain't rose Toto, it's a dark and menacing creature that needs taming with a juicy steak. Food pairings: steak. Drink: 2015 - 2018 374330 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rioja Bordón Reserva 2008, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Very mature with attractive and ultra subtle tanned leather, cigar box and spice. Not fruity, more dry earth and dust and the debris of reflection on a long life well lived. Sit back and close your eyes, and drink this one before it dies. Drink: 2012 - 2016 194753 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Casale dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Riserva 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This vibrant Reserva is a terrific one to try if you're not familiar with the Chianti Classico region. The grapes for this Italian beauty are carefully selected and hand-picked grapes from the best vineyard on the winery's own estate. Tart dark berries feature prominently on the palate with a lovely smoky finish. Try this with spicy Italian sausage or lasagna. Chianti Classico Riserva food pairings: red meat, game dishes, ripe cheese, grilled bell pepper and focaccia, mushroom kebabs. Drink: 2014 - 2019 317313 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

In Situ Gran Reserva Viña San Esteban Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Full-bodied with tarry black fruit and a tannic grip. The grapes are grown in vineyards at the foot of the Andes Mountains in the Mendoza region of Argentina. Finishes with blackcurrant and cigar box. Try it with pork tenderloin. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork tenderloin. Drink: 2014 - 2018 76281 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Valdemar Inspiración Selección 2010, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: This DOCA appellation wine is complex and layered with aromas of dark fruit, smoke and savoury notes of bacon. It's a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano grapes that was matured for 10 months in French and American oak barrels. Black and purple plum liqueur concentration with a dry finish. Amazing for the price. New World power, Old World finish. Highly recommended. Food pairings: lamb with thyme. Drink: 2014 - 2019 166512 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.75 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Meritage 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Mocha and black plums on the nose of this full-bodied, supple red wine that's a blend of 355 Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine underwent a cold maceration (grapes in cold soak to extract flavour) then fermentation and aeration for 15 days with select yeasts. Meritage food pairings: grilled red meats, gourmet sausages. Drink: 2014 - 2018 594002 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 2012, Lodi, California, United States: Smoky great with lusciously ripe black and purple plums. Please, tell me that campfire story again as the smoke swirls around my head and the stars above us on this mid-summer night. Perfect for grilled meats. Zinfandel food pairings: barbecued ribs, wings, burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2016 951889 13% D 750 mL $19.25 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Opus One Baron Philippe De Rothschild & Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: This is the half bottle size of this coveted California cabernet. The full 750 size is also in this release. This Napa Valley icon wine is produced by a collaboration between Baron Philippe De Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. It's mostly cabernet sauvignon, with some cabernet franc, petit verdot, merlot and malbec grapes in the blend. Complex, rich and deep, this cabernet delivers lasting and substantial pleasure on the palate and in the memory. This is the half bottle size. The full 750 size is also in this release. Try it at least once in your life. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: filet mignon. Drink: 2015 - 2022 26294 13% XD 375 mL $220.00 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Opus One Baron Philippe De Rothschild & Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: This flagship Napa Valley wine is produced by a collaboration between Baron Philippe De Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. It's mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec grapes in the blend. Complex, rich and deep, this cabernet delivers lasting and substantial pleasure on the palate and in the memory. Try it at least once in your life. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: filet mignon. Drink: 2015 - 2022 26310 13% XD 750 mL $459.00 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kings Ridge Union Wine Pinot Noir 2012, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Oregon Pinot Noir is a different wine than pinots from other regions: it's edgier, mouth-watering and acidic in a great way that can handle many dishes from planked salmon to roast chicken. I love this style far more than the fleshy, sweet berry ripe pinots. This wine also sports a silky texture, medium body and a snap on the finish. Pinot Noir food pairings: cedar-planked salmon, roast beef, turkey, pork tenderloin, coq au vin. Drink: 2014 - 2019 237776 13.9% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marchand-Tawse Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011, Burgundy A.C., France: A delightful, medium-bodied satin-smooth pinot noir that's produced by a partnership between one of Niagara's best wineries, Tawse, and this Burgundian domaine. Lovely tart cherry notes throughout, great mouth-watering acidity for food and a long finish. The grapes are grown mostly in Pommard vineyards, with some coming from the Marsannay district of Burgundy. This is a terrific price for Old World pinot noir. Very mouth-watering with great acidity for a wide range of dishes from planked salmon to roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: cedar-planked salmon, roast beef, turkey, pork tenderloin, coq au vin. Drink: 2014 - 2019 285601 13% XD 750 mL $32.25 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Delas Frères Les Launes Syrah Shiraz 2011, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône A.C., France: This AC Rhone red wine delights from the get-go! Immediately pleasurable aromas of blackberry liqueur, dark spice and smoke. Thank goodness it's so reasonably price because I think you'll be wanting more than one bottle. Syrah Shiraz food pairings: hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2019 701359 12.8% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Achaval Ferrer Florida Del Tunpungato Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Here's a terrific red wine to liven up any meaty meal or conversation. Gorgeous aromas of dark spiced fruit, vanilla smoke and some licorice. Bring it on, along with lots of friends to share this bottle, or two. Malbec food pairings: veal cutlets, char-grilled lamb cutlets, stir-fry beef tenderloin, pasta, cheddar. Drink: 2014 - 2018 24737 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Merlot 2011, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A spectacular BC merlot with enticing aromas of fleshy dark fruit and smoke. Quail's Gate is what I'd call a merlot specialist, having elevated the whole varietal for the country. Love the cedar brush finish that leaves a wispy trail right back to the bottle. Superb craftsmanship. Merlot food pairings: Angus steak, cheddar cheese, beef quesadillas. Drink: 2014 - 2020 169961 15.47% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maipe Reserve Proviva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Wow! What an expressive red wine! Juicy black plums and berries waft up from the glass, wrapped in a lovely shall of mocha richness. Silk texture, full body, what more could you want? Oh, I know: a second bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: meat dishes, hard cheese, roast chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2018 246116 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Savigny-Lès-Beaune Godeaux Pinot Noir 2008, Burgundy A.C., France: All the pleasures of mature Burgundy without an outrageous price (for Burgundy). Tart cherry, but not fruity, faint violet, leather and a drift whiff of spice on the finish. Medium-bodied and satin sheets texture ... Slide right in please. Brought to us by Domaine Seguin-Manuel - thank-you. Try with veal. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal. Drink: 2014 - 2019 265322 13.5% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fairview The Goats Do Roam Wine Company Petite Sirah 2011, Paarl W.O., South Africa: Mocha glory goodness! Love this! Yes there's chocolate and coffee, but it's not sweet. Rather it is comforting and warming, especially on glass three. Full-bodied and smooth. Still decant 1 hour please. Pair with steak or grilled or blackened chicken. Petite Sirah food pairings: steak, grilled chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2020 366252 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Perrin & Fils Les Sinards 2011, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Oodles of flavour and character packed into a compact package -- this is the half bottle size of this terrific red wine from the Rhone. Perrin is a name you should remember and trust. Lots of dark red cherry, black fleshy plum, spice and smoke. Perfect for grilled meats. Food pairings: roast beef, game meats. Drink: 2014 - 2022 5975 14% XD 375 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tabalí Reserva Especial Named Varietal Blends-Red 2009, Limarí Valley, Chile: A savoury blend of 74% Syrah, 14% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in this full-bodied red wine, with terrific aromas of big, black fruit and smoke. Anise, pencil led and fleshy black plum flavours flood the senses. Try it with a hearty meat dish tonight. Named Varietal Blends-Red food pairings: rosemary lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2016 107540 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Oscar's Estate Vineyard Shiraz Viognier 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This could be the ultimate hamburger wine! Full-bodied, generous, juicy and crowd-pleasing: it's ready to get on the table beside all the fixins. Suffused with black fruit, pepper and dark spice, this is a wine that is as essential as mustard and ketchup with hamburger feast. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: seafood, steak, Bouillabaisse, onion dip, hamburgers. Drink: 2014 - 2018 287961 15.9% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. May 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rocca Delle Macìe Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Terrific price for this DOCG-designated robust red wine. Luxuriously ripe black fruit, dark spice, smoke, tar and toasty oak. What a package! This red wonder has cellar potential but it will give you pleasure tonight. Chianti Classico food pairings: beef, pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 930966 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fontanafredda Serralunga D'alba Barolo 2008, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: The deft hand of the new management of this esteemed winery is at work here: the quality across the board of Fontanafredda wines continue to improve every year. This DOCG wine is full-bodied, balanced and stunning. Made from the Nebbiolo grape, this is simply classic Piedmont style. Dark fruit, truffles, violets and espresso. Watch this winery as it climbs every higher peaks of pleasure. Decant 2 hours. Barolo food pairings: anchovy pizza, porcini mushrooms, prime rib beef. Drink: 2015 - 2021 943290 14% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 93/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Torbreck The Steading 2009, Barossa Valley, Australia: Spectacular! This blockbuster powerhouse from the heart of Australia's finest winemaking region delivers all the goods: concentration, depth, complexity and length on the finish. There's so much going on in this glass from exotic black fruit and dark spices to threads of vanillin and wild violets. Celebrate tonight with this bottle. Drink: 2014 - 2020 97220 14.5% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 94/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Serego Alighieri Vaio, Masi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Masi is one of Italy's best-known producers of Amarone, the wine equivalent of Dante's Inferno -- and yes Dante is the inspiration and ancestor for the family making this wine today (Serego Alighieri Dante). Unlike the Inferno however, this wine is balanced and not at all hot on the palate. Rather, it is very full-bodied with layers of complexity and dark fruit and a terrific long finish that lasts for, well, an eternity. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: blue cheeses, lasagna, venison, beef daube, leg of lamb. Drink: 2015 - 2022 462812 15.5% XD 750 mL $99.95 Score: 94/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Modus Ruffino 2009, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: The 2010 vintage of this spectacular Italian red wine was released in the liquor store last year, and now here comes the 2009, which needed a more time given it's towering tannic structure. It too is a blockbuster and a palate pleaser, with a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes. Great bones, seductive flesh. Food pairings: pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, autumn hodge-podge. Drink: 2014 - 2021 912956 14% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 94/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Montes Purple Angel Carmenere 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Purple Angel will make you feel as though you've gone to heaven aloft a cloud of sensory pleasure. Can one wine pack more flavour into the bottle? I'm skeptical. If you love full-bodied, juicy, fruit-forward wines, this is your apogee as it also has all of those other great hallmarks of superb wine: complexity, balance and finish. Yes please! Carmenere food pairings: hearty meat dishes, grilled steaks, osso buco. Drink: 2014 - 2020 62364 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 95/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stags' Leap Winery Ne Cede Malis Petite Sirah 2010, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: A stunner in every sense! Full-bodied, rich, deep and concentrated red wine blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% of a mixed, "field" blend of Carignan, Mourvèdre, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Syrah and Peloursin. Drink: 2016 - 2023 589572 14.2% D 750 mL $129.00 Score: 95/100. May 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Chateau Tour De L’Eveque Rosé 2013, Provence A.C., France: This lively rose not only offers wild strawberry notes, it also has a little white pepper for intrigue and pleasure. Medium-bodied, dry and some kind of wonderful from Régine Sumeire, Propreitor-récolt. Please pass the pate. Rosé food pairings: pasta, smoked salmon, sausages, grilled pork. Drink: 2013 - 2015 319392 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2012, Languedoc, Midi A.P., France: Seductively fleshy ripe field strawberries in this bone-dry and refreshing rose. This is summer. Mouth-watering and medium-bodied and superb as an aperitif (chilled) or seafood companion. Rosé food pairings: turkey sandwiches, gently spiced dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2015 373985 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé 2013, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Love it! Wisps of field strawberries and raspberries punctuated by summer sun and the buzzing of bees. Perfect picnic wine, also pairs well with sunsets. Medium-bodied, flavourful and dry. Pinot Noir Rosé food pairings: grilled white meats, smoked salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2015 39974 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Perrin & Fils Tavel Rosé 2013, Rhône A.C., France: Gorgeously rich, full-flavoured rose with field raspberry aromas. Bone-dry and expressive. So satisfying. More deeply hued and experiential than a Mediterranean sunset. Tavel is a tiny appellation that lies on the west bank of the Rhone within the Gard department. Rosé food pairings: salmon steaks, grilled lamb burgers, seafood salads. Drink: 2013 - 2015 680801 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 2014. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Rosé 2013, Loire A.C., France: Resonant tangy notes of clementine and orange zest and roses on the nose and palate of this value-priced sparkling wine. Dry and mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied. Rosé food pairings: chicken and veggie kebabs. Drink: 2013 - 2015 119693 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. May 2014. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gratien & Meyer Brut Crémant Blanc, Loire A.C., France: Lemon zest and grapefruit on the nose of this clean, crisp sparkling wine. Nice as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2014 - 2016 369058 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 2014. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Val Joanis Tradition Syrah Rosé 2013, Luberon, Rhône A.C., France: Strawberry blossoms and roses in sunshine in this bubbly. Light, delicate yet delicious and dry. Brought to us by Chancel Family, Proprietor-Récolt. Try it with shellfish. Syrah Rosé food pairings: grilled chicken breast. Drink: 2013 - 2015 707281 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chandon Blanc De Noirs Méthode Traditionelle Sparkling Wine, California, United States: This Californian sparkling wine producer is owned by one of Champagne's most revered wineries, Moët & Chandon, the same house that makes top-of-the-line Dom Pérignon. Chandon is actually no newcomer to the scene having been founded in the 1970s, and the first winery to make sparkling wine using the traditional Champagne method. This bubbly offers terrific value for the money; a great bottle to serve at small or larger gatherings given its taste: price ratio. Crisp, clean and dry with aromas of green apple and baked bread. Terrific! Sparkling Wine food pairings: fried chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2019 100693 13% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Rosehall Run Rosehall Run Vineyard Chardonnay 2010, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Rich and full-bodied, with generous layers of green apple, butterscotch and lemon. Try it with roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2016 326512 12.7% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. May 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Rosehall Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely cool-climate chardonnay that offers generous aromas of melon, peach and toffee yet is also racy and balanced. One of my favourite producers in Prince Edward County. Drink: 2013 - 2017 326512 12.7% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. May 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dandelion Vineyards Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2012, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with lots of acidity and green apple notes wrapped in toasty oak. Drink: 2013 - 2016 368274 13.5% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 86/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Crusher Wilson Vineyard Viognier 2012, Clarksburg, California, United States: Lemon and lime zest: not as floral as most viogniers. Medium-bodied and mouth-filling. Viognier food pairings: pork burgers, barbecued chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2015 361964 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maycas Del Limarí Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010, Limarí Valley, Chile: Aged a year in oak, this full-bodied white wine offers notes of baked bread and green apple. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, cheese, chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2018 162040 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hermanos De Domingo Molina Torrontés 2012, Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina: Argentina's Torres wines are winners across the board -- let's just say, I haven't met one that I didn't like yet. Zesty yet floral and exotic. The grapes in the winery's Cafayate vineyard grow 5500 feet above sea level, which gives them good acidity and complexity. Medium-bodied, refreshing and dry, with a lovely lick of springtime on the finish. Excellent value. Drink: 2013 - 2015 303685 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Königschaffhausen Vulkanfelsen Trocken Pinot Gris 2012, Baden Qualitätswein, Germany: The QBA wine region for this Pinot Gris is situated just across the Alsatian border in Germany, and the vineyards here are reputed to be the best in Baden. A refreshing medium-bodied white wine with nuances of white pear and tree fruit. Pinot Gris food pairings: turkey, ham, roast chicken, seafood, light pastas, pork burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2016 450726 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Griffe Bernard Chéreau Chéreau-Carré Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine 2012, Loire A.P., France: This Loire AC wine is joyously alive with mouth-watering acidity and lovely interplays of lime blossom, tangy orange zest and an apple bite. A consistently great produce of this style of white wine. Try it with clams or oysters. Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine food pairings: steamed mussels, paired with pan seared scallops, freshwater fish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 948182 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean Perrier & Fils Cuvée Gastronomie 2012, Savoie Abymes A.C., France: Dry white apricot aromas on the nose with white grapefruit flavours on the palate of this expressive white wine. Mouth-watering acidity and freshness. Medium-bodied. Love the low alcohol. Great aperitif. Drink: 2013 - 2015 599944 11.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

KWV Kwv Chardonnay 2012, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: This rich, buttery chardonnay is produced by the South African winemaking co-operative KWV. This is simply amazing value for this WO-appellation wine, with all its layers of apple pie, baked bread and peach notes. Perfect for roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: prawn bisque, grilled chicken, lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2017 328559 14.7% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Paul Mas Nicole Vineyard Viognier 2012, Pays D'oc, Midi I.G.P., France: Seductive Old World Viognier with white floral and petrol aromas. Love it. The vines grow in chalk and clay soils on steep hillsides yielding a deep core of minerality in the finished wine. Viognier food pairings: grilled pork, chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2017 140953 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bollini Pinot Grigio 2012, Alto Adige, Trentino D.O.C., Italy: Pinot Grigio from this northern Italian winemaking region is a classic. Clean lines and crisp refreshment come through first, followed by green apple and lime on the finish. Perfect for salads. Pinot Grigio food pairings: pasta primavera, salmon, almond and panko crusted halibut, wild mushroom risotto. Drink: 2013 - 2016 951319 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hinterbrook Winery Barrel Fermented Reserve Chardonnay 2011, Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Toasted almond and hazelnut on the nose from generous yet judicious oak barrel aging. Fleshy white peach and pear notes emerge on the palate of this full-bodied, luscious cool-climate Chardonnay. This winery is famous for it's sparkling wines but here we are with a lovely still white. Fermented in French oak barrels and aged 13 months sur lie (on its yeast). A must for veal scaloppini. Drink: 2013 - 2016 292375 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand: Grassy great and refreshing with lots of acidity. Medium-bodied without oak. The cool climate and porous soils of this region show in the expressive nature of this zippy wine. It's not easy being green, but it's delicious! Drink: 2013 - 2015 713958 13.8% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Des Malandes Chablis 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: This vibrant, unoaked chardonnay is ideal as an aperitif or companion to shellfish. Crisp notes of green apple and grapefruit. Naked chardonnay in all its unadorned glory. Chablis food pairings: fresh seafood, salads. Drink: 2014 - 2019 111658 12.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean-Max Roger Winery Cuvée G.C. Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Loire A.C., France: Liquid happiness in a glass! This lemon bright Sauvignon Blanc is classic Old World style. Cool refreshing on the palate and with the snap on the finish. So versatile for many dishes and it drinks beautifully as an aperitif on its own. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled tilapia with mango, lemon chicken, goat cheese, Greek salad, grilled salmon. Drink: 2014 - 2018 189126 12.5% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Ned Marisco Vineyards Pinot Gris 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Repeat after me: I shall not drink boring Pinot Gris any more. Okay, now here's how you implement your resolution: this zesty, medium-bodied Pinot Gris is loaded with personality plus pear, peach and yellow apple notes. Bring on the seafood, the shellfish, the salads, the happy disposition. Pinot Gris food pairings: seafood, light pastas, grilled chicken and vegetables, cured meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 267138 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2012, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Santa Barbara is a glorious southern Californian winemaking region to explore both in the glass and on vacation. This chardonnay is full-bodied with ripe tree fruit and toasty oak aromas, brought forth under the masterful hand of winemaker Bruce McGuire. Try it with pasta in cream sauce. Chardonnay food pairings: barbequed chicken, grilled sea bass, pasta in cream sauce, lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon. Drink: 2014 - 2019 989152 13.8% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marisco Vineyards The King's Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Wairau, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely, expressive kiwi sauvignon blanc. Herbal but not too grassy. Great mouth-watering acidity. The ancestors of the winemaker Brent Marris were appointed by the court to guard the Devon coasts of England in 1204, thus receiving the "King's Favour". Drink: 2013 - 2015 374165 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Clean and fresh with herbal, grassy and lime notes. No oak. Great with shellfish. Drink: 2013 - 2015 677450 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. May 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fielding Estate Winery Gewürztraminer 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: White pepper and white grapefruit on the nose, slight sweetness of fleshy peach on the palate then finishes with a floral profusion. Lovely. Medium-bodied. Perfect for Asian dishes. The grapes for this wine were cold soaked before pressing to extract as much flavour as possible. Gewürztraminer food pairings: spiced chicken satay, Thai papaya salad. Drink: 2013 - 2016 146753 12.5% D 750 mL $15.75 Score: 90/100. May 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Max Ferd. Richter Kabinett Riesling 2007, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel Prädikatswein, Germany: This German Riesling will dazzle your senses: it's almost blinding in its intensity of fruit and balancing acidity, like waking out from a dark cave into mid-afternoon sunshine. This QMP-designated wine has depths of apricot, peach and honeysuckle flavour. Medium-bodied, no oak, long finish. Try it with Indian chicken dishes. Riesling food pairings: nuts, melons, soft cheese, curries, spicy food. Drink: 2013 - 2019 998120 8.5% M 750 mL $21.95 Score: 94/100. May 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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