These are the reviews the LCBO published in the Vintages Catalogue from my tasting notes, the most quoted Canadian source of wine reviews in this release. Full Members can access all 97 wines that I reviewed as a text shopping list with my complete tasting notes, scores and food matches. You can also see a sneak peak my reviews for the July 6 LCBO Vintages Release. Full Members can access all 68 wines that I reviewed as a text shopping list with my full tasting notes, scores, food matches and the stock for each bottle in their closest […]
Best Wines
Wine of the Week: Fifth Leg Shiraz, Australia
The true definition of a snob is someone who craves what separates people, rather than what unites them, according to writer John Buchan. So true when it comes to wine. Fortunately, a bargain-priced wine that’s tasty, like this shiraz, can bring most of us together around the table. Cheers, Natalie The true definition of a snob is one who craves for what separates men rather than for what unites them. – John Buchan – See more at: http://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/wine-quotes-and-quips-liquid-laughter/#sthash.WXQwRU7I.dpuf Sale Ends: June 23, 2013 Sale Price: $13.95 | Save: $2.00 (Usually $15.95) Natalie’s Score: 89/100 Fifth Leg Shiraz Australia Terrific lush […]
Best Canadian Wine + Food Pairings: Contest Winners
This news story ran in the print and online editions of leading newspapers across the country, as well in more than 50 regional papers. The article was written by a reporter with the Canadian Press (CP), and so this was not our distributed press release. We’re thrilled that it warranted such wide news coverage. You can also read the first story that another Canadian Press reporter wrote about the launch of the wine competition. OTTAWA – Oenophiles from coast to coast have waged a little friendly rivalry over wine pairings and come up with half a dozen of their favourites. […]
Canadian Wine Award Winners: CTV News
Leanne and I chat about the winners of The Great Canadian Wine Match, including how thousands of Canadians engaged in the intensely competitive voting for the best Canadian wines, representing almost every winery across the country. Find out why a robust red from Nova Scotia pairs well with beef, how Prince Edward County showed strongly in all categories and how several Canadian flagship wines can be enjoyed all the more with a simple dish, slice of pizza or cheese. Here’s a shopping list of the finalists to taste your way across Canada. Indeed the people have spoken, and who are […]
6 Top Wine and Food Pairings – Huffington Post
Here’s my column in the Huffington Post about the winners of The Great Canadian Wine Match. I also profiled the finalists in each category in previous columns. I’ll be featuring the nominees and finalists of the next wine match this fall that will feature both international and Canadian wines under $25. Stay tuned! Posted with permission of the Huffington Post.
Reporting Live from the LCBO: Which Wines are Hot Now?
Here’s a little story about the power and reach of social media … it started with food blogger Anne Waters who was shopping in the LCBO and noticed one of my wine reviews posted on the shelf. Physical world, paper review, glass bottle, liquid wine. That’s where it would have ended three years ago. However, Anne took the Instagram picture above with her smartphone and shared it on Twitter. (The Bila-Haut M. Chapoutier 2011 is a robust red wine that’s perfect for summer barbecues … you can’t beat the price-quality ratio at 91 points for $14.95.) I forwarded Anne’s […]
Wine of the Week: Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile
One of my favourite writers, Clifton Fadiman, said that if food is the body of good living, wine is its soul. This robust red comforts both body and soul. There are also still lots of terrific wines in stores from the June 8 LCBO Vintages Release … you’ll find 14 of my reviews in the Catalogue, plus 67 wines reviewed on the site. That should keep you going for a while, don’t you think? Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: June 23, 2013 Sale Price: $9.95 | Save: $1.50 (Usually $11.45) Natalie’s Score: 88/100 Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Chile Delicious! Full-bodied, savoury, meaty […]
Wine of the Week: Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc, Chile
I guess this week’s bargain bottle will have to celebrate Thirsty Thursday rather than Wine Wednesday. Never too late though for a tasty wine that’s well-priced. Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: June 23, 2013 Sale Price: $11.45 | Save: $1.50 (Usually $12.95) Natalie’s Score: 89/100 Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc A lovely citrus-infused Sauvignon Blanc that has a rich mouth-filling texture and vibrant, refreshing acidity. Not too grassy, just lime-zesty. Perfect as an aperitif or accompaniment to seafood, vegetarian dishes and salads. Drink: 2010-2013 LCBO Code: 263574 Sugar Code: Extra Dry Find this wine in your closest LCBO stores now. Feel free […]
Best Canadian Wines with Chicken: Zoomer Magazine
Here’s my recent column in Zoomer Magazine about The Great Canadian Wine Match with the finalists for the best Canadian wine with chicken. Just 4 days left to vote! Posted with permission of Zoomer Magazine.
LCBO Ottawa Rideau and SAQ Gatineau Wine Tastings
Here’s a list of wines offered for tasting at the Rideau Street LCBO in Ottawa and the SAQ Selection Store in Gatineau across from the casino. I’ll update this as I get new lists of the wines. You may also want to inquire about the classes held at these stores that provide additional opportunities to taste more wines. Here are the wine tastings in Toronto and Oakville. I find it doesn’t take long to taste the wines and I fit it in when I’m doing errands in the neighbourhood where the store is located. There is a minimum fee […]
