{"id":7128,"date":"2012-03-28T15:53:43","date_gmt":"2012-03-28T15:53:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/?p=7128"},"modified":"2022-08-17T18:32:39","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T22:32:39","slug":"stags-leap-chardonnay-rufus-stone-shiraz-flagstone-cabernet-best-lcbo-wines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/stags-leap-chardonnay-rufus-stone-shiraz-flagstone-cabernet-best-lcbo-wines\/","title":{"rendered":"Stag’s Leap Chardonnay, Rufus Stone Shiraz, Flagstone Cabernet: Best LCBO Wines"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Here are my top picks from the March 31 Vintages Release. You can also get all 77 of my Best Value Wines<\/a> <\/strong>and Top Rated Wines<\/a><\/strong> for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. I’ve also already posted my picks for April 14<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

You can also add my wine picks to your custom shopping list<\/a><\/strong> by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. Stock up for the weekend, then enjoy!<\/p>\n

Natalie\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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Zuccardi Chardonnay, Argentina<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

A terrific, lovely white with floral and white peach notes. No heavy oak. Summer day wine. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 262097\u00a0 $14.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100. Best Value White Wine<\/p>\n

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Yalumba Viognier, Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Love it: beautiful and exotic with white floral notes. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 954644\u00a0 13%\u00a0 $24.95\u00a0 Score: 91\/100. Top Rated White Wine<\/p>\n

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Cave Spring Gew\u00fcrztraminer, Ontario<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Perfect gewurz, especially at this price! Gorgeous aromas of lychee, rose petal and a hint of spices. Great for Asiana and spicy dishes. Exotic and fantastic.\u00a0 302059\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 91\/100. Best Value White Wine<\/p>\n

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Castello Della Cervaro Della Sala,Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

I adore the hazelnut and toasted almond richness of this wine. Then it brightens like a sun shaft through clouds and you get the bright green apple vibrancy that pierces, satisfies and soothes. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 512376\u00a0 $54.35\u00a0 Score: 94\/100. Top Rated White Wine<\/p>\n

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Momo Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Lemongrass and chives and herbal notes but not too grassy. Lovely refreshment and brightness. Great food wine. Drink: 2012-2014.\u00a0 9167\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100. Best Value White Wine<\/p>\n

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Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Chardonnay, California<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A full-bodied Cal chard, with classic aromas of toasted almond, hazelnut, green and toasty oak. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 54585\u00a0 $37.95\u00a0 Score: 90\/100. Top Rated White Wine<\/p>\n

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La Posta Bonarda, Argentina<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Very balanced with lovely fleshy dark plums, smoke and a dry, chalky finish. Lots of layers of enjoyment here with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 261586\u00a0 $14.95\u00a0 Score: 88\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Gotham Old Vine Salmagundi Wineinc, Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Absolutely delicious! Stunning intensity and brightness of flavour. Rich dark plums roll over your tongue followed by a caress of smoke and spice. It’s like the happy ending to a bedtime wine story. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 265942\u00a0 $29.95\u00a0 Score: 94\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Mount Langi Ghiran Shiraz Billi Billi, Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Rich and luscious with terrific intensity. A core of black cherry runs through the heart of this dark wine. Ultra-satisfying and hedonistic. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 719575\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 92\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Tyrrell\u2019s Shiraz Rufus Stone, Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

I love this shiraz, even as I watched its price increase rapidly due to popularity. It’s rich and round with warm, inviting aromas of fleshy black plums. A lovely acidity brightens the middle. Some kind of wonderful. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 91488\u00a0 $19.95\u00a0 Score: 92\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Cedarcreek Pinot Noir, British Columbia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Big bright red and black cherries on the nose with some spice and cedar mingling in. Luscious and mouth-watering with terrific balance. Very new World fruity style. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 273482\u00a0 $31.95\u00a0 Score: 91\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Falernia Carmen\u00e8re Reserva, Chile<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Blackberry and purple plum liqueur richness and concentration. Full-bodied and smooth with terrific richness. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 269175\u00a0 $16.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Hecht & Bannier, France<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Fantastic! Oh tripe yum. Savoury, juicy and meaty with seductive and slippery black cherries wrapped in cedar smoke. Layers and layers of pleasure. Drink: 2012-2017.\u00a0 142802\u00a0 $22.95\u00a0 Score: 94\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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G\u00e9rard Bertrand Syrah Grenache Minervois, France<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Rustic and cedary with tart black cherries. Tasty and full-bodied. Will benefit from 2 hours decanting before drinking. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 952804\u00a0 $15.95\u00a0 Score: 87\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Monte Del Fr\u00e0 Valpolicella, Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Dry and chalky with pleasing aromas of dark fruit and sun-dried tomatoes. Terrific for most Italian dishes. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 165662\u00a0 $15.95\u00a0 Score: 88\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino, Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Peppery with dark spices and black fruit. Savoury, meaty and full-bodied with juicy smooth layers of pleasure. Pair with hearty meat dishes and meat lovers’ pizza. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 177527\u00a0 $14.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Aldiano Montepulciano D’abruzzo, Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Phenomenal for the price! Juicy, black and brooding with enticing toasty oak on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth with a lusciousness that’s wonderful with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2012-2017.\u00a0 51706\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 90\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Monsanto Chianti Classico, Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Smokey and dry with incredibly mouth-watering layers of dark berries. Complex, long, deep and lovely with full-bodied richness and loads of cellar potential. Decant for 2 hour. Drink: 2013-2020.\u00a0 719864\u00a0 $29.95\u00a0 Score: 93\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Flagstone Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Mocha seduction followed by a fleshy blackberry caress. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. If you love Australian cabernet (or shiraz), you must try this.\u00a0 205245\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 90\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Tawse Ros\u00e9 Sketches Of Niagara, Ontario<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Juicy with mouth-watering flavours of raspberries and strawberries. Bone-dry and refreshing. Drink: 2012-2013.\u00a0 172643\u00a0 $15.95\u00a0 Score: 88\/100. Best Value Ros\u00e9<\/p>\n

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Gassier Ros\u00e9 Sables D’azur, France<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

I love it! (I also just shouted that out the window to some surprised people on the sidewalk.) So very pretty with a basket of fresh field strawberries. Bask in the sun and pretend you are by the Mediterranean. Dry and refreshing. Drink: 2012-2014.\u00a0 33621\u00a0 $13.95\u00a0 Score: 90\/100. Top Rated Ros\u00e9<\/p>\n

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Ch\u00e2teau De Trinquevedel Ros\u00e9 Demoulin, France<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

A lovely and elegant Tavel rose that’s not as robust as others I’ve tasted. That is not to say it’s wimpy. Lovely aromas of raspberries. Bone-dry and refreshing. Drink: 2012-2014.\u00a0 729947\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 90\/100. Top Rated Ros\u00e9<\/p>\n

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Baron-Fuent\u00e9 Champagne, France<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

An incredibly fresh and vibrant wine, especially given its age. In fact, the maturity has only imparted a depth and richness that deepens its complexity but doesn’t diminish its refreshment. Drink: 2010-2015.\u00a0 155119\u00a0 $51.95\u00a0 Score: 91\/100. Top Rated Sparkling Wine<\/p>\n

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Joseph Cattin Ros\u00e9, France<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A lovely bubbly with a hint of fresh field raspberries and a refreshing dry finish. Pair with: steamed clams, mussels. Drink: 2012-2014.\u00a0 264572\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 88\/100. Best Value Sparkling Wine<\/p>\n

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Boeri Ribota Moscato D’asti, Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

A lovely light fizz with aromas of clementine and honeysuckle. Perfect as an aperitif or after-dinner sipper, as well as with spicy and hot dishes. Drink: 2010-2013.\u00a0 184978\u00a0 $15.95\u00a0 Score: 88\/100. Best Value Sparkling Wine<\/p>\n

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Warre\u2019s Port Vintage, Portugal<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

A lovely mature port to enjoy after dinner. Terrific complexity and nuance, and now with several decades under its belt, elegance. Drink: 207-2018.\u00a0 161877\u00a0 $89.95\u00a0 Score: 91\/100. Top Rated Dessert Wine<\/p>\n

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Quady Muscat, California<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Gorgeous flavours of blackberries and black raspberries. Terrific dessert wine on its own, with fruit or Black Forest Cake. Drink: 2011-2016.\u00a0 276840\u00a0 $14.95\u00a0 Score: 90\/100. Best Value Dessert Wine<\/p>\n

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\u00a0Posted with permission of the LCBO.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Here are my top picks from the March 31 Vintages Release. You can also get all 77 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. I’ve also already posted my picks for April 14. You can also add my wine picks to your custom shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. Stock up for the weekend, then enjoy! Natalie     Zuccardi Chardonnay, Argentina A terrific, lovely white with floral and white peach notes. No heavy oak. Summer day wine. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wine-picks"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7128"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57611,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7128\/revisions\/57611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}