{"id":7510,"date":"2012-04-27T20:20:49","date_gmt":"2012-04-27T20:20:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/?p=7510"},"modified":"2022-08-16T14:11:37","modified_gmt":"2022-08-16T18:11:37","slug":"dog-point-chardonnay-andrew-rich-pinot-noir-sisters-run-shiraz-best-lcbo-wines-vintages-release-april-28","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/dog-point-chardonnay-andrew-rich-pinot-noir-sisters-run-shiraz-best-lcbo-wines-vintages-release-april-28\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Point Chardonnay, Andrew Rich Pinot Noir, Sister’s Run Shiraz: Best LCBO Wines Vintages Release April 28"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Here are my top picks from the April 28 Vintages Release. You can also get all 74 of my Best Value Wines<\/strong><\/a> and Top Rated<\/strong><\/a> Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. I\u2019ve also already posted my picks for May 12<\/a><\/strong> Vintages Release.<\/p>\n

You can also add my wine picks to your shopping list<\/a><\/strong> by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. You can also create a custom list<\/a><\/strong> just for this release that will be saved in your account. Print a text-only<\/a><\/strong> version of the reviews.<\/p>\n

Call it your What to Buy Me for My Birthday List or Here are the Wines that Can Truly Express Your Gratitude List. You can start a new list next time to keep them separate.<\/p>\n

Stock up for the weekend, then enjoy!<\/p>\n

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

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2008 Pascual Toso Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Stunning! Rich, deep, complex, satisfying. Words almost diminish the experience. Loaded with savoury dark fruit, a complex weave of smoke and a finish that you hope lasts until the next bottle. Drink: 2012-2028.\u00a0 261958\u00a0 13.5%\u00a0 $31.95\u00a0 Score: 95\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2010 Torres Vi\u00f1a Esmeralda, Catalunya, Spain<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Lemon and white floral notes galore! Mouth-watering acidity. I dare you to find a better wine at this price for Asian and spicy dishes… Go ahead, challenge me. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 113696\u00a0 11.5%\u00a0 $13.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100. Best Value White Wine<\/p>\n

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2009 St. Hallett Shiraz Gamekeeper’s, Barossa, Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Good acidity that cries out for food, especially hearty meat dishes. Ripe and tart blackberry flavours with some black plum and just enough oak. Very consistent producer. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 166991\u00a0 14%\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $15.95\u00a0 Score: 91\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2009 Dog Point Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Full-bodied with hazelnut richness on the nose plus green apple, white peach and pear on the palate. Complex and layered but not heavy. Terrific balance and finish. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 238568\u00a0 14%\u00a0 $39.95\u00a0 Score: 91\/100. Top Rated White Wine<\/p>\n

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2006 Marziano Abbona Barolo, Piedmont, Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Needs cellar time: very tannic yet the balance is there. Gorgeous black fruit, tar, violets and smoke. A long-term keeper. Drink: 2014-2022.\u00a0 67918\u00a0 14%\u00a0 $42.95\u00a0 Score: 94\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2009 Lawson’s Gew\u00fcrztraminer Dry Hills, Marlborough, New Zealand<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Gorgeous! Exotic with lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Perfect with Asian and spicy dishes. Looooove it! Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 60129\u00a0 14%\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 90\/100. Top Rated White Wine<\/p>\n

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2009 Vincent Girardin Santenay Les Gravi\u00e8res, Burgundy, France<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Love it! My kind of burgundy: earthy, black cherry and violets with a terrific zing of acidity. Medium- to almost full-bodied with a satin smoothness. Bring some to my birthday party please. Pair with: beef tenderloin with a mushroom sauce, robust cheese such as \u00c9poisses. Drink: 2012-2018.\u00a0 940825\u00a0 13.5%\u00a0\u00a0 $38.95\u00a0 Score: 94\/100. Top Rated White Wine<\/p>\n

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2008 Andrew Rich Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Gorgeous pinot: best of both worlds! Juicy cherry fruit yet elegant, long and refined with just enough mouth-watering juicy. Smooth as satin. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 127043\u00a0 13.5%\u00a0 $29.95\u00a0 Score: 93\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2010 Two Hands Shiraz Gnarly Dudes, Barossa Valley, Australia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Complex, full-bodied and delicious! Loaded with black fruit flavours yet it’s very dry and balanced, with a lovely long finish. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 660043\u00a0 14.5%\u00a0 $29.95\u00a0 Score: 92\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2010 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Vibrant black cherry aromas on the nose, with terrific balance on the palate. Juicy and mouth-watering, which makes it a terrific food partner. Loaded with black fruit and just the right amount of smoky richness.\u00a0 467944\u00a0 13.5%\u00a0 $13.95\u00a0 Score: 88\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2009 Arele Appassimento, Tommasi, Veneto, Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Love the black pepper juiciness of this red! Fleshy black cherries with some tart blackberries mingled in. Absolutely delicious! Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 224188\u00a0 13%\u00a0 $17.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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\n2008 Leasingham Shiraz, Clare Valley, Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Cool and minty on the nose with a tease of black fruit. Gorgeous balance on the palate: ripe fruit but not heavy, mouth-watering juiciness for a wide range of meat and robustly flavoured dishes. Pair with: filet mignon, meat lovers pizza, hamburgers. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 448241\u00a0 13.5%\u00a0 $24.95\u00a0 Score: 92\/100.\u00a0 Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2010 Finca El Origin Torront\u00e9s, Cafayate Valley, Argentina<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

White floral aromas and a profusion of peach-pear happiness. Try this white if you haven’t and open your world to more happiness. Pair with: lemon chicken. Drink: 2012-2014.\u00a0 262089\u00a0 14%\u00a0 $14.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100.\u00a0 Best Value White Wine<\/p>\n

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\n2009 Equifera Riesling Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Gorgeous luxury for the senses. Apricot and peach preserves wrapped in a blanket of honeyed richness. Enjoy life! Pair with: aged cheeses, apple strudel, fresh fruit and a scoop of sorbet.\u00a0 274472\u00a0 9%\u00a0 $59.95\u00a0 Score: 93\/100.\u00a0 Top Rated Dessert Wine<\/p>\n

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RavensWood Single Vineyard Pickberry Red, Sonoma Mountain, California<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

An ultra dry and complex red with a blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Classic cassis and blackcurrant aromas. Needs decanting 2 hours and will keep well in the cellar. Drink: 2013-2017.\u00a0 200865\u00a0 14.5%\u00a0 $44.95\u00a0 Score: 92\/100. Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2008 Monte Del Fr\u00e1 Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Fun and delicious! Full-bodied and juicy… Wonderful wine for pizza, hamburgers and movie nibbles. Fantastic price! Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 272500\u00a0 13.5%\u00a0 $15.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100.\u00a0 Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Two Rivers Of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Here’s your ultimate NZ SB! Citrus lift, not too grassy and ultra refreshing. Want to love SB? Start here. Drink: 2011-2014.\u00a0 277707\u00a0 13.5%\u00a0 XD\u00a0 $29.95\u00a0 Score: 93\/100.\u00a0 Top Rated White Wine<\/p>\n

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2009 Le Clos Jordanne Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Hazelnut richness on the nose with a lovely green apple vibrancy. Luscious layers of richness and juiciness. Surely one of Canada’s best chardonnays, if not the best!\u00a0 33910\u00a0 13%\u00a0 $40.00\u00a0 Score: 93\/100.\u00a0 Top Rated White Wine<\/p>\n

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Frei Brothers Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Love this! Big juicy purple and black plums, fleshy ripe blackberries with layers and layers of flavour. Full-bodied and smooth with just enough oak. Perfect for barbecue and meat lovers’ pizza. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 38075\u00a0 15%\u00a0 $23.95\u00a0 Score: 93\/100.\u00a0 Top Rated Red Wine<\/p>\n

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2010 Willy Gisselbrecht Riesling, Alsace, France<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Lovely lime blossom and lemon peel with mouth-watering juiciness and the faintest hint of natural sweetness. Lovely food companion for many dishes. Pair with: roast chicken, pork, grilled fish, seafood appetizers, sushi. Drink: 2012-2016.\u00a0 169011\u00a0 12%\u00a0 $15.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100.\u00a0 Best Value White Wine<\/p>\n

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2009 Calina Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

A terrific chardonnay, especially for this price point! Lovely aromas of green apple, some butter and just enough oak to make this a toasty, full-bodied (but not heavy) package. Pair with: roast pork, lightly smoked turkey breast. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 640912\u00a0 13.5%\u00a0 $14.95\u00a0 Score: 87\/100.\u00a0 Best Value White Wine<\/p>\n

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2008 Sister’s Run Shiraz, Mclaren Vale,\u00a0 Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Fantastic for the money! Full-bodied with a streak of acidity that holds together the fleshy dark fruit flavours. Full-bodied and layered. Pair with: marinated steaks, mild Thai beef curry. Drink: 2012-2015.\u00a0 269464\u00a0 14.5%\u00a0 $15.95\u00a0 Score: 89\/100. Best Value Red Wine<\/p>\n

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Lots more wine picks and pairings<\/a><\/strong> here.<\/p>\n

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

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Here are my top picks from the April 28 Vintages Release. You can also get all 74 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\u2019ve also already posted my picks for May 12 Vintages Release. You can also add my wine picks to your shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. You can also create a custom list just for this release that will be saved in your account. Print a text-only version of the reviews. Call it […]<\/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-7510","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\/7510","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=7510"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7510\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57591,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7510\/revisions\/57591"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}