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Wine Picks June 6, 2020

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Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

Red Wine

Exultet Estates Cru X Pinot Noir 2011, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely light ruby hue in the glass. Aromas of ripe red berries (raspberry, cherry, cranberry) with a dash of earth and smoke. Lots of minerality. Very balanced, supple, smooth and long on the finish. Racy acidity for planked salmon or roast chicken. You will have to buy it directly from the winery. Drink: 2015 - 2022 6500 13% D 750 mL $45.00 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Hills Estate Winery Nota Bene 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: This wine gets better every year! What I love about 2016 is that it has all the character, but the alcohol is now lower than in the past at 13.5%. A remarkably well-made BC red wine from one of the province's top producers. Full-bodied, yet elegance and balanced with a long finish. Aromas of cassis, black currant and dark spice. This is a proprietary Meritage blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Pair with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2018 - 2024 959220 13.7% XD 750 mL $60.00 Score: 94/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Escudo Rojo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Maipo Valley, Chile: A terrific, full-bodied Chilean Cabernet at a great price. Aromas of dark plums and cassis and smoke. Pair with steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled sirloin steak, slow-braised blade roast in wine sauce, wild mushroom and leek risotto. Drink: 2020 - 2024 13434 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trentham Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2015, Tasmania, Australia: A lovely, cool-climate from the Australian island Tasmania. Aromas of ripe and tart cherry and spice. Satin smooth. Pair with veal. Pinot Noir food pairings: chateaubriand, lamb stuffed Portobello mushrooms, lamburgers. Drink: 2020 - 2022 12845 12.9% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frescobaldi Campo ai Sassi Rosso di Montalcino 2017, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: Produced from 100% Sangiovese wine grapes from a warm and dry vintage. Campo Ai Sassi is fragrant with florals and wild herb, robust and mouth-watering with blackberry, cherry, dusty herb and meaty flavours on the palate. Tannins are fine and grippy. Pair with a veal Porterhouse Rosso Di Montalcino food pairings: breaded veal cutlets, duck breast with celeriac salad, tagliatelle alla Bolognese, chicken herb-rubbed roast. Drink: 2020 - 2025 429415 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hester Creek Estate Winery Syrah Viognier 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: The 2017 vintage of Hester Creek’s Syrah-Viognier delivers again! A deeply rich and concentrated BC red wine blend. The Syrah is co-fermented with a a splash of Viognier to lift the mid-palate with some florals. Aromas of wild violets, smoke, vanilla spice and fleshy black cherry. The wine is aged for 15 months in 60% American and 40% French oak barrels. Pair it with grilled lamb or roast beef. Drink: 2019 - 2024 14% D 750 mL $30.00 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Reserve 7 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous BC red wine blend of blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. The winemaker imposes low yields of 2/3 tons per acre versus the average of 4-6. Aromas of black currant, tanned leather, dark berries, smoke, cigar box, dried herbs and pencil led. Long finish. Highly recommended. Pair with gourmet burgers or steak. Food pairings: grilled bison steaks, creamy gorgonzola cheese. Drink: 2019 - 2025 14.7% D 750 mL $38.00 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery North Bench Oliver NBO 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: Another terrific vintage for this robust BC red wine blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot grapes from the North Bench Oliver (NBO) vineyards of Blue Terrace and Rock Pocket. The 2017 Township’s 7 NBO offers aromas of fleshy ripe black cherry, dark berries, mocha and spice. The wine was matured 24 months in French and American oak barrels. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2019 - 2024 14.8% D 750 mL $35.97 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trail Estate Winery Baco Noir 2017, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Only 96 cases made of this lovely, layered, juicy, robust Prince Edward County red wine made from the Baco Noir grape. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plums, tanned leather, dark spice and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020 - 2023 11.4% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Dr. Trocken Pinot Noir Rosé 2018, Rheinhessen Qualitatswein, Germany: A vibrant, cherry inflected German rose made from the classic Pinot Noir grape. Medium-bodied with juicy acidity for salmon or grilled veggies. Drink: 2019 - 2023 12% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 88/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rust Wine Co. Merlot Rosé 2018, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A vibrant, full-bodied BC rose made from Merlot grapes. Aromas of dark plums and berries. Racy acidity for seafood. Drink: 2019 - 2021 13.8% D 750 mL $17.00 Score: 88/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robin Ridge Winery Flicker Rosé 2016, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, cherry-berry BC rose with racy acidity for seafood. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2018 - 2021 12.9% XD 750 mL $19.00 Score: 88/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gray Monk Estate Winery Rotberger Rosé 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Gray Monk’s 2017 vintage of the Rotberger and Gamay blend rose is absolutely lovely! Aromas of small field strawberries. The grapes underwent a 9-day fermentation in stainless steel tanks with two days on the skins for colour. To maximize the fruit flavours strict temperature control was employed during the fermentation process. Medium-bodied. Pair with seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2019 - 2021 12.6% D 750 mL $16.00 Score: 90/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hester Creek Estate Winery Cabernet Franc Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: This flavourful, robust BC rose is made from Cabernet Franc grapes. Aromas of cranberry-cherry and spice. Refreshing and crisp. Perfect for grilled seafood and veggies. Drink: 2020 - 2022 776500 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.99 Score: 90/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

SeaGlass Rose 2018, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Love this light-bodied, aromatic Californian rose! Aromas of field strawberries. Mouth-watering and juicy. Perfect for seafood and field greens. Rose food pairings: spaghetti and meatballs, vegetarian lasagne, roast turkey. Drink: 2019 - 2022 25129 13.5% D 750 mL $18.00 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Thalia Rosé 2018, Crete, Greece: A pretty Greek rosé made from traditional Crete grapes, Kotsifali and Mandilaria. Aromas of rose petals and tart field strawberries. Mouth-watering and juicy and medium-bodied. Pair with seafood or salads.. Drink: 2019 - 2021 14153 12% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lafage Miraflors Rosé 2017, Cotes Du Roussillin A.C., France: A juicy, savoury southern French rose. Pair with grilled veggies. Drink: 2018 - 2021 367375 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Ste. Michelle Rosé 2018, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: A dry and zesty, medium-bodied rosé produced from Syrah and Merlot red wine grapes. Nicely balanced with good acidity for food, look for bright cherry, red berry and rhubarb flavours on this juicy rosé. Chill and pair with grilled pork tenderloin sandwiches. Rosé food pairings: charcuterie board, roast ham, seared tuna. Drink: 2019 - 2021 568212 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lunessence Blanc de Noirs Merlot Syrah Rosé 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, full-bodied BC rose with aromas of dark cherry and cranberry. Racy acidity for seafood. Drink: 2019 - 2021 163215 12.5% M 750 mL $19.99 Score: 89/100. June 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Blue Mountain Reserve Brut R.D. 2010, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A vibrant, robust BC sparkling wine with aromas of freshly baked bread, golden apple and Asian pear. This is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. It was aged on the lees for 6.5 years to enhance its creamy texture and rich taste. Pair with seafood and poultry dishes. Drink: 2019 - 2027 12.5% XD 750 mL $55.00 Score: 93/100. June 2020. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Trail Estate Winery Foxcroft Riesling 2017, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Trail Estate winery is located in Hillier, Ontario, in Prince Edward County. However, this wine is from grapes grown in Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation. It's gorgeous! Lovely aromas of fresh peach and golden apple with lime zest on the finish. Pair with seafood and field greens. Riesling food pairings: seafood such as lobster and halibut, or a tangy cevice.. Drink: 2019 - 2026 1707 12.7% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sperling Vineyards Natural Amber Pinot Gris 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A ., Canada: Love this wine! Winemaker Ann Sperling is a genius. This orange wine is organic and offers seductive aromas of Earl Grey tea, clementine and spices. Dry and medium-bodied. Pair with fermented dishes and cheese, along with roast chicken. Drink: 2020 - 2022 775965 13% D 750 mL $32.00 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Deinhard Winery Green Label Riesling 2015, Mosel, Koblenz, Germany: A crisp, refreshing German Riesling with notes of lime citrus and lemongrass. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to seafood. An amazingly great price! Drink: 2016 - 2021 8094 10.5% M 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. June 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barón de Ley Reserva Garnacha Blanco 2015, Rioja, Spain: A lovely, full-bodied Spanish white wine blend from the Rioja region. This wine was aged in oak barrels for 12 months to add richness and creaminess. Aromas of toasted almond and golden pear. Match with roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2022 11316 12.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. June 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Piattelli Vineyards Torrontés 2017, Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina: Torrontés wine grapes for Piattelli Reserve 2017 are sourced from the high-altitude Parral vineyards planted in the Cafayate Valley. Floral on the nose with notes of toasty oak, on the palate the wine is dry, fruity, medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Grown at 5,890 feet elevation, where temperature extremes produce grapes full of flavour and evenly ripened. Well-balanced and zesty, chill and pour with spicy grilled shellfish dishes. ? Torrontés food pairings: prawn salad, grilled chicken breast with mango mandarin coulis, seafood pizza. Drink: 2019 - 2022 536672 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stoneboat Vineyards Gravelbar Chorus 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous BC white wine blend of 100% estate grown grapes including Schonburger, Muller Thurgau and Pinot Blanc grown in the Black Sage Gravelbar on original vines. Aromas of lychee, white florals, peach blossom, honeysuckle and Lime zest. So pretty! Pair with medium curries and spices. Drink: 2018 - 2022 12.5% MD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 91/100. June 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flat Rock Twisted 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A smooth, medium-bodied white wine made by one of Niagara's best gravity-flow wineries. This is a white wine blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. Aromas of white flowers, white peach and sunshine. Pair with fresh seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2015 1578 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

8th Generation Vineyard Selection Riesling 2013, Summerland, Okanagan, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous, steely vibrant BC Riesling with aromas of lime citrus and lemon. Racy acidity for seafood. So refreshing. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2017 - 2025 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. June 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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