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Wine Picks February 2, 2022

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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.

Dessert Wine

Cave Spring Riesling Icewine 2017, Niagara Peninsula, Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Cave Spring is Niagara's master of Riesling, from the dry table style to the dessert version like this Icewine. Aromas of fresh apricot, honey and peach preserves. Pair with fruit flan or cobbler, or even better, enjoy this on its own. Riesling Icewine food pairings: pear saffron tarte, fruit salad, apple cobbler. Drink: 2019 - 2027 447441 11.5% S 375 mL $49.95 Score: 95/100. February 2022. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Creekside Iconoclast Syrah 2017, St. David's Bench, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A robust and supple Syrah from the Niagara wine region. Creekside has three variations of Syrah red wines: Broken, Unbroken and Iconoclast. Iconoclast is a medium-bodied Syrah (with some Viognier added for aromatics) with ripe red berry, blackberry, cherry, savoury herb, cracked pepper and espresso coffee flavours on the palate. Juicy and very approachable now but could easily hold in cellar for another five years. Syrah food pairings: roast beef, roast chicken, grilled filet mignon. Drink: 2022 - 2024 471797 13% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 89/100. February 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Le Chêne Domaines Fabre 2010, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, Ac, France: Bargain Bordeaux! Classic signature with smoke, cassis, blackcurrant, dark earth. Smooth and supple with just the right amount of toasty oak. Decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2013 - 2021 339994 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Conundrum 10th Anniversary Red 2019, California, United States: A delicious, full-bodied Californian blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet grapes. Aromas of ripe dark berries, chocolate and smoke. Brought to us by the Wagner family who also produces the coveted Caymus wines. This wine is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a special label. Perfect for Mexican mole and grilled meats. Red food pairings: curried beef dishes, chicken mole, rib steak, dark chocolate. Drink: 2022 - 2025 294298 14.9% MD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wayne Gretzky Estates Okanagan The Great Red 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied BC blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Malbec grapes. Aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Perfect for barbecued ribs. Drink: 2021 - 2026 13% D 750 mL $16.99 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Georges Duboeuf Domaine Mont Chavy Morgon 2018, Morgon, Beaujolais A.C., France: From Georges Duboeuf, Domaine Mont Chavy 2018 is a dry, medium-bodied and zesty 100% Gamay Noir bright with ripe dark cherry, raspberry, pepper spice, vanilla and flinty flavours vibrant and harmonious on the palate. Tannins are fine and velvety. Enjoy now with roast chicken. Produced by fourth-generation winemakers Franck and Cyrille Chavy along with their father, Henri. The vines are planted in the "Charmes" and "Corcelettes" climates. Food pairings: gourmet burgers, grilled game sausages, vegetarian pizza. Drink: 2021 - 2028 276477 13.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. February 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2019, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Antinori’s Peppoli Chianti Classico 2019 is a brilliant ruby red Chianti Classico made mostly from Sangiovese with a small amount of Merlot and Syrah. It has aromas of sun-dried tomato, earth, and savoury herbs. The 9-month oak aging also imparts some terrific notes of spice, oak, and leather. I’d decant this wine for about an hour. Pair this with hard cheeses like cheddar and parmigiana, pasta in tomato sauce or meaty casserole or stew. This wine would be great for your book club, especially if you’re reading a book set in Italy. Drink: 2021 - 2026 606541 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. February 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pisse-Dru Beaujolais Red 2019, Beaujolais, Burgundy, France: A vibrant, joyous Beaujolais with aromas of bright red cherries. Medium-bodied and smooth. Perfect for veal or roast chicken. Drink: 2021 - 2023 2881 12.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. February 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Franzia Cabernet Sauvignon, California, United States: This is an incredible value for the price point! This Cabernet Sauvignon boxed wine from Franzia is the equivalent of four regular (750 ml) bottles. It's full-bodied and smooth with aromas of dark fruit. Pair with meat lovers' pizza or gourmet hamburgers. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: shepherd's pie, tandoori lamb, beef stew, grilled meats, mushroom burgers. Drink: 2022 - 2023 27386 14% D 3000 mL $39.95 Score: 88/100. February 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wagner Family of Wine Red Schooner Voyage 9 2019, California, United States: Chocolate and mocha on the nose and palate of this robust Californian red wine made from the Malbec grape. Supple, smooth and mouth-filling. Pair with pork ribs braised and hickory barbecue sauce. Food pairings: grilled chicken with cherry chutney, lamb chops, roasted pork shoulder. Drink: 2022 - 2026 15426 14.4% D 750 mL $69.95 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Emmolo Napa Valley Merlot 2019, Napa Valley, California, United States: A full-bodied Californian red wine with an attractive smoky nose. Sweet blackberry and mocha on the palate with lots of toasty oak. Dark chocolate on the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Merlot food pairings: slow-cooked roast beef with root vegetables, braised pork ribs, roast chicken. Drink: 2022 - 2026 96024 14.9% D 750 mL $70.00 Score: 89/100. February 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mer Soleil Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2019, California, United States: Floral, earth, strawberry and blueberries come together in this Pinot Noir from Mer Soleil and Wagner Family of Wines. Juicy red fruit and lightly toasted oak. Pair with seared duck breast and grilled meats. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken, grilled wood planked salmon, mushroom burgers. Drink: 2022 - 2029 21176 14.7% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concannon Vineyard Petite Sirah 2018, Livermore Valley, California, United States: Black cherry and dark spices on the nose. Full-bodied weight with lovely layers of dark fruit flavour. Smooth and supple. Pour with grilled meats. Petite Sirah food pairings: grilled striploin, shepherd's pie, fried chicken. Drink: 2022 - 2025 13.5% D 750 mL Score: 88/100. February 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lenz Moser Prestige Reserve Blauer Zweigelt 2019, Andau, Burgenland, Austria: A smooth, juicy, medium-bodied Austrian red wine made from the Blauer Zweigelt grape. Aromas of black plums and dark berries with some spice on the finish. Perfect for grilled meats. Zweigelt food pairings: grilled burgers, sausages, steak on a bun. Drink: 2022 - 2024 34983 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. February 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Fritsch Wagram Rosé vom Zweigelt 2020, Wagram, Niederösterreich, Austria: A light organic Rose made from Zweigelt grapes with field strawberry aromas and peach, apple and minerals on the palate. Try with fresh seafood. Rosé Vom Zweigelt food pairings: poached salmon, grilled shrimp, roast chicken, soft cheese. Drink: 2022 - 2024 12% D 750 mL $21.35 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Main & Vine White Zinfandel 2020, California, United States: A very pretty white zinfandel, medium sweet but not cloying. Think fresh field strawberries. A lovely sipper chilled or pair with grilled seafood. White Zinfandel food pairings: shrimp tempura, butter chicken, beef teriaki, stir fry. Drink: 2022 - 2023 239756 8% M 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. February 2022. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Amo Wines Rosé 2020, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous wine from a new Niagara producer. Stunning package, but what's inside is even more special. Aromas of fresh field strawberries and spice. Medium-bodied, juicy and refreshing. Pair with grilled chicken or pasta in a cream sauce. Great gift wine. Drink: 2021 - 2024 13.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. February 2022. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Peller Estates Private Reserve Rosé 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The 2019 Private Reserve Rose with a lovely nose of tiny field strawberries and summer sunshine. It’s also medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Pair it with barbecued shrimp skewers, pork tenderloin with a rhubarb rosé wine reduction or a Margherita pizza. Rosé food pairings: feta bruschetta, barbecued shrimp skewers, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2020 - 2022 28531 12% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut Champagne, Reims, Champagne, France: A toasty, crisp, yeasty Champagne with lots of persistent bubbles in the glass. Pair with oysters. 308056 12.5% XD 750 mL $69.95 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage Champagne 2010, Champagne A.C., France: Delicate white floral notes on the nose of this vintage dated Champagne. Toasty with white apricot and a terrific mousse. Perfect for life's celebrations. Drink: 2022 - 2030 280461 12% D 750 mL $285.95 Score: 95/100. February 2022. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fritsch Purist Pét Nat 2020, Niederösterreich, Austria: A fresh sparkling, organic Pet Nat with peach and pear on the nose and palate. Serve well chilled. Pour with cheese pizza. Pét Nat food pairings: Fresh oysters, mussels, steamed shellfish, crabcakes, vegan cheese. Drink: 2022 - 2024 786327 12% D 750 mL $31.50 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Napa Valley, California, United States: Crisp and clean Californian white wine made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape by winemaker Jenny Wagner. Aromas of lime, citrus and lemongrass. Pair with seafood. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood, light pastas, spring green salads, goat cheese and baguette. Drink: 2022 - 2025 96016 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. February 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Grigio 2019, California, United States: A refreshing Pinot Grigio with aromas of white melon and lime zest. Great aperitif or companion to seafood. Pinot Grigio food pairings: vegetable tempura, fish and chips, grilled cheese sandwiches, steamed mussels, crabcakes. Drink: 2022 - 2024 45641 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. February 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gray Fox Vineyards Chardonnay 2019, California, United States: Dry, with fresh stone fruit, baked pastry, apple, pear and caramel flavours. A great value. Try this with fish and chips or light curry dishes. Chardonnay food pairings: crab cakes, pork chops, garlic shrimp, baked fish. Drink: 2022 - 2024 614271 13% D 750 mL $8.90 Score: 88/100. February 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: From the Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, Eradus 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant, medium-bodied SB fragrant with grassy, pineapple, ripe stone fruit and stoney mineral aromas. Dry, with pineapple, lemon-lime zest, melon, peach flavours finishing with a vibrant citrusy minerality. Loads of flavour here. Chill and enjoy with a scallop ceviche. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood pasta in creamy sauce, tempura vegetables, pan-fried panfish. Drink: 2021 - 2023 225557 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Winzer Krems 13 Grüner Veltliner 2020, Niederösterreich, Austria: Crisp, clean and zesty, this Austrian white wine is made from the country's iconic Gruner Veltliner grape. No heavy oak or alcohol. Pair with seafood, fried chicken or vegetarian dishes. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: fish and chips, seafood, crab cakes, steamed mussels and frites, bean salad. Drink: 2021 - 2023 375022 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dürnberg Cool Grüner Veltliner 2020, Niederösterreich, Austria: From Austria's Niederösterreich Weinviertel, Dürnberg Cool 2020 Grüner Veltliner is a vegan-friendly, crisp and zesty Grüner produced from sustainably-grown grapes. Produced by Dürnberg L & T Falkenstein. The Dürnberg winery is located in the picturesque village of Falkenstein in the Weinviertel. Dry, medium-bodied, elegant and lovely with bright apple, ripe stone-fruit, white pepper flavours finishing on a crisp, clean mineral note. Chill and enjoy with fried tempura oyster poor boy sandwiches or grilled seafood dishes. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: quiche, egg dishes, corn dishes, steamed shellfish. Drink: 2021 - 2023 464537 11.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errázuriz Max Reserva Chardonnay 2018, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A rich, full-bodied Chilean Chardonnay with aromas of freshly baked bread and melting butter along with bright green and golden apple notes on the palate. Mouth-filling and delicious. Pair with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: Roast Chicken, pork, tacos. Drink: 2022 - 2024 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.25 Score: 90/100. February 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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