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Wine Picks July 11, 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.

Argentina

Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Mendoza, Argentina: Love this small-batch Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from old vine grapes grown in the Maipu, Mendoza region. Aromatic with ripe berry and dried sweet tobacco leaf and oak spice aromas. Juicy, ripe black fruit, savoury herbs, spices, and smoke flavours on the palate. Tannins are firm and chewy, so give it about five years in cellar to mellow. If pouring now, decant two hours prior to pouring with a well-marbled rib steak or enjoy after 2024. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, braised pork shanks, veal chops. Drink: 2024 - 2030 13608 14.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. July 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Jim Barry Barry Bros Shiraz 2018, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A juicy, supple, full-bodied Australian Shiraz. Aromas of fleshy dark blackberries and black plums. Pair with grilled pork chops. Shiraz food pairings: lamb tagine, roast rack of lamb, beef long ribs on the barbie. Drink: 2020 - 2024 16036 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Provenance Series Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, aromatic BC rose with notes of field strawberries and fresh watermelon. Pair with grilled seafood. Rosé food pairings: grilled chicken and pear salad.. Drink: 2020 - 2023 119503 12.9% D 750 mL $24.97 Score: 91/100. July 2020. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

50th Parallel Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, fresh BC rose with aromas of field strawberries and watermelon. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2020 - 2022 13.1% D 750 mL $23.50 Score: 90/100. July 2020. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Closson Chase K.J. Watson Vineyard Rosé 2019, Niagara River, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, medium-bodied PEC Rose with aromas of strawberries and melon. Pair with fresh seafood. Rosé food pairings: roast chicken, pan fried haddock fillets, pasta with cream sauce, salads. Drink: 2020 - 2023 25348 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.00 Score: 90/100. July 2020. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandbanks Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2017, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Light, pretty, floral and refreshing Prince Edward County Pinot Grigio. Pair with light seafood dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2021 372219 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rust Wine Co. Ferreira Vineyard Syrah 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A terrific, robust BC Syrah with aromas of black plums and pepper. Pair with a grilled steak. Drink: 2019 - 2024 14.4% D 750 mL $37.00 Score: 92/100. July 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

L'Ostal Rosé 2019, Pays D'oc, Midi I.G.P., France: A great-value, Grenache and Syrah rosé wine blend produced by the Famille J.M. Cazes. Elegant and fresh with raspberry, strawberry, cherry and dried herb flavours and a soft-citrusy finish on the palate. Very food-friendly pair with grilled salmon steaks. Rosé food pairings: roast quail stuffed with wild mushrooms and leek, sausage and apple stuffed Cornish hen. Drink: 2020 - 2022 450809 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. July 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Up Ultimate Provence Rosé 2019, Côtes De Provence, Provence A.P., France: A gorgeous French rose with aromas of tiny field strawberries. Perfect refreshment on a summer day or as a companion to seafood. Rosé food pairings: ham and cheese sandwiches, grilled chicken breasts, green salads. Drink: 2020 - 2021 14833 13% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. July 2020. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Joseph Drouhin Chardonnay 2018, Burgundy A.C., France: Fragrant with honey melon, ripe apple and vanilla spice aromas on the nose. Dry, rich on the palate with ripe red apple, melon, vanilla and lemon curd flavours finishing long and zesty on the palate. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: seared scallops, sashimi and sushi, bouillabaisse. Drink: 2020 - 2024 512582 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Wittmann Winery Weissburgunder Trocken 2017, Rheinhessen Qualitätswein, Germany: A zesty natural wine made from hand-picked, organic Pinot Blanc grapes. Aromas of lime zest and lemongrass. Racy acidity for seafood. Weissburgunder Trocken food pairings: green salads topped with grilled shrimp, onion tarte, herbed flatbreads, brunch fare. Drink: 2020 - 2022 11654 12.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Lan Reserva 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A full-bodied, robust and balanced Spanish red produced from mostly Tempranillo with some Mazuelo. Lots of character here with fleshy blackberry, dried raisin fruit, sous bois, dark chocolate and smoky flavours on the palate. Ready to enjoy now and for the next five years. Food pairings: rack of BBQ ribs, veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb, cheese. Drink: 2020 - 2026 42929 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Bourbon Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Monterey County, California, United States: A luscious, smooth, full-bodied Californian Cabernet aged in bourbon barrels. Aromas of fleshy dark fruit with a caramel, toffee finish. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2020 - 2024 464149 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. July 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Opaque purple with aromas of smoky black, black plum, cocoa with equally smoky fruit, cigar box, mint, dark chocolate and flinty flavours on the palate. Food-friend acidity, pair with grilled meats. Columbia Winery was founded in 1962. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York striploin, barbecued ribs in sauce, hard cheese, braised pork shanks. Drink: 2020 - 2023 460675 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Terra D'oro Chenin Blanc Viognier 2017, Clarksburg, California, United States: A lovely, juicy Californian blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier grapes. Aromas of peach and apricot with orange zest. So fragrant. Perfect for Asian and spicy dishes. Chenin Blanc Viognier food pairings: roast chicken, lobster roll, crab cakes. Drink: 2019 - 2022 646141 12.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cupcake Vineyards Rosé 2017, California, United States: A lovely, crisp and refreshing Californian rose with notes of field strawberries. Perfect as a summer sipper or pair with field greens and a cold chicken salad or sandwich. Drink: 2020 - 2022 13% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 87/100. July 2020. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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