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Wine Picks December 23, 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.

Other Wines/Drinks

Wayne Gretzky Estates Maple Cask Finish Whisky, Ontario, Canada: A lovely Ontario whisky with aromas of toffee, maple and vanilla spice. Rich and warming with a long finish. Drink: 2020 - 2035 17885 40% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. December 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wayne Gretzky Estates Ninety-Nine Proof Whisky, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: This is the third year for the release of this small batch Ontario whisky that's aged in bourbon barrels for three years then finished in wine barrels (formerly holding the winery's Cabernet Sauvignon) for 100 days. Rich aromas of caramel, licorice, cedar smoke and spices. Long finish. Yes, 99, The Great One, deserves a score of 99 for this well-crafted spirit ;) Drink: 2020 - 2045 570101 49.5% XD 750 mL $99.00 Score: 99/100. December 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wayne Gretzky Estates Ice Cask Whisky, Ontario, Canada: This aromatic whisky is produced from locally-grown grains then matured in Icewine casks. This gives the spirit lovely aromas of apricot, toffee and vanilla spice. Smooth with a long finish. Drink: 2020 - 2035 541094 41.5% M 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. December 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wayne Gretzky Estates Canadian Cream Whisky, Ontario, Canada: A gorgeous cream whisky from the Great One. Aromas of butterscotch and apricot. Enjoy on its own or over ice. Drink: 2020 - 2030 519298 17% S 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. December 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Peller Family Vineyards Merlot 2018, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Terrific value for this full-bodied,, but smooth Niagara Merlot. Aromas of dark plums and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020 - 2023 12.5% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. December 2020. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Peller Family Vineyards Merlot 2018, Ontario, Canada: A supple, smooth, medium-bodied Merlot with aromas of dark plums and cedar smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020 - 2023 667105 12.5% M 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. December 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wayne Gretzky Estates Whisky Oak Aged Red 2018, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The 2018 Red is aged in whisky barrels, imparting a seductive smokey character. Pair this full-bodied red with seared meats in rich red wine reductions; roasted leg of lamb; mushroom stews and of course Hockey Night in Canada. Food pairings: grilled steak, veal cutlets, lamb chops. Drink: 2020 - 2026 617738 13.3% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Black Cellar Amber, Ontario, Canada: This blend of aromatic, late-harvest red and white grapes is made in Ontario by slow-pressing then fermenting the grapes. The wine is aged in oak which warps a lovely spicy note around the aromas of clementine, crème brûlée, spicy pear and honey. Pair with spicy dishes and glazed ham with chutney. Drink: 2020 - 2023 17118 12.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. December 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Copper Moon Amber, Ontario, Canada: Made from Vidal that ferment on their skins to imbue the amber colour and a honey spice note to this medium-bodied, smooth wine. Pair with Asian dishes. Drink: 2020 - 2023 11% M 750 mL $9.50 Score: 87/100. December 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Peller Estates Family Reserve Chardonnay 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A great value for this VQA Ontario Chardonnay! Aromas of green and golden apple, stone fruit and smoke. Pair with roast turkey or chicken. Drink: 2020 - 2023 582825 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. December 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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