Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Vintages Release July 5, 2025

Paid Members of my site can access all 93 wines that I've reviewed for July 5, 2025, with my scores, food matches and the stock for each wine in their closest stores.

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Reviewed Wines | All Wines | Group by Wine Type | Group by Country/Region

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White Wine

Hidden Bench Béton Chardonnay 2023, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This organically farmed Beamsville Bench white pours a pale straw hue and unfolds with waves of lemon oil and crunchy yellow-apple flesh, underscored by chalky oyster-shell minerality and a whisper of sea salt. Whole-bunch pressing and ambient-yeast fermentation in concrete, followed by ten months on lees in concrete and eight months in stainless steel, give it an expansive, textured mouthfeel that feels both broad and precise. Vibrant acidity threads through the rich fruit and saline core, leading into a long, luxurious finish that beckons another sip. A perfect sipper alongside lobster in butter sauce, grilled fish, or chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster in butter sauce, grilled fish, chicken. Drink: 2025 - 2028 45618 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. July 2025. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

When you become a Paid Member, we'll show you the stock for each wine at the stores closest to you:
5 bottles available at Front & Division (613) 392-3797
3 bottles available at Highway 7 & Weston (905) 851-2500
3 bottles available at Highway 401 & Weston (416) 243-3320
2 bottles available at Wonderland & Southdale (519) 471-4930

Red Wine

Tenute Orestiadi Ile Rosso di Ludovico Riserva 2019, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Orestiadi Ludovico Riserva 2019 (Sicily) is a $20 steal of hand-harvested Nero d’Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified on stainless steel (4–6 months) before 16–18 months in French oak. The nose shows smoky blackberry compote, ripe plum, violet petal and a whisper of laurel leaf. Medium-full and impeccably balanced, the palate delivers juicy dark fruit, cracked black pepper, graphite and savory herb nuances, all underpinned by bright acidity and fine-grain tannins. A lingering, mineral-tinged finish seals the deal. You'll want to try this one with a Meat-lover’s pizza, fennel-spiced sausage, or a hearty eggplant parmigiana. Food pairings: pasta and rich tomato sauce, rich stews, roast chicken. Drink: 2025 - 2025 388645 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 2025. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

When you become a Paid Member, we'll show you the stock for each wine at the stores closest to you:
7 bottles available at Chemong & Milroy (705) 745-3302


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