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Wine Picks March 1, 2012

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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

Sledgehammer Zinfandel 2009, North Coast California, United States: Gorgeous dark dark chocolate and black plum aromas on the nose, followed by a rich, smooth, full-bodied texture on the tongue: yum! There's some dark berries and dried tobacco notes on the finish. Superb quality for this price point. Drink: 2010 - 2014 230466 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano 2009, Abruzzo, Italy: A smooth, medium-bodied red with pleasant aromas of dark red fruit and smoke. Nice mouth-watering juiciness for food. Montepulciano food pairings: tomato with pasta sauce, meat dishes, sausages. Drink: 2010 - 2015 269985 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Rosehall Run Pixie 2016, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A light, pretty Ontario sparkling wine with notes of field strawberries. Works as an aperitif or companion to steamed lobster. Food pairings: summer salads, hors d'oeuvres. 492959 11% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. March 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Grant Burge Summers Chardonnay 2007, Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: A lovely round, buttery, full-bodied chardonnay with layers of green apple notes and toasty oak. Perfect for roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 57315 14.2% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Open Riesling Gewurztraminer 2009, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The pretty floral notes and zesty lime refreshment are terrific with a wide range of dishes, as well as making this an excellent aperitif. The wine also proves that wine and vegetables can make a terrific match. Lovely balance, packed with flavour but no heavy oak. This is an incredible wine for the money: stock up for your parties and informal gatherings. Riesling Gewurztraminer food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, veal cutlets. 134965 11.1% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: Lime zest lift with herbal refreshment! Mouth-watering acidity makes this a lovely aperitif or companion to many dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: spinch quiche, vegetarian dishes, seafood, steamed mussels. Drink: 2010 - 2013 619452 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pinot Grigio 2010, Valdadige, Italy: White melon and lime zestiness. This wine is incredibly versatile with many dishes. Mouth-watering acidity also makes this a crisp, clean aperitif. Pinot Grigio food pairings: vegetarian dishes, seafood, steamed mussels, field green salads, brie, camenbert. Drink: 2010 - 2014 106450 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Charles Baker Wines Picone Vineyard Riesling 2011, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Bring you to your knees flavour: peach essence, sun-dappled pear and a host of heavenly green apple. A deep, resonant core of minerality and complexity. One of Canada's best producers of Riesling, if not the best. Drink: 2014 - 2027 241182 10.5% D 750 mL $37.20 Score: 95/100. March 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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