Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
www.nataliemaclean.com

Vintages Release June 7, 2014

Login to see Natalie's scores and notes

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

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Argentina

Don David Reserve Torrontés 2012, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina: Ultra fragrant, floral and aromatic: almost perfumed with peach, honey blossom aromas. This wine has a touch of new oak for complexity. Roses and orange blossom bloom in the mouth, then swell to a crescendo on the finish. Drink: 2013 - 2015 727677 13.7% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: This winery sources all of its grapes from estate vineyards and the harvesting is done by hand. This Shiraz (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) blend spends 8 months in American and French oak, which imparts depth and richness to the wine, along with toasty oak and vanilla smoke aromas. Lots of dark fruit to fill out all the spaces in this wine. Rich and fleshy black and purple plum flavours on this finish. A crowd pleaser. Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: braised beef and grilled root vegetables, beef fajitas, pepper steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2016 17111 14.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Haselgrove First Cut Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full palate whacker, loaded with black fruit, mocha, dark chocolate, smoke, oak, etc etc. First cut takes its name from the first run premium juice squeezed from these precious grapes. Drink: 2014 - 2018 807982 14% XD 750 mL $20.25 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trust Shiraz 2010, Victoria, Australia: Burnt black fruit and toasted, chary oak: hot climate shiraz for those who love a full palate whack. Strong nutmeg and clove finish. Drink: 2013 - 2017 371468 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Valle, South Australia, Australia: Superb depth and focus in this generous Australian Shiraz! Very convenient half bottle size means that you can dine eloquently for one or two with a glass or two. Full-bodied and sensuous. Perfect for grilled steak or lamb. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, beef, pork spareribs, pizza, grilled or spice-rubbed chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 180430 14.5% D 375 mL $11.95 Score: 92/100. June 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2011, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia: This honkin' big red from Down Under just gets better every year! It's worth every penny. Full-bodied, smooth, complex and rich. Fleshy blackberry liqueur with some smoke, spice and mystery on the finish. The Shiraz grapes are grown in the Malakoff vineyard. Yum! Shiraz food pairings: barbecued beef, bison, grilled or spice-rubbed chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2018 290874 14% XD 750 mL $55.95 Score: 92/100. June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This is a powerhouse of a wine, wow! Seductively rich, black cherry liqueur runs through its black heart. Full-bodied, velvet-smooth and hedonistically satisfying. Shiraz comes from the Chinese Block vineyard which is located in the Willunga district at the southern end of McLaren Vale. Biting acidity that isn't unpleasant just a surprise. Result > needs food like steak. Pair with brontosaurus burgers and King Henry VIII-style feasts (you may not need a fork and knife for the food, but you will--almost-- for this concentrated, chewy wine). Highly recommended. Shiraz food pairings: stew, pizza, barbecued beef, bison steak, grilled or spice-rubbed chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2017 596031 14.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Tournon Mathilda M. Chapoutier Shiraz 2012, Victoria, Australia Drink: 2014 - 2018 327395 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2012, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia Shiraz food pairings: barbecued beef, bison, grilled or spice-rubbed chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2018 290874 14% XD 750 mL $55.95 June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nugan Estate King Valley Frasca's Lane Chardonnay 2012, King Valley, Victoria, Australia: Love it! Zesty green apple and white peach on the nose wrapped in toasted almond of toasty oak aging. Perfectly balanced and endlessly delicious. A chardonnay for those who don't like chardonnay (and those who do). The Nugan family has been involved in viticulture for 65 years. Lovely baked bread and lemon zest on the finish. Drink: 2013 - 2017 288191 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. June 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Brokenwood Maxwell Semillon 2007, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: Semillon is a specialty of the Hunter Valley and of this wine producer in particular. This full-bodied white wine offers gorgeous aromas of lemon, lanolin, beeswax, baked bread and toast. Semillon develops complex and fascinating flavours and depth as it ages. Drink: 2014 - 2020 371484 11.5% XD 750 mL $50.00 Score: 95/100. June 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Winner's Tank Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Cool mint and blackberry aromas on the nose, deepens into roasted black fruit on the palate. Full-bodied and loaded with toasty oak and spice. Drink: 2013 - 2017 374348 14.8% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2010, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A spectacular, savoury blend of 38% grenache, 36% shiraz and 26% mourvèdre grapes that all come from the coveted Barossa Valley and were handpicked from 50-120 year old, dry-farmed vines. Gorgeous black fruit, bacon and mouth-brightening energy. Wow! Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre food pairings: roasted lamb, game birds. 236257 14.5% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 92/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Tournon Mathilda M. Chapoutier Shiraz 2011, Victoria, Australia: Loaded with black pepper, dark spice and intrigue on the nose of this beguiling, full-bodied red wine. Once again, Chapoutier over delivers no matter where he makes wine in the world. This is an incredible price. Dark fruit and smoke on the finish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 327395 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Meritage 2011, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A.,, Canada: A superb Ontario red wine that takes its lead from Bordeaux in the grape blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Although the 2011 vintage is overshadowed by 2010 and 2012, this wine performs admirably well. Classic aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and some herbal nuances with toasty oak on the finish. Polished tannins, mouth-watering acidity: perfect for lamb with rosemary. Blend Meritage food pairings: grilled red meats prepared medium-rare to rare; two to four year old Canadian cheddar and crusty baguette; rich beef stews; leg of lamb.. Drink: 2012 - 2017 320986 13.6% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

13th Street Winery Pink Palette Rosé 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A robust rose with aromas of rhubarb and cranberry on the nose that follow through on the dry, mouth-watering palate. Good ac aridity for food. Finishes with pink grapefruit and clementine. Rosé food pairings: charcuterie, pork or mushroom burgers, bean salads, salty cheeses like pecorino or asiago. Drink: 2013 - 2015 275834 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. June 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kacaba Rebecca Summer Series Rosé 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Cheery-berry nose with lots of sweet summer fruits. Medium-bodied and juicy on the palate. Lip-smacking tasty. Finishes with black raspberry. Rosé food pairings: charcuterie, pork or mushroom burgers, bean salads, salty cheeses like pecorino or asiago. Drink: 2013 - 2015 227025 11.4% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sue-Ann Staff Loved By Lu Riesling 2012, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Love it! Crisp and mouth-watering with melon notes that soften the acidity with some balancing sweetness. Perfect for seafood and mild curries. Great wine. Riesling food pairings: seafood, mild curries. Drink: 2013 - 2016 322636 11.1% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Megalomaniac Wines Pink Slip Pinot Noir Rosé 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This floral, fragrant rose is brought to us by John Howard Cellars of Distinction. Lovely aromas of field strawberries and raspberries. Almost full-bodied for rose, and delightfully full flavoured and dry. Pinot Noir Rosé food pairings: grilled fish or seafood, summer salads, turkey sandwiches, mild or blue cheeses like brie or gorgonzola. Drink: 2013 - 2015 85126 11.2% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Creekside Estate Winery Cabernet Rosé 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Fresh field berries on the nose: very enticing. Bold and refreshing with layers of small berry flavours. Dry and mouth-watering. Cabernet Rosé food pairings: grilled bell peppers, salmon steaks, sausages, lightly savoury cheeses like white cheddar or smoked provolone. Drink: 2013 - 2015 48819 13.3% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

G. Marquis Vineyards The Silver Line Vidal Icewine 2008, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Apricot and honey dessert wine made from the Vidal grape. Although there isn't as much balancing acidity here as there would be with a Riesling based icewine, there's still plenty to enjoy. Drink: 2012 - 2018 367789 11% S 375 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Creekside Estate Winery Laura's Red 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Juicy black fruit and toasty oak and smoke on the nose. Lots of acidity and tart blackberry on the palate. Good balance. Full-bodied. Needs a hearty meat dish to calm down. Food pairings: Grilled burgers, meat pies, pulled pork. Drink: 2013 - 2016 117960 12.7% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Gris 2012, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Clean and crisp with white melon, grapefruit and white pear. The palate is a cross between Italiana and French, and as a result the signature of Niagara. Stone fruit on the finish. Medium-bodied, and mouth-watering. Drink: 2013 - 2015 591305 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

La Dame de Jacques Coeur Chavet & Fils Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Loire A.C., France: Old World Sauvignon Blanc at its best: clean, crisp aromas of lemon and lime, no heavy oak or grassiness. This is what the Loire can give you. Perfect for shellfish and goat cheese. The vineyards are situated between Sancerre and Bourges. Racy yet delicate. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled, lightly herbed lake fish. Drink: 2013 - 2015 525048 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carte Noire Les Maîtres Rosé 2013, Côtes De Provence A.C., France: This lovely rose smells like summer: warm grass and redolent field flowers. Fleeting notes of wild berries haunt this dry rose. Love the salmon pink hue on this wine. Perfect for pasta in cream sauce or fresh salads. A crisp finish, infused with raspberry tang and beachside memories. Love the curvy bottle! Rosé food pairings: planked salmon, salads, grilled perch or salmon, cold ham sandwiches with Provencal mustard. Drink: 2013 - 2015 319384 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Langlois-Château Brut Crémant De Loire, Loire A.C., France: Fresh and crisp on the nose; toasty and dry on the palate. Terrific mouth-watering acidity meets creamy, rich texture. The finish is dry and refreshing. Terrific, especially for this price! Try with seafood. this lovely bubbly is made from three grapes: Chenin, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc selected form the best terroirs of the Samur region. It is aged for a minimum of 2 years in the truffeau (chalk rock) cellars. Crémant De Loire food pairings: sashimi, Thai coconut shrimp, pasta with cheese-based sauce, caviar, shellfish, tempura, grilled fish. Drink: 2014 - 2016 996272 12.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. June 2014. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Labranche Laffont Tradition Tannat Blend 2012, Madiran, Southwest A.C., France: This full-bodied French red wine is produced by Christine Dupuy, Proprietor and offers aromas of black raspberry liqueur yet a very dry finish. Good grip. Value-priced. Try it with a rare steak. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2013 - 2016 375261 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Rosé 2013, Cotes Du Rhône A.C., France: Field fresh raspberries greet you on the nose followed by some watermelon and red grapefruit. This is truly liquid refreshment, with a lovely sunset thrown into the glass as extra. This is a wide-ranging and all-embracing rose that will please many people, but especially you. This is why Tavel is known for producing the best roses in France. Try it with cold cuts, pate or as you watch dying embers in a campfire. Rosé food pairings: lox and capers, grilled salmon steak. Drink: 2013 - 2015 739474 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. June 2014. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château La Garde Meritage 2012, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux A.C., France Drink: 2016 - 2022 682617 12.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carte Noire Les Maîtres Rosé 2014, Côtes De Provence A.C., France Rosé food pairings: planked salmon, salads, grilled perch or salmon, cold ham sandwiches with Provencal mustard. Drink: 2013 - 2015 319384 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Gardiés Les Millères 2011, Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.C., France: Solid, full-bodied red wine with black fruit and some oak, but not much. Juicy and mouth-watering. Great for grilled meats and hamburgers. Drink: 2014 - 2018 370205 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Königschaffhauser Vulkanfelsen Trocken Winzergenossenschaft Pinot Noir Rosé 2013, Qualitätswein, Baden, Germany: Lovely! Fresh, wild field strawberries on a summer day. Dry and mouth-watering with pleasant acidity. Medium-bodied. Great aperitif or companion to salmon. Finishes with rose petal and red berries. Pinot Noir Rosé food pairings: turkey sandwiches, salmon burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2015 168237 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bassermann-Jordan Deidesheimer-Hohenmorgen Auslese Riesling 2008, Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany: This lovely sweet riesling in the Auslese style by Bassermann-Jordan Deidesheimer Hohenmorgen celebrates the essence of ripe tree fruit. Some baking spices and Asian pear round out the finish. Drink: 2014 - 2030 377515 8% S 750 mL $54.95 Score: 94/100. June 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hungary

Pannon Dominium Cuvée Late Harvest Tokaji 2006, Hungary, Hungary: Love the rich, honeyed essence of this late harvest Tokaj. The grapes for this wine are affected by botrytis, the good kind of rot that dehydrates them and concentrates their flavours while on the vine. This dessert wine is created by a traditional method of winemaking, but without skin contact or aging in barrels as is usually done. This creates a fresh, more lively style of Tokaj. Drink: 2012 - 2020 371617 11.5% S 500 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

La Gironda Moscato d'Asti 2012, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Honeysuckle sweetness of a spring morning with floral breezes gently blowing lace curtains. Slight fizz and spritz. Perfect on it's own before or after dinner or dip some biscotti for additional pleasure. With it's low alcohol it's the perfect hammock wine (you won't fall out). Try it with hazelnut cake of coffee cake. Moscato D'asti food pairings: spicier main dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2015 475319 5% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carpineto Rosé 2013, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: This robust rose is made with Sangiovese and Canaiolo, the signature grapes of Chianti. The vines are dry-farmed, which adds extra depth and nuance to this refreshing rose. Terrific notes of wild strawberry and field flowers on the finish. Dry and crisp and medium-bodied. Great aperitif or sunset sipper. Rosé food pairings: pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, tapas featuring marinated olives and chorizo, a charcuterie platter, salmon burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2015 699934 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Riolite Rosso 2011, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Mocha, espresso, dark chocolate and coffee on the nose of this generously oaked full-bodied Italian red wine. Some black fruit on the finish. Food pairings: grilled steaks and mushrooms. Drink: 2014 - 2017 362459 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2013, Südtirol-Alto Adige D.O.C., Italy: Pinot Grigio is usually not this aromatic, which makes this wine both unusual and terrific! Aromas of green pear, golden apple, lime and grapefruit. This is classic northern Italian Pinot Grigio. Some white pear and stony minerality on the palate. Medium-bodied and thirst-quenching: perfect as an aperitif or companion to seafood or shellfish. Highly recommended. Pinot Grigio food pairings: salad, seafood, shellfish, chicken cacciatore, spaghetti. Drink: 2013 - 2015 954024 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Terredora Di Paola Loggia Della Serra Greco Di Tufo 2012, Campania D.O.C.G., Italy: Seductive hazelnut smoke and peach on the nose of this medium-bodied white wine with terrific acidity. The ancient, weird and wildly wonderful Greco grape offers tremendous character and singular character. Finishes with lemon zest. Drink: 2013 - 2017 288927 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. June 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

I Castei Michele Castellani Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A bold, robust red wine that bursting with dark, brooding fruit, mocha and dark chocolate. This full-bodied Italian red offers black cherry and smoke on the nose. Supple, with a long, satisfying finish. Try it with a hearty meat dish. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, leg of lamb, pasta with tomato sauce, dark chocolate. Drink: 2013 - 2020 739979 15.5% D 750 mL $43.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Cappuccino Soave Soave Garganega 2013, Veneto D.O.C, Italy: A clean, refreshing white with enticing notes of pear and white peach. Great aperitif to bring summery thoughts to mind. This winery was founded over a hundred years ago. The wine itself is made from the zesty Garganega grape. This organic wine would be perfect with fresh seafood or shellfish. Soave Garganega food pairings: prosciutto and melon, seafood stuffed ravioli, lobster scampi with garlic and butter. Drink: 2013 - 2015 81489 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Leone de Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2010, Puglia D.O.C., Italy: Brooding on the nose of this robust Italian red wine with dark fruit, smoke and dark spices. More black fruit follows on a full-bodied palate with some tannic grip and a pleasantly bitter tarry note. Food pairings: barbecued meats and mushrooms, hard cheese. Drink: 2012 - 2017 597534 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pio Cesare Barbera D'alba 2011, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: The vines for Pio Cesare's Barbera wine grow beside their Barolo vines. Even though Barolo is often considered a more complex, serious wine, Pio Cesare makes their Barbera with serious intent and dedication. Barbera D'alba food pairings: Italian cheese, veal in a truffle and mushroom sauce, antipasto, chicken, pasta with cream-based sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2016 938886 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lionello Marchesi Castello Di Monastero Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Solid, well-constructed with black fruit and nice angels on this Italian red wine. Full-bodied, tannic grip. Decant 2 hours. Pair with full-throttle spicy sausages. Drink: 2014 - 2020 362541 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carpineto Rosé 2015, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy Rosé food pairings: pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, tapas featuring marinated olives and chorizo, a charcuterie platter, salmon burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2015 699934 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 June 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas 2011, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: This is a full-bodied blend of classic Portuguese dry red wine grapes: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Savory and rich with full-bodied goodness and warmth. Profusion of blackberries and black plum aromas with a wisp of smoke through it. Long finish here offers many rewards. Drink: 2013 - 2016 359893 13% XD 750 mL $20.90 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Poças Junior Vintage Port 2009, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Blackberry liqueur and lovely, elegant balance. Perfect after-dinner drink. Vintage port is only "declared" during great vintages like this one. This dessert wine was aged for 2 years. Try with dark chocolate. Drink: 2013 - 2027 369744 19% S 750 mL $57.95 Score: 91/100. June 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Lanzerac Chardonnay 2011, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: White peach and baked bread on the nose from toasty oak aging and balanced fruit maturation. Good tension here. Full-bodied and tasty. Excellent price. Finishes with ginger, clover and citrus. Drink: 2013 - 2016 971929 12.2% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: Rustic and robust with toasty oak. smoke and tart wild blackberry. According to the label, Delheim has been a pioneer in the South African wine industry since 1951. okay. Pair this with an historic (epic?) slab of beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 981357 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Breca Old Vines Garnacha 2010, Calatayud D.O., Spain: Root beer and mocha on the nose of this full-bodied, generously oak red wine made from Garnacha grapes harvested from hillside vineyards 3,000 feet above sea level. Finished with black raspberry liqueur. Perfect for grilled pork chops or blackened chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2018 122779 15.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Breca Old Vines Garnacha 2011, Calatayud D.O., Spain Garnacha food pairings: roast pork, veal chops, lamb kebabs. Drink: 2014 - 2018 122779 15.5% D 750 mL $22.95 June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mas Elena Parés Baltà Meritage 2011, Penedès D.O., Spain: This full-bodied Spanish red wine features pleasant notes of dark fruit, mocha and a touch of toasty oak. There's some dark chocolate and black cherry on the finish. Meritage food pairings: grilled meats. Drink: 2013 - 2016 687236 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mas Elena Parés Baltà Meritage 2014, Penedès D.O., Spain Meritage food pairings: grilled meats. Drink: 2013 - 2016 687236 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marques De Caceres Rosé 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: This rose has an attractive depth and nuance with seductive aromas of ripe raspberries. Good mouth-watering action for food. This wine can handle even more robust dishes like grilled salmon and chicken. Great price. Produced by Union Viti-Vincola S.A. Rosé food pairings: grilled salmon, grilled chicken salads, grilled pork dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2015 622142 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Rosé 2015, Monterey County, California, United States Rosé food pairings: grilled veggie sandwiches, a selection of mild cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2015 284943 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Rosé 2013, Monterey County, California, United States: Bursting with maraschino cherry aromas, and vibrant colour. This is a rose of celebration: easy to drink, juicy and tasty with ripe field berries. Some red currant on the finish. Try it with grilled salmon or chicken. Rosé food pairings: grilled veggie sandwiches, a selection of mild cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2015 284943 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Artesa Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay 2012, Carneros, California, United States: This winery ferments part of the wine oak barrels, the other in stainless steel tanks to create richness and mouth-filling texture while preserving the purity and vibrancy of the fruit. Carneros cool climate shows through in the mouth-watering acidity, while this full-bodied white wine finishes with aromas of tree fruit, citrus and vanilla smoke. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, breads, cheese, poultry. Drink: 2013 - 2017 217165 14.2% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clay Station Unoaked Viognier 2012, Lodi, California, United States: The Lodi region in California offers a terrific climate and soils for Viognier, especially of the floral, highly aromatic style like this one. Bursting with notes of Asian pear, apple blossom and wild white field flowers. Lovely white floral notes with some peach. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Crisp, dry finish. Perfect for Asian dishes. Viognier food pairings: medium curries, spiced dishes, grilled lake fish, pork. Drink: 2014 - 2017 25411 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. June 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2012, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Cline's Zinfandel grapes are sourced from dry-farmed vines planted more than 100 years ago, thus deserving the name Ancient Vines. The depth and concentration of that aging vine wisdom shows in the glass. Notes of blackberry and toasty, black fruit, tar, smoke and toasty oak. Full-bodied. Perfect for BBQ meats and a campfire. This is a truly mouth-filling wine. Big, long finish like a Broadway number... it's a dazzling kick-line for the senses. Zinfandel food pairings: hearty meat meals, pasta, aged cheddar, pulled pork. Drink: 2013 - 2016 719211 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, United States: Depth, breadth, complexity, layered nuance, long finish, classic signature of the best Californian cabernet. It doesn't have to whack you over the head to be good, though some people (granted) could use that. Barlow Vineyards are located on the Silverado Trail between Calstoga and St. Helena in the heart of Napa Valley. Very dense cabernet the result of well-drained, down-sloped vineyards with low yields and cool nights. Drink: 2014 - 2020 147637 15.1% XD 750 mL $86.00 Score: 92/100. June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel 2011, Sonoma County, California, United States: The exact proportions of grapes in this blend change each year based on harvest conditions, but the vast majority is usually Zinfandel. However, according to American AVA viticultural laws, a wine must be a minimum of 75% of a single grape to be labeled as such. So even if there's 74% Zinfandel in the blend, it may not be called Zinfandel. I like Ridge's approach though as it allows for vintage variation and winemaking mastery each year. This is concentrated, deep, rich and complex. Savour it slowly. Zinfandel food pairings: hearty meat meals, pasta, aged cheddar, pulled pork. Drink: 2014 - 2019 723072 14.5% XD 750 mL $96.00 Score: 94/100. June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marimar Estate Mas Cavalls Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Plush, luscious and generous with it's full-bodied weight and mouth-filling texture in this classic Californian Pinot Noir. Loaded with black cherry, dark spice, anise, mocha and toasty oak. Yet it's elegant, balanced and demonstrates great finesse. Drink: 2014 - 2019 368316 14.2% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 94/100. June 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean