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

Vintages Release July 16, 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


Red Wine

Pillitteri Estates Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, supple red wine blend of Cabernet and Merlot that yields notes of violets, cassis and blackberry. There's some tannic grip on the palate so decant for an hour. Some herbal notes as well. Try this with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013 - 2015 349191 13% XD 750 mL $13.00 Score: 84/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Pipeau Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011, St. Emilion, Bordeaux A.O.C., France: This grand cru Bordeaux red wine is a blend of merlot and cabernet grapes from the Right Bank of the region in St. Emilion. Although 2011 wasn't a spectacular vintage, Chateaux Pipeau performs reliably well offering a classic Bordeaux signature with good balance, depth and length. decant 1 hour and enjoy with prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2018 302018 13% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bonacchi Brunello di Montalcino 2008, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A smooth, supple Brunello that's approachable now. Often you have to wait a lot longer before Brunello of this age is ready to drink. Attractive aromas of black fruit, tar, violets and smoke. Pair with mushroom risotto or duck confit. Drink: 2010 - 2018 266965 13.5% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monte Antico 2009, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Ah, the taste of maturity, complexity and contemplation. What a lovely Italian red wine for the money. Aromas of dried herbs, leather, earth and cigar box. This is a library/den wine where you fall asleep with the book splayed over your nose in a shaft of early evening window light. Drink: 2013 - 2017 69377 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

H3 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Horse Heaven Hills, Washingon State, United States: A terrific value and a rarity for us: great Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon. Very different from California. Try it and see. Aromas of mocha, cassis and blackcurrant with a wonderful weave of smoke. Try with grilled or smoked meats (not horse). Drink: 2013 - 2017 210047 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J.Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Paso Robles, California, United States: Chocolate, mocha on the nose and palate from generous oak aging. Fleshy ripe black plums and berries. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2013 - 2016 656561 13.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stags' Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, United States: Needs cellar time: don't rob the cradle. Full-bodied, dark and brooding, like a teenager who needs tough-love group therapy in the cellar. Aromas of black fruit, black fruit and black fruit. Plus there's toasty oak, great layering and a long finish. Drink: 2015 - 2020 996405 13.7% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2010, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Burnt fruit and huge oak on the nose and palate of this full-bodied palate whacker that clocks in at 14.5% alcohol. Try it with brontosaurus burgers or spicy teradactyl wings. Drink: 2013 - 2016 365378 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Seven Deadly Zins Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, California, United States: A smoky, campfire wine for telling stories under the stars. Big sky wine. Full-bodied with black fruit and toasty oak. Produced by Michael David Winery from old vine zinfandel from seven of Lodi's best producers who have given their souls to produce this wine. Don't ask. Don't tell. Just drink. Drink: 2013 - 2017 59311 15% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Burnt black fruit, toasty oak and blackberry liqueur. Full-throttle Amarone at 16.5% alcohol. This wine demands a juicy steak. Drink: 2014 - 2020 413179 16.5% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 92/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Root 1 Carmenere 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: What a fun, funky purple plum kind of wine! Full-bodied, supple and smooth with plush aromas and flavours of blueberries. Great price. Hamburgers or pizza? Drink: 2013 - 2015 350546 13.5% D 750 mL $12.80 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Cellars Gamay 2012, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Mocha, black plum plush, rich gamay like you've never tasted it. Cool-climate gamay at its best. Drink: 2013 - 2016 228569 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vintage Ink Wines Mark Of Passion Merlot Cabernet 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Mocha and dark chocolate on the nose of this full-bodied, smooth textured red. Loaded with fleshy dark plums and blackberries. Great wine for potluck gatherings or dinner parties. Merlot Cabernet food pairings: thick T-bone steak, slow-cooked beef or pork, wild game, lamb, or aged cheese. Drink: 2012 - 2014 250209 13.4% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vibrant tart cherries on the nose with lively acidity on the palate for a wide range of dishes from planked salmon to roast chicken. One of the best pinots in Ontario. Beautiful silk texture and medium body. Layered and complex, with dark spices on the finish with some pleasant sour cherry. Cellar it for 3-4 years, or enjoy it tonight. Highly recommended. Pinot Noir food pairings: herbed roast beef, planked salmon, pizza. Drink: 2012 - 2017 208702 11.4% XD 750 mL $39.00 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hidden Bench Pinot Noir 2011, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied pinot with lots of toasty oak. It's supported by velvet cushions of fleshy ripe cherries. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2017 274753 13.6% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Foreign Affair Winery The Conspiracy Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied and smooth with dark fruit and a meaty, savoury mid-palate note. Nicely balanced. The winery concentrates the flavour of the cabernet sauvignon grapes by using the ripasso method traditionally used in Veneto, Italy: dried grapes add richness and depth to the wine. Mocha, dark chocolate and toasty oak on the finish.  A long, dry finish wraps up this package nicely. V.Q.A. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese, pasta, mushroom risotto. Drink: 2013 - 2016 149237 12.8% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Featherstone Winery Cabernet Franc 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A rich, medium- to full-bodied red wine with enticing aromas of mocha and black fruit. There's a savoury note on the mid-palate with a satisfying long finish. Perfect for dinner parties and more casual get-togethers. This wine was matured in American oak. Decant 1 hour for maximum pleasure. Try it with grilled pork chops. Cabernet Franc food pairings: lamb, beef rosciutto, goat cheese, turkey, beef stew with root veggies, red pepper stuffed with rice and meat. Drink: 2013 - 2017 64618 12.3% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Malivoire Ladybug Rose 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Heart-skippingly delightful! Think summer day, buzzing bees (and the good kind of ladybugs), then the refreshment of dipping your feet into an icy cold stream. Aromas of field strawberries and fresh light floral notes. Of for endless summer. Drink: 2012 - 2015 559088 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Rockway Vineyards Patio 9 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A vidal spritz wine that's lightly effervescent and refreshing. Terrific vibrant aromas of lemon and lime with lots of mouth-watering acidity. Works well as a chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. Love the fact there's only 9% alcohol. Produced by Rockaway Vineyards. Drink: 2014 - 2016 341693 9% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Sandbanks Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Ontario, Canada: Fresh and crips with aromas of white grapefruit and lime. Good mouth-watering acidity for seafood. Finishes with notes of lemongrass. This winery is located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County. Drink: 2012 - 2015 355974 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Colio Estate Wines Bricklayer's Predicament Chardonnay Pinot Grigio 2012, Harrow, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A soft, subtle white wine without a lot of acidity and subtle notes of white melon and white apricot. Dry. The founders of this winery were Italian bricklayers, thus the name. The winery is located on the shores of Lake Erie in southwestern Ontario. Pair with light seafood dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2015 371567 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vintage Ink Wines Rite Of Passage Chardonnay 2012, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A rich, toffeed Chardonnay with enticing aromas of hickory smoke, vanilla spice and butterscotch for generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth with bright green apple flavours on the palate. Finishes with guava and tropical fruit notes. Pair with roast chicken or veal. The mark on the front label represents the winery's "indelible commitment to quality," as they say, "Don't hide Vintage Ink under a long sleeved shirt. Flaunt it." Chardonnay food pairings: foods that are rich and full of flavour, such as lobster dripping in butter, grilled tuna, or salmon, pasta in a rich cream sauce, roast turkey, or marinated chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2016 245712 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Peller Estates Family Series Sauvignon Blanc 2013, V.Q.A., Niagara, Ontario, Canada: Lemon-lime fresh and clean! Great price for such an imminently refreshing aperitif or companion to field greens and grilled fish. Lots of mouth-watering acidity for a range of dishes. Classic Sauvignon signature with grassy notes, though not over-bearing. Finishes with notes gooseberry. Drink: 2013 - 2015 371864 12.4% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wayne Gretzky Estates No. 99 Riesling 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: This medium-bodied white wine is wonderfully concentrated in flavour without a trace of heaviness on the weight. Here's minerality if you've been wondering what the heck that is. The quality designation for this wine is VQA. Aromas of peach, dry apricot and lime. Some kind of wonderful! Refreshing finish. Incredible value for the price. Riesling food pairings: chicken, Asian dishes, nuts, soft cheese, shrimp skewers. Drink: 2014 - 2017 144865 11.3% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Angels Gate Winery Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A delightful riesling, bursting with lime blossom and lemongrass notes. Zippy and refreshing with a medium body. Perfect for seafood or as an aperitif. Great price. Drink: 2013 - 2016 160523 11.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Pinot Grigio 2012, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Extremely refreshing and crisp with a nice citrus-melon lift through the mid-palate. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Lemon refreshment on the finish. Perfect with seafood, salads and sunny decks. Pinot Grigio food pairings: fresh cucumber salad with ricotta or mozzarella cheese; mild white fish like pan seared pickerel with orange butter; pasta al olio (olive oil, chili, garlic). Drink: 2012 - 2015 348979 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

San Vincenzo Anselmi Soave 2013, Vento I.G.T., Italy: Bone-dry, crisp and clean with mouth-watering acidity. Think Pinot Grigio but more austere when it comes to Soave. Aromas of white grapefruit, no oak. Perfect for salads. Drink: 2013 - 2015 948158 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Willm Reserve Riesling 2011, Alsace A.O.C., France: Bone-dry with mouth-watering acidity in this clean Riesling. Perfect for salads. Aromas of lime and white grapefruit. Drink: 2013 - 2017 11452 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay 2012, Russian River, Sonoma, California, United States: Full-bodied, luscious and generous Californian Chardonnay: very seductive aromas of peach, pear, toasted almond and hazelnut. A chardonnay lover's chardonnay. Try it with roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2018 608653 14.2% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean