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Wine Picks August 3, 2014

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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.

Dessert Wine

Gallo Family Vineyards Summer White, United States: Moscato d'asti style sweet honey blossom and apricot preserves. Nice price. Simple and straight-forward for summer sipping. Drink: 2014 - 2014 369918 5.5% S 750 mL $8.50 Score: 84/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Santa Alicia Reserva Carmenere 2012, Maipo Valley, Chile: Absolutely stunning for the money! This full-bodied, luscious, mouth-filling red wine made from Chile's signature red wine grape Carmenere (Merlot) is staggeringly great for the price point. Rich aromas and flavours of fleshy ripe black plums and berries. Load up for your next party. Carmenere food pairings: spicy sausage, steak, hamburgers. Drink: 2012 - 2015 309302 14% XD 750 mL $13.25 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pascual Toso Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific, full-bodied red wine for the price! This dark-fruited Argentine wine is made from the country's classic Malbec grape, which produces luscious, round wines like this one. Aromas of blackberry jam, toasty oak, smoke and mocha. Perfect for gourmet hamburgers with all the fixins. Malbec food pairings: full-flavored meaty casseroles, liver, rib roast with a coffee and pepper rub, sausages, tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2016 35170 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pascual Toso 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: This elegant, balanced and complex Argentine red wine offers layers of delicious satisfaction. Aromas of smoky blackcurrant and cassis. Long finish. Great craftsmanship. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013 - 2016 162610 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Merlot 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Liquid gorgeous! Full-bodied, savoury, mouth-watering, knee-bending. Aromas of black plums, bacon, smoke, hedonism. Just the right amount of oak like a loosely thrown shawl over an evening dress. Drink: 2014 - 2019 351675 14% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 93/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2011, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Lovely and juicy with fleshy cherry aromas and flavours. Liquid satin in a glass. Fleshy field cherries with a luxuriously smooth texture. Not heavy yet so full of character. Extremely elegant and versatile with many dishes. Lovely rich dark cherry aromas of the nose unfold to dark plum and some dried herbs on the palate. Full-bodied for pinot, yet balanced and elegant. Concentrated flavours in this BC VQA wine with a long finish. Polished tannins and elegant structure. Great craftsmanship here. Pair with planked salmon or grilled tuna. The wine is unfiltered and un-fined for maximum flavour. One of Canada's best. Pinot Noir food pairings: Peking duck, rotisserie chicken stuffed, planked salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2018 556613 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

California Square 2012, Paso Robles, United States: Produced by the Californian winery Truett Hurst, this red wine offers straight-forward, full-bodied taste. Aromas of black fruit with a toasty, charred edge from lots of oak again. Comes in a bottle that looks like olive oil. Pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2012 - 2015 356725 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 85/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau St Germain Bordeaux Superieur 2012, Bordeaux, France: Somewhat weedy and stemmy with wild cassis and tart blackberry notes. Almost full-bodied. Decant 1 hour to smooth out the tannic grip. Bordeaux Superieur food pairings: beef tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 152587 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.45 Score: 82/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Calvet Reserve Des Remparts 2012, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux Aoc, France: A simple, rustic, tannic red wine blend that leads with Merlot. Decant 1 hour and pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2016 31898 12.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 84/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cantina Di Negrar Valpolicella 2013, Veneto, Italy: Full-bodied with big black and dark red fruit. Lots of acidity for pizza. Valpolicella food pairings: pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2015 74963 11.5% XD 1000 mL $13.95 Score: 83/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mouton Cadet 2012, Bordeaux, France: Full-bodied red wine with a tannic grip on the palate so decant 2 hours. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Try it with a rare steak. Food pairings: steak, prime rib, brisket, spring lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2015 943 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.46 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sibling Rivalry Red 2012, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Chocolate, mocha and espresso on the nose and palate from generous oak aging, more so than it seems in the past. Almost full-bodied and smooth with sweet chocolate notes on the finish. Food pairings: hamburgers on the barbeque, pasta with meat sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 126151 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cantina Di Negrar Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2011, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Tart black fruit and lots of acidity in this simple Italian red wine. Pair with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2012 - 2015 620831 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Central Valley, Chile, Chile: Terrific value for this robust Chilean red wine. Aromas and flavours of fleshy ripe black and purple plums and blackberries. Smooth and tasty. Pair with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: meat dishes, game, barbecued or grilled meats. Drink: 2012 - 2016 177451 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antonin Rodet Chateau De Mercey 2010, Burgundy, France: A lovely, smooth, silky medium-bodied Burgundian Pinot Noir with mouth-watering acidity and tart wild cherry and cranberry notes. The Chateau de Mercey estate has 48 hectares of vines located in the Cote de Beaune and Cote Chalonnaise. Drink: 2013 - 2018 706523 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mike Weir Winery Underdog Red 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Sweet red cherry-berry flavours in this smooth, tasting, almost full-bodied red wine. From the golder of the same name, no longer the underdog though. Food pairings: grilled meats and vegetables. Drink: 2011 - 2015 248484 12.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Estate Btld. Syrah 2010, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Beautifully balanced, rich and mouth-watering with luscious aromas and flavours of black fruit, pepper and some mocha from oak aging on the long finish. Classic! Velvet texture with a satin tickle finish for your senses. A flagship winery and wine for BC and Canada. Syrah food pairings: barbecued chicken, beef stew, lamb cutlets, mushroom pasta. Drink: 2013 - 2018 73072 14.5% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 93/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Meritage 2010, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A spectacular and robust red wine of many dimensions! Complex, rich, deep and long: this Canadian flagship wine has it all. A great cellar candidate as well. Taste the very best of what BC (and Canada) can produce from this top-notch winery in a superb vintage. Meritage food pairings: slow roasted duck or classically prepared roast beef. Drink: 2016 - 2022 343038 14.5% XD 750 mL $64.95 Score: 94/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Athene Cabernet 2010, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: Leaps out of the glass, eager to engage your senses. Full-bodied and supple, with complex layers of black brooding fruit and a savory, meaty, juicy middle note on the palate. Long finish. Leave this baby in the cellar for at least another two years please. Decant 1-2 hours. Cabernet food pairings: grilled steaks. Drink: 2016 - 2020 371336 14% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 92/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Good value for Pinot Noir, which tends to be more expensive. Balanced acidity and wild blackberry flavour in this blend of five vineyards. Finishes with aromas of anise, toasted oak, black cherry and tea in this full-bodied BC red wine. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled wild salmon, Portobello mushrooms, roasted duck or pork, olive bread, or toasted walnuts. Drink: 2013 - 2016 145128 13% XD 750 mL $16.45 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied with attractive aromas and flavours of black fruit, vanilla toast and pepper. Layered and complex with a good finish. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with filet mignon. Drink: 2013 - 2018 553321 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2012, V.Q.A. Okanagan Valley, Bc, Canada: An acidic Pinot Noir with tart red berry notes and some toast. This medium-bodied red wine cries out for food like roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2017 545012 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

JP Chenet Cabernet Syrah 2012, Languedoc, France: A rustic, robust, tannic French red wine blend of Cabernet and Syrah grapes. Pair with big meat dishes. Cabernet Syrah food pairings: burgers or grilled sausages. Drink: 2012 - 2014 90472 12.5% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 81/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

JP Chenet Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2012, Languedoc, France: A simple, smooth, medium-bodied French red wine blend of Cabernet and Merlot. Pair with grilled pork chops. Merlot Cabernet food pairings: burgers and grilled meats. Drink: 2012 - 2015 621995 12.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 82/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Latour Bourgogne Gamay 2011, Burgundy, France: Juicy, acidic, and medium-bodied with aromas of tart berries. Supple, smooth and velvety in texture. This French red wine is 85% Gamay grapes sourced from top Beaujolais Crus vineyards. There's also 15% Pinot Noir grapes from Burgundy. It's an acquired taste when you're tried of fruity wines from the New World. This wine bites back and needs food. Drink: 2013 - 2016 361014 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nederburg Winemaster's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Western Cape, South Africa: An incredible wine for the money! Dark, rich, supple and full-bodied. This South African red wine offers notes of dark spice and black cherry through the mid-palate. Pair with venison, game birds or meaty casseroles. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled or roasted meats, pizza or pasta or old cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2016 111526 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2012, Russian River Valley, California, United States: Lots of mocha and dark chocolate on the nose and palate from generous oak aging. Silky smooth and medium-bodied with fleshy black plums. Pair with grilled pork. Drink: 2014 - 2018 954834 13.9% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Franc Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Central Valley, Chile: An incredible value for such a tasty, full-bodied Chilean red wine blend. This is a great party wine that you can buy by the caseload. This wine is named from the 120 people who led Chile's uprising for independence in 1840. They took refuge in the cellars of Santa Rita at the time. Drink: 2014 - 2018 308247 13.5% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Rita Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: An incredible wine for the money! This full-bodied Chilean red wine offers generous aromas and flavours of blackberry, pepper, cassis, cedar smoke and purple plum. Santa Rita's home vineyards are in Alto Jahuel in the Maipo Valley. The wine is aged n French and American oak barrels for 8 months. Finishes with dark berry flavours and oak spice. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: red meats, ripe cheeses, meat sauce pasta dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2018 253872 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mount Hermon Golan Heights Winery 2012, Galilee, Israel: This full-bodied, rustic red wine is one of the few we see from Israel in local liquor stores. It's imported by the respected winery Yarden and offers aromas and flavours of black fruit, toasty oak and tar. Pair it with brisket. Food pairings: hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 611293 13.9% XD 750 mL $25.65 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Faustino 2010, Rioja D.O.C., Spain: An incredibly great price for this ultra-dry, robust Spanish red wine made from the classic red wine grape of Spain Tempranillo. Aromas of dried red fruit, smoke and leather. Very food friendly. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2016 315234 13% XD 750 mL $12.65 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Radio Boka 2012, Valencia D.O., Spain: Juicy and mouth-watering red wine with aromas of fleshy ripe purple plums and sweet blackberries. Full-bodied. Reminds me of Californian Zinfandel. Smooth and luscious. Great with meat lovers pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2016 376145 13% D 750 mL $11.00 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Szekszardi Kekfrankos Jaszbery 2011, Hungary: Lots of mouth-watering acidity in this robust, rustic Hungarian red wine. Great price. This is for quaffing not analyzing. Try it with a juicy steak or hamburger. Drink: 2012 - 2015 371583 12% XD 750 mL $8.95 Score: 83/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marques De Riscal Reserva 2009, Rioja D.O.C., Spain: Lots of acidity in this robust Spanish red wine with black fruit, tar and a pleasantly bitter finish. One of the better-known producers of Rioja on a large scale. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2017 32656 14% XD 750 mL $29.25 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Delaforce Tinto 2011, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: A rustic, robust Portuguese red wine with wild blackberry on those nose, then toasted black fruit, oak and smoke on the palate. Pleasantly bitter. Needs a rare steak. Drink: 2012 - 2016 332585 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2013, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Lots of attractive toasty oak and fleshy blackberry on the nose of this full-bodied South African red wine, which also delivers on the palate. This juicy, full-bodied red wonder is pretty darn incredible for the price. Pair it with roast beef, or umm, braised wolf. Drink: 2013 - 2016 292557 14.5% D 750 mL $14.30 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2012, Pfalz, Germany: Love Pinot Noir but not the price? Love juicy Pinot Noir but not high alcohol. Then this my friends should be your house wine. Juicy, fleshy Pinot Noir from Germany where it gets a lovely balance under the direction of the master of Riesling Ernie Loosen. Pitch perfect for $14.95, and just 12.5% alcohol. Wow. Drink: 2013 - 2016 291971 12.5% D 750 mL $17.25 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Campo Viejo Tempranillo 2012, Rioja D.O.C., Spain: Pleasantly bitter black fruit aromas and mouth-watering acidity in this dry Spanish red wine. This is classic Rioja made from the Tempranillo grape. Good price. Drink: 2013 - 2016 342006 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.45 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ness Elvi Wines 2008, Ribera Del Jucar D.O.C., Spain: Strong menthol and blackberry liqueur on the nose and palate of this robust red wine with high alcohol. Needs meat! Drink: 2012 - 2016 156729 14.2% D 750 mL $16.55 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandhill Cabernet Merlot 2012, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Matchstick and hickory smoke on the nose of this full-bodied Okanagan red wine blend. Black fruit, tar and toasty oak. One of BC's reliable producers. Drink: 2012 - 2016 424606 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fielding Estate Winery Red Conception 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Mocha and dark chocolate on the nose of this Niagara red wine blend from generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2012 - 2016 189183 12.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Megalomaniac Wines Pompous 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Sweet cheery and raspberry flavours in this Niagara full-bodied, smooth red wine. Good price. Finishes sweet as well. Pair with glazed ham and chutney. Drink: 2012 - 2015 341610 13% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 85/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Epica Red San Pedro 2012, San Antonio Valley, Chile: Chocolate and mocha on the nose followed by more sweet flavours on the palate along with sweet blackberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Nice price. Pair with hearty meat dishes that have a touch of sweetness or are charred. Drink: 2013 - 2016 350520 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Malbec Corvina 2010, Tupungato Valley, Uco Valley, Argentina: Toasted oak and chary black fruit in this robust Argentine red wine produced by the famed Italian red wine maker Masi. Dark cherry colour with notes of dark berries on the finish and some smoke. Pair with meaty casseroles and stews. Terrific price for the quality. Drink: 2013 - 2016 620880 13.5% D 750 mL $16.50 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fabiano Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2011, Italy: Violets forever. Wild violets on the nose and finish. Love it! Full-bodied, racy, dark, mysterious with marauding black fruit in this muscular Italian red wine. Great price. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2018 338350 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Stratus Vineyards Rosé 2013, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A pretty, off-dry rose with aromas of sweet, wild field strawberries on a warm summer's day. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Serve well chilled on its own or with cold cuts. Rosé food pairings: hickory-flavoured barbecued chicken breast. Drink: 2013 - 2015 71712 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Podrum Aleksandrovic Varijanta Muscat Hamburg 2011, Oplenac, Serbia: Very tart and mouth-watering with aromas and flavours of pomegranate and cranberry. Medium-bodied, no detectable oak. Cries out for food like juicy roast chicken. Muscat Hamburg food pairings: slow roasted pork and Parisienne potatoes. Drink: 2012 - 2015 860610029046 12.8% D 750 mL $24.50 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Masi Rosa Dei Masi Rosato 2013, Venezie, Italy: A lovely rose with aromas of wild strawberries and some spice. Pretty, with some rose petal notes. Made from Refosco grapes grown on the estate's property. A small proportion are dried using the appasimento method to concentrate the wine's acidity and freshness. Drink: 2013 - 2015 377267 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Podrum Aleksandrovic Trijumf Pinot Noir Rose 2011, Oplenac, Serbia: Dry and tart with pleasing mouth-watering acidity for a wide range of dishes from veal to salmon. This rose is made from Pinot Noir and the varietal character shows here combined nicely with Serbia's unique climate. Pinot Noir Rose food pairings: chicken tangine and couscous. Drink: 2012 - 2015 8606100294855 13.5% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Girls' Night Out Rose 2013, Harrow, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Pretty, pink, low acidity. A simple summer sipper with faint aromas of strawberries. Chill well. Drink: 2013 - 2015 89862 12% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 83/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pink House Wine Co. Rose 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Strawberry fields forever! Nice balance between fruit fleshiness and acidity. A blend of the white wine grape Chardonnay with the red wine grape Merlot to create the rose colour. Pair with planked salmon or seared tuna. Drink: 2012 - 2015 324558 12.5% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Remy Pannier Rosé d'Anjou 2013, Loire Valley, France: So pretty! Bone-dry, delicate rose with aromas of tine wild field strawberries, the kind that melt deliciously in your hand from the warmth of your palm. Yes this wine is very dry. Perfect aperitif served slightly chilled or for a treat, pair it with smoked salmon. Rosé D'anjou food pairings: pate, salads, cold chiken, grilled chicken or shrimp, seafood soup/stew. Drink: 2014 - 2016 12641 10% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Folie à Deux Chardonnay 2011, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied luscious chardonnay that offers enticing aromas of fleshy peach and just enough toasty oak and butterscotch. Very accessible and downright delicious. Where's my roast chicken? Chardonnay food pairings: mild cheese, grilled seafood dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 146951 13.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Eugenio Collavini Viticultori Pinot Grigio 2012, Veneto, Italy: Crisp, clean and dry: just what you want from bargain Pinot Grigio. This one hails from the northern region of the country best known for the wine. Aromas of lime, white melon and grapefruit. This Black Label from Corno Rosazzo produced by Collavini is a dry white wine with good acidity. Chill well for an aperitif. Pinot Grigio food pairings: pasta in cream sauce, risotto, summer salads. Drink: 2012 - 2015 33340 12% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Rita Medalla Real Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Total butterscotch on the nose from generous oak aging. Vanilla spice, toffee and caramel. Ripe pear, peach and tropical fruit on this full-bodied Chilean Chardonnay. Drink: 2012 - 2015 303628 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Aveleda Vinho Verde 2013, Vinho Verde, Portugal: Green acid: be prepared. Lime and grapefruit, no oak. Intense and mouth-watering. Match with field greens. Drink: 2013 - 2014 5322 8.5% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 83/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Calmel & Joseph Villa Blanche Chardonnay 2012, Pays D'oc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France: A terrific white wine from southern France that offers crisp minerality and refreshment, unusual for Chardonnay these days. Lots of lime-bright acidity for food, yet there's also an underlying richness and fullness to the wine that is mouth-filling and delicious! Very versatile with food, from fresh seafood to roast chicken or pork chops. Drink: 2013 - 2016 375071 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp and clean with notes of grapefruit and white melon. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Works as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Pinot Blanc food pairings: oysters, beet and goat cheese salad, sushi, creamy Brie with baguette slices, or chicken with steamed broccoli. Drink: 2013 - 2015 145094 12% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Fuisse 2012, Burgundy A.O.C., France: Crisp and clean and classic Old World Chardonnay with lovely aromas of green apple, hazelnut and toasted almond on the nose. Toasted almond yet not heavily oaked. Fresh Granny Smith green apple notes on the palate. Love the balance and complexity here. Great balance and mouth-watering juiciness on the palate with a long finish. Try it with roast chicken. This wine hails from the heart of Burgundy in the ancient city of Beaune. Medium- to full-bodied. Drink: 2013 - 2018 361683 13% XD 750 mL $55.00 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2012, Alsace, France: Viscous mouth-coating and terrific! Lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Will envelop food and your senses. This is a medium dry wine but the sweetness is superbly balanced with acidity making it ideal for a chutney or salsa with pork chops. Drink: 2014 - 2016 373373 13% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris 2013, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A crisp dry white wine blend of Chasselas, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris grapes. Aromas of white grapefruit and lime with lots of acidity. This BC wine cries out for food, such as fresh seafood or roast chicken. Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris food pairings: fish tacos with avocado and buttermilk dressing; baked onion tart with creme fraiche. Drink: 2015 - 2016 14% XD 750 mL $19.99 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2012, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp, clean and refreshing with a lime lift through the mid-palate on the finish. This invigorating wine would be terrific as an aperitif on the deck, or pair with a wide variety of dishes from fresh seafood to salads. Pinot Gris food pairings: BC spot prawn salad or fresh local trout cooked in parsley butter. Drink: 2014 - 2016 510941 13.5% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Brickyard Riesling 2012, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lots of mouth-watering acidity and sweetness in this medium-bodied white. Lovely pear and peach notes. Cries out for food such as seafood. This wine is named for the original pioneers in this region who were the only ones to see value in the rugged clay landscape: brick producers. The clay would often break farmng equipment. Grapevines however love clay soils as they love to suffer. Drink: 2013 - 2016 346866 10% M 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sterling Vineyards Vintner’s Collection Chardonnay 2012, Central Coast, California, United States: Buttery, rich and full-bodied with lovely notes of green apple, white peach and toffee. Try this with roast chicken tonight. Chardonnay food pairings: poached salmon with hollandaise sauce; sweet glazed ham with spring vegetables;. Drink: 2013 - 2017 669242 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alvinte Albariño 2013, Rias Baixas D.O., Spain: Incredibly mouth-watering and acidic with notes of white grapefruit and squeezed lime juice. Pair with salads and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2015 288126 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.85 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Croix D'azur Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Gascogne, France: Great price for this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Lots of acidity but it's balanced with lime and grapefruit notes. Not grassy, just refreshing. Try is with fresh seafood such as halibut or sole. Drink: 2012 - 2015 330928 11.5% XD 750 mL $11.85 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Hess Collection Select Chardonnay 2011, Monterey County, California, United States: This is a good price for this robust Chardonnay with toffeed, butterscotch nose from generous oak aging. Some apple and pear notes on the palate. Try it with roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 270074 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Brancott Letter Series B Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand: Huge grassy aromas on the nose, palate and finish. Very herbal: think freshly cut lawns and lawnmowers. Green as far as the eye can see. Pair with salad greens. Drink: 2012 - 2015 278689 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Veramonte Reserva Chardonnay 2012, Chile: Oak, butter and toffee from lots of oak aging on this full-bodied Chilean white wine produced by Alto De Casablanca. Surprising acidic attack on the palate. I wonder if they acidified this wine? Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 320788 14.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2013, Loire Valley, France: Soft, pretty, peach and pear with hardly any acidity. Nice, benign aperitif. Drink: 2015 - 2017 253229 11% XD 750 mL $18.20 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mouton Cadet Blanc 2012, Graves, Bordeaux A.O.C., France: Medium-bodied with white melon notes. No heavy oak, balanced and pleasant. This is the entry level wine of Baron Philippe De Rothschild. Drink: 2013 - 2015 247080 13% XD 750 mL $15.25 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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