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Wine Picks June 16, 2016

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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.

Argentina

Alamos Malbec 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: A superb wine for the money. Full-bodied and supple with aromas of black plum. Pair with pepper steak. Drink: 2015 - 2018 295139 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. June 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Lunessence Pinot Blanc Oraniensteiner 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Peach blossom and orange florals on the nose of this highly aromatic BC white wine blend of Pinot Blanc and Oraniensteiner grapes. Oraniensteiner is a unique German variety developed to produce sparkling wine and it has a naturally high acidity which marries well to the late harvest Pinot Blanc's fruit ripeness and sweetness.The grapes with hand-picked at 23.8 brix. The juice macerated with the skins for two days.Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks for 47 days and two months on the lees to add richness and texture. There are 23 grams of residual sugar in this medium sweet white wine. Pair with shellfish and seafood. Drink: 2016 - 2019 315795 12.5% M 750 mL $21.00 Score: 89/100. June 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Malivoire Wine Company Stouck Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Rich, savoury, dark, brooding and delicious!Mocha and smoke on the nose of this full-bodied Niagara red wine made from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Some grip on the palate. Decant 2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 321836 14% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. June 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Fancy Farm Girl Foxy Pink Rosé 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Zesty, fresh and light Niagara rosé that's a blend of 90% Riesling and 10% Cabernet Franc grapes. Aromas of tiny field strawberries. Dry, refreshing fun! Pair with with seared salmon. Drink: 2014 - 2016 469338 11% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 2016. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pelee Island Winery Traminer Muscat 2015, Pelee Island, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Ripe melon, both green melon and cantaloupe on the nose of this off-dry southwestern Ontario white wine. Floral and pretty. Pair with light curries. Drink: 2015 - 2017 411744 12.5% M 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. June 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Konzelmann Estate Winery Shiraz 2014, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied and smooth with notes of black plum and pepper. Nicely balanced. Pair with hamburgers. Shiraz food pairings: vlack pepper steak, Angus beef or pulled pork would all be succulent complements to this spicy wine, but nearly any barbecued food will enhance its soft smokiness.. Drink: 2014 - 2017 144857 13.5% D 750 mL $13.80 Score: 87/100. June 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sue-Ann Staff Loved By Lu Riesling 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: I love this wine year after year. Tropical, fruity aromas and flavours of papaya, passionfruit and guava. So lovely as a chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. Riesling food pairings: seafood, mild curries. Drink: 2015 - 2019 322636 11% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. June 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sue-Ann Staff Robert's Block Riesling 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Awesome flavours and aromatics in this lovely Niagara Riesling! Wowsers. Packed with lime zest and lemon sunshine. Made from estate-grown fruit. There are 14 grams of residual sugar. Beautiful! Pair with seafood or shellfish. Drink: 2014 - 2019 231415 11% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 93/100. June 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Fancy Farm Girl Flamboyant Red 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A savoury and juicy Niagara red wine blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc grapes. Mocha on the nose and fleshy ripe black plums on the palate. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014 - 2017 394080 11.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosewood Lock, Stock and Barrel 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Big but balanced Niagara red wine with juicy, savoury black fruit flavours. Meaty and chewy. You almost should "drink" it with a fork. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015 - 2020 471789 13% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 91/100. June 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monte Creek Ranch Winery Riesling 2015, Thompson Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Lots of racy acidity on the palate of this fresh and vibrant BC white wine. Notes of lemon, lime and white grapefruit. Pair with shellfish. Riesling food pairings: shellfish, spicy foods. Drink: 2015 - 2018 12.5% D 750 mL $16.99 Score: 87/100. June 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lunessence Naramata Riesling 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A spritely BC Riesling with notes of lime, grapefruit, wet stone and lemon zest. Mouth-watering acidity for fresh seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2016 - 2020 877837 11% XD 750 mL $26.00 Score: 89/100. June 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lunessence Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Rich and full-bodied with supple, smooth layers of fleshy black plum and dark spice. Superb balance, depth and length on the finish. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2016 - 2020 14% XD 750 mL Score: 93/100. June 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Ogier Rosé 2015, Cotes Du Ventoux, Rhone, France: Great value! Bright, ripe raspberries and strawberries with terrific heft of flavour yet not heavy. Lovely salmon colour. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grapes. Very versatile with food. Rosé food pairings: Grilled meat/fish, BBQ, Mediterrnean & Asian cuisine. Drink: 2015 - 2017 134916 13% D 750 mL $14.25 Score: 88/100. June 2016. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Laroche De La Chevaliere Viognier 2014, Pays D'oc Igt, France: Floral and aromatic with spices on the nose and palate. Racy acidity for mild curries. Drink: 2016 - 2018 377622 13% XD 750 mL $12.70 Score: 87/100. June 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Josef Drathen Kabinett Gewürztraminer 2014, Rheinhessen, Germany: Spicy and floral with lychee and rose petal on the nose and palate. Perfect for mild curries and spicy dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2018 394601 11% D 750 mL $12.25 Score: 88/100. June 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2014, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: A superb Italian red wine with a racy acidity on the palate that's perfect for pasta in tomato sauce, spicy sausages, pizza and lasagna. Aromas of tart black cherry, and spices. Highly recommended. Drink: 2016 - 2022 145920 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. June 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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