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Wine Picks January 26, 2017

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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

Henry of Pelham Winery Vidal Icewine 2013, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: Apricot and peach festival for the senses. Lovely Niagara icewine made from the Vidal grape. Try it with a fruit flan or cobbler. Vidal Icewine food pairings: fresh fruit or fruit-based desserts and strong cheeses. Drink: 2013 - 2021 897470 9.4% S 200 mL $20.00 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sperling Gewürztraminer Icewine 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A gloriously rich BC dessert wine made in the classic icewine style from the Gewurztraminer which adds spice and floral notes to the finish. Pair with crème brûlée. Gewürztraminer Icewine food pairings: honey and spice cake, linzertorte, fresh fruit cobbler. Drink: 2016 - 2022 471425 12.4% S 375 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Vidal Icewine 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous Niagara Viald icewine from the mater, Inniskillin. Pocket-size personal at just 50 ml (adorkable). Aromas of peach and pear. Pair with fruit flan. Drink: 2015 - 2022 559302 9.5% S 50 mL $8.00 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stratus Red Icewine 2007, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Tasting this in 2016 to see how well this icewine has aged: good news, it's still great! This is a succulent blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, and Syrah grapes. Luscious aromas of strawberry pie. Pair with fruitcake, gingerbread, and spice cake. Icewine food pairings: strawberry-rhubarb pie and vanilla ice cream. Drink: 2008 - 2018 56689 12% S 200 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2014, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Drop-dead gorgeous! Stunning complexity and depth of flavour in this Niagara icewine made from the classic Riesling grape. Aromas of apricots and honeyed lemon. Perfect. Riesling Icewine food pairings: strong blue cheeses or seared foie gras, for dessert with fresh fruit. Drink: 2016 - 2024 9.5% S 200 mL $25.00 Score: 95/100. January 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2013, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza Doc, Argentina: A richly concentrated Argentine red wine made from the country's classic Malbec grape. Juicy, full-bodied and generous with luscious aromas of dark berries, black plums and dark spice. Pair with grilled meats. Malbec food pairings: grilled lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2020 74922 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Patriarche Pinot Noir 2014, Vin De Pays D'oc, France: Pretty and light with vibrant sweet cherry berry aromas. Smooth with no heavy oak or tannin. Light aperitif. Pinot Noir food pairings: cold roast beef and a side of mash potatoes. Drink: 2014 - 2017 522649 12% XD 750 mL $10.60 Score: 86/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Bel Air A Luze & Fils 2014, Bordeaux A.O.C., France: An exceptionally well-priced Bordeaux! Cedar underbrush and smoke with wild cassis notes. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Decant 2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2015 - 2019 665430 12.5% XD 750 mL $12.00 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Livermore Valley, California, United States: This well-made Californian red wine is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Petit Sirah, 5% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc grapes. Elegant, balanced and complex. Great price for classic Californian Cabernet. Cool-climate influences at play here. Drink: 2015 - 2019 301507 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.00 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bridgeview Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir 2013, Southern Oregon, United States: Tart and sour cherry aromas and flavours with lots of acidity on the palate for planked salmon or tangy dishes. Medium-bodied and supple. Needs food. Nice price for Oregon Pinot Noir. Drink: 2014 - 2019 13% XD 750 mL Score: 88/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandbanks Estate Winery French Kiss Cabernet Merlot 2015, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A tasty, robust blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes grown in Prince Edward County. Aromas of mocha, black plums and toasty oak. Pair with a grilled steak. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: duck, roasted chicken, aged cheddar, lamb. Drink: 2016 - 2020 361881 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monte Antico 2012, Tuscany, Italy: A robust, rustic Tuscan red wine with lots of acidity o the palate. Sour cherry and sun-dried tomato. Pair with pasta in tomato sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2017 69377 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Arboleda Carmenere 2014, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Elegant, smooth and full-bodied with fleshy black plum aromas and flavours. Generous and mouth-filling. Great price for this quality from Eduardo Chadwick, well respected within the Chilean wine community and beyond. Long, satisfying finish. Pair with grilled pork chops. Carmenere food pairings: grilled lamb, beef braised in a mole sauce, hearty stews. Drink: 2016 - 2020 26235 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Precept Sagelands Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: A balanced Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of cassis and black currant. Fairly smooth. Pair with a pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb chops, roast leg of lamb, cottage roll. Drink: 2017 - 2022 420810 13.9% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Organized Crime Cabernet Franc 2013, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lots of acidity on the palate of this Niagara red wine made from Cabernet Franc. Bell pepper and sour cherry on the nose. Pair with grilled meats. Cabernet Franc food pairings: grilled veal chops, chicken Kiev, roulade. Drink: 2017 - 2020 472530 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 86/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Tautavel Grenache Syrah Carignan 2013, Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, Languedoc A.C., France: Fleshy dark fruit, pepper and cedar forest plus on the nose of this fabulous southern French red wine. Full-bodied and fairly smooth but it will help to decant 2 hours. Terrific price for this savoury, mouth-watering red that will pair perfectly with grilled meats. Grenache Syrah Carignan food pairings: rare steak, rustic stew, game pot pie. Drink: 2016 - 2020 272575 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jekel Pinot Noir 2014, Monterey, California, United States: Lovely cherry berry ripeness on the nose yet perfectly balanced with racy acidity on the palate. Monterey makes spectacular Pinot Noir at great prices, like this one. Pair with pasta primavera. Finishes with exotic notes of wild violets and hickory smoke. The Pinot Noir grapes for this silky Californian red wine grow in vineyards that benefit from the tempering influence of the Pacific Ocean. The vines are planted in ancient alluvial soils that were deposited by rivers and floods. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, roasted pork loin, prime rib, coq au vin. Drink: 2016 - 2020 27268 13.6% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bolla Classico Superiore Valpolicella Ripasso 2014, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A medium-bodied, nicely balanced Italian red wine with aromas of sun-dried tomato and dry cherry. Racy acidity is perfect for tangy dishes, especially pasta in tomato sauce. Valpolicella Ripasso food pairings: veal Parmigiano, rich lentil and tomato stew, bbq prime ribs. Drink: 2016 - 2020 475574 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Small Gully Mr. Blacks Concoction Shiraz Viognier 2013, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, full-bodied and satisfying with black fruit, smoke and toasty oak. Supple with lots of layers of pleasure. Pair with grilled meats. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: lamb burgers topped with cheddar, pepper steak topped with sautéed mushrooms. Drink: 2016 - 2018 222059 15.9% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Diabolica 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Smooth and round with aromas of purple and black plums and blueberry on the finish. Full-bodied and pleasant. Pair with meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 373001 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jeff Carrel Les Darons 2014, Languedoc, Midi A.P., France: Bacon fat and campfire on the nose of this savoury, full-bodied southern French red wine from the Languedoc region. This is a robust blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Carignan and 15% Syrah grapes. Pair with grilled steak. Drink: 2016 - 2018 448464 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dandelion Vineyards Lioness Shiraz 2014, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This single vineyard Australian red wine is made form the Shiraz grape. These winemakers see the devil in the weeds, allowing dandelions to grow among the vine grows as they suppress other weeds and provide nutritious mulch. The "wishing clocks" of white seed in the spring provide new life. The Shiraz grapes are sourced form a single vineyard in the foothills of the McLaren Vale. The vines are planted in ironstone pebble laden with clay loam, over ancient Kurrajong Formation geology of silica cemented conglomerate ideally suited to grow Shiraz. Bunches are hand picked in mid-March and fermented together in open top fermenters with ambient yeast and hand plunging for 12 days before basket pressing and aging in mostly French oak barriques before bottling without fining. Full-bodied, robust and rustic with full-throttle black fruit, smoke, oak and spice aromas. Polished tannins and a long finish. Decant 1 hour and pair with rare steak. Shiraz food pairings: game meats, rare roast beef, spice-braised lamb, cheddar, grilled pork chops. Drink: 2016 - 2019 357475 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Tour De Capet 2012, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C, France: A well constructed Bordeaux with a firm tannic grip. This baby needs some cellar time to come together. Aromas of cassis and black currant. Decant 2 hours and pair with rare steak. Food pairings: risotto ala Milanese, three-meat stuffed cabbage rolls, baked beef brisket. Drink: 2016 - 2020 466581 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Arterra Pinot Noir 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A rich, robust Niagara Pinot Noir with aromas of black fleshy cherries and dark spice. Layered and luxurious with smoother and supple texture. A long, lush finish. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2016 - 2020 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J. & J. Kekfrankos 2011, Eger, Hungary: Smoky with campfire smoke on the nose and palate from lots of toasty oak aging. Tart, rustic and tannic. Dark red tart fruit on the palate. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2013 - 2018 446591 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 85/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Borsao Tres Picos Grenache 2014, Campo De Borja D.O., Spain: This winery is located south of Rioja and is comprised of 100% Garnacha grapes. The Garnacha grapes for this wine grow on old vines, which provides additional concentration and flavour. Great structure. Lots of mocha and dark chocolate aromas on the nose that are then flooded with lusciously ripe black fruit on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. A rich darkly hued colour in the glass. A long, satisfying finish. Pair with grilled meats. The 2013 vintage of the Tres Picos offers solid value. Grenache food pairings: veal chops in red wine sauce, turkey tetrazzini, soft cheeses. Drink: 2016 - 2021 273748 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Thirty Bench Meritage 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Mocha rich with black plums on the nose and palate of this full-bodied Niagara red wine blend. Good balancing acidity for a hearty meat sauce with tomatoes. Food pairings: roast lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2019 320986 13.6% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Gold Label Syrah 2012, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: This liquid satin red wine is mostly Syrah, but there's also 3% Viognier in the blend, as is traditional in the Rhone Valley. The splash of Viognier adds mid-palate depth where cool-climate Syrah can be lean. Winemaker Chris Matcher says that 5% or more Viognier starts to be noticeable with its apricot notes: something you don't want on Syrah. However, 5% is the minimum required by Australian law to put the grape on the label, so therefore you don't see any mention of Viognier. This Syrah offers spicy depth and an incredibly velvety mouth-feel. Pair with a rack of lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2019 399477 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Central Coast, California, United States: Juicy, purple plum lovely Californian Cabernet. This Cab seems to have been hanging out with Zinfandel: so luscious, rolls off the tongue. Pair with barbecued meats. Drink: 2015 - 2020 392225 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concha y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Maipo Valley, Chile: A juicy, full-bodied Chilean Cabernet loaded with fleshy ripe purple and black plums, blackberry jam and toasty oak. Smooth and supple. The grapes for this wine are grown in the winery's Puente Alto Vineyard and Pirque Vineyard in the Maipo Valley. The wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels and in 5,000 litre foudres (extra large barrels). Pair with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, braised pork shanks, veal chops. Drink: 2016 - 2020 337238 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Merlot 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: Juicy and full-bodied with fleshy ripe berries and plums. Pair with a pepper steak. Merlot food pairings: lamb, steak, stew. Drink: 2015 - 2019 622837 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castillo De Almansa Reserva Tempranillo 2013, Almansa, Spain: A robust, rustic Spanish red wine with dark berries and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013 - 2017 270363 14% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Azores Wine Company Vulcanico Rosé 2015, Azores, Portugal: Pretty rose with rose petal and spice. Strawberry notes on the finish. Perfect for grilled salmon. Drink: 2015 - 2017 231372 12% D 750 mL $26.85 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Girls' Night Out Sparkling, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Clean, crisp and refreshing: this is a terrific sparkling wine for this price point. Stock up for your holiday parties and enjoy as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2016 - 2019 215632 11.5% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Château Sainte-Marie Vieilles Vignes 2014, Entre Deux Mers, Bordeaux A.C., France: A zesty, lively Bordeaux white wine that's a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon and 5% Muscadelle grapes. Pair with seafood. Food pairings: marinated lemon herb chicken breast grilled on the barbie. Drink: 2016 - 2019 447565 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand: Smoky and full-bodied New Zealand Chardonnay with luxurious richness on the palate. Golden apple wrapped in smoke. Pair with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roasted halibut or black cod, cheese tortellini, corn dishes, lobster in butter. Drink: 2015 - 2018 326728 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay 2015, Padthaway Adelaide Hills, Australia: A full-bodied, balanced Australian Chardonnay with classic aromas of green apple and toasty oak. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, corn on the cob. Drink: 2015 - 2019 226860 13% D 750 mL $18.00 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Arterra Wines Chardonnay 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A beautifully balanced Niagara Chardonnay with aromas of buttered toast, green apple and white peach. Pair with roasted chicken. Drink: 2016 - 2019 577007 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand: Fresh and crisp with lemongrass and lime lift. Grassy but not too much. Mouth-watering acidity for shellfish. Drink: 2016 - 2018 316570 11% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Graf Hardegg Pulkau valley Grüner Veltliner Vom Schloss 2015, Niederösterreich, Austria: Crisp and vibrant with fresh notes of lime zest and white grapefruit. Racy acidity for seafood and shellfish. Grüner Veltliner Vom Schloss food pairings: classics of Austrian fare, salmon or trout with almond slivers. Drink: 2016 - 2021 13.5% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Netzl Classic Grüner Veltliner 2015, Niederösterreich, Austria: Produced by Franz & Christine Netzl. Aromas of grapefruit and lime zest. The gruner veltliner grapes for this vibrant Austrian white wine are grown in the winery's estate vineyards of Rothenberg, Plutzer and Hagelsberg. Lots of racy acidity for fresh seafood and shellfish. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: Austrian kitchen such as Wiener Schnitzel, roasted or fried chicken, pickled knuckle of pork, cold buffet, fish and seafood. Drink: 2016 - 2019 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.00 Score: 93/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nadler Arbesthal Grüner Veltliner 2016, Niederösterreich, Austria: Vibrant and crisp with some orchard fruit notes, think white peach and green apple with melon. Racy acidity that doesn't bite but will serve beautifully a dish of fresh seafood. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: smoked fish, oysters, sea shell, sushi, meat dishes - wiener schnitzel, poultry, prime boiled beef, entrails, cheese, asparagus, mushroom dishes, artichoke, vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2016 - 2020 12.5% D 750 mL $26.75 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandbanks Estate Winery Riesling Gewurztraminer 2015, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Very pretty peach blossom and honey florals on the nose of this light-bodied, off-dry Prince Edward County white wine blend of Riesling and Gewurtraminer. Perfect as an aperitif or pair with fresh seafood. Riesling Gewurztraminer food pairings: spicy Thai dishes and curries. Drink: 2015 - 2018 459982 12.5% M 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Chardonnay 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: A gloriously alive Chardonnay with lovely aromas of peach, pear and butterscotch. Layers of pleasure, yet it's not heavy at all. Pair with lobster in melted butter. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, grilled pork. Drink: 2014 - 2021 84988 14.1% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2014, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lovely green apple, butterscotch and toasted almond on the nose and palate of this full-bodied Niagara white wine made from the classic grape Chardonnay. Pair with roast turkey or chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: prawn bisque, oyster poor boy, cheese fondue, stuffed chicken breast. Drink: 2014 - 2019 238642 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandbanks Estate Winery Summer White 2015, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Pretty, light and floral with notes of honeysuckle and peach blossom. Serve as a chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2014 - 2017 414748 11.5% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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