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Wine Picks August 28, 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.

Australia

Tahbilk Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2014, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia: A full-bodied, oaky Australian blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Shiraz and 15% Mouvedre grapes. This wine was aged mainly in French oak barrels, with a little portion in American oak barrels. Aromas of black fruit and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre food pairings: beef, pork tenderloin, burgers, hard cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2020 489922 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Dark Horse Estate Winery One Horse Town Pinot Noir 2013, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The 2013 vintage of the full-bodied One Horse Town Pinot Noir from Huron County offers cola cherry and black plums. Pair with Mexican mole. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb lollipops, roast rack of lamb, roast garlic chicken. Drink: 2017 - 2020 499558 13.8% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. August 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Château Clos De Sarpe 1995, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: All bones; no flesh. If you love extremely mature Bordeaux with lots of acidity but hardly any fruit flavour left, this is your wine. In another year or so, it will be past peak. Pair with hurry up and drink. Food pairings: prime rib, roast quail, roast duck. Drink: 2017 - 2019 497073 13.5% D 750 mL $53.95 Score: 89/100. August 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine De Viaud 2009, Ac Lalande-De-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: The 2009 vintage of this wine is fading fast. It's lost its fruit and is surviving on the bones. This is a blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Merlot that was aged in oak barrels. Pair with rare meats. 282475 750 mL $31.95 Score: 87/100. August 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

André Goichot Mercurey 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: Sour charry aromas with lots of acidity on the palate of this medium-bodied Burgundian Pinot Noir. Good finish. A vibrant Mercurey Pinot Noir from Burgundy with tart raspberry and earth notes. This winery was founded in 1947. Pair with planked salmon. Food pairings: braised meat dishes, blackened peppercorn steaks, char-grilled burgers. Drink: 2017 - 2022 455121 13.8% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Tronquoy-Lalande 2009, Saint Estèphe, Bordeaux A.C., France: Why do most of the wines I love have to be so pricey? This is topshelf Bordeaux from an amazing year. Mature and complex, with great finesse and length. Pair with veal. OTHER: The tannins are very fine, with rich fruitcake and smoky flavours. Red berry and black plums give a fruity character, along with delicious acidity. The wine is structured while still remaining very approachable. This was rated #29 on the 2012 Wine Enthusiast Top 100. Score - 94 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, April 2012). Food pairings: baked chicken with roasted root vegetables, veal chops in red wine sauce, roasted venison. Drink: 2017 - 2019 490128 14% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 92/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J.J. Vincent Marie-Antoinette Pouilly-Fuissé 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: Crisp and mouth-watering with green apple acidity. Medium-bodied and clean. Pair with seafood or roast chicken. OTHER: A clean, focused style, this offers peach, apple and mineral flavours matched to a supple texture and lemony acidity. Stays sleek and stony on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2018. Score - 90 (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, June 15, 2016). Pouilly-Fuissé food pairings: fried smoked whitefish and salmon cakes, mussels steamed in their own juice, smoked salmon pizza with goat cheese and sauteed sweet onion. Drink: 2017 - 2018 525113 13% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Lafage Narassa Lieu Dit 2014, Côtes Du Roussillon, Roussillon A.C., France: Purple and black charred plums with a great intensity and concentration in this wine that comes from the intense heat of the region. Full-bodied and supple. Pair with prime rib. OTHER: From one of the warmest sites in France, the 2014 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lieu Dit La Narassa comes from 70-year-old vines planted in the black schist soils of Maury. Despite the rugged, hot terroir from where this beauty comes, the wine is pure silk and elegant, with lots of black raspberry, chocolate covered currants, pepper and olive notes giving way to a full-bodied 2014; it has polished tannin and a seamless texture. A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah that was aged mostly in concrete tank (20% in demi-muids), drink it anytime over the coming 4-5 years. Score - 93 (Jeb Dunnuck, robertparker.com, April 27, 2016). Food pairings: Tourtière, roast beef, roasted venison. Drink: 2017 - 2021 483313 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. August 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Maucamps 2010, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: Dry and full-bodied with great balance. Aromas and flavour of ripe black plums and dark spice. A blend of Cabernet Savignon and Merlot grapes. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: grilled back ribs with a rich red wine sauce, marinated steaks, braised short ribs. Drink: 2017 - 2022 486746 13.8% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Tour Baladoz 2009, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: Full-bodied with sweet black plums, smoke and chalky dry tannins. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with a rare filet mignon. Food pairings: roast prime rib, grilled Porterhouse steak, hard cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2019 244087 13.5% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Dr. Pauly Bergweiler Riesling Feinherb 2016, Mosel Qualitätswein, Germany: Beautiful German white wine made from the classic Riesling grape. Aromas of lime zest and lemongrass. Racy acidity for seafood. Riesling Feinherb food pairings: light curries, grilled lake fish, garden salads topped with shaved hard cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2020 496554 10.6% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. August 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Schloss Reinhartshausen Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen Riesling Kabinett 2015, Rheingau, Germany: Peach alive! Great acidity, vibrancy and intensity of flavour yet not heavy. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to clove ham and chutney. OTHER: A classic from a classic producer, this is aromatic and impressive with notes of pear, peach, honey and lime citrus with a nuanced flint character and a lifted floral nose. Zesty and complex with great balance and a long, sweet finish. A traditional style. Wow. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2016). Riesling Kabinett food pairings: light curries, vegetarian dishes, fresh pan-fried herring. Drink: 2017 - 2019 490078 12% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 89/100. August 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Tornatore Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese Nerello Cappuccio 2014, Etna, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Dark, earthy, racy and rich with black cherry and smoke. Perfect volcanic wine. Pair with spicy sausages. OTHER: Aromas of pressed rose, violet, raspberry compote and cake spice all come together on this enticing red. On the palate, a mineral vein underscores layers of ripe wild cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and chopped herb. Firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity provide the backbone. Drink 2018 through 2027. Score - 93 (Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 2016). Nerello Mascalese Nerello Cappuccio food pairings: hearty meats, pasta in tomato sauce, cheddar cheese, risotto with mushrooms. Drink: 2017 - 2020 487090 14% XD 750 mL $22.85 Score: 92/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Corte Moschina Amarone Della Valpolicella 2012, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Chocolate bar rich and sweet flavours on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and smooth. The 2012 vintage of this Amarone della Valpolicella is a blend of 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone and10% Rondinella grapes. Amarone Della Valpolicella food pairings: roast game meats, bison burgers, beefy casserole with rich tomato sauce. Drink: 2017 - 2022 479501 14.8% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Farnese Soluna Terre Du Chieti Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Terre Di Chieti, Abruzzo I.G.T., Italy: Chocolate bar sweet on the nose and palate of this robust, smooth Italian red wine. This is full-bodied blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Pair with sweet ribs. Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pizza meat, lasagne, rich tomato sauce and pasta. Drink: 2017 - 2020 477703 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canneto Vino Riserva Nobile Di Montepulciano 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lovely mature tanned leather and dried tobacco leaves on this elegant and contemplative Italian red wine. Lots of mouth-watering acidity for veal. This wine is not filtered and therefore may have some sediment. Be not afraid. OTHER: Aromas of spiced plum, dark-skinned berry, leather and a balsamic note waft out of the glass. The firm palate delivers juicy wild cherry, white pepper, game and aniseed alongside firm but polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2015-2020. Score - 92 (Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, July 2015). Nobile Di Montepulciano food pairings: roast garlic chicken, barbecued beef roast, rib steak on the barbie. Drink: 2017 - 2019 65854 14.5% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 92/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Réva Barolo 2012, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Very tannic with a firm dry grip on the palate and finish through to the back throat. Could use cellar time. When you do open it, decant for 2 hours. Aromas of black fruit and smoke. Pair with prime rib. Barolo food pairings: roast venison, roast leg of lamb, Porterhouse beef steak. Drink: 2017 - 2024 490045 14.8% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Abbadia Ardenga Brunello Di Montalcino 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This is at peak and ready to drink now. Don't cellar it: the fruit will fade soon. Mouth-watering acidity with smoke and dried herbs. Pair with veal. OTHER: A solid 2011 with dried cherry, hints of cream and a chewy tannic backbone yet the texture of tannins is fine and polished. Needs a year or two to soften. A beauty. Score - 92 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Feb. 14, 2016). Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: roast venison, roast leg of lamb, Porterhouse beef steak. Drink: 2017 - 2020 672337 14% XD 750 mL $84.85 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Signae Montefalco Sagrantino 2009, Umbria D.O.C.G., Italy: Expressive nose of black fruit, smoke and violets. Very tannic grip on the palate. Long finish. Decant 2 hours. Pair with prime rib. Sagrantino food pairings: breaded veal cutlets, cobb salad, roast beef, cheesy pizza. Drink: 2017 - 2019 429142 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fattoria dei Barbi Riserva Brunello Di Montalcino 2007, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: The 2007 vintage of the Barbi Brunello di Montalcino is extremely mature with aromas of tanned leather, dried herbs and cigar box. Solid tannins so decant 1-2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: meat lover's pizza, prime rib, roast quail. Drink: 2017 - 2020 496091 14% XD 750 mL $130.00 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Corte Moschina Amarone Della Valpolicella 2019, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy Amarone Della Valpolicella food pairings: roast game meats, bison burgers, beefy casserole with rich tomato sauce. Drink: 2017 - 2022 479501 14.8% XD 750 mL $59.95 August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Invivo Pinot Noir 2014, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Mocha and fleshy sweet cherry on the nose and palate of this luscious medium-bodied satin-smooth red wine from New Zealand made from the classic Pinot Noir grape. Pair with roast chicken. OTHER: It is instantly appealing on the nose displaying red/black cherry, clove, vanilla and cedar characters with nuances of game and floral. The palate is beautifully weighted and richly textured, and delivers loads of delectable flavours, wonderfully framed by polished tannins. The wine offers elegant opulent together with subtle savoury complexity. At its best: now to 2019. Score - 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Aug. 2016). Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb tangine, filet mignon of venison, rib steak. Drink: 2017 - 2020 466029 13.8% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Miguel Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2014, Catalunya, Spain: A rich, full-bodied Spanish red wine made from the country's classic Tempranillo grape. Aromas of dark plums, smoke and spice. Pair with grilled meats. Great value! Tempranillo food pairings: red meats, creamy cheeses, traditional paellas. Drink: 2014 - 2019 29728 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gratavinum 2 p r 2011, Priorat, Spain: This robust Spanish blend of mostly Grenache and Carignan grapes with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It offers aromas of black plum, cocoa, dark spice and smoke. Firm tannins so decant 1 hour. The llicorella Priorat soil in which the vines are planted is designated DOCa. Finishes with earthy notes and and cigar box, Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2014 - 2022 15% XD 750 mL $34.00 Score: 91/100. August 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Miguel Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2015, Catalunya, Spain Tempranillo food pairings: red meats, creamy cheeses, traditional paellas. Drink: 2014 - 2019 29728 13% D 750 mL $13.95 August 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Quilt Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: Liquid fudge with chocolate syrup and brownies on the finish of this robust, smooth Californian Cabernet. Pair with Mexican mole and dark chocolate. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Brazilian slow-cooked pork, roast turkey, beef and black bean stew, shepherd's pie with root vegetables. Drink: 2017 - 2023 498808 14.5% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 87/100. August 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chandon Blanc De Noirs Sparkling Wine, California, United States: This Californian sparkling wine producer is owned by one of Champagne's most revered wineries, Moët & Chandon, the same house that makes top-of-the-line Dom Pérignon. Chandon is actually no newcomer to the scene having been founded in the 1970s, and the first winery to make sparkling wine using the traditional Champagne method (Méthode Traditionelle). Blanc De Noirs This bubbly offers terrific value for the money; a great bottle to serve at small or larger gatherings given its taste: price ratio. Crisp, clean and dry with aromas of green apple and baked bread. Terrific! Blanc De Noirs Sparkling Wine food pairings: fried chicken, vegetable curry, fish tacos. Drink: 2021 - 2024 419374 13% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. August 2017. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Böen Pinot Noir 2015, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A sweet Pinot Noir in the style of Belle Glos and others with the taste of lots of residual sugar. Cheery sweet notes dipped in chocolate. Pair with Mexican mole. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb chops in red wine and garlic sauce, roast leg of lamb, gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2017 - 2020 495283 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 88/100. August 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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