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Wine Picks November 14, 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.

Canada

Oliver Twist Estate Winery Bordeaux Blend 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, vibrant BC red wine blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petiti Verdot has been aged in oak barrels for 19 months. Firm tannins. Aromas of back fruit and toasty oak. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015 - 2019 14.1% D 750 mL $40.54 Score: 89/100. November 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Oliver Twist Estate Winery Merlot 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A savoury, full-bodied BC red wine made from the classic Merlot grape. Aromas of black plums and pepper. Firm tannin, good weight. decant 1-2 hours. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 13.9% D 750 mL $31.97 Score: 88/100. November 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Buttery, rich and round yet balanced with a long finish. This BC Chardonnay offers so much pleasure in the glass. Aromas of golden apple and freshly baked bread. Pair with roast chicken or veal. Drink: 2015 - 2019 545004 13.8% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Moraine Pinot Noir 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, balanced, juicy BC red wine made from the classic Pinot Noir grape. Aromas of fleshy ripe cherry and spice. This winery is located on the Naramata Bench in Penticton, British Columbia, which was carved into the land by ancient glaciers, which left behind silt and glacial flour to create a unique soil competition for the vines. The vineyards of this family-owned winery are named after their two daughters: Anastasia and Sophia. This wine was aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. Pair with duck breast and game meats or veal. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb chops, roast leg of lamb, roast duck. Drink: 2016 - 2020 393827 13.3% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Chardonnay 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A pale yellow hue with straw hints in the glass. This BC Chardonnay is delicious, offering aromas of green apple and pear. The wine was matured in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and acidity. Pair with creamy cheeses and roast turkey. Drink: 2015 - 2019 281212 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs R.D. 2009, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous BC sparkling wine from one of the country's best producers. This blanc des blancs (white from white grapes) is made from 100% estate grown Chardonnay. It's made in the traditional champagne method, and aged sur lie for 5 and half years for extra creaminess and richness. Aromas of green and golden apples with freshly baked bread. Superb. Pair with oysters and happiness. Drink: 2010 - 2021 17693 12% XD 750 mL $48.00 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A full-bodied Chilean red wine made from the classic grape Cabernet Sauvignon in the Aconcagua Valley. This wine offers enticing aromas of blackcurrant cassis along with toasty oak. There's a grip on the palate, so decant one hour and enjoy with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef enchiladas, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese, braised pork shanks with white beans. Drink: 2017 - 2020 606764 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

J&F Lurton Les Fumées Blanches Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Languedoc, Roussillon Vdp, France: This zesty, vibrant southern French Sauvignon Blanc is native to the cool climate region of the Gers, which is just over 150 kilometers south of Bordeaux. The ocean moderates temperatures here, while clay limestone soils provide excellent drainage for the grapes. Aromas of freshly cut grass, lemon zest and lime. Medium-bodied with lots of racy acidity. Pair with seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2016 - 2018 472555 11.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand: Crisp, clean and refreshing New Zealand Sauvigon Blanc with aromas of fresh cut grass, lime and lemon zest. Pair with fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes, including spinach quiche. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: planked salmon, field salads. Drink: 2016 - 2018 35386 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Gran Sello La Mancha Tempranillo Syrah 2015, Spain, Spain: A robust, rustic Spanish red wine blend of Tempranillo and Syrah grapes. Great value. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016 - 2019 526764 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2015, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Off-dry beautifully vibrant Washington state Riesling with aromas of lemongrass and lime blossom. Perfect for Asian and spicy dishes. Drink: 2015 - 2020 394759 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot 2016, Napa Valley, California, United States: A terrific, value-priced Californian Merlot featuring fleshy ripe purple and black plums aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and smooth with juicy acidity. Pair with hamburgers, meat lovers' pizza and stew. Drink: 2016 - 2020 534255 14% D 750 mL $18.25 Score: 89/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cloudfall Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Monterey County, California, United States: Crisp, fresh, zesty Sauvignon Blanc from the cool climate of Monterey County, California. Aromas of lemongrass and lime zest. Pair with seafood and goat's cheese. Drink: 2015 - 2018 13% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cloudfall Chardonnay 2015, Monterey County, California, United States: A full-bodied and balanced California Chardonnay from the cool climate of Monterey County. Aromas of green apple and freshly baked bread. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2015 - 2020 13% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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