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Wine Picks February 26, 2018

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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.

Red Wine

Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva 2015, Rioja D.O.C., Spain Drink: 2018 - 2022 32656 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errazuriz Estate Series Pinot Noir 2015, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Sweet cherry flavours and lots of mouth-watering acidity on the palate of this Chilean Pinot Noir. Good price. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2015 - 2019 226696 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Aquinas Pinot Noir 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Produced by Don Sebastiani & Sons. Great price for Napa pinot! Generous oaking imparts loads of dark chocolate and mocha on the nose and palate. Dark cherries come through underneath. Full-bodied and smooth. Try it with veal chops. Drink: 2014 - 2018 277657 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vinetti de fiorini Superiore Chianti 2014, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Tannic and acidic with juicy, mouth-watering flavours of tart cherry and spice. Pair with rare steak. Drink: 2015 - 2018 488577 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Taltarni T Series Shiraz 2017, Victoria, Australia Drink: 2019 - 2021 14% D 750 mL $17.95 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Erath Pinot Noir 2015, Dundee, Oregon, United States: A tart, juicy Oregon red wine made from the state's iconic red grape Pinot Noir. Lots of racy acidity for roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2015 - 2019 394718 13.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

North 42 Degrees Pinot Noir 2014, Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2016 - 2022 493064 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Firestone Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: Dark chocolate, mocha and espresso from generous oak aging. Some black fruit on the palate. Full-bodied. Pair with roast beef or brisket. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hamburgers, prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2016 292128 14.8% XD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fontella Chianti 2015, Tuscany Docg, Italy: Rustic and tannic with tart cassis and lots of oak. Pair with a rare steak. From the producer's web site: Traditional blend, principally Sangiovese, with some Canaiolo Vinification - The grapes are de-stemmed and soft crushed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 25 degrees Celcius, and lasts around 8-10 days. Frequent remontage occurs throughout fermentation in order to extract colour and achieve soft tannins. Malolactic fermentation is carried out. The juice is left in contact with the skins for 15 days. Ageing - The wine is aged for three months in large Slavonian oak barrels Drink: 2015 - 2018 230797 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 84/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Woodwork Pinot Noir 2015, Central Coast, California, United States: Very sweet California Pinot Noir with flavours of caramel cream and toffee butterscotch sundae. Medium-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2015 - 2018 428839 13.5% M 750 mL $17.45 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Defiant Pinot Noir 2016, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy, mouth-watering Pinot Noir from Prince Edward County. Aromas of tart cherries and spice. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2021 307769 12.3% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Passo Del Sud Appassimento 2016, Puglia, Italy: A juicy, full-bodied Italian red wine made using the appassimento method of repassing the wine. Concentrated black cherry liqueur flavours. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2016 - 2019 520254 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baron Philippe De Rothschild Languedoc-Roussillon Pinot Noir 2016, Pays D'oc V.D.P., France: A juicy, full-bodied Pinot Noir from southern France. This is an entry level wine for the prestigious Rothschild house, and is well priced. Aromas of dark berries and smoke. Medium tannins that will smooth out with 1-2 years in the cellar, or decant 1 hour. Pair with grilled chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2016 - 2019 628289 12.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Reserva Malbec 2016, Chile: Juicy and delicious with lip-tasty flavours of purple and black plums. Full-bodied and smooth. Pair with roast beef. Malbec food pairings: grilled meats, roasted vegetables, shepherd's pie. Drink: 2018 - 2023 94060 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

ARA Wines Pathway Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand Drink: 2014 - 2017 416230 13% D 750 mL $16.95 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon Bib 2016, California, United States: Smoky campfire aromas and hickory smoke from lots of oak aging on this value-priced, party-sized Californian Cabernet. This 3 litre format is the equivalent of 4 regular sized bottles of 750 ml. Pair with large groups and small budgets. Drink: 2016 - 2019 492363 13% D 3000 mL $44.95 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Arterra Longhand Merlot Cabernet Franc 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2014 - 2017 508705 12.7% D 750 mL $15.95 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Amatore Rosso 2016, Veneto Igt, Italy: A simple, juicy, tasty Italian red wine at a great party price. Aromas of black cherry and cola. Pair with spare ribs. Drink: 2016 - 2019 527598 13% D 750 mL $10.30 Score: 86/100. February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lulu B Pinot Noir 2016, Languedoc, France Pinot Noir food pairings: roast beef, game, grilled chicken, pizza. Drink: 2016 - 2017 669010 12.5% D 750 mL $11.00 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maison Albert Bichot C'est La Vie Pinot Syrah 2015, Burgundy, France Drink: 2015 - 2017 166934 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.15 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bouchard Pere & Fils Pinot Noir 2015, Beaune, Burgundy Aoc, France: A little herbal on the nose and palate with surprisingly firm tannins, which is not expected in Pinot Noir. This Old World Burgundian red wine offers notes of tart cherry, smoke and earth. Very attractive. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2016 - 2020 605667 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marques De Riscal Reserva 2013, Rioja D.O.C., Spain: A smoky, bone-dry Spanish red wine that's more earth than fruit. Full-bodied with medium tannins. Decant 1 hour and enjoy with juicy lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2019 32656 14% XD 750 mL $29.25 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pessoa da Vinha da Vinha Reserva 2015, Douro, Portugal Drink: 2016 - 2019 370411 14% D 750 mL $13.00 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2015, Pfalz, Germany: A juicy, medium-bodied German Pinot Noir at an exceptionally great price. Aromas of fleshy ripe black cherry and dark spice. Perfect for roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2015 - 2019 291971 13% XD 750 mL $17.25 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Thorn-Clarke Grenache Shiraz 2016, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Big, round and powerful, this Australian blend of Grenache and Shiraz grapes offers aromas of black plums, dark spice and toasty oak. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2016 - 2019 499616 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir 2015, Australia: Full-bodied, smooth, juicy Australian Pinot Noir with aromas of black cherry and spices. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2015 - 2019 893156 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Julia Magna Malbec Cabernet 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: A juicy, power-packed Argentine blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc grapes. Fleshy purple plums and blueberries abound. Pair with spare ribs or chicken wings. Drink: 2015 - 2018 499699 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gnarly Head Pinot Noir 2015, California, United States: Sweet cherry-berry aromas and flavours on the nose and palate of this smooth, medium-bodied Californian Pinot Noir. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2015 - 2019 358911 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A mouth-watering, juicy BC red wine made from the classic Pinot Noir grape. Aromas of dark berries and spices. Pair with roast turkey. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled wild salmon, Portobello mushrooms, roasted duck or pork, olive bread, or toasted walnuts. Drink: 2015 - 2019 145128 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand: Juicy and delicious New Zealand Pinot Noir with aromas of fleshy ripe red cherries and berries and some spices. Perfect for roast chicken and turkey. Drink: 2016 - 2019 54353 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Coyote's Run Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Juicy and tart Niagara Pinot Noir with delicious aromas and flavours of ripe berries and cherries. Pair with roast turkey. Pinot Noir food pairings: blackened beef and a side of braised Ontario beets. Drink: 2015 - 2019 53090 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Cellars Pinot Noir 2015, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy, mouth-watering, delicious Niagara red wine made from the classic Pinot Noir Grape. Aromas of ripe cherries and spice. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast of chicken or turkey; spicy sausages; braised veal shank or rabbit; pork tenderloin with berry coulis; tomato-based pasta dishes; mushroom risotto.. Drink: 2016 - 2020 417642 12.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château des Charmes Estate Bottled Pinot Noir 2012, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Some medicinal and herbal notes on the nose of this Niagara Pinot Noir. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Drink: 2013 - 2017 454967 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 86/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pelee Island Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2014, Pelee Island, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: An easy-drinking red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape in southwestern Ontario's Pelee Island. Aromas of cherry and baking spice. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2018 458521 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Charles Tort Old Vines 2015, Cotes Du Rhone Aoc, France: A robust red wine from the southern French region of the Cote du Rhone. This full-bodied red blend features aromas of fleshy ripe blackberry, dark plum, black pepper and smoke. Great value for the price. Pair with a grilled steak or hampburger. Drink: 2016 - 2020 424168 14.5% XD 750 mL $13.90 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fontella Chianti 2018, Tuscany Docg, Italy Drink: 2015 - 2018 230797 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Georges Duboeuf Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2015, Languedoc Igt, France: Juicy, supple and absolutely delicious Pinot Noir from the Languedoc region of southern France. Bursting with fleshy ripe cherry aromas and flavours. Satin smooth and full-bodied. Produced by well-known winery Georges duBoeuf. Pair with roast chicken and turkey. Drink: 2015 - 2019 184069 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hahn Family Wines Pinot Noir 2016, Monterey, California, United States: A full-bodied Californian Noir with gorgeous layers of fleshy ripe cherry and dark berries and a lick of dark spice. Supple and smooth. Although the alcohol is high for Pinot at 14.5% it doesn't taste hot and is very balanced with racy acidity. The alcohol level will also lend this wine the perception of sweetness and richness. Pair with roast chicken and turkey. Drink: 2016 - 2021 226555 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.45 Score: 91/100. February 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gnarly Head Pinot Noir 2016, California, United States Drink: 2015 - 2019 358911 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 February 2018. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Georges Duboeuf Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2018, Languedoc Igt, France Drink: 2015 - 2019 184069 13% D 750 mL $12.95 February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Georges Duboeuf Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2019, Languedoc Igt, France Drink: 2015 - 2019 184069 13% D 750 mL $12.95 February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Georges Duboeuf Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2020, Languedoc Igt, France Drink: 2015 - 2019 184069 13% D 750 mL $12.95 February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baron Philippe De Rothschild Languedoc-Roussillon Pinot Noir 2017, Pays D'oc V.D.P., France Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2016 - 2019 628289 12.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pelee Island Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2016, Pelee Island, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2014 - 2018 458521 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva 2014, Rioja D.O.C., Spain Drink: 2017 - 2020 32656 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Languedoc-Roussillon Pinot Noir 2020, Pays D'oc V.D.P., France Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2016 - 2019 628289 12.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 February 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Val D'Oca Valdobbiadene Prosecco 2016, Veneto, Italy: Crisp, vibrant, dry sparkling wine made from the classic Italian grape Glera. Aromas of freshly baked bread, pear and peach. Bottled with a Medieval scroll-like label that makes the vintage hard to find. Lemon zest and minerality throughout. Great aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2016 - 2019 340570 11% D 750 mL $17.70 Score: 89/100. February 2018. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Big Bill Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Western Cape, South Africa: Crisp, fresh and vibrant South African Sauvignon Blanc at an amazingly great price! Aromas of lime citrus and grass. Pair with shellfish, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 524330 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bouchard Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 2015, Burgundy, France: Lovely green apple notes and mouth-watering acidity in this Old World Burgundian Chardonnay. Racy acidity for roast chicken. This winery has been making wine since 1731. Drink: 2015 - 2020 56580 13% XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 90/100. February 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rockway Vineyards Plush White 2015, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A medium-sweet Niagara white wine produced by Rockway Vineyards from the Vidal grape. Aromas of sweet peach. Pair with medium curries. Drink: 2015 - 2017 522912 10.5% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay 2015, Casablanca Valley, Chile: The buttery richness of the Santa Carolina Chardonnay sinks into creamy cheeses. There are lip-smacking delicious notes of toffee and vanilla that will make your brie melt in your mouth. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, fish, creamy pasta. Drink: 2016 - 2019 304022 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolfberger W3 Riesling Muscat Pinot Gris 2015, Alsace, France: A lovely, off-dry Alsatian white wine that's a blend of Riesling, Muscat and Pinot Gris with aromas of honeydew and melon. Perfect as a medium-bodied chilled aperitif or companion to mild curries. Drink: 2015 - 2018 476929 13% MD 750 mL $17.85 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cattin Freres Pinot Gris 2015, Alsace Aoc, France: A medium-sweet Alsatian white wine made from the classic Pinot Gris grape. Balancing acidity ensures that this doesn't taste cloyingly sweet. Pair with mild to medium spicy dishes. A lovely, off-dry Alsatian Pinot Gris with aromas of honeydew and melon. Perfect as a medium-bodied chilled aperitif or companion to mild curries. Drink: 2015 - 2018 481424 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.70 Score: 88/100. February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jacob's Creek Moscato 2016, South Australia, Australia: A medium-sweet Australian moscato with low alcohol and light spritz. Aromas of sweet peach. Pair with medium curries. Drink: 2016 - 2017 265157 7.7% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 85/100. February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Albert Bichot Chablis 2015, Chablis Aoc, France: Crisp, dry and zesty with aromas of green apple and Asian pear. This Old World Burgundian white wine is made from Chardonnay grown in the northern region of Chablis. It is not oaked. Pair with seafood. This winery was founded in 1831. Drink: 2015 - 2020 458851 12.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. February 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Paparuda Feteasca Regala 2015, Romania: Crisp with lemon and grapefruit and good acidity and a slight spritz. Off-dry with some peach sweetness. The Paparuda is an ancient Romanian rain ritual performed either in the spring or in times of severe drought. Wearing a skirt of knitted vines, a dancing girl is accompanied by singing, shouting locals intent on securing fertility for the season. Drink: 2015 - 2017 460543 11.5% XD 750 mL $12.60 Score: 86/100. February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jacob's Creek Moscato 2020, South Australia, Australia Drink: 2016 - 2017 265157 7.7% MD 750 mL $12.95 February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Charles Baker Wines Ivan Vineyard Riesling 2016, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2026 359794 11.5% M 750 mL $27.20 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Albert Bichot Chablis 2018, Chablis Aoc, France Drink: 2015 - 2020 458851 12.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 February 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Big Bill Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Western Cape, South Africa Drink: 2020 - 2022 524330 13% D 750 mL $13.95 February 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Guy Saget Sancerre Blanc 2015, Loire Valley, France: A gorgeous white from France's Loire Valley made from the classic Sauvignon Blanc grape. Aromas of lemon zest, smoke and chives. Perfect for seafood, shellfish and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2015 - 2020 10626 13% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. February 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay 2016, Casablanca Valley, Chile Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, fish, creamy pasta. Drink: 2016 - 2019 304022 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 February 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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