Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Vintages Release May 12, 2018

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Dessert Wine

Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: A lip-smacking, tasty, well-priced dessert wine from the iconic Port region of Portugal. Loaded with aromas of fleshy ripe purple plums and blackberry jam. Great way to finish dinner. Pair with Black Forest cake. Port food pairings: nuts, chocolate-orange cake. Drink: 2014 - 2019 208405 20% S 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. May 2018. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fonseca Porto Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: There are just over 100 grams per litre of residual sugar in this Portuguese dessert wine, so it's intense and sweet yet balanced on the palate. Lots of fleshy blackberry jam and black plum preserves on the palate and finish. Pair this fortified wine with Black Forest Cake or chocolate cheesecake. Port food pairings: fresh field berries in cream, Camembert, honey cake, chocolate cookies. Drink: 2017 - 2023 87551 20% S 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: So damn delicious! Chester Osborn is a crazy genius with big red wines. Small batches of grapes are gently crushed with foot-treading happening on two-thirds of them. Juicy and full-bodied with a savoury, mouth-watering core that goes on forever. Aromas of fleshy black plums. Pair with grilled meats. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: rare rib steak, grilled lamb chops, roast of pork. Drink: 2017 - 2021 936971 14.4% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castello D'albola Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A savoury, juicy, mouth-watering Chianti with notes of berries and earth. Medium-bodied and fairly smooth. Good pizza wine. Chianti Classico food pairings: roast beef, pulled pork, beef bourguignon. Drink: 2017 - 2020 339937 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Elephant Hill Estate & Winery Pinot Noir 2013, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Vibrant acidity in this bright New Zealand Pinot Noir with very tart and sour chary aromas and flavours. This medium-bodied, smooth red wine cries out for food. Feed it fresh seafood. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, roasted pork loin, coq au vin, venison burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2018 309583 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 87/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Muriel Gran Reserva 2005, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Dried leather and cigar box with dried herbs. Mature, not fleshy or fruity but elegant and long. Dry and contemplative. Pair with leg of lamb. Food pairings: leg of lamb, filet mignon, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2014 - 2018 984187 12.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ruffino Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Chianti lovers know this wine ... very well. The 2012 vintage was a challenging one, yet the mastery of the winemaking shows in the glass of this Sangiovese-based wine. Aromas of back cherry, earth, dust and smoke. Vibrant with lively acidity and a long blackberry finish. This big Italian red wine needs serious cellar time. Decant 1-2 hours. Perfect for juicy meat dishes or homemade meatballs and pasta. Chianti Classico food pairings: meat-sauce pasta, meat lovers' pizza, beef stew. Drink: 2017 - 2024 353201 13.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Dry, mouth-watering with puckering tannins on the palate. Black, charred fruit and toasty oak. Needs cellar time, then decant 2 hours. Pair with wild boar with black truffle. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: grilled steak, roast leg of lamb, hard cheese, veal piccata. Drink: 2017 - 2025 378257 14% D 750 mL $56.95 Score: 91/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rustenberg John X Merriman 2014, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: A robust South African red wine blend with aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and wild blackberry with toasty oak. Pair with prime rib. Food pairings: prime rib roast, roast duck, grilled sausages on the barbie. Drink: 2018 - 2024 707323 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

José Zuccardi Malbec 2013, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Smoky and juicy Argentine red wine blend. Zuccardi consistently over-delivers on the taste-price ratio, and this wine is no exception. A full-bodied, supple and smooth Argentine red wine blend. This robust Argentine red wine is a blend of mostly Malbec (90%) from La Consulta and some Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) grapes from Tupungato Vineyards. Aromas of black plum, toast, blackcurrant and dark spice. Pair with grilled steak or pork chops. Malbec food pairings: farmer's style pork chops, slow-cooked pork ribs, crown pork roast. Drink: 2018 - 2024 163725 15.1% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Lamartine Cuvée Particulière 2013, Cahors, Southwest A.C., France: A robust southern French red wine with aromas of black fruit, smoke and tar. Finishes with dark spices and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: venison tenderloin in croute, wild boar roast, lamb shanks in red wine and roasted root vegetables. Drink: 2018 - 2022 441238 13.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ercavio Roble Tempranillo 2014, Vino De La Tierra De Castillia, La Mancha, Spain: Only 10,000 cases were made of this wine which is based 100% of the Cencibel grape otherwise known as Tempranillo, classic for the region. The wine aged for five months in French and American oak. A robust red wine with mocha and blackened, charry fruit in the nose that follows through on the palate. Full-bodied. Espresso finish. Pair with grilled meats. Tempranillo food pairings: goat, leg of lamb with garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, Porchetta. Drink: 2018 - 2022 67504 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: This Malbec from Mendoza has a dark heart. Fincas Patagonicas (2015) is so dark red in the glass it looks black. Solid character, structure with blackberry smoke and black pepper. Wow. Malbec wine grapes for this wine came from the Valle de Uco. Decant for two hours to drink now or hold in cellar for three years. Pitch black in flavour and hue. Black currant, black, charred plum and roasted blackberry. Pair with grilled meats and other hearty meat dishes. Malbec food pairings: pork roast with cranberry and cherry stuffing, pork roasted vegetables and cider stew, pork loin with prunes and sherry. Drink: 2018 - 2023 450155 14.2% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato 2015, Veneto, Italy: From the Veneto wine region and famed producer Tommassi, Graticcio Appassionato (2014) is a full-bodied and balanced red wine with great acidity and length. "Graticcio" is the local name for the traditional bamboo racks where the grapes for this wine are laid down and dried in the open air after the harvest and before vinification to add body, flavour and depth to the wine. Fleshy ripe sweet black cherries on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, smooth Italian red wine. Pair with spicy sausages. Food pairings: gourmet burgers, lamburgers, prime rib, lasagne, sausage. Drink: 2018 - 2024 338939 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine De Viaud 2010, Lalande-De-Pomerol, Bordeaux A.C., France: The 2010 vintage of this wine has just passed its peak, but is still drinking well. It's lost some of its fruit freshness. This is a blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Merlot that was aged in oak barrels. Pair with rare meats. Food pairings: prime rib roast, tourtière, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2022 282475 13% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kings Ridge Pinot Noir 2016, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Lots of acidity and tart cherry with tomato leaf aromas and flavours. Oregon Pinot Noir is a different wine than pinots from other regions: it's edgier, mouth-watering and acidic in a great way that can handle many dishes from planked salmon to roast chicken. This wine also sports a silky texture, medium body and a snap on the finish. Pinot Noir food pairings: cedar-planked salmon, roast beef, turkey, pork tenderloin, coq au vin. Drink: 2018 - 2022 237776 13% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States: The 2012 vintage of the Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon has seductive aromas and flavours of black plum, cassis, blackberry, violets and smoke. Pair with grilled pork chops. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork roast, slow-cooked pork shanks and cannellini beans. Drink: 2018 - 2024 89284 13.7% XD 750 mL $94.95 Score: 93/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Solaia 2014, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Produced by Marchesi Antinori, this Turbo Tuscan, the 2012 vintage of Solaia, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese with some Cabernet Franc grapes. Grilled bacon and lots of smoke on the nose of this cult Italian red wine, aka a Super Tuscan. Lots of toasted black fruit, dried herbs, chary smoke, graphite and toasty oak. The 2012 vintage of Solaia finishes with black truffle and violets. Needs cellar time then decant 2 hours. Pair with a rare, juicy steak. This wine needs to be on your lifetime bucket list to taste. Food pairings: rib eye roast, filet mignon, rack of lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2030 987586 14% D 750 mL $257.95 Score: 96/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Elephant Hill Le Phant 2013, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: The grapes for this wine are grown in the family-owned vineyards of Gimblett, Te Awanga and Triangle. Owners are Reydan and Roger Weiss. A luscious blend of merlot, Syrah and cabernet sauvignon grapes. Notes of cassis, fleshy black plum, and cigar box. Supple and smooth. Pair with grilled pork chops. Food pairings: veal scaloppini with paprika mushrooms and green pepper, veal piccata, veal chops in red wine sauce. Drink: 2015 - 2021 447367 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Buena Vista Carneros Pinot Noir 2013, Carneros, California, United States: This smooth, supple Californian red wine is produced by Buena Vista winery which is housed in an historic building in the heart of Sonoma. The French company Boisset now owns this winery. The pinot noir grapes grow in the cool climate of Carneros, with cooling breezes from the San Francisco Bay. Lovely layers of liquid satin, black cherries and some dark spice. Packed with flavour yet not heavy. Aromas of mocha and smoke. Medium- to full-bodied and very supple. Pair with pork chops. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken, roast veal, planked salmon. Drink: 2018 - 2023 304105 14.5% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Pierre De Montignac 2010, Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: A spectacular Bordeaux red wine blend that's drinking well now though it could benefit from another few years in the cellar. The 2009 vintage was a terrific one and it shows in this wine. Aromas of fleshy ripe blackberry and black currant. Pair with a pepper steak. Food pairings: veal chops, barbecued veal chops in red wine sauce, strong cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2022 437954 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lake Sonoma Zinfandel 2014, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: This Californian Zinfandel weighs in at 15.4% alcohol, but it's surprising that it actually doesn't taste that hot and heavy. Smooth and full-bodied with aromas of purple and black plums, blueberry and toast. Pair with grilled meats and barbecue. Zinfandel food pairings: herb crusted chicken, roasted lamb, roast breast of veal. Drink: 2018 - 2022 498766 15.4% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Turkey Flat Butchers Block Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre 2015, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied and delicious Australian red wine blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre (GSM). Aromas of fleshy black plum and berry and toasty oak. Round and smooth and mouth-filling. Portions of these grapes grow on some of the Barossa Valley's oldest vines. Pair with a pepper steak. Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre food pairings: grilled red meats, roast chicken, stir fried pork tenderloin. Drink: 2018 - 2024 90241 14.8% XD 750 mL $21.25 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States: Robust and balanced Californian Cabernet located on Napa's historic Silverado Trail. Aromas of cassis and blackberry with some dark spice. Pair with prime rib. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steaks, smoky ribs, mushroom burgers, strong cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2022 73817 13.5% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cannonball Merlot 2015, Sonoma County, California, United States: Lots of mocha and dark chocolate on the nose from generous, but balanced oak aging. Some black fruit underneath and mouth-watering juiciness for a wide range of dishes from steak to grilled pork chops. Make a splash with Cannonball at your next potluck gathering. This Californian red wine features Bing cherry, fig, spice, anise and dark chocolate on the nose. Pair with a pepper steak. Merlot food pairings: pork chops, turkey, roast duck, beef, coq au vin.. Drink: 2018 - 2022 342824 13.7% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hunter's Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This medium-bodied, smooth New Zealand Pinot Noir is sourced from Marlborough’s cool Wairau Valley, where the Wairau River cuts through the heart of the region and results in alluvial soils for the vines. Juicy with fleshy black cherries and a satin smooth texture with a medium body. Lots of acidity on the palate that demands food, like roast chicken. Winemaker is Jane Hunter. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, barbecued duck, veggie mushroom burger, frittata. Drink: 2018 - 2023 586115 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Toscolo Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lovely! Mocha but not too much, just a warming edge along with fleshy black plum. Full-bodied and almost smooth (nothing that 2 hours of decanting can't solve). Layered and delicious. Chianti Classico food pairings: rich meat pasta and tomato sauce, meatlover's pizza, vegetarian lasagne. Drink: 2018 - 2022 69369 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine De Bila-Haut L'esquerda 2016, Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde, Midi A.C ., France: An outstanding red wine blend from southern France in the heart of the Rhone Valley! Full-bodied, balanced and smooth. Aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: roast beef, veal Porterhouse, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2025 381020 13% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 96/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rocche Costamagna Rocche Dell'annunziata Barolo 2013, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Violets and rose petals on the nose, very tannic on the palate. Needs cellar time then decant 2 hours. Full-bodied with blackened fruit and earth. Pair with truffle accented risotto and wild boar. Barolo food pairings: rabbit stew, roast pheasant, grilled venison steak. Drink: 2018 - 2030 413484 14.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Abbona Papà Celso 2015, Dogliani, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Full-bodied with dark berries and lots of dark spice and toasty oak. Pair with spicy sausages. Food pairings: tourtière, pork roast, grilled sausages. Drink: 2018 - 2022 193730 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Fleur Haut Gaussens 2010, Bordeaux A.C., France: A solid Bordeaux red wine blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, especially for this price. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Full-bodied with a tannic grip. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: tourtière, pork roast, grilled sausages. Drink: 2018 - 2024 445510 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. May 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bogle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, California, United States: Savoury, meaty and cedar notes with full-bodied goodness. Aged 12 months in oak barrels. Pair with a pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast goat shoulder with green beans and shallot and lemon dressing, venison curry, bison burgers. Drink: 2018 - 2022 904565 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Winery Of Good Hope Reserve Pinot Noir 2016, Elgin W.O., South Africa: Black cherries and a silky texture. Grapes come from the Elgin region, which is cool and high altitude with cloud cover. The vines experience true dormancy in the winter and therefore have deeper root systems and pick up more nuances. Complex and lovely. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled rack of lamb, veal chops in red wine sauce, roast duck, sautéed pork tenderloin. Drink: 2018 - 2024 146415 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Le Grand Verdus Réserve 2015, Bordeaux A.C., France: Juicy and robust with firm tannins and a grip on the palate that will smooth out somewhat with 1-2 hours of decanting and additional cellar time. Black fruit, tar and smoke with toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. The 2012 vintage is a red wine blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc grapes. Finishes with black spice. Food pairings: veal chops, barbecued veal chops in red wine sauce, strong cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2022 388330 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castello di Querceto Il Picchio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Blackened fruit, tar and toasty oak in this robust Italian red wine from the heart of Tuscany made mostly from the Sangiovese grape with 5% Colorino. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with grilled meats. Chianti Classico Gran Selezione food pairings: vegetarian lasagne, cheesy pizza, pork sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2018 - 2024 938738 13.5% XD 750 mL $58.00 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barón De Ley Finca Monasterio 2014, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A robust Spanish red wine with aromas of black fruit, smoke, toasty oak and spice. Supple. Pair with grilled lamb and rosemary. Food pairings: meaty pizza topped with more meat, bison burgers, tourtière. Drink: 2018 - 2024 940171 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Elderton Barossa Shiraz 2015, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: The grapes for this rich, full-bodied Shiraz from the Barossa Valley were sourced from the Ashmead Family vineyards from 100% estate-grown Shiraz wine grapes from 15 to 100 year old vines. Loaded with mint, fleshy blackberry and smoke aromas and flavours. Lots of toasty oak, smoke and tarry notes. Full-throttle Australia Shiraz in all its glory. I'm a big fan of Elderton wines, and this is one fine example of why. A lovely vein of blackberry liqueur supports this concentrated wonder. Perfect for film noir and blackened ribs. Drink now and for the next five years. Shiraz food pairings: BBQ meats, hearty meat meals, aged cheddar, grilled lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2024 713024 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. May 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, California, United States: Cedar-rich with blackberry and smoke on the nose. Beautifully balanced and well-structured Californian Cabernet. Juicy and mouth-watering with seductive aromas of cassis and fleshy blackberry. Pair with a pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef liver and sautéed onions, grilled chicken breast, breaded lamb cutlets with mint jelly. Drink: 2018 - 2024 451336 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Licenciado Reserva 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From the Rioja wine region, the 2012 Burgo Viejo Licenciado Reserva has matured well. Deep garnet in the glass with a toasty, cherry wine nose. There is still good acidity on this wine with a long red plum/cherry finish. Sweet mocha and chocolate on the nose from oak aging with some sweet blackberry on the palate. Smooth. Pair with lamb. Food pairings: grilled steak, pork chops, lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2022 370023 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Marquis D'aqueria Tavel Rosé 2017, Rhône A.P., France: Love this southern French rose! Robust and bursting with aromas of strawberry, raspberry and spice. Completely dry and mouth-watering. I also love the other rose from this winery labeled Chateau D'Aqueria rather than Marquis. Pair with planked salmon and roast chicken. Rosé food pairings: baked ham, cedar-planked salmon, seared tuna. Drink: 2018 - 2020 556274 14.2% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. May 2018. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frescobaldi Alíe Rosé 2016, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: A lovely, zesty Italian rosé with aromas of fresh strawberries and some spice. Perfect as a chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. Rosé food pairings: green salads, warm goat cheese and cranberry topping, charcuterie. Drink: 2017 - 2020 527788 12.2% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Nautilus Estate Wines Chardonnay 2016, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely cool climate New Zealand Chardonnay with aromas of toasty oak, freshly baked bread, golden apple and pear. Buttery and full-bodied and delicious. Finishes with toasty oak and smoke. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: steamed mussels, pork tenderloin, toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce, chicken cordon bleu.. Drink: 2017 - 2022 331652 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. May 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lots of racy acidity on the palate for fresh seafood and shellfish. Perfect chilled aperitif. Aromas of chives, grass and lemon zest. Medium-bodied, no oak. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: green salads topped with herbed goat cheese, pan-fried panfish, asparagus and caramelized onion galette. Drink: 2018 - 2020 282806 13% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. May 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J. Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2015, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, United States: A buttery, full-bodied Californian Chardonnay with aromas of tangerine spice. Mouth-watering acidity with a good finish. Perfect to pair with roasted turkey or chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: marinated lemon herb chicken breast grilled on the barbie. Drink: 2017 - 2021 225375 14.9% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2016, Alto Adige, Trentino I.G.T., Italy: A vibrant, zesty Italian Pinot Grigio with notes of lime and white grapefruit. Pair with shellfish. Pinot Grigio food pairings: pan-fried panfish, crab cakes, seafood alfredo. Drink: 2017 - 2019 474742 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2017, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Dry with attractive white peach and white melon aromas on the nose. Crisp, refreshing aperitif or companion to fresh seafood. Finishes with tropical fruit such as melon and guava. Try this with Asian dishes. Chenin Blanc food pairings: mild Thai curries, fresh seafood, green salads topped with freshwater shrimp. Drink: 2018 - 2022 981167 13.8% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 85/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer 2014, Cave Spring Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A floral, spiced Gewurztraminer with lots of mouth-filling luscious layers. Concentrated and complex. Pair with curried dishes. Gewürztraminer food pairings: chicken kebabs with lemon. Lemon herb roast pork tenderloin, pan-fried poorboy oyster sammies. Drink: 2018 - 2020 302059 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wither Hills Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: One of my favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs year after year! It's herbal but not too grassy with a lovely lime lift through the mid-palate and finish. Crisp and refreshing. The grapes for this zesty white wine come from Rarangi, Benmorven and Taylor River regions. Minerality, umami, old foreshore, sea salt and lime aromas. This would be perfect with seafood and light-hearted conversation. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled herbed chicken, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge, pasta. Drink: 2018 - 2020 551721 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. May 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bachelder Wismer-Foxcroft N. 2 Chardonnay 2015, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: So in love with Chardonnay again. I thought we had broken up permanently, but turns out if was only a minor break. Aromas of peach and toasted almond and an end-of-the-week Friday night sigh ;). Chardonnay food pairings: white-fleshed fish, mild sausage, chicken salads. Drink: 2018 - 2021 547299 13.9% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 95/100. May 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Arboleda Chardonnay 2016, Aconcagua Costa, Chile: A fantastic, full-bodied, buttery Chilean Chardonnay, especially at this price! Round, rich, mouth-filling with enticing aromas of butterscotch, toasty oak, fresh apple, peach and pear. Match this wine with roasted chicken or pork chops. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, grilled pork chops, crab cakes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 606772 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Maria Estate Taylors Pass Chardonnay 2015, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A luxurious New Zealand Chardonnay from one of the country's most iconic producers. Smokey and toasty yet not heavy. Golden layers of orchard fruit on the palate. Pair with grilled chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, poached whitefish in a white wine cream sauce, crab cakes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 495010 13% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 93/100. May 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2012, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, United States: Superb Californian Chardonnay from a cool climate that results in a racy energy running through this robust white wine! Buttery Chardonnay with layers of full-bodied goodness. My mouth is watering. Chardonnay food pairings: pan-seared scallops, blackened chicken, lobster, corn-on-the-cob. Drink: 2014 - 2018 979344 13.5% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. May 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marchand-Tawse Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015, Burgundy A.C., France: Lovely richness, balance and vibrancy in this Old World Burgundian Chardonnay. This is a collaboration between French vigneron Marchand and the Niagara winery Tawse. Toasted almond and hazelnut on the nose. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: crab cakes with lemon sauce, seafood, oysters on the half shell with strawberry mignonette. Drink: 2018 - 2022 414557 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 89/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spy Valley Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A strong acidic attack on the palate followed by pure grassy aromas, not citrus. Herbal and green. Demands food like shellfish. The 2015 vintage of this Sauvignon Blanc continues to display refreshing herbal aromas on the nose and palate. Lively and zesty with gooseberry and lime zest on the finish. Perfect for salads and vegetarian dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, grilled radicchio, avocado and papaya salad. Drink: 2018 - 2020 686675 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. May 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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