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Wine Picks September 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.

Other Wines/Drinks

Le Pere Jules Sparkling Cider, France: This lovely, off-dry French sparkling cider offers small pearl-like bubbles and aromas of apple pie and Asian pear. Vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and invigorating. Pair with roast turkey or glazed ham. Drink: 2018 - 2020 456145 5% M 750 mL $14.60 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Torres Celeste Tempranillo 2015, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: A savoury, deeply flavoured Spanish red wine made from the Tempranillo grape. The vines are planted at 895 metres above sea level. The wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 months. Aromas of black fleshy plums and toasty oak. Great wine for this price. The finish is saturated with dark fruit flavours. Polished tannins with a long finish. Pair with grilled meats. Tempranillo food pairings: grilled steak, pork chops, lamb. Drink: 2017 - 2022 210872 14.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Re Manfredi Italy 2012, Aglianico Del Vulture Docg, Italy: A savoury, delicious, robust Italian red wine from the Campania region and made from the Aglianico grape, often referred to as the Barolo of the south. Aromas of dark fruit, smoke and wild violets. This could use more cellar time, but decant 2 hours and you're good to go. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2017 - 2023 913889 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Poplar Grove Winery Cabernet Franc 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous BC red wine made from the Cabernet Franc grape. Aromas of black plums, dark berries and smoke. Layered and complex. Pair with grilled pork chops. Cabernet Franc food pairings: truffle oil, red meats, goat cheese, rich cheddar. Drink: 2017 - 2021 29962 13.9% D 750 mL $39.90 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bartier Bros. Merlot 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely BC red wine made from the classic grape Merlot. The vines are planted in limestone and granite in the Cerqueira Vineyard. Aromas of black and purple plums and toasty oak. A wild yeast was used, and the wine is unfiltered. Only 678 cases made. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2025 14.2% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stag's Hollow Winery & Vineyard Tempranillo 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: This robust red wine from Stag's Hollow is made from the classic grape Tempranillo, more associated with Spanish Rioja. This rendition is lovely: deep, rich and flavourful. Aromas of fleshy ripe dark berries and plums with toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 13% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Hills Estate Winery Ipso Facto 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous, full-bodied BC red wine blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Aromas of blackberries and black plums with smoke and dark spice. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2018 - 2023 14% XD 750 mL $69.65 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Hills Estate Winery Syrah 2016, Okanagan Valley British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: One of the best Canadian Syrahs, year after year. Aromas of blackberry, black plum and dark spice. Supple and layered. Pair with grilled beef. Drink: 2018 - 2023 22633 13% D 750 mL $46.95 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Pinot Noir 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A beautiful, smooth, supple, medium-bodied BC Pinot Noir with notes of black cherry and raspberry. Velvet texture and mouth-feel on the palate. Blue Mountain produces some of Canada's best Pinot Noirs year after year. Pair with veal. Drink: 2018 - 2023 329466 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vanessa Vineyard Viognier 2017, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous, aromatic BC white wine made from the Viognier grape. Aromas of peach blossom, golden apple and baking spice. Perfect for mild curries and spices. Drink: 2018 - 2021 14.9% D 750 mL $24.99 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fairview Cellars Bucket Of Blood 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied supple BC red wine blend of Syrah and Cabernet Franc grapes. Aromas of ripe blackberries and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 14.4% D 750 mL $24.00 Score: 89/100. September 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monte Creek Ranch and Winery Hands Up Red 2016, Thompson Valley, British Columbia, Canada: This is a juicy, lip-smacking, robust blend of Frontenac Noir, Marquette, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. This BC red wine with aromas of dark berries and smoke. Train robber Billy Miner is on the front label, a local rascal from the 1890s. Pair with a pepper steak. Food pairings: mushroom dishes, duck, tomato based pastas. Drink: 2018 - 2021 15769 13.8% D 750 mL $15.50 Score: 89/100. September 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tantalus Pinot Noir 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A, Canada: A gorgeous, supple BC Pinot Noir from one of the province's most respected producers. Aromas of dark cherry, spice and violets. Pair with veal. Drink: 2018 - 2022 574228 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.00 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Icellars Estate Winery Chardonnay 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A buttery, lemony Niagara Chardonnay with terrific balance and length. Full-bodied with an attractive aromas of golden apple and smoke. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2017 - 2020 10050 13.5% D 750 mL $40.00 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bartier Bros Chardonnay 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely BC white wine made from the classic Chardonnay grape. Aromas of honey, Asian pear, golden apple and smoke. Pair with roast turkey or chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2022 13% XD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Hills Estate Winery Alias 2017, Black Sage Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, fragrant, floral BC white wine blend of Riesling and other aromatic grapes. Aromas of lime blossom, lychee, golden apple and honeydew. Pair with mild and medium curries and spices. Drink: 2018 - 2022 11.5% D 750 mL $32.00 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Citra Terre Di Chieti Pinot Grigio 2017, Abruzzo Igp, Italy: A crisp, clean, light-bodied, straight-forward Italian white wine made from the Pinot Grigio grape. Aromas of lime and grapefruit with racy acidity for seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2019 17483 13% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. September 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wild Goose Vineyards Mystic River Pinot Blanc 2017, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, medium-bodied, floral BC white wine made from the Pinot Blanc grape. Aromas of peach blossom and melon. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2020 12% D 750 mL $18.99 Score: 88/100. September 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Le Droissy 2016, Vouvray, France: A lovely, medium-bodied floral French white wine with pleasing acidity for fresh seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2021 556555 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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