Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
www.nataliemaclean.com

Vintages Release May 17, 2019

Login to see Natalie's scores and notes

Reviewed Wines | All Wines | Group by Wine Type | Group by Country/Region

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Argentina

Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2018, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A signature rosé from the iconic Susana Balbo, This is a medium-bodied, clean and fresh rose blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir with bright red cherry, strawberry and lemon zesty fruit flavours on the palate. Tannins are smooth and there is bright acidity on this wine made for the BBQ. Rosé food pairings: fried chicken, salads with feta cheese, charcuterie and cheese dish. Drink: 2019 - 2021 493130 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Piattelli Vineyards Reserve Malbec 2016, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A robust Argentine red wine made from the country's classic grape Malbec. Aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Malbec food pairings: grilled ribs, burgers, lamb, grilled sausages. Drink: 2018 - 2021 455808 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Peter Lehmann Wines The Barossan Shiraz 2016, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A vibrant, terrific Barossa Valley Shiraz, with aromas of fleshy ripe blackberries and plums. Juicy and mouthwatering with a satin smooth texture. Pair with roast beef or prime rib. Shiraz food pairings: grilled steak, pan-roasted beef filet and rösti potatoes, cheeseburgers, chicken mole. Drink: 2018 - 2022 522235 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tahbilk Estate Shiraz 2016, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia: A full-bodied, juicy, mouth-watering classic Shiraz from South Australia with a lush, mouthful of dark, lush black fruit, toasty oak spice and a savoury, smoky finish. Tahbilk was founded in 1860. John and Eric Pubrick are the owners and fourth-generation winemakers. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, hamburgers, pork with soy. Drink: 2019 - 2024 214742 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Flat Rock Pink Twisted Rosé 2018, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A fresh and tangy rosé with sweet cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry and clean mineral flavours on the finish. Pair with roasted sweet potato fries and a creamy dipping sauce. Rosé food pairings: poached salmon fillet, vegetarian dishes, Spring green salads topped with steamed freshwater shrimp. Drink: 2019 - 2021 39974 12.5% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Angels Gate Archangel Brut Chardonnay 2013, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: First appearance for this crisp, off-dry and bright sparkling angel. Angels Gate Archangel Sparkling Chardonnay is an easy-to-enjoy refreshing bubbly with aromas of baked bread on the nose and ripe apple, zesty citrus and fresh baked goods flavours on the palate. Pair with creamy cheeses. Chardonnay food pairings: salads, grilled salmon, grilled shellfish, grilled chicken breasts. Drink: 2019 - 2021 227009 11% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. May 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

13Th Street June's Vineyard Riesling 2018, Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A crowd pleaser and favourite, 13Th Street, June's Vineyard is floral with honey, beeswax aromas on the nose, liquid lemon sunshine, ripe peach, apricot and flinty mineral flavours on the palate. Easy to enjoy now with schnitzels and salads, or hold for three years in cellar just to see how it develops. Riesling food pairings: smoked salmon on baguette, mild curries, seafood salad. Drink: 2019 - 2022 147512 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tawse Winery Inc. Cuddy By Tawse Chardonnay 2013, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A rich, full-bodied Niagara Chardonnay with aromas of toasted almond, golden apple and peach. A layered mid-palate with terrific replays of orchard fruit flavours. Finishes long and smooth. This wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. The 2013 vintage is the inaugural release of this wine. Jim Cuddy, lead singer and guitarist of the Canadian band Blue Rodeo, has partnered with Niagara’s Tawse Winery to create a new wine brand, Cuddy by Tawse. Cuddy is one of the country’s most iconic musicians: over the past thirty years Blue Rodeo has sold more than four million records, released 14 albums and won eleven JUNO awards. Pair with grilled chicken while enjoying an outdoor concert. Chardonnay food pairings: sole meuniere, scallop ravioli, breaded chicken with lemon beurre blanc. Drink: 2017 - 2021 469023 12.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. May 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lariana Cellars Carmenere 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous, peppery Carmenère from the South Okanagan, Osoyoos. Aromas of black plum and wild berries. Unfined and unfiltered with lots of stuffing. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2017 - 2022 14% D 750 mL $40.00 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Charles Baker B-Side Riesling 2017, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Produced by J.L. Groux and Charles Baker, B-Side 2017 Riesling from Stratus Vineyards on the Niagara Peninsula is a single-vineyard, limited vintage Riesling. The B-side Riesling is a blend of younger vines from these sites giving crisp apple, tropical fruit flavours with a spicy and zesty citrus finish. Pair with grilled pork chops. Riesling food pairings: mild curries, red lentil stew, pork schnitzel. Drink: 2019 - 2024 523845 10.3% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Tragically Hip Ahead By A Century Chardonnay 2017, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Ahead By A Century 2017 Chardonnay is produced by Stoney Ridge Estate Winery. This wine was first created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's classic album "Trouble at the Henhouse." Look for leesy, zesty lemon, crisp apple and some tropical fruit flavours on this dry Chard finishing with butterscotch and toasty vanilla from oak ageing. Chill and enjoy now with a roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: mushroom and onion risotto, grilled pork sausage, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2023 483875 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

House Wine Co. Baco Noir Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, luscious, vibrant Niagara red wine blend of Baco Noir and Cabernet. Aromas of dark plum, mocha, anise and cherry. Smooth and supple. Great price. Pair with grilled meats and hamburgers. Drink: 2018 - 2021 279521 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Winery Old Vines Baco Noir 2018, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A superb, robust Baco Noir made from old vines, which concentrate the flavour and depth of the wine. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plums, blackberries and smoke. Perfect for steak or hamburgers. Baco Noir food pairings: venison, lamb or steak, spicy pasta dishes with rich tomato sauces. Drink: 2019 - 2022 459966 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Estate Gamay 2017, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely cool-climate Gamay with aromas of tart cherry and earth. Pair with veal. Gamay food pairings: vegetarian lasagna, veal chops. Drink: 2019 - 2022 291112 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Phantom Creek Estates Phantom Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A superb BC Cab with aromas of mocha, smoke, ripe dark plums and graphite. Full-bodied with a long finish. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2018 - 2023 14.5% D 750 mL Score: 92/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Phantom Creek Estates Phantom Creek Vineyard Syrah 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy, savoury, velvet-smooth BC Syrah with attractive aromas of fleshy ripe black plums and smoke. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2023 14.5% D 750 mL Score: 93/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Malivoire Moira Rosé 2017, Beamsville Bench, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous, refreshing Niagara rosé from one of Ontario's best producers. Aromas of ripe strawberries and rose petals. Dry and refreshing. Terrific on its own or with seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2021 767133 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vineland Estates Winery Bo-teek Clone 214 Cabernet Franc, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Smoky and savoury Niagara Cab Franc. Aromas of dried herbs and graphite. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2017 - 2021 13.6% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vineland Estates Winery Bo-teek Clone 327 Cabernet Franc 2016, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely cool-climate wine made from a single vineyard and one grape clone, Cabernet Franc 327 from the Bo•Teek Vineyard, planted in 1996 on the Twenty Mile Bench. Aromas of black cherry and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2017 - 2021 621342 13.6% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Carmenère 2015, Rapel Valley D.O., Chile: This Carmenère from the Rapel Valley is fragrant with cedar spice, mint and juicy with dark berry, plum and spicy flavours on the palate. Full-bodied and intense, needs some time in cellar to mellow out. Carmenère food pairings: wine-braised beef, turkey with heavy sauces, wild boar, bison chilli. Drink: 2020 - 2024 34942 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2017, Loire A.C., France: A zingy, lemon citrus Sancerre, sourced from Sauvignon Blanc vines planted in terres blanches and caillottes soils. Soft floral and mineral nose, smooth and mouthcoating with bright lime, green herb and mineral flavours vibrant on the palate. Yes, a goat cheese and arugula salad topped with grilled shrimp, please! Sancerre food pairings: oysters on the half-shell, mussels Portuguese, clam linguine. Drink: 2019 - 2022 82255 12.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine De La Madone Le Perréon 2017, Beaujolais A.C., France: Smooth and juicy on the palate with bright flavours of ripe cherry, raspberry and cake spice with a lingering ripe red berry and pepper spice finish, this medium-bodied 100% Gamay red is produced by Jean Bérerd & Fils. Vibrant acidity for food. Pair with pepper steak. Food pairings: grilled chicken, roast breast of veal, beef tenderloin. Drink: 2019 - 2024 981175 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ferraton Père & Fils Le Parvis Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone Aoc, France: Dark, rich, deep and brooding. What a blockbuster red from southern France in the heart of the Rhone Valley! Aromas of dark fruit, smoke and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Chateauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: grilled ribeye steak, lamb kebabs, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2019 - 2028 638551 15% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 93/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château De Ribebon 2015, Bordeaux A.C., France: Cedar-smoke on those of this value-priced Bordeaux red wine blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Tannins are firm so decant 1-2 hours. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: grilled steak, pork kebabs, grilled ribs. Drink: 2018 - 2022 546119 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Saint Roch Le Rosé 2018, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.P., France: From the warm, sunny south of France, a dry and light-bodied rosé made from Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris and Mourvèdre. Lovely floral notes on the nose, dry and citrus zesty on the palate with pink grapefruit, ripe cherry, mint and lavender notes. Pair with grilled chicken breasts. Food pairings: veal scaloppini, grilled radicchio and Romain hearts with fig and berry balsamic dressing. Drink: 2019 - 2021 557900 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Ferme du Mont Première Côte 2017, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.P., France: A robust, unfiltered Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (GSM) red wine blend from the Côtes Du Rhône wine region. Produced by Stéphan Vedeau, third-generation winemaker from their, wine grapes are free of chemicals and pesticides and fertilizers are organic. Look for ripe red berry, blueberry and dried herb flavours on the palate. Tannins are grippy. Food pairings: roast beef, smoked beef sammies with gravy, rib eye steak. Drink: 2019 - 2024 251645 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Miraval Rosé 2018, Côtes De Provence, Provence A.P., France: Produced by the family Perrin, this is a pretty pink, fresh and floral on the nose, dry with ripe, small red berries, savoury dried herbs and fresh citrus notes on the palate. And, the magnum size is like two bottles in one. Great for a gathering. Rosé food pairings: planked salmon, pate, roast chicken, roast breast of veal. Drink: 2019 - 2020 490870 13% XD 1500 mL $48.95 Score: 92/100. May 2019. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave de Lugny Cuvée Millésimée Brut Crémant de Bourgogne 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: Cave De Lugny Cuvée Millésime Brut is a medium-bodied, dry Crémant De Bourgogne from Burgundy. Toasty almond and zesty citrus flavours on the palate with a hint of ripe peach and orchard fruit. Chill and enjoy on its own or pair with grilled shellfish dishes. Crémant De Bourgogne food pairings: steamed mussels in their own juice, oyster pot pie, oyster poor boy burger. Drink: 2019 - 2021 183764 11.5% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Vieille Dynastie 2016, Lalande-De-Pomerol, Bordeaux A.C., France: Produced from 60% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this Lalande de Pomerol rich red is dark, robust and toasty with ripe black fruit and dark cherry flavours. Pair with a juicy, grilled ribeye. Food pairings: grilled ribeye steak, lamb kebabs, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2019 - 2024 374264 13% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Du Grand Caumont 2016, Corbières, Midi A.P., France: Fresh and sexy fresh herbs, cedar spice and peppery nose. Full-bodied, smooth and lush with black cherry and ripe dark fruit. Pair with grilled Portobello mushroom burgers. Food pairings: tourtière, grilled gourmet burgers, slow-braised lamb shanks. Drink: 2019 - 2024 540831 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Feudo Maccari Olli Grillo 2017, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Produced from 100% Grillo, a dry and zesty, crisp and clean Sicilian white wine brought up in stainless steel. Subtle white-flesh stone fruit, citrus, light herb flavours on this zesty white wine finishing with a clean minerality. Screams calamari. Grillo food pairings: chicken salad sandwiches, spring green salad, cheese. Drink: 2019 - 2022 477877 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. May 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Camigliano Brunello Di Montalcino 2014, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: The robust 2014 vintage of this Brunello di Montalcino is concentrated yet elegant. Aromas of black fruit, smoke and anise. Made from Sangiovese grape, this robust Italian red wine offers a richly textured wine. Lots of cellar potential. Pair with grilled meats. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: rosemary lamb, New York striploin steak, roast pheasant. Drink: 2020 - 2028 25970 13% XD 750 mL $60.95 Score: 93/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2016, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A smooth, velvety and elegant Chianti Classico with ripe, juicy cherry, dark berry and spicy flavours on the palate. Tannins are rounded and there is great acidity for food. Pair with a Coq aux Vins. Chianti Classico food pairings: bucatini (pasta) with sausage and peas, roast beef, pizza. Drink: 2019 - 2026 680496 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. May 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo 2017, Langhe, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: Full-bodied with tanned leather, violets and smoke. Savoury with dried herbs. Pair with truffle-accented dishes and wild game. Nebbiolo food pairings: rich lamb, beef stroganoff, barbecued venison ribs. Drink: 2019 - 2028 638312 13.3% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Storia Antica Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2016, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: The 2016 vintage of Storia Antica (translates to ancient history) is a great value Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore from the Veneto wine region, with rich dark fruit, smoky and toasty on the palate. Generous oak is well woven with rich black fruit, mocha and dark chocolate. Savoury, dark and delicious with full-bodied weight and incredible concentration of flavour. Long finish. Great wine. Well-structured and balanced with supple tannins, this is a comfort wine and a perfect pairing to slow-braised beef ribs and rich meat dishes. Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore food pairings: grilled steaks, slow-cooked beef, osso bucco. Drink: 2018 - 2024 273672 14% D 750 mL $18.25 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lucente La Vite 2016, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Intense, full-bodied and fleshy, Lucente La Vite 2016 is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon matured for one year in French barriques. On the palate, there is dried black cherry, fleshy blackberries, cedar spice and smoke. Pair this wine with prime rib. La Vite Lucente is a second wine to Frescobaldi’s flagship label Luce, with grapes sourced from the same vineyards. Food pairings: pepper steak, roast beef, sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2018 - 2024 747030 13.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2016, Salento I.G.T., Italy: Masseria Altemura Sasseo is a Primitivo red wine from the Puglia wine region. Sasseo (Sah-say-oh) is derived from the Italian word "sasso", meaning stone and refers to the abundance of limestone in the area. Great plummy nose, rich and spicy with ripe dark plum and dark chocolate flavours lingering on the palate. Primitivo food pairings: spaghetti and meatballs, vegetarian lasagna, chicken stew and dumplings. Drink: 2019 - 2024 366955 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Momo Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vibrant and crisp with a terrific nervy and racy acidity running through the core of this New Zealand white wine made from the country's iconic Sauvignon Blanc grape. This kiwi savvy is herbal and refreshing with lots of mouth-watering, lime zest acidity for a range of dishes. There's some lemon zest on the finish. Intense, vibrant and clean. Mouth-watering acidity weaves its way through fresh aromas of grapefruit and guava. Bring it, especially for movie night with fried chicken! Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: oysters Rockefeller, seafood hot pot, mussels a la Portuguese. Drink: 2019 - 2020 9167 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Loveblock Love Letter Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Medium-bodied, supple and crisp. Tasty and savory. Pair with chicken in cream sauce. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled chicken, green salads topped with warm goat cheese, seafood Shepherd's pie. Drink: 2019 - 2022 630632 12.8% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

Cabriz Rosé 2018, Dão D.O.C., Portugal: A great value under Portuguese rosé produced by Dão Sul Global Wines of Portugal. Look for bright and juicy red berry, strawberry and dusty herb flavours on the palate. Pair with BBQ pork ribs and salmon burgers. Rosé food pairings: salmon, grilled pork with a berry compote, barbecued chicken. Drink: 2019 - 2021 30445 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. May 2019. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: A full bodied South African Cabernet Sauvignon with a splash of Merlot and Tannat added to the blend, with ripe black fruit, red berry, cherry and spicy flavours lingering on the palate. Tannins are chewy. Pair with a game roast. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast leg of venison, roast garlic and herb partridge, fresh green herbs lamb hamburgers. Drink: 2019 - 2024 68767 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Essay Chenin Blanc Viognier Roussanne 2018, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: A juicy and vibrant Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne white wine blend from the Western Cape. Fresh melon, grapefruit aromas on the nose with just as bright and fresh melon, grapefruit and lemon zest acidity on the palate. Mouth-watering and crisp with leesy mineral notes. Fantastic with grilled seafood, fish tacos and calamari. Chenin Blanc Viognier Roussanne food pairings: pork tenderloin, Asian salads, crab cakes with creamy aioli sauce. Drink: 2019 - 2023 414144 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Burgo Viejo Crianza Tempranillo 2014, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: This robust Spanish red wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from the heart of the Rioja region. Lots of juicy, mouth-watering aromas wild blackberry and blackcurrant. Terrific value for this classic red wine that has the depth and richness of cherry liqueur flavours, but is bone dry. Full-bodied and tasty with a velvet texture. Pair with rack of lamb. Yes please! Tempranillo food pairings: smoked sausages, lamb stew, venison steak.. Drink: 2016 - 2024 168815 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Don Jacobo Reserva 2011, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Fragrant with dried, raisiny fruit, fig and leather with lifted flavours of dried florals, herbs, cedar spice and vanilla on the palate. An elegant 85%Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. The wine is matured in oak barrel for up to 24 months. Nicely done. Food pairings: roast turkey and all the trimmings, prime rib, pork roast. Drink: 2019 - 2023 313270 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Finca La Emperatriz Reserva 2014, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Still love this style of old vines Rioja! In fact, the vineyards were originally owned by the wife of Napoleon III and she was the last Empress of France. A classy classic blend of mostly Tempranillo with a splash of Grenache, Viura and Graciano fermented in stainless steel. Medium-bodied with fresh cherry, red berry fruit and cake spice. Balanced, fresh with good acidity for food. Pair with a veal Porterhouse steak. Food pairings: beef, lamb stew, old cheddar. Drink: 2019 - 2024 359927 14% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Honoro Vera Monastrell 2017, Jumilla D.O.P., Spain: The Spanish winery of Juan Gil was established in 1916 in the region of Jumilla, known for its red wines made from the Monastrell grape, which is called Mourvèdre in France. This wine is crafted from 100% Monastrell sourced from chalky and rocky limestone soils. Layers of dark fruit, earthy florals, garrigue herbs and savoury spice on the palate. Olé. Pair with a smoked paprika-rubbed grilled steak. Monastrell food pairings: breaded veal chops, cheesy pizza, barbequed ribs. Drink: 2019 - 2024 167684 14.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Izadi Larrosa Rosé 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Produced from old vines Grenache, Larossa Premium is a light-bodied pretty rosé, floral with ripe strawberry aromas, with more of the same on the palate with light dried herbs and a touch of spice. Chill and enjoy on its own or pair with BBQ fare. Rosé food pairings: grilled lamb lollipops, grilled salmon steak, grilled pork. Drink: 2019 - 2021 490961 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tres Reyes Tempranillo Syrah 2015, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla, Castilla Y León, Spain: A robust, delicious red wine blend of 70% Tempranillo and 30% Syrah grapes. Aromas of blackberries, plum and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Tempranillo Syrah food pairings: hearty winter stew, turkey burgers, pasta with a rich, meaty tomato sauce. Drink: 2019 - 2024 645028 14.3% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir 2017, California, United States: Wrapped up in toasty oak, a lush Pinot Noir with smoky dark berries, ripe red cherries that is both savoury and silky. Pair with roast duck. Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon carpaccio, ratatouille, frankfurters, prime rib steak, fried chicken. Drink: 2019 - 2022 657940 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. May 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2016, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: An aromatic, pale ruby Pinot Noir with blue florals, red berry, cherry and spicy on the nose. Medium-bodied with juicy mouth-watering acidity, pair this PN with a grilled bavette steak. The winery's three iron-rich Tulatin vineyards are located on the iron rich volcanic slopes and sedimentary seabeds of the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled tuna with a pepper crust, grilled pork chops, lamb kabobs, roast veal. Drink: 2019 - 2024 974287 13.7% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. May 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hitching Post Hometown Pinot Noir 2016, Central Coast, California, United States: A Pinot Noir from the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo wine region. Lots of dark cherry, raspberry, beet root, dark chocolate and savoury spice flavours on this California beauty. Medium-bodied, juicy with a lingering spicy finish. Just enough acidity to pair with grilled Portobello mushrooms, or enjoy on its own. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled tuna with a pepper crust, grilled pork chops, lamb kabobs, venison burgers, roast veal. Drink: 2019 - 2023 256644 13.8% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Raymond Reserve Selection Chardonnay 2016, Napa Valley, California, United States: A reserve Chardonnay from Raymond Vineyards in Napa is owned by Jean-Charles Boisset and Gina Gallo. Fresh apple pie with citrus and toasty aromas on the nose, creamy, buttery apple pie, lemon curd, ripe stone fruit and toasty flavours on the palate with great acidity for food. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roasted stuffed chicken, cheese, pork chops. Drink: 2019 - 2022 716928 14.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Irony Merlot 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: Delicato Family Vineyards Supple, juicy and full-bodied with black plums and smoke. Pleasantly bitter finish. Firm grip on the palate. Pair with meat lovers' pizza. Merlot food pairings: Brazilian-style flank steak, rack of BBQ ribs, veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb, cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2022 183186 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. May 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars Pinot Gris 2016, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: An elegant and medium-bodied Pinot Gris from Dundee Hills, Oregon, produced by the Fries family. Pink taupe in the glass with layers of ripe stone fruit, soft orange and fresh herb flavours. Elegant and nicely zesty with a soft orange finish. Excellent! Pinot Gris food pairings: seafood, pasta with cream sauce, white meats, cheeses, salads. Drink: 2019 - 2020 333286 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Conundrum Red 2018, California, United States: Dark chocolate, mocha and espresso on the nose with sweet black cherry and more chocolate on the palate of this Californian red wine blend. Full-bodied, supple and smooth, and brought to us by Charlie Wagner and Caymus. Try it with Mexican mole. Very concentrated and intense with a long finish. Pair with a rare steak. Red food pairings: beef vindaloo, pork chops, barbecued ribs. Drink: 2020 - 2024 294298 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Savoury, juicy with dried herbs and wild dark fruit on the nose and palate. Robust and smooth Washington State red wine. Pair with prime rib. Merlot food pairings: rack of BBQ ribs, veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb, cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2022 408864 14.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. May 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean