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

Wine Picks October 1, 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


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.

Dessert Wine

Hester Creek Estate Winery Late Harvest Pinot Blanc 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2025 11.5% MS 200 mL $16.99 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grizzli Winery Merlot Icewine 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2016 - 2022 12.5% S 375 mL $99.90 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grizzli Winery Gewurztraminer Icewine 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2016 - 2026 12.8% S 375 mL $59.99 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grizzli Winery Cabernet Franc Icewine 2013, Okanagan Valliey, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2015 - 2023 12.5% S 375 mL $92.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grizzli Winery Sauvignon Blanc Icewine 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2016 - 2026 12.5% S 375 mL $68.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grizzli Winery Blueberry Wine 2016, British Columbia, Canada Drink: 2017 - 2020 10.5% S 500 mL $19.99 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grizzli Winery Raspberry Wine 2014, British Columbia, Canada Drink: 2016 - 2020 9.5% S 500 mL $25.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Honey Wine Company Bee d'Vine Brut, California, United States Drink: 2019 - 2020 12.5% D 750 mL $25.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Honey Wine Company Bee d'Vine Demi Sec, California, United States Drink: 2019 - 2021 12.5% MS 750 mL $25.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run The Finisher 2018, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada The Finisher food pairings: spice cake, crème brûlée, fruit-based desserts, pastries, fresh field berries in cream. Drink: 2018 - 2022 415992 10% S 375 mL $17.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Niagara Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine 2017, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2019 - 2039 9% S 750 mL $124.99 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mazzi Le Calcarole Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2011, Valpolicella Classico, Docg, Italy Drink: 2017 - 2021 13.5% M 375 mL $29.99 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Fortified Vintage Foch 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2025 638148 18% S 375 mL $35.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Strewn Winery Terroir Strewn Vineyard Merlot 2013, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2015 - 2020 13.2% XD 750 mL $23.00 October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

PondView Estate Winery Bella Terra Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued beef. Drink: 2018 - 2023 373100 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Arterra Epoca 2016, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2020 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.99 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Winemaker’s Cut Pinot Noir 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Love this stunning BC Pinot Noir! Aromas of fleshy ripe black cherry, raspberry and smoke. Medium-bodied, balanced and supple. Long finish. Wow. Pair with veal. Drink: 2019 - 2023 83103 13% D 750 mL Score: 92/100. October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2022 13.5% D 750 mL $35.99 October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frogpond Farm Chambourcin 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Chambourcin food pairings: veggie stew. Drink: 2017 - 2020 367078 12.1% XD 750 mL $15.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frogpond Farm Cabernet Franc 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Franc food pairings: rosemary-crusted lamb, herbed root-veggie stews. Drink: 2017 - 2020 157479 12.5% D 750 mL $18.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Tempranillo 2017, Prince Edward County, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2019 - 2023 13.5% D 750 mL $35.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run The Certain Ratio 2016, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2022 415554 13% D 750 mL $34.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Old Vines Foch Reserve 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, V.Q.A., Canada Old Vines Foch Reserve food pairings: lamb kebab or moussaka. Drink: 2018 - 2023 13.5% D 750 mL $46.99 October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Fontaine de Genin 2015, Bordeaux A.C., France Food pairings: roast duck, grilled filet mignon, crown pork roast, grilled steaks, turkey, duck, veal chops. Drink: 2019 - 2024 349910 14% D 750 mL $15.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château des Charmes St. Davids Bench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, St. David's Bench, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak, stew, venison. Drink: 2019 - 2024 935957 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rioja Vega Crianza 2015, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A full-bodied, mouth-watering Rioja Crianza (aged 12 months in American oak) with meaty, ripe plum, dark cherry, finishing long with smoky vanilla and cake spice flavours on the palate. Could benefit from another two years in bottle to mellow out a little more. Pair with grilled game sausage. Crianza food pairings: bison burgers, venison stew, stuffed venison flank. Drink: 2019 - 2025 471854 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carnivor Shiraz 2018, South Australia, Australia: A fleshy-ripe, full-bodied Australian Shiraz. Aromas of dark plums and berries with toasty campfire smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020 - 2024 10717 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cantine Petrosino Tenute Di Montenero Syrah 2016, Sicily Igt, Italy Drink: 2018 - 2022 13.5% D 750 mL $20.55 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cantine Petrosino Tenute Di Montenero Nero D'avola 2015, Sicily Igt, Italy Drink: 2017 - 2020 13% D 750 mL $19.05 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Joel Gott Wines Pinot Noir 2016, California, United States: Cherry-berry ripe and delicious Californian Pinot Noir. So luscious! Medium-bodied and smooth. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, veal scaloppini. Drink: 2018 - 2022 633701 13.9% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Longshot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, California, United States: A savoury, juicy, full-bodied Californian red wine that's well priced. Aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2018 - 2021 633347 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tawse Redfood Vineyard Gamay Noir 2018, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Redfood Vineyard Gamay Noir food pairings: pork roast, pork lettuce tacos, vegetarian pizza. Drink: 2021 - 2024 546465 12.9% XD 750 mL $28.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monte Creek Ranch and Winery Pinot Noir 2017, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2021 - 2025 180667 13% D 750 mL $20.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Sangiovese 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, supple BC red wine made from the Sangiovese grape, which is also the grape used in Chianti. Lots of juicy acidity for a tangy meat or tomato sauce. Aromas of tart cherry and spice. Sangiovese food pairings: red meats. Drink: 2018 - 2024 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Organic Merlot 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2021 14.5% D 750 mL $28.99 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Organic Pinot Noir 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely BC Pinot Noir with aromas of cherry, earth and smoke. Some faint herbal notes add a pleasant bite. Medium-bodied and smooth. Racy acidity for veal or roast chicken. This wine is organic. Drink: 2018 - 2021 12% D 750 mL $29.90 Score: 91/100. October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Strewn Winery Canadian Oak Meritage 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A savoury, juicy, full-bodied Niagara Red wine blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes aged in Canadian oak barrels. Aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Meritage food pairings: roasted eggplant, fajitas, seafood risotto, roast pork tenderloin.. Drink: 2018 - 2021 427518 12.9% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Reif Estate Winery Merlot 2017, Niagara River, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Aromas of cedar and black fruit with smoke on the nose and palate of this savoury, full-bodied Niagara red wine made from the Merlot grape. Supple. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2018 - 2022 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cono Sur Bicicleta Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Chile Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled pork chops, meat lovers pizza, shepherd's pie. Drink: 2018 - 2021 524371 13% D 750 mL $13.50 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Abacela Fiesta Tempranillo 2015, Umpqua Valley, Oregon, United States: A full-bodied Tempranillo from southern Oregon with grippy tannins and aromas of black plums. Pair with grilled lamb. Decant 2 hours. Tempranillo food pairings: roast chicken, grilled pork chops, Porchetta roast, veal Porterhouse. Drink: 2019 - 2025 629147 14.2% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 88/100. October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grizzli Winery Merlot 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2022 14.8% D 750 mL $27.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Colaneri Estate Winery Insieme 2017, Niagara Penisula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A robust red with good structure. This wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot that offers aromas of dark fruit, smoke and dried figs. Pair it with red meat and dark chocolate. Drink: 2020 - 2024 882572240097 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 88/100. October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

PondView Estate Winery Bella Terra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued beef. Drink: 2018 - 2023 373100 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Mendoza, Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak, beef empanadas, chicken cacciatore, venison burgers, hard cheese. Drink: 2016 - 2022 985002 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Franc food pairings: Brazilian slow-cooked pork, roast turkey, beef and black bean stew, shepherd's pie. Drink: 2019 - 2025 349019 14.5% D 750 mL $47.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bolla Le Poiane Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2016, Veneto D.O.C., Italy Le Poiane Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: cheesy pizza, veal Porterhouse, vegetarian lasagne. Drink: 2019 - 2024 29218 13% D 750 mL $32.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carnivor Zinfandel 2017, California, United States: Aromas of black plums and smoke. Luscious with sweet blackberry flavours on the palate. Pour with barbecued ribs. Zinfandel food pairings: Swedish meatballs, beef stir-fry, meatloaf. Drink: 2019 - 2024 569905 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2019. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Mendoza, Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak, beef empanadas, chicken cacciatore, venison burgers, hard cheese. Drink: 2016 - 2022 985002 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 October 2019. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Organic Merlot 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2021 14.5% D 750 mL $32.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Rosehall Run Indigo Sparkling 2017, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2021 32373 10.5% D 750 mL $24.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Traynor Family Vineyard Pet-Nat Red 2018, Prince Edward County, Canada Drink: 2018 - 2019 D 750 mL $40.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sperling Vineyards Speritz Pet-Nat 2018, Okanagan Valley, Canada Drink: 2020 - 2022 118998 9% D 750 mL $30.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Henry of Pelham Estate Fume Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Fume Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: lean, white-fleshed fish with mild flavours, oysters, fresh green salads, goats milk cheeses and chicken pates. Drink: 2019 - 2021 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 October 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Arterra Pinot Gris 2017, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2019 - 2021 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Monterey County Napa County, United States Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: green salads, artichoke, asparagus and goat cheese flatbread, brunch dishes,. Drink: 2019 - 2020 496125 13.7% D 750 mL $19.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blu Giovello Pinot Grigio 2018, Delle Venezie, Italy Drink: 2018 - 2020 580183 13% D 750 mL $13.25 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château des Charmes Atelier 2017, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2022 688499 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Strewn Winery Terroir Gewurztraminer 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, floral Niagara Gewurztraminer, perfect for Asian dishes and medium curries. Medium-bodied with a long finish. Great value. Drink: 2018 - 2022 913756 14.2% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Emmolo Plumerai Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States Drink: 2020 - 2022 15427 12.4% D 1000 mL $100.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

CedarCreek Estate Winery Estate Grown Gewürztraminer 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Gewürztraminer food pairings: Thai chicken with basil. Drink: 2019 - 2023 240978 14% MD 750 mL $17.95 October 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frogpond Farm Chardonnay 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A.., Canada Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, corn on the cob. Drink: 2018 - 2021 203547 12.2% XD 750 mL $16.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cantine Petrosino Tenute Di Montenero Grillo 2017, Sicily Igt, Italy Drink: 2018 - 2022 13% D 750 mL $18.99 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frogpond Farm Vidal 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2020 12.6% XD 750 mL $14.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alsace Willm Réserve Riesling 2018, Alsace, France Drink: 2020 - 2026 11452 12% D 750 mL $19.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Attis Bodega y Viñedos Xión Albariño 2018, Rias Baixas D.O.C. Galicia, Spain Drink: 2020 - 2022 351386 13% XD 750 mL $19.85 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stag's Hollow Winery & Vineyard Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard Albarino 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2022 13.8% D 750 mL $21.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Casillero del Diablo Concha Y Toro Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Chile Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled trout, antipasti, vegetarian appetizers. Drink: 2019 - 2021 578641 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Leitz Dragonstone Riesling 2015, Rhine, Rheingau, Germany Drink: 2018 - 2025 418053 10% M 750 mL $23.98 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Gruner Veltliner 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2018 - 2021 11.5% XD 750 mL $28.00 October 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tom Gore Sauvignon Blanc 2017, California, United States: The Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes for Tom Gore (2017) were sourced from a variety of Central and North Coast vineyards, including Bald Eagle and River Oaks. This is a crisp and bright Sauv Blanc with ripe tropical fruits, citrus, and savoury spice flavours on the palate. Pair with grilled seafood. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: pan-fried pan fish, fish cakes, bouillabaisse. Drink: 2018 - 2020 515114 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Organic Gewurztraminer 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A light-bodied, floral BC Gewurztraminer with aromas of lilies, spices, lychee and rosewater. Pair with mild curries. Drink: 2018 - 2021 12.5% MD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. October 2019. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kacaba Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay 2017, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada Chardonnay food pairings: aperitif on its own, turkey dinner, seafood risotto or chicken alfredo. Drink: 2018 - 2022 326975 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Phantom Creek Estates Riesling 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Riesling food pairings: grilled whitefish, seared scallops, chicken tarragon, creamy cheeses. Drink: 2020 - 2025 12% D 750 mL $30.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Abacela Albarino 2017, Umpqua Valley, Oregon, United States: Crisp and clean southern Oregon white wine made from the Albarino grape, whose home is in Spain. Aromas of white grapefruit and lime. Pair with fresh seafood. Albarino food pairings: White Wine & Shallot Mussels, Saffron & Wine Steamed Clams, Paella, Buttermilk-Battered Calamari, Tortilla Espanola, Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Manchego & Membrillo,. Drink: 2018 - 2021 629477 13.2% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rebel Wine Three Thieves Pinot Grigio 2017, California, United States: A lovely Californian white wine blend of mostly Pinot Grigio but also a splash of Columbard, Muscato and Riesling grapes. Floral and light-bodied with racy acidity for fresh seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2020 541979 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 2019. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grizzli Winery Muscat 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A lovely, floral, aromatic BC white wine made from the Muscat grape. Aromas of clementine, orange zest, baking spice and lime blossom. Medium-bodied with racy acidity for seafood. Drink: 2017 - 2020 9.3% M 750 mL $24.00 Score: 89/100. October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Gruner Veltliner 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2020 - 2023 11.5% XD 750 mL $28.00 October 2019. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean