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

Buy Again

Dayton

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Alma Negra M Blend Named Varietal Blends-Red 2013, Mendoza, Argentina  384297 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95. December 4, 2014 Full Review
Layer Cake Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: Mocha dark chocolate melts into plush plums and fleshy blackberries on the nose and palate of this robust Argentine red wine made from Malbec grapes. Layer Cake is named to honour winemaker Jayson Woodbridge’s grandfather who observed that when it’s properly made, wine “is like a great layer cake.” Some espresso and vanilla smoke on the finish. Pair with gourmet hamburgers (and layer on the fixins). Drink: 2016-2020. 219287 14.50% XD 750 mL  $35.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Langhorne Creek McLaren Vale, Australia: Wolf Blass first made 250 cases of the Grey Label Shiraz, but realized he could not earn a living based on such a small production of a premium-priced wine. Thus was born Yellow Label in 1966. It was created to be a crowd pleaser with the goal of quality, character and consistency, according to current winemaker Chris Matcher. Consistency is key as Yellow Label is designed to give consumers confidence that they are getting the same signature taste each time. That was the challenge to maintain when Yellow Label moved to regional selection of grapes for this vintage rather than widespread blending. Chris says that they achieve it through careful vineyard management and barrel selection. This Cabernet offers great value and attractive aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Pair with a juicy steak. Drink: 2016-2021. 251876 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.00 Score: 90/100. January 8, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Marlborough, New Zealand: Love the fresh melon notes on the nose and palate of this lovely New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! Aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, chives and lime citrus. Not grassy. Cool climate white wine at its best. Pair with shellfish. Drink: 2018-2021. 316570 12.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 5, 2019 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Michael David Petite Petit 2016, Lodi, California, United States: A full-bodied, juicy red blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot with aromas of ripe dark fruit, oak spice and smoky flavours on the palate. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2019-2025. 213017 14.50% XD 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 89/100. January 8, 2020 Glorious Game Wine Full Review
7 Deadly Old Vine Zinfandel 2017, Lodi, California, United States: A robust, blockbuster Californian Zinfandel with aromas of ripe blackberry, dark plum, spice and smoke. Supple and smooth. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2019-2023. 59311 15% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. February 11, 2021 Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review
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 13.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2019 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

© 2025 Natalie MacLean