Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Judy McLeod

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Miguel Torres Las Mulas Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Central Valley, Chile: A truly amazing wine for the money! Classic and balanced cabernet with rich, deep layers of flavour: black plum, wild blackberry and cedar. Some spice on the finish. The bonus is that this is an organic wine. Pair with free-range beef. Drink: 2015-2018. 407494 14% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 90/100. October 10, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Outstanding Organic Wine Full Review
Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato 2014, Veneto, Italy: Fleshy ripe sweet black cherries on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, smooth Italian red wine. Great price for this quality! Pair with lasagna or sausage. Drink: 2016-2022. 338939 13% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 2, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
The Bean Coffee Pinotage 2015, Western Cape, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: Totally coffee-espresso on the nose and palate of this pinotage, and unapologetically (and delightfully) so. Weirdly wonderful: end your day with the alcoholic version of your morning coffee. Full-bodied and smooth red wine with some black fruit flavours as well. The coffee-style pinotage has become popular among South African winemakers. The grape Pinotage, the most iconic red wine for South Africa, was originally created by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes. Produced by Mooiplaas Wines, this red wine is robust, rugged and full of character. The espresso notes are derived from both the toasting and type of French oak barrels in which the wine is aged. Try it with gourmet hamburgers or meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2016-2020. 251165 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 15, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
KWV The Legend Of Big Bill Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Western Cape, South Africa: Smoky with toasty oak warmth and generousity on the nose and palate. Black fruit and tarry goodness right up the centre of this heavy-hitter from South Africa made from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2017-2021. 457119  13% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. February 7, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Borsao Tres Picos Grenache 2014, Campo de Borja D.O., Spain: This winery is located south of Rioja and is comprised of 100% Garnacha grapes. The Garnacha grapes for this wine grow on old vines, which provides additional concentration and flavour. Great structure. Lots of mocha and dark chocolate aromas on the nose that are then flooded with lusciously ripe black fruit on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. A rich darkly hued colour in the glass. A long, satisfying finish. Pair with grilled meats. The 2013 vintage of the Tres Picos offers solid value. Drink: 2016-2021. 273748 15% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 26, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Ménage à Trois Silk Red Blend 2014, California, United States: A smooth, supple, full-bodied Californian red wine blend of Pinot Noir, Malbec and Petit Sirah. Lusciously rich and ripe with fleshy sweet black plums and berries. Perfect for Hamburgers with all the fixins. Drink: 2016-2019. 462853 13% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 10, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Hogue Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: A full-bodied Washington state red wine made from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2016-2020. 462960 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 15, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

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