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

Favourites

Ian Buckham

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Bleasdale Mulberry Tree Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: From Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Bleasdale Mulberry Tree 2019 is a great value Cab for $20. Grapes were fermented on their skins in open top fermenters for 12 days, then macerated for 12 months in new (10%) and neutral French oak barrels. This is a dry, full-bodied Cab savoury with ripe blackberry, mulberry, olive and baking spice flavours generous on the palate. Tannins are fine. Drink or hold in cellar to 2030. Frank Potts is the founder of the winery which was established in 1850 and the winery is named for the Mulberry tree growing in the middle of the vineyard. Drink: 2022-2030. 661892 14.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 93/100. November 19, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Perez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley, Chile: Solid performer year after year and especially at this price point. Savoury, meaty, juicy Chilean Cabernet that's grown in the Maipo Alto region of the country where it enjoys a Mediterranean climate and piedmont stony soils. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2014-2018. 694208 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: A balanced and full-bodied Californian Cabernet at a justifiable price for the quality. Aromas of cassis and blackberry. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2014-2018. 73817 13.50% D 750 mL  $61.95 Score: 90/100. August 20, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Blissful Blue Cheese Wine Full Review
Joel Gott Wines Merlot 2015, California, United States: A terrific, robust and mouth-watering Californian Merlot with a satin smooth, supple texture and full-bodied weight. Fleshy ripe red berries on the nose and palate. Perfect for grilled meats and lamb. Drink: 2017-2022. 479121 13.90% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 28, 2018 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A dark and smoky Californian Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma. Smoky on the nose with bright black currant and blackberry aromas. Dry, full-bodied with dark cherry, plum, cassis, dried tobacco leaf and leathery, smoky notes on the palate. Nicely balanced with good acidity for a grilled steak. Tannins are chewy but manageable. Enjoy now and for the next five years. Drink: 2019-2034. 350454 14.50% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 90/100. October 15, 2021 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

© 2025 Natalie MacLean