Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Pascual Toso Alta Reserve Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: The grapes for this towering Argentine red wine were sourced from the Barrancas Vineyard. Deepest, darkest concentration of blackberry, blackcurrant and black plum that I've tasted in a while. Full-bodied and smooth; this delivers lots of hedonistic satisfaction. This wine will benefit from 2 hours decanting. A long, satisfying finish. Pair with filet mignon or a pepper steak. Drink: 2013-2019. 261958 13.50% XD 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 93/100. October 25, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Pirramimma Katunga Gts 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and vibrant with black and purple liqueur aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Deeply concentrated and rich with layered complexity through the palate. Lots of toasty, smoky oak that's in balance with the luscious fruit. This wine cries out for hearty meat dishes, and for you to top up your glass. Stunning complexity, depth and finish in this towering Australian red wine. Drink: 2013-2018. 203174 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, South Australia, Australia: A hallway breeze of minty cool rushes out of the glass, then you open the door to fleshy black fruit on the palate and a lovely long finish. Full-bodied, smooth. This is a flagship wine for Australia, from a master producer. Great complexity, balance, structure and depth. It will do well in the cellar, but I challenge you to wait as it's terrific now! Decant 1-2 hours. Try it tonight with rare filet mignon. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2021. 414987 14% XD 750 mL  $109.00 Score: 92/100. November 28, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Ben Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Dark violet hue in the glass with a terrific structure and ripe tannins. Smoke and black fruit on the nose of this robust Australian red wine, with more charcoal, heart-warming warmth on the palate. Full-bodied, supple and smooth. Very tasty. Complex, rich and deep with savoury, meaty notes. A long finish with great finesse. Try it with grilled or braised meats tonight. Drink: 2014-2018. 627869 15.10% XD 750 mL  $44.00 Score: 92/100. October 25, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Heartland Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Love the nose of black cherry liqueur and mysterious dark spices that draw you head first into the glass of this robust Australian Shiraz. The palate opens up with fleshy ripe black fruit and smoke. This is such a lively, full-bodied red that's smooth and ready to drink now. Try it with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2017. 661934 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Été Indien 2013, Brouilly, Beaujolais A.C., France: Made from 100% Gamay grapes, this vibrant French red wine is very dark pepper and spice on the nose. Then it opens to fleshy red cherries on the palate with a medium-bodied weight. Excellent quality and depth for Beaujolais. Drink: 2013-2016. 356964 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 25, 2014 Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Perrin & Fils Les Christins Vacqueyras 2011, Vacqueyras, Rhône A.C., France: Classic Rhone! Spicy, black fruit and black pepper aromas on the nose and palate, with smoke and dried herbs on the finish. Full-bodied and smooth, yet will also cellar well. Awesome price! Good grip on the palate. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair this robust red wine with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2021. 973453 14% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 91/100. October 25, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Roggiano Morellino Di Scansano 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Rustic, robust, juicy and delicious! Amazing for the price. Perfect for pizza or lasagna. Bring it (to my house). Drink: 2014-2018. 946954 13.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
J. Lohr Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Paso Robles, California, United States: Nice balance here from a cool year. Lots of blackberry and mocha and dark chocolate aromas. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2013-2016. 686584 14.90% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 88/100. October 25, 2014 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Stags' Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: A full-bodied and savoury Californian red wine, with a different flavour profile derived from the lesser-known grape Petite Sirah. Spicy exotic black fruit aromas and flavours play across the palate. Complex and tasty: here's a red wine to get you out of your Cabernet rut (if you're in one). Try it with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2018. 590356 14.30% D 750 mL  $60.95 Score: 92/100. November 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

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