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Wayne Gretzky Estates Whisky Oak Aged Red 2019 Wine Review

Wayne Gretzky Estates Whisky Oak Aged Red 2019

Wayne Gretzky Estates Whisky Oak Aged Red 2019

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 10

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Price: $19.95

Drink: 2021-2027

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13.5%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Wayne Gretzky Estates

Agent: Andrew Peller Limited

Natalie's Score: 90/100

The 2019 Red is aged in whisky barrels, imparting a seductive smokey character. Pair this full-bodied red with seared meats in rich red wine reductions; roasted leg of lamb; mushroom stews and of course Hockey Night in Canada.

Food pairings: grilled steak, veal cutlets, lamb chops.

Best Beef Wine

This Wayne Gretzky Estates Whisky Oak Aged Red 2019 was reviewed on December 17, 2021 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2018  2020  2017 

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Reviews and Ratings

Gwen Barton rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

A Bordeaux blend with cherry, sweet spice, chocolate with cigarbox aromas- what’s not to like? Full-bodied and well balanced with nice acidity and medium tannins. The whisky cask aging definitely added a pleasant complexity- but not overpowering, allowing the dark fruit flavours to come through. Tasted Feb 2021.
L.J. Palmer WSET 3 rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Full bodied, smooth, dry, deep ruby wine that has wonderful fruity and juicy aromas and tastes of black cherry, blackberry and vanilla. This is an easy sipping wine; wonderful on its own or with food. Pair with a grilled steak and your best friend; roaring fire optional
Andrea Shapiro rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Wayne Gretzky Estates’ Cabernet-Merlot blend from their Niagara Peninsula location. This wine is also infused in Whisky barrels from their own distillery's Red Cask Whisky. The bouquet is multi layered with cherry, smoke, cocoa and leather. Flavours are also layered, due to the whisky oak-infusions with dark cherry, cassis, plum, cinnamon and fig with savoury elements of sweet smoke and chocolate lingering into the back. Medium plus bodied, with alluring velvety tannins and a solid dark fruit infused finish. This will stand up nicely to minced-meat pie or honey garlic braised beef ribs. Enjoy!
Lori Kilmartin WSET3 - WSET3 Sommelier rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

The "Great One" is on a mission to make "great" wines and whiskey's - and this bottle is a marriage of the two. A blend of 47% Merlot, 34% Cabernet, 15% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc. Approximately 25% of the wine is aged in Red Cask whisky oak barrels.

The whisky barrels give aromas of wood-smoke, tobacco and caramel combined with black fruit. The residual sugar is 9 g/l so some sweetness is evident on the palate with spice and ripe fruit. Acidity, tannins and fruit are all well balanced and the mouthfeel is soft.

This is an easy sipper in front of a fireplace or would pair well with any grilled meats or a rich stew. Tasted February 2021.
Pam Hatton rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Sweet red cherry, plum and cassis, vanilla and smoke with a hint of elusive violet candy (a surprise with these varietals). The whisky barrels add complex tertiary aromas without overwhelming the more subtle flavours. The palate delivers all the fruit, smoke, spice, aged wood and medium tannins with a rounded finish. There is a hint of sweet fruit that keeps the wine easy drinking. Serve with rich vegetarian lentil dishes, grilled meat and hard cheeses.
Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

A nice Cabernet-Merlot blend with some aging in old whisky barrels. Aromas of dark berries, currant, spice and oaky smoke. Full bodied, smooth on the palate with ripe berry hints, a touch of toffee on the palate, and a smoky finish. Enjoy with grilled meats.
From the Niagara Peninsula wine region, Wayne Gretzky 2019 is a whisky oak aged red blend of 47% Merlot, 34% Cabernet, 15% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc with 25% of the wine aged in Red Cask whisky oak barrels. Excellent value at $20. Look for ripe dark cherry, plum compote, pepper spice and smoky vanilla flavours lingering on the palate. Pour with aged hard cheeses. - Community Wine Review

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