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

Wine Picks May 7, 2009

Login to see Natalie's scores and notes

Reviewed Wines | All Wines | Group by Wine Type | Group by Country/Region

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

Dessert Wine

Sandbanks Estate Winery Winter Harvest Vidal 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A tasty dessert wine with gorgeous notes of apricot, honey, baked pear and peach. Available from the winery. Vidal food pairings: biscotti, fruit flan, cobbler, pear crumble, pear tart. 12% S 375 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Black Prince Winery Harwood St. Laurent 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A vibrant, cherries-jubilee wine that's playful, fresh, light-bodied and vivacious. Available from the winery. St. Laurent food pairings: grilled salmon, roast chicken, pork. 11% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery Picard Maclaurin Pinot Noir 2006, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A exuberant Pinot with tart bing cherries, cranberry, beetroot, violets and a vibrant, refreshing acidic attack. Lovely fruit purity, silky texture and a nice length. Crafted by Karen MacLaurin and Frederic Picard. I love this style of wine! Available from the winery. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled salmon, roast chicken. 12% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Prince Winery Chambourcin 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Intensely tart cherries on the nose with a pleasant light-bodied texture. Great aperitif. Available from the winery. Chambourcin food pairings: pate, salads. 11% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Prince Winery Cabernet Franc 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Color: medium ruby. Nose: smoky oak, black fruits. Taste: smoky, tarry, redcurrant; firm structure, lively acidity; dry tannic finish. My note: Chocolatey-mocha rich red with layers of lovely velvety texture with medium body. Warm and inviting. Cabernet Franc food pairings: grilled vegetables, salads, pork, chicken. 68874 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery South Bay Merlot 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Lusciously ripe plums and black raspberries on the nose with dried herbs and a whiff of smoke on the palate. Medium-bodied. Aged 14 months in French oak. Merlot food pairings: stew, steak, roast beef. D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandbanks Estate Winery Baco Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Purple plummy goodness with lip-smacking delicious medium- to full-body. Delicious! Baco Noir food pairings: hamburgers, steak, stew. 110049 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandbanks Estate Winery Reserve Baco Noir 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Rich mocha, dark chocolate nose with full-bodied layers of blackberries and plums. Available from the winery. Baco Noir food pairings: steak, meat pizza, casserole. 12% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sanford Pinot Noir 2007, Santa Rita Hills, California, United States: Gorgeous note of ripe cherries, fresh-turned earth, cinnamon and black raspberries. Velvet texture with deep layers of flavor. A fairly robust Pinot but not heavy. Superb effort. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal, turkey. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 93/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2006, Australia: Rich and full-bodied, with mouth-wateringly juicy ripe black plums, cherries, dark spices and a dash of pepper. Velvet-smooth texture. Lovely long finish. Shiraz food pairings: barbecued beef ribs, beef wellington, grilled chicken, parmesan. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rutherford Hill Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Astonishing purity of fruit: limpid and clear yet rich and flavorful. Such concentration with such finesse and deftness of craftsmanship is difficult to find. Aromas of black cherries, vanilla spice and smoke. Merlot food pairings: chilli, roast goose, beef stew. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 93/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Terlato Syrah 2005, Dry Creek Valley, California, United States: Rich and full-bodied with layers of ripe blackberries and plums overlaid with coffee, mocha and dark spices. Terrific, balance and acidity with a satisfyingly long finish. Syrah food pairings: beef daube, peppercorn steak. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 92/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Broquel Bonarda 2007, Argentina: A juicy-ripe red with rich black fruit, licorice, blueberry, coconut, dark spices and vanilla smoke. The vines for this wine were 20 years old, and the wine was aged in oak barrels for 12 months. Good firm tannins. Decant for 1-2 hours. Bonarda food pairings: Tomato-sauce dishes and pasta, steak, ribs, meat casserole. 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, South Estern Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby purple color; dry and full-bodied with medium tannins, ripe blackberry and oaky vanilla aromas and flavors; long finish. My note: Vanilla-cherry and cool mint on the nose, followed by lovely ripe blackberries and plums on the palate, rich, smooth and inviting. Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: prime rib, pot roast, brisket, red meats grilled or roasted; strong cheeses. 311795 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Langhorne Creek, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby color; plummy, blackberry, chocolate aromas with a hint of vanilla; dry, full bodied, rich and smooth palate, full-bodied with ripe fruit flavors and big tannins on the finish. My note: The grand-daddy of the Wolf Blass line-up, this Cabernet Sauvignon towers with its rich dark fruit concentration, elegance and incredible length. Minty cool blackberries on the nose are followed by fleshy dark plums on the palate. What more could you ask? Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef fajitas, cheddar, grilled chicken or pork. 470120 14% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 94/100. May 2009. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Seven Daughters Syrah Merlot Zinfandel Carignane Sangiovese Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, United States: A tasty sipper with full-bodied black fruit and toasty oak. Great for casual get-togethers, barbecues and potluck dinners. Syrah Merlot Zinfandel Carignane Sangiovese Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: tomato-sauce dishes and pasta, steak, ribs, meat casserole. 14% D 750 mL $14.99 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier 2007, Victoria, Australia: Full-bodied with blackberries, toasty oak, vanilla spice and cedar notes. Smooth-textured with a warm finish. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: rare roast beef, pepper steak, cassoulet. 14% D 750 mL $22.00 Score: 90/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tangley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant wrapped in a warm, rich blanket of toasty oak and banilla smoke. Lovely finish. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: braised meats, grilled steak, meat casserole. 14% D 750 mL $21.00 Score: 88/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Yalumba Shiraz Viognier 2007, South Estern Australia, Australia: Terrific and consistent producer of lip-smacking delicious and full-bodied reds. Love the way the way that the Viognier lifts and brightens the Shiraz flavors in this blend. Notes of black cherries and plums. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: dark chocolate, bison, veniso, steak. 524926 14.5% D 750 mL $18.90 Score: 89/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Cuvee County Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Wonderfully vibrant and mouth-watering! Bring on the dancing cherries and exotic spices. Medium-bodied with an opulent silky texture. Pinot Noir food pairings: turkey, roast chicken, veal, lamb shank, roast beef. 125047 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Rosehall Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: So pretty, so very lovely. Redolent of ripe cherries and field strawberries on a summer's day. Silky, seductive smooth texture. Perfectly calibrated with medium body and a finish that lasts through a sunset. Available from the winery. Pinot Noir food pairings: turkey, roast chicken, veal, lamb shank, roast beef. 12% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 93/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Cuvee County Cabernet Franc 2007, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A tasty sipper with herbal and tart black cherry notes. Full-bodied and smooth. Ready to drink now. Great for casual get-togethers. Cabernet Franc food pairings: roast beef, bell peppers, cassoulet, delicate foods. 83949 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hardys Stamp Series Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Australia: A terrific, imminently gulpable quaffer in a convenient single serving size. You will need two (or three) though. Blackberries and plums and lots of toasty oak. Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Irish stew, ostrich, venison stew, grilled steak or chicken. Drink: 2008 - 2012 338012 14% D 250 mL $5.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Latour Pinot Noir 2007, A.O.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Light ruby red color; aromas of cherry, candied raspberry, with earthy, smoky notes, dry, medium bodied, with strawberry and red fruit flavors. Good acid balance; sour cherry finish. My note: Pleasingly tart cherries and fresh-turned earth: this is classic Pinot Noir Old World style. Not fruit forward but balanced, with mouth-watering acidity and a medium-bodied silky texture. Lovely long finish. A wonderful wine for an elegant evening. Pinot Noir food pairings: turkey, roast chicken, veal, lamb shank, roast beef, grilled salmon, duck, game birds. 69914 12.7% D 750 mL $18.45 Score: 89/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Astica Merlot Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A robust Argentine red wine blend of Merlot and Malbec grapes. Aromas of black raspberry, coffee, and smoke. Deliciously ripe black fruit, vanilla smoke and dark spices. Full-bodied goodness delivered in every glass. Very satisfying. Incredible value and taste for this price point. Pair with spaghetti and meatballs. Merlot Malbec food pairings: beef Wellington, veal chops, roast beef sandwich, roast duck, grilled chicken, pork or steak, tomato-sauce pastas. Drink: 2008 - 2012 359075 13% D 750 mL $8.00 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright ruby color; jammy cherry aromas with mocha hints; medium bodied with bright acidity and cherry, mint and leather flavors on the medium finish. My note: Tasty, full-bodied goodness with black plums, cherry-vanilla and smoke. Lovely black pepper notes give this wine an extra umph. Malbec food pairings: hard cheeses, empanadas, medium curries, spices, pepper steak, poultry, pork. 501551 13.5% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Syrah 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby in color, the nose reveals aromas of blackberry, licorice and spices. Full-bodied, soft and spicy, the finish shows some tannic edge. My note: Alluring notes of black raspberries and cherries underlaid with licorice, dark spices and a kick of pepper. Soft polished tannins give this wine a velvet-smooth mouth-feel. Syrah food pairings: steak, goat, grilled lamb, stew, smoked deer, medium curries and spices, romato-sauce dishes and pastas. 26898 13.5% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby red color; cassis, plum, raisin and bell pepper aroma; dry, medium body and medium intensity fruit flavor, forward tannin in the finish. My note: A vibrant and full-bodied red with blackberries and dark spices. Pleasingly polished tannins for a velvet-rich texture. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: stew, steak, cheddar, roasted or grilled red meats, medium cheeses, stews.. 235671 13.5% D 750 mL $8.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Deliciously rich with classic aromas of cigar box, leather, violets, black pepper, black plums and cassis. Full-bodied with a smooth texture and a terrific long finish. Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: leg of lamb, game, grilled meats. 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hanna Winery & Vineyards Propietor Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Alexander Valley, California, United States: A rich, robust red with black plums and cherries, cedar spice and hickory smoke. Lovely layers of flavor. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb kabobs, rack of lamb, pepper steak. 14% D 750 mL $22.00 Score: 89/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Markham Merlot 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: Smooth, rich and seductive, with layers of black plum, cassis, mocha and vanilla smoke. A little espresso weaves its way through to a black raspberry-infused finish. Merlot food pairings: steak fajitas, barbecued pork spareribs. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep red purple color; dry and medium bodied; mulberry/cassis fruit aromas with pronounced eucalyptus, spice and oak; balanced with soft tannins and a long, fruity finish. My note: The wine that put Wolf Blass on the map in North America, and it remains a wildly popular wine today. Aromas of ripe purple plums, blackberries, blackcurrant, cassis and cigar box. Finely polished tannins give a smooth and elegant texture. So very delicious. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lasanga, stew, steak, rack of lamb, grilled or roasted red meats, hard cheese. 251876 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Sandbanks Estate Winery South Bay Vineyards Rose 2008, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A delightful and refreshing rose with aromas of wild raspberries and strawberries. Perfect as an aperitif or with many dishes. Available from the winery. Food pairings: pate, salads, cold chiken. 11% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery Rose 2008, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely blend of Cabernet Franc (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Merlot (10%) for this intensely perfumed, bone-dry rose. Lovely notes of ripe strawberries and raspberries. Terrific aperitif. Food pairings: pate, salads, cold chiken, leafy spring salad, tomatoes, and salmon. Drink: 2009 - 2012 63982 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Remy Pannier Rosé D'anjou 2007, Loire Valley, France: Absolutely delightful! Summer sunshine in a glass and great refreshment for when it's hot. Light and carefree with notes of ripe strawberries. Rosé D'anjou food pairings: pate, salads, cold chiken, grilled chicken or shrimp, seafood soup/stew. Drink: 2007 - 2009 12641 10% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Huff Estates Winery Cuvee Peter Huff Lighthall Vineyard Chardonnay Sparkling Wine 2004, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Named for the owner's late son Peter, this spectacular bubbly bursts with aromas of green apples, orange zest, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Toasty goodness with an elegantly long finish. This is an incredible value compared to Champagne. Available from the winery. Chardonnay Sparkling Wine food pairings: salmon, caviar, salads, oysters, mussels. 198754 12% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henkell Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine, Germany, Germany: A refreshing and crisp bubbly with white peach and grapefruit notes. Perfect for large get-togethers when you want to celebrate but not blow the budget. Blanc De Blancs Sparkling Wine food pairings: caviar, oysters, mussels, Mix with peach juice as a brunch drink or with finger food. 27052 11.9% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henkell Brut Sparkling Wine, Baden, Germany: More robust than Henkell's Blanc de Blancs, this bubbly is also toastier and deeper with aromas of green apples, baked baked and ripe peaches. It also offers incredible value for a bubbly. Brut Sparkling Wine food pairings: pate, salmon, grilled fish, chilled as an aperitif. 134403 11% D 750 mL $14.35 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut Sparkling Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely bubbly with notes of ripe field strawberries, fleshy raspberries and white roses. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with terrific persistence of flavor on the palate. Is there anything prettier than strands of pink pearls gliding up the side of your glass? Float a fresh strawberry or raspberry on top for an extra festive feel. Perfect for all those celebratory moments in life. Serve well chilled. In my Drinks Matcher tool, I've paired this bubbly with a wide variety of dishes. Brut Sparkling Rosé food pairings: grilled salmon, salads, vegetarian dishes, mild curries, shellfish, duck, veal, nachos (why not?!). 217505 12% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. May 2009. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Sandbanks Estate Winery Dunes Vidal Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A lovely light white wine with pretty notes of white peach, field daisies and green melon. Makes a terrific aperitif. Vidal Riesling food pairings: Shellfish, salads, vegetarian dishes, seafood. 110031 12% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery Pinot Gris 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A zippy, refreshing white with crisp notes of grapefruit, green apples, lime and melon. Fresh aromas give way to mouth-watering flavors with a nice finish. Terrific aperitif. Pinot Gris food pairings: vegetarian dishes, mild curries. 625079 1% D 750 mL $20.15 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Prince Winery Melon De Bourgogne 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A light white with notes of white peach and flowers. Refreshing. Melon De Bourgogne food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, pork. 12% D 750 mL $16.75 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sandbanks Estate Winery Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Terrific price for this delightful, expressive Riesling with notes of green apples, limes, lemon and orange zest. Good minerality. Available from the winery. Riesling food pairings: salads, vegetarian dishes. 139022 11.8% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery Off Dry Riesling 2007, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A vivacious, lively white with aromas that jump from the glass: nectarine, peach, pear, kiwi and lime. Just a touch of natural sweetness makes this wine extra delicious and a more versatile partner for food. Winner of the gold medal at the 2008 Canadian Wine Awards. Riesling food pairings: quiche, roast turkey. 625053 1% MD 750 mL $16.15 Score: 90/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery Wismer Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2006, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: A fantasticly expressive Riesling with an intense aromatic depth, yet elegant and graceful. Aromas of rose petal, lemon peel, lime, flint and green apple. A spectacular effort. Available from the winery. Riesling food pairings: oysters, mussels, salmon, salads. 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2009. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery Lighthall Vineyard Chardonnay 2006, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Buttery, hazelnut goodness with rich, creamy layers of pineapple, peach, vanilla and toasty oak. Full-bodied and voluptuous. Available from the winery. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, pork. D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Prince Winery Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This Chardonnay sports clean, crisp green apple fruit as well as a hint of honey and nuts on its soft and generous frame. It's the official white wine of the 2007/2008 Legislative Assembly of Ontario. My note: A smooth, round and creamy Chardonnay with pleasant notes of ripe peach and toasty oak. Chardonnay food pairings: corn dishes, lobster in butter. 68882 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Huff Estates Winery South Bay Chardonnay 2006, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Monstrous stainless-steel vats and traditional barrels that together are used to produce classic Bordeaux varieties such as merlot and cabernet franc as well as more traditional white wines such as chardonnay, riesling and pinot gris. The estate has won numerous medals over the years, and its 2004 chardonnay was named the official wine of the Ontario Legislature for 2005-06. My note: Terrific concentration and depth of flavor here, with aromas of baked apples, brioche, vanilla spice, hazelnut, almond and butterscotch. Half of this Chardonnay was aged in oak barrels and the other half in stainless to combine creamy richness with purity of fruit and good acidity. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, pork. 88955 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Remy Pannier Anjou Chenin Blanc 2007, Loire Valley, France: A crisp and refreshing white with grapefruit and white peach notes. Light-bodied and mouth-watering. Terrific aperitif or as a companion to a variety of dishes. Chenin Blanc food pairings: poultry, seafood, salads, shellfish, vegetables, light curries. 5967 11% D 750 mL $10.90 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nederburg The Winemaster's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw color; citrusy fruit with spicy, herbal notes; light pear and passion fruit flavors, well balanced with a crisp, clean finish. My note: Grassy goodness fills the glass and invites you to full refreshment with every sip. Herbal and mouth-watering with a terrific attack of acidity to get the juices flowing. Medium-bodied and very dry. Closed with a screwcap. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: roast pork, grilled striped bass, asparagus, seafood, cream sauces, grilled vegeatbles, poultry, veal. 382713 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw/green color; aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit and passionfruit with grassy notes; dry, crisp acidity, with juicy citrus, melon and green fruit flavors; long zesty finish. My note: Redolent of gooseberry, white grapefruit, lemon, fresh-cut grass and some lifted citrus notes. A lovely and refreshing package. Terrific, mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied. Closed with a screwcap. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood, cream sauces, grilled vegeatbles, poultry, veal. 415745 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: This perennial classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has exuberant aromas of gooseberry, grass, cream of asparagus, jalapeño peppers and melon. It's intense and lively with crisp acidity and a lingering, slightly minerally finish. My note: One of my favorite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, especially in this price range. Bursting with gooseberry freshness, lemon zest, passionfruit and lime. Medium-bodied. This one will wake up your mouth and stir your appetite. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: asparagus, grilled vegetables, salads, pork, poultry, salmon, steamed clams, pan-fried scallops, mussels and, oh yeah, oysters. 316570 11% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Remy Pannier Sevre & Maine Sur Lie Muscadet 2007, Loire Valley, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw with greenish tint; closed nose with some mushroom, yeasty notes; light, crisp and dry. My note: A terrific, zippy little number with lovely notes of field flowers, citrus, white peach and a wonderful thread of minerality. Great mouth-watering juiciness. Light-bodied. Muscadet food pairings: mussels, oysters, chilled with poached fish in light sauce, other shellfish and seafood. 13821 11.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rutherford Hill Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, United States: Rich, buttery loveliness! Wrap yourself in this luscious layers of this wine: ripe peaches, pears and apricots. Don't over-chill this wine or you'll lose its richness. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, pork. 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Rosehall Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Buttery, toasty, rich and deep: bring it on! Full-throttle Chardonnay with layers of ripe tree fruit flavors. Full-bodied with a luxurious texture. Chardonnay food pairings: cream sauces, lobster in butter, corn dishes, roast chicken. 111914 12.7% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Broquel Torrontes 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Such a pretty wine! Lovely display of white field flowers, apples, dried honey and light spices. Delicate and refreshing yet not wimpy. Gorgeous aperitif or as a companion to many dishes. Torrontes food pairings: Asian and Latino dishes, light to medium curries, ceviche, suishi, seafood, shellfish, salads. 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Torrontes 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely wine made from a grape that's often overlooked yet offers so much enjoyment. Aromas of daisies, lychee, white peach and orange zest. Torrontes food pairings: Asian and Latino dishes, light to medium curries, ceviche, suishi, seafood, shellfish, salads. 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Viognier 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely floral aromas with a rich, full-bodied, viscous texture. Terrific and alluring notes of orange zest, dried apricot and rose petal. Viognier food pairings: Seafood, shellfish, salads, light curries, vegetarian dishes. 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Pinot Grigio 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Bone-dry refreshment as an aperitif or a companion to many dishes. White grapefruit and melon notes. Light-bodied and mouth-watering. Pinot Grigio food pairings: poultry, seafood, salads, shellfish, vegetables, light curries. Drink: 2010 - 2013 12% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hardys The Stamp Of Australia Chardonnay Semillon 2007, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A lip-smacking delicious Chardonnay with buttery, oaky goodness. Ripe apples and peaches. Ready to go when you are. Chardonnay Semillon food pairings: corn dishes, lobster in butter. 13% D 250 mL $5.95 Score: 86/100. May 2009. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean