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Wine Picks March 18, 2021

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

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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.

Red Wine

McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, California, United States: Juicy and purple with zingy acidity. Mocha rich with blueberry-blackberry pie aromas. Full-bodied and smooth. Pair with: gourmet burgers, pasta in tomato sauce, grilled ribs. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, braised pork shanks, veal chops. Drink: 2021 - 2024 212126 13.5% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monasterio de las Viñas Blend Gran Reserva Garnacha 2005, Carinena D.O., Spain: A mouth-watering, delicious Spanish red. Full-bodied, but not heavy with notes of ripe dark red fruit. this wine is a blend of Garnacha (otherwise known as Grenache), Tempranillo, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This Gran Reserva is a rare opportunity to taste mature Spanish wine, a rare treat . Pair with veal. Garnacha food pairings: braised beef dishes, turkey, soft cheese, roasted pork, lamb. Drink: 2008 - 2016 82024 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rio Madre Graciano 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A terrific, full-bodied red wine at an staggeringly great price! This is a DOCA wine and is produced by Bodegas Y Vinedos Ilurce. Loaded with black pepper, fleshy dark fruit, mouth-watering action and layers of lip-smacking flavours. This wine was matured in French oak and made from 100% Graciano, a native Spanish grape enjoying a resurgence in popularity. This is modern and complex Rioja red wine. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Food pairings: Montreal spices, turkey with cranberry sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2018 354753 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trius Syrah 2018, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, richly textured red with a velvet mouth-feel. Aromas of fleshy ripe dark plums and smoke. Pair with grilled lamb or steak. Syrah food pairings: grilled lamb chops, blue cheese and onion burgers, cheddar cheese. Drink: 2020 - 2024 1168727 12% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. March 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Montes Alpha Special Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Colchagua Valley D.O., Chile: Love this Cabernet Sauvignon from Montes Alpha. A beautifully balanced, fragrant Cab with smoky, dark chocolate and nutty aromas. Inky in the glass, full-bodied with firm tannins, ripe dark fruit, fine herb, savoury spice, smoky and a long dark chocolate finish. The 2017 vintage is a big and beautiful Cab with rich tannins. Excellent now. Drink or hold. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast pork, grilled steak, BBQ long ribs. Drink: 2021 - 2026 649160 14.6% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. March 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Red Rooster Winery Riesling 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Love this BC Riesling! So aromatic and savoury with notes of lime, wet stone and lemongrass. Medium-bodied and juicy. Pair with seafood, shellfish and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2020 - 2023 10.9% MD 750 mL $19.00 Score: 91/100. March 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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