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Wine Picks August 15, 2018

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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.

Dessert Wine

Barefoot Cellars Moscato 2017, United States: Sweet strawberries and cherry liqueur flavours. Enjoy after dinner with berry cobbler. Drink: 2018 - 2020 498493 9% S 750 mL $10.05 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied Niagara Merlot with some herbal aromas along with black plum and toasty oak. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2016 - 2019 627166 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosemount Estate Shiraz 2017, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A full-bodied, well-priced Australian Shiraz. Aromas of toasty oak, smoke and blackberries. Pair with grilled meats. Shiraz food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, tagine, lamb, roast beef. Drink: 2018 - 2020 302349 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 86/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Errázuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A full-bodied Chilean red wine made from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Aromas of blackberry, dark plum, spice and smoke. Pair with grilled lamb. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rack of lamb, grilled pork tenderloin. Drink: 2017 - 2021 335174 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Maipo Valley, Chile: A full-bodied Chilean red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Lots of toasty oak and mocha on the nose and palate from generous oak aging. This wine spent 12 months in oak. Finishes with dark berry notes and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels. Drink: 2018 - 2022 358309 14% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cono Sur Bicicleta Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Chile: Juicy and savoury Chilean Cabernet with aromas of cedar smoke and black plums. Pair with grilled meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled pork chops, meat lovers pizza, shepherd's pie. Drink: 2018 - 2021 524371 13% D 750 mL $13.50 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Carolina Reserva Merlot 2016, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A smooth, juicy, medium-bodied Chilean Merlot with aromas of sweet cherry and berry. Racy acidity for roast chicken or turkey. Merlot food pairings: bbq spareribs, grilled steak, prime rib. Drink: 2018 - 2021 324590 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flipflop Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, California, United States: Mocha, toasty oak and chocolate from generous oak aging. Some sweet black plums on the palate. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2021 494179 13% D 750 mL $10.05 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Negrar Corvina 2015, Veneto Igt, Italy: A full-bodied Italian red wine at a stunning price for this quality! Aromas of dark dry cherry, leather and smoke. Racy acidity for veal. Drink: 2018 - 2021 519199 12.5% XD 750 mL $10.35 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vintage Ink Mark Of Passion Merlot Cabernet 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy, full-bodied Niagara red wine blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015 - 2019 250209 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bad Henry Shiraz 2016, New South Wales, Australia: Lots of mocha, dark chocolate, espresso and oak on the nose of this full-bodied Australian Shiraz from generous oak aging. Finishes with more chocolate. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2020 557496 14% D 750 mL $14.90 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Shingleback Vin Vale Shiraz 2016, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied, smoky, juicy Australian red wine made from the country's icon Shiraz grape grown in the cool climate of the McLaren Vale. This wine was aged in French and American oak barrels. Aromas of toasty oak and fleshy ripe blackberries. Pair with a grilled steak. Drink: 2018 - 2022 557504 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, California, United States: Smoky, cedar-rich, savoury, full-bodied Californian red wine amde from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Aromas of blackberry, black pepper and black cherry with lots of toasty oak, but not too much. Supple. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2021 68924 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Casa Santos Lima Lab Red Lab Red 2015, Lisboa, Portugal: A rustic, robust Portuguese red wine made from a blend of 25% Tinto Roriz, 35% Castelao, 25% Syrah and 15% Touriga National grapes. It was aged in barrels for 4 months. Aromas of tart blackberry, cedar smoke and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2020 534586 13% D 750 mL $10.15 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz 2016, Langhorne Creek, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Lots of dark, fleshy ripe plums on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, supple Australian red wine made from the country's iconic red grape Shiraz. Finishes with dark spice and pepper. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2017 - 2021 506691 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antinori Santa Cristina 2016, Tuscany Igt, Italy: A full-bodied Italian red wine made from the Sangiovese grape. Grippy tannins so decant for 1-2 hours. Toasty oak and black fruit. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2018 - 2021 76521 13% XD 750 mL $15.10 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zenato 2015, Veneto Igt, Italy: A full-bodied Italian red wine with lots of toasty oak and black cherry aromas. Made using the traditional Appassimento method of drying grapes on straw mats before fermentation to add colour, concentration, alcohol and depth. Smooth with sweet cherries on the finish. This is a blend of indigenous grapes to the Veneto region and international grapes. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2021 208579 13.5% D 750 mL $14.40 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Amatore Rosso 2017, Veneto Igt, Italy: A full-bodied Italian red wine with mocha and smoke on the nose. Pair with grilled meats. Firm tannins so decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2018 - 2020 527598 13% D 750 mL $10.30 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antano Reserva 2013, Rioja D.O.C., Spain: A full-bodied, Spanish red wine made from Tempranillo, Grenache, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. Smoky with dark red fruit notes. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2017 - 2021 427369 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.20 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bodegas Navalon Anciano Clasico Garnacha 2016, Valencia D.O., Spain: A robust Spanish red wine made from Garnacha grapes (aka Grenache) grown on low-yield vineyards in Spain's Valencia region. Aromas of black fruit and smoke. Pair with rare meats. Drink: 2018 - 2020 526772 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.70 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mateus Sogrape Signature 2016, Douro Valley, Portugal: A rustic, robust Portuguese red wine with a very firm tannic grip on the palate. Decant 1-2 hours then pair with a rare steak. Aromas of blackcurrant and toasty oak. Good value. Drink: 2018 - 2020 308643 12.5% D 750 mL $9.80 Score: 86/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pedras Do Monte Cabernet Sauvignon Tinta Roriz 2016, Lisboa, Portugal: A rustic, robust Portuguese red wine blend of Cabernet and Tinta Roriz grapes. Flavours of tart blackberry. Pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2018 - 2020 620658 13% D 750 mL $10.55 Score: 86/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Ogier Rosé 2017, Cotes Du Ventoux, Rhone, France: Juicy and mouth-watering with racy acidity for seafood. Aromas of field berries. Pair with grilled seafood. Rosé food pairings: Grilled meat/fish, BBQ, Mediterrnean & Asian cuisine. Drink: 2018 - 2020 134916 13% D 750 mL $14.25 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

L'Orangeraie Rosé 2017, Pays D'oc, France: A pleasant southern French rose that's a blend of 15% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 15% Grenache and 50% Cinsault grapes. Aromas of field berries. Enjoy as an aperitif. Rosé food pairings: salads, grilled tuna or salmon, shellfish. Drink: 2018 - 2020 279661 12.5% XD 750 mL $10.75 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cote Bleu Mediterranee Rose 2017, Southwest, France: Lots of sweet strawberry aromas and flavours on this light-bodied French rose. Juicy acidity for grilled salmon and chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2020 541276 12.5% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2017, Ventoux, Rhone Valley, France: A dry, mouth-watering southern French rose from the Rhone Valley. Lovely aromas of strawberry and dried herbs. Pair with grilled chicken. Perfect as an aperitif, chilled, or companion to seafood. For five generations, the Family Perrin has been making the wines of La Vieille Ferme between Avignon and Orange in southern France. They also make the coveted Rhone red wine Beaucastel. Excellent price for this rosé. Rosé food pairings: salads, grilled tuna or salmon, shellfish. Drink: 2018 - 2020 622134 13.5% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Francois Dulac Les Trois Cypres 2017, Cotes De Provence, France: A lovely, pale Provencal rose with aromas of small field berries. Dry and refreshing. Enjoy as a chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2020 483040 13% XD 750 mL $16.00 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Terres de Saint-Louis Rosé 2017, Provence, France: A stunning rosé, especially for this price! Light-bodied yet packed with flavour. Aromas of small field berries and some orange zest on the finish. Pair with seafood or enjoy as a chilled aperitif. Rosé food pairings: salads, grilled tuna or salmon, shellfish. Drink: 2018 - 2020 234575 13% XD 750 mL $13.65 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Radio Boka Rose 2017, Spain: A pretty, light-bodied, floral Spanish rose with aromas of tiny strawberries and wild berries. Racy acidity for seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2020 480467 13% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Beach House Rosé 2017, South Africa: A pleasant, light-bodied medium-sweet South African rose with flavours of cherry-berry. Racy acidity for seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2020 164343 12.5% MD 750 mL $10.85 Score: 86/100. August 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Two Rivers Of Marlborough Black Cottage Rosé 2017, Marlborough, New Zealand: A soft, light-bodied New Zealand rose without a lot of acidity. Aromas of ripe strawberries. Enjoy as a chilled aperitif. Drink: 2018 - 2020 539320 12% XD 750 mL $16.80 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Flipflop Wines Pinot Grigio 2017, California, United States: A medium-sweet Californian white wine made from Pinot Grigio grapes. Aromas of peach and pear. Match with light seafood dish. Drink: 2018 - 2020 494187 13% MD 750 mL $10.05 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2016, Loire Valley, France: A rich, viscous Loire Valley white wine made from the Chenin Blanc grape. Aromas of apricot and peach. Pair with mild curries and spices. Chenin Blanc food pairings: grilled prawns, vindaloo chicken, picy South Asian dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2021 253229 11.5% MD 750 mL $18.20 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Naso Contadino Fiano 2016, Puglia Igt, Italy: A simple, light-bodied Italian white wine from the southern region of Puglia. Aromas of white grapefruit and lime. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2021 524694 12% D 750 mL $13.45 Score: 86/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Amatore Bianco 2016, Veneto Igt, Italy: Dry with lots of acidity for shellfish. Medium-bodied Italian white wine that's a blend of blend of Chardonnay, Garganega and Sauvignon grapes, with notes of white grapefruit. Drink: 2018 - 2020 527606 12.5% 750 mL $10.30 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Deinhard Moscato 2017, Weinsberg, Wurtemberg, Germany: A pleasant, light-bodied, medium sweet German blend of Riesling and Moscato grapes. Ripe peach and pear with some spritz on the tongue. Enjoy as a chilled aperitif. Drink: 2018 - 2020 543975 10.5% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barton & Guestier Passeport Bordeaux White 2016, Bordeaux, France: A crisp white wine blend Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from Baron & Guestier. Aromas of lemongrass and smoke. Great value! Pair with shellfish. Drink: 2018 - 2021 401612 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bodacious Pinot Grigio 2016, Ontario, Canada: A medium sweet, non-vintage white wine blend. Pair with light seafood. 473223 12% M 750 mL $10.95 Score: 84/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Two Oceans Moscato 2016, South Africa: Sweet apricot and peach flavours on this light-bodied South African white wine made from the Moscato grape. Pair with fruit flan or cobbler. Drink: 2017 - 2019 420463 7.5% S 750 mL $10.35 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Beach House Winery Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2016, South Africa: A floral, light-bodied, medium sweet South African white wine with sweet apricot flavours. Pair with light seafood. Drink: 2017 - 2019 122390 11.5% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Crudo Catarratto Organic Zibibbo 2017, Sicily, Italy: A medium sweet Italian white wine with flavours of apricot and peach. Not a lot of acidity. Pair with light seafood dishes. Vines grow in the warm climate of southern Italy's Sicily. The Zibibbo grape is often used for dessert wines. Siciliane Drink: 2018 - 2021 528497 12% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Gavi 2016, Piedmont, Italy: A lovely fresh floral Italian white wine made from 100% Cortese grapes. The vines grow in calcareous soil. Pair with light seafood dishes. Drink: 2017 - 2021 526707 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stubborn Ass 2017, Rheinhessen, Germany: A pleasant, light-bodied, easy-drinking German white wine made from the classic Riesling grape. Aromas of white peach. Pair with light seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2020 541102 11% MD 750 mL $10.25 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ava Grace Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2016, California, United States: A vibrant, mouth-watering Californian Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of chives, lemongrass and melon. Racy acidity for seafood. Drink: 2017 - 2019 541987 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.40 Score: 87/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dopff & Irion Crustaces Alsace Sylvaner 2016, Alsace A.O.C., France: A soft, light-bodied Alsatian white wine blend of Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc. Not much acidity. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2022 475038 12% D 750 mL $15.15 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cantina Frentana Pecorino 2016, Abruzzo Doc Costa Del Mulino, Italy: A zesty, mouth-watering Italian white wine with a medium body. Lots of acidity for seafood. Drink: 2017 - 2019 536573 13% XD 750 mL $12.25 Score: 85/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bouchard Pere & Fils 2016, Macon-Lugny St-Pierre, Burgundy, France: A light-bodied Burgundian Chardonnay with aromas of green apple and smoke. Pair with roast turkey. The Bouchard family has been making wine since 1731. Drink: 2018 - 2022 51573 12.5% D 750 mL $22.50 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bouchard Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 2016, Burgundy, France: A medium-bodied juicy, mouth-watering Burgundian Chardonnay with aromas of Granny Smith green apple. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. This winery has been making wine since 1731. Drink: 2018 - 2022 56580 13% XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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