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Wine Picks August 16, 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

Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry, Jerez, Spain: A lovely fortified dessert wine from Spain. This is a classic sherry label. It nutty, toffeed aromas are perfect for after dinner on its own or with hard cheeses. Drink: 2018 - 2025 215483 17.5% S 750 mL $16.45 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Corner Stone 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy, delicious blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and aalbec grapes in this robust BC red wine. Polish tannins with a long finish. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and dark chocolate. Pair with grilled pork ribs. Drink: 2015 - 2021 14% XD 750 mL $28.50 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nagging Doubt The Pull 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A spectacular blend of 40% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon 17% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Malbec grapes. Aromas of fleshy black plum, toasty oak and spice. The fruit is grown in Osoyoos and Naramata. The wine was aged 18 months in oak barrels. The winery name is a nod to the fact that “the pull” of wine overcame winemaker Rob’s nagging doubt about getting into the winemaking business. Decant 1 hour and pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2016 - 2022 14.5% D 750 mL $29.90 Score: 92/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fairview Cellars Fume Franc 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: The 2015 vintage was dry and hot, and also brought the wild fires close to this vineyard. There's a faint whiff of that, but not much, thank goodness. Full-bodied and smooth Cabernet Franc with aromas of dark berries and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2021 15.2% D 750 mL Score: 89/100. August 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Corcelettes Estate Winery Meritage 2015, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A luscious, full-bodied BC red wine blend of 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plums, dark berries and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 14.5% D 750 mL $30.00 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kettle Valley Winery, Ltd. Mcgraw Estate Merlot 2014, Naramata Bench, British Columbia, Canada: A robust, supple BC Merlot with aromas of cedar smoke, wild cassis and blackberry. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 14% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 92/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bonamici Cellars Merlot Cabernet Franc 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Mocha and dark chocolate with fleshy ripe black plums on the nose of this delicious BC red wine blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Smooth and full-bodied. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2018 - 2022 15.5% D 750 mL Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fairview Cellars The Bear 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A full-bodied, supple, juicy BC red wine made from grapes grown on The Golden Mile in the Okanagan Valley. Aromas of juicy plums, blackberries and spice. Pair with rare meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 15.3% D 750 mL $40.00 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Swift Vineyards Crown & Thieves 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A luscious, full-bodied BC red wine blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes grown in Osoyoos and aged in American oak barrels for two years. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plum, dark berries and smoke. Supple and smooth. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2018 - 2022 13.8% XD 750 mL Score: 92/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lariana Cellars Fourteen 2014, Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada: A robust BC red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere grapes. Smooth and supple. Aromas of ripe black plums, dark berries and smoke. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2018 - 2022 14.8% D 750 mL Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dirty Laundry Vineyard Bordello 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Love the sense of humour with this winery's labels and names. This Bordeaux (Bordello) blend (brothel) of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes is beautifully balanced and luscious. Aromas of black currant and dark plums with spice. Only 641 cases produced. Although this weighs in at 14.5% alcohol, the wine can handle it and it comes off supple, smooth and polished. Pair with naughty dishes and scoundrels. Drink: 2017 - 2021 14% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Icellars Estate Winery Icel Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This baby needs cellar time: it's a blockbuster! A spectacular Niagara Cabernet Sauvignon from the warmest vintage ever recorded in Niagara, 2016. So the grapes were rich with flavour when picked November 17 at 26.2 brix. Aromas of blackberry, dark plum, violets, dark spice and smoke. Only 250 cases produced. Decant 2 hours. Pair with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2018 - 2025 14.7% D 750 mL $60.00 Score: 93/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rust Wine Co. Cabernet Franc 2016, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lively BC Cabernet Franc with attractive aromas of black cherry and violets. Luxuriously smooth and full-bodied. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2018 - 2022 13.2% XD 750 mL $18.00 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rust Wine Co. Gamay 2017, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A vibrant, zesty BC Gamay with aromas of ripe cherry with some herbal notes. Medium-bodied and smooth with racy acidity for roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2020 13.6% D 750 mL $17.00 Score: 88/100. August 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Winemaker’s Cut Syrah 2016, Okanagan Valey, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy, luscious, full-bodied BC Syrah. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plums, mocha, spice and smoke. Pair with grilled lamb in rosemary. Drink: 2018 - 2024 157192 13% XD 750 mL $34.00 Score: 92/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Hatch Black Swift Monarch Vineyard Syrah 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A luscious, full-bodied, supple, complex BC Syrah. Aromas of fleshy black plum, smoke, dark spice, truffles and violets.Pair with grilled lamb in rosemary. Drink: 2018 - 2028 659375 14.5% XD 750 mL $54.99 Score: 93/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

CedarCreek Estate Winery Platinum Block 4 Pinot Noir 2014, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, rich medium-bodied BC Pinot Noir from the winery's top vineyard plantings. Racy acidity for roast chicken. Long finish. Drink: 2018 - 2022 753962 13.7% XD 750 mL $45.00 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robin Ridge Winery Pinot Noir 2015, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, smooth, supple BC Pinot Noir with aromas of mocha, smoke, black cherry and spice. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2022 14% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vanessa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Cedar smoke, dried herbs and wild blackberry on the nose and palate on this luscious BC red wine made from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Full-bodied and relatively smooth. Pair with a rare steak and decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2018 - 2023 13.8% XD 750 mL $79.99 Score: 92/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Poplar Grove Winery Merlot 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A robust BC red wine made from the classic Merlot grape. The 2014 vintage was solid for this winery. Aromas of black currant and black plum. This wine was aged for 21 months in French oak barrels. Decant 1 hour. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2016 - 2023 392035 15.4% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Corcelettes Estate Winery Merlot 2015, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A savoury, juicy, full-bodied BC red wine made from the Merlot grape. Supple and smooth with juicy acidity for tangy meat sauces. Drink: 2018 - 2022 13.8% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2016, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A supple, full-bodied, mocha-rich BC Pinot Noir. Suprisingly high alcohol at 14.4% but the wine is balanced. Aromas of dark chocolate, blackberry and black plum. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2018 - 2022 14.4% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lunessence Merlot 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Luscious and full-bodied with aromas of black fleshy ripe plums, dark berries, smoke and spice. Supple and smooth. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2018 - 2022 880856 14.5% D 750 mL $25.99 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Syrah 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, supple, layered BC Syrah with aromas of mocha, dark chocolate, black plums and blackberries. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2022 14.1% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Merlot 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A splendid BC Merlot: supple, complex and delicious! This full-bodied red wine has 14.8% alcohol, which is high, but the wine is balanced. Aromas of dark fleshy ripe black plums and spice. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2023 17865 14.8% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nagging Doubt The Pull 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: Drinking at peak now. This robust blend of 40% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon 11% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 11% Malbec grapes. Aromas of dark fruit, smoke and rust. The fruit is grown in Osoyoos and Naramata. The wine was aged 16 months in oak barrels. The winery name is a nod to the fact that “the pull” of wine overcame winemaker Rob’s nagging doubt about getting into the winemaking business. Pair with lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2018 14% D 750 mL $22.00 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Daydreamer Wines Marcus Ansems Shiraz 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, full-bodied, smoky BC red wine made from the Shiraz grape. Aromas of fleshy black plum and dark spice. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2017 - 2021 13% D 750 mL Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Adamo Estate Winery Edgerock Vineyard Petit Verdot 2015, St David's Bench, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A savoury, juicy, full-bodied Niagara red wine made from the Petit Verdot grape. Aromas of fleshy ripe dark berries, black pepper, dark spice, dried herbs and smoke. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 13.5% D 750 mL $30.00 Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Reif Estate Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Niagara River, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous cool-climate Cabernet from Niagara. This wine underwent a long barrel fermentation of about 2 weeks on the skins. This Reserve Cab was then aged 18 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels. Aromas of fleshy ripe blackberry, dark spice, leather and smoke. Smooth and supple. Perfect for a juicy steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled burgers, Margherita pizza, hamburger. Drink: 2018 - 2022 304162 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vanessa Vineyard Syrah 2014, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy BC red wine with luscious flavours of black strawberry, anise, violets, smoke and spice. Full-bodied with layers of smooth flavour. Alcohol is high at 14.8%, but the wine can handle it and remains balanced. Polished tannins. Pair with grilled lamb. Syrah food pairings: cassoulet, Beef short ribs with red wine and herbs, Lamb shawarma, Barbecued pork with plum sauce, Moroccan vegetable stew. Drink: 2016 - 2022 75846 14.5% D 750 mL $34.99 Score: 92/100. August 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Lightfoot & Wolfville Rosé 2017, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: This lovely, light-bodied Nova Scotia rose is made from the Pinot Meunier grape. Aromas of small strawberries and field berries. Racy acidity for seafood and shellfish. Great aperitif, too. Drink: 2018 - 2020 11% D 750 mL Score: 90/100. August 2018. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Nugan Estate Annelise Pinot Grigio 2017, New South Wales, Australia: Crisp, dry and refreshing Australian white wine made from the classic Pinot Grigio grape. Aromas of lime zest and grapefruit. Perfect for seafood or shellfish. Drink: 2018 - 2020 483230 12% XD 750 mL $15.25 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rust Wine Co. Riesling 2017, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A viscous, luscious medium sweet BC Riesling with aromas of lime blossom, honeysuckle and pear. Medium-bodied and layered. Perfect for glazed ham and chutney. Drink: 2018 - 2022 12% MD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 91/100. August 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rust Wine Co. Pinot Grigio 2017, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A smoky, medium-bodied, mouth-watering BC Pinot Grigio. Aromas of peach and Asian pear. Perfect for seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2018 - 2020 13.9% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Strewn Winery Strewn Pinot Grigio 2017, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A viscous, almost full-bodied Niagara Pinot Grigio with surprisingly high alcohol at 14.4% though the wine is balanced. Aromas of white peach and Asian pear. Racy acidity for seafood. Pinot Grigio food pairings: Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Scallops or Caramelized Onion Tart with a Rich Pastry Crust. Drink: 2018 - 2020 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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