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Wine Picks August 19, 2021

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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.

Other Wines/Drinks

Xoxo Botanicals Peach Orange Blossom Wine Spritzer, Ontario, Canada: Light and refreshing with note or orange zest and clementine. Pair with seafood. 48162016972 6% M 355 mL $3.45 Score: 87/100. August 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A smooth, medium-bodied BC Pinot Noir with attractive aromas of fleshy ripe berries and plums. Pair with veal or roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast leg of lamb, roast pheasant, venison tenderloin. Drink: 2021 - 2027 15667 14% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. August 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nasty Woman Wines Pantsuit Pinot Noir 2016, Oregon, United States: A terrific, vibrant Oregon Pinot Noir. Aromas of dark cherry, spice and earth. Medium-bodied and smooth. Pair with veal or roast chicken. The Nasty Woman Wines label was founded on the U.S. election day in 2016 by Meg Murray, who had hoped to celebrate the first female president. Though she was disappointed with the outcome, it was her five-year-old daughter Matilda who inspired hope when she asked, “How old do I have to be to run for president?” Her daughter didn’t ask if she could run, but when. The brand launched, backed by a successful crowdsourced campaign. Today, 20 percent of the winery profits are donated to organizations and causes that help get women to the table as leaders and tastemakers. Drink: 2022 - 2025 866332000305 13.5% D 750 mL $34.00 Score: 91/100. August 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Castagnac 2018, Bordeaux A.C., France: Château Castagnac 2018 is a great value 100% Merlot from the Bordeaux wine region and under $15. Dry, medium-bodied with ripe dark fruit, soft tannins and a lingering fruity finish. A nice Wednesday wine to go with steaks from the grill. Food pairings: roast beef, venison tenderloin, veal Porterhouse. Drink: 2021 - 2025 19275 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Maipo Valley, Chile: Full-bodied, savoury, succulent and meaty. Absolutely stunning for the price. Layers of fleshy black fruit, smoke and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak tonight. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued meats, grilled Portobello mushrooms with balsamic dressing. Drink: 2020 - 2024 408658 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

EastDell Black Cab 2017, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This is a Niagara red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Baco Noir grapes with licorice and plum on the nose and palate. Pour with grilled meats and medium cheeses. Black Cab food pairings: pizza, fajitas, barbecued ribs, chicken wings. Drink: 2022 - 2024 609875 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Thirty Bench Small Lot Cabernet Franc 2016, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A superb Niagara Cabernet Franc, the best in class. Cool-climate conditions conspire to create a wine of savoury deliciousness, yet with great complexity, layering and lasting finish. Aromas of dark fruit, cedar brush and smoke. Perfect for grilled meats. Cabernet Franc food pairings: fillet mignon, beef tenderloin, grilled steak, duck. Drink: 2019 - 2026 14% D 750 mL $75.00 Score: 95/100. August 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Jadot Santenay 2015, Santenay, Burgundy A.C., France: Louis Jadot 2015 Pinot Noir is always a crowd-pleaser. From the Côte de Beaune, this Santenay PN is fragrant with ripe red cherry and pink florals on the nose and so juicy with ripe dark cherry, red berry, strawberry, earthy notes, baking and cedar spice flavours finishing silky and elegant. Grapes were harvested by hand and the wine was matured 18 months in new and neutral French oak barrels from Louis Jadot's own cooperage. Food pairings: lamb chops, pork tenderloin, grilled chicken breasts. Drink: 2021 - 2025 18286 13.5% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 91/100. August 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Corison Winery Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Napa Valley, California, United States: This cabernet has powerful depth and complexity aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum and smoke. Truly outstanding. A perfect pairing for another glass and a rare steak. Drink: 2023 - 2035 18036 14% XD 750 mL $250.00 Score: 100/100. August 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stel + Mar Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Lodi, California, United States: A full-bodied California Cabernet at a terrific price. Aromas of cassis and blackberry with smoke. Perfect for barbecued meats. Drink: 2021 - 2024 20808 13.7% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Pelee Island Winery LOLA Cabernet Franc Rosé 2018, South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A crisp vibrant and juicy 100% Cabernet Franc Rosé medium-bodied Ontario Rosé from Pelee Island with a gentle floral and light herb nose, dry with a tangy raspberry and pink grapefruit spritz on the palate. Chill and pair with herbed quiches and brunch fare. Cabernet Franc Rosé food pairings: charcuterie, grilled salmon, green salads topped with fresh steamed freshwater shrimp. Drink: 2019 - 2021 552497 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 2021. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rosé 2020, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From the Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment wine region, Hidden Bench Locust Lane is produced from mostly Pinot Noir in a combination of direct-press and saignée methods. The winery is certified organic and the rosé is bright, sleek and elegant with wild strawberry, rhubarb, fresh blue florals and fine herb flavours creamy on the palate. Balanced with brilliant acidity for food. Pour with grilled shrimp, chicken and creamy cheeses. Rosé food pairings: ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches, cold turkey sandwiches, fish cakes. Drink: 2021 - 2023 68833 12.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 2021. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nasty Woman Wines Progress Pink Rosé 2019, Oregon, United States: Such a delightful Rosé! Aromas of field strawberries and melon. Pair with grilled veggies and sun-drenched decks. The Nasty Woman Wines label was founded on the U.S. election day in 2016 by Meg Murray, who had hoped to celebrate the first female president. Though she was disappointed with the outcome, it was her five-year-old daughter Matilda who inspired hope when she asked, “How old do I have to be to run for president?” Her daughter didn’t ask if she could run, but when. The brand launched, backed by a successful crowdsourced campaign. Today, 20 percent of the winery profits are donated to organizations and causes that help get women to the table as leaders and tastemakers. Drink: 2022 - 2024 866332000329 13.5% D 750 mL $20.35 Score: 90/100. August 2021. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Nasty Woman Wines Boss Lady Bubbles, Washington, United States: A zesty Washington wine made from a blend of Riesling and Muscat grapes. Notes of peach and green apple. Pair with shellfish. The Nasty Woman Wines label was founded on the U.S. election day in 2016 by Meg Murray, who had hoped to celebrate the first female president. Though she was disappointed with the outcome, it was her five-year-old daughter Matilda who inspired hope when she asked, “How old do I have to be to run for president?” Her daughter didn’t ask if she could run, but when. The brand launched, backed by a successful crowdsourced campaign. Today, 20 percent of the winery profits are donated to organizations and causes that help get women to the table as leaders and tastemakers. Drink: 2022 - 2024 866332000312 13% D 750 mL $27.00 Score: 89/100. August 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fresh Possibilities Sparkling Mini Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, refreshing blend of Riesling & Gamay grapes for this sparkling Niagara Rosé made from the Charmat Method. Aromas of field strawberries. Pair with seafood. 19164 12% M 375 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. August 2021. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Colli Vicentini Romeo Prosecco, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A crisp, mouth-watering Prosecco with aromas of lime zest. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Perfect as an aperitif on its own or pair it with shellfish. Drink: 2021 - 2023 21434 11.5% M 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2021. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Nasty Woman Wines Rise Up Riesling 2017, Oregon, United States: This Oregon Riesling is bursting with lime zest and lemongrass aromas. Racy acidity runs through the core. Pair with seafood or vegetarian dishes. The Nasty Woman Wines label was founded on the U.S. election day in 2016 by Meg Murray, who had hoped to celebrate the first female president. Though she was disappointed with the outcome, it was her five-year-old daughter Matilda who inspired hope when she asked, “How old do I have to be to run for president?” Her daughter didn’t ask if she could run, but when. The brand launched, backed by a successful crowdsourced campaign. Today, 20 percent of the winery profits are donated to organizations and causes that help get women to the table as leaders and tastemakers. Drink: 2022 - 2024 866332000398 12% D 750 mL $24.00 Score: 92/100. August 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nasty Woman Wines Pave The Way Chardonnay 2018, Oregon, United States: A crisp, refreshing Oregon Chardonnay with notes of green apple and melon. Pair with roast chicken and creamy cheeses. The Nasty Woman Wines label was founded on the U.S. election day in 2016 by Meg Murray, who had hoped to celebrate the first female president. Though she was disappointed with the outcome, it was her five-year-old daughter Matilda who inspired hope when she asked, “How old do I have to be to run for president?” Her daughter didn’t ask if she could run, but when. The brand launched, backed by a successful crowdsourced campaign. Today, 20 percent of the winery profits are donated to organizations and causes that help get women to the table as leaders and tastemakers. Drink: 2022 - 2024 866332000336 13.1% D 750 mL $27.00 Score: 90/100. August 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2018, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.P., France: From Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi wine region, Les Vignes De Bila-Haut is produced by M. Chapoutier. This is a full-bodied white wine blend of mostly white Grenache with a smattering of Muscat, Grenache Gris, and Vermentino to round it all off. Dry, smooth and rich with ripe stone fruit, citrus zest, honeyed florals, anise and mineral flavours on the palate. So much happening here and just great value under $16. Blanc food pairings: oysters Rockefeller, seafood ceviche, whitefish and potato saffron cakes. Drink: 2021 - 2023 485656 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 93/100. August 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nasty Woman Wines Persist Pinot Gris 2019, Oregon, United States: Love this edgy, nervy Oregon Pinot Gris! Notes of white melon and lime. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Pair with seafood or enjoy as an aperitif with provocative conversations. The Nasty Woman Wines label was founded on the U.S. election day in 2016 by Meg Murray, who had hoped to celebrate the first female president. Though she was disappointed with the outcome, it was her five-year-old daughter Matilda who inspired hope when she asked, “How old do I have to be to run for president?” Her daughter didn’t ask if she could run, but when. The brand launched, backed by a successful crowdsourced campaign. Today, 20 percent of the winery profits are donated to organizations and causes that help get women to the table as leaders and tastemakers. Drink: 2022 - 2024 866332000381 13.1% D 750 mL $24.00 Score: 91/100. August 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Open Riesling Gewürztraminer 2020, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A pretty, off-dry floral Niagara white wine blend of Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Peach blossom and apricot. An excellent price point and value. Pair with medium curries. Riesling Gewürztraminer food pairings: honey glazed BBQ chicken, Asian fusion, fresh salads, and a variety of soft, mild cheeses. Drink: 2016 - 2018 134965 11.1% MD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 2021. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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