Wine Picks December 2, 2015 | Natalie MacLean: Canada's Best Wine Courses, Tasting Classes, Food Pairings, Expert Reviews

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

Young & Wyse Collection Black Sheep Blend 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, mouth-watering BC red wine blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec grapes. Aromas of blackberry and black plum with toasty oak. Some coffee notes on the finish. Good moth-watering acidity for tangy tomato and meat sauces. Drink: 2014 - 2018 14.4% D 750 mL $24.90 Score: 89/100. December 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beronia Elaboracion Especial Tempranillo 2012, Rioja, Spain: Smooth and almost full-bodied with aromas of toasty oak, smoke and coffee from generous oak aging. Note of cassis and black currant on the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2017 426981 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. December 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fushia Rose 2014, California, United States: Sweet strawberry rhubard jam and cranberry compote flavours in this straight-forward rose. Pair with fast food. Drink: 2014 - 2015 406769 13.5% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 83/100. December 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fontanafredda Barolo 2011, Piedmont Docg, Italy: Surprisingly numble and elegant for Barolo, which usually strikes a much deeper chord. Great mouth-watering acidity for tangy tomato and meat sauces. Full-bodied and smooth with aromas of tart cherry. Barolo food pairings: red meats, especially braised or roasted served with a rich red wine reduction, hard cheeses such as pecorino and parmesan, the older the better, quality dark chocolate. Drink: 2015 - 2019 20214 14% XD 750 mL $30.15 Score: 89/100. December 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Montresor Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2012, Veneto, Italy: Black cherry liqueur and dark spice on the nose and palate of this attractive Italian Amarone. Made using the traditional method of appassimento: dry the grapes before fermentation to concentrate their flavours and the body of the wine. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 240416 15% D 750 mL $31.75 Score: 89/100. December 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart