Wine Picks August 15, 2025 | Natalie MacLean: Canada's Best Wine Courses, Tasting Classes, Food Pairings, Expert Reviews

Paid Members of my site can access all 260 wines that I've reviewed for August 15, 2025, with my scores, food matches and the stock for each wine in their closest stores.

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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

Trapiche Reserve Malbec 2023, Mendoza, Argentina: This plush red is dry, full-bodied, and generously weighted with 14% alcohol. It brims with ripe blackberries, plum preserves, dark chocolate, and a whisper of smoky spice from oak aging. Serve it just below room temperature to let those velvety tannins shine.Pair it with grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto, or a rich lentil stew — it’s a crowd-pleaser that plays well with both meat and meatless mains. Fascinating fact: The current winemaker, Sergio Eduardo Casé, crafts this wine using fruit grown at the foot of the Andes, where the high-altitude vineyards help preserve freshness and structure. Trapiche is one of Argentina’s most awarded wineries globally — not bad for a label that started in 1883 with just a tiny vineyard and a steam engine. Also: if this wine had a dating profile, it would say “bold, smooth, and great with dinner.” This Malbec offers rich flavour at a friendly price. I’m giving it 91 points — a terrific value for what’s in the glass. Tried this wine? Tell me what dish you served with it — I’m always looking for dinner inspiration! Malbec food pairings: grilled meats, burgers, chili con carne, veggie pizza. Drink: 2025 - 2028 614651 13.5% D 750 mL $14.45 Score: 91/100. August 2025. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Other Wines/Drinks

The Great Gentleman Spicy Cola 6-Pack, Canada: The Great Gentleman Spicy Cola 6-Pack is a bold and sophisticated twist on classic cola, blending rich caramel depth with a daring kick of chili spice that lingers like a well-told secret. This full-bodied, effervescent soda strikes the perfect balance between sweet and heat, with warming notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and a subtle smoky pepper finish. Best served chilled over ice to tame the fire, it's an unexpectedly thrilling companion to spicy BBQ ribs—where the cola's sweetness soothes the heat while its carbonation scrubs your palate clean. Fascinating fact: This small-batch craft soda is inspired by 19th-century apothecary tonics, and each batch is still brewed with real cane sugar and natural chili extract. At $14 for a 6-pack, it's like having a gentleman's duel in your mouth—every sip is both refined and thrilling. MS 1500 mL $10.95 Score: 91/100. August 2025. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart