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Wine Picks September 27, 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.

Red Wine

Cantina di Montespertoli Trecione 2013, Chianti Reserva Docg, Italy: A juicy, mouth-watering Chianti with aromas of tart cherry and smoke. Medium-bodied and relatively smooth. Pair with a tangy tomato sauce. Drink: 2017 - 2022 28990 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 89/100. September 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Tannic wine with aromas of blackcurrants and vanilla. Drink: 2019 - 2025 943399 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2014, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Blueberry-blackberry pie aromas on the nose of this amazing Argentine red wine, with enticing dark spices and smoke nuances. Pair with roast beef or prime rib. Great price. Highly recommended. Malbec food pairings: meatlover's pizza, lamb, spicy sausage, beef, meatloaf. Drink: 2017 - 2023 79798 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Masi Campofiorin 2014, Verona, Italy: A juicy, full-bodied, supple Italian red wine from one of the country's most respected producers. Aromas of black cherry liqueur and smoke. Pair with roast beef. Food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce. Drink: 2017 - 2022 155051 13% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Schild Estate Shiraz 2015, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Schild Estate 2015 is a great value Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, South Australia. This is a big, bold Shiraz with fleshy blackberry, black plum and savoury spice, rosemary and sage flavours and a very long mouth-watering and smoky finish. Shiraz food pairings: veal, roasted stuffed turkey, hamburgers, pizza, barbecued beef. Drink: 2018 - 2022 66555 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Indomita Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2016, Casablanca Valley D.O., Chile: A lovely, juicy, luscious Chilean Pinot Noir for the cool region of the Casablanca Valley. Aromas of fleshy ripe red and black cherry, dark spice and smoke. Perfect for veal or grilled chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb Bolognese, beef enchiladas, steak Oscar. Drink: 2018 - 2022 569632 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mazzei Zisola 2015, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Terrific black fruit aromas and espresso notes on the nose and palate of this southern Italian red wine made from Sicily's iconic red wine grape Nero d'Avola. Some anise and pepper on the finish. Lushly weighted and fulsome with lots of layers of pleasure. Pair with grilled chicken or roast beef. Food pairings: slow-roasted rump roast with root vegetables, herbed chicken, brisket. Drink: 2018 - 2024 303925 14.2% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rocca Delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany, Italy: A pleasant, full-bodied Italian red wine with aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Pair with rare meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 741769 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. September 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Ema Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Maipo Valley D.O., Chile: Savoury and juicy and full-bodied, with a supple, velvet texture. Aromas of black plum and smoke. Fantastic value. Pair with grilled pork chops. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled flank steak, pork chops, veggie kebabs. Drink: 2018 - 2021 485557 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Moulin De Clotte 2010, Castillon Côtes De Bordeaux, Bordeaux A.C., France: A full-bodied, supple Bordeaux red wine blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc grapes grown on a family vineyard of 8 hectares. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Balanced with fairly polished tannins. Long finish. Decant 1 hour and pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: meatlover's pizza, grilled game sausage, roast beef. Drink: 2018 - 2020 550426 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Alexander Valley, California, United States: A robust, deep, dark and delicious California red wine. Smooth and supple with aromas of fleshy ripe blackberry, blackcurrant and cedar. Great structure, depth and length. This Californian Cabernet combines elegance and power beautifully. Pair with a pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: juicy prime steaks, brisket. Drink: 2018 - 2023 301218 13.9% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frogpond Farm Organic Cabernet Merlot 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, supple Niagara red wine bland of Cabernet and Merlot grapes that are farmed organically. Aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2018 - 2021 203554 12.8% XD 750 mL $24.00 Score: 88/100. September 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gray Monk Estate Winery Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A superb, full-bodied BC red wine made from the classic grape Cabernet Sauvignon. Supple and fairly smooth tannins. Aromas of smoke, toasty oak and black plums. Pair with rare meats. Drink: 2018 - 2023 13.1% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Road 13 Vineyards GSM 2016, Golden Mile, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, supple, smooth BC red wine blend of Grenache, Mouvedre and Syrah grapes grown in the coveted Golden Mile. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plums, blackberries, smoke and dark spice. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2023 14.4% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Chateau Ste. Michelle Rosé 2017, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: A lovely, medium-bodied rose with appealing aromas of tiny raspberries and strawberries. Racy acidity for seafood. Rosé food pairings: charcuterie board, roast ham, seared tuna. Drink: 2018 - 2020 568212 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé 2017, Pays D'oc I.G.P., France: From the Pays D'oc Gérard Bertrand 2016 is a pretty, pale Gris Blanc rosé, a blend of Grenache Noir and Grenache Gris wine grapes that were hand-picked between Tautavel and the Pyrenees mountains. The wine is matured on the fine lees for several weeks before bottling. Lovely, ripe yellow plum, peach and citrus peel flavours on the palate, pair this one with grilled shellfish. Gris Blanc Rosé food pairings: seafood salad, chilled prawns with strawberry champagne dressing, seafood ceviche. Drink: 2018 - 2020 14673 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Bellevue La Forêt Rosé 2017, Fronton, Southwest A.C., France: An terrific rose from Fronton in the south of France. it's made from lesser-known wine grapes, mostly Negrette, with some Gamay. Love the salmon-clementine hue in the glass. Aromas of small strawberries, raspberry and citrus spice. Mouth-watering and juicy. Amazing price for this quality. Pair with planked salmon or roast chicken. Rosé food pairings: strawberry spinach salad, roast turkey, veal scaloppini. Drink: 2018 - 2020 219840 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Saint Aix Rosé 2017, Côteaux D'aix-En-Provence, Provence A.C., France: So delicate and ethereal yet lots of flavours. Lovely and light bodied with notes of spring flowers and raspberries. Racy and exciting acidity on the palate. Pair with grilled seafood. Rosé food pairings: endive and ham in Mornay (white) sauce, chicken a la king, tagliatelle with ham. Drink: 2018 - 2020 451906 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Stoneboat Vineyards Piano Brut, Oliver, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A crisp, toasty, fresh BC sparkling wine fermented in stainless steel using he charmat method. Full-bodied and tasty with aromas of green apple and bread. Pair with shellfish. Drink: 2018 - 2022 12% D 750 mL Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dirty Laundry Vineyard Bubble Entendre Cuvee Blanc Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A superb BC sparkling wine: crisp, toasty, robust yet refreshing. Love this winery's sense of humour ;) Aromas of green apple and freshly baked bread. Pair with seafood, shellfish or yourself. Drink: 2018 - 2022 12.9% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 93/100. September 2018. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Widow Winery Sparkling Web 2017, Naramata Bench, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp and refreshing BC sparkling wine with aromas of apple cider. Pair with glazed ham and chutney. Drink: 2018 - 2022 12.9% MD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 89/100. September 2018. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sage Hills Vineyard Brut Sauvage Pinot Gris 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp and toasty BC sparkling wine made using the traditional used in Champagne of the second ferment in the bottle. Aromas of golden apple and bread. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2022 11.7% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Unsworth Vineyards Charme De Lile, Mill Bay, British Columbia, Canada: A crisp, toasty BC sparkling wine with aromas of golden apple and toast. Perfect for shellfish or as an aperitif. Drink: 2018 - 2022 11.5% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

The Hatch Screaming Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: This fresh, crisp, citrus-inflected BC Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant. Medium-bodied with a lime finish. The grapes are grown in Bob's Roadside Fruit Stand Vineyard. Perfect for seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2020 12.7% XD 750 mL $18.99 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Adamo Estate Winery Riesling 2017, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous, off-dry Niagara Riesling with aromas of lime zest, chives, grapefruit and white lilies. Medium-bodied with racy acidity for seafood. This is a wine (and winery) to watch. Drink: 2018 - 2021 12.5% MD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Adamo Lepp David's Vineyard Riesling 2017, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A stunning Niagara Riesling with aromas of citrus and green apple. Juicy acidity for shellfish or seafood. Medium-bodied and balanced with a long finish and deep core of minerality. Drink: 2018 - 2023 17203 12% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, light-bodied BC Riesling bursting with character and flavour. Aromas of peach, pear, golden apple and honeysuckle. Match with mild and medium curries. Drink: 2018 - 2023 11.5% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pasqua Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2017, Veneto Doc, Italy: A crisp, zesty Italian Pinot Grigio with classic aromas of white grapefruit and lime zest. Pair with fresh seafood, shellfish, vegetarian dishes and poultry. Drink: 2018 - 2020 213496 12% XD 750 mL $13.85 Score: 88/100. September 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Albanta Albariño 2016, Rías Baixas D.O., Spain: A lovely, fresh Spanish white wine made from the classic Albarino grape. Floral with lime and citrus zest. Pair with seafood. Albariño food pairings: grilled sardines, steamed shellfish, fish tacos. Drink: 2018 - 2020 544254 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Longshot Pinot Grigio 2017, California, United States: Lots of fresh white and green melon notes on the nose and palate California Pinot Grigio. Light-bodied. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to light seafood dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 633354 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. September 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trail Estate Winery Foxcroft Chardonnay 2016, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This robust, layered PEC Chardonnay is unfiltered and the grapes comes from the respected Foxcroft Vineyard. It is fermented in barrels with wild yeast. Aromas of spicy Asian pear, golden apple and toasty oak. Pair with grilled chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken and butter popcorn, butter tart. Drink: 2018 - 2022 12.7% D 750 mL $45.00 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trail Estate Winery Foxcroft Riesling 2016, Twent Mile Bench, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This gorgeous Ontario Riesling is unfiltered and barrel fermented. The grapes are sourced from the renowned Foxcroft Vineyard. Aromas of lime zest and white peach. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Riesling food pairings: seafood such as lobster and halibut, or a tangy cevice.. Drink: 2018 - 2024 1707 11% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trail Estate Winery Vintner's Weiss Riesling Chardonnay Musque 2017, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A delightful, vibrant white wine blend of Riesling and Chardonnay Musque grapes form Prince Edward County. Aromas of daisies, lychee, apple blossom and white peach. So pretty and so balanced with racy acidity for shellfish and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 483776 10.8% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Organic Riesling 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, light-bodied BC Riesling that's made from organically farmed grapes. Aromas of peach, pear and melon. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2022 12% MD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Keint-He Portage Chardonnay 2014, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This Prince Edward County white wine is a blend of Chardonnay grapes from three of the winery's estate vineyards, including Closson, Benway and Foxtail. Each parcel of grapes was matured separately in French oak barrels for 1 year, of which 80% is neutral. Aromas of melon and peach. Round and supple with a medium body weight. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken breast, shrimp salad, creamy cheeses. Drink: 2018 - 2021 374819 12.4% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chanson Père & Fils Viré-Clessé 2015, Burgundy A.C., France: A lovely, balanced, full-bodied Burgundian Chardonnay with aromas of golden apple, freshly baked bread and smoke. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Food pairings: grilled pork chops, linguini with creamy seafood sauce, Caesar salad. Drink: 2018 - 2022 42044 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Ema Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Leyda Valley D.O., Chile: Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes for Santa Ema Gran Reserva (2017) Sauvignon Blanc were sourced from east-facing vineyards that benefitted from the cooler morning sunshine. Flavours are ripe, juicy tropical fruits finishing with a vibrant acidity. Pair with grilled seafood. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: perch filets in Newburg sauce, pan-fried lemon herb crusted walleye (or pickerel), salmon croquettes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 443507 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. September 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Waterkloof Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc 2017, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: A crisp, clean South African white wine made from the Chenin Blanc grape. These 30-year-old bush vines are dry farmed and yield terrific concentration of flavour. The winery uses wild yeast for fermentation. Aromas of lemon, lanolin, beeswax and melon. Pair with vegetarian dishes and seafood. Chenin Blanc food pairings: coquilles St Jacques, Greek salad, salmon tartare served on shaved carrot and zucchini. Drink: 2018 - 2020 443382 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. September 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Valley Of The Moon Pinot Blanc Viognier 2015, Sonoma County, California, United States: A lovely, floral Californian white wine blend of 85% Pinot Blanc and 15% Viognier grapes from the cool climate of Sonoma County. This wine was fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit freshness. Aromas of peach blossom and apricot. Terrific balancing acidity for refreshment and seafood. Pinot Blanc Viognier food pairings: lobster in butter sauce, poultry, spiced grilled seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2021 577775 14.1% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Steininger Grünschnabel Grüner Veltliner 2016, Niederösterreich, Kamptal, Austria: A zesty, crisp, refreshing Gruner Veltliner with classic aromas of grapefruit, white pepper and lime. No oak. Medium-bodied. Perfect for seafood or shellfish. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: mild curries, veal and pork schnitzels, grilled chicken breast. Drink: 2018 - 2022 568527 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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