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Wine Picks February 1, 2023

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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

Big Head Wines Special Select Late Harvest Riesling 2016, St. David's Bench, Ontario V.Q.A, Canada Drink: 2023 - 2026 9.9% S 375 mL $38.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Big Head Wines Vidal Icewine 2015, Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario V.Q.A, Canada Drink: 2023 - 2025 10% S 750 mL $42.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Col Solare 2018, Red Mountain, Washington, United States Food pairings: rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, steak and kidney pie. Drink: 2023 - 2030 20487 14.7% XD 750 mL $89.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2018, Veneto, Italy Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: pizza topped with steak strips and garlic, spicy sausage , prime rib roast, hearty winter stew. Drink: 2023 - 2026 910430 13.5% D 750 mL $27.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Lodi, California, United States Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, braised pork shanks, veal chops. Drink: 2023 - 2025 212126 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Big Head Wines Cabernet Franc 2018, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2025 14% D 750 mL $45.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Big Head Wines Big Red #7, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2025 13% D 750 mL $25.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Carpineto Farnito 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, vibrant, full-bodied Cab produced from grapes grown in the winery vineyard estates of Gaville and Chianciano/Montepulciano. Fragrant with dark berry, cherry, liquorice and vanilla aromas; rich and layered with dark berry, cherry, plum, chocolate, menthol and spicy flavours that linger and replay on the palate. Tannins are structured and fine-grained. Drink or hold. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York strip loin with chimichurri sauce, braised pork shanks with white beans, Asian chicken salad, Margherita pizza. Drink: 2022 - 2025 996553 12.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. February 2023. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Provenance Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Hearty dishes such as grilled venison and fingerling potatoes or a barbecued hanger steak with roasted vegetables.. Drink: 2023 - 2027 726596 13.5% XD 750 mL $33.97 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Three Sisters Winery Cabernet Franc 2020, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Franc food pairings: lamb, roast chicken, beef tenderloin with grilled mushrooms. Drink: 2023 - 2026 14% D 750 mL $30.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

El Esteco Don David Reserve Malbec 2021, Calchaquí Valley, Argentina Reserve Malbec food pairings: burgers from the grill, barbecued pork ribs with hickory smoked sauce, roasted lamb. Drink: 2023 - 2025 483263 14% D 750 mL $19.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fort Berens Estate Winery Cabernet Franc Reserve 2019, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2026 13.9% D 750 mL $39.99 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fort Berens Estate Winery Reserve Merlot 2019, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2026 12.9% D 750 mL $30.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Prospect Winery Ruby & Sparky Pinot Noir 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, B.C. V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2022 - 2025 92304 13% D 750 mL $22.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hospices de Beaune Monthélie 1er Cru Les Duresses Cuvée Lebelin Joseph Drouhin 2011, Monthélie, Côte De Beaune, France Drink: 2020 - 2030 13% D 750 mL $76.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A spectacular blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and malbec with a solid Bordeaux-like structure. The Okanagan signature is fully present here with a generosity of dark fruit aromas and rich, full-bodied weight. A long, satisfying finish. Food pairings: filet mignon, pork tenderloin, pizza, pasta, hard cheese. Drink: 2015 - 2022 626325 13.8% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. February 2023. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cavino Naoussa Xinomavro 2017, Peloponnese, Naoussa Pdo, Greece 15483 12% D 750 mL $15.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hester Creek Estate Winery Select Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2021, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Select Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2021 is a mouthwatering red wine made from a cabernet and merlot grapes with blueberry, plum, mocha and cinnamon flavours. Pour with meaty pasta. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: steak from the grill, beef tacos, lamb shank, pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2023 - 2025 13.6% D 750 mL $21.99 Score: 90/100. February 2023. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Meritage 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Burrowing Owl 2018 Meritage is a dry, full-bodied and rich red wine blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot. Each varietal was aged separately in oak barrels (70% French) for 15 months prior to the final assemblage. The final blended wine was aged an additional three-plus months in barrel prior to bottling. Look for bright flavours of cassis, black cherry, spiced plum, savoury herbs and soft vanilla notes. Beautifully balanced and well-crafted by the winery's founder and winemaker, Jim Wyse. Pour with a bacon-wrapped beef filet mignon. Meritage food pairings: slow roasted duck, roast beef, tourtière. Drink: 2023 - 2028 343038 14% XD 750 mL $64.95 Score: 96/100. February 2023. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah 2019, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Chateau Ste. Michelle 2019 Syrah is an elegant, medium-bodied Syrah with dark cherry, loamy earth, blueberry and espresso flavours, spicy and smoky on the palate. This Syrah was aged 16 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels and is a crazy value Columbia Valley Syrah from a world-class winery at $22. Syrah food pairings: roast beef, roast chicken, grilled filet mignon. Drink: 2023 - 2026 949651 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 2023. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kacaba Vineyards Reserve Meritage 2020, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Meritage food pairings: grilled pork chops, chicken, vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2023 - 2027 689076790048 14.8% XD 750 mL $60.15 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Yering Station Village Pinot Noir 2022, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia Pinot Noir food pairings: pork, chicken, lamb kebabs. Drink: 2023 - 2026 552166 13.3% D 750 mL $25.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Il Palagio Message in a Bottle 2021, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy Food pairings: veal Parmesan, grilled pork chops, vegetarian lasagne. Drink: 2023 - 2027 517029 13.5% D 750 mL $25.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave de Ribeauvillé Alsace Pinot Noir 2019, Alsace, France Drink: 2023 - 2025 12% D 750 mL $32.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2020, Sonoma Coast, California, United States Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, roasted pork loin, roasted and braised lamb, chicken stuffed with asparagus and goat cheese, venison burgers. Drink: 2019 - 2023 719435 13.9% D 750 mL $36.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave de Turckheim Pinot Noir 2018, Alsace, France Drink: 2023 - 2025 13% D 750 mL $35.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Miguel Torres Purgatori Costers del Segre 2020, Costers Del Segre D.O., Spain Food pairings: duck confit over small roasted potatoes and green onion, duck fricassee on egg noodles, grilled goose breast with cherry coulis. Drink: 2023 - 2027 452102 13.8% D 750 mL $44.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Big Head Wines RAW Gamay 2018, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2030 12% D 750 mL $39.80 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021, Sonoma Coast, California, United States Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, roasted pork loin, roasted and braised lamb, chicken stuffed with asparagus and goat cheese, venison burgers. Drink: 2019 - 2023 719435 13.9% D 750 mL $36.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Les Legériens Rosé d`Anjou 2019, Anjou, Loire, France Drink: 2023 - 2024 12% D 750 mL $21.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sperling Vineyards Vision Pinot Noir Rosé 2021, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2026 11.5% D 750 mL $25.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lakeview Wine Co. Mindful Rosé, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A low alcohol rose wine from the Niagara region made from Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio. Very floral aromas of field strawberries and fresh fruit. Pair with seafood and grilled chicken. Rosé food pairings: grilled chicken, pork kebabs, shrimp cold rolls with peanut dipping sauce. 25462 8% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. February 2023. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sperling Vineyards Heritage Pinot Noir Rosé 2021, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V. Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2025 11% D 750 mL $22.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zull Lust & Laune Rosé 2020, Weinviertel D.A.C., Austria: Zull Lust & Laune 2021 is a rose blend made from Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Fragrant aromas of florals and peach with field strawberry and clementine citrus flavours. Pair with seafood and grilled chicken dishes. Rosé food pairings: quiche, salads topped with herbed goat cheese, eggs Benedict, fish tacos. Drink: 2023 - 2024 24701 12% D 750 mL $17.45 Score: 89/100. February 2023. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Phantom Creek Estates Rosé 2021, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Rosé food pairings: sushi, thai cold rolls, smoked salmon, hard cheeses. Drink: 2023 - 2025 701717 13.2% D 750 mL $33.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Queenston Mile Vineyard Blanc de Noirs 2018, St. David's Bench, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Queenston Mile Vineyard Blanc de Noirs 2018 is a bubbly made from Pinot Noir grapes. With bready aromas, this bubbly is creamy with an elegant mousse showing baked pastry, apple and peach with nutty mineral flavours on the palate. A great pairing for fresh shellfish and creamy cheeses. Blanc De Noirs food pairings: smoked salmon, grilled shrimp, roast chicken, pasta Alfredo. Drink: 2023 - 2026 10139 12% D 750 mL $50.00 Score: 92/100. February 2023. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fresh Sparkling Rosé, 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. Sparkling Rosé food pairings: grilled chicken, shrimp scampi, summer salad. Drink: 2023 - 2025 341347 12.5% M 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 2023. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bottega 0 Rosé, Veneto, Italy 0 Rosé food pairings: honey garlic wings, salami with figs and melon.fruit tarts. 22500 0.01% S 750 mL $11.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Pearl Morissette Cuvée Black Ball Riesling 2012, Ontario, Canada Riesling food pairings: grilled chicken with lemongrass stalk, duck liver pate, baby greens salad with fig dressing, spicy pasta dishes, grilled salmon with lemon sauce. Drink: 2019 - 2024 416073 11.4% D 750 mL $92.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Spiropoulos Mantinia 2017, Mantinia, Peloponnese P.D.O., Greece Food pairings: grilled sardines and chopped herbs, herbed pork. Drink: 2019 - 2022 490119 11.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Schoffit Riesling Lieu-dit Harth Tradition 2020, Alsace, France Drink: 2023 - 2025 14% D 750 mL $25.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaines Schlumberger Alsace Riesling Grand Cru Kitterlé 2017, Alsace, France Drink: 2023 - 2027 13% D 750 mL $32.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Hurst Vieilles Vignes Gewurztraminer 2020, Alsace A.O.C., France Drink: 2023 - 2025 14% MS 750 mL $22.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fort Berens Estate Winery White Gold Reserve Chardonnay 2021, Lillooet, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2025 12% D 750 mL $29.99 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fort Berens Estate Winery White Gold Reserve Chardonnay 2018, Lillooet, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2024 - 2025 12% D 750 mL $39.99 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2020, Kamptal D.A.C., Austria Grüner Veltliner food pairings: linguini with rose sauce, creamy green herb risotto, asparagus with fried egg. Drink: 2023 - 2027 142240 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean-Baptiste Adam Grand Cru Kaefferkopf Assemblage 2018, Alsace, France Drink: 2023 - 2028 12% S 750 mL $26.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Terravista Vineyards Fandango 2021, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada Drink: 2023 - 2025 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay 2014, Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2016 - 2023 111989 13% D 750 mL $40.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2020, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Produced from the oldest winery in Washington dating back to 1912, Chateau Ste. Michelle 2020 Chardonnay is excellent value at $21. The grapes for this 100% Chard were sourced from select sites throughout the Valley and aged six months sur-lie in both French & American oak barrels. Buttery on the nose with fresh pear, vanilla, full-bodied and smooth on the palate with ripe orchard and tropical fruit with a buttery caramel and toasty oak spice finish. Enjoy with a roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, pan-fried tempura shellfish, crab cakes, pork riblets. Drink: 2022 - 2024 232439 13.5% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. February 2023. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sperling Vineyards Natural Amber Pinot Gris 2021, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A ., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2024 775965 12.1% D 750 mL $32.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2020, Burgundy A.C., France: Simonnet-Febvre 2020 Chablis is a classic Burgundian Chablis; bone-dry, crisp and medium-bodied with white florals, fresh melon, green apple, citrus zest and leesy, chalky mineral flavours racy on the palate. Founded in 1840, Maison Simonnet-Febvre owns vineyards throughout Chablis. The Chardonnay grapes for this Burgundian beauty were sourced from the Kimmeridgian marl and limestone soils of the Chablis and the wine saw elevage in stainless steel tanks with a further six months on its lees. Refined and elegant. Chablis food pairings: prawn bisque, brie fondue, mushroom stuffed chicken breast, oysters, grilled vegetables. Drink: 2022 - 2025 41780 13% XD 750 mL $30.95 Score: 90/100. February 2023. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Reserve Merlot 2020, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2022 - 2025 213567 13.9% D 750 mL $34.99 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Loire Proprietes Ambroisie Vouvray 2020, Loire A.C., France Vouvray food pairings: poached salmon with white wine sauce, roast turkey, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2023 - 2025 15616 11.5% M 750 mL $21.95 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fort Berens Estate Winery White Gold Reserve Chardonnay 2020, Lillooet, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2025 12% D 750 mL $29.99 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Raymond Reserve Selection Chardonnay 2020, Napa Valley, California, United States: From the Boisset Collection, Raymond 2020 Reserve Chardonnay is a dry, full-bodied and fragrant Napa Valley Chard with ripe stone fruit, pear, apple, with vanilla, lemon custard and salted butter flavours silky and long on the palate. Roy Raymond was the winemaker for Beringer from 1933 to 1970 prior to establishing his own winery in Napa Valley, California. Chardonnay food pairings: roasted stuffed chicken, cheese, pork chops. Drink: 2023 - 2024 716928 14.3% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. February 2023. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Okanagan Crush Pad Narrative Pinot Blanc 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2022 - 2024 13% XD 750 mL $22.90 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fort Berens Estate Winery Riesling Reserve 2021, British Columbia B.C. V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2023 - 2026 12% D 750 mL $30.00 February 2023. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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