Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
www.nataliemaclean.com

Vintages Release March 17, 2012

Login to see Natalie's scores and notes

Reviewed Wines | All Wines | Group by Wine Type | Group by Country/Region

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Red Wine

Château Le Peyrat Pl Valade, Prop. Meritage 2009, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux, Castillon, France: Rustic and tasty with notes of cedar, wild black tart cherries and smoke. Full-bodied. Decant for 2 hours. Meritage food pairings: potato-and-beef casserole. Drink: 2012 - 2015 171090 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michele Chiarlo Le Orme Superiore Barbera D'asti 2009, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: A terrific wine for the price point, with juicy red cherry notes and some smoke. Very mouth-watering which makes it a great food companion. Drink: 2012 - 2014 265413 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. March 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Olivares Olivares Monastrell 2009, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Simple, tasty and full-bodied with black and dark red fruit aromas and flavours. Drink: 2012 - 2014 163154 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Leira Pazo Pondal Albariño 2010, D.O., Rías Baixas, Spain: Crisp and refreshing with lemon and grapefruit aromas. If you like pinot grigio, give this a try. Very food friendly. Drink: 2012 - 2014 115816 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pascual Toso Reserve Barrancas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina: Tannic and full-bodied with big, fleshy blackberry aromas. Delicious and well-priced. Drink: 2013 - 2016 83337 13.9% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Shingleback Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and balanced with tart blackberries and cassis. Drink: 2012 - 2015 662957 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Campbell's Shiraz Durif 2010, Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia: Pleasant and full-bodied with restraint. Aromas of dark berries and some oak. Shiraz Durif food pairings: game meats, homemade burgers. Drink: 2012 - 2015 271569 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Saint Andéol Prestige, Domaine Beaumet Et Fils 2009, A.C., Cairanne, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Blackberry liqueur aromas with a pleasantly bitter finish. Full-bodied and smooth. Decant for 2 hours. Food pairings: pan-roasted veal chops, poached beef tenderloin with vegetables. Drink: 2012 - 2015 251512 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vinha Do Putto Manuel Dos Santos Campolargo 2009, D.O.C., Barraida, Portugal: Rustic, robust and delicious with strong black cherry and dried tobacco leaves. A lick of black spice on the finish. Terrific! Food pairings: smoked sausages, barbecued chicken, Manchego cheese. Drink: 2012 - 2015 892173 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

KWV Kwv Chardonnay 2010, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Great wine for the price! Generous oak and tree fruit, round and full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2015 328559 14.7% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Atalaya Almansa 2008, D.O., Almansa, Spain: Smoky and dark with big, black fruit. Full on oak treatment. Drink: 2012 - 2015 132605 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Brokenwood Cricket Pitch Blend - Cabernet Shiraz 2009, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Plush and full-bodied with seductive aromas of fleshy black plums and berries. Blend - Cabernet Shiraz food pairings: Kobe beef sliders, beef brisket in a zesty sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 731638 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Joannet Bourgogne Michel Joannet Viticulteur Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Hautes-Côtes De Nuits, Burgundy, France: Delightfully fleshy ripe black cherries and raspberries on the nose, silky smooth on the tongue and a lovely, long finish. Extremely versatile with food, from roast chicken to prime rib. Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon steaks, portobello mushroom burger. Drink: 2011 - 2015 265009 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Varvaglione Papale Vigne & Vini Primitivo Di Manduria 2008, Puglia D.O.P., Italy: Juicy great with generous layers of mouth-watering blackberries, blueberries and purple plums. Primitivo is the Italian version of zinfandel ... Fire up the barbecue! Primitivo Di Manduria food pairings: seafood jambalaya, Moroccan-style lamb dish with cumin, coriander and paprika. Drink: 2012 - 2016 261784 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Yalumba Shiraz Viognier 2008, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Toasty with attractive black fruit and a hint of hint on the nose. The dash of Viognier in the blend gives the mid-palate a lovely lift. Terrific wine for this price point. Drink: 2012 - 2015 524926 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Aces Seven Deuce Red Meritage 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A full-bodied red with big, black fruit aromas wrapped in a toasty blanket of oak. This is a heavy-hitter. Meritage food pairings: ribs in a sweet-and-savoury sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2016 273631 13.7% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mas D'auzierès Les Éclats 2009, A.C., Côteaux De Languedoc, Midi, France: Terrific for this price! Full-bodied with juicy ripe purple and black plums. Layers of full-bodied pleasure. Top me up! Food pairings: herb-encrusted lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2015 271742 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Foncalieu La Réserve Du Crouzau St. Gervais 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: An incredible wine for this price point! Rich, full-bodied, offering generous layers of fleshy blackberries and dark fruit. Buy a case while it lasts. Food pairings: herb-encrusted lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2016 142943 15.1% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2009, Paso Robles, California, United States: Smoky, full-bodied and robust. Layers of black fruit and toasty oak. Merlot food pairings: roast pork tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 27516 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Smoky, toasty oak wraps around black, brooding fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Honkin' big! Drink: 2012 - 2016 535104 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wakefield Shiraz 2009, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Blackberry liqueur richness with a hint of mint. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. This is an incredible wine for the price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 943787 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hidden Bench Pinot Noir 2009, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied pinot with lots of toasty oak. It's supported by velvet cushions of fleshy ripe cherries. Drink: 2012 - 2015 274753 13.6% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Carmen Wines Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Another remarkable wine from this winery that tastes twice as expensive as it costs. Smooth, full-bodied and well-rounded with generous layers of black plush plum. Drink: 2012 - 2016 439166 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Ségla Meritage 2008, A.C., Margaux, Bordeaux, France: A gorgeous, full-bodied, perfectly balanced bordeaux. Classic aromas of cassis and wild blackberry. Pleasantly bitter, complex and deep with a long finish. One of the better wines from the 2008 vintage I've tasted. This is the second wine of Chateau Rauzan-Ségla ... Think of it as Max Mara weekend wear versus the main Max Mara brand. Meritage food pairings: rack of lamb with a blackberry-jelly sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2018 265512 13.5% D 750 mL $64.00 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jean-Marie Arnoux Vieux Clocher, Arnoux & Fils 2009, A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France: Full-bodied, rich and layered with black cherries and blackberries running through its dark heart. Decant for 2 hours. Food pairings: herb-encrusted lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2016 172668 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frog's Leap Merlot 2008, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United States: A terrific, juicy Merlot with give-me-more aromas and flavours of dark plums and a little smoke. Decant 2 hours. This Californian Merlot is produced by a winery founded in 1981 by John Williams and Larry Turley. The grapes are dry farmed and it shows here in the depth and complexity of this wine. Balanced and delicious. Drink: 2012 - 2016 707489 13.5% D 750 mL $59.00 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Geyser Peak Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Classic California cabernet at half the usual price. Full-bodied and tannic so decant for 2 hours. Delicious flavours of black fruit and some smoke. Drink: 2012 - 2016 20789 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tin Barn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Needs some cellar time. Robust, rich and tannic. Dark fruit aromas wrapped in some smoke. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc food pairings: prime rib, rack of lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2016 201202 14.6% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spice Route Wine Company Charles Back & The Spice Route Team Shiraz 2009, W.O., Swartland, South Africa: Triple yum! Juicy with blackberry liqueur richness. Complex, deep and long: just like the ideal relationship. I love this winery... That's why it's featured in my book Unquenchable. Drink: 2012 - 2016 263657 15% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Saintsbury Pinot Noir 2008, Carneros, California, United States: Very robust pinot, yet balanced. Dark fleshy berries with some smoke on the finish. A very nice man makes this wine :) Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled meats. Drink: 2012 - 2016 359265 13.5% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Mt. Eden Antique Vines Grand Reserve, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Zinfandel 2007, Amador County, Napa County, California, United States: Some kind of juicy wonderful! Full-bodied and almost cabernet-like in its complexity and depth. However, this wine also delivers pure zinfandel pleasure: smooth and tasty. Zinfandel food pairings: beef ribs. Drink: 2011 - 2015 256719 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Gorgeous richness with a juicy underlay of fleshy dark berries. Layers of pleasure with a terrific long finish. Serve it to your boss at dinner and get a raise, guaranteed. Drink: 2012 - 2016 473645 14% D 750 mL $53.95 Score: 93/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2008, Waipara Valley, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely concentration of fleshy dark cherries and raspberries. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Absolutely luscious! Drink: 2011 - 2016 31294 13.5% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 93/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château de Beaucastel Pierre Perrin 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône, France: Incredible concentration yet still elegant and balanced, not heavy. This is the flagship wine for Châteauneuf-du-Pape: consistently glorious year after year. Will keep in your cellar very well. Food pairings: hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2020 711317 14.5% XD 750 mL $89.95 Score: 95/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quintarelli Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2002, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Rich black cherry liqueur and dark spices with layers of full-bodied goodness. A long, lasting finish. Drink: 2013 - 2020 986117 12.6% D 750 mL $79.95 Score: 95/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Opus One Meritage 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Just a baby: give this one cellar time. Classic, robust, complex and deep with black fruit and toasty oak. Drink: 2014 - 2020 158063 14.5% XD 750 mL $399.95 Score: 95/100. March 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Lefèvre Rémondet Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Rosé Roger Sauvestre Pinot Noir, A.C., Burgundy, France: A steal for bubbly... Got a big party, wedding or reunion? Here's your wine. Lovely notes of field strawberries. Pinot Noir food pairings: light seafood salads. Drink: 2012 - 2014 265306 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

G. Marquis Vineyards Silver Line Ice Rosé Méthode Classique Sparkling Rose, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Toasty and full-bodied with aromas of ripe raspberries and toast. Sparkling Rose food pairings: shrimp cocktail, soft cheeses. Drink: 2012 - 2014 274761 13.4% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Blue Top Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Terrific toast and crispness. Baked bread and green apple vibrancy. Drink: 2012 - 2015 68288 12% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mumm Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling Rosé, Napa Valley, California, United States: Loving this! Terrific aromas of raspberries and toast. Perfect for parties and celebrations. Sparkling Rosé food pairings: lobster salad, salmon steaks, pan seared scallops. Drink: 2012 - 2015 205641 12.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Flat Rock Twisted White 2010, V.Q.A. Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A medium- to full-bodied white with ripe tree fruit and just the right amount of oak. Food pairings: deep fried calamari, tempura, sushi. Drink: 2012 - 2015 273292 12% D 375 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sylvaine & Alain Normand La Roche-Vineuse Chardonnay 2010, A.C., Macon, Burgundy, France: Clean and crisp with mouth-watering aromas of lime and green apples. Chardonnay food pairings: duck, chicken breast and seasonal vegetables in a citrus jus. Drink: 2011 - 2014 268946 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château De Mercey Domaine Rodet Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Mercurey, Burgundy, France: Nutty with buttery richness on this oaked chardonnay. Pleasant green apple and white peach notes. Pinot Noir food pairings: seared scallops with butter and lemon. Drink: 2012 - 2015 265058 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Oak Valley Prop. A.G. Rawbone-Viljoen Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.O., Elgin, South Africa: Big grassy aromas: start your lawnmowers! Herbal and refreshing with crisp, clean lines. Drink: 2012 - 2014 263947 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Las Perdices Bodega Juan Muñoz Lopez Torrontés 2010, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A profusion of white flowers, white peach and sunshine. This is simply glorious and will dance with Asian dishes, seafood and roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 267823 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Yangarra Chardonnay 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Western Australia, Australia: Generous oak yields toasty, vanilla-smoke aromas. Some ripe fleshy pear and peach comes through on the mid-palate. Full-bodied and soul-warming. Chardonnay food pairings: white fish in a ginger-lime sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 269225 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lawson's Dry Hills Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal but too grassy with crisp, mouth-watering acidity. Clean and refreshing. Drink: 2012 - 2014 214460 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Lovely balanced chardonnay at a great price. Just enough oak to balance the ripe tree fruit. Drink: 2012 - 2016 226936 13.7% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. March 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alkoomi Riesling 2009, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: Lovely petrol and white peach on the nose. Terrific intensity on the palate with a satisfying long finish. Great acidity for food. Drink: 2012 - 2015 269290 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Christophe Camu Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Chablis, Burgundy, France: Clean and crisp: a glorious unoaked chardonnay from northern Burgundy. This is perfect as an aperitif or pair it with a variety of dishes from lobster in butter to roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: steamed mussels with fennel, oysters on the half shell. Drink: 2012 - 2016 268532 12.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Simi Winery Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied, generous chardonnay with the right amount of oak and lovely green apple and peach aromas. Chardonnay food pairings: pork loin dishes, grilled tuna. Drink: 2012 - 2015 673806 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. March 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Chanson Hauts Marconnets 1Er Cru Chanson Père & Fils Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Savigny-Lès-Beaune, Burgundy, France: Lovely hazelnut and toasty richness on this oaked chardonnay. Buttery and round with terrific balancing acidity. Drink: 2011 - 2015 265033 13.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Ned Marisco Vineyards Ltd. Pinot Gris 2011, Waihopal River, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Love it! I find many pinot gris boring, but this is spectacularly interesting. Glorious notes of white peach and Asian pear, with a lovely salmon hue. Perfect aperitif or companion to seafood, salads and roast chicken. Pinot Gris food pairings: seafood dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2015 267138 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. March 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean