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

Vintages Release May 11, 2013

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


Argentina

Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, High Mountain Vines, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied red with enticing aromas of dark fruit and smoke on the nose. Supremely satisfying velvet texture with gorgeously fleshy black plums and dark berries. Perfect for dinner parties or casual gatherings. This winery sources its Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from four different vineyards in the Andes for greater complexity. Lovely spice and pepper on the finish. Try with hearty meat dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak, beef empanadas, chicken cacciatore. Drink: 2012 - 2016 985002 13.9% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier 2011, Victoria, Australia: Lots of attractive black pepper and dark fruit on the nose. This full-bodied, juicy red derives a lift in the mid-palate from the splash of viognier in the blend. It delivers hedonistic pleasure and ripe, fleshy layers of black plums and blackberries. This would be a superb gift wine, but why wait for a special occasion? Pair with grilled pork chops and herb-rubbed chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2016 18887 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Tanunda Shiraz 2010, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Black plum, tar, smoke and dark spices. An angry man's wine that will make him happy again. Dark and brooding like Heathcliffe on the moor. Take me now! Drink: 2013 - 2016 311365 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cooralook Shiraz 2010, Victoria, Australia: Full-bodied with juicy fleshy black fruit aromas and flavours. Great balance, depth and length. perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2013 - 2017 262451 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2010, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: An incredibly rich and concentrated wine with intense aromas and layers of blackberry liqueur flavour. Demands hearty meat dishes and won't be satisfied until you are . Bring it on! This is a flagship label for this winery and you'll know why when you taste it. It's a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre grapes (thus, the trinity). Lovely dark raspberry notes on a long, and ultimately satisfying finish. Worth every penny. Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre food pairings: hearty meat dishes, black bean soup, Balsamic Grilled Radicchio with Shaved Pecorino, lamb, herb-rubbed roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2016 236257 14.5% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 94/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Brookland Valley Verse 1 Chardonnay 2011, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Green apple and campfire smoke on the nose. Good vibrancy on the palate. Full-bodied and mouth-watering. Drink: 2013 - 2015 981126 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tyrrell's Wines Brookdale Semillon 2012, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: Lemon freshness in a glass with a lovely rich lanolin texture. The perfect wine that is stylistically between sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. The grapes for this wine come from a single vineyard, the Pokolbin Hills Estate vineyard. They use a cool fermentation and minimum time on the lees to create a very fresh style of wine. There is oak fermentation or aging to stay true to that signature. Lots of lemon and lime on the finish. Drink with fresh seafood or shellfish. Semillon food pairings: seafood, salads, Asian Dishes, biscotti, pasta with cheese-based sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2018 269316 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Juicy and full-bodied with boisterous aromas and flavours of big blackberry fruit. Generously layered with a full-bodied weight. Some smoke and vanillin on the finish from the oak aging. Decant for 1-2 hours. Terrific with a juicy pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot food pairings: chicken cacciatore, beef, cheese, pork tenderloin, tandoori flavored dishes. Drink: 2011 - 2015 47639 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Oatley Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: A solid and consistent performer vintage after vintage. This is a nicely balanced cab with classic aromas of blackberry and cassis. Some smoke on the finish. Full-bodied but not heavy. Drink: 2013 - 2016 323741 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rolf Binder Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Robust and delicious with notes of black raspberries and blackcurrants on the nose. Full-bodied, juicy and layered on the palate. A hint of smoke and vanilla spice on the finish. Perfect for gourmet hamburgers and meat lovers' pizza. Shiraz food pairings: black bean soup, cheese, beef. Drink: 2012 - 2016 54239 14% XD 750 mL $52.25 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Pelee Island Winery Pavilion Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Pelee Island, V.Q.A. Ontario, Canada: A lovely, rich, full-bodied red with notes of black plums and mocha. Lots of layered flavour on the palate. Finishes rich yet dry. This wine would be great with a juicy steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pasta, Asian chicken salad, chicken cacciatore. Drink: 2010 - 2012 530576 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Muscedere Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2011, Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Medium-bodied, supple, happy-go-lucky red just taking a stroll down a sunny back road. Aromas of dark red fruit and some smoke. Drink: 2013 - 2015 334144 12.7% XD 750 mL $18.20 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vineland Estates Winery Chenin Blanc 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: This is an extremely rich and unctuous white with layers of pleasurable fleshy peach, dry apricot and pear. Love it. Never knew that Niagara could do Chenin like this. You don't have to chill this wine as much as you might other whites as it's so aromatic (too much cold will numb those). Chenin Blanc food pairings: grilled chicken, paella, squash soup, pasta, Asian chicken salad, mild to medium curries. Drink: 2009 - 2016 227033 11.7% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. May 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2011, Okanagan Valley, B.C. V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied and vibrant with aromas of green apple and a hint of oak. Mouth-watering acidity and juicy. Lots of rich layers on the palate that tell the story of ripe peach and Asian pear. Mouth-watering juiciness makes this ideal for roast chicken or seafood. Lovely, long crisp finish. Terrific! Chardonnay food pairings: pork tenderloin, grilled tuna steaks, cheese dishes, pasta with pesto sauce, scallops. Drink: 2012 - 2016 350108 13% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: I find baco noir a hard wine to love but Henry of Pelham does it right: this is best of class. Brooding aromas of black and purple plum, blackberries and blueberries wrapped in smoke. Supple and full-boided. Could this be the ultimate hamburger wine? Baco Noir food pairings: blackened, smoked beef dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 461699 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pelee Island Winery Vinedressers Red 2010, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A full-bodied, peppery cabernet sauvignon with dark fruit and a smooth texture. Tasty with good balance. Food pairings: Ontario red bell peppers stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms. Drink: 2012 - 2015 299198 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp, clean with subtle notes of white grapefruit and white melon. Good aperitif. Drink: 2013 - 2015 513705 11.6% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. May 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Greenlane Estate Chardonnay 2011, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Green and red apples on this vibrant, mouth-watering white. Medium- to full-bodied. Amazingly great price. Perfect for roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 329409 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

13th Street Winery Pink Palette Rosé 2012, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Jammy strawberries on the nose with crisp, dry mouth-watering tart strawberries on the palate. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Perfect for cold chicken sandwiches beside a babbling brook. Drink: 2013 - 2014 275834 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 2013. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Cyril Marès Vignerons Rosé 2012, A.C., Rhône, France: Lovely, lovely field strawberries blowing in a spring rain. Dry and refreshing. Perfect aperitif or companion to many dishes, from seafood to pate. Drink: 2013 - 2014 950576 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château La Tour De L'évêque Régine Sumeire, Prop.-Récolt. Rosé 2012, A.C., Provence, France: Peppered strawberries on a sun-dapped field in June. Medium-bodied, crisp and dry. Staggeringly great aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2014 319392 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Maby La Forcadière Tavel Rosé 2012, Rhône A.C., France: Field raspberries and strawberries with some terrific acidity for food. Dry, crisp finish. Great aperitif or companion to seafood and roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2014 701318 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Champagne Gonet-Médeville, A.C., Champagne, France: Toasty an creamy and lovely. This bubbly is made from 100% pinot noir; disgorged October, 2011. Gorgeous intensity and crispness with a long finish. Drink: 2013 - 2018 319947 12.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 93/100. May 2013. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Bellevue La Forêt Rosé 2012, A.C., Fronton, Southwest, France: Lovely and carefree with wild strawberry aromas and flavours. Dry and refreshing. Drink: 2013 - 2014 219840 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gérard Bertrand Syrah Grenache 2010, A.P., Minervois, Midi, France: Full-bodied with attractive wild tart cherry aromas and cedar brush. Tasty and full-bodied. Lovely mixed spices and smoke on the finish. Perfect for potluck gatherings and dinner parties. Great price. Will benefit from 2 hours decanting before drinking. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Syrah Grenache food pairings: Indian dishes, beef, pasta, Swiss cheese, Tourtière. Drink: 2012 - 2015 952804 14% XD 750 mL $17.25 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mommessin Domaine De Champ De Cour Gamay 2010, A.C., Mouline-A-Vent, Beaujolais, France: Black cherry liqueur richness with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Terrific balance and depth of flavour. Finishes long and lovely with a touch of smoke, black fleshy plum and dark spice. Stunning value. Drink: 2012 - 2016 430876 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaines Roche Château Croze De Pys Prestige Malbec 2009, A.C., Cahors, Midi, France: A rich, full-bodied red with black fruit and smoke aromas. This wine is a blend of Malbec and Merlot grapes, from a family who has been growing vines since 1773 in this region. This red displays that history with lots of heft, concentration and depth. It finishes with some pepper and smoke. I'd drink it with brisket or prime rib. Malbec food pairings: hamburgers, pizza, squash soup, hodge podge, apple strudel. Drink: 2012 - 2016 681668 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Vieux Sarpe Joseph Janoueix Prop. Meritage 2010, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: A robust, full-bodied red that needs some cellar time. Black cherries and smoky cedar notes with terrific balance and structure. Decant 1-2 hours. This Right Bank wine that leads with Merlot in the blend offers lots of hedonistic pleasure through to a long, cigar box finish. A wine of great finesse that's perfect for dinner parties or as a gift. Meritage food pairings: slow-roasted beef, rich lamb stew. Drink: 2013 - 2018 943662 12.7% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Puech-Haut Prestige 2010, A.C., Coteaux Du Languedoc, Midi, France: A terrific red, especially at this price point. I love the black raspberry, anise and cedar smoke aromas. It’s so vibrant and alive in the glass, yet delivers full-bodied depth and length. There are more dark fruit and smoky notes on the finish. This wine is a blend of grenache (60%), syrah (30%), mourvèdre (5%) and carignan (5%). Decant 1 hour. I'm thinking of barbecued spare ribs for this wine. Food pairings: sesame beef & broccoli stir-fry, duck a l'orange, apple-walnut stuffed mushroom caps, herbs & fruit turkey breasts, low fat beef stroganoff. Drink: 2012 - 2016 12986 14.8% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Perrin & Fils Les Sinards 2009, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: This robust red offers pure black cherry liqueur flavour and concentration, yet finishes dry and satisfying. It's rich, robust and layered. Full-bodied doesn’t begin to describe it for those who love a full-palate wallop, yet it's also balanced and complex. This one will age well in the cellar. This half-size bottle will mature more quickly than the 750 ml full bottle. The finish is smoky with dark spices and intrigue. Great dinner party wine, including when it's a party for one. Food pairings: prime rib, roast beef. Drink: 2012 - 2016 5975 14% XD 375 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

William Fèvre Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2011, A.C., Burgundy, France: Clean, green apple brightness on the nose and acidity on the palate. No oak, very refreshing. Usually white wines from Burgundy are made from the chardonnay grape, so this is a refreshing change with sauvignon blanc. There's only the one producer of this wine in Saint-Bris, about 10 miles southeast of Chablis. Enjoy with vegetarian dishes and seafood. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: ratatouille, grilled white fish with a lemon-dill sauce, squash soup, salad, chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 626523 12.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Serge Dagueneau & Filles Pouilly-Fumé 2011, A.C., Loire, France: Fresh, white floral notes on the nose with crisp mouth-watering acidity on the palate. Lime lift flavour. Medium-bodied and very refreshing. Perfect for shellfish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 724673 12.9% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 89/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Tour Saint-André Lalande De Pomerol Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Pleasant bitter blackberry, wild tart black cherry, smoke and cedar. Full-bodied. Give it 1-2 years in the cellar at least then decant for 2 hours. Great with rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 138677 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Auslese 2010, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: Superb! Sweet yes, but perfectly balanced with great acidity. Medium-bodied and jam-packed with peach and pear flavour. Love it! Drink: 2013 - 2018 678011 9.5% M 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. May 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Greece

Kratistos 2008, P.D.O.H.Q., Nemea, Greece: Dry, robust with aromas and flavours of leather, dried herbs and dark spices. Earthy not fruity. Balanced. Drink: 2012 - 2014 913755 13.8% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Castel Del Monte Nero Di Troia Violante 2009, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Great wine for the money! Spicy and juicy with fleshy black cherry. Full-bodied and supple. Great for pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2016 327833 13% D 750 mL $16.30 Score: 89/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Badia A Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2009, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A full-bodied wine with aromas of bright red fruit and a mouth-watering juiciness for a wide range of dishes, especially pasta in tomato sauce. This wine was certified organic in 2003. It has some fleshy cherry and smoky notes on the finish. Decant 1 hour. Chianti Classico food pairings: pasta with red sauces, beef bourguignon, turkey pot pie, gouda, hearty soups & stews. Drink: 2012 - 2016 295964 12.8% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Manzone Gramolere Barolo 2007, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Minty red cherries on the nose, lots of acidity on the palate. Balanced and mouth-watering. Dark red fruit and some smoke on a long finish. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2014 - 2018 318105 14.5% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2012, D.O.C., Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy: Dry and refreshing with aromas of lime, grapefruit and dry white peach. Mouth-watering. This is classic northern Italian Pinot Grigio. Some white pear and stony minerality on the palate. Medium-bodied and thirst-quenching: perfect as an aperitif or companion to seafood or shellfish. Pinot Grigio food pairings: squash soup, chicken cacciatore, sherry potatoes, spaghetti, avocado and papaya salad. Drink: 2012 - 2015 954024 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lazzeretti Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Leather, tar, violets and smoke: what every brunello fantastic wants plus a healthy mouthful of mouth-watering acidity. Mature aromas and flavours of dried herbs and leather smoke on the palate as well. Long finish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 318352 14% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto Rosé 2012, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Very fruit, strawberry nose with wake-up acidity on the palate. Medium-bodied. Cries out for food like pate or cold cuts (and a picnic blanket). Drink: 2013 - 2015 45203 12.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Dashwood Chardonnay 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Love it! Full-bodied and rich yet vibrant and springy. Energetic aromas and flavours of green apples and lime lift. Mouth-watering. Perfect for roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 312942 13.9% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Doctors' Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Incredibly mouth-watering and juicy with fresh notes of lime, lemon and white grapefruit. Hard to believe the alcohol level is so low with so much flavour here, but yay! Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: salads, seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2015 317842 9.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

Mar Da Palha Casa Agricola Das Mimosas Lda 2009, Lisbon, Portugal: Attractive dark fruit and smoke on the nose followed through with purple and black plum liqueur concentration and depth on the palate and a campfire long finish. A sunset wine. Drink: 2013 - 2017 313866 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Robertson Winery Prospect Hill Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, W.O., Robertson, South Africa: Mocha-blackberry goodness on the nose with supple full-bodied layers of dark fruit on the palate. The vineyard is planted on Zandvliet Mountain at a height of 172 metres facing the southeast, which helps ripen the cabernet grapes yet maintain their balanced acidity as well. Lots of coffee-espresso and dark fruit on the finish. This would be terrific with hearty meat dishes. Decant 1 hour. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled gourmet Boerewors sausage, Asian chicken salad, sherry potatoes, chicken cacciatore, pasta. Drink: 2012 - 2015 687814 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Backsberg Kpm Chardonnay 2011, W.O., Paarl, South Africa: Generous oak treatment gives this white a robust, smoky aroma and flavour. Some tree fruit on the mid-palate with more toasty oak on the finish. Luscious, round and dry with lots of mouth-watering juiciness for a range of dishes from seafood to salads. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled salmon, chicken breast, potato cakes, French onion soup, breaded veal cutlets. Drink: 2012 - 2015 156661 13.5% D 750 mL $20.15 Score: 89/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spice Route Wine Company Charles Back & The Spice Route Team Shiraz 2010, 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. The wine was aged about a year and half in oak which gives it just the right amount of smoky spice on the finish. This would be terrific with grilled pork chops. Shiraz food pairings: beef, sharp cheddar cheese, salmon, lamb, turkey. Drink: 2012 - 2016 263657 15% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

G Manuel Martinez Vinos Sin Ley S.L., Puerta Bonita Garnacha 2009, D.O., Vinos De Madrid, Spain: So different, and I love it! Dark peppered fruit with a plummy base. This wine is made from grapes grown on vines that are 120 years old. That means their flavours are very concentrated. This wine is complex, rich and full-bodied at a terrific price. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2016 132266 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bodegas De La Marquesa Valserrano 2007, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Coffee and espresso wrapped in mocha on this highly seductive red. Dark fleshy black plums and blackberries. Full-bodied and ultra-supple. Long finish with dark spices. Perfect for coffee-rubbed steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 314963 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bodegas Muga Rosé 2012, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vibrant with fleshy small strawberry notes. Dry and crisp with a liveliness that will make you think you're talking to someone even if you're not. Drink: 2013 - 2015 603795 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flor De Vetus Verdejo 2012, D.O., Rueda, Spain: Bone-dry and refreshing with bright lemon notes. Medium-bodied. Great aperitif or companion to shellfish. Amazing price. Drink: 2013 - 2015 320259 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.25 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bodegas Langa Pi 3.14, Red Wine Of Aragon 2008, Calatayud, Spain: Dark chocolate, mocha and espresso on the nose followed by fleshy ripe blackberries on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2013 - 2016 313841 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.25 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Irony Merlot 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Juicy, full-bodied and bursting with aromas of dark fleshy berries and plums. Nicely balanced and ultra smooth. A judicious time in oak barrels brings this wine together with some toasty notes and vanilla spice on the finish. It would be great with hearty meat dishes. Merlot food pairings: roast beef, grilled chicken, baked ham, a classic cheeseburger, rich minestrone soup. Drink: 2012 - 2015 183186 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fog Crest Laguna West Pinot Noir 2010, Russian River Valley, California, United States: Big alcohol hits first but this is a tasty pinot. Fleshy black cherry, smoke and earth. Deep and concentrated with a long finish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 294835 14.5% D 750 mL $46.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Simi Winery Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied and luscious with generous fleshy dark fruit and toasty oak. Smooth and supple with a long finish. Perfect for dinner parties. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2013 - 2017 67744 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kunde Chardonnay 2011, Sonoma Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and generous with lovely layers of peach, Asian pear and apple on the nose and palate. Full-bodied but not heavy. Very nicely crafted. Drink: 2013 - 2016 745406 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Crema Chardonnay 2011, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Classic Californian Chardonnay with toast, oak and green apple. Full-bodied, and generously layered. Lots of citrus on the palate with some white floral notes on the finish. Medium- to full-bodied and lip-smacking tasty. Perfect for roast chicken or pork chops. Chardonnay food pairings: spaghetti, Asian chicken salad, hodge podge, prawn bisque, pizza. Drink: 2012 - 2016 962886 13.9% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hartford Court Four Hearts Vineyards Chardonnay 2010, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Generous oak, butterscotch and hazelnut aromas on the nose give way to full-bodied richness on the palate. Lovely green apple and peach notes as well. A big chardonnay for those who love the genre. This wine would be divine with roast chicken or corn dishes. Chardonnay food pairings: breaded veal cutlets, chicken souvlaki, duck a l'orange, stir-fried vegetables, Camembert with Calvados. Drink: 2012 - 2016 95919 14.3% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. May 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Saintsbury Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir 2009, Carneros, California, United States: Luscious, elegant and superb! This is Californian pinot noir raised to its highest Platonic ideal. Forget philosophy though, and top up your glass: this is great wine. Opens with fleshy dark raspberries and some spice. The palate is liquid silk and medium- to full-bodied. The finish stretches well beyond a sigh at the end of a long day, which is exactly when you'll need this wine. This would be perfect for planked salmon or roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: chicken, pasta, sherry potatoes. Drink: 2012 - 2017 261594 14.9% XD 750 mL $79.00 Score: 94/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Liberty School Zinfandel 2010, Pasa Robles, California, United States: This robust red offers glorious aromas of fleshy ripe purple plums and blueberries. It's succulent, smooth, lip-smacking delicious and full-bodied. Lots of juicy black raspberry on the finish will have you coming back for another top up. The winery practises aggressive canopy management, trimming back the leaves and vegetation on the vines so that more nutrients go to the grapes, which in turn become more concentrated in flavour. Zinfandel is one of the flagship red wines of California, even though it also has its roots in Europe. This is a terrific wine for movie night, especially if you're having meat lovers' or pepperoni pizza. Zinfandel food pairings: hamburgers, cheese, game, Mexican dishes, pizza. Drink: 2012 - 2015 41095 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Lake County, California, United States: A beautifully balanced Cabernet with classic notes of cassis and blackberry. Full-bodied with a lovely long finish. Chewy tannins so decant for 1-2 hours. This wine would be terrific with prime rib. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled back ribs, steaks, chicken cacciatore, pasta, sherry potatoes. Drink: 2012 - 2016 104240 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bold Vine Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, United States: Like! If I were on Facebook, I would have hit that thumbs up button about 17 times now. Juicy and generous with black and purple plum aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2013 - 2016 281600 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dunham Xiii Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Mocha and espresso on the nose followed by a voluptuous, mouth-filling richness, full-bodied weight and fleshy ripe black fruit on the palate. This producer is turning out consistently great cabernet year after year. This particular cab would be terrific with a juicy pepper steak and meaty conversational topics. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: chicken cacciatore, pasta, Asian chicken salad. Drink: 2012 - 2016 287185 14.1% D 750 mL $53.00 Score: 92/100. May 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Don Sebastiani & Sons B Side Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley California, United States: Juicy and generous with freakin' tasty dark plum and black fleshy fruit! Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Great concentration and depth. Perfect for hearty meaty dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2017 317826 13.7% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. May 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean