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Wine Picks November 8, 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

Apothic Dark 2015, California, United States: Sweet black cherry, mocha and fudge on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, smooth Californian red wine blend. Finishes with blueberry jam. Pair with Hawaiian pizza. Drink: 2017 - 2019 392654 14% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 86/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Goatfather 2015, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: Juicy purple and black plum aromas with dark spice. Happy, straight-up pleasure in a glass. Full-bodied, but not heavy. This wine is a non-traditional blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera and Nebbiolo grapes. Some terrific notes of cherry and blackberry on the finish. I love this producer's sense of humour as evident by the name of this wine and others. Pair with roast goat. Food pairings: meat lovers' pizza, chicken wings, grilled burgers, sausages. Drink: 2018 - 2022 11072 14.6% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Casillero del Diablo Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Central Valley, Chile: A full-bodied, generous Chilean Cabernet with aromas of cassis, blackberry and dark chocolate. This limited edition is for Halloween and bears the Day of the Dead skull on the label. Pair with Mexican mole. Drink: 2018 - 2020 618009 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santero 958 Day Of The Dead Sparkling, Piedmont, Italy: A very pleasant, well-priced Italian sparkling wine - vino spumante. Aromas of white peach and toast. Pair with shellfish and potato chips. Drink: 2018 - 2020 618082 11.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Brothers Bourbon Barrel Red Blend 2016, California, United States: A rich, full-bodied, deeply flavoured Californian red wine blend that was aged 60 days in American bourbon oak barrels. This imparts richness and depth of flavour, though I don't find it sweet. Some darkly caramelized notes from the oak along with fleshy ripe plums and berries from the wine. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 572800 14.5% D 750 mL $23.05 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hob Nob Wicked Red 2017, Languedoc, South Of France, France: A darkly hued southern French red wine with aromas of black raspberry, smoke and spice. Medium-bodied and supple. Pair this wine with grilled meats. Drink: 2020 - 2023 468132 13.5% D 750 mL $13.00 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Les Vignerons De La Mediterranee La Cuvée Mythique Halloween Edition 2016, Vin De Pays D'oc, France: This Halloween Edition of the Cuvée Mythique is produced by the Val d’Orbieu Co-Opérative near Narbonne in the Languedoc Roussillon. It's the largest still wine cooperative in France, with 2,500 members. Their vineyards are planted in Saint Chinian, Fitou, Corbières, Malepère. This robust red is a blend of wines from eight growers and includes syrah, mourvèdre, grenache and century-old carignan grapes. Aromas of sweet black cherries and berries, maple and spice. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2020 426031 13.5% D 750 mL $15.70 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gato Negro 9 Lives Reserve 2017, Chile: Gato Nero means black cat, and the wine's sub-title is 9 lives. There's no bad luck though in buying this wine as it over-delivers on quality and value. This full-bodied, supple Chilean blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes offers aromas of cassis, dark berries, cedar and savoury herbs. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2020 434647 13.5% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Raven Conspiracy Deep Dark Red 2016, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This full-bodied Niagara red wine blend offer aromas of black fruit and oak. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018 - 2020 438069 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. November 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fairview Old Piekenierskloof Bush Vines Grenache 2016, Paarl W.O., South Africa: A gorgeous South African red wine made from the Grenache grape. This Rhone-inspired wine offers lovely aromas of dark plums, smoke, earth and spice. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2022 14% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baron De Ley Varietal Graciano 2016, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A deeply flavoured Spanish red wine. Aromas of smoke, graphite, anise and black plums on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, smooth Spanish red wine made from the country's iconic Graciano grape. Graciano food pairings: thick stew of potatoes and spicy sausage, pan-seared venison with grilled asparagus and blue cheese-bacon mashed potatoes, grilled lamb steaks and spicy chorizo mash, lamb chops, smoked cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2022 397166 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosehall Run Silver Fox Block Nedelko Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A tart, attractive Prince Edward County red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Silver Fox block of the estate's Nedelko Vineyard. Medium-bodied, supple, with a long finish. Pair with veal. Drink: 2018 - 2022 12.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Lightfoot & Wolfville Rosé 2016, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: A delightfully tart and vibrant, light-bodied Nova Scotia rose made from the Pinot Meunier grape. Aromas of field berries and orange zest. Racy acidity for seafood and shellfish. Great aperitif for sipping on the deck or dock. Drink: 2018 - 2020 11% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Goats do Roam White Blend 2017, Western Cape, South Africa: This floral, refreshing South African white wine is a blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc grapes. Medium-bodied with zesty acidity for seafood or shellfish. Food pairings: creamy seafood dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 237313 13% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Black Hills Estate Winery Viognier 2017, Black Sage Bench, Okanagan, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely pale straw with golden hints in the glass. This BC Viognier offers attractive aromas of melon, guava, pineapple, mango and toasted almond. Racy acidity and a medium body made it ideal for seafood with a pineapple garnish or field greens peppered with edible flowers. Drink: 2018 - 2022 22634 13% XD 750 mL $36.00 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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