Wine of the Week: Kangarilla Road Shiraz Cabernet, Australia

Friday’s advice: Please drink responsibly … sit down so you don’t spill any. With this well-priced shiraz cabernet blend, you don’t need to be as cautious, but why waste a delicious drop? Sale Ends: September 15, 2013 Sale Price: $13.25 | Save: $1.00 (Usually $14.25) Natalie’s Score: 88/100 Kangarilla Road Vineyard & Winery Charlie’s Blend Shiraz Cabernet McLaren Vale, Australia Wonderfully dark, fleshy blackberries and plums with lip-smacking, full-bodied weight and a smooth texture. Some lifted dark berries and spices on the finish. Incredible quality and value for this price point! Shiraz Cabernet food pairings: burgers, meat lovers’ pizza, pasta […]

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Wine of the Week: Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa

Oscar Wilde observed, “Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.” However, anyone who thinks that great wine beyond their means suffers from a lack of solid wine shopping list. Start your weekend list with this robust cabernet sauvignon that’s on sale now at the liquor store. It’s perfect for barbecues and planning trips to discount warehouse outlet stores. Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: August 18, 2013 Sale Price: $14.95 | Save: $1.00 (Usually $15.95) Natalie’s Score: 87/100 Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Paarl, South Africa Leanings toward Bordeaux with a toasty nose and dark fruit. Good balance […]

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Wine of the Week: Summer White Blend, Ontario

This week’s bargain bottle reminds me of a quote from the writer Bill Bryson: “My first rule of consumerism is never to buy anything you can’t make your children carry.” Although I never made my young son carry wine when we were in the LCBO, I did wonder what others thought of a 4-year-old being on a first-name basis with all of the product consultants. Here’s a light white that you can easily carry out to the deck or dock this weekend. Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: August 18, 2013 Sale Price: $13.95 | Save: $1.00 (Usually $14.95) Natalie’s Score: 90/100 […]

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Wine of the Week: Cousino-Macul Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

“A bargain is anything a customer thinks a store is losing money on.” – Kin Hubbard, American humourist and writer, 1868-1930 While I doubt that the LCBO loses money on anything it sells, this robust, delicious red is quite a deal at this price. Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: July 21, 2013 Sale Price: $13.95 | Save: $2.00 (Usually $15.95) Natalie’s Score: 88/100 Cousino-Macul Cabernet Sauvignon Chile An amazing value on the liquor store shelf! Full-bodied and smooth with classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant. A nice smoky finish. Pair with grilled steak or hamburgers. Drink: Now LCBO Code: 212993 […]

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Wine of the Week: Fifth Leg Shiraz, Australia

The true definition of a snob is someone who craves what separates people, rather than what unites them, according to writer John Buchan. So true when it comes to wine. Fortunately, a bargain-priced wine that’s tasty, like this shiraz, can bring most of us together around the table. Cheers, Natalie The true definition of a snob is one who craves for what separates men rather than for what unites them. – John Buchan – See more at: http://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/wine-quotes-and-quips-liquid-laughter/#sthash.WXQwRU7I.dpuf Sale Ends: June 23, 2013 Sale Price: $13.95 | Save: $2.00 (Usually $15.95) Natalie’s Score: 89/100 Fifth Leg Shiraz Australia Terrific lush […]

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6 Top Wine and Food Pairings – Huffington Post

Here’s my column in the Huffington Post about the winners of The Great Canadian Wine Match. I also profiled the finalists in each category in previous columns. I’ll be featuring the nominees and finalists of the next wine match this fall that will feature both international and Canadian wines under $25. Stay tuned! Posted with permission of the Huffington Post.

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Wine of the Week: Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

One of my favourite writers, Clifton Fadiman, said that if food is the body of good living, wine is its soul. This robust red comforts both body and soul. There are also still lots of terrific wines in stores from the June 8 LCBO Vintages Release … you’ll find 14 of my reviews in the Catalogue, plus 67 wines reviewed on the site. That should keep you going for a while, don’t you think? Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: June 23, 2013 Sale Price: $9.95 | Save: $1.50 (Usually $11.45) Natalie’s Score: 88/100 Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Chile Delicious! Full-bodied, savoury, meaty […]

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Wine of the Week: Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

  I guess this week’s bargain bottle will have to celebrate Thirsty Thursday rather than Wine Wednesday. Never too late though for a tasty wine that’s well-priced. Cheers, Natalie Sale Ends: June 23, 2013 Sale Price: $11.45 | Save: $1.50 (Usually $12.95) Natalie’s Score: 89/100 Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc A lovely citrus-infused Sauvignon Blanc that has a rich mouth-filling texture and vibrant, refreshing acidity. Not too grassy, just lime-zesty. Perfect as an aperitif or accompaniment to seafood, vegetarian dishes and salads. Drink: 2010-2013 LCBO Code: 263574 Sugar Code: Extra Dry Find this wine  in your closest LCBO stores now. Feel free […]

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