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Melanie Lloyd

Melanie Lloyd Certified Sommelier

at Red Wing

The Roost at Red Wing Marquette 2021

Ontario, Canada
86 days ago

Melanie scored this wine: 90/100

A complex Marquette made from 100% Georgian Bay grapes. On the nose, it releases notes of plum, rose petals, and strawberry jam, with hints of beetroot, milk chocolate, dried eucalyptus leaves, and black pepper. Medium-bodied and dry, the palate presents notes of tart cherry, stewed strawberry, cranberry, and a touch of smoke. The tannins are silky smooth, and the flavours linger. Great on its own, this wine pairs well with beet risotto, roasted duck, or beef wellington with truffles. Tasted August 2024.

DR3

St. Hugo DR3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

South Australia, Australia
149 days ago

Melanie scored this wine: 94/100

A sophisticated full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon displaying complexity and depth, which will only further develop over time. The nose offers ripe blueberry and dark plum notes with nuances of cedar, cigar box, aged leather, milk chocolate, and dried eucalyptus.  This wine is at once bold and refined on the palate with balanced acidity and smooth, well-integrated tannins. The flavour profile presents vibrant notes of tart plum, cassis and red cherry, complemented by herbal and floral undertones and cocoa nuances. An excellent accompaniment to a hearty beef roast or grilled red meat.  Tasted June 2024

Ric Red 2021

South Australia, Australia
150 days ago

Melanie scored this wine: 90/100

A full-bodied and robust Red made from a blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The nose presents notes of ripe blueberries, red licorice and violet, with hints of cigar box and pepper. The palate unveils rich, stewed dark berry and tart plum notes with a touch of cocoa. The tannins are smooth, leading to a long espresso finish. This wine is a perfect match for grilled steak.  Note: Allow the wine to breathe prior to enjoying.  Tasted June 2024

Pure Vision Wines Zero Shiraz 2021

Adelaide Plains, South Australia, Australia
151 days ago

Melanie scored this wine: 89/100

Craving the elegance of wine without the high alcohol content? Try this dealcoholized organic Shiraz with just 0.5% alcohol. It's easy to drink, with a clean and pleasant taste that will satisfy your palate without the buzz. This isn’t merely fruit juice presented as wine; it’s a great alternative to traditional Shiraz, exhibiting some of those lovely wine characteristics perceived in regular wine. The nose reveals aromas of plum and red berries with hints of cedar and earthy undertones. The palate offers a dry and tart profile with field cherry notes and smooth tannins. I enjoyed my glass with a charcuterie board. Tasted June 2024.

Prestige Brut

L'Acadie Vineyards Prestige Brut Sparkling Wine 2015

Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada
748 days ago

Melanie scored this wine: 92/100

Aged for 5 years in the bottle, this traditional method bubbly from Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, is made from 100% organic estate l'Acadie Blanc, and displays aromas of bruised apple, peach tart, honey roasted almonds, jasmine, hints of pineapple, and saline minerality. Dry and medium bodied on the palate with fine bubbles, a pleasant creamy mouthfeel, and notes of crab apple and pomelo, with subtle saline notes, and a long finish. L'Acadie Blanc has similarities with Chardonnay in terms of body and some of the characteristics, in my opinion, although I find it has more of a floral, honey, and peach-apricot profile. Try this one with fried chicken, tempura fried cauliflower, or with pasta alfredo. This bottle is a treat and I loved it. Tasted Nov 2022

Melanie Lloyd

Wine BloggerVisit Melanie's Website

Unusual Wine Experience

Retsina, the greek white wine that smells and tastes like pine.

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Current Fav Wine

I love the tartness often associated with cool climate wines. Currently, I am loving Ontario wines, especially Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, and dry Riesling. I have a soft spot for Italian wine. I also love a wide range of sparkling wines, especially those made using the Champenoise method.

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award