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

Wine Picks January 19, 2021

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


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.

Argentina

Trapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Mendoza, Argentina: A bold and juicy Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina. Intense blackberry, cherry, nutty and fresh herb flavours on the palate. Tannins are firm. Nice now but better in another year to give the wine time to come together. Very promising. Pair with grilled burgers or tortiere. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef bourgignon, roast veal stuffed with wild mushrooms, meat lover's pizza. Drink: 2020 - 2024 568865 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Desquiciado Malbec 2017, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A vibrant, medium-bodied Malbec with juicy blueberry, savoury herbs, fine velvety tannins and good acidity for food. Malbec food pairings: roast chicken, ribs, beef bourgignon, roast goose. Drink: 2021 - 2023 631820 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Catena Chardonnay 2019, Mendoza, Argentina: Love this juicy and well-priced Argentinean Chardonnay with ripe pear, buttercream, citrus zest and toasted oak spice flavours on the palate. About 60% of the wine was aged in oak on the lees while the remainder was done in stainless steel. Bright and vibrant, pour with grilled chicken breasts Dijonnaise. Chardonnay food pairings: roasted stuffed chicken, seared scallops, pasta with primavera sauce, fish and chips. Drink: 2021 - 2022 918805 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. January 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Heartland Stickleback Red 2018, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: A great value red blend under $15 made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz with a smattering for Dolcetto. Full-bodied and smooth with dark berry, plum compote, smoky and savoury finishing with toasty oak spice on the palate. Pour with a slow-braised, smoky brisket dish. Red food pairings: steak, cheeseburgers, roast boar, game burgers. Drink: 2021 - 2024 116574 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Lackey Shiraz 2018, Australia, Australia: A luxurious, full-bodied Shiraz with dark cherry, chocolate, ripe blackberry, meaty, minty, cracked pepper and toasty oak spice flavours finishing with oak spice. Pair with a roast leg of lamb. Shiraz food pairings: spiced beef dishes, spicy ribs, lamb cutlets with piperade and goat cheese, hamburgers, black bean soup. Drink: 2020 - 2024 5199 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Yalumba Organic Viognier 2019, South Australia, Australia: Produced from organically-grown Viognier wine grapes, fragrant with orange blossom, exotic spice, bright citrus aromas. On the palate, the wine is creamy and rich with ripe apricot, sweet spice and nutty flavours. Vegan and vegetarian friendly. Viognier food pairings: Moroccan couscous; grilled pork chops with mango chutney, pork tenderloin en croute. Drink: 2021 - 2022 288217 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. January 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Colab and Bloom Shiraz 2018, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Wow, what a beautifully rich Shiraz, lush and luxurious on the palate with ripe blackberry, cherry compote, earthy cocoa and nutmeg spice flavours. Mouth filling and elegant. Pour with ribs from the grill. Shiraz food pairings: grilled rib eye steak, lamb chops, rolled roast of veal. Drink: 2021 - 2024 16043 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Austria

Zull Grüner Veltliner 2018, Weinviertel D.A.C., Austria: A subtle Grüner Veltliner with honey, vanilla and soft citrus aromas on the nose, elegant with tropical fruit, peach and soft orange zest and a clean mineral finish. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: quiche, salads topped with herbed goat cheese, eggs Benedict, fish tacos. Drink: 2020 - 2022 17497 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. January 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Seven Stars Polaris 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columia, BC V.Q.A, Canada: A gorgeous, nervy BC bubbly with notes of lime zest and green apple. Long, persistent mouse and finish. Pair with shellfish. Food pairings: fresh shellfish, hors d’oeuvres, a creamy Bleu d’Avergne or Cambozola cheese. Drink: 2019 - 2024 13% D 750 mL $35.97 Score: 93/100. January 2021. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Okanagan Crush Pad Haywire Free Form Vin Gris 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: This Vin Gris was made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in Summerland, harvested in late-October. The wine was whole-bunch pressed into concrete tanks and fermented with native yeasts, then bottled unfiltered. Floral on the nose, smooth and savoury with fine herb, light cherry and red berry flavours on the palate. Vin Gris food pairings: cold turkey sandwiches, grilled chicken breast, salads. Drink: 2021 - 2022 15738 13.6% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 91/100. January 2021. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva Carmenère 2015, Apalta, Colchagua Valley D.O., Chile: A lovely nose of fleshy ripe black plums and berries. Full-bodied, smooth and supple. Grapes are grown on 60 year old vineyards. Pair with roast beef. Carmenère food pairings: lamb chop casserole, stuffed breast of veal, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2024 481010 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Gerard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Viognier 2018, Pays D'oc, Roussillon I.G.P., France: A lovely, juicy Viognier with floral, honey apricot, ginger aromas on the nose, dry with lemon zest, soft orange, ripe stone fruit and cake spice flavours on the palate. Great acidity for food. Pair with mild and medium curries. Viognier food pairings: grilled shrimp, lobster, crab cakes. Drink: 2019 - 2023 147975 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

François-Xavier Nicolas Pere et Fils Cairanne Entre Restanques et Garrigues 2016, Cairanne, Rhône A.P., France: Produced from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, look for a mouthful of ripe and spicy strawberry, raspberry, cherry, earthy florals and savoury herb flavours on this intense Rhône red. Finishes smooth and satisfying. Food pairings: roast pork, ribs, burgers, pizza. Drink: 2021 - 2023 15449 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Beauchene Vignobles de la Serrière Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017, Rhône A.C., France: A rich CNDP produced from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre wine grapes, vinified in stainless steel tank and aged 70% in neutral oak barriques and 30% in stainless steel for one year prior to release. Beautifully rich on the nose with ripe dark cherry, red berry and savoury herb aromas, vibrant on the palate with dark cherry, black currant, fine herbs and savoury spice flavours. Good now, better in 2021. Châteauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: roast beef, rack of lamb, duck confit. Drink: 2022 - 2028 310168 14.7% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 94/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villebois Wines J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Val De Loire, Loire I.G.P., France: From the Val de Loire wine region, this fragrant Sauvignon Blanc is fresh on the nose with ripe apple, citrus zest, fine herbs and mineral flavours finishing zesty and citrusy on the palate with good acidity for food. Pour with brunch, herbed quiches and goat cheese. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: green salads topped with goat cheese and warm baby beats, quiches, brunch fare, fish tacos. Drink: 2021 - 2021 15774 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Seigneur de Grezette Malbec 2016, Cahors, Southwest A.P., France: Wow, this is a juicy Malbec with lots of rich dark berry, plum, fine herbs flavours finishing spicy and vibrant on the palate. Tannins are rich and firm. Try in 2021. Malbec food pairings: roast chicken, pizza, tourtière, beef bourgignon. Drink: 2021 - 2024 645374 13.3% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vignerons de Buxy Buissonnier Bourgogne Chardonnay 2018, Burgundy A.C., France: An elegant and traditional Chardonnay from the Burgundy wine region. Dry, medium-plus-bodied with ripe apple, white florals, zesty citrus, buttery and flinty mineral flavours on the palate finishing. Pour with seafood ravioli in a creamy sauce. Chardonnay food pairings: seafood and pasta, roast chicken, lobster in butter. Drink: 2021 - 2023 10349 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. January 2021. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Brunely Cairanne 2018, Cairanne, Rhône A.P., France: A full-bodied 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Carignan and 5% Cinsault red wine blend from the Rhône wine region. Look for spicy cherry, strawberry, raspberry, wild herb flavours savoury, smooth and mouth-watering on the palate. Cairanne food pairings: grilled bavette steak, veal stuffed Porcini mushrooms, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2021 - 2024 15520 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Tariquet Classic Blanc 2019, Côtes De Gascogne, Southwest I.G.P., France: Rich and mouth-filling with dried white summer flowers, lemon pudding, grapefruit and savoury herb flavours zesty on the palate with good acidity for food. Classic Blanc food pairings: seared tuna steaks, salads, creamy cheeses. Drink: 2021 - 2021 175240 10.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Relax Pinot Noir 2019, Pfalz, Germany: A lovely, smooth, juicy German Pinot Noir. Aromas of cherry and cranberry. Perfect for roast turkey or chicken. Drink: 2020 - 2023 670546 12% D 750 mL $14.00 Score: 89/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Greece

Vaeni Naoussa Grande Reserve Xinomavro 2013, Naoussa, Macedonia P.D.O., Greece: Produced from 100% Xinomavro with the same aromas and tannic structure as from the Italian Nebbiolo wine grape. Fragrant on the nose with bright red cherry, citrus zest, rose petals and red berry aromas. Dry, medium-bodied with sweet red cherry, dried tobacco leaf, savoury herbs and subtle spicy flavours on the palate. Made for a roasted leg of lamb. Xinomavro food pairings: pork tenderloin, charcuterie, lamb kebabs. Drink: 2020 - 2024 15849 12.7% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. January 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Bertani Catullo Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2016, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A smooth and fragrant Valpolicella Ripasso Classico produced from 75% Corvina, 15% Corvinone and 10% Rondinella with ripe cherry, cedar spice, mint and vanilla aromas, full-bodied and generous on the palate. Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore food pairings: meat-lover's pizza, ribs, rich tomato sauce and meat pasta. Drink: 2021 - 2024 17777 13.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Valle dell'Acate Iri da Iri Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 2013, Sicily D.O.C.G., Italy: Love this 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato from the Sicily wine region. Intense on the nose with ripe dark fruit, cherry and dried tobacco leaf aromas, generous on the palate with ripe blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry, cedar spice and vanilla flavours. Nicely done! Food pairings: game roasts, roast partridge, bison burgers. Drink: 2021 - 2024 14637 13.5% XD 750 mL $108.00 Score: 93/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cafaggio Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A youthful Chianti Classico awarded DOC designation in 1716, though wines have been made there since the 15th century. Produced from 100% Sangiovese wine grapes. Bright and rich with cherry liqueur, raspberry, spicy and savoury herb flavours on the palate. Tannins are firm on this food-friendly red made for a meaty lasagne or pasta dish. Chianti Classico food pairings: hearty stews, fricassee chicken, slow-cooked brisket. Drink: 2020 - 2024 176776 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 87/100. January 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Renato Ratti Langhe Brigata Chardonnay 2019, Langhe, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: From the Langhe wine region, a fragrant toasty Chardonnay with apple pie, baking spice aromas on the nose; ripe pear, pastry, cinnamon, nutmeg, buttery, clover honey, mineral and vanilla flavours that linger on the palate. Very fine and tasty. Pour with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, duck confit, brunch fare, quiches, salads. Drink: 2021 - 2021 29023 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. January 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nals Margreid Punggl Pinot Grigio 2018, Südtirol, Alto Adige D.O.C., Italy: A zesty, old-vines Pinot Grigio with peach, pear, ripe tropical fruit, soft citrus, spicy and mineral flavours smooth, creamy and full on the palate. Chill and enjoy with fish tacos. Pinot Grigio food pairings: fried chicken, spring salads with fruit vinaigrettes, duck a l'orange. Drink: 2021 - 2021 395756 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. January 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mastroberardino Irpinia Aglianico 2018, Irpinia, Campania D.O.C., Italy: A 100% Aglianico vibrant red wine from the foothills of Mount Vesuvius in Campania. Earthy and rich with ripe blackberry, black cherry, plum flavours finishing smoky on the palate and with great acidity for food. Pour with roast duck. Aglianico food pairings: wild boar cacciatore, chocolate chili, baked eggplant, venison. Drink: 2021 - 2024 93112 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. January 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2018, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: From the Tuscany wine region, a mouth-watering, medium-bodied red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese wine grapes, lip-smacking and savoury with dark cherry, plum, toasted nut and dusty herbs flavours finishing silky and smooth on the palate. Food pairings: prime rib, hearty meat stews, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2021 - 2025 147876 12.5% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 91/100. January 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2016, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: A savoury, medium-plus-bodied Barolo produced by the Ratti family of La Morra. Fragrant with crushed wild violets with sour cherry, cocoa, anise, baking spice flavours elegant on the palate. The wine is still quite youthful with firm but fine tannins. Try in 2024. Barolo food pairings: coq au vin, orzo risotto, spezzatino. Drink: 2024 - 2034 713479 14.5% XD 750 mL $75.95 Score: 97/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pietra Pura Mandus Primitivo Di Manduria 2018, Puglia D.O.P., Italy: This is a rich and juicy Zinfandel produced from select grapes from the area of San Marzano in the Salento region of Puglia. Smooth and lush with ripe blueberry, red berry, plum, vanilla, toasty oak spice finishing with a whiff of smoke on the palate. Primitivo Di Manduria food pairings: grilled meats, game, aged cheeses. Drink: 2021 - 2024 216457 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. January 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Riserva Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A great value, robust Chianti Classico produced from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot wine grapes. On the palate, look for ripe, bright cherry, raspberry, plum, dark chocolate, anise, toasted nut and vanilla flavours. Tannins are firm. Good now, better in 2021. Chianti Classico food pairings: stuffed roasted turkey, steak topped pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, breaded veal cutlets. Drink: 2021 - 2024 643205 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zaccagnini Tralcetto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018, Abruzzo D.O.C., Italy: Excellent value on this full-bodied and rich Montepulciano D'abruzzo with ripe dark plum, blackberry, cassis, cedar spice, mocha and smoky flavours. Pour with smoky cheeses. Wine grower, Marcello Zaccagnini, founded this winery in 1978. Montepulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: Mexican mole, grilled sirloin steak, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2021 - 2024 396382 12.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2019, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Great value on this vibrant Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand, zesty with sour cherry, red berry, blueberry, violets and cake baking spice flavours finishing silky smooth on the palate. Pinot Noir food pairings: barbecue roasted herbed chicken, roast beef, brisket, turkey, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2021 - 2023 60137 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mount Riley Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Love the grassy, gooseberry nose on this vibrant Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand's Marlborough wine region. Vibrant on the palate with fresh melon, green pepper, fine herb and lemon zesty flavours finishing long and mouth watering. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: salads topped with chucks of edam cheese, herbed goat cheese on baguette, grilled shellfish. Drink: 2021 - 2021 447425 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 95/100. January 2021. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza 2015, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A great value Rioja Crianza produced from hand-harvested Tempranillo wine grapes. Smoky with ripe cherry, tobacco leaf and vanilla aromas on the nose with dark cherry, red berry, vanilla and spicy flavours velvety on the palate. Drink or hold. Pair with a roast Porchetta. Food pairings: prime rib roast, hearty winter stew, meat lovers pizza , spicy sausage. Drink: 2021 - 2025 383018 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trago Largo Monastrell 2018, Alicante D.O., Spain: A full-bodied, fruity and smooth unoaked Monastrell ready to enjoy now. Silky on the palate with dark cherry, blackberry, raspberries and anise flavours. Monastrell food pairings: roast pork, gourmet burgers, tourtière. Drink: 2021 - 2023 16579 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Juan Gil Yellow Label Monastrell 2018, Jumilla D.O., Spain: The 4 Meses translates to 4 months and is how long the wine was aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels giving the wine a gentle toastiness on the palate. Produced from 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) from vines planted at an altitude of 700 metres above sea level in Jumilla, this is a full-bodied red with a mouthful of ripe dark fruit, dark cherry finishing smoky and savoury on the palate. Monastrell food pairings: veal chops in creamy white wine sauce, veal schnitzel, Osso Buco, veal liver and olives in rose sauce. Drink: 2021 - 2025 13656 14.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Follas Novas Albariño 2019, Rías Baixas D.O., Spain: A bright and zesty Albariño with citrus-lime zest, green apple, fine herbs and briny mineral flavours on the palate. Pour with calamari, crab cakes and fish tacos. Albariño food pairings: grilled fish dishes, pasta and seafood, salads. Drink: 2021 - 2022 488981 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. January 2021. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castillejo de Robledo Silentium Crianza 2015, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: From the Ribera Del Duero D.O., Castillejo de Robledo Crianza 2016 is produced from 100% Tempranillo and was aged up to 12 months on its lees. The wine is dry, vibrant and full-bodied with juicy, ripe red fruits, savoury herbs, pepper and anise spice flavours creamy and long on the palate. Excellent value. Crianza food pairings: roast leg of lamb, venison flank steak stuffed with herbs, meat stews. Drink: 2021 - 2025 24077 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. January 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Iris Vineyards Pinot Noir 2016, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: A complex, juicy and dark Pinot Noir, toasty on the nose with ripe dark cherry, blueberry, earthy cocoa, toasted nut and subtle dried herb flavours on the palate. Good acidity for food. Pour with veal medallions in a rich wild mushroom sauce. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal chops, roast turkey, duck confit. Drink: 2021 - 2024 15576 13.8% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. January 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marietta Cellars Román Estate Grown Zinfandel Petite Sirah Barbera 2016, North Coast, California, United States: A full-bodied, zesty Zinfandel with a splash of Petite Sirah and Barbera added to the mix, juicy, lush and generous with dark cherry, plum, baking spice and meaty flavours on the palate. Great value on this burger and ribs red. Zinfandel Petite Sirah Barbera food pairings: pork roast, sausage cassoulet, burgers, ribs. Drink: 2021 - 2024 17153 14.9% XD 750 mL $43.00 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2017, Paso Robles, California, United States: From Paso Robles, an 86% Merlot and 14% Malbec blend plushy with ripe plum, chocolate, ripe dark berry, blueberry, juicy, savoury and spicy on the palate. The wine was matured for 12 months in American oak barrels. Pour with grilled veal chops. Merlot food pairings: veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb, grilled pork chops, Tandoori-flavored dishes. Drink: 2021 - 2024 10459 13.5% D 375 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

One Stone Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Paso Robles, California, United States: A vibrant, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend with a splash of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Intense and juicy on the palate with ripe blackberry, plum, violets and cocoa flavours. The One Stone brand was started by Amanda Wittstrom Higgins. A portion of wine sales goes to One Stone support Dream Big Darling, a non-profit organization to help foster the careers of women in wine. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: meat-lover's pizza, ribs, Bistecca Florentine, roast goose. Drink: 2021 - 2025 16462 14.1% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United States: This is the half-bottle (375 ml) format of this delicious Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir with dark cherries, earthy florals and vanilla flavours finishing spicy and toasty on the palate. Medium-bodied and satin smooth like lingerie. A supple red wine with cherry-berry mouth-filling wonder and flavours. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, roasted pork loin, roasted and braised lamb, chicken stuffed with asparagus and goat cheese, venison burgers. Drink: 2021 - 2023 732040 13.9% XD 375 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Luke Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Opulent and smooth with blackberry, dark cherry, sweet dried tobacco leaf, mocha and cedar spice flavours wrapped up in a whiff of smoke. Tannins are fine-grained. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: smoked meats, crown roast of pork with all the trimmings, tourtière. Drink: 2020 - 2024 15855 14.1% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. January 2021. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Lodi, California, United States: Love this smoky Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lodi. Full-bodied and supple with lots of juicy dark berry fruit, ripe black currant, vanilla and dark chocolate flavour on the palate. A great value, California Cab under $20. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast gamebird stuffed with olives and wild mushrooms, crown roast of pork, lamb casserole. Drink: 2019 - 2025 537597 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. January 2021. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bonterra Chardonnay, Mendocino County, California, United States: Smooth, creamy with ripe tropical fruit, toffee caramel flavours on the palate, buttery mouthfeel matched with vibrant acidity. I love this Chardonnay from Bonterra. Balanced and tasty with a lingering smoky and nutty finish. Pair with fresh steamed lobster in a drawn butter. Right! Chardonnay food pairings: scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, grilled seafood, spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken. Drink: 2019 - 2022 342436 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. January 2021. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean