Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Vintages Release February 8, 2016

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Dessert Wine

Barao De Vilar Maynard's Vintage Port 2011, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: A lusciously rich vintage port with attractive aromas of blackberry jam and blackcurrant preserves. Enjoy after dinner on its own or with Black Forest Cake. Port food pairings: crème brûlée, fruit-based desserts, pastries, fresh field berries in cream. Drink: 2016 - 2022 432914 20% S 750 mL $45.95 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This Niagara icewine is made from Cabernet Franc thus its strawberry red hue and the aromas and flavours of black cherry, spice and blackberry pie. Very sweet though there's balancing acidity. Pair with chocolate cake drizzled with raspberry syrup. Cabernet Franc Icewine food pairings: blueberry grunt, cheese cake, Camembert, pecan pie. Drink: 2015 - 2022 53397 11% S 200 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Other Wines/Drinks

Christian Drouin Coeur De Lion Sélection Calvados, A.C., France: This French brandy delivers lots of pleasure in the glass with its amber hue and aromas of apples rolled in spices. Enjoy after dinner. Drink: 2015 - 2025 254128 40% D 700 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Nederburg Manor House Shiraz 2013, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Delicious, dark and deep. Perfect for coffee-rubbed steaks. A rich, full-bodied, coffee laden red wine that's been generously oaked. Shiraz food pairings: espresso and cocoa-rubbed flank steak, lamb cutlets, burgers with blue cheese, grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014 - 2017 68775 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ségla 2006, Margaux, Bordeaux A.C., France: The 2006 vintage was a strong one for Bordeaux and Seglas is an excellent producer. However, I believe that this wine is slightly past peak: it's worth buying if you plan to drink it soon, but it's not a cellar candidate. Mature aromas of leather and violets with tanned, dried figs and smoke. Drink: 2011 - 2016 359810 13% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Graham Beck The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Robertson, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: An attractive rich deep red hue in the glass. Aromas of dark spice and blackberry from start to finish. The former name of this wine was The Gamekeeper’s Reserve, but the wine remains as great as ever. Long finish infused with cedar smoke. Lovely cedar-rich, mint, blackberry aromas on the nose of this robust, deep red wine. Full-bodied and smooth with a kick that keeps you coming back to the glass. Pair with reading the book Out of Africa. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast leg of lamb and root vegetables, barbecued pork spareribs, sizzling New York strip steaks, veal chops, strong cheeses. Drink: 2014 - 2018 2519 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hess Family Estates Artezin Zinfandel 2013, Mendocino County, California, United States: Lip-smacking delicious. Generous aromas of sweet purple plums, blackberry, blueberry and brambleberry with some underbrush as a backdrop. While this is a big wine, it's also balanced and elegant. Finishes with blackberry and black raspberry, notes with a hint of vanilla. Zinfandel food pairings: pizza, lamb kabobs, nachos, turkey and cranberry sauce, barbecue ribs. Drink: 2013 - 2017 4887 14.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hecht & Bannier Minervois 2013, Languedoc, Midi A.C., France: Blackberry liqueur richness on the nose and palate with black plum preserves, though this robust red wine doesn't come off as sweet. Black as night and just as mysteriously exciting. Full-bodied with layers of black velvet to caress your senses and imagination. Pair with hearty meat dishes and hearty love affairs. Syrah leads in this red wine blend that also has Grenache and Carignan grapes. Finishes with smoky-great blackberry and black raspberry notes. Try it with gourmet hamburgers. Food pairings: hamburgers. Drink: 2013 - 2018 17764 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2013, Naoussa, Macedonia P.D.O., Greece: Full-bodied, smooth and juicy with aromas of dried red fruits. Lots of acidity for a wide range of dishes from lamb with rosemary to pork tenderloin. Earthy and dry. Classic Old World style, not fruit-forward. Some dark spices on the finish makes it ideal for hearty meat dishes. Xinomavro food pairings: lamb, pizza, planked salmon, paté. Drink: 2013 - 2017 764118 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Viña Chocalán Reserva Syrah 2014, Maipo Valley, Chile: Rich and full-bodied with attractive aromas and flavours of fleshy black plum and coffee-mocha. Supple and mouth-filling. Amazingly great price. Try it with grilled pork chops. Syrah food pairings: rare roast beef with oven roasted potatoes, game, cheddar, grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014 - 2018 38513 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine De La Colline Saint-Jean Vacqueyras 2012, Rhône A.C., France: A rich, deep southern French red wine with cherry liquor and cassis notes. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2016 - 2022 38661 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Black Chook Shiraz 2011, Mclaren Vale, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Aromas of blackberry preserves, blackcurrant jam lusciousness with some mint. Layers and layers and layers of pleasure. Eyes closed kinda wine. Some violets and cedar on this finish. Highly recommended. Loaded with fleshy ripe dark berries and vanilla spice from toasty oak aging. Good mouth-watering acidity on the palate leads to a clean finish. Pair with a juicy steak. Shiraz food pairings: chicken pieces in creamy gravy, rosemary lamb, pepper steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 66738 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cathedral Cellar Kwv Pinotage 2013, Western Cape, South Africa: If you don't know Pinotage as a grape very well, start with this wine. It's South Africa's flagship grape the way California has Zinfandel. Savoury notes of bacon, fleshy black cherry and vanilla smoke. It’s got a velvet texture with a dry medium-full-bodied weight and flavours of cocoa, coffee, and blackberry jam with a dark spiced finish. Smoky oak weaves it way through the wine. Lovely! Pair with: grilled lamb steaks. OTHER: Named after the Cathedral Cellar itself (imagine stained glass windows, a barrel-vaulted roof and granite-and-wood inlaid floors), this wine is aged in a cellar that was built over 80 years ago. A vibrant deep ruby wine, it's pretty on the nose and sure to be a crowd pleaser. It's brimming with black fruit, chocolate, spice and oaky shading. (VINTAGES panel, June 2015) Pinotage food pairings: grilled lamb steaks. Drink: 2014 - 2018 99267 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2012, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: A rustic, robust Italian red wine with notes of dusty earth, sun-dried tomato and ferrous aromas. Dry and mouth-watering with good acidity for tomato sauce. This is one of Piedmont's most respected wineries. Sour and tart cherry finish. Will cellar well for 7-9 years. Barbaresco food pairings: barbecued leg of lam, cheddar cheese, roasted pork loin, game birds. Drink: 2014 - 2018 155408 14% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Grange Des Combes Cave De Roquebrun 2013, Languedoc, Midi, France: Purple plum liqueur and blueberry jam on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, relatively smooth southern French red wine. Finishes with more sweet berry fruit. Pair with sweet ribs. Food pairings: pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2017 155804 14.2% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 87/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monte del Frá Lena Di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico 2014, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Sour cherry on the nose and palate of this juicy, mouth-watering red wine. Lots of acidity on the palate for tomato sauce dishes. Valpolicella Classico food pairings: rare roast beef, Parmigianino. Drink: 2014 - 2018 160226 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Puig-Parahy Cuvée Georges 2011, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.C., France: Full-bodied and savoury with attractive notes of fleshy black fruit, dark spice, anise and toasty oak. Great value for the price. This wine has not been aged in oak at all yet still exhibits an attractive smoky character. Decant for 1-2 hours. Food pairings: roast veal, lamb, beef, hamburgers, wild boar. Drink: 2013 - 2017 171025 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Peyros Tannat Cabernet 2010, Madiran, South West A.C., France: Tanned leather and black fruit with a good grip on this full-bodied red wine. Great price. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. The quality designation for this wine is AC. Tannat Cabernet food pairings: rare meats, game. Drink: 2014 - 2017 208249 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sister's Run Shiraz 2013, Lyndoch, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This wine is full bodied with concentrated dark fruits and spice, fun, but serious enough for either a formal or informal barbecue. A perky, full-bodied red that delivers lots of pleasure and no offense. Black plums berries roll across your mouth: no stops or starts, all liquid pleasure. Perfect for the barbecue. Shiraz food pairings: pork chops, roast lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2018 222018 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J. Lohr Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, but not heavy. Attractive aromas of dark chocolate, black plum and blackberry. Good mouth-watering action on the palate for food. Pair with a coffee-rubbed steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast leg of lamb, beef enchiladas, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2018 246918 14.9% D 750 mL $96.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Raymond 2013, California, United States: Full-bodied, juicy and mouth-watering with sweet cherry-blackberry flavours. Luscious layers of purple plum fruit and berries that finishes long, smoky and satisfying. This robust Californian red wine is a blend of 5 grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Sirah and Zinfandel -- thus the name "Collection". This is where field blend comes from and it's a traditional method of planting different grape varieties in a vineyard rather than just one. There are notes of blackberries and plums on the finish. Supple and polished. Aromas and flavours of blueberry pie, black raspberry jam, red licorice. I can taste a grilled hamburger with this wine., especially with sweet relish and garnishes or salsa. Food pairings: grilled hamburger topped with grilled veggies, pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 265959 13.8% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rotllán Torra Vina D'alta Qualitat 2010, Priorato D.O.C., Spain: This Spanish Crianza is savoury and juicy with great complexity and depth. Smooth and full-bodied with lusciously ripe and fleshy dark berries. If you haven't tried many wines from the Priorat region of Spain, this is a great place to start. This wine needs no coaxing out of the glass. Decant for 1-2 hours. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with steak. Food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2018 267989 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rustenberg 2013, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: A dry, robust red wine with black fruit and smoke with great weight on the palate. Nicely balanced. Try this red wine with braai, the traditional South African barbecue. Food pairings: steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 278390 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Finca Del Marquesado 2008, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Rustic with tanned leather and dried herbs. Not fruit forward, but very enjoyable. Mouth-watering acidity. Pair with juicy lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2017 384248 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pipoli Aglianico 2012, Basilicata D.O.C., Italy: A Southern Italian wine that punches well above its weight on the price-quality ration scale. This one is loaded with mocha and dark chocolate on the palate from generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth. Finishes with dried herbs and freshness. Aglianico food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2018 320507 13.5% D 750 mL $24.15 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beelgara Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Tarry, toasty oak on the nose and palate from generous oak aging. Black, brooding fleshy plums and berries. Finishes with cassis, violets, smoke, vanilla spice and oak. Smooth tannins. Pair with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef. Drink: 2013 - 2018 376855 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gayda Syrah 2013, Pays D'oc, Languedoc I.G.P., France: A gorgeous southern French red wine from the Languedoc region. Very expressive and aromatic with lovely replays of violets, fleshy blackberry and black pepper on the nose and palate. OTHER: COURTNEY FLOOD rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review: A very expressive wine at a terrific value. Dark cherry and plum with a hint of herbal mint and a dusting of black pepper. Serve with a hearty meal (braised meat or mushrooms), but don't over-pepper your dish as it will bring out too much spice in the wine. - Community Wine Reviews OTHER: VALÉRIE DUFOUR - ACCREDITED SOMMELIER rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review: Interesting nose with some aromas of lilies, "fumier" and cranberries. The paper from the Syrah is dominant in the mouth. A pretty nice affordable well-crafted wine. Two thumbs up! Like drinking a ray of light. - Community Wine Reviews OTHER: CRAIG KUZIEMSKY rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review Cranberry and earth on the nose. Cherry, plum and oak on the palate. - Community Wine Reviews OTHER: MATT STEEVES - CERTIFIED SOMMELIER rated this wine as 87/100 with the following review: Dark cherry, plum, spice, pepper, and chocolate covered raisins. Palate shows cherry, mulberry, clove, and pepper. Enjoy with charcuterie. Tasted February 2015. 87+ points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca - Community Wine Reviews OTHER: TERRY JEANS rated this wine as 87/100 with the following review: Cherries, spice, and dark fruit on the nose. Some nice fruit and pepper flavours, with medium acid and tannins. A full-bodied wine from the south of France that is good value for the type of Syrah. - Community Wine Reviews OTHER: JANE STAPLES - CERTIFIED SOMMELIER rated this wine as 87/100 with the following review: Inky dark red fruit on the nose. Graphite, ripe dark plums, forest floor elements and smoky oak on the palate. Smoky finish. - Community Wine Reviews OTHER: Domaine Gayda creates delicious, accessible, plush red wines at affordable prices. Owners Tim Ford and Anthony Record also built a restaurant and winery tasting room. Winemaker, Vincent Chansault, is very respected in the Languedoc. Gayda's vines are among the oldest in the region and will be certified organic soon. - Community Wine Reviews OTHER: Aromas of cherry, mulberry, black pepper and dark fruit with a lifted floral tone. Red fruit and pepper in the mouth. An expressive wine that delivers great value. (VINTAGES panel, June 2015) Drink: 2013 - 2018 392977 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pepperjack Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Savoury, rich and black as night with black fruit, tarry smoke and toasty oak. This packs a full wallop. Pair with gourmet hamburgers. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: veal chops, rosemary lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, chicken cacciatore. Drink: 2015 - 2019 433003 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Houchart 2013, Côtes De Provence, Midi A.C., France: A pleasant, medium-bodied smooth red wine from southern France with aromas of dark red plums and berries. Supple. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2017 438614 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States: A robust Californian Cabernet with benchmark aromas of cassis, blackberry and black currant and toasty oak. Great structure and balance with a long finish. Pair with filet mignon. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, pork tenderloin, veal chops. Drink: 2016 - 2022 438986 14.5% XD 750 mL $56.95 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pasión De Bobal 2012, Utiel-Requena D.O.P., Spain: Rustic and robust with attractive wild woodland blackberry and cassis. Good acidity. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2015 - 2019 439679 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Secret De Schistes 2011, Côtes Catalanes, Midi I.G.P., France: A rich, full-bodied southern French red wine with layers of fleshy black plum, mocha, and a gorgeous velvet texture. Layers of complexity and pleasure. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2014 - 2019 440669 15% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 92/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Merlot 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Rich and full-bodied Okanagan red wine from a respected producer. Although this is not inexpensive Merlot, there's lots to enjoy for fans of the genre. Full-bodied, supple and long lived. Pair with grilled pork chops. Merlot food pairings: flank steak, rack of BBQ ribs, veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2018 351675 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Poderi Colla Barolo Nebbiolo 2010, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: You must give this tannic Italian red wine cellar time: you'll be well-rewarded if you do. This is a turbo-charged, black rocket of a wine. Violets, tar and black fruit await your curious senses. Decant 3 hours. Nebbiolo food pairings: roast beef, roast veal, hamburgers, venison. Drink: 2019 - 2027 596890 14.5% XD 750 mL $54.75 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Masi Grandarella 2011, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: A full-bodied red wine blend featuring aromas of espresso, mocha, dried herbs and some wild tart blackberries. Robust, smooth, rich and deep. Cries out for a hearty meat dish. Food pairings: rich meat-based or baked pasta dishes, blackened leg of lamb, strong cheese, mushroom risotto with plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drink: 2014 - 2019 606921 14.5% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gemtree Uncut Shiraz 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Lip-smackingly great. Deep and delicious. Full-bodied. Lots of fleshy ripe blackberries and dark plums. Pair with hearty stews. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, hamburgers, black bean soup, cheesy pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 627844 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Crios Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: An absolutely incredible wine for the money! Juicy, savoury and delicious: full-bodied with rich layers of ripe plums, blackberry and other dark fruits. Superb craftsmanship! Pair with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 640979 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clemente VII Reserva Chianti Classico 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lots of coffee, mocha and espresso from oak aging on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, supple Italian red wine from Chianti. Pair with tomato sauce dishes. Chianti Classico food pairings: stuffed roasted turkey, steak topped pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, breaded veal cutlets. Drink: 2014 - 2018 643205 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Des Jacques Morgon Gamay 2013, Beaujolais, A.C., France: Lovely sour cherry and tart cranberry aromas and flavours, with lots of mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied and smooth. This Beaujolais re wine made from Gamay grapes needs food, like roasted chicken or grille seafood. Gamay food pairings: roasted stuffed chicken, grilled seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2017 653584 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, United States: Mocha and dark chocolate with big black plums. Full-bodied and supple. Try it with pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak. Drink: 2013 - 2018 659755 14.5% D 750 mL $189.00 Score: 91/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rocca delle Macìe Riserva Di Fizzano Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Full-bodied and tannic with a good tarry, black fruit grip on the palate. Savoury and meaty. Give it some cellar time then decant 2 hours with a hearty meat dish. Good value. Chianti Classico food pairings: medallions of veal, grilled sausage, roast chicken. Drink: 2015 - 2020 699454 14.5% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château La Nerthe 2012, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: A towering wine of heroic proportions in its structure, depth, concentration and richness. Layers of black fruit, dark spice and smoke. Some underbrush and garrigue along with black pepper on the finish. Decant 2 hours and pair with rare filet mignon. Food pairings: beef. Drink: 2014 - 2020 735407 13% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maràia Monferrato Barbera 2013, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: Fleshy black plums in this smooth, almost full-bodied red. Good with meat, plays nicely with others. Barbera food pairings: pasta with cream based sauce, fried chicken, cheesy pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2017 748277 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Concha y Toro Merlot 2013, Peumo, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Tannic with a big grip and lots of flavour. Concha y Toro produces a wide range of styles of wines in several regions. Their Marques De Casa label is consistently great year after year. This one offers big mocha and espresso aromas from the oak aging supported by fleshy ripe blackberries and black plums. Rich and smooth. It's more subtle on the nose then opens big, wide and satisfying on the palate. Try it with duck. Merlot food pairings: barbecued beef, cheese, poultry, borsch (beet soup), quesadillas, Tandoori-flavored dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2019 939827 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2014, Languedoc, Midi A.P., France: This lovely southern French rosé is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes. It's elegant, yet full-bodied for rosé and very satisfying. Freshness is everything in this wine. Grenache is ideal for rosé because it matures easily and quickly, has vibrant aromatics, yet keeps its zesty acidity for food. This grape has a short vegetative cycle and yields enough for production while keeping the fresh character. The bottle for this rosé was created in a competition for students at design schools in Paris. There is actually a rose shape and cut to the glass on bottom, as well as an elegant glass stopper on the top. pair with planked salmon or seared tuna. Rosé food pairings: field greens. Drink: 2014 - 2017 373985 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 2016. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Domaine Carneros 2011, Napa, California, United States: Solid and dependable with good value. Toasty with robust flavours of green apples. Pair with fried chicken. Food pairings: beef & root vegetable stew, grilled salmon, lobster, roast turkey. Drink: 2012 - 2017 326578 13% XD 750 mL $115.00 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Zenato Pinot Grigio 2014, Delle Venezie, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Clean and crisp with white melon and lime notes. Great aperitif. Pair it with Dover sole or fresh oysters. Pinot Grigio food pairings: linguine with shrimp and lemon oil, Caprese salad, pasta with cream sauce, grilled chicken breast, frittata. Drink: 2014 - 2017 37648 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine De Bieville Chablis 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: Lots of crisp green apple aromas and flavours on the nose and palate of this unoaked northern Burgundian Chardonnay from the Chablis region. Perfect for fresh seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 106161 12.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hervé Azo Chablis 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: Crisp and clean unoaked Old World Chardonnay from northern Burgundy with a lime finish. Pair with roast turkey. Chablis food pairings: roast turkey. Drink: 2014 - 2018 185736 12.2% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 87/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Joseph Cattin Riesling 2014, Alsace A.C., France: Crisp, fresh and clean. This medium-bodied white offers lovely aromas of white melon and lime lift. Terrific clean finish which makes it a great aperitif or companion to many dishes. Riesling food pairings: pan-fried freshwater fish , salads, beef braised with olives, chicken in orange balsamic sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2018 259788 12.4% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tiki Pinot Gris 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely lightness and lift on the nose and palate: white peach and melon with some lime zest on the mid-palate. Mouth-watering and juicy: perfect for many dishes from seafood to salad, or as an aperitif. There's a lovely green apple finish. Highly recommended. Pinot Gris food pairings: pork tenderloin, roast turkey, seafood, pasta with cream sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2017 295279 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sue-Ann Staff Loved By Lu Riesling 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp and mouth-watering with melon notes that soften the acidity with some balancing sweetness. Perfect for seafood and mild curries. Highly recommended. Riesling food pairings: seafood, mild curries. Drink: 2014 - 2018 322636 11% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beauvignac Picpoul De Pinet 2014, Coteaux Du Languedoc, Midi A.C., France: Lots of mouth-watering grapefruit aromas and flavours on the nose and palate. Refreshing aperitif or companion to seafood. Green, lime, acidic: refreshing, and mouth-watering. Medium-bodied. Picpoul de Pinet is a grape varietal as well as an AOC wine. The grapes are grown on southern France's Mediterranean coast, though this comes off as very cool climate white wine: think Vinho Verde x 10. Picpoul De Pinet food pairings: wiener schnitzel and potato salad. Drink: 2014 - 2017 350124 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Chardonnay 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A supple, full-bodied Argentine Chardonnay offering remarkable value and quality for this price point. Aromas of butterscotch and toasty oak with fleshy ripe pear and peach notes. Match this with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: Asian dishes, crab cakes, pan-fried cod, toasted ravioli in Alfredo sauce, chicken cordon bleu. Drink: 2014 - 2018 355610 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hãhã Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Crisp, refreshing and racy on the palate: exactly what you want in this style of wine whether it's served as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Fresh lime and chives on the finish. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: chicken and sage skewers, fresh tomato and basil salad, pan-fried freshwater fish. Drink: 2015 - 2017 388363 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine De Bellene 2013, Santenay, Burgundy A.C., France: Toasted almond and hazelnut on the nose of this attractive Burgundian Chardonnay from generous yet balanced oak aging. Ripe fleshy peach and pear notes. Pair with roasted turkey or chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2018 435032 XD 750 mL $51.00 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2012, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: What a rich, round, luscious buttery Californian Chardonnay! Layers of pleasure and sensory enjoyment. Aromas of pineapple, butterscotch and toasty oak. Pair with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: stuffed chicken, beef bourguignon, pasta in tomato sauce, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2014 - 2019 441071 14.2% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. February 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Classic aromas of rosewater, baking spice and lychee on the nose and palate. Very balanced yet not overdone. Viscous and mouth-filling with great layering. Finishes with baking spices and lemon zest. Pair with shellfish and mild curries. Gewurztraminer food pairings: Asian and spicy dishes, pork tenderloin topped, lighter-flavoured sea-food dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2018 904185 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Laroche Chablis 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: A crisp, refreshing unoaked northern Burgundian Chardonnay from the Chablis region. Lots of minerality and acidity with lime zest. Pair with shellfish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 22866 13% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 89/100. February 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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