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Wine Picks January 12, 2017

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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.

Argentina

Piattelli Vineyards Reserve Malbec 2013, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied Argentine red wine made from the country's grape Malbec. Charred blackened fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Malbec food pairings: grilled ribs, burgers, lamb, grilled sausages. Drink: 2014 - 2017 455808 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 86/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trivento Amado Sur Malbec Bonarda Syrah 2014, Mendoza, Argentina: Bursting with aromas of black fruit, smoke and tar. This wine needs cellar time and decanting of 2 hours. Pencil led and black fruit on the finish. Malbec Bonarda Syrah food pairings: robust dishes of beef, pork or lamb. Drink: 2017 - 2020 37036 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2014, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Minty cool on the nose with wild blackberry and brambleberry on the palate. Full-bodied, smooth and supple with richness and depth that is very satisfying. Shiraz food pairings: rare roast beef, lamb, pizza, barbecued pork spareribs. Drink: 2016 - 2020 673897 14.5% D 750 mL $17.75 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Austria

Nikolaihof Wachau Terrassen Grüner Veltliner 2017, Wachau, Austria: A lovely yeasty, freshly baked bread note on the nose of this vibrant, beautifully balanced Austrian white wine made from the country's iconic Gruner Veltliner grape. Fresh, racy acidity to take on seafood and shellfish as well as vegetarian dishes. This wine is Demeter certified, and is made using biodynamic farming principles which go well beyond organic methods to respect the earth and the people making this wine. Highly recommended. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: asparagus salad with spring greens, grilled halibut, pan-fried perch. Drink: 2019 - 2029 85274 11.5% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 93/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

13th Street Gamay Noir 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Ultimately gulpable with delicious layers of dark berries. No oak on this fresh and vibrant Niagara Gamay Noir. Dark berry aromas. Round and smooth. Perfect for meaty sausages and game meats. Gamay Noir food pairings: grilled salmon, antipasto plate, meaty tomato based pasta, roasted turkey. Drink: 2017 - 2020 177824 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marynissen Chardonnay 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Founders John and Adrianna Marynissen planted the vines for these vinifera grapes back in 1975, and so they were among the first of producers to plant and make Chardonnay in Niagara. This vibrant Niagara white wine is a mostly Chardonnay, but also includes some Chardonnay Musqué which gives it a lift and floral note. Very balanced and medium-bodied. Pair with roast turkey or chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: chicken Alfredo, seafood, vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2016 - 2019 907683 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Reif Pinot Noir 2013, Niagara River, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Attractive earthy, peppery notes with nicely balanced tannins on this Niagara red wine made from the classic Pinot Noir grape. I love bitter cherries: they spice life. Forget all that flabby sweet fruit… wake up your mouth and senses with a wine like this one. Silky, medium-bodied and saucy. Tart cherries and pepper. Perfect for veal or lamb dishes. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb chops, roast leg of lamb, onion tarte. Drink: 2017 - 2020 282889 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Calamus Estate Winery Barrel Kissed Chardonnay 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lots of generous oak aging on this Niagara Chardonnay with aromas of butterscotch, toffee, caramel, vanilla smoke and toasty oak. Pair with grilled chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: pork tenderloin, pasta with tomato sauce, beef bourguignon, cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2017 330613 12.9% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Santa Carolina Reserva Estate Pinot Noir 2015, Leyda Valley, Chile: A juicy cherry-berry Chilean Pinot Noir. Medium-bodied and smooth with sweet cherry flavours. It's hard to get pinot at this price. Pair with grilled chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: savoury pot roast, roast boar, rich beef stew. Drink: 2015 - 2018 480574 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vina Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Pinot Noir 2016, Casablanca Valley, Chile, Chile: Luscious and full-bodied Chilean Pinot Noir, with terrific depth of flavour and length on the finish. This is New World style all the way: fleshy ripe black cherries dance across your palate and play with your senses. Fabulous dinner party or gift wine that will appeal to many people. Try it with grilled chicken or planked salmon tonight. This wine has won the International Wine Challenge's Trophy for Chilean Pinot Noir and the Trophy for Chilean Red for previous vintages. Pinot Noir food pairings: mushroom dishes, planked salmon, roast chicken, basil pesto. Drink: 2018 - 2024 957836 14% XD 750 mL $34.30 Score: 93/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Château Du Chatelard Les Chalandières 2014, Beaujolais A.C., France: Cherry-berry and bubblegum on the nose and palate of this light-bodied French wine from the Beaujolais region made from the classic Gamay grape. The grapes are hand picked at harvest from old vine Gamay Noir vines. Food pairings: grilled, stuffed pork chops, pork tenderloin en croute, onion tarte. Drink: 2015 - 2018 468702 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Du Meix-Foulot Clos Du Château De Montaigue 2013, Mercurey, Burgundy A.C., France: Wood spice and smoke on the nose from oak aging with attractive sour and fleshy ripe red cherry and berry on the palate. Medium-bodied and smooth. Food pairings: grilled lamb chops, slow cooked beef ribs, roast breast of veal. Drink: 2016 - 2020 123927 13% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier 2014, Pays D'oc, Midi I.G.P., France: Very pretty French white wine, with floral notes, melon and lychee. Terrific minerality. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity. Viognier is such an aromatic white wine grape, perfectly suited to Asian and Thai dishes, as well as to a wide variety of mild to medium curries and spices. Although Viognier is more traditionally associated with the northern Rhône Valley, it's finding lovely expression in the Midi region, a bit more to the south in France. Try it lobster in melted butter. Viognier food pairings: Thai coconut shrimp, lamb tangine, smoked ham, mild spices and curries. Drink: 2016 - 2018 673236 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Xavier Cuvée Anonyme Châteauneuf Du Pape 2012, Rhône A.P., France: The robust 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme features aromas of black fruit, smoke, graphite and earth. Very full-bodied with firm tannins. Good cellar candidate. Decant 2 hours and pair with rare steak. Châteauneuf Du Pape food pairings: tri-tip sirloin roast, Mediterranean rub flank steak, grilled hangar steak.. Drink: 2016 - 2022 471714 14% XD 750 mL $62.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sablet 2014, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhone A.C., France: This full-bodied southern French red wine from the Rhone Valley is a blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes. Deep violet hue in the glass with seductive notes of black plum and cedar along with full-bodied goodness on the palette. One to drink and enjoy, not to analyze. Finishes with black raspberries, dried herbs and terrific minerality. Pair with cured meats. Food pairings: slow-baked brisket, BBQ long beef ribs, venison steak. Drink: 2016 - 2022 78790 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

André Aubert Visan Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2014, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhone A.C., France: This robust southern French red wine from the Rhone Valley is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah grapes. Aromas of black cherry, dark berry, dark spice and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: meat lover's pizza, vegetarian lasagna, veal cutlets in rich tomato and wine sauce. Drink: 2017 - 2020 224915 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Lagrange 2012, Lussac-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: This classic Bordeaux red wine from the terrific 2012 vintage offers black fruit, rust and toasty oak on the nose. On the palate it has a strong grip from big tannins. This will need some years to smooth out, but even then you should decant 2 hours when you open it and pair with a juicy rare steak with lots of protein to tame the tannin. Produced by Marie-Christine Courrech, Exploitante, this Right Bank Bordeaux red wine from the district of Saint Émilion leads with Merlot grapes in the blend, as most wines do from this area. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: rare rib roast, venison stew, rabbit au vins. Drink: 2016 - 2022 230391 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Heritiers Dubois Chenin Blanc 2015, Vouvray, Loire A.C., France: Absolutely delightful! And although the sugar code is medium sweet, it comes off as medium-dry due to the vibrant, balancing acidity. Lovely, light and delicate French white wine yet not wimpy on flavour. Subtle white floral notes. This isn't as pungent as Viognier can be. Terrific aperitif or companion to light seafood. This off-dry French white wine from the Loire Valley, though this tastes very dry and has a lot more body and character than would belie the moderate 11% alcohol. Serve with fresh cuts of cold ham, cheeses and pate. Finishes with white floral notes and green citrus highlights. Chenin Blanc food pairings: green salad, fresh seafood, any shellfish. Drink: 2015 - 2018 390708 11.5% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Bouscasse 2009, Madiran, South West A.P., France: Rich and round southern French red wine with notes of mocha and blackcurrant. Perfect for grilled meats and hearty dishes. Food pairings: steak, stew, roast. Drink: 2011 - 2015 743385 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jeff Carrel Saveur Verte 2014, Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon I.G.P., France: Crisp, fresh with lime zest and lime floral/blossom notes. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Amazing price. Perfect for shellfish. Food pairings: green salad, fresh seafood, any shellfish. Drink: 2016 - 2018 462481 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Georgia

Koncho Kindzmarauli Kakheti Saperavi 2014, Georgia: As long as you're prepared for the sweetness uncommonly associated with a red wine, you'll enjoy it. It's savoury and tasty and ripe red berry fruit. Great for meaty dishes with a touch of sweetness to them or a glaze. This Georgian late-harvest wine is made from the country's indigenous Saperavi grape, whose name means "paint dye" due to its naturally dark colour. The "Kindzmarauli" designation means this wine is of high quality and is a naturally semi-sweet. Saperavi food pairings: sweet and warm curry dishes, spicy dark chocolate, chocolate covered ginger. Drink: 2016 - 2020 13961 13% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 85/100. January 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Teliani Valley Teliani Valley Saperavi 2014, Kakheti, Alazani Valley, Georgia: Sweet red wine is an acquired taste. If you’ve acquired it, this is your wine. Lovely sweet cherries and blackberry liqueur. This is a terrific wine to sip on after dinner with or without dessert. Saperavi food pairings: oriental duck salad, stir fried duck and lemon and orange zest, Mandarin duck salad. Drink: 2016 - 2020 143578 13% MS 750 mL $16.95 Score: 85/100. January 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Coli Riserva Chianti Classico 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Rustic and robust with wild berries and some smoke. Juicy with lots of acidity. Pair with tangy tomato dishes. Chianti Classico food pairings: Margherita pizza, vegetarian lasagna, cannelloni with three cheeses. Drink: 2016 - 2020 436949 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jorio Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2013, Abruzzo D.O.C., Italy: Made from 100% Montepulciano grapes and then the wine was aged for 11 months in oak barrels. A pleasant, smooth, medium- to full-bodied Italian red wine for a great price. Dark fruit aromas and toasty oak. Finishes with black cherries, anise and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Montepulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: meat lasagna, veal liver with sautéed onions, sausage casserole. Drink: 2016 - 2019 134577 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quercecchio Rosso Di Montalcino 2014, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: A vibrant ruby red hue in the glass. Very juicy and mouth-watering with a lot of acidity. Nice price for this full-bodied Italian red wine. This vibrant Italian red wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, the iconic grape of both Chianti and Brunello. Lots of black fruit and smoky notes here. Let's have pizza right now please! Rosso Di Montalcino food pairings: Margherita pizza, vegetarian lasagna, cannelloni with three cheeses. Drink: 2016 - 2020 394973 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rocca Di Frasinello Poggio Alla Guardia 2013, Maremma, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: A rustic, robust Italian red wine with good acidity and notes of dark berries. Pair with pepperoni pizza and meaty lasagna. Food pairings: pepperoni pizza, cassoulet, vegetarian lasagna. Drink: 2016 - 2019 25718 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dal Cero Pinot Grigio 2015, Delle Venezie, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: The vines for this refreshing white wine are planted at the edge of the Lessini mountains. Very tangy on the palate, with a saline finish. Refreshing, clean and crisp with no heavy oak and buttery notes. Great aperitif. Some vibrant green apple notes on this finish. Pair with freshly caught white fish dishes, seafood and salads. Some clementine zest on the nose with racy acidity on the palate. Good price. Pinot Grigio food pairings: herb-and-olive-oil pastas, mild vegetable curries. Drink: 2015 - 2017 672401 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michele Chiarlo Le Orme Barbera d'Asti 2014, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Concentrated, chary black fruit, smoky oak and mocha on the nose of this robust Italian red wine. This northern Italian red wine is designated Superiore and is aged for 8 months in oak barrels and then another 4 months in the bottle before it's released from the winery to the market. Pair with rare meats. Barbera D'asti food pairings: cheesy pizza, roasted pepper, tomato and pasta casserole, grilled Italian sausages. Drink: 2016 - 2020 265413 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Allegrini Soave 2015, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: This crisp Italian white wine has lots of racy acidity no the palate. This Soave is made from the Garganega grape. The Allegrini has produced a balanced, easy drinking aperitif. Chill well. Soave food pairings: pan-fried fish, crab cakes, bouillabaisse. Drink: 2015 - 2017 30189 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 86/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Calcagno Feudo Di Mezzo Nerello Mascalese 2011, Sicily I.G.T., Italy: Considered the Sicilian version of Pinot Noir with its tart cherry flavours, smooth texture and mouth-watering acidity, this is liquid gorgeous. The difference is a lot more alcoholic heft and warmth. So lovely. Pair with pork tenderloin. Nerello Mascalese food pairings: ravioli, beef stew, pizza, pork chops. Drink: 2014 - 2022 408187 14.5% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 93/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cantine Leonardo Da Vinci Chianti Riserva 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A full-bodied Italian red wine with lots of juicy, mouth-watering acidity for tomato sauce and pasta. On the palate, attractive black fruit flavours with toasty oak. Finishes with vanilla smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Chianti Riserva food pairings: grilled steak, stuffed pork chops, spaghetti Bolognese. Drink: 2016 - 2020 19698 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This is the half bottle format of this wine (375 ml): perfect for nights on your own, or when you and your dining companion want to share a glass and half each before trying another wine from the estate. Simply gorgeous! Aromas of black truffle, wild violets and dark, smoky berries. This savoury and juicy Italian red wine with a racy acidity on the palate that's perfect for pasta in tomato sauce, spicy sausages, pizza and lasagna. Aromas of tart black cherry, spices and everything good in a Tuscan kitchen when it's cookin'. Great concentration and depth of flavour on the palate. This blockbuster is in serious need of cellar time. This full-bodied red wine features aromas of blackberry, black plums, smoky oak and tar. It's fairly smooth, though this will improve with aging. Decant for 1-2 hours when you open it. A powerful and classic Italian red wine. Pair with prime rib. The Frescobaldi name is one of the best known in the Tuscany region, and this wine delivers on the promise. Great structure, balance and length. It's produced from severe selection, low yield Sangiovese grapes grown on the winery's estate vineyard in the heart of Tuscany. The wine is aged for three years in large oak casks and then another 6 months in bottle before being released from the winery. The Frescobaldi family have been winegrowers since 1300. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: pasta in meat sauce, spicy sausages, grilled meats, game. Drink: 2016 - 2022 35295 14.5% XD 375 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Mount Riley Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This white wine is herbal and zesty! Medium-bodied, no oak, great for seafood and vegetarian dishes. Vibrant aromas of gooseberry and grapefruit on the palate, with lots of mouth-watering acidity for a range of dishes from salads to seafood. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: chicken Alfredo, seafood, vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2016 - 2018 981670 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Man Vintners Free-Run Steen Chenin Blanc 2015, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: Vibrant South African white wine made from the country's aromatic and iconic Chenin Blanc grape, called Steen in the country. It's made from the winery's first, most flavourful and delicate free-run juice. This wine has lime energy and lift. Some green apple through the mid-palate with some white melon on a long finish. Amazing for the price point! Pair with fresh seafood. Chenin Blanc food pairings: pizza, white fleshed fish, mild sausage, Greek salad, game. Drink: 2016 - 2018 126847 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Goatfather 2014, Coastal Region, 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: 2016 - 2019 11072 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Rio Madre Graciano 2014, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A terrific, full-bodied red wine at a staggeringly great price! This is a DOCA wine and is produced by Bodegas Y Vinedos Ilurce. Loaded with black pepper, fleshy dark fruit, mouth-watering action and layers of lip-smacking flavours. This wine was matured in French oak and made from 100% Graciano, a native Spanish grape enjoying a resurgence in popularity. This is modern and complex Rioja red wine. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Graciano food pairings: Montreal spices, turkey with cranberry sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2020 354753 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodríguez Sanzo Rodriguez Sanzo Crianza 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A rustic, big-boned Spanish red wine with a gutsy heart and palate of black fruit and toasty oak and a tarry finish. Produced by Rodríguez Sanzo, this robust Spanish red wine is made from the Tempranillo grape. A total of 70,000 bottles were produced. The vines are planted in soils that are 120 million years old and planted at high altitudes. Pair with grilled meats and a big growl. Food pairings: lamb chops, roast leg of lamb, Leberkase. Drink: 2016 - 2020 359968 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Olivares Altos De La Hoya Monastrell 2014, Jumilla D.O., Spain: A tasty and full-bodied red wine with black and dark red fruit aromas and flavours. Monastrell is also known as Mataró or Mourvèdre in other regions, and usually creates rich wines of great depth and concentration. Try it tonight with pepperoni pizza. The vines for this full-bodied red wine are grown at a high altitude of 825 metres above sea level on ungrafted vines which imparts both intensity and balance. Monastrell food pairings: meat lover's pizza, vegetarian lasagna, veal cutlets in rich tomato and wine sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2022 163154 14.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Cline Cellars Viognier 2015, North Coast, California, United States: Viognier's home is in the northern Rhone Valley, but it also thrives in California, especially in Sonoma. Viognier is known for its exotic and vibrantly perfumed aromatics. Lychee and rosewater and baking spices, especially nutmeg. An aromatic, floral white wine with good balance and a nice finish. Try it with mild curries and Asian dishes. Good price. Viognier food pairings: crab cakes with mango chutney, mild curries, pork tenderloin en croute.. Drink: 2016 - 2019 128421 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

William Hill Chardonnay 2014, North Coast, California, United States: Melting butter on warm, freshly baked bread on the nose of this lovely, rich Californian Chardonnay with layers of luscious flavour. The winery's Coastal Collection of wines included bottlings beyond their Napa Valley stronghold. Notes of vanilla toffee and golden apple. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. The Chardonnay grapes for this Californian white wine are grown in the hidden vineyards of the North Coast and Central cost in the state. Finishes with stone fruit, caramel and pear. A luscious, opulent finish. Chardonnay food pairings: toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce, lobster in melted butter, cheese, grilled seafood. Drink: 2016 - 2019 437251 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Lodi, California, United States: Dark chocolate, mocha and sweet black plums on the nose and palate of this full-bodied Californian red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that grow on vine stock 337 vines. Sweet blackberry on the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: savoury pot roast, roast boar, rich beef stew. Drink: 2016 - 2020 483321 14.5% XD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 88/100. January 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: A robust, cedary southern Californian red wine from the Paso Robles region. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. This family-owned winery has aged this wine 20 months in oak barrels. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015 - 2020 693838 13% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. January 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Folie à Deux Chardonnay 2014, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied and luscious Californian Chardonnay with attractive aromas of toasted almond, butterscotch and golden apple. Pair with roasted chicken or turkey. Folie a Deux translates to a passion shared by two. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from Sonoma's coveted Russian River Valley where the Pacific Ocean fog moderates vineyard temperatures. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster in butter sauce, pan-fried cod, pork tenderloin, egg dishes. Drink: 2016 - 2019 146951 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. January 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Wet stone after a spring rain plus lemon zest and lime refreshment. Love this zingy Washington state white wine made form classic Riesling grapes. Fantastic value. Pair with fresh Dover sole in melted butter. A crisp and refreshing Washington state white wine from the varietal they do best: Riesling. Lots of racy juiciness on the palate for food like shellfish. The Columbia Valley region is experiencing surging popularity among wine drinkers. Riesling food pairings: roast chicken, spicy pasta dishes, shrimp tempura, grilled salmon with lemon sauce, duck liver pate. Drink: 2019 - 2020 685651 11.5% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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