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

Vintages Release April 14, 2018

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


Argentina

Fabre Montmayou Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: Very dry, dusty, grippy tannins on the palate of this savoury, juicy Argentine red wine. A full-bodied and pleasant Cabernet, with Bordeaux leanings and styling in its balance, elegance and restraint. Aromas of black fruit with balanced use of oak. Good price. Pair with rare steak. The 2015 vintage of this Argentine Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon sources grapes from the region of Lujan de Cuyo. Lots of hearty black fruit aromas, smoke and tannin. Decant 2 hours. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast leg of lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2022 261891 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Escuela La Grava Malbec 2014, Mendoza, Argentina: Sourced from the foothills of the Andes, Malbec is Argentina's most emblematic red grape variety. This wine is a terrific value! Rich and full-bodied with notes of blackcurrant, mulberry, black raspberries and smoky oak. Malbec food pairings: roast beef, beef bourgignon, stew and shepherd's pie. Drink: 2018 - 2022 547851 13.8% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2016, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied palate-whacker from Australia, with aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Shiraz food pairings: roast game meats, bison burgers, grilled chicken breast. Drink: 2018 - 2024 327379 14% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Hedonist Shiraz 2014, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Produced by Walter Clappis Wine Co., this is a huge Australian red wine. Lots of dark fruit, smoke and pepper on the finish. Down Under intensity and concentration of flavour. Savoury, meaty and juicy with luscious layers of black fruit. This is a big-boned wine, yet balanced. Love the replays of fleshy blackberries and plums across the palate. Signature McLaren Vale Shiraz with smoky, toasty oak and charred black plums in an attractive way. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Shiraz food pairings: Greek marinated lamb ribs on the grill, souvlaki, spanakopita pie. Drink: 2018 - 2024 90191 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trust Shiraz 2012, Victoria, Australia: Dark black fruit and toasted, chary oak: hot climate shiraz for those who love a full palate whack. Strong nutmeg and clove finish. This huge Australian red wine is fruit grown in the Heathcote (52%) and Goulburn Valley (48%) regions. Pair with a rare steak. Shiraz food pairings: charbroiled steak, grilled vegetables, meat stews. Drink: 2018 - 2022 371468 14.2% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 89/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Margan Family Hunter Valley Sémillon 2016, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: A gorgeous, exotic white wine from Australia's cool climate Hunter Valley. Aromas of lanolin, lime, beeswax and melon. The vines for this wine were planted back in the 1960s, and the grapes reflect the depth of flavour and character of 40-year-old rootstock. The winery is fully accredited for environmental sustainable initiatives through Entwine. Pair with veal or roast chicken. Sémillon food pairings: spaghetti Carbonara, buttered lobster on toast, smoked whitefish on baguette. Drink: 2017 - 2020 493338 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

3 Rings Shiraz 2014, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: The high alcohol is evident with the heat on the palate of this rich, full-bodied Australian Shiraz. Attractive aromas and flavours of fleshy ripe black plum and blackberry liqueur with toasty oak. Shiraz food pairings: hamburgers, espresso and cocoa-rubbed flank steak, black bean soup, cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2020 15495 14.6% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2016, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Gorgeously rich and full-bodied with layers of pleasure. This Niagara Chardonnay offers aromas of toasted almond and hazelnut, freshly baked bread and golden apple. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, lobster in butter, sweet pea soup, smoked fish. Drink: 2018 - 2021 616466 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. April 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Fleshy ripe cherry aromas and flavours on the palate of this mouth-watering Pinot Noir. A lovely, medium-bodied, smooth Niagara red wine made from the classic Pinot Noir grape. Lots of ripe fruit on this vintage. Fleshy ripe black plum aromas on the nose with cedar spice. Could also cellar for a few years. Very respected winemaker. Pair with roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, veal chops, grilled duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote. Drink: 2018 - 2023 130989 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Malivoire Wine Company Gamay 2016, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lusciously ripe and juicy, cool-climate Niagara Gamay. Wild blackberries on the nose. Medium-bodied and supple and smooth. Pair with roast chicken or turkey, even planked salmon. Gamay food pairings: grilled salmon, antipasto plate, meaty tomato based pasta. Drink: 2016 - 2019 591313 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maverick Estate Winery Sparkling Ella, Okanagan Valley, V.Q.A., Canada: Gorgeously rich and textured BC sparkling wine with aromas of toasty goodness and green apple. A blend of Chardonnay Pinot Noir grapes. Amazingly well crafted. Yes please! Drink: 2017 - 2022 13% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 92/100. April 2018. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Contraband Chardonnay Sparkling, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Golden apple fresh on the nose; with a yeasty, beery flavour on the palate... finishes like a pilsner beer. Pair with oysters. Chardonnay Sparkling food pairings: cold turkey sandwiches, Caesar salad topped with grilled prawns, smoked salmon bennies. Drink: 2017 - 2019 443705 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. April 2018. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vieni Gamay Noir 2016, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A smooth, medium-bodied Niagara red wine made from the Gamay Noir grape. The vines are planted in the Vinemount Ridge. Aromas of tart wild red berries and spice. Lots of racy acidity. Pair with roast chicken or veal. Gamay Noir food pairings: farmer's style pork chops, slow-cooked pork ribs, braised lamb shanks. Drink: 2018 - 2019 498519 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wildass Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Round and supple with soft acidity and some honeysuckle notes. I like it, but it's not typical Sauvignon Blanc with grass and herbal notes. A lanolin, lemon butter finish. Pair with seafood dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: poached salmon, green salads topped with goat cheese, steamed shrimp. Drink: 2018 - 2019 376814 12.9% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Tragically Hip Ahead By a Century Chardonnay 2016, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A pleasant, easy-drinking white wine made from the Chardonnay grape by Stoney Ridge Winery in Niagara (Vineland). This wine honours The Tragically Hip's album Ahead by a Century. Aromas of melon and apple with some butterscotch from oak aging. Chardonnay food pairings: mushroom and onion risotto, grilled pork sausage, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2022 483875 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Michel Gassier Les Piliers Syrah 2015, Costières De Nîmes, Rhône A.C., France: This French red wine is made from Syrah with a splash of Viognier grapes to lift the mid-palate. This Southern Rhône wine is dry and savoury, made from vines that the winemaker called "the Pillars." A smooth, supple almost full-bodied southern French red wine. Violets and black currant aromas. Good acidity and balanced structure. Pair with grilled lamb. Syrah food pairings: rare roast beef, spice-braised lamb, cheddar, grilled pork chops. Drink: 2018 - 2024 678086 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Jadot Chablis 2015, Burgundy A.C., France: Lots of racy o the palate of this Old World unoaked Burgundian Chardonnay from the northern region of Chablis. Notes of white melon and lime. Pair with shellfish. Chablis food pairings: grilled, herbed chicken, grilled seafood, salads. Drink: 2018 - 2022 468751 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Les Clous 2015, Meursault, Burgundy A.C., France: Excellent balance and elegance on this Chardonnay. In Meursault, gentle hillside slopes are exposed to the morning sun and this area is particularly known for their exceptional white village wines. Les Clous vintage 2015 is one of these. The word “clos” is very similar to the word “clos”, describing a walled vineyard. This is classic Old World chardonnay with tremendous balance and finesse. Enticing aromas of green apple and freshly baked bread. Food pairings: lobster, chicken, salads, roast turkey. Drink: 2018 - 2024 661322 13.5% XD 750 mL $62.95 Score: 92/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Haut-Monplaisir Malbec 2012, Cahors, Southwest A.C., France: This southern French red wine from the Cahors region is made from 100% Malbec grapes. Deeply concentrated in flavour, weight and texture. A brooding black-fruited wine with full-bodied texture. Black plums and berry notes with a hint of black pepper. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with grilled meats. Malbec food pairings: steak, game, hamburgers, pork tenderloin with a wine reduction sauce, grilled lamb chops. Drink: 2018 - 2022 462374 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Bouscassé 2013, Madiran, Southwest A.P., France: Produced by Alain Brumont, Proprietor, this southern French red wine from the 2013 vintage is drinking at or near peak. It's a blend of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. Rich and round southern French red wine with notes of mocha and blackcurrant. Perfect for grilled meats and game dishes and duck breast. Food pairings: grilled lamb chops, Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2018 - 2020 743385 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier 2015, Pays D'oc, Languedoc I.G.P., France: 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. 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. Try it lobster in melted butter. Viognier food pairings: Thai coconut shrimp, lamb tangine, smoked ham, mild spices and curries. Drink: 2018 - 2021 673236 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Pinot Gris 2015, Alsace A.C., France: A full-bodied version of this much-loved Pinot Gris with attractive aromas of fresh tree fruit and mixed baking spices, and a touch of sweetness it makes a perfect match for maple-glazed ham and caramelized sweet potatoes or Asian dishes This pinot gris has fantastic aromas and flavours of sweet peach and pear. Balanced acidity. Perfect for spicy chicken dishes too. Pinot Gris food pairings: seafood, spicy chicken pakoras, blue-veined cheese, dried fruits and nuts, moderately spicy ginger pork. Drink: 2018 - 2020 260240 12.5% M 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château De La Rivière 2012, Fronsac, Bordeaux A.C., France: A robust red wine blend that checks in at 14.5% alcohol, though you don't taste that heat on the palate. Rustic and cedary with wild blackberry notes. Richly concentrated and dense. Food pairings: roast rosemary lamb, rabbit fricassee, roast grouse. Drink: 2018 - 2022 653147 14.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Ponciago La Réserve 2015, Fleurie, Beaujolais A.C., France: Crisp and tart with aromas of sour cherry and cranberry. Lots of mouth-watering acidity for tangy dishes. Medium-bodied and supple. Very balanced and pleasant. This winery's history began in 949 AD, when it was donated to the Abbey of Cluney. The winery's name is Latin. Food pairings: roast turkey, slow-braised brisket, roast, herbed pork butt. Drink: 2018 - 2021 299917 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marie-Pierre Manciat Brut Crémant de Bourgogne, Burgundy A.P., France: Toasty, robust and muscular with lime zest, green apple and baked bread. Pair with scallops. Brut Crémant De Bourgogne food pairings: lobster thermidore, pulled pork sammies, grilled meats, lamb stew. Drink: 2014 - 2018 402362 12.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Domdechant Werner Hochheimer Riesling Kabinett 2015, Rheingau Prädikatswein, Germany: A Rheingau Riesling with concentrated orange blossom and dried apricot on the nose. You can sniff this one all day and not get tired of it. But, at some point you want to drink this beautifully balanced, crisp Riesling with its apricot compote, pink grapefruit and lemon curd with a long citrus a flinty minerality finish. This wine has some age on it already, but it could cellar for a few more years to further develop all of its complex layers together. Try it with some light curry dishes or smoked fish. Stunning concentration of orange blossom essence and dried apricot. Lovely lightness yet packed with flavour. Pair with seafood. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: light curry dishes, pad Thai, smoked fish. Drink: 2018 - 2023 722413 12% MS 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Greece

Domain Mega Spileo 2011, Achaia P.G.I., Greece: A juicy red wine from Greece with mouth-watering acidity, black fruit and some smoky notes from oak aging. Made from grapes that grow in vineyards that have produced wines for more than 500 years. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: lamb shish kebab, spanakopita, roast veal. Drink: 2018 - 2022 466110 13.5% XD 750 mL $30.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico 2014, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This savoury Italian wine from the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region is a robust blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes from vines planted in schist and sandstone marl soils. The wine was aged six months in 50 hectolitre oak casks before being transferred to French oak barriques for another 6 months of maturing. A delicious Tuscan red wine with a firm tannic grip on the palate that will smooth out for 2-3 more years cellar aging. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Chianti Classico food pairings: prime rib steak done rare, lamb souvlaki, game burgers. Drink: 2018 - 2024 476317 13.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pighin Pinot Grigio 2017, Friuli Grave D.O.C., Italy: Pighin 2017 is a dry, crisp, fresh and clean Pinot Grigio from the Friuli Grave Wine Region in northern Italy. Ideal for the patio weather, outdoor dining or brunch fare like a mixed field greens salad. Clean and crisp Italian white wine with lemon and grapefruit notes, no heavy oak. This medium-bodied one has a fresh finish with some notes of white pear. Lovely minerality on the finish. Pinot Grigio food pairings: pan-fried freshwater fish, salads, frittata, basil pesto, herbed chicken breast. Drink: 2018 - 2020 987545 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Very mature with lots of acidity and chalky tannin. Tanned leather and dried herbs on the nose and palate. Decant 2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: roast pork, venison stew, lamburgers. Drink: 2018 - 2023 306852 14% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Braccesca Nobile Di Montepulciano 2014, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Pleasant and full-bodied with black charred fruit, oak, smoke and some juicy acidity on the mid palate. Pair with meat lasagna. Nobile Di Montepulciano food pairings: spicy sausage casserole, meaty lasagne, leg of lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2024 566216 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zenato San Benedetto Lugana 2016, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A zesty northern Italian white wine with notes of grapefruit, lime and lemon zest. Racy acidity on the palate for shellfish. Food pairings: roast turkey, planked salmon, pasta in cream sauce. Drink: 2017 - 2019 707158 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. April 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo 2015, Salento, Puglia I.G.T., Italy: The southern Italian wine region of Puglia is home to the Tormaresca winery established by the Antinori family in 1999. The 2015 vintage of the robust Primitivo Torcicoda hails from a strong vintage. Balanced, almost restrained for Primitivo aka the Italian version of Zinfandel. Black plums and blackberries with a smooth, supple texture. The grapes are farmed organically. Perfect for roast beef. Primitivo food pairings: acorn squash apples and cabbage bake, stuffed zucchini with herbs tomatoes onions and garlic, stuffed baked tomatoes. Drink: 2018 - 2021 320929 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ornellaia 2014, Bolgheri, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: Feral with underbrush, wild mushroom and truffle notes. Earthy, dark and complex. Needs cellar time. Pair with truffle accented risotto and wild boar while you're lounging in Piedmont. Food pairings: wild boar roast, grilled venison steak, roast saddle of rabbit. Drink: 2017 - 2022 722470 14.5% XD 750 mL $199.95 Score: 94/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Prunotto Barolo 2013, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: A stunning red, ready to drink now though it will last 15+ years. Notes of tar, black fruit, truffles and violets. There's classic Barolo style here with massive structure, depth and concentration. Pair with truffle risotto and wild boar. Barolo food pairings: filet mignon, pork tenderloin, pizza, pasta, hard cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2024 540079 13.5% XD 750 mL $40.95 Score: 94/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal and grassy great! This ultra-refreshing New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has so much character. Medium-bodied, no oak, pure enjoyment. Pair with shellfish. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled shrimp, grilled chicken breast, vegetarian pizza, quiches. Drink: 2016 - 2018 10421 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

São Miguel Escolha Dos Enologos 2015, Vino Regional Alentejano, Portugal: A savoury, full-bodied Spanish red wine with a firm tannic grip on the palate that will smooth out with some cellar time then decant 1-2 hours. This is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Alicante Bouschet grapes. Winemakers are Nuno Franco and Alexandre Relvas. Aromas of dark red berries, smoke and dried herbs. Pair with grilled lamb. Food pairings: vegetarian lasagne, veal parmesan, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2024 445122 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Periquita Reserva 2015, Vinho Regional Setubal, Portugal: This juicy and soft-tannin red wine is made from the Periquita red wine grape which is also known as Castelão or João de Santarém. The grape is found primarily in the south coastal regions but is grown all over Portugal and is sometimes used in Port wine production.A full-bodied red wine from the Vinho Regional Peninsula De Setúbal. Robust, with aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Excellent value. Pair with roast beef. Food pairings: braised beef dishes, turkey, soft cheese, roasted pork, lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2022 488007 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: This Chenin Blanc produced by Ken Forrester is an elegant South African white wine made from Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc grapes. The grapes are hand-picked and sustainably farmed, with no herbicides or pesticides. The vines average 35 years of age. This wine is barrel and tank-fermented then aged on its lees for 9 months to add more richness. Wonderful mouthfeel and smoothness met by crisp acidity on this wine. Clean and fresh like an early spring breeze. Mouth-watering, medium-bodied and crisp. Terrific white peach and floral notes. I continue to be impressed with South African Chenin blanc: it's a lovely change from other whites. Great for after an evening dip in the pool. Quince and orange zest on the finish. Chenin Blanc food pairings: white fleshed fish, Greek salad, game, grilled pork, salmon tartare served on homemade crisps. Drink: 2018 - 2022 231282 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Cvne Imperial Reserva 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Very tannic now, but give it some cellar time and it'll be glorious. Also you'll still need to decant it when you do open it -- 1-2 hours. Aromas of smoke, leather, tanned leather, savoury herbs and blackened fruit. This wine is mostly made from Tempranillo grapes and is aged for 12 months in French and American oak casks. Pair with grilled lamb. Food pairings: roast rosemary lamb, bison burgers, roast grouse. Drink: 2020 - 2027 424390 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Urbina Reserva Especial 2001, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Pleasant but fading fast so drink now. Earth, dust, smoke and leather not fruit in this full-bodied, smooth Spanish red wine made from Tempranillo Graciano and Mazuelo grapes grown in the heart of the Rioja region. This wine was aged in French and American oak for 24 months. Pair with lamb. Food pairings: roast chicken, roasted root vegetables, meaty stews. Drink: 2017 - 2018 10494 14% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 89/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barón de Ley Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2010, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A full-bodied Rioja with great finesse, elegance and length. The 2010 vintage tastes like it's starting to fade so drink it now. Love the tertiary aromas of tanned leather, cigar and violets. Mouth-wateringly juicy for a wide range of dishes from lamb to roast beef. Highly recommended. Tempranillo food pairings: roast leg of lamb, roast beef, venison steak and sauteed wild mushrooms. Drink: 2018 - 2025 642496 13.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 89/100. April 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ego Bodegas El Gorú Monastrell Syrah Petit Verdot 2015, Jumilla D.O.P., Spain: Purple and black very ripe plums and some mocha and dark chocolate from oak aging. Supple, smooth and full-bodied. Pair with grilled pork chops. Monastrell Syrah Petit Verdot food pairings: beef burgers, stuffed flank steak, grilled flat iron steak. Drink: 2016 - 2020 443945 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Duckhorn Wine Company Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Sonoma County, California, United States: This Cabernet Sauvignon from California needs some cellar time; 10% Merlot was added to the blend, which gives soft plum and cherry flavours to the wine as well. If drinking now, decant for a couple of hours prior to serving with a slab of marbled steak done rare. A robust Californian Cabernet with firm tannins and structure. Aromas of cassis and black currant. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: veal chops, rosemary lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, strong cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2022 186171 13.9% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 92/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Paul Hobbs Winery Pinot Noir 2015, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United States: Sweet raspberry jam aromas on the nose of this luscious Californian Pinot Noir. Fleshy ripe with black cherry notes on the palate. Doesn't taste hot even though the alcohol is 14.2% which is high for Pinot Noir especially from a cool climate region like Sonoma's Russian River Valley. That's because this wine is packed with everything: fleshy depth, complexity, and layers and length. Some spice on the finish. Pair with roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, roasted pork loin, tourtière. Drink: 2018 - 2025 119081 14.2% XD 750 mL $99.95 Score: 94/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Crema Chardonnay 2016, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Superb! Classic Californian Chardonnay with toast, oak and green apple on the nose. Full-bodied, and generously layered. Generous flavours of pear and peach on the palate with a long, dry finish and a hint of wild white flowers. Sonoma Coast vineyards enjoy a long, cool growing season due to the moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean, and its fogs and winds that blow inland. This is perfect for slowly ripening grapes to develop complex flavours and nuances without lots of sugar that translates to heavy alcohol. Perfect for roast chicken or mild curries. Chardonnay food pairings: pasta, hodge podge, lobster with mayonnaise, roasted chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2021 962886 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. April 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bonterra Zinfandel 2016, Mendocino County, California, United States: Wine grapes for this Zinfandel from Mendocino County, California were organically grown and have had time to fully ripen. Bonterra is a full-bodied Zinfandel, full-flavoured and elegant. This Californian Zinfandel is made by a winery that practises sustainable viticulture, but that's not its main selling point - flavour is! Big, juicy black fruit wrapped lovingly in a warm blanket of toasty oak. This wine would make even cold pizza (topped with free range chicken of course) taste good. Zinfandel food pairings: farmer's style pork chops, slow-cooked pork ribs, crown pork roast. Drink: 2018 - 2023 530139 15% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hess Collection Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: This well-respected Californian winery sources grapes for this wine grown in the Allomi Vineyard which is planted in the gently rolling hills of southeastern Napa Valley. The warmer, elevated benchland benefits from an extended growing season for Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied red wine from Hess Collection Winery offers lovely intense flavours of mocha, plush plums and berries. So very tasty and happy. Perfect for movie night. Terrific concentration, depth and richness with a satisfyingly long finish. Pair with herb-crusted chicken. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: gorgonzola topped sirloin, grilled veggies, herb-crusted poultry, hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2022 906420 14.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir 2014, Carneros, California, United States: Ultra-juicy with a cherries jubilee festival for your mouth! So lively yet balanced. This winery is supreme at classic Champagne and Burgundian grapes, including Pinot Noir but also Chardonnay (and when they blend together in their sparkling wine). Not overly sweet cherry flavours make this so palatable on it's own or with roast chicken and other dishes. Almost full-bodied, smooth, satin and supple. A steal at this price. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, roasted pork loin, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2018 - 2022 925925 13.5% XD 750 mL $27.75 Score: 93/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Silenus Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: A classic Californian cabernet with aromas of mocha and dark chocolate from oak aging, followed by fleshy blackberries and some warmth from the high alcohol. Full-bodied, layered and intense. Decant this baby for 2 hours then pair with rare filet mignon. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, braised pork shanks, veal chops. Drink: 2018 - 2024 422394 14.5% XD 750 mL $99.95 Score: 90/100. April 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Lodi, California, United States: This is a smoky, spicy, full-bodied and beefy Cabernet Sauvignon. Tannins are relatively smooth. Dark chocolate, mocha and sweet black plums on the nose and palate of this robust Californian red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that grow on vine stock 337 vines. Sweet blackberry on the finish. Pair with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: savoury pot roast, roast boar, rich beef stew. Drink: 2018 - 2023 483321 14% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 89/100. April 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


© 2024 Natalie MacLean