Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Sister's Run Epiphany Shiraz 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Concentrated pleasure with dark depths of fleshy black plums and blackberry fruit. What a package, especially for this price. Winemaker Elena Brooks apparently wears steel cap work boots every day but carries a pair of high heels in case of "emergencies" (you go girl!). Pair with t-rex burgers. Drink: 2014-2018. 269464 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 93/100. April 18, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Santa Alicia Gran Reserva De Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: This Chilean Cabernet offers incredible value and depth of flavour! Lovely dark berries and plums, with espresso and smoke on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth. Luscious layers of velvet smooth dark berry fruit on the palate and great replays of flavour. Finishes with mocha, cedar smoke and dark spice. Pair with grilled chicken or pork chops. Drink: 2012-2017. 60244 14% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 26, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Haras Character Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Maipo Valley, Chile: A strong, robust red with fantastic structure. Aromas of cassis and blackberry. Drink: 2008-2012. 54502 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review
De Martino Legado Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Classic blackberry, blackcurrant and mocha with a pleasantly bitter finish. Full-bodied and supple. A remarkable wine for this price. Stock up for parties. Drink: 2010-2015. 205674 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 11, 2010 Best Value Red Wine Tied. Full Review
Michele Castellani Colle Cristi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Ca' Del Pipa, Veneto, Italy: Dried raisined cherries with a deep, luxurious layers of richness. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious aromas. A finish that says “buy me again!” Drink: 2011-2020. 222109 15.50% XD 750 mL  $45.95 Score: 96/100. August 20, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Gran Coronas Torres Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Penedès, Spain: Savoury, meaty and hearty without being heavy. This full-bodied Spanish red wine delivers well above its price point. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it offer plush aromas of fleshy ripe blackberry, cassis and black currant. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2012-2018. 36483 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 15, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Hewitt Vineyard Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied yet elegant and long. Dark fruit, savoury cedar. Some tannic grip so decant 2 hours or better yet, leave it in the cellar for a few years. Drink: 2014-2018. 80192 14.80% XD 750 mL  $168.00 Score: 91/100. July 21, 2012 Full Review
Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 2013, Lodi, California, United States: Smoky great Californian red wine made from the state's classic Zinfandel grape, and offering lusciously ripe black and purple plum aromas. Please, tell me that campfire story again as the smoke swirls around my head and the stars above us on this mid-summer night. Perfect for grilled meats. Ironstone delivers extreme value in the glass at many price points. Pair this blockbuster red with BBQ chicken or ribs. Drink: 2013-2018. 951889 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.25 Score: 91/100. March 21, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

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