Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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Kelly Capek

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Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage Shotfire Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied wonder is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Shiraz grapes. It packs a lot of black fruit flavour along with attractive dark spices, pepper and anise. It's concentrated, rich and deep with a long, satisfying finish. Bring it on with a prime rib dish. Drink: 2013-2017. 296582 14.70% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. August 16, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Schild Estate Old Bush Vine Gms Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2011, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Oh yum. Comfort me with mourvèdre and other old vine grapes. Rich, complex and deep: exactly what you want in a partner (and a wine). Full-bodied and smooth and inviting. The Schild family has been in the Barossa Valley for more than 60 years. Lots of complexity, depth and vibrancy in this richly rewarding wine. Drink: 2013-2018. 108183 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Pirramimma Shiraz 2011, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Very peppery Australian red wine with a black plum mantle and warming shawl of mouth-filling flavour. The superb 2011 vintage was ideal for ripening Shiraz. the grapes were selected from vineyards such as War Horse, Johnson Prolific, Bellevue and Bullrush. Finishes with vanilla bean and black pepper. Drink: 2013-2018. 987784 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 11, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, Australia: Wow, what an aromatic nose on this Australian red wine! This Shiraz features toasty oak, fleshy blackberry and plum and mocha on the nose and palate. It's full-bodied, ultra-smooth and mouth-filling. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013-2019. 477801 14% D 750 mL  $23.05 Score: 92/100. April 18, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Schild Estate Gms Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2012, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Oh yum. Comfort me with mourvèdre and other old bush vine grapes. Rich, complex and deep Australian red wine: exactly what you want in a partner (and in a wine). Full-bodied and smooth and inviting. The Schild family has been in the Barossa Valley for more than 60 years. Lots of complexity, depth and vibrancy in this richly rewarding wine. This is a blend of 45% Grenache, 28% Mourvèdre and 27% Shiraz grapes. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2013-2018. 108183 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 21, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Yalumba Viognier 2013, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Deep, resonant Viognier for those not afraid of flavour. Dare you! Beautiful and exotic with white floral notes in this vibrant white wine. It's smooth yet characterful in the mouth. Some apricot-peach on the finish. This vibrant Australian white wine is made from 100% indigenous yeasts. Kudos to winemaker Louisa Rose. Try this style and compare it to those from the Rhone region of Condrieu. Perfect for mild curries and spicy dishes, or fresh seafood. Drink: 2014-2018. 233220 13.50% XD 750 mL  $25.20 Score: 93/100. June 2, 2015 Calm Curry Wine Full Review
Schild Estate Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, Australia: Big fleshy blackberries and black plums roll off the nose of this fabulous Australian red wine, followed by savoury goodness and mouth-watering juiciness on the palate. Layers of pleasure with a long finish. Some dark spice and smoke on the finish. Oh double yum. There's some dark spice, hickory smoke-matchstick, black fruit and deeply seated longing and desire on the finish. Give this wine the filet mignon it deserves. Drink: 2013-2019. 66555 14.70% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. March 21, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Yalumba Shiraz 2014, South Australia, Australia: This organic red wine is full-bodied, smooth and delicious with aromas of smoky black plums and blackberries. Deep and rich and satisfying. Great taste for the price. It opens beautifully on the palate with rich flavours of fleshy black fruit. Some pepper and spice and everything nice on the finish. Drink: 2014-2020. 280883 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. June 25, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Outstanding Organic Wine Full Review
Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2014, Margaret River, Australia: Smoky, toffeed opulence with green apple vibrance on the palate. This is a gorgeous Australian Chardonnay from a cool climate in the country that punctuates this wine with racy acidity for food. Drink: 2015-2020. 416511 12.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 16, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Barossa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Barossa Valley, Australia: Classic cassis, black currant and wild blackberry on the nose of this seductive Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. Savoury dried herb and mouth-watering juiciness on the palate with tangy tomato and meat sauces. Great value! Drink: 2016-2020. 858795 14% D 750 mL  $22.30 Score: 90/100. June 5, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz 2014, Barossa Valley, Australia: Richly aromatic nose of violets, black plum and blueberry on this full-bodied Australian Shiraz. So juicy and smooth on the palate. Perfect for roast beef and big meat dishes. Drink: 2015-2019. 477801 14% D 750 mL  $23.05 Score: 91/100. June 5, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Wolf Blass The Entertainer 2014, South Australia, Australia: This robust Australian red wine features aromas of fleshy ripe cherry and blackberry on the nose and palate. This is a blend of Grenache and Shiraz grapes. Juicy, plush and velvet smooth. This wine is named in honour of Wolf Blass, the founder, who has both extravagant and charismatic in his mischievous sense of fun. Pair with meat lovers pizza on movie night. Drink: 2016-2019. 419994 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. December 31, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Quails' Gate Estate Winery Chardonnay 2014, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA, Canada: A creamy, rich, full-bodied BC Chardonnay. Round and supple with attractive white peach aromas and flavours. Almost full-bodied with a mouth-filling richness. Pair with scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2015-2018. 377770 13% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 90/100. July 22, 2017 Top Rated White Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Maverick Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC VQA, Canada: A crisp, clean, refreshing BC white wine made from Pinot Gris grapes. Aromas of lime, grapefruit and lemon zest. This is one the best-made Canadian Pinot Gris wines I've ever tasted. Pair with fresh seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2015-2018. 502823 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.00 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia Bc V.Q.A., Canada: Classic gewurz! Rose petal, spice and lychee aromas on the nose and palate. Very nice: balanced yet not overdone. Yay! Viscous and mouth-filling with great layering. Finishes with baking spices and lemon zest. Pair with shellfish and a clear conscience. Drink: 2013-2018. 904185 13.30% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 7, 2015 Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Chardonnay 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC VQA, Canada: Toasty oak and smoke on the nose of this full-bodied BC Chardonnay with flavours of Asian pear, golden apple and butterscotch on the palate. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2019-2021. 756956 13% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 91/100. September 16, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir 2012, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA, Canada: A satin smooth, medium-bodied BC Pinot Noir that is pure liquid seduction. Aromas of fleshy cherry and raspberry. Layered and complex with a long finish. The grapes are estate grown and selected from the winery's best vineyard parcels. The wine is aged in a blend of new to three-year-old French oak barrels for 10 months. Pair with happiness. Drink: 2022-2023. 714881 13.50% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. May 20, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Maverick Estate Winery Cross Road Chardonnay 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC VQA, Canada: Voluptuous, buttery beauty from BC! This Chardonnay has got it all: layers of peach, pear, toffee and vanilla smoke. Yes please! Full-bodied and mouth-watering with a finish that lasts. Pair with game dishes, such Cornish hen and quail as well as good ole chicken. Drink: 2014-2021. 669747 13.80% D 750 mL  $26.50 Score: 93/100. September 15, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
CedarCreek Estate Winery Gewürztraminer 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC VQA, Canada: A lovely, exotic, spicy BC Gewurztraminer with aromas of lychee, rosewater and baking spice. Perfect for Asian and curries. Drink: 2014-2018. 240978 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. December 31, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Gold Label Brut Non-Vintage, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: This BC sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes from one of the province's best producers. Toasty, refreshing and terrific. Drink: 2015-2019. 206326 12.50% XD 750 mL  $30.00 Score: 91/100. October 2, 2015 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review
Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A superb, full-bodied red wine with layers of hedonistic pleasure! The best of New World power, energy and black fruit concentration in great balance, depth and length on the finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Amazing price for this quality. Drink: 2013-2017. 322586 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Errazuriz Max Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A superb and fresh Sauvignon Blanc that combines the best of herbal refreshment and a lime citrus lift through the mid-palate and finish. So crisp and clean. Works as an aperitif or companion to fresh seafood or shellfish. Drink: 2014-2017. 273342 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. October 25, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Errázuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Terrific lusciousness on the nose and palate of this robust Argentine Cabernet. The Max Reserva line of wines delvers extraordinary value. The 2014 vintage offers aromas of ripe black plum and cassis. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2016-2019. 335174 14% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. January 31, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Chateau Pey La Tour 2010, Bordeaux, France: This traditional Bordeaux blend has Merlot (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Cabernet France (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%) grapes. Classic aromas of cassis and black currant with some pepper and smoke on the nose, palate and long finish. The 2010 vintage was a strong one and it shows in this value-priced Bordeaux. The vines are planted in calcerous-clay soils. Superb balance, depth and freshness . Pair with prime rib or a rare steak. Drink: 2014-2019. 349308 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 31, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Château Rahoul Alain Thiénot, Prop. Meritage 2010, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: Glorious richness and balance in this full-bodied, complex and concentrated Bordeaux at a bargain price (for Bordeaux). Fleshy black fruit wrapped gently in a toasty oak blanket. Long finish. Great for dinner parties and hostess gifts. Drink: 2013-2018. 226043 13% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 14, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Hugel Gentil 2012, Alsace, France: A classic, refreshing white wine with lovely notes of lime, Asian pear, white peach and grapefruit. Perfect as an aperitif or an accompaniment to many dishes. This AC-designated wine is a field blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc grapes. Drink: 2013-2016. 162841 12% XD 750 mL  $21.90 Score: 90/100. February 1, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2010, A.C., Alsace, France: Gorgeous gewurz! Lovely lychee, rose petal and light spices on the nose. Perfect for a variety of dishes, from Asian to curries. Drink: 2012-2016. 169748 12.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Perrin & Fils L'andéol Rasteau 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Savoury and delicious with smoky black fruit and cedar forest. Decant 2 hours or cellar it. Drink: 2013-2017. 976845 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 27, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Marchand-Tawse Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011, Burgundy A.C., France: A delightful, medium-bodied satin-smooth pinot noir that's produced by a partnership between one of Niagara's best wineries, Tawse, and this Burgundian domaine. Lovely tart cherry notes throughout, great mouth-watering acidity for food and a long finish. The grapes are grown mostly in Pommard vineyards, with some coming from the Marsannay district of Burgundy. This is a terrific price for Old World pinot noir. Very mouth-watering with great acidity for a wide range of dishes from planked salmon to roast chicken. Drink: 2014-2019. 285601 13% XD 750 mL  $32.25 Score: 91/100. May 10, 2014 Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Perrin & Fils L'andéol Rasteau 2011, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages A.C., France: Classic Rhone Valley red wine with signature aromas of black fruit, pepper, cedar smoke and dried herbs. Savoury and delicious with earthy rather than overtly fruity nuances. Decant 2 hours or cellar it.  Your choice; your aptitude for delayed gratification -- or not! Drink: 2013-2017. 976845 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 22, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
La Domelière Rasteau Cave De Rasteau 2012, Rhône A.C., France: Gorgeous richness in this powerful red wine at a staggeringly great price! Black fleshy plums that rub up against your senses and pleasure centre. Layers and layers of velvet richness. Mouth-filling and mouth-pleasing. Get a case. Drink: 2014-2018. 222927 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. June 21, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Château De Pierreux Brouilly 2013, Beaujolais A.C., France: Liquid gorgeous! Full-bodied, rich and complex -- so let's just get over that stereotype now of Beaujolais being light and simple, shall we? Glorious rich black cherry flavours, dark spices and yet this is super satin, sexy in texture. Pair with grilled pork chops. Yum! Drink: 2013-2016. 5496 12.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Château Haut-Monplaisir Malbec 2011, Cahors, Southwest A.C., France: A big, black (friendly) monster of a red wine from southern France. Black fruit and toasty oak with a tarry finish. Needs a big slab of steak beside it. Drink: 2014-2018. 673590 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 24, 2015 Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Château Bellevue La Forêt Rosé 2014, Fronton, Southwest A.C., France: Brought to us by Philip Grant, Proprietor, this dry, very elegant, lovely French rosé offers everything you want: great rosehip-dry cherry taste yet not overbearing. The iron and quartz content of the gravel soils in which the vines for this wine are planted are perfectly suited to the Négrette grapes used for this wine. Very balanced rosé with outdoorsy, meadow fresh aromas, including wild berries. Spectacularly great price! Perfect aperitif or companion to seafood or cold chicken sandwiches. Drink: 2014-2016. 219840 12.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 91/100. May 16, 2015 Best Value Rosé Wine. Fantastic Fried Chicken Wine Full Review
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2012, Mosel Q.B.A., Germany: Spectacularly concentrated flavours, yet not heavy and, bonus, is light in alcohol. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to German Riesling. (Though pair this zesty white wine with dishes that have a touch of sweetness like glazed ham rather than dessert itself.) Glorious pleasure that could be three times the price! Ripe peach, apricot and pear with some zingy moth-watering action. Light and fresh… float away on its flavours. Drink: 2013-2019. 596601 10% MD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 91/100. July 19, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Boutari Grande Reserve Xinomavro 2008, Naoussa, Greece: Boutari was founded in Naoussa region of Greece back in 1879. This is the Xinomavro grape that makes this particular wine. Serve at 18 degrees with meats and cheeses. Juicy with attractive mouth-watering acidity with savoury notes of dried herbs and red and black fruit. Elegant wine for many dishes. Really worth trying. Great price. Some spice and smoke on the finish. Drink: 2013-2016. 114958 12.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 14, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Tommasi Arele Parziale Appassimento 2012, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Peppery red berry fruit and a supple smooth texture. Medium to almost full-bodied. This doesn't taste like the extracted Appassimento style in a good way. Very savoury. Drink: 2014-2018. 224188 13% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 21, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2011, Abruzzo D.O.C., Italy: Tre Saggi translates to "three wise men" and both wise men and women will be smart to try this wine. Rich, dark and savoury with black cherries and smoke and lots of mocha and sweet chocolate notes. Full-bodied and luxuriously thick like a comforting blanket you wrap closer to you on a chilly night under a starry sky by the campfire. Great structure and balance. An elegant dinner party wine that won’t cost a fortune. Plus the label looks like it cost twice as much as you paid for it ;)  Great spice and smoke notes on the finish. Drink: 2013-2017. 204016 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Racy and ripe with lots of juicy mouth-watering action on the palate for pasta in tomato sauce or pizza. Aromas of tart dark berries and smoke. Decant 1 hour. Great value. Drink: 2014-2019. 219808 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 31, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Beni di Batasiolo Langhe Rosso Dolcetto Barbera Nebbiolo 2013, Piedmont, Italy: Full-bodied with good acidity for tangy tomato dishes. Dried black fruit and some dried herbs. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2013-2017. 981019 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 3, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio 2014, Venezie I.G.T., Italy: An extraordinary fresh Italian white wine, especially for this price. Wow. Vibrant aromas of lemon zest, green apples and lime-citrus. Racy, mouth-watering acidity for salads and vegetarian dishes. Highly recommended. Drink: 2014-2017. 589101 12% XD 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 90/100. October 31, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Matua Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand: Lime fresh with lemon sunshine in the vicacious New Zealand white wine made from the country's classic white grape Sauvignon Blanc. Matua was the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc grapes in New Zealand, back in 1969, and made its first bottling in 1974. Cool coastal breezes preserve the racy acidity that complements fresh shellfish. Matua is a Maori word meaning the Head of the Family. Drink: 2016-2018. 619452 13.10% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. September 18, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Kim Crawford Fizz Methode Traditionnelle 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand: All the grapes for this sparkling wine come from the Marlborough region. It's crisp and clean with lovely notes of green melon and green apple. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to seafood and vegetarian dishes. The winemaker Anthony calls 2009 a terrific vintage. Drink: 2013-2016. 381236 12% D 750 mL  $30.00 Score: 92/100. December 3, 2015 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review
Wither Hills Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand: The grapes are also sourced from New Zealand's South Island. Grassy and herbal kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, with quivering lime vibrancy. Pure, fresh, with no oak. Bring me a mega big salad or a spinach quiche ... quickly! A racy finish with a lick of citrus zest. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2015. 919514 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2014, Swartland, South Africa: Tremendous value in this South African red wine made from Syrah grapes! Aromas of fleshy rich and ripe black and purple plums with blackberry liqueur. Perfect for pizza night, especially at this price. Drink: 2014-2018. 595280 14.60% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 16, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger 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
Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvée Brut Cava, Penedès D.O., Spain: A delightful, flavourful Spanish sparkling wine from one of the country's best producers. This is a fraction of the price of Champagne, and yet performs at that level. Crisp with lime lift and a long fresh finish. Drink: 2022-2024. 392548 12% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 94/100. November 4, 2023 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Castaño Solanera Viñas Viejas 2012, Yecla D.O.C., Spain: A real stunner for the money! An alluring, seductive nose of stormy black fruit, dried herbs, and wild violets. This wine fills your mind, mouth and senses. It is a limited production wine made in the Yecla region of southern Spain. Highly recommended. Drink: 2014-2021. 276162 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.75 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Crisp, dry and fresh with a lemon-lime lift through the core of this California Sauvignon Banc. Robert Mondavi devised the name Fume Blanc for Sauvignon Blanc. Very deft/light use of oak preserves the refreshment of this wine and its versatility with food. This wine is mostly Sauvignon Blanc and with a splash of Semillon. Sixty percent of the wine is barrel fermented, and then it's all aged on its own yeast (sûr lie) in French oak for 9 months to add extra richness, creaminess and lovely dimension. The grapes are grown in the Stags Leap and Oakville vineyards. Try this wine with pasta or seafood in a cream sauce. Drink: 2014-2016. 221887 14.50% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 91/100. October 31, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2013, Lodi, California, United States: Aromas of purple plum preserves and blueberries on the nose. The palate opens up luxuriously, smooth and full-bodied with more lip-smacking tasty flavours of dark fruit. An amazing wine for BBQ ribs or chicken wings. Fire up the grill! The wine is named for the gnarled 35-80 year old vines from which the grapes are sources: these vines produce fewer, but more richly flavoured fruit. Produced by Delicato Family Vineyards. Drink: 2015-2018. 678698 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. December 12, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Charles Smith 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Love this Walla Walla rose! Aromas of cranberry, rhubarb and perky, tart wild red berries. Mouth-watering and juicy, and exactly what you want (need) on a warm summer day. Pair with planked salmon or grilled chicken. Drink: 2014-2016. 340521 13% XD 750 mL  $18.00 Score: 90/100. April 15, 2015 Full Review
Beringer Waymaker 2012, Paso Robles, California, United States: Wow, this is a terrific blend of mostly Syrah grapes, but also some Cabernet Sauvignon for structure. Paso Robles tends to be warmer on average than Napa, and so the fruit here is riper and the wine richer in the glass. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2012-2018. 631861 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. April 16, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2013, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Cline's Zinfandel grapes are sourced from dry-farmed vines planted more than 100 years ago, thus deserving the name Ancient Vines. The depth and concentration of that aging vine wisdom shows in the glass. Notes of blackberry and toasty, black fruit, tar, smoke and toasty oak. Full-bodied. Perfect for BBQ meats and a campfire. This is a truly mouth-filling wine. Big, long finish like a Broadway number... it's a dazzling kick-line for the senses. Warm, sunny days and cool nights along the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers provide unique growing conditions to produce robust, intense red wines. Drink: 2013-2018. 719211 15% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 4, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Enigma Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California, United States: Exceptional quality and taste for this price point! This robust Californian Cabernet offers aromas of black plum and cassis. Perfect for grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014-2017. 428847 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. December 3, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
The Dreaming Tree Crush Red 2013, North Coast, California, United States: Fleshy ripe purple and black plums and blackberry preserves on the finish. Luscious, full-bodied, smooth and juicy. Very Zinfandel-like this this is a blend of red grapes. Pair with barbecued meats. Drink: 2014-2017. 310391 13.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. April 19, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Central Coast, California, United States: Juicy, purple plum lovely Californian Cabernet. This Cab seems to have been hanging out with Zinfandel: so luscious, rolls off the tongue. Pair with barbecued meats. Drink: 2015-2020. 392225 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 26, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2013, Lodi, California, United States: A juicy, full-bodied Californian Zinfandel with generous aromas and flavours of black plums and blackberries. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2013-2019. 942599 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 31, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California, United States: Very juicy and succulent Californian Cabernet with terrific aromas of fleshy ripe black and purple plums. Smooth and layered on the palate. Great value for this price. Pair with hamburgers or meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2014-2018. 534263 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 3, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Merlot 2013, California, United States: Fleshy ripe plums and blackberries. Juicy, layered and full-bodied. Perfect for grilled lamb or pork chops. Drink: 2014-2018. 622837 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. December 3, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

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