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

Buy Again

Kris

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Majella The Musician Cabernet Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and savoury with fleshy, lusciously ripe black plums and blackberry. This robust Australian red wine is a beautiful blend of Cabernet and Shiraz grapes. It's layered, rich and round. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014-2018. 142018 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2015 Best Beef Wine Full Review
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Western Australia, Australia: Juicy Australian red wine with gigantic black plum and purple plum aromas and mouth-filling flavours. Smoky and mouth-watering with a sweet black plum finish. Perfect for a grilled steak or hamburger. Drink: 2014-2018. 606624 14% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 9, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2013, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Smoky campfire and mocha from generous aging in oak barrels. This red wine delivers attractive aromas of blackberries, licorice, black and purple plum notes and toasty oak. Full-bodied supple, smooth, smoky and juicy. Great for potluck gatherings and movie night. Drink: 2015-2019. 72975 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2016 Best Value Red. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Alkoomi Shiraz 2014, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: Smoke and savoury bacon on the nose and palate with fleshy, juicy black plums on the palate. Full-bodied, supple and smooth. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2016-2020. 138560 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Wits End Luna Shiraz 2014, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Enticing aromas of blackberry liqueur on the nose and palate of this dry, full-bodied Australia Shiraz from the cool climate of McLaren Vale. Savoury and meaty, yet also juicy. This wine packs a flavour punch. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2015-2020. 311258 15% XD 750 mL  $17.00 Score: 91/100. October 10, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Two Hands Wines Brave Faces Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2014, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, rich and complex with fleshy ripe cassis and wild blackberry aromas on the nose and palate of this robust Australian red wine blend Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) also known as a GSM blend. A black plum, smoky finish. Nicely done! Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2020. 660035 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 6, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2015, South Australia, Australia: A warm alcoholic intake with fleshy ripe backed plums and blackberry pie. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014-2018. 660043 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. February 9, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Zonte's Footstep Chocolate Factory Shiraz 2014, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Savoury, juicy and meaty with mouth-watering flavours of fleshy ripe blackberry and black plum. Spicy with dark pepper o the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2020. 396481 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 10, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Wits End Luna Shiraz 2015, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This blockbuster Australian Shiraz is made from grapes grown in the cool McLaren Vale, and made more interesting with a splash of Barbera grapes in the blend. Attractive aromas of blackberry and black current on the nose and palate of this dry, full-bodied wine. Savoury and meaty, yet also juicy. This wine packs a flavour punch. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2016-2021. 311258 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 16, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
13th Street White Palette 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Light and floral. Served as a chilled aperitif on a hot summer day. Drink: 2017-2019. 207340 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 6, 2018 Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Featherstone Winery Rosé 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Aromas of rhubarb-strawberry compote, tinge of sweet raspberry, mostly lovely mouth-watering juiciness. Lovely ballet slipper pink. Finishes crisp and clean. Spritely, refreshing and light with wild field berry aromas. Drink: 2016-2018. 117861 13.20% MD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 4, 2017 Best Value Rosé Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
The Wanted Zin Old Vines Zinfandel 2014, Puglia IGT, Italy: Loads of sweet chocolate and mocha on the nose of this smooth, full-bodied red wine from southern Italy's island of Sicily. Pair with Mexican mole. Drink: 2016-2018. 416487 14.50% M 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 86/100. June 9, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Monte Antico 2010, Tuscany, Italy: Juicy with black fruit and lots of acidity. Tannic grip on the palate. Pair with pasta in a meat or tomato sauce. Drink: 2013-2016. 69377 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 86/100. July 10, 2015 Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2011, Veneto, Italy: A solid value with full-bodied concentration and heft with ripe black fruit. Made using the Appassimento method. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2014-2019. 479766 14% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2015 Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Pasqua Villa Borghetti Passimento Rosso Regional Blended Red 2010, Veneto, Italy: A robust but smooth blend of the traditional grapes Corvina and Croatina. This red is amazing for the price point: rich dar red and black berries with a pleasant kick on the finish. Balanced and mouth-watering. Very food-friendly for hearty dishes and tomato sauce. Drink: 2012-2015. 141952 14% XD 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 87/100. October 31, 2012 Full Review
The Grinder Pinotage 2014, Swartland W.O., South Africa: Dark roast coffee, espresso but not sweet. This full-bodied, delicious red wine is made from South Africa's signature (and quite distinctive) Pinotage grape, a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir. This wine is dry, but it finishes with delicious flavours of dark chocolate. Pair it with grilled meats, especially chary pork chops. Drink: 2015-2017. 572107 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 17, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Borsao Crianza 2013, Campo De Borja D.O., Spain Drink: 2016-2020. 472563 14% D 750 mL  $15.95. January 27, 2017 Full Review
Lan Crianza Tempranillo 2010, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A full-bodied, supple red wine with attractive notes of black fruit. This Crianza is made 100% from Tempranillo grapes. It's value-priced and crowd-pleasing for parties. Some toasty oak on the finish. Try it with a hearty meat dish. The Spanish wine term Crianza translates to "nurture" or "upbringing" and indicates that this Rioja wine was matured for a minimum of two years before release, with a minimum of one year in oak barrels. Great value! Drink: 2013-2018. 166538 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 1, 2014 Best Beef Wine Full Review
Barahonda Sin Madera Monastrell 2014, Yecla D.O., Spain: Big sweet purple plums and blueberries on the nose and palate. Smooth and full-bodied. Black and red liquorice on the finish. Pair with gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2016-2020. 366823 14.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 9, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Alceño Premium 50 Barricas Syrah 2012, Jumilla D.O., Spain: Deep and rich with charred black fruit from oak aging, smoke, spice and anise flavours. Well-priced for this quality. Huge and full-bodied: needs grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2018. 398933 14.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. September 3, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2014, Lodi, California, United States: A gorgeously rich and full-bodied Californian Zinfandel from one of the state's top producers. Aromas of black plums, smoke and dark spice. Smooth and perfect for barbecued meats. Drink: 2014-2019. 942599 14.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 16, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review
Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Lodi, California, United States: A richly concentrated California Cabernet with ripe dark fruit and balanced toasty oak. Supple, smooth and full-bodied. Mocha and dark chocolate on the finish. Perfect with a juicy steak this evening. This California red wine has a respectable quality-price-ratio. Pair with barbecued meats. Drink: 2015-2018. 537597 13% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. January 27, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Anew Rosé 2015, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: This first vintage of this vibrant Washington State rosé was 2013. Anew Wines belongs to the respected portfolio of Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, that also includes Columbia Crest. This rosé is a blend of 83% Syrah and 17% Sangiovese grapes. Lovely notes of wild berries and clementine with juicy mouth-watering acidity for grilled seafood and veggies. Drink: 2015-2017. 451765 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 23, 2016 Best Value Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Cline Cellars Zinfandel 2013, California, United States: Love this Californian Zinfandel! Smells and tastes sweet in a juicy ripe fruit way, not cloying ... it is a dry wine. The grapes were picked super ripe for this supple, juicy red. I can't image a better wine for Hawaiian pizza. Drink: 2013-2017. 489278 14% XD 750 mL  $14.10 Score: 89/100. November 15, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Happy Hawaiian Pizza Wine Full Review
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, California, United States: Aromas of jammy purple plums 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! Drink: 2013-2016. 678698 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel 2013, California, United States: Juicy, smooth and supple Californian Zin, with fleshy black plums and blackberries and just enough of a smoky weave. Perfect for barbecued meats. Drink: 2014-2018. 359257 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. December 3, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Buried Cane Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Loads of sweet chocolate on the nose from generous oak aging. Fleshy sweet berries. Full-bodied. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2020. 402081 13.80% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 87/100. May 27, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

© 2024 Natalie MacLean