Domäne Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Grüner Veltliner 2019, Wachau Qualitätswein, Austria: Domäne Wachau Terrassen Federspiel 2019 Grüner Veltliner is a classic Gruner from Austria with zesty lime zest, lemongrass, ripe pears, grapefruit and tropical fruit flavours matched with mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied and flavourable with fresh acidity for food. Pour with a stuffed pork tenderloin. Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2024. 31534 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. February 19, 2021
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Weszeli Felix Grüner Veltliner 2019, Niederösterreich, Austria: Weszeli Felix 2019 Grüner Veltliner is produced from the Niederösterreich region in Austria. On the nose the wine is showing lovely aromas of soft lemon-lime zest and white pepper, light-bodied and spritzy on the palate with subtle mineral notes. Very refreshing. Chill and enjoy on its own or with spring greens salads. Drink: 2022-2024. 18385 11.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2022
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Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rosé 2020, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From the Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment wine region, Hidden Bench Locust Lane is produced from mostly Pinot Noir in a combination of direct-press and saignée methods. The winery is certified organic and the rosé is bright, sleek and elegant with wild strawberry, rhubarb, fresh blue florals and fine herb flavours creamy on the palate. Balanced with brilliant acidity for food. Pour with grilled shrimp, chicken and creamy cheeses. Drink: 2021-2023. 68833 12.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 19, 2021
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Thirty Bench Small Lot Rosé 2019, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This terrific Ontario Rosé is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 32% Pinot Meunier, 9% Pinot Noir and 9% Merlot grapes that uses the saignée method to gently draw the colour from the grapes into the wine to create a ballet slipper pink. A lovely Niagara Rosé with aromas of field strawberries and clementine. Medium-bodied and refreshing with racy acidity for shellfish and barbecued veggies. Drink: 2020-2022. 414227 12.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. July 8, 2021
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San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Maipo Valley D.O., Chile: From the Maipo Valley wine region, San Pedro 1865 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from old vines Cab Sauv. from the Alto Maipo region of Chile. Fragrant with dark berry, dark chocolate, cigar box, smoky oak aromas on the nose. The wine was aged in oak barrels, 20% new. Beautifully-balanced with ripe dark berry, grilled herbs, earthy florals, minty and spicy notes on the palate matched with good acidity for food. Tannins are structured. Cellar for three to five years or decant two hours prior to pouring with grilled game sausages, meaty or lentil stews. Drink: 2020-2024. 37911 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. March 19, 2021
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Saint Mont Plaimont Témoignage 2017, Southwest A.C., France Drink: 2020-2022. 16208 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95. November 13, 2020
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Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier 2019, Pays d'Oc, Languedoc I.G.P., France: The Viognier grapes for Laurent Miquel Nord Sud 2019 Viognier were sourced from the Midi region in the south of France. Although Viognier is more associated with the northern Rhône Valley, this version is more floral on the nose with melon, lychee and mineral aromas. Dry with honeyed pear, apple, peachy and vanilla flavours on the palate balanced with fresh acidity on its medium-bodied frame. The wine was matured in oak barrel and stainless-steel tank. Chill and enjoy with a lobster bisque. Drink: 2021-2023. 673236 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. March 19, 2021
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Château d'Aquéria Tavel 2020, Rhône A.C., France: Château d'Aquéria 2020 Tavel is dry, full-bodied Tavel fragrant with sage, lavender, rose petals, dried strawberry and earthy aromas with a soft orange finish on the palate. Produced from mostly Grenache with Clairette, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Bourboulenc and Picpoul added to the mix. Chill and enjoy with grilled salmon . Drink: 2021-2023. 319368 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. December 14, 2021
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Domaine de la Combe Dieu 2017, Rasteau, Rhône A.P., France: Wines from the Rasteau, Rhône wine region are characterful and Domaine De La Combe Dieu 2017 does not disappoint with its ripe raspberry jam, leather and dark cherry flavours on the palate. Produced from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, as well as some old vines Carignan. Absolutely lovely! Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2024. 19542 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. May 22, 2021
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Cave de Ribeauvillé Collection Pinot Gris 2017, Alsace A.C., France: From the Alsace wine region, Cave de Ribeauvillé 2017 Pinot Gris is bright with white florals, fresh pear and honeyed almond aromas. Vibrant and lush on the palate with ripe golden apple, fresh cut hay and soft stone fruit flavours lingering on the palate. Very elegant! Chill and enjoy. Drink: 2021-2022. 390633 14% M 750 mL $19.75 Score: 90/100. June 11, 2021
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Thalia Sauvignon Blanc Vilana 2017, Peza, Greece: Crisp and fresh Greek white wine! This lovely blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Vilana grapes delivers lots of pleasure in the glass. Light, pretty and floral with notes of lilies and white melon. Lovely chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2017-2020. 273490 12% D 750 mL $13.20 Score: 88/100. April 13, 2018
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Herdade Peso Trinca Bolotas 2019, Alentejo D.O.C., Portugal: Herdade Peso Trinca Bolotas 2019 is a rich, smoky and spicy, medium-bodied Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Aragonez red wine blend with fresh blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, sweet dried tobacco leaf, savoury herbs and smoky spicy flavours on the palate. The Aletejo pig featured on the front of the bottle wanders freely in the region's oak forests, feasting on a diet rich in acorns. It's native to Europe and the only species of grazing pig Europe. So, pair this wine with roast suckling pig. Drink: 2021-2025. 431064 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. March 19, 2021
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Arca Nova Vinho Verde 2019, Vinho Verde D.O.C., Portugal: Arca Nova 2019 is a great value, vegan-friendly Vinho Verde produced from Arinto de Bucelas, Loureiro and Trajadura white wine grapes indigenous to the wine region. Crisp and refreshing with crunchy green apple, white pepper and fine mineral flavours on the palate. Chill and enjoy on its own, but the wine also has wonderful food-friendly acidity and enough character to pair with periwinkles in black bean sauce. Drink: 2021-2023. 292029 10.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. May 22, 2021
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Bodegas Hermanos Perez Pascuas El Pedrosal Crianza 2016, Ribera del Duero D.O., Spain: From the Ribera del Duero wine region, El Pedrosal Crianza 2016 Tempranillo is produced by Hermanos Pérez Pascuas. The wine grapes for this vintage ripened slowly and evenly with good acidity to match. Look for ripe and juicy dark plum, dark berry, a touch of spice with balanced acidity on the palate. Smooth, balanced and elegant. Drink: 2022-2027. 540070 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. October 8, 2022
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Beronia Viñas Viejas 2017, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Beronia 2017 is a Tempranillo, Grenache and Mazuelo red wine blend sourced from old vines in La Rioja Alta. Produced by González Byass, The winery name pays tribute to the first known settlers, the Berones, Celtic warrior people who inhabited these lands during the 3rd century. Deep ruby red in the glass, the wine is ripe with cherry, raspberry, savoury herb and dried tobacco aromas. Dry, rich with ripe red plum, raspberry, dried wild herbs, nutty, chocolate and vanilla flavours lingering on the palate. Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2024. 16587 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 94/100. March 19, 2021
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