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

Wish List

Deborah Podurgiel WSET IV Candidate

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Fort Berens Estate Winery Meritage 2010, Lillooet, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A balanced, full-bodied red from a blend of 70% merlot, 25% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. It offers aromas of blackcurrant and cassis with some spice on the finish. The tannic grip is still strong so decant for 2 hours or try to give it another year in the cellar. This winery has a lot of potential. Drink: 2012-2016. 78113 14.50% M 750 mL  $26.99 Score: 88/100. June 22, 2012 Full Review
Sperling Vineyards Old Vine Pinots 2017, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC VQA, Canada: Another terrific, crisp wine from winemaker Ann Sperling. The Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc grapes for this BC white wine grow on old vines that were panted 35 years ago. The depth and concentration shows in the wine. Aromas of chives, lemongrass and lime zest. Pair with seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2018-2022. 12.50% D 750 mL  $34.00 Score: 91/100. July 19, 2019 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
C.C. Jentsch Cellars The Quest 2018, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2019-2023. 13.70% D 750 mL  $18.00. January 1, 2018 Full Review
Casas del Bosque Reserva Carmenère 2014, Rapel Valley, Chile: A rich, full-bodied Chilean red wine made from the country's signature red wine grape Carmenere. Aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Made from grapes grown in the Rapel Valley that are hand-harvested in May. The grapes were crushed and de-stemmed in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. Pair with roast beef. Tremendous value. Drink: 2014-2018. 205872 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 27, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Xavier Vignon 100% 2014, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône A.P., France: Juicy, full-bodied and smooth with fleshy ripe purple and black plums flavours and some blueberry on the finish. Pair with gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2016-2020. 437079 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Joseph Cattin Brut Rosé Crémant D'alsace, Alsace A.C., France: A refreshing, come-alive Crémant with great displays of white pear and green apple crispness. This is an amazing price for this sparkling wine. In 2010, this bubbly won a gold medal at the prestigious competition, Concours des Vins d’Alsace. Great aperitif. Drink: 2022-2026. 264572 12% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 15, 2022 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Opawa Pinot Gris 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Dry and mouth-watering with good acidity in this New Zealand white wine made from Pinot Gris grapes. Aromas of chives and lime. Pair with mussels and oysters. Drink: 2014-2017. 408625 13.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 2, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Rosé, Marlborough, New Zealand:  280172 12% D 750 mL  $23.95. December 14, 2024 Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Noir is Marlborough’s red-wine specialty, and this crowd-pleasing version comes from one of New Zealand’s most consistent producers. With pure fruit characters of brambly raspberry, black cherry and spice, it will make a fine partner for beef-and-veggie ratatouille. My note: Love this style! Juicy with black cherries and berries. Great acidity for food. Medium-bodied and lusciously supple. 590414 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 13, 2010 Full Review
Folie à Deux Zinfandel 2013, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Blockbuster Californian Zinfandel, bursting with fleshy black fruit and smoke. This classic Californian red wine made from the flagship Zinfandel grape. Vibrant, round and full-bodied. Lots of life in the glass. Finishes with dark spices. Perfect for BBQ meats or a juicy steak. Drink: 2015-2022. 147231 14.50% D 750 mL  $36.95 Score: 92/100. April 25, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

© 2024 Natalie MacLean