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Merilee Lackey

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Fifth Leg Old Dog New Tricks Shiraz 2011, Western Australia, Australia: Terrific lush black fruit and smoke! Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Terrific dry finish. Perfect for pizza, hamburgers and great conversation. Drink: 2013-2015. 281345 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 7, 2013 Best Beef Wine Full Review
d'Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2011, Australia, Australia: Great intensity of flavour! Nice honeyed pea aromas (but it’s a bone dry wine) along with apricot notes. Medium-bodied and zippy. Roussanne is one of the lesser-known but fabulous white grapes of the wine world, traditionally grown in the Rhone Valley of France. This interpretation of Roussanne is vibrant and mouth pleasing. Yes please! Drink: 2013-2016. 656710 13.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 93/100. October 26, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Sister's Run Bethlehem Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, meaty, savoury and mouthwatering. Awesome full-bodied red wine with fleshy dark red and black fruit aromas. Not too heavy, just right. Meaty dishes please. Great price. Drink: 2014-2018. 360636 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 18, 2014 Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Fielding Estate Winery Rosé 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Aromas of fleeting field strawberries on a warm summer wind. Light-bodied and very fresh. Lovely, dry finish. Mouth-watering and zesty. Great as an aperitif or companion to light seafood dishes. Drink: 2013-2015. 53421 12.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. March 29, 2014 Best Value Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
June's Vineyard Riesling 2011, Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Mouth-watering acidity that demands and dances with food in this zesty white wine. This V.Q.A. wine is lime essence wrapped in lemon zest. Pure, unadulterated citrus sunbeams. Racy finish. Great price. Drink: 2013-2018. 147512 11.20% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 12, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Château des Charmes St. David's Bench Vineyard Droit Gamay Noir Droit 2010, V.Q.A., St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Peppered raspberry with a full-bodied, juicy texture and weight. Good price for this quality. Here's an amazing BBQ wine for you for all sorts of meats and event he portabello mushrooms. Drink: 2013-2015. 346742 12.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 6, 2013 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Riesling 2012, Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A delightful VQA white wine with glorious aromas of lime, white peach and a hint of white floral notes. Mouth-watering and juicy; the wine cries out for fresh seafood. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2017. 367102 12.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Vineland Estates Winery Chenin Blanc 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: This is an extremely rich and unctuous white with layers of pleasurable fleshy peach, dry apricot and pear. Love it. Never knew that Niagara could do Chenin like this. You don't have to chill this wine as much as you might other whites as it's so aromatic (too much cold will numb those). Drink: 2009-2016. 227033 11.70% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. May 11, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Errazuriz Reserva Pinot Noir 2011, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Juicy with luscious aromas and flavours of fleshy red cherries and strawberries. Full-bodied, smooth and mouth-watering. Amazing price for this quality. Try it with roast chicken. Drink: 2012-2015. 226696 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. September 12, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
J. Bouchon Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Maule Valley, Chile: Great wine for the price! Crisp and refreshing yet not too grassy. Nice aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2012-2014. 531749 13% XD 750 mL  $10.45 Score: 87/100. September 12, 2013 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Herbal and refreshing without being too grassy. Some lime zest running through it. Very refreshing. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2015. 462614 13.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. September 28, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Les Vignes Bila-Haut M. Chapoutier 2011, A.C., Midi, France: A spectacular wine, let alone for this price. Get yourself a case or two if you love juicy, full-bodied reds with racy, spicy dark red fruit, cedar notes and long-lasting pleasure. This wine would complement so much hearty meat dishes. Chapoutier is a true master. Drink: 2012-2017. 168716 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 91/100. June 8, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Brotte La Fiole Regional Blended Red 2010, Cote du Rhone, France: Full-bodied, rustic and tasty with aromas of cedar forest and wild black cherry. This is a syrah and grenache noir grape blend. Drink: 2012-2014. 293498 14% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. January 3, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2010, A.C., Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium fluorescent-pink colour, with notes of red apple, ripe raspberry, cherry pie and a floral quality on the nose. The palate is dry with a rush of racy acidity that keeps it tart and tangy. This is a very flavourful, balanced and well-made rosé that really sings. My note: Bring it on! Delightful berries dance across your senses as you close your eyes in the warm summer sun. medium-bodied and perfect. Who needs conversation? Drink: 2011-2013. 950576 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review
L'arjolle Sauvignon Blanc Viognier 2011, Midi, France: Crisp and dry, with terrific refreshment on the palate. This lovely white wine blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier has balance and restraint, no heavy oak and a delightfully floral finish. Perfect for fresh seafood. Drink: 2013-2015. 348904 12.50% XD 750 mL  $12.10 Score: 89/100. February 1, 2014 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Château Peyros Tannat Cabernet 2008, Madiran, Southwest, France: Tanned leather and black fruit with a good grip on this full-bodied red wine. Great price. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. The quality designation for this wine is AC. Drink: 2014-2017. 208249 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 87/100. January 18, 2014 Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2009, Pradikätswein, Mosel, Germany: Sublime! Lime vibrancy delivered on a bed of honeysuckle that's not cloyingly sweet. Drink: 2012-2019. 197186 7.50% S 750 mL  $30.95 Score: 94/100. June 9, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Darting Dürkheimer Nonnengarten Gewürztraminer Kabinett 2011, Deutscher Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany: Classic gewurz on the nose: rose petal and lychee. Generous sweetness on the palate is perfectly balanced with acidity. The ultimate wine for Asian, curries and spicy dishes. Try it! Drink: 2012-2018. 789628 12.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. August 4, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling 2011, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Love it! There's simply no better value on the shelf. Lime blossom gorgeous. The alcohol is refreshingly low, yet this is no wimpy wine: it's packed with flavour. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Some terrific white pear and lime blossom on the finish. Try it with just about anything, but start with seafood. Drink: 2012-2016. 599274 8.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 91/100. July 6, 2013 Best Value White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2008, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: Stupendous! Fleshy peach and pear wrap around lime and slate notes. Perfectly balanced between fruit vibrancy and zippy acidity. Treat yourself. Drink: 2013-2022. 282343 12.50% M 750 mL  $22.25 Score: 93/100. September 28, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Bollig-Lehnert Kabinett Piesporter Riesling 2011, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: Loaded with flavour yet not heavy - and so low in alcohol. Peach, pear and happiness. Drink: 2013-2018. 345736 8.50% M 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. December 7, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Mönchhof Robert Eymael Riesling 2011, Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany: Perfect petrol (stay with me), lime, apricot: balance, finish, juicy flavours, sweetness in tandem with focus. Pear and apple pie on the finish. Great with glazed ham, sweet potatoes and happy discussions. Drink: 2014-2020. 553776 10% MS 750 mL  $17.75 Score: 92/100. January 18, 2014 Divine Dessert Wine Full Review
Dunavar Pinot Grigio 2013, Hungary, Hungary: An exceptionally well-priced white wine: wow! Crisp, clean and refreshing, this Pinot Grigio comes across as tasting twice its price (or more). Try it with holiday turkey, fresh seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2013-2015. 335422 12% XD 750 mL  $8.95 Score: 87/100. September 27, 2014 Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Dunavar Pinot Blanc 2013, Hungary, Hungary: An absolutely incredible white for the price! Wow: viscous and mouth-filling with luscious notes of fleshy white peach and pear. Just enough acidity to make this Hungarian white wine ultra-food-friendly. Here's your holiday party wine: stock up now. Drink: 2013-2015. 565820 11.50% XD 750 mL  $8.95 Score: 89/100. September 27, 2014 Full Review
Villa Tonino Grillo 2013, Sicily I.G.T., Italy: Floral on the nose with a steely dry finish on the palate. If you love Torrontes from Argentina, try this: slightly dried but it has that seductive floral signature. This is a terrific, mouth-watering aperitif with dry lemon notes. Grillo is an increasingly popular Italian grape. I can imagine a glass of this chilled sitting out on the deck or patio. Drink: 2013-2016. 289579 13% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 7, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Corte Guala Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Love the black pepper and dark spice on the nose of this big Italian red wine. Amazing price for such quality. Black fleshy berry aromas and flavours. Smooth and delicious. Where's my hamburger please? Drink: 2013-2019. 354431 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 27, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: I recommend this zesty New Zealand sauvignon blanc almost every vintage. This vibrant white wine is juicy with lime and chive and green apple aromas and flavours. Fresh and medium-bodied. Great intensity and laser focus with its mouth-watering acidity. Drink: 2013-2016. 66092 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. March 29, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy and herbal with crisp, ultra dry refreshment. Limes and lemons dance in delight across your palate. This medium-bodied white wine works as both an aperitif or companion to many dishes. A nice snap of refreshment on the finish. Complex and dry. Perfect for fresh seafood. Drink: 2013-2015. 735043 13.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. December 7, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Villa Maria Estate Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Wow, what a stunner! A profusion of lime and lemongrass mingles with bright nuances of grapefruit and chives. Even though this lovely New Zealand white wine is laser-focused in its crisp cleanness, there's also depth and richness here. Perfect for such a wide range of dishes from fresh seafood to herbed chicken. Lip-smacking delicious! Drink: 2014-2017. 974527 13% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 94/100. February 15, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Giesen The Brothers Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy-great on the nose of this wake-up white wine! A vibrant, medium-bodied white wine with herbal aromas on the nose along with chives, lime, snow peas and lemon. Mouth-awakening acidity that's perfect for salads and seafood, and offers great refreshment. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2016. 520824 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. March 1, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: A refreshing and mouth-watering sauvignon blanc, with clean, crisp flavours of lime and lemongrass. Medium-bodied and delightful. Works as a well-chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2012-2016. 23798 12% XD 750 mL  $30.00 Score: 92/100. March 1, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review
Momo Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal and refreshing with lots of mouth-watering, lime zest acidity for a range of dishes from fresh seafood to spinach quiche. There's some lemon zest on the finish. Intense, vibrant and clean. Bring it! Drink: 2013-2015. 9167 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 1, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Wither Hills Rarangi Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: One of my favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs year after year! It's herbal but not too grassy with a lovely lime lift through the mid-palate and finish. Crisp and refreshing. This would be perfect with seafood and light-hearted conversation. Drink: 2013-2015. 551721 13.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. October 26, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Superb! Lovely lime lift right through the center: herbal but not grassy, more citrus. Medium-bodied and ultra-mouth-watering. Laser-like refreshment and focus with a big hug of citrus zest. Some gooseberry and lemon on the finish. Drink: 2012-2014. 9142 13% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. August 31, 2013 Best Value White Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, lime-citrus and still great at this price. Lively and zesty with mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful! This is the convenient half bottle size of this popular wine. It goes down slippery fast with terrific refreshment. There's gooseberry and lime zest on the finish. Perfect for salads. Drink: 2013-2015. 199968 13% XD 375 mL  $10.95 Score: 90/100. December 7, 2013 Best Value White Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Steve Bird Winery & Vineyards Old Schoolhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand: Terrific lime-zestiness in this citrus-herbal Sauvignon Blanc. Refreshing and zippy: classic New Zealand style. I'm so delighted that this wine is back on the shelves again as it's a classic of the Marlborough region. Top me up! Drink: 2012-2015. 178319 14% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 93/100. July 6, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Enchanting Feta Cheese Wine Full Review
Pegos Claros 2010, Palmela D.O.C., Portugal: OMG, this is delicious! Full-bodied, juicy, smooth, with black and purple plum liqueur and fleshy blueberries. You can't beat the price here. Great party wine when the party involves hearty meat dishes. Stock up! Drink: 2013-2018. 385252 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Graham Beck Bowed Head Chenin Blanc 2010, W.O., Paarl, Coastal Region, South Africa: Beautiful nose of toasted almond and white peach. Lovely contrasts carry through on a full-bodied palate. Stunning with roast chicken or pasta in cream sauce or lobster in butter. Drink: 2012-2016. 231357 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 2, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Fish Hoek Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Western Cape, South Africa: Grassy and herbal with white grapefruit notes. Medium-bodied, zesty and refreshing. Perfect for green salads and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2013-2014. 129726 13% XD 750 mL  $9.95 Score: 86/100. January 3, 2013 Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Hecula Bodegas Castano Monastrell 2009, Yecla, Spain: Tart red cherries, dust and smoke in this full-bodied, smooth red with mouth-watering acidity. Great price. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2012-2014. 143743 13.50% XD 750 mL  $8.90 Score: 86/100. September 12, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, California, United States: Terrific wine for the money! Smoky with mocha and dark chocolate from lots of oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth with fleshy black plum aromas and flavours. Perfect with meaty pizzas. Drink: 2012-2014. 272393 14% D 750 mL  $17.05 Score: 88/100. September 12, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California, United States: Incredible concentration and mouth-watering lusciousness. There's also 25 percent petite sirah to add depth and layering. Terrific concentration of flavour from these old-vine grapes shows through. Remarkable, especially for the price. Long finish, great satisfaction! Try it with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2016. 942599 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 25, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
The Hogue Cellars Genesis Riesling 2010, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Love it! White flowers, white peach, lime and petrol (this is good) on the nose. Vibrant and juicy on the palate. Packs a punch flavour-wise even though it's medium-bodied. Ultra food-friendly from seafood to roast chicken. Just a touch of sweetness but it's hard to pick up with the great acidity. Drink: 2012-2016. 309666 12.10% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 93/100. February 16, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Seven Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California, United States: Wow! Coffee smoke and fleshy black plums on the nose. Layers of pleasure and full-bodied richness on the palate. Long finish. Top me up please! Drink: 2013-2016. 59311 14.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. March 7, 2013 Best Beef Wine Full Review
Revolution Red 2011, California, United States: A full-bodied red with aromas of wild black cherries and cedar. Smooth and tasty. Great party wine for the price. Drink: 2012-2014. 292037 12.50% XD 750 mL  $10.95 Score: 85/100. January 3, 2013 Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

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