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

Shopping List

Bill Wright Sommelier

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Crios Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: An absolutely incredible wine for the money! Juicy, savoury and delicious: full-bodied with rich layers of ripe plums, blackberry and other dark fruits. Unfined and Unfiltered, Dominio del Plata, Susana Balbo. Superb craftsmanship! Drink: 2014-2018. 640979 14% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 91/100. February 1, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2011, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Full-on, big red wine with glorious black cherry liqueur aromas. Rich, full-bodied and delicious. This wine has won multiple Gold and Silver Medals in competitions around the world. Part of the Bryson Family portfolio. The oak is woven in well and the wine comes off as balanced. Well-priced. I'd drink with a rack of lamb. Drink: 2013-2016. 673897 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.75 Score: 91/100. February 1, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Heartland Stickleback Red Ben Glaetzer 2010, South Australia, Australia: Incredible price for this quality. Loaded with big black fruit and lots of mouth-watering acidity. Great wine for big meals, especially those involving Winemaker Ben Glaetzer also makes the Mitolo wines in McLaren Vale and the Heartland wines in the Langhorne Creek region. Stickleback is the Heartland winery’s entry-level red wine. It’s mostly made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz gapes with a dash of Dolcetto and Lagrein grapes. Drink: 2013-2016. 116574 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 1, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Azahara Deakin Estate Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, Victoria, Australia: A zesty, clean sparkling wine at a great price. Crisp aromas of lime and citrus fruit. Terrific aperitif or companion to seafood and salads. Drink: 2014-2016. 357483 12% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 1, 2014 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review
The Hedonist Walter Clappis Wine Co. Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Savory, meaty and juicy with luscious layers of black fruit. This is a big-boned wine, yet balanced. Love the replays of fleshy blackberries and plums across the palate. Mouth-watering and perfect for ribeye steak. Bring it on. Drink: 2011-2016. 90191 14% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 93/100. June 22, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Yellow Tail Bubbles Sparkling Wine 2010, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Tasty and toasty with off-dry notes of peach and pear. Terrific for the price point. Serve at parties as an aperitif or companion to tasty nibbles. Drink: 2011-2012. 229039 11.50%  750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. January 3, 2012 Full Review
Seaview Brut Sparkling White, South East Australia, Australia: Toasty bread aromas wrapped around some white peach and lime. Refreshing and zesty. You can't beat this price for bubbly. Drink: 2011-2013. 216333 12%  750 mL  $13.95 Score: 85/100. January 14, 2011 Full Review
Henry of Pelham Winery Henry of Pelham Riesling, Reserve 2007, Niagara Escarpment, Canada: I can't believe the price of this wine! Lemon zest with limes and green apples. Terrific mouth-watering acidity. Dry, crisp, come alive wine with a clean finish. Terrific vintage for Niagara and for this winery. 283291 12% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 91/100. December 1, 2009 Favourite White Wine. Full Review
Pillitteri Estates Winery Gewurztraminer Riesling 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario VQA, Canada: A blend of 54% Gewurztraminer and 45% Riesling with a small dosage of 1% Riesling icewine. This is a brilliant wine with classic aromas of rose petal, lychee and lime zest. It's zippy and refreshing yet deeply flavoured. Lovely! Drink: 2010-2014. 349126 11.50% MD 750 mL  $13.00 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review
Flat Rock Riesling 2012, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Soooooo lovely! Apricot and honeysuckle aromas give this wine a lovely, natural fruit fleshiness and sweetness, but this wine is never cloying as it's beautifully balanced with mouth-watering acidity for a wide range of dishes. Luscious and seductive with a medium body and long finish. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2017. 43281 11% MD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. January 4, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Aure Wines Gamay 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Wild raspberry notes and a run riot though a forest of the senses. Light to medium-bodied with lots of mouthwatering acidity. Try it with roast chicken. This is a VQA wine. Drink: 2014-2016. 353037 13% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 87/100. January 18, 2014 Smart Buy 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
San Pedro Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley, Chile: Savoury, feral, rich, dark and brooding South African red wine made from classic Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The grapes were harvested by hand in mid April and underwent a cold maceration of 5 days followed by a longer one of 25 days. The wine was aged in French oak barrels (95%) and America oak (5%). Intense concentration and depth of flavour: lots of fleshy black plums and berries. Pair with leg of lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2014-2018. 37911 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Estelado Brut Sparkling Rosé 2011, Maule Valley, Chile, Chile: Very pretty strawberry and rose petal nose. Made from 100% pais grapes. Some light cherry on the palate. Dry and crisp. A steal at this price: shoplifting is not necessary. Drink: 2013-2015. 317669 12% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 27, 2013 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Château Hauchat La Famille Saby Merlot 2010, A.C., Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: Very attractive nose of fleshy ripe dark red fruit and some smoke. Juicy and savoury on the palate with a lovely full-bodied weight. Decant 2 hours. Pretty amazing price. Drink with grilled pork chops or pepper steak. Drink: 2013-2016. 123489 13.20% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. March 16, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Langlois-Château Brut Crémant De Loire, A.C., Loire, France: Lovely! Toasty and dry on the nose. The palate is mouth-watering, creamy and rich. The finish is dry and refreshing. Terrific, especially for this price! Drink: 2012-2015. 996272 12.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. April 13, 2013 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review
Château Des Moines Henri Darnajou Et Frères, Prop. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2008, A.C., Lalande-De-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Darnajou family has been operating their vineyard since the 1940s, making Bordeaux reds of very fine quality. Leading with a floral nose with a hint of mocha, this Merlot-based Right Bank beauty exudes plenty of fresh fruit. Plum, cassis, bell pepper and creamy vanilla revisit the palate in waves. A medium-bodied wine with good acidity and length. My note : Superbly made for this price! The oak on the nose is beautifully integrated with classic Bordeaux aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberries. Terrific structure and balance with a long finish. Definitely needs cellar time. Drink: 2013-2018. 206789 12.90% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review
Château Siaurac 2006, A.C.. Lalande De Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Love the nose! Fleshy red cherries and violets, followed by darker fruit o the palate. Luscious and supple with some tannic grip that will soften with decanting 2 hours decanting. This will last in the cellar but why wait as it's ready now. Good, satisfying finish. Drink: 2013-2016. 309831 13.50% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 91/100. March 2, 2013 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Château Belair-Coubet Meritage 2010, A.C., Côtes De Bourg, Bordeaux, France: Perfumed and gorgeous! So characterful for Bordeaux. Violets and woodspice jump from the glass. Mouth-watering blackberry and blackcurrant on the palate. Amazing price. Drink: 2013-2016. 321414 13% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. May 25, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Château De Landiras Meritage 2010, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: Elegant and well-priced for Bordeaux. Dark fruit and smoke with a good tannic grip. Full-bodied and balanced. Try it with filet mignon after you decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2014-2017. 324673 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. May 25, 2013 Charming Grilled Chicken 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
Domaines Du Château De Riquewihr Les Murailles Dopff & Irion Riesling 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Intensely focus, pure and refreshing with stunning aromas of white pear, green apple and lemon essence. Mouth-watering acidity for a wide range of dishes from seafood to salads. Medium-bodied and lovely. No oak. Superb craftsmanship. Drink: 2013-2016. 933069 12% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. July 6, 2013 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Antech Grande Réserve Brut Blanquette De Limoux 2011, A.C., Midi, France: Toasty baked bread and some apple notes. Great price. Drink: 2013-2015. 656470 12% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 31, 2013 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Château Les Tours De Peyrat Vieilles Vignes Château Solidaires Meritage 2010, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux - Blaye, Bordeaux, France: Savoury and full-bodied with deep, rich veins of black fleshy fruit and toasty oak. Blackberry liqueur richness. Very satisfying. Great price. Drink: 2013-2016. 355891 15% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 26, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Enchanting Feta Cheese Wine Full Review
Domaine Grandy Vacqueyras 2014, Rhône A.C., France: Full-bodied, rich, savoury and delicious with a spicy bite and dried herbs. Perfect for lamb. Drink: 2016-2020. 287532 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 20, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Bastide Miraflors Vielles Vignes Syrah Grenache 2014, Côtes Catalanes, Midi, Roussillon I.G.P., France: A towering southern French red wine blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache grapes. The Grenache component of the wine was aged for 1 year in 80% concrete tanks while the Syrah was matured in 500-litre demi-muids (large barrels). Purple plums and blueberry pie on the nose and palate of this robust, smooth, juicy French red wine. Pair with hamburgers and relish with salsa on the side. Drink: 2016-2020. 320499 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 15, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2011, Prädikatswein, Gutsabfüllung, Mosel, Germany: Apricot loveliness with an apple blossom shout of happiness! Medium-bodied. Yes it's got some sweetness. Get over it and enjoy this with glazed ham or sweet potatoes. Drink: 2013-2020. 160853 8% M 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. May 25, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Masi Costasera Riserva Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Lovely, rich and dark with toasty, smoky goodness. Black fruit and cigar box with some coffee notes. So delicious. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2020. 324137 15.50% D 750 mL  $84.95 Score: 95/100. January 8, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift 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
Fonseca Porto Late Bottled Vintage Unfiltered Port 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Simply divine! Fleshy black plums huddle together then spread across your senses. Full-bodied, sweet and the perfect dessert wine for happiness and conversation. It can also age well in the cellar. Drink: 2013-2022. 87551 20% S 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 94/100. March 16, 2013 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review
Taja Reserva Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo Merlot 2003, D.O. Jumilla, Spain: This wine is made by the owners of the coveted Château Palmer in Bordeaux. It’s a blend of Monastrell (Mourvèdre), Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot. Terrific richness and depth. Aromas of juicy black plums, kirsch, pepper and dusty cigar box. Full-bodied with a good finish. Drink: 2008-2016. 243329 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review
Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: A red with classic structure and aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. Drink: 2008-2015. 314575 12.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Central Coast, California, United States: A full-bodied, balanced cabernet with classic aromas of cassis and blackberry. Just the right amount of oak. Easy-drinking yet elegant. Drink: 2012-2018. 56366 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 13, 2012 Best Beef Wine Full Review
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: This wine makes me wonder why I don't drink more zinfandel. Its juicy and meaty with seductive black cherry and berry fruit yet not over the top. I'd even call this wine elegant... Not an adjective usually associated with zinfandel, generally characterized as pure exuberance in a glass. A superb effort. Drink: 2012-2016. 942599 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Ghost Pines Zinfandel 2011, California, United States: Enticing aromas of black and purple plums on the nose followed through by gloriously luscious flavours of these same fruits on the palate. Full-bodied and juicy. This wine cries out for any grilled meat on the barbecue. Drink: 2013-2015. 269373 14.90% D 750 mL  $20.75 Score: 91/100. August 3, 2013 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards Merlot 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States Drink: 2015-2021. 14.20% XD 750 mL  $28.00. April 19, 2016 Full Review
Bold Vine Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, United States: Like! If I were on Facebook, I would have hit that thumbs up button about 17 times now. Juicy and generous with black and purple plum aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2016. 281600 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 11, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Ironstone Chardonnay 2010, California, United States: Classically made Chardonnay with balance and finesse, but it also reveals lip-smacking delicious flavours of green apple and butterscotch. The winemaking Kautz family was first to plant Chardonnay grapes in Lodi and that experience with the varietal shows. There's a crisp, refreshing finish. Crack it open tonight. Drink: 2012-2016. 355776 13.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 6, 2013 Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce 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
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2010, 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: 2012-2015. 678698 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. December 7, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Gallo Family Frei Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel 2010, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very juicy with generous aromas and flavours of mouth-watering fleshy black plums and succulently rich blueberries. Full-bodied with a smooth roundness. Perfect for hamburgers and BBQ. Pure Californian fruit and sunshine. Yum! Drink: 2012-2016. 555599 15% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. June 8, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Liberty School Zinfandel 2010, Pasa Robles, California, United States: This robust red offers attractive aromas of fleshy ripe purple plums and blueberries. It's succulent, smooth, lip-smacking delicious and full-bodied. Lots of juicy black raspberry on the finish will have you coming back for another top up. The winery practises aggressive canopy management, trimming back the leaves and vegetation on the vines so that more nutrients go to the grapes, which in turn become more concentrated in flavour. Zinfandel is one of the flagship red wines of California, even though it also has its roots in Europe. This is a terrific wine for movie night, especially if you're having meat lovers' or pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2016. 41095 13.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 1, 2014 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: You can taste the old vine character in the complexity of this wine. Gorgeously complex with layers of dark red fruit and some smoke. Terrific finish.  This should be your go-to party wine as it'll please so many palates with its berry vibrancy yet no heavy-handed oak treatment. One of California's flagship producers of zinfandel, and it shows in the glass. Drink: 2012-2017. 673798 14.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Classic Cabernet with blackberry and cassis, mocha-espresso aromas from the oak and very balanced. Full-bodied and smooth. This Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet also includes small amount of Malbec, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah in the blend. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2015-2019. 269357 13.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. August 8, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review
Cosentino Cigarzin Old Vine Zinfandel 2012, California, United States: Surprisingly low in alcohol for such a full-bodied, full-flavoured Californian zinfandel. Pure delicious! Smoky with fleshy black fruit. Complex zinfandel in all its glory. Yahoo! Old vines truly do make a difference to the complexity and concentration of flavour, especially in zinfandel. Finishes with dark spice, smoke and pepper. Pair with spaghetti and meat balls. Drink: 2013-2018. 269340 14.90% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 93/100. February 7, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, 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: 2016-2021. 534263 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 25, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

© 2024 Natalie MacLean