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

Shopping List

Betsy

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Oscar's Estate Shiraz Viognier 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Like the dark hero on a romance novel: take me now! Brooding, full-bodied, muscular and well, you know, seductive. Black fruit aromas, savoury flavours with a long finish (most importantly). Again please, and again. Drink: 2012-2016. 287961 15.90% XD 750 mL  $17.25 Score: 93/100. September 28, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Unfiltered Chardonnay 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Fall in love toasted hazelnut and almond on the nose. Ripe peach and pear emerge on the palate with layers of voluptuous mouth-filling richness. Liquid gorgeous. Drink: 2013-2018. 184432 11.90% XD 750 mL  $35.00 Score: 93/100. September 14, 2013 Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Cono Sur Sparkling Brut Sparkling White, Bio-Bio Valley, Chile: Phenomenal for the price point! Crisp and toasty with lime-fresh vibrancy. Great party sparkler or aperitif. This delightful bubbly is a blend of Chardonnay 90%, Pinot Noir 6% and Riesling 4%. Lovely aromas of green apples with a toasty, creamy texture. Great aperitif. Stock up for all your celebrations and parties with this one. Food pairings: scallops, pan seared calamari and pastas in light cream sauces. Drink: 2012-2013. 215079 12% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. September 12, 2013 Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Chateau Gaudrelle Cremant De Loire, A.C., Loire, France: Crisp, toasty and refreshing with aromas of lemon toast, green apple and ocean spray. Great price. Drink: 2013-2015. 339986 12.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 14, 2013 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
Carpenè Malvolti Cuvée Brut Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Wonderfully dry, crisp and refreshing with vibrant lemon-lime notes. Amazingly great price. Try it with fried chicken or potato chips (or both). Drink: 2013-2015. 727438 12% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. August 31, 2013 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Farina Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Love this! Towering yet deep, with rich luscious layers of black cherry liqueur flavours. Full-bodied is an understatement. Glorious flavour heaven. Drink: 2012-2020. 995910 14.50% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 95/100. September 1, 2012 Full Review
Ruffino Modus 2010, Tuscany, Italy: A gorgeous blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot grapes. This full-bodied, complex, rich red offers aromas of black cherry, smoke and dried herb aromas. Wonderfully concentrated with a long finish. Decant 2 hours. Remarkable rich, yet fresh and vibrant. Perfect for dinner parties. Be sure to decant for 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2019. 912956 13.50% XD 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 94/100. September 28, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Post House Blueish Black Blend 2011, Stellenbosch, South Africa: This unique blend of shiraz, pinotage, merlot and cabernet sauvignon is full-bodied and smooth. It's very balanced and almost has mature aromas of leather, smoke and dried sour cherry. Very lovely, especially for the price. Great acidity cries out for grilled pork shops or even a tomato sauce with pasta. Drink: 2012-2015. 738525 14.50% XD 750 mL  $14.15 Score: 88/100. September 12, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Smart Buy 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

© 2024 Natalie MacLean