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

Shopping List

Fred Cotaras

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Santa Julia Magna, Familia Zuccardi 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely, extraordinary in fact for the money! I challenge you to do better than this wine taste-wise at this price. Still thinking? Sorry. So throw yourself into this plush red with its velvet depths and succulent berries and plums. Some dark spices and anise on the finish. 93799 13.80% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 1, 2009 Full Review
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina: This Malbec is deep, dark and gorgeous with rich blackberry, mulberry, ripe dark fruit and spicy flavours finishing long on the palate with food-friendly acidity Tannins are structured. Pair with grilled steaks. Drink: 2022-2025. 29280 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 18, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Viñalba Reserva Malbec Touriga Nacional 2019, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Viñalba Reserva 2019 is a full-bodied 80% Malbec and 20% Touriga Nacional red wine blend from the Mendoza wine region. Fresh and bright on the nose with red cherry, dark plum, earthy mushroom, dried herbs, dark chocolate, citrus zest and savoury spice flavours finishing fresh and long on the palate. Tannins are velvety. Drink: 2022-2025. 442459 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 21, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Teusner The Riebke Shiraz 2016, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: The 2016 vintage of the Riebke is a blockbuster Barossa Shiraz produced by the Riebke brothers in the Ebenezer district of the Barossa Valley. The grapes grow on old, low yielding vines and the family has made wine for six generations. Kym Teusner is winemaker. Look for dark, ripe fruits, savoury spice on this full-bodied big red. This wine offers minty blackberry and toasty oak on the nose with a good grip on the palate. Barossa is Australia's heartland for Shiraz. This one offers great complexity and a long finish. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2018-2024. 48470 14.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 92/100. July 7, 2018 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2018, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A robust and layered Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. Produced by the Peter Lehmann winemaking team. Aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, blueberry, smoke and mocha. Tannins are firm. Decant two hours prior to pouring with a rare steak. Drink: 2020-2024. 522235 14.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. November 11, 2021 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Hollick The Bard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Hollick The Bard 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Coonawarra Cab and great value at $17. Dry, medium-plus-bodied with ripe dark berry fruit, plum, cherry, vanilla and bramble leaf flavours zesty and spicy on the palate. Tannins are firm. Drink or hold. Pour with grilled game meats or a roast duck or goose. Drink: 2022-2028. 18525 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. December 17, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2011, Mclaren Valle, Australia: Meaty, juicy and savoury with aromas of plush plums and want-to-squeeze-them fleshy dark blackberries. This full-bodied, supple Shiraz delivers some kind of wonderful for your senses. Drink: 2013-2016. 659607 15% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 93/100. October 12, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz Cabernet 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: A real palate-grabber! Fleshy black plum, minty aromas in this red wine wonder! Walk down this tunnel of sensory pleasure ... brush your taste buds against the walls of caressing black fruit flavour. Smooth, deep, rich. Madly, truly, deeply. Drink: 2014-2018. 58131 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 12, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Nugan Estate King Valley Frasca's Lane Chardonnay 2012, King Valley, Victoria, Australia: Love it! Zesty green apple and white peach on the nose wrapped in toasted almond of toasty oak aging. Perfectly balanced and endlessly delicious. A chardonnay for those who don't like chardonnay (and those who do). The Nugan family has been involved in viticulture for 65 years. Lovely baked bread and lemon zest on the finish. Drink: 2013-2017. 288191 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. June 7, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Celebrated Chicken and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review
Haselgrove First Cut Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full palate whacker, loaded with black fruit, mocha, dark chocolate, smoke, oak, etc etc. First cut takes its name from the first run premium juice squeezed from these precious grapes. Drink: 2014-2018. 807982 14% XD 750 mL  $20.25 Score: 89/100. June 7, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: What a blockbuster Shiraz for the price! This red wine delivers attractive aromas of blackberries, licorice, black and purple plum notes and toasty oak. Full-bodied supple, smooth, smoky and juicy. Great for potluck gatherings and movie night. Drink: 2013-2016. 72975 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 7, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Luscious and rich with cassis, fleshy blackberry and blackcurrant. Absolutely classic with a long finish. Tremendous quality for the price. There's some seductive anise and dark spice on the long finish. Liquid velvet. Drink: 2013-2019. 84996 14% XD 750 mL  $47.95 Score: 92/100. February 1, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Valle, South Australia, Australia: Superb depth and focus in this generous Australian Shiraz! Very convenient half bottle size means that you can dine eloquently for one or two with a glass or two. Full-bodied and sensuous. Perfect for grilled steak or lamb. Drink: 2013-2016. 180430 14.50% D 375 mL  $11.95 Score: 92/100. June 7, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mclaren Valle, South Australia, Australia: Here's your ultimate lamb with rosemary wine. This robust Cabernet over-delivers against its price point beautifully. I also love the Shiraz this winery makes. Full-bodied with smoky black fruit. Great concentration and depth with a good finish. Very satisfying. Crack open a bottle (or two) tonight. Drink: 2013-2018. 43224 14.90% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 21, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2012, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: This is what elegance and restraint tastes like from Australia: French grammar school, Australian graduate studies by the consummate gentleman winemaker Peter Gago. This wine was matured for a year in French oak, 26% of which was new. Lovely aromas of mint, cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry with just enough toasty warmth from the oak. Drink: 2013-2019. 509919 14% D 750 mL  $61.00 Score: 94/100. November 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
St. Hallett Gamekeeper's Shiraz 2013, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This popular Australian Shiraz offers terrific taste especially for the price. Ripe and tart blackberry flavours with some black plum and just enough oak. Very consistent producer. Lovely dark cherry notes on the finish. Lip-smacking delicious. The 2013 vintage of the St. Hallet Shiraz is mouth-watering and full-bodied: this robust red cries out for a rare steak! Drink: 2014-2018. 166991 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. November 8, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2012, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Fleshy black plum, minty aromas in this red wine wonder. Walk down this tunnel of sensory pleasure ... brush your taste buds against the walls of caressing black fruit flavour. Smooth, deep, rich. This is definitely a Margaret River Shiraz Cabernet is worth trying, not just for the cool climate nuances but also for the rich layers of black fruit and dark spice. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2018. 58131 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2016 Top Rated Red. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2013, South Australia, Australia: A rich, complex, full-bodied red wine blend of 51% Cabernet and 49% Shiraz grapes from one of Australia's best producers. Black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours on the nose and mid-palate. The grapes are grown in Wrattonbully, Barossa, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Robe regions. The wine was matured 12 months in American oak hogshead barrels, of which 40% were new. Penfold's Bin 389 is sometimes referred to fondly as "Baby Grange" as sells for a fraction of the winery's flagship Grange, but still demonstrates superb craftsmanship in the hands of chief winemaker Peter Gago and his team. Pair with grilled meats. Highly recommended. Drink: 2016-2022. 309625 14.50% XD 750 mL  $100.00 Score: 93/100. November 12, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Henry of Pelham Riesling 2012, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Off-dry but not cloying or sweet, like fresh ripe peach. Melon and sunshine loveliness. Soft and light-bodied. Perfect aperitif. Drink: 2013-2018. 557165 11.50% M 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 2, 2016 Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Errázuriz Max Reserva Chardonnay 2018, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A rich, full-bodied Chilean Chardonnay with aromas of freshly baked bread and melting butter along with bright green and golden apple notes on the palate. Mouth-filling and delicious. Pair with roasted chicken. Drink: 2022-2024. 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.25 Score: 90/100. February 2, 2022 Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Caliterra Tributo Carmenère 2017, Colchagua Valley D.O., Chile: A medium-plus bodied, single-vineyard Carmenère from the Colchagua Valley with ripe blueberry, earthy and flinty mineral flavours on the palate. Tannins are easy. Enjoy now on its own or paired with chicken and ribs from the BBQ. Drink: 2020-2021. 56630 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 26, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Errázuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A gloriously rich and robust Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet France grapes in the blend from one of Chile's best-known and most-respected wineries. Classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant are wrapped luxuriously n vanilla smoke. Savoury, meaty and juicy with full-bodied weight and layers of dark fruit flavour. Concentrated, rich and deep. Long finish, great structure. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2018. 203364 14% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 92/100. May 30, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
M. Chapoutier Sicamor Crozes-Hermitage 2018, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône A.P., France: M. Chapoutier Sicamor 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Syrah is rich with dark cherry, red berry, blackberry, smoked meat, savoury herbs, well-integrated oak spice, lovely and lush with balanced acidity and velvety tannins. Sicamor is a new offering from Chapoutier, from a blend of Syrahs from different terroirs across Hermitage. The wine is unfiltered and unfined. Drink: 2021-2024. 20416 14.50% XD 750 mL  $46.95 Score: 94/100. February 3, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Domaine Jaume Courtois La Source Côtes du Rhône 2019, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: Courtois La Source 2019 is an excellent value Côtes Du Rhône red wine blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah under $15. Produced from sustainably-grown grapes from an excellent vintage, look for ripe dark cherry, blueberry, pepper spice and mineral notes on this gorgeous Rhône red from Domaine Jaume. Pour with lamb chops from the grill. Drink or hold. Drink: 2022-2026. 526640 14.80% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. February 4, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Famille Perrin Les Sinards Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Some of the Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah wine grapes that went into the Famille Perrin's Les Sinards Châteauneuf-Du-Pape come from the young vines at Beaucastel and from a neighbouring vineyard to the west of Beaucastel in the Commune of Orange. This medium-plus-bodied red has wild red berries, dried herbs and savoury spice flavours on the palate. Enjoy now with a roast turkey dinner. Drink: 2018-2024. 926626 14% XD 750 mL  $43.95 Score: 92/100. October 3, 2018 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
J.L. Chave Sélection Mon Coeur Côtes du Rhône 2019, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: From J.L. Chave Sélection, Mon Coeur 2019 is a dry, full-bodied Côtes Du Rhône red blend of Grenache and Syrah. The wine is full and silky on the palate with ripe dark cherry, anise and pepper spice flavours with a zesty finish. Tannins are ripe and velvety, a Rhône red that is ready to enjoy now. Drink: 2022-2023. 995548 13% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. February 4, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Château Pey La Tour Réserve Du Château 2012, Bordeaux, France: After two hours open in the glass, this wine transformed: far more aromatic than on first opening and the tannins smoothed out considerably. My score is based on that more open wine. This traditional Bordeaux blend has Merlot (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Cabernet France (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%) grapes. Although Merlot leads in the blend, this is not a far Merlot, but rather a well-structured one. The wine is aged in oak, but only 20% is new so as not to impart heavy oak notes. Classic aromas of cassis and black currant with some pepper and smoke on the nose, palate and long finish. The 2012 vintage was a strong one and it shows in this value-priced Bordeaux. The vines are planted in calcerous-clay soils. Superb balance, depth and freshness. Pair with prime rib or a rare steak. Drink: 2016-2019. 349308 14.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 16, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Domaine Des Fines Caillottes Pouilly-Fumé Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Loire A.C., France: This French white wine is citrus-driven rather than herbal or grassy. Classic Old World Sauvignon Blanc. There's a pale straw hue in the glass. This aromatic French white wine hails from the Loire Valley. Pair with Dover sole in a lemon butter sauce. Drink: 2015-2020. 695908 12.50% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 91/100. February 18, 2017 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Domaine De Bila-Haut L'esquerda 2016, Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde, Midi A.C ., France: An outstanding red wine blend from southern France in the heart of the Rhone Valley! Full-bodied, balanced and smooth. Aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018-2025. 381020 13% D 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 96/100. May 12, 2018 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Rosé 2015, Rhone A.C., France: Field fresh raspberries greet you on the nose followed by some watermelon and red grapefruit. This is truly liquid refreshment, with a lovely sunset thrown into the glass as extra. This is a wide-ranging and all-embracing rose that will please many people, but especially you. Drink: 2016-2018. 739474 13% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. May 28, 2016 Top Rated Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2014, Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.P., France: Love the incredible range of styles that the Rhone region produces, like this intriguing red wine blend. Full-bodied and deeply savoury. Violets, black plum, deep dive black raspberry into a heart of welling darkness and satisfaction. Platonic ideal of concentration and depth with a long, sensuous finish that leaves you bathed in flavour satisfaction. Pair with hearty meat dishes and deep conversations. Produced by Domaine Lafage, this robust Rhone red wine from 2014 vintage of this Cotes du Roussillon Chimeres is a blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah grapes, with a splash of Carignan. The wine undergoes an extended cold-soak that's not in stainless steel tanks, then fermentation in 500 litre barrels. The vineyards are located close to the village of Maury in the Rhone Valley. Drink: 2017-2022. 119354 15% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. October 29, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Hecht & Bannier St-Chinian 2011, Midi A.C., France: A dark marauding red wine. Gorgeous! Full-bodied, juicy and alive with vibrant black fruit flavours. Black cherry, anise and cassis with just the right amount of savoury oak. Dried herbs and longing on the finish. Bring more quickly please. Syrah leads in this voluptuous red wine blend, and the vines roots in schist soils shows distinctive minerality. Hecht & Bannier is actually a negociant or agent-blender who buys and combines lots of wines from various growers and wineries in the south of France. Drink: 2013-2017. 184184 13.50% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 92/100. August 16, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2011, Côtes De Roussillon-Villages Latour De France, Midi A.C., France: Complex, mysterious and spectacular! Full-bodied, juicy, layered and smooth. Endless finish. I love the Braille label, plus the name includes a nice dose of Latin: perfect teacher's pet gift for end of the year (or perhaps now to lock in those 90s). Aromas of baked black fruit yet dry. So very delicious. Wish I knew the Latin phrase for that ... ultimum delici vinum! Drink: 2014-2020. 643239 14% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 95/100. May 24, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review
09 Chateau Mercier Cuvee Prestige C.D.B. (Chety) 2009, Bordeaux, France  365551 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95. January 1, 2014 Full Review
Max Ferd. Richter Kabinett Riesling 2007, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel Prädikatswein, Germany: This German Riesling will dazzle your senses: it's almost blinding in its intensity of fruit and balancing acidity, like waking out from a dark cave into mid-afternoon sunshine. This QMP-designated wine has depths of apricot, peach and honeysuckle flavour. Medium-bodied, no oak, long finish. Try it with Indian chicken dishes. Drink: 2013-2019. 998120 8.50% M 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 94/100. May 10, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review
Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2012, 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 8.50% M 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 92/100. September 13, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2020, Mosel Qualitätswein, Germany: From the Mosel wine region, Loosen Bros. Dr. L 2020 Riesling is an amazing value at $16. Rich on the nose with lemon pudding, ripe apple and peach jam aromas; off-dry, medium-bodied and mouth-filling with ripe pear, apple, lemon curd, stone fruit and tropical fruit flavours, finishing long on a fine mineral note. Pair with pork schnitzel. Drink: 2022-2025. 599274 8.50% MS 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. April 1, 2022 Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Tommasi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Black cherry, fruitcake, dark spices and brooding mystery on the nose. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Mouth-filling with some dark plum on a long finish. Classic Amarone. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015-2020. 980128 15% D 375 mL  $25.95 Score: 95/100. October 3, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Enchanting Feta Cheese Wine Full Review
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Made in the apassimento style of drying the grapes on mats before fermentation to concentrate flavour and body, this Amarone is a classic with crushed violets, cherry liqueur and smoky on the nose. Full-bodied with concentrate flavours of juicy blackberries, spiced plum, underbrush, mocha and baking spice flavours on the palate. Finishes long and luxurious. Pair with mature cheeses or dark chocolate. Drink: 2019-2024. 356220 15% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 95/100. November 5, 2020 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A juicy, medium-bodied Chianti blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Colorino. This is a Chianti Lover's wine produced only in the best vintages. The estate-grown grapes are harvested by hand and the wine is aged in a combo of oak, stainless steel and concrete for 36 months. Intense with dark cherry, earthy black olive and wild herbs flavours with firm, fine tannins. Pair with a veal roast stuffed with wild mushrooms. Drink: 2021-2028. 353201 13.50% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 94/100. May 20, 2021 Top Rated Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
San Felice Chianti Classico 2019, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico is a dry, medium-bodied Chianti Classico produced from mostly Sangiovese grapes. Earthy, savoury fragrant with pink florals with a mouthful of tart cherry, savoury herbs and orange zest flavours fresh and silky on the palate. Enjoy with a Margherita pizza. Drink: 2022-2023. 282996 13% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 4, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza 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
Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2014, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: A superb Italian red wine with a racy acidity on the palate that's perfect for pasta in tomato sauce, spicy sausages, pizza and lasagna. Aromas of tart black cherry, and spices. Highly recommended. Drink: 2016-2022. 145920 14% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. June 16, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Terredora Di Paola Loggia Della Serra Greco Di Tufo 2012, Campania D.O.C.G., Italy: Seductive hazelnut smoke and peach on the nose of this medium-bodied white wine with terrific acidity. The ancient, weird and wildly wonderful Greco grape offers tremendous character and singular character. Finishes with lemon zest. Drink: 2013-2017. 288927 13.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 91/100. June 7, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Bottega 2007, Brunello di montalcino, Italy Drink: 2012-2017. 8005829230906  750 mL  $53.99. March 1, 2012 Full Review
Quinta De Pancas Selecção Do Enólogo 2010, Lisboa D.O.C., Portugal: Love the wild cedar brush nose with dark berries and spices. Delicious and fascinating. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Ready to drink now. Finishes with attractive wood spice and smoke. Yes please! Drink: 2013-2019. 380931 XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. September 27, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Vicente Faria Wines 2012, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Explore your dark side with Animus. Cedar brush and wild tart black raspberry on the nose of this full-bodied Portuguese red wine. Smooth and supple. Great price. Excellent party wine, especially those hosted for psychiatrists. Drink: 2013-2018. 535641 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. September 27, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Erudito Reserva Especial 2008, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Dense, deep, concentrated and mouth-watering complexity in the glass here. A wine to sip, savour and yes even analyze if you are so inclined (or reclined). Aromas of black fruit, smoke, dark spice, violets and mystery. Wow. Drink: 2014-2020. 378885 14% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 95/100. August 16, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Urbina Gran Reserva 2004, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A robust Gran Reserva Rioja. Savoury with dried cherry, dark berries, leather, tobacco leaf and balsamic flavours on the palate. Pair with game dishes. Drink: 2020-2032. 355743 14% XD 750 mL  $55.95 Score: 94/100. June 24, 2023 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Barahonda Carro 2019, Yecla D.O., Spain: Señorío De Barahonda Carro 2019 is a fantastic value Monastrell, Syrah, Tempranillo and Merlot red wine blend under $14 from the Yecla D.O. Dry and full-bodied with ripe blackberry, dark plum, tart cherry, smoky spicy flavours plushy on the palate and balanced with vibrant acidity for food. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2022-2024. 574426 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 4, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied California Cabernet Sauvignon from a warm vintage. Lots of juicy, ripe blackberry, dark plum, sweet tobacco, mocha, vanilla and spicy flavours on the palate. Margo Van Staaveren became winemaker and general manager for Chateau St. Jean in August of 2003. Enjoy with prime rib or beef stew. Drink: 2020-2026. 38034 13.80% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. June 26, 2020 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Joel Gott Zinfandel 2017, California, United States: A rich, full-bodied layered Zin with ripe dark plums, bright red berry and cherry jam sweet cake spice on the palate with a smoky vanilla kiss. Grapes are sourced from old vines Zinfandel from Amador to the Lodi in California. Matured in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels. Drink: 2020-2025. 224139 14.80% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 93/100. June 22, 2020 Top Rated Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Wente Vineyards Chardonnay 2009, Monterey, California, United States Drink: 2011-2015. 979344 13.50% D 750 mL  $27.95. April 2, 2011 Full Review
Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2011, Monterey, California, United States: Superb Californian Chardonnay from a cool climate that results in a racy energy running through this robust white wine! Buttery Chardonnay with layers of full-bodied goodness. My mouth is watering. Drink: 2013-2018. 979344 13.50% D 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

© 2024 Natalie MacLean