Natalie MacLean - delicious wine picks and pairings
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steve jan 25

Bill Wright Sommelier

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Susana Balbo Signature Dominio Del Plata Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Susana Balbo is one of Argentina’s best winemakers. She is talented and has great taste. Full-bodied, savory, rich and deep: this wine has it all. Fleshy dark fruit but something more exotic. Love it! Drink: 2011-2015. 79798 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review
Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: An intense, expertly made wine. Almost pitch black in the glass. Impactful aromas of cassis, woodsmoke, cloves, mineral and mocha come wafting forth. Dry and very richly fruity, but it is immediately brought into balance by bright acidity and chewy tannins. This robustly full-bodied and long-finishing wine is an ideal candidate for mid-term cellaring (2-4 years), but it will also reward enjoyment tonight. My note: Juicy-black concentration of flavours and happiness. This is incredibly flavourful for cabernet which is usually far more austere than shiraz. I love it because the balance is just right between structure and fruit power. Drink: 2011-2017. 730374 14.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. August 20, 2011 Top Rated Red 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
Domaine Tournon Shay's Flat Vineyard M. Chapoutier Shiraz 2010, Pyrnees, Victoria, Australia: Gorgeous concentration here! Black and dark red fruit mingle with pepper, dark spices and brooding mystery. What an incredible wine. It's produced be a classic and respected Rhone Valley producer Chapoutier. Pair with filet mignon or any peppery or spicy hearty meat dish. Drink: 2014-2018. 311480 14% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 98/100. January 19, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Malivoire Wine Company Gewürztraminer 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Tones of lotus flower, lychee, rose petal and exotic spices on the nose. The palate is off-dry, medium bodied and delivers great acidity and classic Gewürz bitterness. This closes out with a spicy edge to the medium-length, fresh and fruity finish. A great pairing for salmon in a light cream sauce. My note: Love this style of gewurz! Enticing aromas of lychee, rose petal, baking spices and happiness. Medium- to almost full-bodied. A spectacular wine. Oh my, oh my. Drink: 2011-2016. 542522 13% MD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 16, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review
Antonin Rodet Pinot Noir 2008, A.C., Givry, Burgundy, France: Stunning, especially at this price! Lovely aromas of rose petal and raspberry. Medium-bodied and juices delicious not this is no fruit bomb. Nothing heavy or oaky about it. I’m buying a case. Gold Medal at the 2009 Concours des Vins de France in Mâcon. Drink: 2011-2016. 110395 13% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Perrin & Fils Les Sinards 2009, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: This robust red offers pure black cherry liqueur flavour and concentration, yet finishes dry and satisfying. It's rich, robust and layered. Full-bodied doesn’t begin to describe it for those who love a full-palate wallop, yet it's also balanced and complex. This one will age well in the cellar. This half-size bottle will mature more quickly than the 750 ml full bottle. The finish is smoky with dark spices and intrigue. Great dinner party wine, including when it's a party for one. Drink: 2012-2016. 5975 14% XD 375 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 11, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Gisselbrecht Frankstein Grand Cru Riesling 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Petrol flint wet stone loveliness. Hello baby! Medium- to light-bodied yet spectacularly packed with flavor. Lemon, lime zest finish. For insiders who know. Wink. Drink: 2013-2017. 341909 12% D 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 92/100. September 28, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Tommasi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, 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. This half bottle size is perfect for nights when you and your dining companion want just a glass and half or so. Drink: 2011-2020. 980128 15% D 375 mL  $26.95 Score: 93/100. June 22, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Enchanting Feta Cheese Wine Full Review
Momo Seresin Estate Pinot Noir 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Big and juicy with pleasingly tart and vibrant cherry aromas and flavours. Mouth-watering acidity is fantastic for a range of dishes. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Very tasty. Absolutely needs food. Made by the film director of many famous movies, including several of the Harry Potter series. Drink: 2012-2016. 163972 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 28, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Sandeman Vau Vintage Port 2000, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Love it! Savoury cherry liqueur with cedar goodness. Rich layers with a long finish. Drink: 2010-2025. 251090 20% S 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. October 12, 2013 Favourite Dessert Wine. Full Review
Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2009, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2009 Ancient Vines Zinfandel is awash in raspberry, blackberry, white pepper and spice notes, along with complexity-building coffee and chocolate characteristics. Aged in new and seasoned American oak, imbuing this wine with a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the focused fruit notes. My note: Zinmasters! These folks know how to make zinfandel blind-folded. Classic aromas of blackberry and blueberry. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2016. 719211 15% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 2, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

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