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

Buy Again

Kate Dunford

Increase Font Size | Decrease Font Size


Norton Reserva Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Juicy and full-bodied with blackberry and black currant aromas wrapped up in some toasty oak. Good acidity. Malbec is the flagship red wine of Argentina, and the proof is in the glass here. Try it with a combination pizza. Drink: 2013-2015. 17061 14.70% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 18, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
St. Hallett Gamekeeper's Shiraz Grenache 2010, Barossa Valley, Australia: Baked cherries and kirsch on the nose with a warm, peppery finish. Full-bodied and tasty. Great value. This winery has been making classic wine in the heart of the Barossa Valley since 1944. In Australia, this blend of Shiraz and Grenache grapes along with a dash of the flagship Portuguese grape Touriga Nacional is called the Gamekeeper’s Reserve. Some pepper on the finish is just right for that grilled steak. Drink: 2013-2016. 24117 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 26, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Flat Rock Riesling 2013, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The Vintages Catalogue says 2014 but we tasted the 2013 vintage. Green apple and white pear. Love it. Building an inukskuk is now a ritual at the end of harvest for this winery: lifting the heavy stones requires a team effort. Pair with roast turkey and fun. Drink: 2013-2019. 43281 11% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. April 4, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Mac & Fitz Shifts End Red 2012 2012, Canada  13.50%  750 mL  $10.40. March 1, 2012 Full Review
Quails' Gate Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2011, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Gorgeous depth and concentration of flavour, yet not heavy. Fleshy ripe black cherries, violets and some dark spice. This is seductive pinot. Pair with something naughty. Drink: 2013-2018. 585760 14% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. August 17, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Casillero del Diablo Reserva Carmenere 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Laced with dark chocolate, coffee and mocha up front with black raspberries and purple plums on the palate. Lip-smacking delicious! Hamurgers never had it so good. 620666 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 86/100. March 24, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere 2008, Colchagua, Chile: Loaded with black cherry liqueur, ripe raspberries and fleshy plums. Full-bodied, plush and delicious! Drink: 2009-2009. 553792 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.80 Score: 89/100. May 2, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Santa Rita Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: An amazing wine for the price point! Full-bodied, rich and layered as you would expect from a $25 wine. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plum and blackberry. Perfect for potluck gatherings and movie night. Drink: 2009-2014. 253872 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 3, 2012 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Santa Rita Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: An incredible wine for the money! This full-bodied Chilean red wine offers generous aromas and flavours of blackberry, pepper, cassis, cedar smoke and purple plum. Santa Rita's home vineyards are in Alto Jahuel in the Maipo Valley. The wine is aged n French and American oak barrels for 8 months. Finishes with dark berry flavours and oak spice. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013-2018. 253872 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 3, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Ninquén Antu Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Great concentration and depth of flavour. Exotic black plums and dark spices on the finish. Amazing quality for the price. Full-bodied, rich, endless. Plush, fleshy black plums wrap themselves around your tongue and dance with your senses. Pair with a crackling fire on a chilly evening, and a great book. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with grilled meats. OTHER: This wine was awarded 91 points in the 2013 Descorchados guide. (VINTAGES panel, undated.) Drink: 2013-2017. 675371 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. September 13, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio 2013, Delle Venezie, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Vibrant, zesty and refreshing Italian white wine with mouth-watering acidity for food. Medium-bodied, no perceptible oak. Great aperitif or companion to seafood or salads. Nice price. The bonus is that's organic. Drink: 2013-2015. 204768 12.50% XD 750 mL  $15.75 Score: 89/100. September 13, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Outstanding Organic 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
The Grinder Pinotage 2012, W.O., Swartland, South Africa: Loaded with toasty oak, coffee, black pepper, dark spices, mocha and savoury dark fruit aromas. There's a seductive juiciness on the palate with full-bodied weight. Black plum and anise on the smoky finish. Highly recommended. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013-2016. 572107 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 1, 2014 Smart Buy Wine Full Review
The Show 2012, California, United States  . March 1, 2012 Full Review

© 2024 Natalie MacLean