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Natalie MacLean's Wines of the Week for October 5, 2015

nataliemaclean.com

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Viña Maipo Gran Devoción Carmenère Syrah 2012

Maule Valley, Chile

A full-bodied Chilean red wine with typical aromas of black fruit, herbs and spice. This is a red wine blend of Carmenere and Syrah grapes. Pair with meat lovers' pizza.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2014-2018

Complete Cheese Pizza Wine

Price: $17.95
Score: 89/100
LCBO: 274100

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2012

Lodi, California, United States

This classic Californian Zinfandel offers aromas of flavours of wild berries and purple plums. Pair it with hamburgers.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Sweetness: Dry
Drink: Now

Luscious Lamb Wine

Price: $17.95
Score: 90/100
LCBO: 678698

Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2012

Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy

A smooth, full-bodied Italian red wine made from the classic Tuscan red grape Sangiovese. This wine has tart dark berry notes, cigar box and lots of juicy acidity that cries out for food. Feed this wine pizza or lasagna.

Alcohol: 13%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2014-2018

Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine

Price: $15.95
Score: 88/100
LCBO: 219808

Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2013

Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia

A full-bodied Australian red wine blend of traditional Rhone varieties: Shiraz (about 90%) and Mourvèdre (about 10%) grapes with terrific structure and depth. Judicious use of oak wraps around blackberries and some dark spice notes. The wine was aged in second use American oak barrels. A pleasantly long, dry finish. Another classic red from Australia. Perfect for grilled meats: smooth yet robust. Finishes with dark fruits, pepper and spice. Pair with braised meats or stew.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2015-2019

Best Beef Wine

Price: $24.95
Score: 92/100
LCBO: 468629

CedarCreek Estate Winery CedarCreek Pinot Gris 2014

Okanagan Valley, Bristish Columbia BC VQA, Canada

A lovely BC white wine made from Pinot Gris grapes. Aromas of white melon, Asian pear, floral fruit and cantalope. Grapes come from the winery's upper CedarCreek Vineyard. They're picked when black bears start making their way through the estate's "bear-proof" fence, as the bears seem to enjoy the same level of sweetness and ripeness that winemaker Darryl Brooker does, though their food pairings differ. About 13% of this wine is barrel fermented. Pair with fresh halibut and light seafood dishes.