Argentina
Alamos Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A solidly made wine with terrific balance. Ripe blackberries and pepper. Perfect for barbecue and movie night. Malbec food pairings: lasgana. 467951 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dominio Del Plata Crios De Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: An absolutely incredible wine for the money! Juicy, savoury and delicious: full-bodied with rich layers of ripe plums, blackberry and other dark fruits. 640979 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Best Value Red Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alfredo Roca Pinot Noir 2008, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: Incredible Pinot for the money: you simply will not get a better tasting pinot at this price. Grab a case or five. Lovely fleshy ripe cherries. New World style. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled pork tenderloin, grilled salmon. 32979 13.3% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Best Value Red Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Ultra smooth and full-bodied with berry, plum and spices. Great party wine, especially given the price. 11942 13.8% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Shingleback Haycutters Shiraz Viognier 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Hay and heifers are in this winery’s past. The name of this wine, Haycutter, pays tribute to the property’s previous life as a hayfield; the dairy cows on the land were fed the hay. Today, the cows and hay are gone. The owners discovered that the high calcium soil was also ideal for growing grapes, so now the land is covered with vines. This award-winning wine (Silver Medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2009) is rich and ripe with impeccable balance supplied by bright acids and supple tannins. Enjoy this wine now. My note: Big and beautiful with dark fruit and smoke. Juicy and mouth-watering with a smoky finish. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: barbecued back ribs, grilled steaks. 166132 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Love it! Rich and deep with dive-into-it depths of fleshy black berries and plums, some mint. Fantastic price for this quality. 142034 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. July 2010. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Temple Bruer Enoomah Bore Shiraz Cabernet 2007, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This organic wine contains only 7 mg/L of free sulphur. A rich and vibrant, classic Aussie blend of Shiraz and Cabernet featuring aromas of blackberry, plum, cassis and vanilla. The tannins perfectly frame the bright fruit, bringing a solid structure to this wine. My note: this is the first wine I’ve seen that’s labelled as “vegan friendly.” (So I guess it's perverse that I paired it with back ribs and sausages.) Nonetheless, it’s a fantastically delicious wine with fleshy black plums and berries. Full-bodied, round and supple. Try it at your next potluck dinner. Shiraz Cabernet food pairings: barbecued back ribs, grilled gourmet sausages. 165894 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Oatley Vineyards Mudgee Chardonnay 2007, Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia: A lively, well-balanced Chardonnay with enticing notes Granny Smith apple, Asian pear and white field flowers. The balancing acidity is a pleasant surprise, and there's a judicious use of oak. Full-bodied and satisfying. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, pork chops, lobster in butter, corn dishes. Drink: 2010 - 2012 159798 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition 2009, this wine offers a fantastic starting point for those who’ve never tried Sauvignon Blanc from the Okanagan. Approachable and lively, it’s brimming with aromas of fresh-cut grass, grapefruit and green apple, leading to a crisp, citrus-infused palate with plenty of racy acidity on the finish. My note: A vibrant, mouth-watering white with notes of lime, green apples, grapefruit and chives. Lovely balance without any heavy oak. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: lightly spiced noodle dishes, lemon grass chicken. 57430 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winemaker's Series Pinot Gris 2008, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Lovely depth and roundness in this refreshing white. So much more here than the standard Pinot Grigio: aromas of mouth-wateringly ripe melon and white peach. A perfect aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Winemaker's Series Pinot Gris food pairings: Seared scallops & lobster with rich sauces; creamy pasta dishes; roasted chicken and turkey with lively vegetables.. Drink: 2010 - 2013 177766 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
13th Street Winery Cabernet Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright pink colour with aromas of strawberry, rosehip, blood orange, maple tree sap and roses. Very slightly off-dry wine with fruit surrounded by gentle acids. Plush texture to the finish. Try it with grilled chicken pizza or warm chicken salad. My note: Ripe cherry and cranberry notes with some spices. Dry and refreshing. 117846 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Malivoire Wine Company Gamay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: See just how good gamay can be with this fantastic wine! Gorgeous layers of silky red berries, spice and mocha richness on the finish. Liquid velvet and lots of hedonistic pleasure. Serve it at your next potluck gathering. Drink: 2010 - 2015 591313 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
13th Street Winery June's Vineyard Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Searing, mouth-watering that demands and dances with food. Lime essence wrapped in lemon zest. Pure, unadulterated citrus sunbeams. Boxing Day sale price. Riesling food pairings: grilled tuna steaks, lemon pepper chicken, mildly spicy gourmet sausages. 147512 11.2% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148, Las Pataguas Vineyard Carmenère 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Juicy, straight-forward and delicious, this juicy wine comes from the single vineyard Las Pataguas. Voluptuous layers of dark fruit, espresso and smoke. 30957 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Loma Larga Merlot 2007, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Juicy and rich with dark fleshy plums and berries. Perfect for movie night. 172551 14.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Casablanca El Bosque Winemaker's Choice Syrah 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from the Rapel Valley, this Chilean Syrah is aiming more for the Rhône than Australian style. This charmer features aromas of pepper, blackberry and underbrush with only a hint of New World big ripeness. Enjoy this fine wine around the barbecue. This winery is certified Carbon Neutral. My note: Fantastic delicious at a ridiculously low price! Love this: it’s got all the power and lusciousness of New World fruit but it’s balanced and has great length on the finish too. What more could you want except a case of it? Syrah food pairings: steaks, back ribs. 46276 14.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montes Cherub Syrah Rosé 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Electric cherry-pink rose with tasty raspberry notes. Bone-dry and refreshing. Syrah Rosé food pairings: grilled cedar plank salmon. 37887 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Peñalolen Viña Quebrada De Macul Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Full-bodied with savoury dried herbs and blackberry and cassis. Supple and round, tasty! 169565 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Chardonnay 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This rich, flavourful, harmonious Chilean Chardonnay is a good bet. Two thirds of the wine is aged in French oak for up to ten months, adding a smooth caramel note. Ripe apricot, guava and passion fruit emerge on the nose and on the round, medium-full-bodied palate. The wine’s soft and creamy texture comes from its 8-12 months spent on the lees. This solid value can also be cellared for 2-3 years. My note: Consummate chardonnay for those who want loads of flavour for a budget price. This wine tastes at least twice as expensive as it costs. Gorgeous layers of green apple, smoke, butter and white peach. Chardonnay food pairings: seafood, prawns, scallops, fish, grilled salmon. 928580 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. July 2010. Best Value White Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Concha y Toro Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Casablanca, Rapel, Limarí Valleys, Chile: Staggeringly great value for the money! Herbal, zippy and grassy with wonderfully high refreshment value. Chill it and chill yourself. 649129 13.4% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Best Value White Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Georges Duboeuf La Trinquée Juliénas Gamay 2008, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Lovely tart cherries, pepper and dried herbs on the nose with a silky, smooth texture. Medium-bodied with a long, satisfying finish. Drink: 2010 - 2015 177543 12.8% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Fonscolombe Cuvée Spéciale Rosé 2009, A.C., Coteaux D'aix-En-Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Provence is famous for its rosés, which account for the majority of the total wine production in the region. Château de Fonloscombe’s delights with aromas of plum, strawberry, peach and candied fruit. A dry, medium-bodied wine that’s fresh on the palate, with good length. My note: Simple, dry and pretty. Perfect aperitif on a hot day. Serve chilled. Rosé food pairings: chicken satay with peanut sauce, seafood. 180851 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau De Trinquevedel Rosé 2009, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: Love this rose! Tavel never fails me. Gorgeously ripe raspberries and strawberries, bone-dry and refreshing. Here’s a fun little factoid to share with your guests when you’re enjoying this lovely wine: Tavel rosés were a favourite of King Louis XIV. 729947 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Favourite Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais 2008, A.C., Moulin-À-Vent, Beaujolais, France: Full-bodied, which is surprising for Beaujolais, but this is terrific! Deep rich vein of sweet cherry liqueur (it is a dry wine), dark spices and lovely fat fleshy plums. Double delicious and perfect for movie night. Drink: 2010 - 2015 178301 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Des Terres Falmet Cinsault 2008, Vins De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: A simple but tasty red with intriguing spices and black cherry aromas. Smooth and medium-bodied. Knock it back at your next barbecue. Drink: 2010 - 2012 172650 13.5% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vignerons De Beaumes De Venise Cuvée Fut De Chene Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Grenache/Shiraz blend is a deep, youthful ruby red. Aromas of fresh ripe cherry, plum, and spice greet you, and then repeat in the pleasing combination of flavours. A wine with good concentration and length, and a sweet toasty finish. You can save this red in your cellar for a few years, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Simple, spicy and tasty with black cherries and lots of good intentions. Syrah Blend food pairings: cinnamon chicken. 652206 14.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Mas Neuf Cuvée Tradition Costières De Nîmes Syrah Grenache 2008, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Syrah/Grenache blend is a deep, youthful ruby colour, and opens with a blackberry nose with a hint of black licorice. Aromas of sweet spice follow, along with some peppery notes. Velvety, full bodied and a great value, this can be cellared for a while, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Terrific for the money: rustic and ready when you are! Dark cherries, cedar forest, dark spices and something brooding in the background, maybe unresolved conflict. Drink up and I’m sure it’ll all go away. Syrah Grenache food pairings: mild lamb curry, pasta with carbonara sauce. Drink: 2010 - 2014 177097 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2008, I.G.T., Terra Degli Osci, Molise, Italy: An amazing wine for the money! Rich, dark and bursting with black fruit flavour. Supple and full-bodied and ready to go now. Crack one open on the next movie night. 591974 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tiefenbrunner Chardonnay 2009, D.O.C., Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From one of Alto Adige’s finest producers, Tiefenbrunner, comes this crisp, fresh, appley Chardonnay. To retain their stylistic fruit and fresh acidity, the winery ferments and ages the wines strictly in stainless steel. Try this with freshwater fish, especially rainbow trout. My note: Clean, unoaked Chardonnay with refreshing notes of white melon, green apple and white peach. Great aperitif. Chardonnay food pairings: freshwater fish. 746545 12.7% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy great with refreshing herbal with mouth-watering acidity. Perfect for so many dishes from seafood to salads. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood, salad. 10421 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. July 2010. Favourite White Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Latitude 41 Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Nelson, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy good with sunny aromas of lemongrass and chives. Perfect salad wine. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: salad. 164244 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Apricot, floral, melon, grapefruit and tropical fruit aromas dominate this just-off-dry Alsatian-style Pinot Gris. Fresh acidity brings a touch of dryness to this pretty wine. Enjoy this pleasing wine. My note: Absolutely superb! Mouth-watering, intriguing and satisfying. Bring-me-closer aromas of white peach, daisies and lime zest. Perfect for sipping poolside, dockside or sofaside. Pinot Gris food pairings: mildly spiced seafood, summer salads. 680983 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delta Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely black cherry and raspberry with balanced mouth-watering acidity. Love this style: so elegant yet packed with gorgeous fruit flavour. 675231 13.2% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Monte Da Cal Reserva Dão Sul Syrah Trincadeira Alicante Bouschet 2006, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Monte da Cal is proudly Portuguese. When they use international varieties, their wines have a uniquely Portuguese twist. This blend of Syrah with the local Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet is rich, ripe and full bodied with a nice seam of acidity. My note: Very pleasant and full-bodied with black cherry and plum and smoky-mocha aromas. Velvet texture and a finish that will keep you warm and glowing all night. Syrah Trincadeira Alicante Bouschet food pairings: braised beef, grilled steak. 30452 14.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quinta De Ventozelo Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Unlike regular LBV Ports, unfiltered (aka traditional) LBVs can continue to mature in the bottle for a few years after bottling. This one, for example, is delicious now, but would benefit further with 3-5 years of cellaring. Look for aromas of fig, dark chocolate and vanilla bean. Sweet yet with a good core of tannin too that supports further ageing. It may be enjoyed tonight with moderately intense blue cheeses. My note: Full-on, plummy-dark LBV with rich, unending flavours of spices, marzipan and fruitcake. Gorgeous! Port food pairings: blue cheese. 169631 19% S 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Wolf Trap Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2009, Franschhoek, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This Rhône-style blend got our attention. Lovely lifted black fruit aromas layered with notes of peppery spice, tar, leather, red licorice, and woodsmoke. Dry, medium bodied, with supple tannins, bright acidity, and a core of spicy fruit. The perfect match for barbecued fare (bring on the back ribs!), but its refreshing acidity and easy-drinking nature also make it a lovely sipper. My note: Spicy dark plums and berries with terrific extraction of flavour, concentration and depth. A smoky, spicy finish that's deeply satisfying for those who love full-bodied wonders. Drink: 2010 - 2014 626333 14.5% XD 750 mL $14.00 Score: 89/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Wo Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa possesses a pale green colour and a forward nose, bursting with aromas of grass, green pepper and passion fruit. Round and medium bodied, it delivers flavours of lime and gooseberry, leading to a crisp finish. My note: Very grassy but good SB with refreshing notes of lime and well, grass. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: asparagus quiche, Thai green curry. 354746 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Clos De Cabarcos Rotllan Torra Grenache Blend 2006, D.O.C., Priorat, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This Grenache blend from Spain exhibits a deep ruby colour. Plum, raspberry and strawberry aromas welcome you to its bright fresh fruit and moderate tannins. This dry, medium-bodied red has good length and a lovely finish. In keeping with a Spanish theme, try serving this wine with a variety of fuller-flavoured tapas. My note: Blackberry liqueur: rich, dark and deep. Hugely extracted flavours with a full-bodied whack on the finish. Grenache Blend food pairings: tapas. 170084 14.2% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Las Rocas San Alejandro Garnacha 2008, Do Calatayud, Spain: A peppery black cherry number that will dance its way across your palate and into your heart. Lovely supple layers of black fruit flavour. I can’t think of a better barbecue wine. 95190 14.7% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Loaded with flavour yet not heavy at all. Bursting with hazelnut, green apples, peach and Asian pear. I can’t think of a better wine for lobster dipped in butter or fresh corn on the cob with a pat of butter melting over it. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster, corn on the cob. 26682 14.7% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. July 2010. Favourite White Wine (Tied) Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Phelps Creek Becky's Cuvée Pinot Noir 2007, Columbia Gorge, Oregon, United States: Generous, juicy sweet cherry with some baking spices. Absolutely lovely and plush. The pleasure rolls on and on and on… yum! 181438 13.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. July 2010. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart