Argentina
Vistalba Corte C Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A smoky, savoury full-bodied Argentine wine with woodsmoke and card smoke on the nose. Great price. Pair with barbecued meats or even better have a traditional asada -- BBQ in Argentina. Drink: 2013 - 2017 398818 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Juana De Sol Reserva Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: This Malbec grapes for this robust Argentine wine are sourced from the single vineyard of Fincas De La Juanita. Super concentration, depth and richness! A full-on palate experience. It is extremely mouth-filling and demands hearty meat dishes. On the finish, there's mocha, dark chocolate, dark spice, smoke, anise, and the satisfaction that you paid far less than this wine is worth. This robust red was matured for 6 months in French oak barrels. Pair with grilled meats. Malbec food pairings: pizza (cheese), veal, beef, chicken herb-rubbed roast, hearty soups. Drink: 2013 - 2017 288381 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2012, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Cool and minty on the nose with a tease of black fruit from this attractive Australian Shiraz. Smooth palate: ripe fruit but not heavy, mouth-watering juiciness for a wide range of meat and robustly flavoured dishes. Shiraz food pairings: filet mignon, meat lovers pizza, hamburgers. Drink: 2012 - 2017 448241 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tait The Ball Buster Red 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied Australian red wine is a blend of mostly Shiraz, with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. It offers aromas of chocolate and mocha on the nose plus some fleshy black plums. Dive into it and you'll find incredibly great balance, a savoury quality and mouth-watering juiciness for a variety of dishes, especially meaty casseroles. Finishes with pleasantly chary black fruit and smoke. Food pairings: beef, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2018 269472 15.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
3 Rings Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This robust red is packed with notions of black plums, blackberries and smoke. Full-bodied but not heavy: deliciously balanced Australian red wine. Great price. Lots of smoky, toasty oak with black charred plums. Try it with meat lovers' pizza tonight. Yes please! Shiraz food pairings: hamburger, char-grilled beef, blackened chicken, black bean soup, pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2017 15495 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: A savoury, meaty, full-on Australian red wine in all the best senses. Aromas of fleshy black fruit, cedar spice, woodsmoke and wild violets. Love the mouth-feel: generous, supple, liquid velvet. Shiraz food pairings: beef stew with root vegetables, lamb cutlets with pepperade and goat cheese, hamburgers, pizza, black bean soup. Drink: 2014 - 2019 48496 14.8% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Schild Estate Gms Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2012, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Oh yum. Comfort me with mourvèdre and other old bush vine grapes. Rich, complex and deep Australian red wine: exactly what you want in a partner (and in a wine). Full-bodied and smooth and inviting. The Schild family has been in the Barossa Valley for more than 60 years. Lots of complexity, depth and vibrancy in this richly rewarding wine. This is a blend of 45% Grenache, 28% Mourvèdre and 27% Shiraz grapes. Pair with brisket. Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York striploin with chimichurri sauce, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2018 108183 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bleasdale Mulberry Tree Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Black fruit, smoke and toasty oak with some dark spice. Pair with hamburgers. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York striploin with chimichurri sauce, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2017 661892 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yangarra Shiraz 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Pleasantly bitter and tarry. in Australian Shiraz. Juicy, full-bodied and layered. Drink with hamburgers or steak. Finishes with tart blackberries, pepper and spice. The McLaren Vale region in Australia is known for top-notch Shiraz like this one. Pair with hamburgers. Shiraz food pairings: hamburger, steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 911974 15% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Two Hands Wines Samantha's Garden Shiraz 2012, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied Australian red wine made from the country's iconic Shiraz grape. Pleasantly bitter blackberry and wild currant on the palate and finish with some woodsmoke. Shiraz food pairings: beef stew with root vegetables, lamb cutlets with pepperade and goat cheese, hamburgers, pizza, black bean soup. Drink: 2014 - 2018 67355 16% XD 750 mL $67.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2012, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Laser focused pure fruit zings across the senses and palate with this vibrant Australian Riesling. Come-alive cool-climate Riesling with crisp, silver lines of refreshment from start to finish. Love it! Petrol, lemon blossom, lime zest, mineral depth. Mouth-watering and dry. Supreme! Try it with creamy cheeses. Lots of acidity and minerality in this crisp white wine. Pair with spinach quiche and vegetarian dishes. Riesling food pairings: game birds, pork, cheese, seafood. Drink: 2014 - 2018 262469 12.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dutschke 80 Block St. Jakobi Vineyard Merlot 2012, Lyndoch, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with tart cassis and blackcurrant notes in this Australian red wine made from Merlot. Some black plum. Pair with grilled pork chops. Merlot food pairings: Brazilian-style flank steak with chimichurri sauce, grilled pork chops, rack of BBQ ribs, veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2017 393744 14.8% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stone Dwellers The Exception Shiraz 2012, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia: Smoky with loads of toasty oak and chary black fruit. Heart of blackness with a mint lining. Fleshy black plums, blackberries and dark spices on this robust Australian red wine from Fowles winery. Luscious layers of flavour and complexity. Full-bodied with a long spicy satisfying finish. Pair with rare steak. Shiraz food pairings: hamburger, char-grilled beef, blackened chicken, lamb chops, pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2018 265967 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Mocha and smoke aromas with blackcurrant weave in this full-weighted Australian red wine. Solid, balanced and delicious. Try it with a hearty meat dish. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued burgers. Drink: 2014 - 2018 675223 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
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. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: filet mignon, cheddar. Drink: 2013 - 2018 43224 14.9% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ad Lib Hen & Chicken Oaked Chardonnay 2012, Pemberton, West Australia, Australia: A terrific, robust Australian chardonnay produced by The Yard Wine Company. A mouth-watering acidity balances the luscious tropical fruit flavours here. Green apple vibrancy is blanketed in toasted hazelnut. Full-bodied and generous. Highly recommended. Pair this full-bodied chardonnay with pasta and rich chicken dishes (naturally). Chardonnay food pairings: beef bourguignon, breads, cheese, poultry, lobster in butter. Drink: 2013 - 2017 297697 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Austria
Schlumberger Brut Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling Wine, Austria, Austria: Fresh, dry and crisp with lemon sunshine. Made using the Méthode Traditionnelle, this fresh, dry and crisp Austrian sparkling wine is pure lemon sunshine in a glass. Pair with fresh seafood. Great price! Sparkling Wine food pairings: grilled seafood, summer salad with chicken and freshly picked herbs. Drink: 2014 - 2017 284596 11.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Inniskillin Niagara Estate Discovery Series Botrytis Affected Viognier 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The 2013 vintage of Inniskillin's Discovery Series Botrytis Affected Viognier offers fascinating aromas and flavours of baking spice, apricot preserves and white flowers. As a grape, Viognier, is not often styled this way and affected by botrytis, or the noble rot that creates Bordeaux's finest dessert wines like Chateau d'Yquem. Lovely honey dripping clementines on the finish. Pair with angel food cake. Viognier food pairings: spice cake, chicken with orange or marmalade sauce, mild curries. Drink: 2013 - 2018 405027 13.5% S 375 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ridge Road Riesling 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Pretty, light and floral, with lime blossom and apricot fleshy ripeness on the nose and palate. Perfect for fresh seafood dishes. Keep your eye on this Ontario winery. The medium sweetness is balanced by the acidity: ultra delicious! Riesling food pairings: sautéed diver scallops, chicken, pork, mild curries and spices. Drink: 2013 - 2018 346858 10% M 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2012, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Deep minerality, white peach, wet stone, petro and minerality. Perfect balance between sunny orchard fruit and acidity. Riesling food pairings: grilled chicken with lemongrass stalk, spicy pasta dishes, shrimp tempura, grilled salmon with lemon sauce, duck liver pate. Drink: 2013 - 2018 277228 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ridgepoint Wines Merlot 2010, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Ripasso style offers pepper and dark spice with some black fruit and smoke. Merlot food pairings: Brazilian-style flank steak with chimichurri sauce, grilled pork chops, rack of BBQ ribs, veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2017 270488 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Tabalí Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Limarí Valley, Chile: Grassy-fresh sauvignon blanc with clean, crisp lines. Come-alive lime and chives... Bring on all sorts of food pairings. The Limarí Valley produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc and it shows in the glass. Amazing value white wine for this price. The grapes were grown in the Santa Rosa Fray Jorge (Talinay) vineyards. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood appetizers, salads, vegetarian dishes, cheese, turkey pot pie. Drink: 2013 - 2015 662999 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Koyle Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Alto Colchagua, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Lovely blackberry, mint on the nose of this full-bodied Chilean red wine! You can't go wrong with this robust red, especially at this price point. It has the power of Chilean fruit but is also well-sculpted and balanced with a satisfying long finish. Perfect for the days when you want to put your feet up after rigorous shopping expeditions. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rich meat-based pasta dishes, grilled steaks with a flavourful sauce, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2017 256073 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Casablanca Nimbus Syrah 2011, Casablanca Valley, Chile: An attractive well-priced Chilean Syrah with aromas of black fleshy plums, dark spice and cassis. Good acidity i the balance here. Lush and full-bodied. Pair with grilled pork chops. Syrah food pairings: grilled bison strip steaks, Muscovy duck, rare roast beef with oven roasted potatoes, grilled pork chops, spice-braised lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2017 399386 14.3% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Château De Panigon 2011, Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: A tannic, tightly wound Bordeaux red wine that will smooth out with cellar time and decanting of 2 hours. Tarry black fruit, toasty oak and smoke. Pair with a pepper steak. Food pairings: veal chops, grilled duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin, grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub. Drink: 2014 - 2018 230367 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Veuve Ambal Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Burgundy Ac, France: A staggeringly great value. Got a wedding or graduation party? This is your bubbly. Tasty, toasty and bright with green apple refreshment. The Veuve Ambal finishes with white floral notes and lime zest. The vineyards from which the grapes are sourced have a similar topography to the neighboring region of Champagne to the north. Pair with fried chicken. Incredible! Crémant De Bourgogne food pairings: fish, seafood. Drink: 2015 - 2019 209619 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Griffe Bernard Chéreau Sèvre & Maine Muscadet 2013, Loire A.C., France: This Loire AC wine from Chéreau-Carré is joyously alive with mouth-watering acidity and lovely interplays of lime blossom, tangy orange zest and an apple bite. A consistently great producer of this style of white wine made from the Muscadet grape. Try it with clams or oysters. Muscadet food pairings: steamed mussels, paired with pan seared scallops, freshwater fish. Drink: 2013 - 2017 948182 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château La Bastide 2012, Corbières, Midi A.P., France: A full-bodied, robust French red wine from the southern wine region of the country, offering aromas of wild black fruit and toasty oak. Lots of grip on the palate. You can't beat the price for this is an AC-designated wine. Decant 1 hour. Pair with meat lovers pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 360487 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Les Grands Bois Cuvée Maximilien Cairanne 2012, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, A.C., France: This full-bodied French red wine offers seductive blackberry liqueur aromas and flavours and a ultra-velvet texture on the tongue. So delicious. No oak, just incredible fruit flavour. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2014 - 2020 286336 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De La Madone Le Perréon Beaujolais-Villages 2013, Beaujolais A.C., France: Produced by Jean Bérerd & Fils, this jubilant almost full-bodied red spills over with bright red berry fruit and spice. Lovely! Terrific replays of fleshy raspberry on the palate and finish of this mouth-watering juicy red wine. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2018 981175 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine du Grapillon d'Or 1806 Gigondas 2017, Rhône A.C., France: This is black liquid velvet; so tantalizing to the tongue and senses. Gigondas is my go-to region on a restaurant list. There are 35 acres planted for this wine that produces 50,000 bottles a year. The average age of the vines is 40 years, which imparts incredible depth and complexity of flavour in the wine. The grape are hand-picked and selected. Bursting with aromas and flavours of fleshy dark fruit, dark spices, dried herbs and garrigue. This wine is unfiltered. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2019 - 2026 981787 14.5% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 94/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany, Italy: Generous and inviting Italian red wine, with mouth-watering flavours of ripe blackberries and black raspberries on the nose of this DOCG red wine. Smoke wraps around the black heart of this wine and the finish is as long as a Tuscan sunset. Seductive notes of dark cherries and blackberries on the finish. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes by the Manetti family. Great value. Tannic so decant 2 hours and/or give it more cellar time. Pair with spicy sausages. Chianti Classico food pairings: cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2020 369446 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Aurelio Settimo Barolo 2010, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: The 2010 vintage of the Aurelio Settimo Barolo is spectacular! Loaded with aromas of violets, leather, tar and feral underbrush. But this baby needs serious cellar time: the tannins are pronounced and will soften. Finishes with black cherry, anise and smoke. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2017 - 2029 291559 14% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 94/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Giribaldi Barbaresco 2006, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Dry and mouth-watering with great acidity for tangy dishes and tomato sauce. Full-bodied and ultra smooth and mature. Lovely the aromas of leather, violets, dried herbs and smoke. Perfect for lamb dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2019 101147 14% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Speri Pigaro Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Attractive dark cherry nose with a hint of smoke. Full-bodied and supple and lip-smacking delicious Italian red wine. Try it with combination pizza or spicy sausages. Nice finish. The Speri Family has been making wine for more than 150 years with the fifth generation of the family now at the helm. Remarkably, they use only their own grapes. The 2012 vintage has a satisfying long finish. Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: pizza topped with steak strips and garlic, spicy sausage , prime rib roast, hearty winter stew. Drink: 2013 - 2017 205286 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Filadonna Tedeschi Pinot Grigio 2013, Delle Venezie, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Dry, crisp and clean with a medium weight and no heavy oak. Good aperitif or companion to seafood. Finishes with fresh notes of white peach and green apple. An excellent expression of Italian Pinot Grigio. Great value. Pinot Grigio food pairings: grilled salmon steaks, herb-rubbed roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 562058 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Remo Farina Montecorna Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Smoky black fruit on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, savoury and delicious. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: pizza topped with steak strips and garlic, spicy sausage , prime rib roast, hearty winter stew. Drink: 2014 - 2019 56267 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lirica Di Manduria Primitivo 2007, Puglia D.O.C., Italy: Robust with black and purple plum liqueur concentration and depth of flavour. Yet this is bone dry and complex and layered. No relation here style-wise to zinfandel. Pair with hearty meat dish. Primitivo food pairings: hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2018 326710 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lamole di Lamole Vigneto Di Campolungo Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Luxurious dark fruit aromas wrap around a pleasingly juicy, mouth-watering core. Full-bodied and smooth Italian red wine. The wine walks a lovely red line between nervy energy and voluptuous richness. Mocha and black plum mingle teasingly with your senses. You can skip that trip to Tuscany this year: just close your eyes and sip this wine. Pair with lasagna. Chianti Classico Riserva food pairings: meaty pasta, beef stew. Drink: 2014 - 2019 231241 14% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A robust, simple red wine with notes of wild tart dark berries and some oak. Pair with hamburgers. Chianti Classico food pairings: bucatini with sausage and peas, roast beef, pasta, pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2017 23325 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rocca Di Frassinello Poggio Alla Guardia 2010, Maremma, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: A simple, robust red wine with good acidity and notes of dark berries. Pair with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2017 25718 15% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Wither Hills Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: One of my favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs year after year! It's herbal but not too grassy with a lovely lime lift through the mid-palate and finish. Crisp and refreshing. The grapes for this zesty white wine come from Rarangi, Benmorven and Taylor River regions. Minerality, umami, old foreshore, sea salt and lime aromas. This would be perfect with seafood and light-hearted conversation. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: chicken, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge, pasta. Drink: 2013 - 2016 551721 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
CJ Pask Gimblett Road Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2010, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: A full-bodied pleasant red wine blend of Cabernet, Merlot and unusually for New Zealand, Malbec. Offers attractive aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Nicely balanced. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013 - 2017 279869 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lawson's Dry Hills Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A dependably great New Zealand Blanc with classic aromas of herbal-grassy notes, mouth-watering acidity and lime citrus lift. This mouth-watering New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was aged ever so briefly in barrel to add some creaminess and texture. Lots of vibrant green citrus and yellow stone fruit aromas and flavours here. Pair with seafood and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 214460 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Dalva 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal: Lovely caramel and toffeed richness in this tawny port. A great dessert wine for crème brûlée and nuts and cheeses. Drink: 2014 - 2020 19% S 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Morgadio Da Torre Alvarinho 2013, Monção E Melgaço, Vinho Verde D.O.C., Portugal: This Vinho Verde is a crisp white wine from Sogrape Vinhos that is green melon fresh and mouth-watering: loaded with personality. Great aperitif or companion to shellfish. This lively white really highlights the refreshing nature of the Alvarinho grape, which is known in Spain as Albariño. Vibrant notes of lime-citrus course through the glass with a lovely silver seam of acidity to keep things interesting, especially with seafood. Finishes with stonefruit and white grapefruit notes. Terrific minerality. Alvarinho food pairings: fish, cheese, grilled pork, spiced mixed olives with garlic and orange, appetizers, summer salads. Drink: 2013 - 2016 960955 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delaforce Real Companhia Velha Touriga Nacional 2012, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: A full-bodied, generous Portuguese red wine with mocha and toasty oak on the nose. Black plum and raspberry with dark spices on the mid-palate and finish. Long finish on this D.O.C. wine. There's been a revolution in dry red wines from Portugal: try this one and you'll know what I'm talking about. This particular wine hails from a well-known producer of port, the fortified dessert wine. Touriga Nacional food pairings: pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 324517 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Barista Pinotage 2013, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: This supple red wine features coffee espresso on the nose and palate from the toasty oak aging. Lovely smoky richness and layering of dark fruit flavours. Looking for a breakfast wine? Okay, maybe not. But if you love espresso and coffee wafting from your glass, give this wine a try. Some black raspberry and mocha on the finish. Great price. Pair with (what else?) coffee-rubbed steak. Pinotage food pairings: biscotti, blackened lamb burgers, smoked cheese, braised beef in a Porter reduction. Drink: 2013 - 2017 172585 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2012, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Savoury, juicy and pleasingly different from most Cabernet-Merlot blends, with coffee, dried herbs and cranberry flavors: weirdly wonderful. Full-bodied and smooth. In the mood for something different? Here's your wine. Pair with a pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot food pairings: roast beef, barbecued chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2017 278382 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Prima 2012, Toro D.O., Spain: An attractive, full-bodied, supple, smooth Spanish red wine with aromas of wild blackberry, black plum, tarry smoke and oak. Finishes with black cherry and toasty oak. Pair with grilled burgers. Food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York striploin with chimichurri sauce, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 80762 14.8% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Zaco Tempranillo 2011, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Smoky and toasty Spanish red wine, with tasty aromas and flavours of black cherries. Ready to drink now. Decant this robust wine for 1-2 hours and pair with pepper steak. Gorgeous length on the finish. Superb value. Tempranillo food pairings: herbed steaks, portobello mushroom, chili, soup, lamb chops. Drink: 2012 - 2018 146209 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rotllán Torra Vina D'alta Qualitat 2010, Priorat D.O.C., Spain: This Spanish Crianza is savoury and juicy with great complexity and depth. Smooth and full-bodied with lusciously ripe and fleshy dark berries. If you haven't tried many wines from the Priorat region of Spain, this is a great place to start. This wine needs no coaxing out of the glass. decant for 1-2 hours. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with steak. Food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2018 267989 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied, rich and complex Californian Cabernet from Alexander Mountain Estates, with classic aromas of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant wrapped in a judicious weave of smoky oak. Great candidate for the cellar. A wine that almost jumps out of the glass with its vibrant character. The mountain terroir of the vineyards shows through in the depth and complexity of this wine. Superb craftsmanship. Try it with rare filet mignon for an exquisite sensory experience. The grapes for this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon grown at an altitude of 400 to 2,400 feet which imparts freshness and balance. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: filet mignon. Drink: 2013 - 2020 435099 14% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Cedary, woodsy and rustic with wild cassis and tart blackcurrant notes in this balanced, full-bodied Californian Cabernet. Finished with toasty oak and smoke and carob. Pair with a pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York striploin with chimichurri sauce, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 325779 13.5% XD 750 mL $48.75 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2012, Paso Robles, California, United States: Mocha-rich Californian Merlot with some dark chocolate on the nose. Lots of fleshy ripe purple and black plums on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. This wine was aged for a year in oak, and offers plush depths of flavour. Perfect for potluck gatherings. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with lamb. Merlot food pairings: roast pork tenderloin, coq au vin, lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2018 27516 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: A balanced wine and a great value. This is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and Zinfandel grapes in the blend. Dark fruit aromas are wrapped in toasty oak. Nice symmetry and balance with full-bodied weight. Gets my vote! Finished with dried herbs and dark fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2017 191700 14% XD 375 mL $21.75 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kunde Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Sonoma Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and robust with high alcohol that tastes a little hot on the finish. Black fruit and toasty oak. Solid wine. Pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York striploin with chimichurri sauce, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 226977 14.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hedges Family Estate Red 2011, Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, Washington, United States: Savoury with a tannic grip. Red wine blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 16% Syrah, 4% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc. This wine was aged for 11 months in French, American and Hungarian oak barrels. Drink: 2013 - 2017 1594 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Edna Valley Vineyard Paragon Chardonnay 2011, San Luis Obispo County, California, United States: This voluptuous Californian Chardonnay is loaded with butterscotch and toffee notes from oak aging. A gorgeous richness and full-bodied weight on the palate. A long, smoky finish. Terrific! Edna Valley is inland but not from the Pacific Ocean and the mountain gap enables cooling ocean breezes to flow into the valley in an east/west (transverse) direction. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 984153 13.9% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Mendocino County, Lake County, California, United States: A mild Californian white wine with medium body and attractive notes of white flowers and lime. Pair with seafood dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: Thai green curry fish, chicken and sage skewers, fresh tomato and basil salad, fresh oysters on the half shell with lemon and horseradish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 86249 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart