Step Rd Shiraz 2005, Langhorne Creek, South Australia: Fantastic value for this full-bodied, lip-smacking red. Aromas of black plums and berries. 52993 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 24, 2007
Full ReviewBodega Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: This incredibly concentrated wine has rich aromas of blackberry and plum. 677567 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.25 Score: 90/100. February 16, 2008
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewTrapiche Broquel Bonarda 2007, Argentina: A juicy-ripe red with rich black fruit, licorice, blueberry, coconut, dark spices and vanilla smoke. The vines for this wine were 20 years old, and the wine was aged in oak barrels for 12 months. Good firm tannins. Decant for 1-2 hours. 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
Full ReviewDominio 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 10, 2010
Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full ReviewSt. Hallett Gamekeeper's Shiraz Grenache 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Staggeringly great value and quality for the price: holy cow! Full-bodied, generous, juicy with full-bodied weight, smooth with classic aromas of black plums, berries. 166991 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. July 24, 2010
Full ReviewWolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, South Estern Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby purple color; dry and full-bodied with medium tannins, ripe blackberry and oaky vanilla aromas and flavors; long finish. My note: Vanilla-cherry and cool mint on the nose, followed by lovely ripe blackberries and plums on the palate, rich, smooth and inviting. 311795 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009
Full ReviewFerngrove Shiraz 2007, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: Deep, dark and brooding with aromas of blackberry, cassis and cedar box. Great gift or dinner party bottle. 90282 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009
Full ReviewEvans & Tate Margaret River Shiraz 2004, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Deep, rich and extremely concentrated. This full-bodied red offers aromas of black cherry liqueur, black raspberry jam and ripe figs. Satin texture with a warm finish. Drink: 2006-2009. 606905 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. June 20, 2009
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewPenfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2005, Adelaide, Australia: This wine gets better every year, the result of years of experience. Classically structured with Bordeaux-like balance and elegance, but the power of New World fruit and vitality. 611210 14.50% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008
Full ReviewMaxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: We were wowed by this deeply delicious wine. Classic black fruit aromas and flavours give this an extreme depth of flavour from beginning to end. It is not jammy or overdone, and everything is perfectly in place, especially the exceptional use of oak. My note: Gorgeous depths of black fruit. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 89599 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008
Full ReviewWatershed Senses Shiraz 2004, Margaret River, Australia: In 2007, this Shiraz was awarded Gold by the prestigious Mundus Vini International Wine Academy. This wine exhibits lots of fruit concentration and intensity with robust aromas of ripe black raspberries, tar, kirsch and smoke. Not overdone but offers lots of flavor for the buck. Drink: 2008-2015. 73767 14% D 750 mL $20.25 Score: 93/100. January 10, 2009
Favorite Red Wine. Full ReviewZonte's Footstep Shiraz Viognier 2006, Langhorne Creek, Australia: A big honkin' Shiraz with a warm embrace of dark red fruit. When you bang for your buck, go straight to the Aussie aisle of your liquor store. There’s 6% of the Viognier grape in this blend to give the wine a lovely lift and brightness on the mid-palate. The wine was also aged in 20% new oak. A sweet blackcurrant nose with notes of pepper, violets and plump plums on the follow-up. This multi-textured wine is a superb value. Perfect for casual weeknight meals at home or potluck get-togethers. 72975 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009
Full ReviewRebecca Willson Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2006, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Plenty of jammy black fruit, hickory smoke, dark chocolate and anise. A very complete, balanced and satisfying wine. Terrific value. 410761 14.50% D 750 mL $21.25 Score: 91/100. January 17, 2009
Full ReviewBarossa Valley Estate E Minor Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Known the world over for its legendary E&E Black Pepper Shiraz and Ebenezer Shiraz, Barossa Valley Estate is proud to announce this new addition to the family.
Deep ruby in color, this Shiraz exhibits intense aromas of blueberry, raspberry, plum, cocoa and spicy oak. It’s dry, medium to full-bodied with its juicy fruit flavors kept in harmony with lively acidity and user-friendly tannins, culminating in a lingering, lip-smacking finish. My note: Wow! A second label for an incredible price. This shiraz is loaded with black fruit notes. 71043 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 21, 2008
Full ReviewGreg Norman Limstone Coast Shiraz 2005, Australia: A wine with excellent depth, concentration and a long finish. It has aromas of ripe, dark plum, blackberry, sweet vanillin, spice with notes of blackcurrant, mocha and cedar oak. Grown in the rich red soils that overlay the region's hard limestone rock. 0 14% D 750 mL $19.99 Score: 91/100. December 4, 2007
Full ReviewST. Hallett Faith Shiraz 2005, Barossa, Australia: A lovely, juicy and full-bodied red with ripe aromas of plums and blackberries. Closed with a screwcap. 980631 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. January 5, 2008
Favorite Red Wine. Full ReviewSandalford Estate Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Margaret River, Western Australian, Australia: Won the Gold Medal at the Western Australia Wine Show in 2008. Another superb effort from this producer! Displays lively notes of cranberry, black plum, cherry and fig against a deeper backdrop of violets, cedar underbrush, smoky oak and dried herbs. Full-bodied with fine tannins and length. Drink: 2009-2015. 22293 14.50% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 95/100. April 11, 2009
Full Reviewd'Arenberg D'arry's Orig Shiraz Grenache 2006, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Equal parts Shiraz and Grenache, this bold blend displays aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, roasted herbs and licorice with background notes of coffee and caramel. This mouth-filling wine lands softly on the palate, and is followed by a long, spicy and smooth finish. My note: A full-on, honkin' big red from this terrific producer! Bring on the black cherries, raspberry liqueur and smoky oak. Perfect for potlucks. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. 942904 13.90% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 21, 2009
Full ReviewSchild Estate Old Bush Vine Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A superb value from this family estate, this full-bodied blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Mataro (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) and 20% Shiraz is sourced from old vines with an average age of 70 years! Supple and approachable in style, it’s packed with black cherry, licorice, blueberry, earthy notes and spicy black pepper. Soft and voluptuous, this wine is carefully crafted to offer immediate enjoyment. My note: A big hulking red with a black heart. Gorgeous depths of flavor. Mint and dark chocolate. A warm embrace of fruit. 108183 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 19, 2008
Full ReviewShiraz Reserve 2004, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Aramis Vineyards’ specializes in only two varieties, Shiraz and Cabernet. The Leeroy Reserve shows layered aromas of blackberry, creme de cassis, cherry, tobacco, and vanilla It’s packed with ripe dark berry and cherry flavors balanced by soft tannins and enough acidity to keep things harmonious and refreshing. My note: Stunningly rich and full-bodied. 20578 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2007
Full ReviewPenfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, South Australia, Australia: Classic Cab flavors: cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry with a lovely smoky blanket. Terrific balance, depth, length and mouth-watering wonder. 414987 14% XD 750 mL $109.00 Score: 92/100. November 21, 2009
Full ReviewTyrrell's Wines Rufus Stone Shiraz 2007, Heathcote, Australia: Towering flavours with incredible depth. Deep black plums, mocha, black raspberry jam and vanilla smoke. 91488 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 17, 2010
Full ReviewPlunkett Fowles Blackwood Ridge Shiraz 2008, Central Victoria, Australia: Love the savoury, mouth-watering character of this wine! Cedar and blackberry aromas come through mid-palate. Such an intriguing and balanced red… keeps you coming back for more. 507277 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010
Full ReviewBlue Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Victoria, Australia: Juicy with cedar forest and wild blackberry aromas. Enticingly well-balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Love the structure that holds all the fruit power. Fantastic price. Drink: 2010-2016. 79590 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010
Full ReviewConcha y Toro Puento Alto Marques de Casa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Cedar-wrapped plums invite you inside this wine for your hedonistic pleasure. Smooth but full-bodied with many layers of flavour. A smokey finish is ultimately satisfying. Drink: 2009-2015. 337238 13.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. December 1, 2009
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewSanta Rita Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Love it! I will not be snobby and resist a 90 score just because this is a $14 wine. It's tasty, robust and packed with flavour. Fleshy rip plums, blackberries and a mocha infused finish. Roll on! 253872 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. March 2, 2010
Full ReviewMontes Carmenère 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A succulent, savoury red with aromas of black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Supple and enticing. Terrific price. 143230 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
Full ReviewMontes Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Deep and delicious with lovely complexity and long finish. Purple and black plums and blackberry jam. Dried tobacco leaves and cigar box. An espresso finish. 322586 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 7, 2009
Full ReviewErrazuriz Max Reserva Shiraz 2007, Curico Valley, Chile: I love this wine! It's juicy, generous and packed with flavour. Succulent fleshy dark berries roll across your mouth wrapped in savoury smoke and some pepper. This wine has a tendency to disappear surprisingly quickly. Drink: 2010-2016. 614750 14% XD 750 mL $17.85 Score: 91/100. July 20, 2010
Full ReviewM. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila-Haut 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Love it! This wine has it all: balance, length, great extraction of rich black cherry and spice flavour. Drown me in this and don’t bother with a rescue please. Incredible price: must be an accounting error. Drink: 2010-2016. 168716 14% D 750 mL $15.00 Score: 91/100. June 26, 2010
Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full ReviewKWV Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2007, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: I love this producer! Savoury, mouth-watering juicy black fruit with layers of succulent berries and plums. 561142 14.30% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 6, 2010
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewPorcupine Ridge Syrah 2007, W.O., South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes were sourced from a single vineyard in the Wellington district, then aged for 27 months in used French oak barrels. The result is a full-bodied, spicy and floral red. An amazing wine for the price! Rich notes of plums fill the glass. Drink: 2008-2012. 595280 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. September 27, 2008
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewTorres Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Penedes, Spain: A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tempranillo. A rich, robust and balanced red with cassis and blackcurrant notes. 36483 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008
Full ReviewTorres Penedes Cabernet Sauvignon/Gran Coronas 2006, Catalunya, Spain: A rich and deeply layered red with gorgeous notes of black plum, blackberry and mocha. Some dark pepper and spices with a coffee-infused finish. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Superb! Drink: 2009-2016. 36483 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. October 2, 2009
Full ReviewTorres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, D.O., Penedès, Spain: A stunningly delicious and balanced red with full-bodied notes of black fruit, vanilla smoke, dark spices and rich mocha goodness. Crack it open beside the barbecue. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Drink now. Right now. 626721 13.50% XD 375 mL $9.95 Score: 91/100. June 26, 2010
Full Review7 Deadly Michael & David Phillips Old Vine Zinfandel 2007, Lodi, California, United States: A blockbuster red that reminds me of a warming campfire with its smoky rich warmth. Loaded with blackberry, brambleberry and dark spices. Stunning. 59311 14.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 24, 2009
Full ReviewDancing Bull Zinfandel 2007, California, United States: One of the best values on the liquor store shelf! Deep, mouth-watering layers of dark berries and plums with a smoky note underneath. Rich layers of flavor that will keep you returning to your glass again and again and … Drink: 2007-2012. 669499 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. September 2, 2009
Full ReviewRavenswood Vintners Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Ravenswood may be one of the three Rs of Zinfandel (Ridge and Rosenblum round out the trifecta), but they have also proven to have a very deft hand with Cabernet Sauvignon. Filled with cassis and vanilla aromas and flavours, this juicy and fruity wine is balanced out by just the right touch of tannin. My note: I adore the savory meaty notes in this wine: they give it depth and the lip-smacking desire for a top up. Pass the bottle, will you? Lovely, expressive notes of blackberry, cassis and fleshy plum. Superb. 606632 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 20, 2010
Full ReviewArtesa Reserve Tempranillo 2005, Alexander Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Old World meets New World here. This smooth, medium- to full-bodied California Tempranillo is loaded with flavours of ripe dark fruit, wood smoke, tar, and crisp cherry on the mid-palate, marked by a good brace of acidity on the long dry finish. A fine complement for a variety of smoked meats and grilled vegetables. My note: Different in a good way: savoury bacon and meaty notes overlaid with purple plums. Now stay with me, it’s delicious. Spices and a supple velvet texture. Why not try just one bottle at least? 67272 13.80% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 29, 2010
Full ReviewIronstone Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel 2007, Lodi, California, United States: A juicy, fabulously delicious zin, with plush texture and full body. Bursting with brambleberry goodness. Grapes were grown on vines between 60 and 80 years old. Food matches: pasta marinara, beef fajitas, sesame pork ribs. Drink: 2010-2014. 14% XD 750 mL $33.00 Score: 92/100. April 28, 2010
Full ReviewToasted Head Shiraz 2007, California, United States: Toasted Head refers to the ends of barrels in which this wine is aged. Although most barrels on only toasted or charred on their sides, those used for this wine are also toasted on their ends. This gives a smoky, rich character to the wine. This Shiraz bursts with gorgeously ripe black cherries, mocha and hickory smoke. This is a solid value for this full-bodied red with dense black fruit notes. Food matches: red meats, spicy pasta. Drink: 2010-2013. 42937 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. April 28, 2010
Full ReviewGnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2006, Lodi, California, United States: These vineyards some with 80+ year old vines, also make a bold impression on first sight. Unlike modern rows of trellised vines, these old Zinfandel vines were grown as free standing "head trained" vines. Today, they resemble wild bushes with twisted old trunks and branches that spread out in all directions sprouting leaves like unruly umbrellas - gnarly heads. The grapes from these brash old vines create zinfandel with rich, concentrated fruit flavor that is easy to drink and pair. The 2006 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is crafted from grapes from 35- to 80-year-old vines. A juicy, generous blackberry and plummy wine. Full-bodied. 629187 XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 15, 2008
Full ReviewGnarly Head Gnarlier Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Dry Creek Valley, California, United States: Dry Creek Valley is nestled between the Pacific Ocean-exposed Sonoma Coast and Alexander Valley. It is one of the northern-most AVAs in Sonoma and benefits from both inland and coastal influences. Like Alexander Valley, it has hotter daytime temperatures. Like Russian River Valley to the southwest, it has cooling coastal fog in the morning and the evenings. The grapes for Gnarlier Head Zin were hand-harvested over three days from a single vineyard. After two weeks fermentation, the wine was pressed off into French and American oak barrels and malolactic fermentation, which balances acidity and adds richness to the wine. The wine spent a total of 14 months in small oak barrels before being carefully racked and blended into the finished Gnarlier Head Old Vine Zin. A full-bodied red with concentrated aromas of black plums, cloves and blackberries. 67785 15% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. July 15, 2008
Full ReviewRavenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel 2006, California, United States: Lip-smacking delicious cherry-berry flavor with excellent concentration and length. Full-bodied with polished tannins. I love this winery's motto: "No wimpy wines." Drink: 2009-2013. 359257 13.60% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 24, 2009
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewBonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Mendocino County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This Cabernet uses only organically grown grapes. The extra effort rewards with pure and polished aromas and flavors of cassis, cherry, roasted herbs, licorice and ripe blackberry, all wrapped in silky tannins with a medium-long finish. This organic wine contains just 15 mg/L of free sulfur. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. My note: Saturated with lavish aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, cassis, dark spices and cigar box. A core of coffee and some savory meat notes. Full-bodied with firm tannins and a mocha-infused finished. Drink: 2008-2014. 342428 12.09% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. April 11, 2009
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewRavenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2006, Lodi, California, United States: A richer, darker Zinfandel than in the past with more of a bite: love it! Complexity and layers are growing yet it holds true to the traditional signature of blackberries, brambleberries and a lick of dark spices. Jammy cherries and raspberries. 942599 14.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. August 19, 2008
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