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Vintages Release January 11, 2016

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Dessert Wine

Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2011, Mosel Prädikatswein, Germany: The 2011 vintage of the Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett is a glorious dessert elixir that's sweeter in style than most Kabinett Rieslings and also has lower alcohol. The Riesling grapes for this wine are grown in one of the country's most respected vineyards. Aromas of golden apple, apricot, honeysuckle. Juicy wonderful. Pair with angel cake. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: pavlova, bread pudding, chocolate mousse, honey cake. Drink: 2013 - 2020 15302 9% MS 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. January 2016. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Featherstone Winery Cabernet Franc 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A savoury, cedar-rich, wild dark berry wine with a distinctive signature of cool climate Cabernet France in the best sense. Not a trace of bell pepper or herbal notes. Luscious and mouth-watering; smooth, supple and full-bodied. Pair with grilled pork chops. Cabernet Franc food pairings: lamb, beef rosciutto, goat cheese, turkey, beef stew with root veggies, red pepper stuffed with rice and meat. Drink: 2014 - 2017 64618 12.3% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Perrin & Fils Nature 2014, Côtes Du Rhône A.C., France: This classic French red wine is loaded with aromas of fleshy black plums, blackberries and blueberries. Full-bodied with smoky forest floor. Mouth-filling and rich with a long finish. Surprising acidity on the mid-palate: almost tingling in sensation on the tongue. One of the best organic wine producers worldwide. Pair with free range grilled chicken or beef. Food pairings: grilled Angus beef steak. Drink: 2013 - 2018 10363 13.5% XD 375 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Julia Magna Zuccardi 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A dependable, full-bodied Argentine red wine blend from one of the country's largest, yet most respected producers of value-priced wines. The classic Malbec grape is 40% of this blend. Lots of fleshy black fruit and some toasty oak. Pair with grilled steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 93799 13.8% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Viña Cobos Felino Paul Hobbs Malbec 2014, Mendoza, Argentina: The cool nights high on the mountainside provide a lively, vibrant balance for this full-bodied wine that is redolent of blackberry and black cherry. Terrific smoky finish with a lingering note of dried herbs and wistfulness (for the next glass). Finishes with attractive black fruit and minerality. Polished tannins. Pair with prime rib. Malbec food pairings: beef,  turkey, tomato sauces, hamburgers, spaghetti and meat balls. Drink: 2014 - 2018 118067 14.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. January 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Thunevin-Calvet Cuvée Constance 2012, Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages A.C., France: Toasty oak, chary, roasted black fruit. A big, black bruiser that delivers dark pleasures. Fleshy blackberries and tar on the palate with a long, smoky finish. Food pairings: filet mignon, pepper steak. Drink: 2012 - 2016 168690 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Speri La Roverina Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2013, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Medium-bodied, supple and juicy with bright tart cherry aromas and flavours. A lovely everyday pasta wine. Think tomato sauce. Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: meat lovers pizza , spicy sausage , prime rib roast, hearty winter stew. Drink: 2013 - 2017 204008 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Pieve Barolo 2011, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: This full-bodied red wine offers enticing aromas of bitter dark fruit, tar, toasty and spice. Barolo wines are rarely priced this affordably, so give this this Piedmont, Nebbiolo-based grape wine a try. The tannins are huge and there will be plenty of fruit here to bring balance. A real gripper but I like it! Big, black with a tarry streak through the middle. Black cherry resistance and some dark spices. Perfect for black magic nights. Barolo food pairings: beef stew. Drink: 2017 - 2021 213132 15% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Montes Limited Selection Carmenere 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Rich, black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours made this full-bodied red wine so seductive. Ultra-plush and voluptuous. Smooth and satisfying sensual pleasure. There's a terrific spice-infused finish wrapped in cedar smoke. Try this with pork tenderloin. Carmenere food pairings: hamburger, ribs in a rich sauce, spicy dishes, tomato-based dishes, beef tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2017 256685 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: This Chilean red wine has an intense and aromatic nose of mint and blackberry with plush fleshy plums on the palate. Nicely balanced with full-bodied goodness. Great structure and a good grip on the palate. Decant 1-2 hours. Finishes with dark spices. Pair with meat lamb and rosemary. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hamburgers, steak, hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2012 - 2018 460170 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Paso Creek Zinfandel 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: Hickory smoke and savoury black fruit on the nose and palate of this delightfully delicious Californian red wine. Great value for this price. Pair with barbecued meats. Zinfandel food pairings: spaghetti Bolognaise, aged cheddar, grilled duck breast, cheese pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 279810 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nostre Pais 2012, Costières De Nîmes, Midi A.C., France: A robust and delicious red with aromas of black licorice (it's dry), blackberries, black cherry and smoke. Lovely length and weight. Polished, smooth tannins make it easy to drink now though it'll also keep well in the cellar. This wine was mature for six months in French barrels, with most of it resting on its lees. Terrific price. Gassier is the iconic flagship of the Nimes region, and this wine shows why. Food pairings: hearty meat dishes, prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2019 214378 15% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 93/100. January 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Aydie L'origine Château D’Aydie 2012, Madiran, Southwest A.C., France: Full-bodied and restrained for the Madiran, usually the home of palate-whacking reds. Doesn't even taste like 14% alcohol. Concentrated, rich and deep. Food pairings: pasta. Drink: 2013 - 2016 343566 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sister's Run Bethlehem Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, meaty, savoury and mouth-watering. An awesome full-bodied Australian red wine with fleshy dark red and black fruit aromas. Not too heavy, just right. Meaty dishes please. Great price. Finishes with great complexity and concentration of flavour. Pair with spring lamb. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese, braised pork shanks with white beans, sizzling New York strip steaks, veal Asian chicken salad. Drink: 2014 - 2018 360636 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ramirez De La Piscina Crianza 2011, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Lots of toasty oak and Band-Aid on the nose (good thing) on this robust Spanish red wine. Loaded with black berries and wild tart woodland fruit with savoury cedar brush and garrigue and mystery. Meaty, and chompy. Drink with a fork. Great price. Steak please. Food pairings: beef. Drink: 2013 - 2017 383018 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bogle Vineyards 2013, California, United States: Loaded with mocha and dark chocolate on the nose and palate of this big Cali red wine from lavish oak aging. Made from old vines. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 394452 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich, full-bodied and savoury with aromas of dark fleshy berries and some meaty notes that are very satisfying. Lots of great layers. Pair with a rare steak and enjoy! Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, braised pork shanks, veal chops. Drink: 2013 - 2018 13608 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. January 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Des Aladères 2012, Corbières, Midi A.C., France: Huge, dense, ripe blackberry and black plum fruit with some liqueur-like richness and smoke. Wonderfully rich and terrific for the price. Full-on palate whacker with the alcohol to boot. Demans brontosaurus burgers. Growl. Drink: 2013 - 2018 431726 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penthouse Pinot Noir 2013, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Attractive tart cherries and berries with racy dark spice on the finish. Medium-bodied and smooth. Pair with seafood. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, roasted pork loin, tourtière. Drink: 2014 - 2018 432864 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Matané Primitivo 2013, Puglia I.G.P., Italy: Lusciously ripe black fruit with black cherry liqueur and dark spice. Full-bodied and smooth and juicy. Perfect for roast beef or brisket. Primitivo food pairings: spicy sweet coconut curry dishes, spaghetti and meatballs, barbecued ribs, chicken wings. Drink: 2014 - 2018 434290 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Saint-Antoine 2010, Bordeaux A.C., France: A terrific value for Bordeaux especially from the strong 2010 vintage. Loaded with toasty oak and charred black fruit and dark spice. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 434464 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jackson Estate Outland Ridge Pinot Noir 2012, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California, United States: Produced by Kendall-Jackson winery, there were 3,000 cases produced of the 2012 Pinot Noir Jackson Estate Outland Ridge. Aromas of dark spicy cherry and smoke. Medium-bodied and smooth. Pair with planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, roasted pork loin, tourtière. Drink: 2013 - 2018 437095 13.5% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 90/100. January 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Saint-Roch Vacqueyras 2014, Rhône A.C., France: Charred black fruit and blackcurrant liqueur with tobacco leaves and cigar box. Full-bodied and smooth. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2014 - 2018 437194 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. January 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rockburn Pinot Noir 2012, Central Otago, New Zealand: A mouth-watering cool climate Pinot Noir from New Zealand's Central Otago region. The 2012 vintage exhibits spicy dark berries and acidity o the palate. Pair with seared tuna. Pinot Noir food pairings: coq au vin, beef bourguignon, planked salmon, roast quail. Drink: 2013 - 2018 437855 14% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Dupré Vignes De 1935 Morgon 2012, Beaujolais A.C., France: Tart cherry and dark spice with lots of acidity for tomato sauces on the palate. A little stemmy but still attractive. Medium-bodied and mouth-filling. Drink: 2013 - 2017 440297 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Liquid dark chocolate o the nose and palate. Very powerful, full-palate whack. Black fruit with juiciness. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Enjoy it with back ribs. Food pairings: back ribs. Drink: 2011 - 2016 640938 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California, United States: Hickory woodsmoke, campfire all the way. Please, tell me that campfire story again as the smoke swirls around my head and the stars above us on this mid-summer night. Perfect for grilled meats. Ironstone delivers extreme value in the glass at many price points. Pair this blockbuster red with BBQ chicken or ribs. Zinfandel food pairings: barbecued ribs, wings, burgers, spaghetti Bolognaise, aged cheddar. Drink: 2013 - 2018 951889 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.25 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Allende Tempranillo 2007, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Corpulent aromas of purple plums, blackberries, allspice and grilled meats. A full-bodied wonder that would be a dinner party hit. Tempranillo food pairings: roast lamb, hard cheeses, prime rib steak, duck, cotechino, grilled eggplant. Drink: 2008 - 2017 954560 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. January 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bonterra Merlot 2013, Mendocino County, California, United States: Almost full-bodied, smooth and supple with attractive aromas of black plum. Pair with pork chops. Merlot food pairings: eggplant parmigiana, mole poblano chicken, homemade burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2017 984724 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Featherstone Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Featherstone's Black Sheep Riesling stands shoulder to shoulder (ear to ear) with the best of Niagara Rieslings. This is one of my favourite Niagara Rieslings: delightful every vintage. The 2014 vintage is no exceptional with lovely bright notes of lime blossom, lemon zest and flint. Pair with fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes. This Ontario white wine offers great refreshment in the glass. Featherstone's Black Sheep Riesling stands shoulder to shoulder (ear to ear) with the best of Niagara Rieslings. Mouth-watering juiciness with vibrant notes of tropical tree fruit. Off-dry and ready from a range of dishes from glazed ham to chutney. Riesling food pairings: scallop ceviche, white fish with mango salsa, salt and pepper shrimp skewers. Drink: 2014 - 2019 80234 10% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2011, Mosel Prädikatswein, Germany: A delighted German dessert wine in the Kabinett style with fleshy fruit sweetness of apricot, peach and cider. The grapes grow on the renowned slopes of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr hillside vineyard. Racy acidity keeps it balanced. Pair with fruit flan. Riesling Spätlese food pairings: chocolate cookies, berry tarts, apple dumplings, cheesecake. Drink: 2013 - 2020 912659 8% MS 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. January 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château D'Argadens 2014, Bordeaux A.C., France: Juicy and lip-smacking tasty with lemongrass acidity on the palate for Thai dishes and grilled lemon chicken. Lovely medium-body yet packed with flavour, but not heavy. Great aperitif. Drink: 2014 - 2018 159111 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lander-Jenkins Spirit Hawk Chardonnay 2013, California, United States: A lovely chardonnay with tropical fruit and caramelized toffee notes from the oak aging. Full-bodied and round. Tasty! Chardonnay food pairings: grilled white fish with fresh peach compote, pork skewers and a garden salad with lemon-juice dressing. Drink: 2013 - 2018 162651 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fielding Estate Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lively and surprisingly aromatic as often unoaked cool climate chardonnays are fairly subtle. This one is bursting with white peach and green apple. So alive in the glass! Pair with fresh seafood. Chardonnay food pairings: scallops, grilled seafood, stuffed chicken, beef bourguignon. Drink: 2014 - 2018 164491 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Saint-Roch Grenache Blanc Roussanne 2014, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.P., France: Soft and round French white wine with good minerality and medium acidity. This balanced wine sources grapes from old vines that are hand picked, low yield and dry grown Pair with pork tenderloin. Grenache Blanc Roussanne food pairings: roast turkey with all the trimmings, tender roast pork. Drink: 2014 - 2018 175232 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2013, Sonoma County, California, United States: This luxurious Californian white wine features green apple aromas wrapped in toasted almond. Nice balance. Finishes with vibrant lemon and baking spices. Nice kick of butterscotch and toffee from oak aging. Full-bodied and layered. This would be an interesting pairing with roast veal. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled lobster tail, pork, turkey burgers, beef bourguignon, linguini with clams and fennel. Drink: 2013 - 2018 226936 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Middle-Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: One wine to rule them all, one wine to watch JRR Tolkien's trilogy! Grassy but not too herbal, just enough to get you to Mordor. Pour Gandolph a second glass and listen to his wisdom. It will require that you leave the Shire. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: chicken and sage skewers, fresh tomato and basil salad, Thai green curry fish, fresh oysters on the half shell with lemon and horseradish. Drink: 2014 - 2017 391987 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Estancia Pinot Grigio 2014, California, United States: Crisp, fresh and clean with aromas of lime and lemon zest. Great aperitif or companion to seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes. Pinot Grigio food pairings: pasta with cream sauce, grilled chicken breast, summer salads, pork burgers. Drink: 2016 - 2018 418285 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Loimer Lois Grüner Veltliner 2013, Kamptal D.A.C., Austria: A solid Gruner for enthusiasts of this variety: lots of acidity, white pepper, lemon peel, grapefruit. Pair with vegetarian dishes. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: lentil soup, smoked salmon, boiled ham, vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2017 422717 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gilmour Orus Chardonnay Riesling Pinot Grigio 2012, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Although this wine has been made for the hockey great Doug Gilmour, it's no "enforcer" type blend. Rather it's delicate and floral, as if Doug were inspired by a night at Swam Lake rather than Hockey Night in Canada. White nettles and grapefruit zest make this a good aperitif or companion to seafood. No need to leave this in the cellar or penalty box. Enjoy now. Drink: 2013 - 2017 441915 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2013, Pfalz Q.B.A., Germany: Magnificent for the price point! Floral with fleshy ripe peach yet airy and refreshing. Medium-bodied with a peach blossom finish. Slight sweetness lends food versatility, yet it's not at all cloying. Pair with fresh seafood. Riesling food pairings: Thai or Indian dishes, melons, soft cheese, curries. Drink: 2013 - 2017 568634 11.5% M 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gustave Lorentz Réserve Riesling 2014, Alsace A.C., France: This dry, balanced Alsatian Riesling offers aromas of white flowers, pear, and stonefruit. Deep core of minerality and refreshment. Pair with fresh seafood. Riesling food pairings: roasted chicken, spicy pasta dishes, grilled salmon with lemon sauce, duck liver pate, cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 641639 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc 2015, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: This is a great example South African Chenin Blanc with seductive aromas of Asian pear and something I can only describe as black apricot. Oak imparts baked bread and wraps this wine beautifully. Baking spices on the finish of this exotically wonderful wine. Pair with mild curries. Chenin Blanc food pairings: pizza, white fleshed fish, mild sausage, Greek salad, game. Drink: 2015 - 2019 675421 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wakefield Winery Chardonnay 2014, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Great value Chardonnay! Full-bodied with green apple and toasty oak aromas. Perfect for roast chicken. Lovely melon and pear notes on the finish of this Australian Chardonnay. Chardonnay food pairings: turkey burgers, crab cakes, chicken breast, lobster in butter sauce, cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 711556 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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