Trent scored this wine: 90/100

You don’t often find Bordeaux and reasonably priced in the same sentence, but if you look in the Bordeaux hinterlands, like the Cote de Blaye, you can find some good, well priced wines. This blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is tannic and could do with a few years of cellar time to evolve. If you want to try it now, decant to soften it. Then you’ll enjoy the black cherry, spiced plum, cedar, clove, tobacco, leather, and smoke that are concealed in this young wine. Beef tenderloin topped with truffle mushroom topping will bring out its best. This can be cellared until at least 2025 and possibly longer.

Trent scored this wine: 90/100

This South African red blend delivers superb value for under $15. It has Syrah that gives it character, Mourve`dre for depth, and Viognier that lifts the aromas. You'll find plenty happening in your glass with intense dark plum compote, black and white pepper, smoked meat, clove, and vanilla. The smooth tannins and full body make it a good pairing for your mushroom risotto with copious amounts of parmesan or pretty much any beef dish, especially braised beef. I'd drink it now to enjoy the fruit.

Trent scored this wine: 86/100

This is a good under $10 red and a good value. It’s a simple, pleasant, dry wine with plum, black cherry, spice, and a little earthiness to enjoy with your weekday pasta and pizza. Drink now.

Trent scored this wine: 88/100

Malivoire has become known for its Gamay and you can see why. They use some time honoured techniques from Beaujolais, like 20% is whole cluster fermented, to enhance the fruit notes. The wine showcases pure, juicy strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, along with earth, black and white pepper, and sage. With its lower tannins and a lighter body, it would enhance your smoked duck, tomato pasta, or sausage dishes. Drink now until 2022.

Trent scored this wine: 87/100

This Niagara sparkler is made with a blend of Riesling, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal in the style of Italian Prosecco. This technique of making sparkling preserves the fruit and this has an abundance of yellow and green apple, lemon, and lime with a lightish body and a little residual sweetness in the finish. Pick some up for your Valentine and match it with charcuterie and cheese. Drink now.