Wine Reviews and Food Pairings

Paid Members of my site can access all 259 wines that I've reviewed for August 15, 2025, with my scores, food matches and the stock for each wine in their closest stores.

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Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

Red Wine

Dim Lipizzan Merlot 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: It offers velvety notes of ripe plum, black cherry, and cocoa with a smooth finish. Each of their labels is designed to tell a story about something that happened on the farm. Here’s the story for this Merlot: The winemaker’s mother, Ivanka, who emigrated from Slovenia to Canada in 1969, adored Lipizzan horses, a rare breed in her home country. She also adored Merlot. On the morning of her passing, neighbours’ horses broke free and ran through the vineyard, as if she was saying goodbye, galloping freely under the stars one last time. That moment inspired this wine—and yes, I get a little choked up even sharing this story with you. Pair this with a grilled striploin steak or aged cheddar. It’s the kind of wine that makes you pause between sips and say something meaningful, even if it’s just “wow.” Drink: 2025 - 2027 15.2% M 750 mL $52.00 Score: 94/100. August 2025. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Central Valley, Chile: A bright and refreshing white that opens with vibrant aromas of citrus zest, green apple and passionfruit, complemented by delicate herbaceous notes. The palate is light to medium-bodied, dry and crisp, with lively acidity and 12.5% alcohol delivering a clean, juicy finish. Serve it well-chilled to showcase its fresh fruit and invigorating energy. Fascinating fact: The 120 in the name honors the 120 horses that carried Santa Rita’s founders to safety during Chile’s fight for independence in the early 1800s, and the line has become one of the country’s best-known and most accessible wine ranges. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: an excellent aperitif, pairs well with shellfish and salads.. Drink: 2025 - 2026 23606 12.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. August 2025. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart