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
Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2022, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Zonte’s Footstep Lake Doctor 2022 Shiraz from Langhorne Creek pours a deep ruby-black. On the nose, dark blackberry and black cherry mingle with violet petals, damp earth and a hint of freshly cracked black pepper. The palate is plush and generous, offering meat-like undertones, a whisper of white pepper and a savory herbal lift, all wrapped in velvety, fine-grained tannins. A long, silky finish carries notes of menthol, leather and subtle oak. Try it with a rare grass-fed ribeye with garlic-herb butter, herb-crusted rack of lamb or mushroom-and-thyme tart for an earthy counterpoint. Shiraz food pairings: Mexican-style venison sausage and roasted root vegetables, stuffed rolled flank steak, boar stew. Drink: 2025 - 2027 72975 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. July 2025. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Lakeview Wine Co. Queen Bee Blanc de Noirs Sparkling 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lakeview Queen Bee Blanc de Noirs Sparkling pours a pale straw hue with a lively, persistent bead. High acidity gives it a weighty presence, accentuating creamy brioche and warm gingerbread notes. Exotic spices unfurl in layers of cardamom pod, anise-style warmth and masala-inspired undertones, showcasing a cool finesse. Already showing maturity, it’s at its best in the near term. Serving it with oysters, ceviche, or grilled shrimp will enhace it's luxuriousness. Blanc De Noirs Sparkling food pairings: oysters, ceviche, grilled shrimp. Drink: 2025 - 2027 45580 11% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 89/100. July 2025. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart