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.
White Wine
Malivoire Forgotten Row Chardonnay 2021, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Malivoire Forgotten Row Chardonnay from Beamsville Bench is a dry, medium-bodied white wine crafted from later-picked grapes on the Niagara Escarpment, revealing layers of ripe nectarine, grapefruit and roasted almond with balanced acidity and a silky texture that is elegant and food-friendly. Serve it chilled with roasted chicken with wild mushrooms, where the wine's rounded texture and nutty notes complement the savoury, earthy dish while its bright acidity cuts through the richness, or pair it with pan-seared pork chops with apple chutney as the wine's ripe fruit character harmonizes with the sweet-savoury accompaniment. Winemaker Shiraz Mottiar oversees production at Malivoire Wine Company, a pioneering biodynamic estate on the Beamsville Bench founded in 1995 by Martin Malivoire, which has earned international acclaim for crafting terroir-driven wines from meticulously tended, organically farmed vineyards on the limestone-rich escarpment. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared through 2028 as its layers continue to integrate. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, pork tenderloin, veal cutlets. Drink: 2025 - 2028 48250 13% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 91/100. December 2025. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Balbás Ardal Crianza 2021, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: Ardal Crianza is a medium- to full-bodied Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Ribera del Duero with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker Ardal ages the wine 14 months in American oak, revealing ripe black fruit, dried fig, damson, espresso, cocoa, and charred spice notes, supported by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. At 14% alcohol, it has moderate aging potential through 2028, softening and integrating over time. Pair it with pork short ribs braised in red wine sauce to highlight its rich fruit and spice, or pork shoulder roast with cherry and red currant sauce to complement its depth and structure. This Crianza showcases Ribera del Duero's ability to produce approachable yet structured red blends with elegance. Food pairings: pork short ribs braised in red wine sauce, pork shoulder roast with cherry red currant and wine sauce, pork schnitzel. Drink: 2025 - 2028 167601 14% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 90/100. December 2025. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart