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 Super Trooper Shiraz 2022, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia: Zonte's Footstep's Super Trooper from Fleurieu, South Australia is a vibrant, medium-bodied red wine blending Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of dark plum, iris, black pepper and charred oak. This dry, vegan-friendly wine displays supple tannins and bright acidity that make it immediately approachable. Serve it at room temperature with barbecue beef short ribs as the wine's smoky character complements the caramelized glaze, or pair it with aged cheddar and onion tart where the wine's fruit richness balances the sharp cheese. Winemaker Ben Riggs sources fruit from two exceptional South Australian regions: McLaren Vale for its bold Shiraz and Langhorne Creek for structured Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a blend that showcases the best of both terroirs. The winery's playful name honors Zonte, the family's energetic dog who was always the first to race ahead on vineyard walks, embodying the adventurous spirit behind these approachable wines. This Super Trooper delivers outstanding quality at a remarkable price and will drink beautifully through 2032. Shiraz food pairings: beef stews, cheesy pizza, burgers, ribs. Drink: 2025 - 2032 23782 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. December 2025. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Campo Viejo Brut Cava, Catalunya D.O., Spain: Campo Viejo's Brut Cava from Catalunya is a crisp, light to medium-bodied sparkling wine showcasing notes of green apple, citrus, toasted almond and white flowers. This sparkling wine is made using Méthode Traditionnelle or the traditional method of the second fermentation in the bottle, just as they do in the Champagne region. The wine displays bright acidity and delicate bubbles that make it ideal for aperitifs and light fare. Serve it well chilled with Spanish manchego cheese and marcona almonds as the wine's effervescence refreshes the palate between bites, or pair it with shrimp ceviche where the wine's citrus character complements the lime-cured seafood. Winemaker Elena Adell crafts this traditional-method Cava from indigenous Spanish varieties including Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada, creating a sparkling wine of remarkable balance and elegance. This Cava earned a prestigious Gold medal at the 2023 New York International Wine Competition, recognizing its exceptional quality at an accessible price point. Enjoy this refreshing sparkler through 2028. Cava food pairings: tapas, roasted nuts, smoked fish, seafood canapes. Drink: 2026 - 2026 37268 11.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 94/100. December 2025. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart