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
Nicosia Lenza Di Munti 2022, Etna, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Nicosia's Lenza Di Munti Etna Rosso from Sicily is a vibrant, full-bodied red wine blending sustainably grown Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, offering aromas of black cherry, red plum, roasted herbs, and subtle volcanic minerality. On the palate, it shows bright acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a lingering savoury finish. This dry wine displays delicate tannins and maritime earthiness that will continue to develop over the next five years. Serve it slightly below room temperature with grilled game sausages as the wine's herbal character complements the spiced meat, or pair it with roasted partridge where the wine's sunny warmth balances the gamey flavors. Winemaker Carmelo Nicosia crafts this intense wine from vines growing on Mount Etna's volcanic slopes at 720 meters elevation, where ancient lava soils impart distinctive mineral complexity and peppery spice alongside citrus-driven acidity on the finish. The Nicosia family has been producing wines on Etna since the 1890s, showcasing Sicily's indigenous varieties and volcanic terroir with remarkable purity. This approachable, savory wine represents excellent quality and will drink beautifully through 2031. Food pairings: grilled game sausages, roast rabbit, partridge. Drink: 2026 - 2031 28129 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. February 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Divergence Hughes Vineyard Brut Rosé Sparkling 2021, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Divergence Brut Rosé Sparkling from Ontario's Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation is a refined, bone-dry sparkling wine showcasing notes of wild strawberry, tart cherry, and delicate hints of toasted almond. 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. It's medium-bodied with a persistent, fine mousse and vibrant acidity that carries through to an elegant, mineral-driven finish. Serve it well chilled with seared tuna tataki as the wine's bright red fruit and lively bubbles will complement the delicate fish beautifully, or pair it with roasted duck breast where the wine's earthy undertones and crisp character will enhance the rich meat. Winemaker Jeff Moote, a former engineer who transitioned to winemaking after graduating from Brock University's Cool Climate Oenology program, crafts this exceptional sparkler from 100% Pinot Noir grown at Hughes Vineyard, using both with and without skin contact to achieve perfect balance. This wine was aged for two years on its lees and disgorged with just 1 gram per liter dosage, making it essentially an extra brut style. This wine drinks beautifully now or can cellar for another 3-4 years to develop additional complexity. Brut Rosé Sparkling food pairings: seared tuna tataki, roasted duck breast, aged gruyere and prosciutto. Drink: 2026 - 2030 49617 11.6% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 94/100. February 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart