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
Hugh Hamilton The Villain Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, South Australia, Australia: Hugh Hamilton's The Villain Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia is a well-balanced, full-bodied red wine offering notes of blackcurrant, mulberry, dried oregano and bitter chocolate. This dry wine displays abundant fruit presence and intriguing petrichor character that will continue to develop over the next seven years. Serve it at room temperature with grilled lamb cutlets as the wine's structure complements the charred meat, or pair it with rare roast beef where the wine's generous fruit stands up to the rich beef. Winemaker Mary Hamilton crafts this expressive Cabernet with toasted oak aging that adds layers of cocoa and cigar box complexity alongside touches of cardamom spice and sandalwood. Hugh Hamilton has been a pioneering McLaren Vale producer since 1991, known for crafting characterful wines with distinctive regional personality and playful names. This fruit-forward, herbal Cabernet represents excellent quality and will drink beautifully through 2033. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb cutlets, hamburgers, game meats, rare roast beef. Drink: 2026 - 2033 489880 14.4% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. February 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand: Twin Islands' Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is a lively, medium-bodied white wine offering notes of Granny Smith apple, honeydew melon, lemongrass and fresh chive. This dry wine displays refreshing character and immediate appeal that make it wonderfully inviting. Serve it well chilled with grilled prawns in moderately spicy sauce as the wine's bright acidity balances the heat, or pair it with goat cheese and herb salad where the wine's grassy notes complement the tangy cheese. Winemaker Matt Thomson crafts this upfront Sauvignon Blanc showcasing Marlborough's signature style of pure, herbaceous fruit with citrus zest vibrancy. Twin Islands represents bottled New Zealand sunshine and verdant hills, capturing the country's distinctive terroir at accessible prices. This fresh, food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc represents excellent quality and is best enjoyed now through 2026. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled prawn with a moderately spicy sauce. Drink: 2026 - 2026 47832 13% D 750 mL $18.00 Score: 91/100. February 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart