Wine Reviews and Food Pairings

Paid Members of my site can access all 85 wines that I've reviewed for March 19, 2026, with my scores, food matches and the stock for each wine in their closest stores.

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Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

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

Kasteelberg Chenin Blanc 2025, Swartland W.O., South Africa: Kasteelberg Chenin Blanc from Swartland is a rich, medium-bodied white offering aromas of candied tangerine, ripe papaya, and hints of toasted vanilla. It's off-dry with lively acidity and a luxurious texture. Serve it well chilled with grilled prawns as the wine's tropical character and silky mouthfeel will enhance the seafood's sweetness beautifully, or pair it with roasted chicken and herbs where the wine's depth and oak-influenced complexity will complement the savory flavors perfectly. Head winemaker Alecia Boshoff, who leads production at Riebeek Valley Wine Co. (formerly Riebeek Cellars), crafts this wine from hand-selected grapes grown on the foothills of the majestic Kasteelberg Mountain, which stands as sentinel over the fertile Riebeek Valley. Established in 1941, the cooperative brings together 22 families of third- and fourth-generation grape growers who farm dry-land vineyards planted on distinctive prehistoric sandstone and shale soils, and the winery ages this wine partially in oak barrels to add depth and textured richness. Enjoy now or cellar for 2-4 years. Chenin Blanc food pairings: grilled prawns, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy pasta carbonara. Drink: 2026 - 2030 48110 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Tawse Sketches Cabernet Merlot 2021, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Tawse Sketches 2021 Cabernet Merlot is a refined, medium-plus-bodied red blend with an abundance of ripe dark berry, cherry, and plum notes, complemented by hints of spice and mocha. It’s beautifully balanced with a lively acidity that brightens the rich fruit, leading to a long finish with lingering dark fruit flavours. A smooth and inviting wine, it’s perfect for those seeking a satisfying, structured red. Drink through 2027 with hamburgers, hard cheeses, or a pizza. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: hamburgers, pizza, black bean soup, cheese. Drink: 2025 - 2027 130252 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. March 2026. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart