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.
Dessert Wine
Poças Ruby Manoel D. Pocas Jr. Port, Douro, Portugal: Cherry drops and liqueur. Pleasant and soothing dessert wine. Port food pairings: after-dinner cheese plate. Drink: 2012 - 2018 286211 19% S 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir 2010, Australia: Only 2000 cases were made of this wine. If offers lovely cherry-berry flavours that are nicely balanced with a seam of acidity. Very versatile with many dishes. Drink: 2010 - 2016 893156 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fojaneghe Bossi Fedrigotti Rosso Masi Pinot Noir 2008, I.G.T., Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Alto Adige, Italy: Dry and full-bodied with aromas of earth and sun-dried tomatoes. Pinot Noir food pairings: oven-baked pasta, Stelvio cheese, prosciutto. 279109 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sampietrana Vigna Delle Monache, Salice Salentino Riserva 2006, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Dry and savoury with dark red fruit aromas and some earth and smoke. Full-bodied. 247908 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canonica A Cerreto Riserva Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Full-bodied and dry with dark red fruit and a short finish. Great food wine. 283697 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Banfi Centine 2010, Tuscany Igt, Italy: Dry and full-bodied with pleasant dark fruit, fairly smooth texture. 947440 14% D 750 mL $17.25 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ruca Malen Reserva Petit Verdot 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Ink and black with black fruit, mocha and a dry chalky texture. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2015 279232 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lailey Winery Pinot Noir 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Juicy with very tart cherry, cranberry and rhubarb. Silky smooth with mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2016 591404 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tierra Del Fuego Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Full-bodied with plush ripe black plums and a velvet texture. Delicious! Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carmenère food pairings: barbecued steaks, beef fajitas. Drink: 2012 - 2015 279711 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château La Gorce Cru Bourgeois 2008, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Loaded with oak! Toast, smoke, black tar with some cassis underneath. Full-bodied. Food pairings: beef stew, lamb stew, grilled game meats. Drink: 2012 - 2015 280057 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saint Auriol Corbières Claude Vialade & Fils, Vign. 2009, A.C., Midi, France: Black and brooding with tar, smoke and dark fruit. Full-bodied, juicy and smooth. Palate-whacker! Food pairings: hunter-style chicken braised in a tomato based sauce with bacon, onions, garlic, rosemary, thyme and red wine. Drink: 2012 - 2016 36533 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Castello Di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2009, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Ultra-dry with a tannic grip yet there's also mouth-watering acidity. Dark cherry and smoke. Needs cellar time. Drink: 2014 - 2018 994608 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Silvano Piacentini Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Full-bodied and juicy with dark red fruit; great food wine. Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso food pairings: cocoa-rubbed beef medallions, barbecued ribs, baked pasta dish. 289637 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Legón Crianza 2008, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Subtle, balanced and medium- to full-bodied. Like wearing your favourite pair of comfortable jeans: kick back and lounge. Dark fruit and smoke. Drink: 2012 - 2015 276089 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.75 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Starry Night Old Vine Zinfandel 2007, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Straight up purple delicious! Purple fleshy plums and blueberries; full-bodied and smooth. Awesome-possum BBQ wine. Zinfandel food pairings: dry-roasted ribs, grilled eggplant. Drink: 2012 - 2015 293332 14.9% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cooper Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2009, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Savoury and juicy with dry wild black cherry and earthy notes. Medium-bodied and smooth. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb burgers, smoked meat sandwiches, beef Bourguignon. Drink: 2012 - 2015 510750 13.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jean-Luc Baldès Triguedina La Chapelle Du Clos Malbec 2008, A.C., Cahors, Southwest, France: Extremely attractive for the price! Full-bodied and juicy with enticing dark red fruit aromas and mouth-watering acidity. Lovely layers of flavour and a clean finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 276253 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fattoria Dei Barbi Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Completely mature: dried leather, smoke, dried herbs, not fruity. An acquired and expensive taste, but if you love it, this is a great example. 928028 14% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Capitel Nicalò Tedeschi Valpolicella Appassimento Classico Superiore 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Black cherry liqueur richness and depth of flavour, though this is a dry wine. Full-bodied with terrific and satisfying layers of flavour. Great price. Valpolicella Appassimento Classico Superiore food pairings: grilled meats, light stews. 984997 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
d'Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, savoury and delicious with black fruit and cedar. Smooth and long. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2015 943456 14.5% D 750 mL $20.30 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, California, United States: Savoury and meaty with long layers of black fruit flavour. Full-bodied and smooth. Very comforting. Drink: 2012 - 2015 212126 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Cesseras Rouge Pierre-Andre & Guillaume Ournac 2008, A.C., Minervois La Livinière, Midi, France: Black and full-bodied with an attractive smoky finish. Juicy layers of fleshy blackberries in between. Drink: 2012 - 2016 590570 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mocali Rosso Di Montalcino Sangiovese (Chianti) 2010, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: Wow! Juicy, full-bodied and exotically different! Fleshy ripe blackberries and black raspberries. Absolutely delicious... Let's plan pasta night now! Sangiovese (Chianti) food pairings: pasta bolognese. 286260 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trinity Hill John Hancock Syrah 2010, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Savoury and smoky: love it! Full-bodied and gorgeous. Blackberries and wild cassis. Drink: 2012 - 2016 194274 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
De Loach Green Valley Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Deep, rich and earthy with black cherry and some wild violet. Medium- to full-bodied with a satin smooth texture. Drink: 2012 - 2016 52217 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Savoury, meaty nose with dark fruit and toast. Juicy and mouth-watering with fleshy blackberries and some mocha. Very nice. Drink: 2012 - 2016 652925 13% D 375 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2010, Maipo Valley, Chile: Savoury and dark with meaty black fruit flavours and smoke. Love the barest hint of mint that lifts and brightens the black fruit flavours. Full-bodied, layered and lovely. Drink: 2012 - 2016 57513 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jacques Girardin Santenay Clos Rousseau 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Lovely, juicy and silky with a medium body. Satin smooth texture with fleshy, mouth-watering cherry aromas and flavours. Good acidity. Pinot Noir food pairings: duck, rabbit, Gruyère. Drink: 2012 - 2016 281121 13.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Monte Fante Riserva Classico, Remo Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Incredibly deep and complex with smoky ultra-ripe purple plums and black cherry liqueur. 63636 14.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jacksons Stanford Hills Estate Pinotage 2009, W.O., Walker Bay, South Africa: Almost Amarone-like in it's concentration and depth of blackberry liqueur flavour. Very satisfying and excellent for the price. Drink: 2012 - 2016 278341 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ross Estate Lights Out Shiraz 2009, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Black raspberry jam and savoury cedar goodness. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Drink: 2012 - 2015 285387 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Complex and woodsy with cedar, cassis and blackcurrant. Earthy and mouth-watering and full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2016 59956 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Pinot Noir 2010, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Liquid velvet! Black cherry seduction with mouth-watering yearning for more. Please! Drink: 2012 - 2016 154442 14.5% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oscar's Estate Shiraz Viognier 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Like the dark hero on a romance novel: take me now! Brooding, full-bodied, muscular and you know. Black fruit, savoury with a long finish (most importantly). Again please. Drink: 2012 - 2016 287961 15.9% XD 750 mL $17.25 Score: 93/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wakefield St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia, Single Vineyard Release, Australia: A long hallway of breezy menthol and black plum aromas and flavour. Complex, deep, rich and full-bodied. Savoury and meaty. Do you really need more descriptors? Drink: 2012 - 2016 58198 14.5% D 750 mL $55.00 Score: 93/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Vite Lucente Luce Della Vite 2010, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Love it! Complex, full-bodied yet subtle. Gorgeous aromas of dried black cherry, cedar, smoke, fleshy blackberries. Buy this one for my birthday please. Drink: 2012 - 2019 747030 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 94/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Farina Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Love this! Towering yet deep, with rich luscious layers of black cherry liqueur flavours. Full-bodied is an understatement. Glorious flavour heaven. Drink: 2012 - 2020 995910 14.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 95/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
John Duval Entity Shiraz 2008, Barossa, Australia: An extraordinary wine of great complexity, depth and elegance. Dark fruit flavours are balanced by an earthy, smoky character. This one would age a long time in your cellar, but why wait? Available in Vintages October 13. Shiraz food pairings: grilled meats, well-seasoned game and aged hard cheeses such as cheddar. Drink: 2012 - 2020 73056 14.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 95/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Duron Crianza 2009, Doc, Ribera Del Duero, Spain: A smooth, medium- to full-bodied red with dusty notes and some leather and dried herbs and dark fruit. Drink: 2012 - 2016 8412012001111 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 86/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Château De Manissy Tavel André Florian, Prop.-Récolt. Rose 2011, A.C., Rhône, France: Full-bodied for rose with terrific rose petal and wild raspberry notes. Bone-dry and refreshing. Drink: 2012 - 2014 276469 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Reyes D'aragon Brut Reserva Cava 2009, Tarragona, Spain: Earthy, robust and deeply flavoured. Rustic and straight up. You simply can't beat this price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 194803 11.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne 2004, A.C., Champagne, France: Deep core of minerality shoots straight through the middle of this glorious baked bread toasty bubbly with green apple vibrancy. Perfect. Drink: 2012 - 2016 281337 12% XD 750 mL $75.95 Score: 95/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Jacob's Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2011, Adelaide Hills, Australia: A full-bodied chardonnay with generous oak treatment. Some tropical fruit notes. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, pan-seared swordfish or vegetarian dishes.. Drink: 2012 - 2019 270017 13% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. September 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fabre Montmayou Phebus Torrontés 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Lightly floral with tropical tree fruit on the nose, then ultra-dry and mouth-watering on the palate. Medium-bodied. Torrontés food pairings: scallops. Drink: 2012 - 2014 283663 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Barone Di Villagrande Etna Bianco Superiore 2009, D.O.C., V.Q.P.R.D., Sicily, Italy: Light- to medium-bodied and fascinatingly different. Smoky with lemon and minerality. Like Etna herself, puffing away and pent up energy. Drink: 2012 - 2014 291351 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bremerton Rebecca Willson, Winemaker Verdelho 2011, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Clean, crisp and green with terrific refreshment. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Great food companion. Verdelho food pairings: seared scallops, chicken in a light cream sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2014 159848 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Blanc 2011, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Very pleasant, clean and crisp with subtle aromas of white melon and dry white apricot. Mouth-watering and medium-bodied. Pinot Blanc food pairings: mildly spiced chicken, tuna steaks with an apricot salsa. Drink: 2012 - 2015 321612 11.9% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fuente Elvira Pedro Escudero Verdejo 2010, D.O., Rueda, Spain: Clean and crisp with a tasty edge. Lemon and smoke. Very seductive aperitif. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2015 218313 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MontGras Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Leyda Valley, Chile: Grassy, herbal and refreshing with mouth-watering acidity for food. Lemon zest and lime edge. Bright and happy. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: steamed mussels, lemon-herbed chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2014 367292 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Schloss Reinhartshausen Erbacher Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2005, Prädikatswein, Rheingau, Germany: Gorgeous peach blossom and medium sweetness. Refreshing acidity balances it out and makes it perfect for any spicy dish you wish to throw at it. Drink: 2012 - 2015 129858 11% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A blast of gooseberry and herbal refreshment! Very much alive in the glass and the mouth. Juicy and mouth-watering. Clear, clean and crisp. Drink: 2012 - 2014 662882 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Momo Pinot Gris 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Makes my mouth water just smelling it! Lovely white peach and melon with mouth-watering acidity for food. Very refreshing as an aperitif or companion to many dishes from seafood to salads. Drink: 2012 - 2015 163535 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Halo Sacred Hill Tony Bish, Winemaker Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lots of grassy and gooseberry goodness in the glass! So vibrant and mouth-watering. Just waiting for you, to wake up your senses. Drink: 2012 - 2014 278671 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Treana Marsanne Viognier 2009, Central Coast, California, United States: Love the richness and the viscous texture! Dried pineapple and apricot with layers and layers of lapping pleasure. Full-bodied with a long finish. Drink: 2012 - 2016 11247 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gulf Station De Bortoli Chardonnay 2010, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Love it! Seductive smoke and toast on the nose is cut through with a shaft of lemon brightness and polish. Full-bodied and lovely. Drink: 2012 - 2016 238071 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Brilliant! Complex and satisfying with full-bodied golden weight and a velvet texture. Generous oak yet it's integrated beautifully with the green apple and peach aromas. A chardonnay lover's chardonnay. Drink: 2012 - 2017 119073 14.5% D 750 mL $105.00 Score: 94/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart