Argentina
Finca El Origen Chardonnay 2010, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A beautifully chardonnay, especially for this price point! Full-bodied and just the right amount of oak. Some bright tree fruit on the mid-palate. Chardonnay food pairings: butter roasted turkey, green salads with nuts, pork chops in cream sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 269992 14% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos De Los Siete 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Black pepper and fleshy black plums with some cassis on the finish. Layered, complex and deep, like math. Food pairings: grilled lamb chops, liver and onions. Drink: 2012 - 2016 622571 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Absolutely delicious especially at this price! Luscious layers of fleshy black plums and blackberries. Juicy and full-bodied. This wine cries out to be on your table beside a rare or pepper steak. Let your mouth have some fun tonight! Malbec food pairings: marinated steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2015 186668 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: A fleshy ripe malbec with a touch of dark spice on the finish. Full-bodied and smooth. Great price for such quality. Drink: 2012 - 2016 723478 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Alicia Paso De Piedra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Great structure and savoury note with blackberry and cassis aromas and flavours. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled steak in a soy and ginger marinade. Drink: 2012 - 2016 177980 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lindaflor Monteviejo Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Complex and delicious with intriguing spicy black fruit and a mouth-watering juiciness. Full-bodied and cellar-worthy. Drink: 2012 - 2017 109322 15.5% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
The Musician Majella Cabernet Shiraz 2011, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Bright black cherry, dried herbs and cedar forest. Savoury, juicy and mouth-watering. Full-bodied and lovely. Cabernet Shiraz food pairings: herbed roast beef cooked rare. Drink: 2012 - 2015 142018 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2010, South Australia, Australia: A vibrant, plummy red with a floral lift in the mid-palate from the viognier. Full-bodied, smooth and very berry-ripe. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: gourmet burgers, roast chicken, BBQ ribs. Drink: 2012 - 2017 624494 13% XD 750 mL $14.80 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kangarilla Road Primitivo Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, smooth and balanced. Ripe dark fruit. Nicely done. Great for dinner parties. Primitivo Shiraz food pairings: shepherd’s pie. Drink: 2012 - 2015 286724 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rolf Binder Heinrich Shiraz Mataro Grenache 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Smoky black fruit; full-bodied and brooding. Dark and deep. Drink: 2012 - 2015 90258 14% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Leconfield Merlot 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Big black and purple plums with some dark spices. Full-bodied, juicy with a smoky finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 39446 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Two Hands Wines Brave Faces Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, rich and complex with fleshy ripe cassis and wild blackberries. A black plum, smoky finish. Nicely done! Grenache Shiraz Mataro food pairings: baked ham, veal chops, herbed pork tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 660035 14.8% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Tannic; needs cellar time. Dark and brooding with fleshy fruit that wants to bloom. Smoky, long finish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 644039 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery A.J. Lepp Vineyards Reserve Merlot 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada: Loaded with oak, smoke and mocha. Some black fruit and plums underneath. Drink: 2012 - 2015 299222 13.4% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mike Weir Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Grassy fresh, herbal and chives. Medium-bodied, mouth-watering and refreshing. Drink: 2012 - 2014 686972 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Malivoire Wine Company Albert's Honour Old Vines Foch 2010, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: Savoury and oaky then dark red plums and wild blueberries with cedar forest. Great interpretation of foch. Drink: 2012 - 2014 551036 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Terrunyo Block 27 Vineyard Selection Peumo Vineyard, Concha Y Toro Carmenère 2009, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile: Superb in every way! Complex, deep, savoury and bursting with luscious black fruit aromas and flavours. This wine gives and gives right out to a long finish. Yum! Drink: 2012 - 2016 562892 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Maipo Vitral Reserva Chardonnay 2010, Valle De Casablanca, Chile: Very generous oak treatment: loaded with smoke, vanilla spice and toast. Some apple notes mid-palate. Full-bodied. Chardonnay food pairings: poultry, creamy pasta dishes, corn dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2014 270009 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canepa Finísimo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Rich and savoury with a distinctive coffee-espresso finish. Full-bodied and smooth. Terrific price! Drink: 2012 - 2016 211920 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Château De Cruzeau Meritage 2009, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Full-bodied and complex with a long, dry finish. Aromas of cassis and tart field blackberries but mostly earth and smoke. Drink: 2013 - 2017 966473 13% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Pensées De Pallus Domaine De Pallus Cabernet Franc Chinon 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Savoury and juicy with spicy dark red fruit. Full-bodied, smooth and happy. Drink: 2012 - 2016 123893 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe La Crau 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Full-bodied with great depth though over-priced. Savoury dark red and black fruit. Drink: 2012 - 2016 951475 14.5% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delas Frères, Saint-Esprit 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Honkin big tannic grip with a black fruit punch if you don't agree. Full-bodied with a savoury finish. Needs cellar time. Drink: 2014 - 2018 729962 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Perrin & Fils L'andéol Rasteau 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Savoury and delicious with smoky black fruit and cedar forest. Decant 2 hours or cellar it. Food pairings: lamb burgers, grilled Angus beef steaks. Drink: 2013 - 2017 976845 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave de Ribeauvillé Giersberger Brut Crémant D'alsace, A.C., Alsace, France: Crisp and clean with incredible value and taste for this price point. Your guests will think you paid triple. Toasty and refreshing. Drink: 2012 - 2015 183624 12% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tarlant Zéro Brut Nature Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Aged character rather than fresh: toasted almond with some golden amber aromas. For those who love aged champagne. Drink: 2012 - 2015 996264 12% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc Cyril Marès, Vign. 2011, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Dry, crisp and clean and excellently priced! If you like pinot grigio, give this white a shake. Food pairings: Sérac, Saint-Marcellin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 701094 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis Bernard Gigondas 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Yum! Juicy and loaded with purple and black plums and fleshy blackberries. Yet there's structure, finesse and a long finish. Some kind of wonderful. Food pairings: stuffed veal tenderloin, lighter red meats. Drink: 2012 - 2017 222596 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Minervois 2010, A.C., Midi, France: Black as night and just as mysteriously exciting. Full-bodied with layers of black velvet to caress your senses and imagination. Pair with hearty meat dishes and hearty love affairs. Drink: 2012 - 2016 17764 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Lalande Mausse Meritage 2009, A.C., Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: Savoury, black and meaty. Rustic with a cedar finish. Wild cassis and blackberry. Meritage food pairings: beef brisket, steaks with a peppercorn sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 303859 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Bord'eaux Clos Des Moiselles Meritage 2009, A.C., Côtes De Bourg, Bordeaux, France: Savoury and juicy with black fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2012 - 2015 191528 13% XD 750 mL $16.85 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De L'estang Meritage 2009, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux, France: Bargain Bordeaux: smoky cigar box and savoury, meaty notes with cassis and blackberry. Full-bodied. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2015 191551 13% XD 750 mL $18.85 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Sénéjac Meritage 2009, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Chalky dry with black fruit. Full-bodied and over-priced. Drink: 2012 - 2016 193177 13% XD 750 mL $28.85 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Clean Slate Riesling 2010, Mosel, Germany: Lovely and bright, especially for this price point! Lime blossom and floral notes. Very pretty. Riesling food pairings: Asian dishes, spicy foods, sushi, fish, poultry and pork. Drink: 2012 - 2016 286237 10.5% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Gavi Di Gavi Le Selezione, Marchesi Di Barolo Cortese (Gavi) 2011, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Crisp and clean though pricey for what it is. Lemon freshness. Cortese (Gavi) food pairings: steamed mussels, clams. Drink: 2012 - 2014 155382 12.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Filadonna Tedeschi Pinot Grigio 2011, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Dry, crisp and clean with a medium weight and no heavy oak. Good aperitif. Pinot Grigio food pairings: grilled salmon steaks, herb-rubbed roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2014 562058 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Castello di Gabbiano Castle Vineyard Sangiovese 2009, Tuscany, Italy: A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% other red grapes. Smooth and medium- to full-bdoied. Needs food and would be very versatile with a variety of dishes. Sangiovese food pairings: pasta served with sauce, as well as with meat stuffings, risotto with mushrooms, spiced red meat, roast pork cooked in the tuscan tradition and truffled half-mature cheese.. Drink: 2012 - 2015 219808 13% 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pasqua Pasqua Black Label Soave 2011, Veneto, Italy: Refreshing and crisp with lime notes and a lemon zest finish. Great aperitif or companion to seafood and salads. Soave food pairings: light starters, delicate dishes such as tagliolini with shrimps or seafood risotto and many fish dishes.. Drink: 2012 - 2013 289447 12.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Riserva, Antinori Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Smoky cigar box and dried herbs on the nose, extremely dry palate, full-bodied but subtle. Earthy not fruity. Drink: 2012 - 2015 241363 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Crognolo Tenuta Sette Ponti 2009, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Dry and mouth-watering with dried herbs and tart cherries. Full-bodied but not heavy. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2015 727636 14% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Hunter's Pinot Noir 2010, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Juicy with fleshy black cherries and a satin smooth texture with a medium body. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2016 586115 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Seresin Chardonnay 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely toast almond on the nose mingles with green apple vibrancy. Full-bodied, mouth-watering and food-friendly. Lovely dry peach on the finish. Drink: 2012 - 2016 19190 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Gooseberry goodness on the nose with a gusher of mouth-watering acidity on the palate: needs food. Herbal and bright. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2014 224428 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alpha Domus The Barnstormer Syrah 2010, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Cedar forest on the nose followed by lots of acidity for food on the palate. Black fruit, medium-bodied. Syrah food pairings: bacon-wrapped lamb medallions. Drink: 2012 - 2015 303396 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Offley 10 Year Old Tawny Port Btld. 2012, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Terrific tawny! Very balanced and structured without being too sweet. Nice grip. Drink: 2012 - 2017 297788 20% S 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Tierhoek Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Piekenierskloof, South Africa: Richness and vibrant, like the perfect husband. Layers of complexity and lemon loveliness. Drink: 2012 - 2016 288175 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: One of South Africa's flagship wines. This elegant cabernet combines strength and finesse. Deep, rich and full-bodied with cassis and a long finish. Will age well. Drink: 2012 - 2017 283390 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
La Vendimia Palacios Remondo Tempranillo 2011, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Hauntingly savoury and delicious. Must be a typo on the price for such quality. Full-bodied and smooth with incredible texture. From the hands of a master. Tempranillo food pairings: chili con carne, lamb ragout. Drink: 2012 - 2016 674564 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Freemark Abbey Merlot 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Fleshy yet subtle, full-bodied yet balanced. Loaded with ripe black plums. Lots of layers of pleasure. Drink: 2012 - 2015 1602 14.4% D 750 mL $45.25 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Goldeneye Pinot Noir 2009, Anderson Valley, California, United States: Lots of acidity shot though fleshy cherries. Fleshy, luscious and full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2015 659854 14.5% D 750 mL $79.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vine Cliff Los Carneros Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied with a deep richness and a smoked almond finish. Some orchard fruit in the middle. Drink: 2012 - 2016 289132 14.4% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Emmolo Merlot 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Purple and black fleshy plums; full-bodied and somewhat sweet and over-priced, yet delicious. Merlot food pairings: slow-cooked roast beef with root vegetables. Drink: 2012 - 2015 96024 14.9% D 750 mL $70.00 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Good acidity with some green stemminess. Wild tart cherries with a good balance. Drink: 2012 - 2015 949909 14.5% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Eden Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay 2009, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States: Full-bodied with good acidity and some orchard fruit and lemon. Drink: 2012 - 2015 20407 13.8% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Sparkling Wine, Sonoma County, California, United States: One of my favourite Californian bubblies! Toasty and fresh at a great price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 192898 12.5% D 750 mL $36.35 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Smoking Loon Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Lots of mocha and on the dark chocolate nose and finish from generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth with fleshy ripe black plums on the palate. Zinfandel food pairings: BBQ ribs and honey mustard coleslaw, grilled pork loin stuffed with stewed cherries.. Drink: 2012 - 2015 272393 14% D 750 mL $17.05 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois California White Blend 2010, California, United States: A floral blend of chardonnay, moscato and chenin blanc. Lively and fresh with just the right amount of acidity for a variety of dishes. Great aperitif as well. California White Blend food pairings: Cheeses, Sushi, Thai, Salads. Drink: 2012 - 2013 308015 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, California, United States: A beautifully balanced red with classic cabernet aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Just the right amount of oak and a long finish. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2012 - 2015 292151 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart