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Vintages Release November 9, 2013

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Argentina

Familia Zuccardi Organica Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Great price for this full-bodied quaffer. Aromas of dark berries and other fruit with some toasty smoke. This organic wine offers lots of mouth-watering, juicy pleasure and finishes with enticing notes of blackberry and cassis. Pair it with gourmet hamburgers or a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: braised meats, beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken salad, hodge-podge, spaghetti and meatballs. Drink: 2013 - 2016 68452 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cicchitti Gran Reserva Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied and edgy with aromas of rust and fennel - I mean this as a compliment. Interesting and different. Drink: 2013 - 2015 155713 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kaiken Ultra Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: A rich, deeply concentrated red with blackberry liqueur and blueberry preserve aromas. Smooth and full-bodied. Fantastic for barbecues. The respected Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes owns this Argentine winery and his wines get the same perfectionist care and attention here. This is a red for hedonists and evenings beside a crackling fire. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork tenderloin, prime rib. Drink: 2012 - 2016 135202 14.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Majella Cabernet Shiraz 2012, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Bright black cherry, mint, dried herbs and cedar forest aromas. Savoury, juicy and mouth-watering: full-bodied liquid lovely! There's some clove and spices on a long, satisfying finish. Dry and refreshing, and very versatile with a range of meat dishes. This is a terrific date night wine. Cabernet Shiraz food pairings: rare roast beef, hodge-podge, black bean soup, grilled radicchio. Drink: 2013 - 2016 142018 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Best's Wines Great Western Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2012, Great Western, Victoria, Australia: Blackberry and fleshy black plum aromas on the nose with some mint, and a savoury mouth-watering note on the palate. Full-bodied and generous. Supple and smooth. Grilled pork chops please! This wine is robust yet it also has terrific balance, the result of its cool-climate origins. This wine will go the distance. Shiraz food pairings: pork chops, grilled radicchio, beef prosciutto, black bean soup, blue cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2016 222323 14.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fraser Gallop Parterre Chardonnay 2011, Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Classic! Toasted almond, butterscotch and green apple wake-up call. Full-bodied and layered and deeply satisfying. Yes, yes, yes! Try it with roast chicken and you will stare at that chicken with newfound appreciation. Drink: 2013 - 2018 334508 13.5% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

19 Crimes Shiraz Durif 2013, Australia: A full-bodied red wine that's a blend of shiraz and durif grapes. Aromas and flavours of cassis, wildberry and blackcurrant. Rugged (you'd expect such) so decant for 1 hour, but keep an eye on that bottle. Drink: 2013 - 2018 200717 13% D 750 mL $19.99 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nashwauk Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, rich and deep with black fruit, smoke and mocha-espresso aromas and flavours. Very satisfying for those who love full-throttled Australian shiraz. Bring it! Drink: 2013 - 2016 221788 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dark Side Of The Moon Claymore Wines Shiraz 2011, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Mint and blackberry on the nose, with a laser-like focus and cleanness on the palate: well-structured and balanced, not flabby. Terrific winemaking here. Loaded with dark fruit depths and concentration of flavour. Smart use and integration of oak, with this wine having spent 18 months in barrel. A great wine for both proposals and sealed deals! Shiraz food pairings: grilled radicchio, beef prosciutto & greens, black bean soup, blue cheese, caramelized onion dip. Drink: 2013 - 2016 72652 15% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Superbly made with rich lines of blackberry and blackcurrant flavours and smoky-sigh finish. Nice balance and mouth-watering juiciness. Great price-quality ratio. You'll be looking longingly at your glass with this wine in it. Wait no longer. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork tenderloin, pepper steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 606939 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Elderton Ode To Lorraine, The Ashmead Family Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Big, black fruit with a savoury, meaty note and mouth-watering acidity. Layered and delicious. I recommend many of the wines from this winery with my highest ratings, and deservingly so. Master craftsmanship here. Elderton winery is certified Carbon Neutral. I don't know who Lorraine is, but I'd like to thank her for being the inspiration for this wine. Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot food pairings: Asian chicken salad , meatloaf, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2017 976423 14.5% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 94/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2009, South Australia, Australia: Minty blackberry aromas on the nose with great freshness and elegance on the palate. Mouth-filling richness of dark fruit. Great balance and finesse with a long finish. Perfect for dinner parties. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine structure and bones, while shiraz gives it roundness and flesh. This wine is matured in barrels that contained the previous vintage of Grange, the winery's flagship wine. This wine keeps great company, and so will you when you share it with friends. Cabernet Shiraz food pairings: roast beef, black bean soup. Drink: 2013 - 2018 309625 14% D 750 mL $100.00 Score: 94/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Two Hands Wines Bella's Garden Shiraz 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Some mint and gorgeous fleshy black plum aromas on the nose. Full-bodied and towering in its depth and concentration, with a liquid velvet texture. Oh yum. More Michael Buble than Frank Sinatra, yet this wine is bound to be a classic too with its personable vitality and unique signature. Pair with new renditions of swing classics. Shiraz food pairings: beef prosciutto, black bean soup, blue cheese, caramelized onion dip. Drink: 2012 - 2016 636407 15.8% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 94/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penfolds R.W.T. Shiraz 2009, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Simply stunning. Step back other wines, I’m afraid you’ll no longer be needed for this casting call: we have found our star. How to describe such a lovely, generous wine? Full-bodied with juicy, mouth-filling black fruit yet there’s balance and finesse. Superb craftsmanship! Shiraz food pairings: beef prosciuttos, black bean soup, blue cheese, lamb with rosemary. Drink: 2013 - 2022 564278 14% XD 750 mL $150.00 Score: 97/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2010, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied red wine offers signature aromas of dark, fleshy ripe blackberries, a hint of oak and a mouth-watering juiciness. Terrific Australian shiraz, especially for this price. Loaded with delicious dark fruit flavours, incredible depth, concentration and length. Drink: 2012 - 2017 590273 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penfolds R.W.T. Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia Shiraz food pairings: beef prosciuttos, black bean soup, blue cheese, lamb with rosemary. Drink: 2013 - 2022 564278 14% XD 750 mL $150.00 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Pearl Morissette Cuvée Dix-Neuvieme Chardonnay 2013, V..Q.,A Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Chardonnay food pairings: barbecued chicken breast. Drink: 2013 - 2017 303602 13.5% XD 750 mL $40.00 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Painted Rock Estate Winery Red Icon 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada Red Icon food pairings: premium cut of steak, wild mushrooms and a rich demi-glace.. Drink: 2015 - 2028 284190 14.3% XD 750 mL $85.00 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Painted Rock Estate Winery Syrah 2012, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Spectacular BC Syrah with savoury herbs, cedar brush, fresh earth, wild dark berries and spice. Wowsers! Stay with me here, but this wine also smells like marijuana in a seductively complex way. Cannabis actually has a complex array of aromas from its terpines: you'll get rosemary, black pepper and others that are also the basis for essential oils. It's definitely there on the nose of this wine and I love it. Pair this with more Syrah ... or perhaps an announcement from our new prime minister on legalization. Which one? Let's hope the new government is also liberal enough to allow Canadians to buy wines grown and made outside their province. Surely that can't be as provocative as the other new law they're considering. Raise a toast to common sense. Syrah food pairings: roast rack of lamb, grilled bison burgers, roast of venison with red currant and red wine coulis. Drink: 2014 - 2024 541540 13% XD 750 mL $39.90 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery Mead Royale Select Barrel Aged Honey Wine 2014, Ontario, Canada Honey Wine food pairings: blue cheese, biscotti. Drink: 2013 - 2015 296178 13% S 500 mL $14.95 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tawse Winery Inc. Grower's Blend Cabernet Franc 2011, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This full-bodied red wine is smooth and offers chocolate-mocha on the nose from oak aging followed by plush black plums and a supple, medium- to full-bodied weight and texture on the palate. Nice example of cool-climate cabernet franc. Cabernet Franc food pairings: mature cheeses, grilled red meat, braised game meat. Drink: 2012 - 2015 284570 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This medium-bodied red wine is seduction in a glass. Year after year (even in a touch vintage like 2011), they produce spectacular pinot noir, especially for this price. Plush and sexy with a satin-smooth texture. Gorgeous aromas of smokey cherries. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Pinot Noir food pairings: pork liver pates, tuna, grilled salmon, roasted chicken, duck and other game birds.. Drink: 2012 - 2016 13904 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Cellars Indian Summer Select Late Harvest Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A delightful, medium-bodied after-dinner wine! Lovely aromas of apricot preserves, lilies, honeysuckle and clementines. Perfect after-dinner wine: not too sweet, packed with generous citrus fruit flavour. Drink: 2007 - 2016 415901 12.5% MD 375 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Closson Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A medium-bodied red wine with plush layers of fleshy cherries with a saucy tart edge. Very elegant and balanced. One of Canada's best pinot noir producers. Pinot Noir food pairings: pan-seared duck breast with a wild mushroom pan jus. Drink: 2012 - 2017 145888 12.7% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Painted Rock Estate Winery Syrah 2011, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Black pepper sprinkled over wild black cherries on a bed of violets. Full-bodied, exotic and delightful. Layers of hedonistic pleasure. The finish goes on and on. Syrah food pairings: roast rack of lamb, grilled bison burgers, roast of venison with red currant and red wine coulis. Drink: 2014 - 2024 541540 13% XD 750 mL $39.90 Score: 94/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Painted Rock Estate Winery Red Icon 2011, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Some producers seem immune (or allergic) to tough vintages, or perhaps it just brings out the best in them. This splendid, full-bodied red is one such shining example. It has it all: balance, finesse, depth, concentration and length on the finish. Gorgeous dark red and black fruit wrapped in just enough oak. Stunning. Red Icon food pairings: premium cut of steak, wild mushrooms and a rich demi-glace.. Drink: 2014 - 2024 284190 14.3% XD 750 mL $85.00 Score: 95/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sperling Vineyards Speritz Moscato 2011, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Such a pretty and delightful after-dinner wine! Not cloyingly sweet but joyously so in a fresh peach apricot way. Light- to medium-bodied. Perfect on its own or with a fruit flan or biscotti. Drink: 2012 - 2015 364166 7.4% D 375 mL $15.00 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosewood Mead Royale Select Barrel Aged Honey Wine 2012, Ontario, Canada: Surprisingly light and delightful! Lovely notes of lemon blossom and honeysuckle. Not cloyingly sweet: beautiful balance. This is sunshine in a bottle on a spring day. Honey Wine food pairings: blue cheese, biscotti. Drink: 2014 - 2017 437319 13% MS 500 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Seasons Diamond Estates - De Sousa Cellars Vidal Icewine 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A lovely dessert wine that offers aromas and flavours of lemon drops and honey. Drink: 2012 - 2017 359174 11.5% S 375 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Konzelmann Estate Winery Special Select Late Harvest Vidal 2011, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: A benchmark dessert wine from a very reputable producer. Gorgeous aromas of apricot and lemon-lime preserves. Vidal food pairings: cheese plate, mixed nuts, dried fruit. Drink: 2013 - 2019 12840 10.5% M 375 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rockway Glen Estate Winery Small Lot Reserve White Assemblage 2012, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Very spritely and mouth-awakening. Lime and lemon zest. Tastes like pinot grigio with a gruner edge. Great aperitif or seafood companion. Food pairings: mild curries, paprika chicken, roast pork. Drink: 2013 - 2015 359315 11.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pearl Morissette Cuvée Dix-Neuvieme Chardonnay 2011, V..Q.,A Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Full-bodied, rich but not heavy. Creamy and layered with some yellow apple and toasty oak, butterscotch. Interesting winery to watch. Chardonnay food pairings: barbecued chicken breast. Drink: 2013 - 2017 303602 13.5% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Viewpointe Cabernet Franc 2008, V.Q.A., Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario, Canada: Lovely cedar-smoke-bandaid on the nose (like Bordeaux) followed by vibrant blackberry jam on the palate. Round and smooth, not herbal at all. Cabernet Franc food pairings: roast beef, aged cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2016 359299 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

G. Marquis Vineyards The Silver Line Epic 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Full-bodied and juicy with black fruit and smoke. Black fruit on the palate. A bit short on the finish, but pleasant. Food pairings: rack of lamb, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2016 310367 13.9% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Natura Banfi Carmenere 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Full-bodied and juicy with black fruit aromas and a pleasant herbal note. Smooth texture on this organic wine. The grapes for this wine come from the Colchagua Valley, and there's a splash of syrah in the blend. An excellent price for a wine to wake up your taste buds. Carmenere food pairings: pizza, hamburgers. Drink: 2013 - 2015 56887 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: Rich, deep and so damn seductive. Oh my goodness! Savoury and mouthwatering. This wine tickles the senses and delights the palate. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rare herbed steaks. Drink: 2013 - 2016 353086 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Maycas Del Limarí Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Limarí Valley, Chile: A superb cabernet for the money! Balanced, full-bodied, expressive yet elegant. Yep, it's got it all. Try this lovely red with prime rib. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef-and-bean burritos, bacon-wrapped steaks. Drink: 2013 - 2017 256701 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chilensis Reserva Carmenere 2012, Maule Valley, Central Valley, Chile: Aromas of smoky black fruit and mocha at a great price. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious with a hint of a herbal note mid-palate. Carmenère is Chile's signature grape and wine, and their version of merlot. This vibrant red packs lots of flavour in the glass and finishes with black cherry, dark spice and smoke. Perfect for holiday parties and get-togethers. Carmenere food pairings: smoky grilled ribs, pepper steak. Drink: 2013 - 2015 657981 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Undurraga Aliwen Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Chile, Chile: Grassy, herbal and ref refreshing. Nice for the price. Needs food, how about spinach quiche? Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: green salad, herbed fish. Drink: 2013 - 2015 347948 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ninquén Antu Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Great concentration and depth of flavour. Exotic black plums and dark spices. Amazing quality for the price. Full-bodied, rich, endless. Plush, fleshy black plums wrap themselves around your tongue and dance with your senses. Pair with a crackling fire on a chilly evening, and a great book. Syrah food pairings: barbecued chicken, beef stew, lamb cutlets, seafood and mushroom pasta. Drink: 2013 - 2016 675371 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Maison Roche De Bellene Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir 2011, A.C., Burgundy, France: Liquid silk! Fleshy cherries unfold like chilled satin, slipping over your senses. Medium-bodied, long finish, perfect. Dark cherries and spices on the midpalate. Seduction in a glass. The grapes come from vines that are 42 to 72 years of age. A long finish with spice notes and polished tannins. Gets my vote! Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, roast turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2018 240424 13% D 750 mL $47.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Eugénie Cuvée Réservée De L'aïeul Cahors Couture, Vign. Malbec 2008, A.C., Southwest, France: Toasty oak and bandaid, very nice! Full-bodied, brooding black fruit and mystery. Decant 2 hours if you don't want a metaphorical black eye on your palate. Drink: 2013 - 2016 295949 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe La Crau, H. Brunier Et Fils, Vign.-Récolt. 2010, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Full-bodied with great depth, power and concentration. Offers aromas of savoury dark red and black fruit. Towering structure, yet balanced, with a long, cassis-inflected finish. Amazing cellar potential, as well as promotion potential should you choose to give this wine as a gift to your boss for the holidays. Food pairings: filet mignon, prime rib. Drink: 2014 - 2020 951475 14.5% XD 750 mL $88.95 Score: 94/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Durieu Lucile Avril 2010, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Big and round with luscious black fruit flavours. Rolls around on the tongue voluptuously before making a glorious and lasting exit on the finish. This wine will do well in the cellar, but it's hard to resist opening it soon. Decant for 1 hour. Devilishly delicious! Food pairings: filet mignon, prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2019 295147 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pierre Amadieu Le Pas De L'aigle Grande Réserve Gigondas 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Full-bodied, black, brooding and looking to pick a fight with your rare steak. This wine will win, and so will you. Complex, deep, rich, concentrated. Decant 2 hours. Yes please! Drink: 2013 - 2019 25862 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.00 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine de Congy Cuvée Les Galfins Bonnard Père Et Fils Pouilly-Fumé 2012, A.C., Loire, France: Lemon-lime piercing intensity and laser focus. Mouthwatering acidity. Clean, crisp and clearly knows what it wants to do with your taste buds. Let it happen, lie back and think of the Empire. Pouilly-Fumé food pairings: herbed seafood, traditional turkey dinner. Drink: 2013 - 2016 244780 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cellier Des Dauphins Prestige White Regional Blended White 2011, Cotes Du Rhone, France: This quarter bottle size suits when you just one glass of wine. This pleasant white offers notes of lemon. It's medium-bodied without heavy oak. Regional Blended White food pairings: salads, roasted chicken or grilled seafood. Drink: 2012 - 2013 496349 12.5% XD 250 mL $4.35 Score: 83/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Réserve Des Vignerons Saumur-Champigny Cave De Saumur Cabernet Franc 2010, A.C. Loire, France: Old World style and structure cabernet franc with herbal and bell pepper notes on the nose. Medium-bodied with some blackberry and green pepper on the finish. Cabernet Franc food pairings: cinnamon and cumin spiced dishes, mild curries, ham, seared tuna with a pepper crust, blue cheese sauces. Drink: 2013 - 2015 103879 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michel Picard Puligny-Montrachet Chardonnay 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Exotica lovelia! That's my made up Latin for I likes it. Toasted almond, daisy blooms and happiness piercing through clouds. Chardonnay Old World style in all it's glory. Drink: 2013 - 2018 69039 12.5% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bouchard Pere & Fils Pinot Noir 2011, A.C., Côte De Beaune-Villages, Burgundy, France: Pleasing aromas of tart cherry, fresh-turned earth and a little herbal/vegetal. Medium-bodied and silky with a long, dry finish. Some cedar smoke and spice on a refreshing finish. Perfect for dinner parties. Pinot Noir food pairings: beef bourguignon, planked salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2017 714998 13.4% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Calcaire Pinot Gris 2011, A.C., Alsace, France: Lovely, lovely, lovely! Dried peach and Asian pear with baking spices. Dry, refreshing and beautifully flavoured. Please, listen to me (sorry to hold you forearm like that), get out of your chardonnay rut. Yes, this is an invention. We are all concerned about you and want the best for your drinking pleasure. Pinot Gris food pairings: baked salmon with a spicy Thai treatment such as nam phrik num. Drink: 2013 - 2017 190413 14.5% MD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Grand Nicolet Vieilles Vignes Grenache 2010, A.C., Rasteau, Rhône, France: A towering wine that needs cellar time, but very tasty even now. Big black fruit, smoky oak and some dark spices on the finish. Licorice liqueur. Decant for 2 hours. I'm thinking brontosaurus burgers ... Grenache food pairings: filet mignon, prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2017 155481 15% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Plaisance Cuvée Alix Premières Bernard Magrez Meritage 2005, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux, France: What a glorious surprise, especially for this price point for Bordeaux! Classic signature: black fruit, toasty oak, smoke, more dusty than fruity. Concentrated, deep and layered. Yes please! Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2013 - 2018 348789 13.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Foncalieu St. Gervais Réserve Du Crouzau 2011, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Stunning for the price! Full-bodied and richly layered and smooth with lots of fleshy black fruit and some smoke on the finish. Awesome party wine. Previous vintages of this wine have been awarded the Gold Medal at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This robust red is primarily made from the enticing Grenache grape. It features a long, spice inflected finish. It'll go the distance when you're playing a seemingly endless game of Monopoly. Food pairings: crown rib roast, beef stew, roasted leg of lamb, burgers with blue cheese, meaty pasta, pizza. Drink: 2012 - 2016 142943 15.1% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Bréhat Jean De Monteil, Prop. Meritage 2004, A.C., Côtes De Castillon, Bordeaux, France: Exceptional value! Leather, cigar box and dried herbs: classic mature Bordeaux. Smooth and complex with the wisdom of almost a decade. This wine won't try to talk your ear off: it listens to you. Drink: 2013 - 2015 348672 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Michelas-Saint-Jemms Signature Crozes-Hermitage Syrah Shiraz 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Full-bodied, black fruit, tar and a good grip with a pleasant bitter bite on the finish. Nice price for this quality. Drink: 2013 - 2016 354092 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château La Haye Cru Bourgeois Meritage 2009, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: Subtle, elegant, restrained with dark fruit and just the right amount of smoky oak. Just bordering on full-bodied and fairly smooth already though you could decant for 1 hour. Drink: 2013 - 2016 358358 13.5% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château La Bienfaisance Grand Cru Meritage 2010, A.C., Saint-Émilion , Bordeaux, France: Restrained, subtle and balanced. Almost full-bodied weight. Fairly smooth. Not extremely expressive, but enjoyable. Drink: 2013 - 2017 195198 14% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Louis Jadot Château Des Jacques Gamay (Beaujolais) 2009, A.C., Morgon, Beaujolais, France: Spicy tart red cherry notes in this medium-bodied, mouth-watering, juicy red. Lovely, carefree and vibrant expression of the Gamay grape: this is a wine to wake up your taste buds. Perfect for roast chicken or turkey, or even as an aperitif to literally whet your appetite. Bring it on! Gamay (Beaujolais) food pairings: cream-sauce pasta, chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2015 653584 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Villa Wolf Wachenheimer Dr. E. Loosen Riesling 2011, Qualitätswein Pfalz, Germany: Tart peach slices lying on granite rocks misted by ocean spray. Sometimes I wonder if there's LSD in these wines that opens up vistas of description that are well beyond the bottle. Anyhoo, this is lovely: zesty and mouthwatering yet packed with flavour. Drink: 2013 - 2016 394023 11% M 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wegeler Feinherb Riesling 2011, Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany: Gorgeous! Lime and thistles get brushed over by peach fuzz. Sunshine and a cold underwind. Play me. Drink: 2013 - 2018 345702 11.5% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Prinz Von Hessen Kabinett Royal Estate Btld. Riesling 2011, Prädikatswein, Rheingau, Germany: Peach-petrol perfect! Follow me, trust me ... we're going down a path where your senses will be tickled by gentle boughs of flavour on either side. Medium-bodied yet packed flavour. There simply is no other wine for Asian and mild curries or fried food. Drink: 2013 - 2018 345769 12.5% D 750 mL $28.00 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hungary

Puklus Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2008, Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary, Hungary: Platonic essence of honey! Yes, let it pour over you senses starting with your scalp as it drips down and fills every crevice. Dessert on it's own or heavenly with biscotti and angel cake. Food pairings: foie gras, blue-veined cheeses. Drink: 2013 - 2020 47209 12% S 500 mL $33.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Travaglini Gattinara Nebbiolo 2011, D.O.C., Costa Della Sesia, Piedmont, Italy: Medium-bodied and pleasantly acidic with tart wild red berries, smoke, dust and some earth. Good food companion for herbed chicken. Nebbiolo food pairings: grilled sausages, steaks, beef stews. Drink: 2013 - 2016 30353 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cavit Alta Luna Phases 2010, I.G.T., Vigneti Della Dolomiti, Alto Adigetrentino, Italy: Tart and acidic but pleasantly so in a mouthwatering way that cries out for food. Dark red sour cherries and some smoke. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2013 - 2016 354340 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Abbazia Moscato D'asti 2012, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A delightful bubbly with sunny-ripe aromas and flavours of apricot, honeysuckle and peach. Terrific as an aperitif or after dinner with biscotti or fruit desserts given that it has a touch of clementine sweetness. I love a wine that's this low in alcohol yet so packed with flavour and character. Cheers! Moscato D'asti food pairings: soft cheeses, fresh fruit, fruit based desserts. 265397 5.5% M 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castello D'albola Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Savoury, supple and full-bodied with mouth-watering dark red fruit and smoke aromas. Meaty and delicious with great richness and a return-to-the-glass compulsion. Drink with meaty dishes and conversation. This robust red is a blend of mostly the Sangiovese grape with a splash of Canaiolo. A lovely, long finish seals the deal as authentic and classic chianti. Chianti Classico Riserva food pairings: meat-sauce pasta, beef stew, grilled portobello mushrooms, herb-encrusted steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 315150 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

San Cassiano Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Full-bodied with attractive generous smoky, tarry oak on the nose. This is fleshed out on the palate with blackberry jam and mouth-watering juiciness. Very tasty. Ideal for robust meat dishes, like a juicy steak. Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore food pairings: veal parmigiana. Drink: 2013 - 2016 354431 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Luna e I Falò Superiore Terre Da Vino Barbera D'asti 2010, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Full-bodied, savoury, meaty and rustic with attractive aromas and flavours of dark red fruit and cedar brush. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2013 - 2016 627901 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jasci & Marchesani Nerubè Riserva Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2010, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Blueberry jam with some pepper with blackberry preserves mid-palate. Rich, round and full-bodied. This is technically a dry wine but it has jammy, fleshy sweet fruit aromas and flavours. If you love shiraz from warm regions in Australia, you'll love this. Drink: 2013 - 2017 353599 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rivera Il Falcone Riserva 2007, D.O.C., Castel Del Monte, Puglia, Italy: Savoury, smoky and brooding with fleshy black fruit aromas. Ultra-delicious, full-bodied. Fairly smooth already in texture. Yum! This wine is a blend of mostly Uva di Troia grapes along with Montepulciano. Southern Italy has undergone a quality revolution. Taste this red to see what I mean. Food pairings: roasted lamb, game meats. Drink: 2013 - 2017 177295 13.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canonica a Cerreto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: An earthy, full-bodied wine with smoky dark red fruit and good, mouth-watering acidity. Best consumed with hearty dishes involving tomato sauce. Mixed spices and black raspberry on the finish. A wine to satisfy a savage thirst (for good wine). Chianti Classico Riserva food pairings: meat ravioli, beef stew. Drink: 2012 - 2016 275867 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Savoury, tart and pleasantly bitter with sour cherry and smoky, dusty earth notes. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2013 - 2017 113357 13.5% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antinori Guado Al Tasso, Bolgheri Superiore 2009, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: Full-bodied and well-structured with black fruit aromas and flavours. There's also smoke, dark spices and coffee on the palate and finish. Complex, concentrated and energetic. This wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc grapes. Concentrated, powerful, rich and deep: like the perfect husband. Decant 2 hours. Enjoy with the good life. Food pairings: filet mignon, prime rib, rack of lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2022 986380 14% D 750 mL $194.95 Score: 95/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2010, D.O.C.G., Veneto, Italy: This is the magnum size of this wine equivalent to two regular bottles. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated with blackberry liqueur richness. Balanced, complex with a long finish. Superb craftsmanship. Drink: 2013 - 2024 297994 15% D 1500 mL $99.95 Score: 95/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antinori Guado Al Tasso, Bolgheri Superiore 2012, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy Food pairings: filet mignon, prime rib, rack of lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2022 986380 14% D 750 mL $99.95 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Travaglini Gattinara Nebbiolo 2013, D.O.C., Costa Della Sesia, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo food pairings: grilled sausages, steaks, beef stews. Drink: 2013 - 2016 30353 13% D 750 mL $18.95 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2008, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Savoury with a lovely nose of fleshy ripe black fruit and some mocha in this lovely interpretation of the nebbiolo grape. Full-bodied and layered for complexity with a long finish. Barolo in all its glory, with those exotic and elusive wild violet and crushed wild raspberry notes on the palate. Pair with watching Il Postino. Barolo food pairings: coq au vin, orzo risotto, spezzatino. Drink: 2013 - 2018 713479 14.5% XD 750 mL $75.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Antinori Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Smoky cigar box and dried herbs on the nose, extremely dry palate, full-bodied and subtle. Earthy not fruity. Dedicated to those who love the slow unfolding of sensual pleasure in the glass. Could use some cellar time. Decant 1-2 hours. Chianti Classico Riserva food pairings: meat-sauce ravioli, pesto, beef stew. Drink: 2013 - 2019 241363 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2010, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy Barolo food pairings: coq au vin, orzo risotto, spezzatino. Drink: 2013 - 2018 713479 14.5% XD 750 mL $52.95 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: chicken or seafood dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 620062 11.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sileni Estates The Plateau Pinot Noir 2012, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Rich cherry fruit that's not heavy, but I also like that there's not too much acidity here. Round and ready when you are. Medium- to full-bodied and luscious. The Plateau range of wines constitute the flagship line for this winery. They are balanced and complex with reasonable prices. Terrific long finish. Perfect for potluck gatherings. Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon steaks, avocado and papaya salad, roast chicken, tuna. Drink: 2013 - 2016 14578 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

Dow's 10 Year Old Symington Tawny Port, D.O.C. Douro Valley, Portugal: Toffee richness oozes from the glass to fill every sensory crevice in your mouth and mind. Caramel, butterscotch and toasted almond fill out this beautiful dessert wine. Ready to enjoy when you are. Tawny Port food pairings: caramel desserts, biscotti. Drink: 2013 - 2020 246967 19% S 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2012, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: I am in love with South African Chenin Blanc! There is nothing else like it, and as far as I'm concerned no one (yes France, I'm looking at you), does it better. Aromas of white peach, almonds and exotic happiness. Almost full-bodied and brimming with character. Drink: 2013 - 2017 459304 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Krone Vintage Rosé Cuvée Brut Méthode Cap Classique Twee Jonge Gezellen Estate Sparkling Rose 2009, W.O., Tulbagh, South Africa: Pleasant, toasty with some fleeting raspberry notes. Nice price, and very festive. Drink: 2013 - 2015 130047 12.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 87/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Southern Cross Reserve Escapade Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, W.O., Bottelary-Stellenbosch, South Africa: Good mouth-watering juicy acidity with balanced richness of black fruit flavours on the palate. Full-bodied and fairly smooth, though 1-2 hours decanting will help. This is a heavy hitter that will surprise and please those who love Californian cabernets. This wine is named after the astral bodies that have long guided sailors and thrilled sky gazers. This is a great price for classic Cali cab. Highly recommended. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb burgers, meatloaf, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2015 267211 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2016, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa Drink: 2013 - 2017 459304 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Chocolate Block Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Shiraz 2011, W.O., Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa: Savoury, complex and delicious: wow! Cassis, blackberry and cedar forest. Meaty and enticing, full-bodied wonderful with a concentrated weave of anise, cigar box, pepper and meaty notes. Extremely juicy and mouthwatering in a food-happy kind of way. Balanced and delicious: this is a terrific red to red if you're not familiar with South African wines, or even if you are. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012 - 2017 129353 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Rotllán Torra Crianza Vina D'alta Qualitat 2009, D.O.C., Priorat, Spain: Savoury and juicy with great complexity and depth. Smooth and full-bodied with lusciously ripe and fleshy dark berries. If you haven't tried many wines from the Priorat region of Spain, this is a great place to start. This wine needs no coaxing out of the glass. decant for 1-2 hours. Food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2017 267989 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Aroa Jauna Crianza 2008, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Full-bodied with black fruit, smoke and tar. Almost Bordeaux-like, but I think that's from the type of oak more than anything else. It's very attractive and balanced with a savoury note on the mid-palate. Great quality for this price. Decant 1-2 hours. 353524 14.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Montecillo Winery Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Full-bodied with a tannic grip on the palate. Black fruit, smoke and toasty oak. Not fruit-forward, more dusty, earthy, smoky. Elegant and balanced with a long finish. Drink: 2012 - 2017 239277 13% D 750 mL $30.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, classic California cabernet. Dark fruit and just the right amount of oak. Subtle not fruit-forward or in your face. Drink: 2013 - 2017 273391 14.9% XD 750 mL $107.00 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Seghesio Zinfandel 2011, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied, juicy and delicious red wine with gorgeous aromas of dark red fruit and smoke. This vintage has more restraint, more cabernet in style but is still a terrific red. Try it with rare filet mignon. Oh yes! Drink: 2013 - 2016 942151 14.8% XD 750 mL $30.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Bold aromas of black fruit and tar on the nose, with full-bodied layers of blackberries and dark spices on the palate. Nicely crafted, but not for the timid. This Cabernet also has a dash of Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot in the blend for extra dimension and nuance. Juicy and mouthwatering. Great balance and nice finish. Great dinner party wine. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef stew with winter vegetables, pork tenderloin, brisket. Drink: 2013 - 2016 640573 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alexander Valley, , Sonoma County, California, United States: A well-made robust red with black fruit and mocha notes. Yes, this is from the producer of The Godfather, Dracula and other box office hits. The winery is well worth visiting in Napa as you'll find a great collection of movie memorabilia there, along with a solid line of wines. Pair this red with re-watching Apocalypse Now. Decant for 2 hours as there's a tannic grip on the palate. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork tenderloin, spaghetti with meatballs and sausage, roast lamb, game meats, slow-roasted beef, rich fall stews. Drink: 2013 - 2017 61002 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Amitage Red Blend Columbia Crest Grand Estates Named Varietal Blends-Red 2009, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Juicy, smooth, full-bodied balanced. Very pleasant with attractive dark fruit and just enough smoky oak. Great with steak or hamburgers. Named Varietal Blends-Red food pairings: grilled meat. Drink: 2013 - 2016 336818 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2011, Paso Robles, California, United States: Mocha with some dark chocolate on the nose. Lots of fleshy ripe black plums on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. This wine was aged for a year in oak, and offers plush depths of flavour. Perfect for potluck gatherings. Merlot food pairings: roast pork tenderloin, coq au vin, lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2016 27516 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel 2010, Paso Robles, California, United States: Full-bodied, vibrant and smooth with fleshy ripe blackberry and plum aromas and flavours. Great wine for pizza night! Drink: 2013 - 2016 31781 14.9% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Liberty School Syrah 2011, Paso Robles, California, United States: Black raspberry and cigar box on the nose. Fleshy dark fruit and blackberry jam on the palate with a supple texture. Great for grilled meats. This is a solid producer no matter the vintage or grape. Nice price. This wine teases your senses, but not with your wallet. Syrah food pairings: barbecued chicken, beef stew, lamb cutlets, beef fajitas, beef and black bean burritos. Drink: 2013 - 2016 942383 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, California, United States: Dark and purple plums on the nose are followed through with dark chocolate and espresso-coffee notes on the palate and blueberry jam. Rich and full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for meat lovers' pizza and lasagna. Great value in this party pleaser of a wine. The grapes come from vines that are 45+ years old. Highly recommended. Zinfandel food pairings: pizza, pasta marinara, beef fajitas, sesame pork ribs, barbecued chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2015 951889 13% D 750 mL $19.25 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

MacMurray Estate Vineyards Ernest & Julio Gallo Pinot Noir 2010, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A silky, plush Pinot with lovely aromas of ripe cherries and smoke. Medium-bodied with a supple texture. Layers of red fruit and berries unfold on the palate. This red shows its cool Californian origins from Sonoma in its mouth-watering juiciness to accompany a wider range if dishes. Yes please! Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled salmon with couscous, seared tuna, roast turkey or chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 48207 13.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Chandon Étoile Brut Sparkling White, Napa, Sonoma Counties, California, United States: Toasty, refreshing, great value. Aromas and flavours of green apple and baked bread. Drink: 2013 - 2016 205658 13% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Carneros Cuvee Gloria Ferrer Carneros brut Sonoma Sparkling Wine 2001, Napa Valley, California, United States: A gorgeous sparkling wine that's got it all: toasty, creamy and yet vibrantly refreshing. Try it on its own, as an aperitif, or as a lovely companion to seafood. Gloria Ferrer Carneros Brut Sonoma Sparkling Wine food pairings: smoked trout, tempura apps, roast pork with rosemary. Drink: 2013 - 2016 918276 12% XD 750 mL $62.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied red wine is lovely with great balance. Smoky, mocha notes intermingle with fleshy blackberries and blueberries. Deep and complex. The winery is situated in Geyserville and produced its first wines in 1974. Sonoma cabernet always has a terrific blend of fruit richness and spicy depth. Supple tannins with a long finish. Try it tonight with pork tenderloin. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled beef, dark chocolate, pork tenderloin, chicken salad. Drink: 2013 - 2016 54080 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, California, United States: Dolly Parton chardonnay: all upfront, generous, and kind. Apple, butterscotch and frills. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled lobster. Drink: 2013 - 2016 393892 14.3% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Crisp, dry and fresh with a lemon-lime lift through the core. Very deft/light use of oak preserves the refreshment of this wine and its versatility with food. This wine is mostly Sauvignon Blanc and with a splash of Semillon. Sixty percent of the wine is barrel fermented, and then it's all aged sur lie in French oak for extra richness, creaminess and lovely dimension. Fumé Blanc food pairings: chicken salad, pork tenderloin, sugar snap sea soup, avocado and papaya salad, barbecued lobster. Drink: 2013 - 2016 221887 13.9% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. November 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Morgan Highland Chardonnay 2010, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: Generous and luxurious with layers of flavour and velvet mouth-feel. Green apples, smoke toasted almond, hazelnuts and smoke. Yes, yes, yes! I love the pinot noir from this producer too. Liquid glory. Chardonnay food pairings: basil pesto, prawn bisque, cheese fondue, stuffed chicken breast. Drink: 2013 - 2016 953273 14.2% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: A lovely, balanced Chardonnay with buttery notes and green apple aromas. Full-bodied and luscious. This is a flagship producer for California, with a long and respected history. Chardonnay food pairings: turkey tetrazzini, challah, creamed corn, crab cakes with spicy tartar sauce, fried clams , grilled pork, turkey dinner, lobster tail. Drink: 2013 - 2017 709717 14% D 750 mL $73.95 Score: 91/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Adaptation Plumpjack Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, round and luscious with blackberry jam aromas and flavours. This wine is so mouthwatering and juicy: it'll fill every crevice of your senses. Try it with hamburgers or meat lovers' pizza. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: herbed pastas, steaks with grilled onions and garlic. Drink: 2013 - 2018 353102 14.6% D 750 mL $61.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Crema Pinot Noir 2011, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Liquid velvet! Black cherry seduction with mouth-watering yearning for more. Please! Complex with layered of dark berries that intermingle with a judicious use of oak. Cherry and raspberry jam on the midpalate: rich and delicious. Drink now or save for a few years: you have the luxury of that choice with this wine. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled radicchio , zucchini frittata, seared tuna. Drink: 2013 - 2017 154442 14.5% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classic California Cabernet. Cassis and blackberry aromas with a good tannic grip. Decant 2 hours or give it some cellar time. This is a flagship winery for California, and its superb craftsmanship shows in the glass. Lovely to sip while you're reading The Grapes of Wrath. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rare porterhouse steak, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2019 718452 14.5% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 92/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and complex with classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and smoke. Although this wine is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, there are also the traditional Meritage grapes in the blend, including Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Great cellar potential. There's a terrific concentration of black fruit flavour through the heart of this wine, yet it's superbly balanced and complex. Give it some cellar time, but when you do open it, decant for 1-2 hours. Perfect for when you cash in your Google stock. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: chicken, pork tenderloin, pasta, soup, salad. Drink: 2012 - 2018 133412 14.9% XD 750 mL $124.95 Score: 93/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Opus One Baron Philippe De Rothschild And Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: This wine is a blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon, with some cabernet franc, petit verdot, merlot and malbec grapes, the traditional meritage blend. Full-bodied and smooth with great elegance. It offers seductive aromas of fleshy dark fruit and smoke on the finish. This is a flagship wine for California; taste history in the glass as it blends New World power and concentration with Old styling and finesse. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: filet mignon, kobe beef. Drink: 2013 - 2020 158063 14.5% XD 750 mL $399.95 Score: 95/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Jonata Todos Red Named Varietal Blends-Red 2009, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, California, United States: This wine offers gorgeous black fruit aromas that slip up and out of the glass in between violet notes. Plush and luxurious with full-bodied goodness. Although it’s big, it’s still in balance. Wow. Named Varietal Blends-Red food pairings: chicken salad, pork tenderloin, sugar snap pea soup, hodge-podge, avocado and papaya salad. Drink: 2012 - 2019 218941 14.7% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 96/100. November 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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