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Vintages Release August 15, 2014

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Dessert Wine

Cavit Moscato 2013, Italy: Honeysuckle and lime blossoms in this pretty peach sipper. Simple, straight-forward pleasure. Drink: 2013 - 2015 277210 7% M 750 mL $11.95 Score: 84/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Ogier Heritages 2011, Côtes Du Rhône, France: Solid value here! Robust, rustic and delicious. Cedar, dried herbs, wild black cherry (tart) and cassis. Very Rhone. Very Good. Drink: 2013 - 2017 535849 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Reif Estate Winery The Magician Shiraz Pinot Noir 2012, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A full-bodied, smooth, supple red wine with attractive aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Some anise and smoke on the finish. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Shiraz Pinot Noir food pairings: pasta with arrabiata sauce, grilled Cajun shrimp, spicy sausage, tuna or pork tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 246413 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beaulieu Vineyard Coastal Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, California, United States: Great value for this full-bodied, supple and smooth Cabernet Sauvignon from California. Great for casual gatherings involving pizza or hamburgers. Drink: 2013 - 2017 569871 13.5% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castello di Gabbiano Sangiovese 2011, Chianti Classico, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Tart and enticing: this medium-bodied, smooth Italian red wine absolutely needs food. Bright acidity with tart black cherry flavour. Pair it with pepperoni pizza. Sangiovese food pairings: pizza, sausages, lasagna. Drink: 2013 - 2016 219808 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Blackstone Winery Pinot Noir 2012, United States: Sweet cherry-berry flavours, smooth and full-bodied. Very mouth-filling. Luscious and fruity sweet. Pair with veal. Drink: 2013 - 2017 358937 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, California, United States: Incredible concentration and mouth-watering lusciousness. There's also 25 percent petite sirah to add depth and layering. Aromas of black fruit, smoke and black tea with dark spices. Terrific concentration of flavour from these old-vine grapes shows through. Remarkable, especially for the price. Long finish, great satisfaction! Pair with a grilled steak. Zinfandel food pairings: grilled meats. Drink: 2013 - 2017 942599 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Merlot 2011, California, United States: A terrific Californian Merlot for the price point! Smooth, supple, full-bodied and mouth-filling with lusciously ripe flavours of black plum, cassis and blackberry. Just enough toasty oak to wrap up this package nicely. Pair with meat lovers' pizza. Merlot food pairings: lamb, steak, stew. Drink: 2013 - 2016 622837 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domaine Jean Bousquet Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Tupungato Valley, Argentina: Excellent value! A robust Argentine wine with lots of alcohol and big black fruit. Pair with hamburgers. Malbec food pairings: steak, pasta and ribs. Drink: 2013 - 2016 160952 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ruffino Ducale Riserva Chianti Classico 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Dried herbs, cedar brush and tart, wild black cherry on this nose of this robust Italian red wine. Ruffino's Chianti Classico Riserva is a dependable bottle year after year. It's aged for 24 months in oak, and oak does not dominate at all. Rather it provides a lovely wisp of smoke on the finish. Pair with a rack of lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2018 45195 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico 2012, Tuscany, Italy: Attractive black cherry on the nose of this vibrant, mouth-watering Italian red wine from the heart of Tuscany. Tart cherry on the palate to wake up your senses and literally whet your appetite. This wine demands food: try it with pepperoni pizza or pasta in a tangy tomato sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2018 307025 13% XD 750 mL $18.30 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Woodbridge Winery Merlot 2012, California, United States: Another terrific red wine from Woodbridge at an amazingly great price point! This smooth Merlot offers attractive aromas of black plum, cedar and smoke. Full-bodied, smooth and supple. Never boring. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 494492 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Woodbridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California, United States: Terrific Californian Cabernet for the money! Wow. Cedar brush cassis and blackcurrant on the nose and palate. This would be a great party wine or wine for a wedding as it tastes a lot more expensive than it is and will please many palates as it's full-bodied and smooth but not heavy. Pair with hamburgers. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: prime rib, filet mignon. Drink: 2013 - 2016 48611 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Beautifully balanced! This New Zealand Pinot Noir seems to get better every year, and this is no exception. Lovely cherry-berry flavours, yet not sweet. Great mouth-watering juiciness for a wide range of foods, yet not acidic. Superb craftsmanship. Highly recommended. Pinot Noir food pairings: pulled-pork sandwiches, roasted chicken, salmon ceviche. Drink: 2013 - 2018 626390 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand: Very juicy, cherry-berry flavours and roundness in this gloriously happy New Zealand Pinot Noir. This medium-bodied red wine with dance with your senses, and your food, from planked salmon to roast chicken. Top me up! Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon, pork. Drink: 2013 - 2017 66803 14% XD 750 mL $24.75 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cassini Cellars Collectors Series Maximus 2009, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Here's a blockbuster red from the Okanagan Valley. This Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend delivers plenty of maurading dark fruit and smoke on the nose, palate and finish. High alcohol so there is some heat on the end of the finish, but still excellent overall. Drink: 2013 - 2020 303016 14.9% D 750 mL $36.25 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, California, United States: A dark horse wine with brooding aromas of black, tarry fruit and toasty oak on the nose. These major notes follow through on the palate and finish of this full-bodied, supple Californian Cabernet, along with some mocha and smoke. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014 - 2018 352583 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: The 2011 vintage was a tough one for many regions, including Napa Valley. This stalwart Cabernet Sauvignon still delivers, though the fruit is more restrained than in warmer years. Good balance and lots of acidity for prime rib. Decant 1 hour. Drink: 2014 - 2018 255513 14.3% XD 750 mL $62.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mark West Pinot Noir 2011, California, United States: Lovely cherry-berry vibrancy here with perfectly balanced and mouth-watering acidity for food. Supple, satin-textured Californian Pinot in all its glory. Pair with seared tuna, planked salmon or roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2017 83329 13.8% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ruffino Chianti 2012, D.O.C.G. Tuscany, Italy: Attractive black cherry on those of this full-bodied, supple Chianti. Great value here for the price point. Lots of juicy acidity for lasagna or cheese pizza. Chianti food pairings: rustic Italian pastas and sausages. Drink: 2013 - 2016 1743 13% XD 750 mL $16.75 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Central Coast, California, United States: This full-bodied red wine offers attractive aromas of cassis and blackcurrant wrapped in just the right amount of toasty oak. This is a terrific price for such quality, especially California cabernet. Try it tonight with a hearty meat. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rare steak. Drink: 2013 - 2018 56366 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah 2011, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Full-bodied with lots of mocha, espresso and dark chocolate on the nose from oak aging. Dark fruit on the palate then mocha smoke on the finish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 949651 14% XD 750 mL $17.00 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Pinot Noir 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lovely cherry-berry aromas on the nose with a supple, smooth, medium-bodied texture on the palate. This is an incredibly great price for Napa Valley pinot noir. Medium-bodied and delicious. Drink: 2014 - 2017 226571 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Central Coast, California, United States: Great roundness and juiciness to the fruit with notes of blackberry, plum and mocha. Full-bodied and ever so supple. Perfect for a dinner party. Drink: 2013 - 2018 392225 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2011, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: This IGT-designated red wine has lots of heft and character. It unfolds with juicy black fruit and some smoke. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes. Tannic grip with a bitter bite on the finish. Try it tonight with meat lovers' pizza. Food pairings: gourmet pizza, meaty pasta. Drink: 2014 - 2017 145920 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

19 Crimes Shiraz Durif 2012, Victoria, Australia: A supple, full-bodied blend of Shiraz and Durif grapes along with more than a dash of marketing. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Straight-up pleasure for post robbery celebrations. Drink: 2013 - 2016 369777 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel 2012, California, United States: Juicy, ripe, slap you on the back friendly Zinfnadel. So well made, so dependably good: like a great friend you've had since high school. Juicy, supple, smooth and full-bodied. Perfect for BBQ meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 359257 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand: Toasty oak on the nose wraps around fleshy ripe black cherries. Full-bodied, mouth-watering juicy and smooth with a great finish. Smoky and toasty. New Zealand Pinot Noir offers that unique combination of fleshy fruit and zingy juiciness. Terrific with a wide range of dishes. Yum! Long finish. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, barbecued duck, veggie mushroom burger, frittata. Drink: 2013 - 2018 590414 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Red Label Zinfandel 2012, California, United States: Juicy with mouth-watering flavours of black plums, blueberries and blackberries. Yes, this is from the producer of Dracula and other movies, but it delivers much more than a box office hit. Full-bodied, plush, smooth and delicious. Some vanilla spice, anise and blackberry roll off the finish. Try it with game dishes. Zinfandel food pairings: grilled meats, burgers, steak-and-black-bean fajitas. Drink: 2014 - 2018 939743 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ménage à Trois Red 2012, California, United States: Fleshy black raspberry and cherry on the nose of this terrifically tasty Californian red wine blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The name is fun, but don't let that mislead you into thinking that this isn't a seriously good wine. Pair with roast beef for three ;) Red food pairings: saucy pulled-pork sammies, braised short ribs with chocolate and rosemary. Drink: 2013 - 2016 308007 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

[yellow tail] Reserve Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: Minty blackberry on the nose of this well-known Australian Shiraz. This is the Reserve version of Yellow Tail, and it pulls back on the residual sugar to create a wine that is delicious and balanced. Full-bodied and supple, this is perfect for hamburgers or steak. Drink: 2013 - 2016 234609 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Grinder Pinotage 2013, Swartland W.O., South Africa: Love that coffee, espresso, mocha nose! You'll never forget it, or confuse it with anything. This full-bodied, delicious red wine is made from South Africa's signature (and quite distinctive) Pinotage grape, a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir. This wine is dry, but it finishes with delicious flavours of dark chocolate. Pair it with grilled meats, especially chary pork chops. Yum! Pinotage food pairings: grilled meats, smoked pork. Drink: 2014 - 2017 572107 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Pinot Noir 2012, California, United States: A medium-bodied, smooth Californian Pinot Noir that offers solid value in the glass. Aromas of cherries and berries, but not wildly fruity. Nice finish. Pair with veal or sip as an aperitif. Drink: 2013 - 2016 465435 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Reif Estate Winery Fortune Cabernet Rosé 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Fresh field strawberries on the nose open up to juicy, fleshy strawberry flavours on the palate. Beautifully balanced with acidity that makes this off-dry rose both refreshing and delicious. Finishes with maraschino cherry and nectarine. Cabernet Rosé food pairings: barbecued chicken, grilled pork, grilled bell pepper sandwiches. Drink: 2013 - 2015 372466 12.5% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sparkling Wine

Freixenet Excelencia Cava, Spain, Spain: This off-dry sparkling wine is kosher for Passover (KPM). A delightful Spanish bubbly (Cava) with aromas of peach and pear. Pair with glazed ham and chutney. Drink: 2014 - 2017 373290 11.5% M 750 mL $18.80 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Freixenet Cordon Rosado Cava, Penedes, Spain: How festive is this pink bubbly? Aromas of ripe field raspberries tickle your note. Float a raspberry on top for an extra festive touch. Drink: 2014 - 2016 217059 11.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Favorite Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Monkey Bay Pinot Grigio 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand: Crisp and clean with white grapefruit and white melon. Great aperitif or pair with field greens and other salads. Pinot Grigio food pairings: seafood, salads. Drink: 2014 - 2016 93666 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Daniel Lenko Chardonnay Unoaked 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp and fresh with notes of green apple, especially Granny Smith, and the accompanying acidity. No oak: just fresh fruit flavour here so typical of cool climate chardonnay. Drink: 2013 - 2017 260398 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay, Central Valley, Chile: This non-vintage dated Chardonnay is a bargain, and organic to boot. Even the paper for the labels is recycled. Full-bodied with attractive notes of pear and toasty oak. 230565 13.5% D 750 mL $16.00 Score: 86/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castello di Gabbiano Promessa Pinot Grigio 2013, Italy: Full-bodied with Pinot Grigio with a pleasant mouth-filling heft, yet still refreshing and clean. Aromas of pear, white melon and smoke. Perfect for smoked salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2015 77990 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beaulieu Vineyard BV Coastal Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2012, California, United States: A zesty, vibrant white wine with come-alive aromas of grapefruit and lime. Great as an aperitif or pair it with shellfish or chevre. Drink: 2013 - 2016 295253 13.5% MD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Reif Estate Winery Riesling 2013, Niagara River, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A delicate, light-bodied, off-dry Riesling with aromas of pear and peach. This would be great with dishes that have a glaze or chutney. Riesling food pairings: appetizers, Spicy Thai, Middle Eastern, Mexican dishes, fresh salads. Drink: 2014 - 2019 111799 12% MD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio 2013, Venezie I.G.T., Italy: Clean, crisp and dry Pinot Grigio at a great price! Works as an aperitif or companion to seafood and salads. Solid producer. Drink: 2013 - 2015 589101 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2013, Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, East Coast, New Zealand: Fresh and crisp with no oak. Citrus character from Hawke's Bay combines with tropical fruit from Marlborough. Malolactic fermentation with 7 months on the lees to impart richness and creaminess: gives the impression of oak without the heaviness. Butterscotch notes but still ultra-fresh fruit.  Refute the notion of ABC (Anything But Chardonnay), a movement started against Chardonnay for being too heavy: this wine will convince you otherwise. Try it with fresh seafood. Chardonnay food pairings: seafood stir-fry, roast pork, beef bourguignon, roast chicken, veal. Drink: 2014 - 2017 991950 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand: Grassy and smoky and absolutely great! This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is an outstanding value, and a favourite of many lovers of this genre. Refreshing, crisp and clean with aromas of lime, white grapefruit and citrus zest. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: planked salmon, field salads. Drink: 2014 - 2016 35386 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand: Crisp and clean with lively notes of lime-citrus and white grapefruit. Not overly grassy. Pair with vegetarian dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: chicken or seafood dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2016 620062 11.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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