Argentina
Alta Vista Premium Estate Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Terrific value for the taste and quality! The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Needs steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 677443 14.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Escorihuela Gascón 1884 Reservado Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Very coffee, espresso on the nose like some South African pinotages. Full-bodied, smooth with black charred fruit on the palate. Pair with coffee-rubbed steak. Malbec food pairings: barbecued beef, chili con carne, mushroom burgers. Drink: 2014 - 2018 375444 13.9% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chakana Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: Black toasty oak on the nose, palate and finish of this full-bodied Argentine red wine. Big black charred and roasted fruit as well. Pair with grilled meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hamburgers, barbecued steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 663161 14.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Saurus Malbec 2012, Patagonia, Argentina: Lovely balance and elegance coupled with richly flavoured black fruit. It's the mouth feel or texture that will get you on this wine ... layers of heavy satin to caress your senses and taste buds. Pair with hearty meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 379313 14.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Wits End Luna Shiraz 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, smooth and deep with black fruit and some smoke. Anise and blackberry on the palate with a savoury note. Fantastic price for this quality. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013 - 2019 311258 15% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy-black concentration of flavours and happiness. This is incredibly flavourful for cabernet which is usually far more austere than shiraz. I love it because the balance is just right between structure and fruit power. Lovely woodsmoke and spices on the finish. Superb craftsmanship. Pair this full-bodied red wine with meat lovers pizza. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled lamb, bison burgers, chicken salad, pork tenderloin, autumn hodge-podge. Drink: 2013 - 2018 730374 14.8% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Evans & Tate Metricup Road Chardonnay 2012, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Produced by the McWilliam Family, this lovely lemon and lime lift on the nose. A lean, crisp style of chardonnay that still is packed with flavour. Classic signature of the Margaret River region. Great food versatility from roast chicken to seafood. Amazing value. Some white peach comes through on the finish. Try this with roast chicken. Lovely lemon and lime lift on the nose. A lean, crisp style of chardonnay that still is packed with flavour. Classic signature of the Margaret River region. Great food versatility from roast chicken to seafood. Amazing value. Some white peach comes through on the finish. Try this with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, seafood, pizza, beef bourguignon, cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2017 311449 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Izway Bruce Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Spectacular! High alcohol at 15.5% but loaded with flavour that can bear that strength. Rich, deep, and crazily concentrated. Love, love, love the back label verbiage on the bottle: Bruce is a man of very few words. Drink: 2014 - 2020 379164 15.5% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 94/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Exultet Estates Pinot Grigio 2013, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp, clean and full-bodied white wine that's more akin to French Pinot Gris than Pinot Grigio given how mouth-filling it is. This unoaked white wine offers lovely white floral and green citrus notes on the nose, palate and through to the fresh finish. Pair with seafood and salads. Drink: 2014 - 2016 3000 13% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château des Charmes Estate Bottled Icewine Vidal 2012, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A nicely balanced vidal icewine with aromas and flavours of honey, apricot and clementine. Enjoy as an after-dinner dessert wine. Vidal food pairings: fruit-based desserts like flans and cobblers. Drink: 2013 - 2023 565861 9.5% S 200 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Coffin Ridge Bone Dry Riesling 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lively acidic attack on the palate with lime and green apple aromas and flavours. Enough to wake the dead. Pair with roast turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2017 232744 11.9% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave Spring Cellars Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musqué 2012, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lots of acidity and surprisingly dry with lime and white grapefruit. Not what I was expecting but not unpleasant from Cave Spring Vineyard. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay Musqué food pairings: seared white fish. Drink: 2013 - 2015 246579 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tawse Winery Inc. Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Medium-bodied, silky with mocha and spice. Tart, sour cherry aromas and flavours on this medium-bodied, mouth-watering acidic Pinot Noir from Niagara. Very respected winemaker. Pair with salmon or tuna. Lovely craftsmanship. Drink: 2013 - 2017 130989 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
13th Street Cabernet Merlot 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied red wine with aromas and flavours of black fruit, smoke, tar and dark spices from toasty oak aging. Finishes with cedar smoke. Pair with duck or lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2016 56598 12% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
13th Street Winery Red Palette 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. The reference to a painter's palette here alludes to winemaker J-P Cola's artistic blending of 45% Merlot, 40% Gamay, 9% Pinot Noir, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah grapes, all grown in Niagara. The result? A great palette wine for your palate pleasure. Try it with grilled pork chops. Food pairings: thin-crust pizza, charcuterie, cheese boards, rustic stews, grilled veal steaks. Drink: 2013 - 2016 249458 13.1% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lailey Vineyard Syrah 2012, Niagara River, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Smoky and savoury with sizzling bacon on the nose and palate: adore it! Full-bodied and supple with seductive, pull you in head first aromas. Black spice and mystery. The 2012 vintage was spectacular and winemaker Derek Barnett made full use of its potential. This wine was bottled unfiltered and may through a natural sediment. The upside is that it retains more character and flavour. Drink: 2013 - 2019 184523 13.5% XD 750 mL $27.20 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Ninquén Antu Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Great concentration and depth of flavour. Exotic black plums and dark spices on the finish. 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. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with grilled meats. OTHER: This wine was awarded 91 points in the 2013 Descorchados guide. (VINTAGES panel, undated.) Syrah food pairings: barbecued chicken, beef stew, lamb cutlets, seafood and mushroom pasta. Drink: 2013 - 2017 675371 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2012, Casablanca Valley, Anconcagua Coast D.O., Chile: A vibrant, full-bodied pinot noir with fleshy ripe cherry and berry aromas. Its juicy and generous but balanced with some terrific acidity for planked salmon or roast chicken. Montes is a flagship producer for Chile, and their wines are always incredibly well priced in relation to their superb quality and taste. Try and see for yourself. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, pizza, beef. Drink: 2013 - 2018 143214 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Los Boldos Vieilles Vignes Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: From the Cachapoal Alto (high elevation) of the Cachapoal Valley, this is a complex, robust and superb Chilean red wine, especially for the price of this full-bodied red wine. Mocha-dark chocolate from the oak then classic cassis and blackberry. Perfect for juicy steak and rare conversation (or rare steak and juicy conversation). Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2016 661 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: Ultra-dry Old World unoaked Chardonnay with mouth-watering acidity. Lime lift. Perfect foil for shellfish. Clean, crisp and refreshing. No oak. Intense minerality with a bright core of refreshment running through the heart of this zesty white wine. Finishes freshly with green apple. Try it with shellfish. Chablis food pairings: green salads topped with grilled prawns, lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, cheese, poultry. Drink: 2013 - 2016 112227 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: Classic French Burgundy (Chardonnay) with green apple, white peach aromas and a sniff of smoke. So elegant and crisp. Perfect with a variety of dishes from roast chicken to seafood in cream sauce Louis Jadot optimizes the advantages of being one of Burgundy's most respected négociants to buy top-notch grapes from various growers across the region. Mâconnais Pouilly-Fuissé, especially from this producer, is one of the finer things in life, not to be missed. Try it with roast chicken. Pouilly-Fuissé food pairings: grilled chicken, lobster dishes, beef bourguignon, cheese, asparagus quiche. Drink: 2013 - 2018 732917 13% XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saintem 2009, St-Emilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: Well-made, but over-priced Bordeaux from the 2009 vintage. Leads with Merlot in the blend as it's from the right bank of the Gironde in St. Emilion. Somewhat hot finish perhaps due to 14.5% alcohol. Drink: 2014 - 2018 369397 14.5% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Brandeau Meritage 2010, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux - Castillon, Bordeaux, France: Cedary and tart with black fruit and lots of oak. Short finish but an incredible price for everyday Bordeaux. The 2010 vintage was a strong one for Bordeaux, such that even the modestly priced wines like this one showed well. This full-bodied cabernet blend produced by A. Gray et A.F. King, Prop.-vitic. is cedary and tart with black fruit and lots of oak and a huge tannic grip on the palate. The grapes for this wine are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides or herbicides. Decant 2 hours and pair with a juicy steak. Meritage food pairings: steak. Drink: 2013 - 2015 351973 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Mâcon-Uchizy 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: Pleasant for the price: Old World Chardonnay with a touch of oak but not much. Green apple goodness. Harvested from the southern end of Burgundy. OTHER: Gold Medal winner at the 2014 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. (VINTAGES panel, undated.) OTHER: Hay, white peach and apple aromas. Delicious, rich and flavoursome with white pepper lifting the orchard fruit. Classically Burgundian so very food friendly. Serve with roast chicken and a herby stuffing. (Liam Campbell, independent.ie, May 24, 2014) Food pairings: stuffed roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2017 733956 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2011, Burgundy A.C., France: Ultra-dry Old World unoaked Chardonnay with mouth-watering acidity. Lime lift. Perfect foil for shellfish. Clean, crisp and refreshing. No oak. Intense minerality with a bright core of refreshment running through the heart of this zesty white wine. Finishes freshly with green apple. Food pairings: green salads topped with grilled prawns, lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, cheese, poultry. Drink: 2013 - 2016 112227 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 89/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Michel Gassier Les Piliers Viognier 2013, Vin De Pays D'oc, Midi, France: Lovely peach blossoms, white peach, and pear in this refreshing white. A breath of warmth and summer to come in a glass. Try it with mild to medium curries. Viognier food pairings: white fish grilled and topped with a mango salsa, lobster in a cream sauce, ham, poultry, oily nuts. Drink: 2013 - 2017 669531 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. September 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De La Grave Caractère 2009, Côtes De Bourg, Bordeaux A.C., France: Very sexy Merlot on the nose and palate. Seductive aromas of fleshy black plums and blackberries with some clove dust mingling in between. Pleasingly grip yet it's velvet smooth. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with veal chops. Exceptional for the price. Note the vintage is 2009. Drink: 2014 - 2020 224683 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Grandy Vacqueyras 2012, Rhône A.C., France: A gorgeous, plush, full-bodied Rhone red wine without high alcohol or heaviness, at a bargain price. Cedar brush, wild black cherry and smoke. So smooth on the palate: goes down slippery fast. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: beef stew, steak. Drink: 2014 - 2019 287532 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Cissac 2010, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: Love the rustic, cedar brush savoury goodness here! This robust Bordeaux has leanings toward Rhone Valley richness. It's an exceptional value for Crus Bourgeois from the spectacular 2010 vintage. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014 - 2019 324665 13.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Pierreux Brouilly 2013, Beaujolais A.C., France: Liquid gorgeous! Full-bodied, rich and complex -- so let's just get over that stereotype now of Beaujolais being light and simple, shall we? Glorious rich black cherry flavours, dark spices and yet this is super satin, sexy in texture. Pair with grilled pork chops. Yum! Drink: 2013 - 2016 5496 12.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Romain Duvernay 2012, Côtes-Du-Rhône A.P., France: Sweet fleshy ripe black cherry and plum on the nose and palate of this exquisitely deliciously red wine. Full-bodied Rhone with cedar, black pepper and smoke. Great balance, length and depth. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014 - 2019 380659 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Manus Dei Du Château Sixtine 2011, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: A full-bodied red wine that is a blend of tradition Rhone grapes: Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre Cinsault. This wine is bursting with black fruit aromas. Supple with dark spices and a long finish. Decant 2 hours. Drink with hearty meat dishes. You'll say a prayer for this Vatican wine, hoping it's not out of stock by the time you get to the store. Spice and anise on a long finish. Try it with a pepper steak. Food pairings: beef bourguignon, sharp cheddar cheese, lamb, salmon, pasta with bolognese sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2020 719120 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saint-Estève Corbières 2011, Midi A.P., France: Savoury, meaty, black and brooding with cedar, garrigue and wild blackberries. Tarry with a great grip. Decant 1-2 hours and enjoy with a big steak. Food pairings: charred side ribs. Drink: 2014 - 2018 377218 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Damiens Tradition Madiran 2011, Southwest A.C., France: Black and brooding with a good grip on the palate. Rustic and robust with wild, tart, tarry black fruit and toasty oak. Cries out for hamburgers or steak. Food pairings: beef stew. Drink: 2014 - 2018 381012 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Hauts De Pontet-Canet 2010, Pauillac, Bordeaux A.C., France: An elegant, balanced, complex Bordeaux red wine blend from one of the best vintages in recent memory (which would be extremely recent if you drink as much wine as I do.) Long satisfying finish. Drink: 2014 - 2020 258343 13.5% XD 750 mL $62.85 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Hauts De Pontet-Canet 2010, Pauillac, Bordeaux A.C., France: An elegant, balanced, complex Bordeaux red wine blend from one of the best vintages in recent memory (which would be extremely recent if you drink as much wine as I do.) Long satisfying finish. Drink: 2014 - 2020 258749 13.5% XD 750 mL $62.85 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Hauts De Pontet-Canet 2010, Pauillac, Bordeaux A.C., France: An elegant, balanced, complex Bordeaux red wine blend from one of the best vintages in recent memory (which would be extremely recent if you drink as much wine as I do.) Long satisfying finish. Drink: 2014 - 2020 258756 13.5% XD 750 mL $62.85 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Königschaffhausen Steingrüble Pinot Noir 2011, Baden Q.B.A., Germany: A summer field of ripe strawberries and raspberries to tickle your senses and bare feet. Lovely! Medium-bodied and sweetly perfumed. Incredible price. I’m buying two cases. Königschaffhausen is one of the most respected wine cooperatives in the Baden region, gathering together growers who specialize in low yields and high quality wines, like this one. Try it with seared tuna. Pinot Noir food pairings: sweet-sour pot roast, spaetzle, red cabbage, frankfurters, goat cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2018 460410 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier Dom Riesling Kabinett 2011, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: Lovely ripe melon and peach aromas with some apricot. Such a sunny sipper in this off-dry German Riesling. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2018 378828 9% MS 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2012, Prädikatswein, Gutsabfüllung, Mosel, Germany: Apricot loveliness with an apple blossom shout of happiness! Medium-bodied. Yes, it's got some sweetness. Get over it and enjoy this with glazed ham or sweet potatoes. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: glazed ham, sweet potatoes, ginger chicken, seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2020 160853 8.5% M 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hungary
Château Dereszla 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2008, Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary: Wowzers! Not cloyingly sweet yet richly complex and concentrated. Honey heaven for angels with apricot wings. Pair with angel cake (or devil's food cake). Drink: 2013 - 2021 12203 10.5% S 500 mL $39.95 Score: 95/100. September 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu 2008, Hungary: Honeyed greatness with blinding fleshy sweet pure fruit essence. Apricot and peach jam. Tokaji's reputation as the wine of kings is well deserved -- treat yourself to this royally great dessert wine tonight on its own or with biscotti. A long finish. Drink: 2011 - 2020 972836 10% S 250 mL $23.95 Score: 94/100. September 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2007, Gioia Del Colle, Puglia, Italy: Deep plushly ripe purple and black plum aromas on the nose with some blueberry jam on the palate. It's full-bodied and dry with layers of voluptuous dark fruit. Perfect for meat lovers' pizza and meat sauce pasta. Primitivo food pairings: veal scaloppini in a sun-dried tomato sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2016 19006 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Masi Brolo Campofiorin Oro Appaxximento 2009, I.G.T., Rosso Del Veronese, Veneto, Italy: Smooth, full-bodied and lovely with mocha and dark fruit goodness. Gorgeous replays of black plum and cherry across the palate. Finishes with a touch spice and espresso. Highly recommended. Food pairings: grilled lamb, pepper steak, spaghetti carbonara. Drink: 2012 - 2016 976092 14% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio 2013, Delle Venezie, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Vibrant, zesty and refreshing Italian white wine with mouth-watering acidity for food. Medium-bodied, no perceptible oak. Great aperitif or companion to seafood or salads. Nice price. The bonus is that's organic. Pinot Grigio food pairings: fresh water fish, grilled. Drink: 2013 - 2015 204768 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.75 Score: 89/100. September 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lis Neris Jurosa Chardonnay 2011, Friuli Isonzo D.O.C., Italy: Stunningly! Rich, full-bodied and layered Italian Chardonnay without being heavy. Lovely balance and depth. Aromas of toasted hazelnut from oak aging along with bright green apple notes. Long finish. Try it with roast turkey for a holiday treat. Drink: 2013 - 2020 382960 14.5% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 93/100. September 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Piccini Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A pleasant red wine with a medium-bodied weight, aromas of tart cherries and mouth-watering goodness. Perfect for dishes with tangy acidity such as pasta in tomato sauce and other Italian dishes. Chianti Classico food pairings: beef, cheese, chicken, game, pasta. Drink: 2012 - 2017 134791 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Volte 2012, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: The magnum size of this wine that's equivalent to two regular 750 ml bottles. Full-bodied with black fruit and mouth-watering acidity. This is the second label of the Super Tuscan producer Ornellaia. This red wine is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine was matured for 1 year in French oak. Decant for 1 hour and enjoy with prime rib. Drink: 2016 - 2018 51458 13.5% XD 1500 mL $69.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Volte 2012, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: The double magnum size of this wine that's equivalent to four regular 750 ml bottles. Full-bodied with black fruit and mouth-watering acidity. This is the second label of the Super Tuscan producer Ornellaia. This red wine is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine was matured for 1 year in French oak. Decant for 1 hour and enjoy with prime rib. Drink: 2014 - 2018 51474 13.5% XD 3000 mL $149.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Volte Dell' Ornellaia 2012, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Full-bodied with black fruit and mouth-watering acidity. This is the second label of the Super Tuscan producer Ornellaia. This red wine is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine was matured for 1 year in French oak. Decant for 1 hour and enjoy with prime rib. Drink: 2014 - 2018 964221 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Palazzo Maffei Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Juicy and full-bodied with generous fleshy black fruit and some smoke. Perfect for meat lovers pizza or hamburgers. Great price. Floods the senses with dark fruit and smoke right through to the finish. Try it! Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore food pairings: pizza, hamburgers, pork. Drink: 2013 - 2017 338913 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cantine Ferri Oblivio Nero Di Troia 2008, Puglia .I.G.T, Italy: Savoury, meaty and juicy, this lusciously smooth, full-bodied Italian red wine hails from the southern region of the country in Puglia. Pair with meat lovers' pizza. Got to love the name of this wine: Oblivio! Drink: 2013 - 2017 380600 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gattavecchi Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G, Italy: A robust Italian red wine with savoury, meaty aromas and flavours. Pleasantly bitter black fruit on the palate and finish. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014 - 2018 672642 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Carpineto Riserva Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2008, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Dusty, savoury, classic Italian red wine with aromas of lovely tart black cherries, cedar smoke, violets. Nicely integrated nuances of oak and vanillin. This robust red has a good grip on the palate so decant for 1-2 hours then enjoy with prime rib. Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano food pairings: beef. Drink: 2012 - 2018 368910 13.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Remo Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2010, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Towering, blockbuster amarone with a potent level of alcohol to boot at 15%. Big black fruit, fightin' tarry oak and smoke and black spice. Don't waffle with this wine as it won't put up with indecisiveness. Drink or move on. Drink: 2014 - 2020 995910 14.5% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villa I Cipressi Brunello Di Montalcino 2007, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Very mature with lovely tanned leather, dried herbs, cigar box and dried violets on the nose and palate. Smooth and long. The time to drink this is now though it'll keep for a few more years. The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is simply divine. Drink: 2013 - 2019 214619 14% D 750 mL $62.00 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quintarelli Primofiore Corvina Rondinella Molinara 2009, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Stunning seduction! Fleshy cherry liqueur aromas followed up by mixed spices and ripe dark red fruit. This is a robust and complex blend of traditional Veneto grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, with the wine receiving some oak maturation to bring it all together. Giuseppe Quintarelli wines may be enjoyed younger than other wines in this producer's wonderful portfolio. A splash of Amarone deepens and darkens this wine seductively. Full-bodied and as smooth a velvet dress with a satin petticoat. I am undone. But before I faint, top me up will you please? Drink: 2012 - 2020 20867 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Macedonia
Stobi Vranac 2010, Tikves, Macedonia: A rustic, robust red wine with black fruit and toasted oak. Straight-up and a good price. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Vranac food pairings: stir-fry of spicy beef and broccoli. Drink: 2013 - 2016 317297 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 84/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: The 2013 vintage of this wine promises to be as spectacular as the 2012 vintage was (2012 was ranked #1 for Sauvignon from Cuisine Magazine of about 350 tasted). This producer makes some outstanding wines. Terrific lime awakening of the taste buds! Not too grassy, more of a citrus lift on this medium-bodied wine. Spring refreshment in a glass. Some notes of kiwi and green herbs on a dry finish. Terrific! Finishes with a gooseberry, citrus zing. Yes please! Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood platter, Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, linguine. Drink: 2013 - 2016 663286 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy-great and herbal with crisp, ultra dry refreshment. Limes and lemons dance in delight across your palate. This medium-bodied white wine works as both an aperitif or companion to many dishes. A nice snap of refreshment on the finish. Complex and dry. Perfect for fresh seafood. Signature Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand's Marlborough region. Seresin uses bio-dynamic farming principles, wild yeast for fermentation and the principles expounded on in 1924 by Rudolph Steiner. Try it with a fresh field greens salad or clams. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood, Asian chicken salad, rosemary-stuffed pork tenderloin, turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2016 735043 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Carrick Pinot Noir 2011, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Smooth and luscious with generous spicy cherry aromas and flavours. Vines grow on the north facing slopes of the Cairnmuir Terraces at Bannockburn and have low yields and are hand cropped. A luscious wine with fleshy black cherries and some baking spice. Medium- to full-bodied with velvet smooth. Great length and satisfaction. The proof is in the glass as to why New Zealand Pinot Noir is becoming a benchmark for the country. Pinot Noir food pairings: beef, cheese, poultry, pork with hoisin & honey sauce, risotto with mushrooms. Drink: 2013 - 2018 919837 14.5% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Quinta da Ponte Pedrinha 2012, Dao D.O.C., Portugal: Looking for a real wine bargain? Here you are. Produced by Maria de Lourdes Mendes Oliva Nunes Osório, this is rustic and full-bodied with a pleasant tarry finish. Wild blackberries with liqueur richness and concentration of flavour and cassis. Needs a rare steak: demands it! Decant 2 hours. Great price. This robust red wine is made mostly with Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo) grapes and Jaen grapes in small amounts. Food pairings: pizza, herb rubbed chicken wings, grilled pork. Drink: 2013 - 2017 219188 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Offley 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Lovely tawny port! Of course one can't resist saying that it's offley good ;) Aromas of toffee, caramel, butterscotch, baking spices and treacle. Finishes with toasted almond. Perfect for after dinner on its own or with biscotti. Food pairings: crème brûlée, pecan in pastry, clear stock soup. Drink: 2013 - 2019 297788 20% S 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. September 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ramos Pinto Lbv Port 2009, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Terrific value in this late bottled vintage port (LBV)! Lovely purple plum preserves and plushy depths, yet so affordable. I want to start the meal with dessert please. Drink: 2013 - 2020 376301 19.5% S 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pegos Claros 2010, Palmela D.O.C., Portugal: OMG, this is delicious! Full-bodied, juicy, smooth, with black and purple plum liqueur and fleshy blueberries. You can't beat the price here. Great party wine when the party involves hearty meat dishes. Stock up! Drink: 2013 - 2018 385252 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quinta De Pancas Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal: Elegant, balanced, restrained Spanish Cabernet that comes off with as much finesse as Bordeaux at a fraction of the price. Tastes mature too, which is a bonus. Drink: 2014 - 2018 380568 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Cederberg Shiraz 2010, Cederberg W.O., South Africa: Savoury, hearty and bacon great: this gloriously rich and concentrated South African Shiraz shows just how magnificently the country handles this varietal. The vines are planted at high altitudes. Finishes with wild violets and longing. Drink: 2014 - 2018 374199 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fairview Extraño 2010, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: A rustic, robust red wine blend that has attractive black fruit, cigar box and tar on the nose and palate. Good quaffer. Nice price. Pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2013 - 2017 377234 14.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Muruve Crianza 2010, Toro D.O., Spain: This robust Spanish red featured baked fruit and toasty, tarry, smoky aromas and flavours from generous oak again. Intense concentration and smooth texture, with a baked fruit finish. Pair it with a hearty meat dish tonight after you decant the wine for about an hour. Drink: 2013 - 2018 67546 15.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luzón Crianza Selección 12 Meses 2008, Jumilla D.O., Spain: Attractive baked fruit on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, layered Spanish red wine. The grapes for this wine are sourced from low-yield vines, which results in a deeper, darker concentration in the flavour of the grapes and final wine. The winery is located inland in southeastern Spain: Jumilla is actually a semi-desert with a continental climate that produces very intense red wines. Drink: 2013 - 2017 310219 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Torres Ibéricos Crianza 2011, Rioja D.O., Spain: A pleasant, almost full-bodied Spanish with a smooth, supple texture and a nice price. Aromas of dark red fruit and some smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 18767 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. September 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dominio De Tares Cepas Viejas Mencia 2009, Bierzo D.O., Spain: A black, tarry red wine with pleasantly bitter baked black fruit and charred oak on the nose and palate. Pair with brontosaurus burgers. Drink: 2014 - 2018 379891 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Lake Sonoma Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Delicious aromas and flavours of mocha, espresso and coffee on the nose and palate of this full-bodied Californian Cabernet made in the cool climate of Sonoma's Alexander Valley. Finishes with blackberry, plum and smoke. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2014 - 2018 252824 14.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: A rich, full-bodied Californian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes. The 2011 Proprietary Red is smooth with a long finish. Pair with filet mignon. Drink: 2014 - 2021 329375 15.2% XD 750 mL $160.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rabbit Ridge Zinfandel 2012, Paso Robles, California, United States: A nicely balanced, full-bodied estate grown Zinfandel with mocha, blackberry, brambleberry, purple plum, blueberry and spices. Perfect for grilled meats and BBQ chicken wings. This is what full-throttle Zinfandel is all about! OTHER: Here's a sweet-kissed, soft and sunny Zin offering up aromas and flavours of raspberry jam, mincemeat and dried cherries with a warm finish. A good choice for spicy ribs or smokehouse chicken. (VINTAGES panel, July 2014) Zinfandel food pairings: barbecued meats, pork tenderloin, turkey, blue cheese, pasta marinara. Drink: 2012 - 2016 695072 15.4% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Pinot Noir 2012, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: This is the half bottle (375 ml) format of this wine. The full sized 750-ml is also in this release. Fleshy cherry and dark spice with a long, naughty finish. Medium-bodied and satin smooth like lingerie. A supple, smooth red wine with cherry-berry mouth-filling wonder and flavours. Just enough oak for hedonists. Layered yet not heavy. A consistently great producer of classic Californian pinot noir year after year. Love this silky Pinot Noir! It seems to get better every year. Beautiful cherries and field raspberry notes roll in first, then there's fresh earth aromas after a spring rain followed by some baking spices and a long finish. This pinot has been one of my favourites for years. Satin seduction in a glass. Pinot Noir food pairings: seafood, coq au vin, beef, grilled salmon, lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2017 732040 13.9% XD 375 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Balanced, dry, and elegant with layered complexity and satisfaction on the palate and long finish. Mocha, espresso and blackberry are seductive. Great cellar candidate. Decant 2 hours and enjoy with steak. Drink: 2015 - 2022 189795 14% XD 750 mL $127.00 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Toasted Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, North Coast, California, United States: A supple, smooth, full-bodied Californian Cabernet that's barrel aged in barrels that have fire-toasted heads (ends) to add extra toastiness and smoky flavours in the wine. Aromas of black fruit and oak. Pair with prime rib. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued ribs. Drink: 2013 - 2017 686824 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Irony Delicato Vineyards Chardonnay 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, textbook Californian chardonnay: butter, oak and some peach. “Irony” refers to owners Jay and Chris Indelicato when they were young men and left the family winery to pursue other careers. Years later, they returned home to the family business and represent the third generation of the Delicatos to make wine. Here's to them! Chardonnay food pairings: lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, cheese, poultry, spiced grilled seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2016 27409 14.5% D 750 mL $20.75 Score: 87/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Pinot Noir 2012, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Fleshy cherry and dark spice with a long, naughty finish. Medium-bodied and satin smooth like lingerie. A supple, smooth red wine with cherry-berry mouth-filling wonder and flavours. Just enough oak for hedonists. Layered yet not heavy. A consistently great producer of classic Californian pinot noir year after year. Love this silky Pinot Noir! It seems to get better every year. Beautiful cherries and field raspberry notes roll in first, then there's fresh earth aromas after a spring rain followed by some baking spices and a long finish. This pinot has been one of my favourites for years. Satin seduction in a glass. Drink: 2012 - 2015 719435 13.9% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kunde Family Winery Chardonnay 2012, Sonoma Valley, California, United States: Pear and peach goodness in this lovely, round, somewhat buttery Californian Chardonnay. Well-made and very well priced. Try with roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2018 745406 13.8% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cuvaison Chardonnay 2011, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Buttery richness in this estate Californian Chardonnay with balancing acidity in this lovely, layered white wine, which its classic Californian signature. Complex and balanced and delicious. Try it with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, seafood, pizza, beef bourguignon, cheese. Drink: 2012 - 2017 988261 14.2% XD 750 mL $64.00 Score: 90/100. September 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Towering, complex, deep and rich: this blockbuster Californian Cabernet resonates as deeply as the base notes of a cello, and is as finely played across the senses. Aromas of sonorous black fruit, toasty oak, black violets and mystery. Decant 2 hours and enjoy with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2014 - 2021 80218 15.7% XD 750 mL $100.95 Score: 95/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cakebread Cellars Zinfandel 2011, Red Hills Lake County, California, United States: Love it! A big bronco Californian Zinfandel with more oak than usual, but gloriously well-suited to this huge wine. Black fleshy dark plums that will penetrate to the heart of your sensory pleasure. Zinfandel food pairings: barbecued rosemary and filet mignon steaks. Drink: 2014 - 2019 214031 14.7% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. September 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart