Argentina
Susana Balbo Signature Torrontés 2014, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo seems to have the golden touch when it comes to a wide range of styles and wines, from this delightful floral white wine to her more robust Malbecs. Gorgeous notes of white flowers, light spice and spring rain. Pair with salads and mild curries or spices. Drink: 2014 - 2017 384339 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Posta Malbec 2013, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: This dark, meaty and full-bodied Argentine wine sources its Malbec grapes from the Pizzella Family Vineyard (Ed Lehrman and Nick Ramkowsky). Loads of chocolate, espresso, coffee and mocha from generous oak aging; almost sweet in perception on the palate. Pair with Mexican mole. Malbec food pairings: lamb cutlets, beef tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2016 166298 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fabre Montmayou Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied and pleasant Argentine Cabernet, with Bordeaux leanings and styling in its balance, elegance and restraint. Aromas of black fruit with balanced use of oak. Good price. Pair with rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast leg of lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2017 261891 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Seductive blackberries and fleshy black plums on the nose, full-bodied with gorgeous velvet texture on the palate of this elegant Argentine red wine brought to us by Vistalba. Spice and cedar smoke on a long and persistent finish. A beautiful expression of Mendoza malbec. The grapes are grown on vines that are over 80 years old in Vistalba and Las Compuertas regions, and they're cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, which is low, and aged in French barrel for 12 months. Pair with lamb chops. Yum! Malbec food pairings: lamb burgers, grilled steaks, sausages, breaded veal cutlets. Drink: 2012 - 2017 279802 15% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Cimicky Trumps Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This characterful Australian red wine is loaded with toasty oak and smoke and charred black fruit aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and savoury and smooth. Good structure. Try it with a pepper steak. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, hamburgers, pizza, black bean soup, cheese, beef. Drink: 2013 - 2017 27383 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rolf Binder Heinrich Shiraz Mataro Grenache 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Smoky black fruit aromas on the nose; this is a full-bodied and brooding Australian red wine blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) and 10% Grenache. Dark and deep with terrific concentration of flavour. Judicious use of oak gives this wine a lovely weave of smoke. Long finish. Pair with rack of lamb. Shiraz Mataro Grenache food pairings: lamb Bolognese, beef enchiladas, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2018 90258 14% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Teusner The Independent Shiraz Mataro 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A rich and full-bodied Australian red wine with attractive black fruit and mocha spice from oak aging. Balanced, warming and big. Shiraz Mataro food pairings: beef stew, roast veal, lamb, hamburgers, aged meats and cheeses. Drink: 2013 - 2018 289876 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2012, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A big, robust, brooding red wine with full-bodied weight and layering on the palate. Made from the iconic Australian grape Shiraz, this wine offers attractive aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, cassis and cedar. Smooth and ready when you are. Try it with meat lovers' pizza. A slow, cool fermentation adds elegance and polish to this wine that was aged 14-16 months in both American and French hogshead barrels. Pair with meat lovers pizza tonight. Shiraz food pairings: beef rosciutto, black bean soup. Drink: 2013 - 2017 18796 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied Australian red wine with classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry. Surprisingly elegant for a New World cab. Like it lots! This wine is aged for 22 months in French and American oak and offers a toasty finish. Nicely balanced oak with the fruit and character of the wine. Pair with brisket. Highly recommended. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 590471 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Elderton Ashmead Family Shiraz 2011, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Black as pitch, with lots of toasty oak, smoke and tarry notes. Full-throttle Australia Shiraz in all its glory. I'm a big fan of Elderton wines, and this is one fine example of why. A lovely vein of blackberry liqueur supports this concentrated wonder. Perfect for film noir and blackened ribs. Shiraz food pairings: BBQ meats, hearty meat meals, aged cheddar, grilled lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2018 713024 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
McWilliams Wines JJ McWilliam Shiraz Cabernet 2013, South Eastern Australia, Australia: A full-bodied, rich and supple Australian red wine blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Attractive aromas of fleshy ripe black fruit, toasty oak and mocha. Pair with meat dishes. Great price. Shiraz Cabernet food pairings: BBQ, grilled meats, steak, stew. Drink: 2007 - 2011 16741 13.5% XD 750 mL $9.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Tanunda Barossa Tower Shiraz Primitivo 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A luscious, full-bodied Australian red wine blend of Shiraz and Primitivo grapes. This winery was established in 1890, one of the oldest in the Barossa Valley and is owned by the Geber family. Grapes are sourced throughout the valley from the estate's growers to create a tapestry blend. They are de-stemmed, not crushed, vinified separately with regular hand plunging to extract colour and flavour, then basket pressed with a full malolactic fermentation. Pair this lovely red with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2017 281048 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2012, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Full-on, big Australian red wine with glorious black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours. Rich, full-bodied and delicious. This wine has won multiple Gold and Silver Medals in competitions around the world. Part of the Bryson Family portfolio. The oak is woven in well and the wine comes off as balanced. Well-priced. I'd drink with a rack of lamb. Shiraz food pairings: rare roast beef, lamb, casseroles, stews, pizza, barbecued pork spareribs. Drink: 2013 - 2017 673897 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.75 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Austria
Weingut Zahel Riedencuvée Grüner Veltliner 2013, Wiener Lagen, Austria: Terrific green citrus lime lift: loads of acidity. No oak. Crisp and clean. Perfect for beachside sipping. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2017 181594 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: White peach and faint pear with some buttered bread noted from oak aging. Medium-bodied. Chardonnay food pairings: spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2017 338434 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Redstone Tawse Chardonnay 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Soft, pretty and floral with a good acidic backbone. Well made and balanced Niagara Chardonnay. Chardonnay food pairings: toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2017 398966 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Huff Estates Winery Cuvee Janine Rose 2012, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely rose sparkling wine from the County: truly one of Ontario's best bubbly producers. This wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes grown in Prince Edward County and the winery uses the traditional Champagne method of the second fermentation taking place in the bottle. The wine then rested 12 months on its less to add richness. Pair with smoked salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2018 405035 12% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Henry of Pelham Winery Icewine Cabernet 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lovely dessert wine, redolent of fresh strawberries and raspberries with some baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Great balancing acidity for fruit-based cobblers and flans. Complex and satisfying with a long finish. Cabernet food pairings: strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. Drink: 2013 - 2020 672402 10% S 200 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Celine Dion Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: You don't have to travel to Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas to try Celine Dion's wine, and thank goodness the grapes aren't grown there. This dessert wine is made from Niagara grapes by Diamond Estates, which also makes wines for comedian Dan Aykroyd. This isn't actually Celine's first wine: she worked with the Australian winery Kilikanoon last year to create a range of wines including a full-bodied Barossa shiraz. All of Celine's royalties for this wine will go to the Céline Dion Foundation, which supports various charities to help sick and underprivileged children. Lovely aromas of fleshy ripe field raspberries and at $74.95 for just a half bottle, that's not the Power of Love, it's the power of celebrity. Drink: 2013 - 2018 406256 13% S 375 mL $74.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Featherstone Winery Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc 2011, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lovely cinnamon-sprinkled apple pie with sweet fleshy strawberries. A terrific dessert wine that's neither too sweet, nor too alcoholic. Cabernet Franc food pairings: pastries, fresh field berries in cream, fruit puddings. Drink: 2012 - 2018 210757 11.5% S 375 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Valle Andino Reserva Especial Syrah 2012, Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile: A full-bodied Chilean red wine with a supple, smooth texture and seductive dark spices. Pretty darn amazing for the price, even at twice the price. Lusciously ripe black fruit with layers of juicy pleasure that will make you regret buying only one bottle. The parent winery of Valle Andino is Agricola Y Commercial Santa Camila. Full-bodied and some kinda wonderful. Pair with grilled pork chops. Syrah food pairings: beef, game meats, pork chops, burgers with blue cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2017 272682 14.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Terrunyo Concha Y Toro Carmenère 2010, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Superb in every way! The grapes for this robust Chilean red wine were sourced from the estate's Peumo Vineyard. Winemaker Ignacio Recabarren hones his craft on this single-vineyard bottling. The Spanish word Terrunyo means terroir. Complex, deep, savoury and bursting with luscious black fruit aromas and flavours. This wine gives and gives right out to a long finish. It'll have you asking, "Where's the beef?" The Vintages catalogue says 2011 but we tasted 2010. Brought to us by Concha Y Toro. Yum! Carmenère food pairings: venison, lamb, pork, beef. Drink: 2012 - 2017 562892 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Maquis Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile: Black fruit, tar and lots of toasty oak on this Chilean red wine. Full-bodied and smooth with more black fruit and oak on the palate. The 2011 vintage of the Maquis Cabernet Sauvignon was matured in oak barrels for 10 months. Decant for 1 hour and enjoy with prime rib. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: braised beef short ribs. Drink: 2013 - 2017 311720 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.00 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Château La Bienfaisance 2008, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A robust, tannic red wine with notes of tarry black fruit and lots of toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2017 403451 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Des Antonins 2010, Bordeaux A.C., France: A stunningly great price for Bordeaux from the terrific 2010 vintage. Lots of toasty oak, campfire and smoky cedar aromas followed by tarry black fruit. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014 - 2018 404269 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Villambis 2010, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: A savoury, smoky Bordeaux red wine with loads of toasty oak. Pair with rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 713834 13.2% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Beau Mistral Vieilles Vignes Rasteau 2012, Côtes Du Rhône Villages A.C., France: This robust French red wine from the heart of the Rhone Valley offers aromas of black fruit, cedar, smoke and dried herbs. It's complex, layered and deep with a long finish. This full-bodied red wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah matured in stainless steel and large barrels. Pair with hearty meat dishes and casseroles. Food pairings: beef. Drink: 2015 - 2020 343574 14.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Grandes Serres La Cour Des Papes 2011, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: A smoky, toasty full-bodied red wine blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache grapes traditional in the Rhone Valley. Good acidity and complexity with black fruit flavours. Pair with prime rib. Food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, barbecued duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote, veal chops. Drink: 2014 - 2019 651661 15% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mission St. Vincent Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Bordeaux A.C., France: Fresh, crisp with lime and white grapefruit. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2013 - 2016 403030 11.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hervé Azo Beauroy Chablis 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: Lovely balance and vibrancy in this unoaked premier cru Chardonnay from Burgundy's northern region of Chablis! Green apple and lime mingle with your senses on the nose of this Old World chardonnay that has no oak. White peach and wet stone on a long finish. Terrific! Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Chablis food pairings: seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2016 276451 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stéphane Berg Gewurztraminer 2012, Alsace A.C., France: Pretty, floral, medium sweet, rose petal lychee, balanced. Asian dishes. Gewurztraminer food pairings: panko-crusted chicken with curry honey mustard dipping sauce, lighter-flavoured sea-food dishes, Asian dishes, pork tenderloin topped with unsweetened apricot chutney. Drink: 2013 - 2018 390674 13% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis Jadot Beaune Bressandes 2009, Burgundy A.C., France: Very pretty on the nose with floral and white peach, then rich and viscous on the palate with caramel finish. perfect for roast chicken. So balanced and elegant. Pair with grilled tuna steaks. Drink: 2013 - 2019 403097 13.5% XD 750 mL $67.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Saint-Pierre Sancerre 2013, Loire A.C., France: Juicy, mouth-watering and very pretty! Terrific aperitif or seafood companion. Medium-bodied and packed with flavour. Redolent of nettle, gooseberry and tarragon, this Old World Sauvignon Blanc is terrific value. Pair with vegetarian dishes or chicken quesadillas and guacamole. Food pairings: baby greens salad with fig dressing, grilled chicken with lemongrass stalk, grilled salmon with lemon sauce, duck liver pâté. Drink: 2013 - 2016 170258 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Le Bourdieu Meritage 2010, Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: Quite stately with the grand finesse finish of gold-gilded long dining halls. Brought to us by G. Bailly, Proprietor this full-bodied Bordeaux with attractive dark red fruit, smoke, mocha and dried herbs. It's moderately priced for the Medoc region, especially for an AC wine. Enjoy it tonight with filet mignon. Decant 2 hours. This Bordeaux Cabernet blend wine won a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2013 in Mâcon. Meritage food pairings: filet mignon. Drink: 2014 - 2019 85084 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2013, Languedoc, Midi A.P., France: Pretty, fresh and light with faint fleeting notes of summer fresh wild strawberries, the tiny kind. This wine sold out almost immediately last year with its gorgeous bottle design and label: perfect Valentine's Day gift paired with roses. Rosé food pairings: fresh leafy greens salad. Drink: 2013 - 2016 373985 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delas Saint-Esprit 2012, Côtes Du Rhône A.C., France: A towering French red wine from the Rhone Valley, with a firm grip on the palate and big toasted dark fruit aromas and flavours. Full-bodied with a savoury finish. Needs cellar time. This is a blend of Syrah (75%) and Grenache (25%) grapes that finishes with dark spices, clove and pepper. Pair with prime rib. Food pairings: pulled pork sammies, grilled meats in a black bean sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2018 729962 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Saint-Roch Vieilles Vignes 2012, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.P., France: This is a towering French red wine from the southern winemaking region of the country. Incredibly awesome price. Aromas of fleshy black fruit, tar, toasty oak and smoke. The vines grow in black slate and schist soil, are old vines, grapes are hand-picked with low yields and dry grown (no irrigation). Pair with lamb and rosemary. Food pairings: lamb. Drink: 2015 - 2020 195107 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Vibrant acidity that meets the softening touch of a little sweetness in a wonderfully flavour-packed combination. Ripe peach and pear. Riesling food pairings: mild fish. Drink: 2011 - 2018 733295 10.5% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Borgo Maragliano La Caliera Moscato D'asti 2013, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: This medium sweet, lightly sparkling Italian bubbly is a wonderful treat before or after dinner. Drink: 2013 - 2016 401034 5.5% MS 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Monzio Compagnoni Brut Franciacorta 2009, Lombardy D.O.C.G., Italy: Crisp and fresh and toasty with excellent quality price ratio. Serve as a well-chilled aperitif or companion to fresh seafood. Drink: 2014 - 2017 401026 13% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Abbazia Moscato D'asti 2013, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: A delightful Italian bubbly with a light spritz and sunny-ripe aromas and flavours of apricot, honeysuckle and peach. I love a wine that's this low in alcohol yet so packed with flavour and character. This vibrant Moscato d'Asti quite zesty and easy drinking. Cheers! Moscato D'asti food pairings: soft cheeses, fresh fruit, fruit based desserts. Drink: 2013 - 2016 265397 5.5% M 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ocone Flora Falanghina 2012, Taburno Falanghina Del Sannio, Campania D.O.P., Italy: Very soft and floral; no apparent acidity. Lovely light-bodied sipper; only 12.5% alcohol. Pair with Dover sole. Drink: 2012 - 2016 326694 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Michele Chiarlo Le Marne Gavi 2013, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: White floral nose then lime acidity on the palate to wake up your taste buds in this vibrant Italian white wine. Medium-bodied, clean and crisp. Great aperitif! A vibrant citrus finish. Finishes with notes of green apple, anise and lime. Pair with creamy cheeses or grilled prawns. Food pairings: shellfish, seafood salads. Drink: 2013 - 2016 228528 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villa Tonino Grillo 2013, Sicily I.G.T., Italy: Floral on the nose with a steely dry finish on the palate. If you love Torrontes from Argentina, try this: slightly dried but it has that seductive floral signature. This is a terrific, mouth-watering aperitif with dry lemon notes. Grillo is an increasingly popular Italian grape. I can imagine a glass of this chilled sitting out on the deck or patio. Grillo food pairings: seafood salad. Drink: 2013 - 2016 289579 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A full-bodied, mouth-watering Italian red wine made from the Sangiovese grape, featuring enticing aromas and flavours of black tart cherries and cedar. Great partner for a variety of dishes, especially pasta and meat sauces. Love the balance here and the long finish. A terrific example of the dark side of the Sangiovese grape. Highly recommended. Food pairings: pasta, tomato sauce, hearty meats. Drink: 2015 - 2019 685180 13.5% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Giordano Collection Primitivo Di Manduria 2012, Puglia D.O.C., Italy: Aromas of big juicy purple plums and blueberries and mocha on this Italian blockbuster, and very Zinfandel-like, which makes sense given the grape connection to Primitivo. A supple and full-bodied red wine with a good-natured heart of hedonism. The Giordano family has been making wine since 1900 in the warm climate of Puglia in southern Italy. Primitivo is the flagship grape of southern Italy, especially Puglia. The grapes grow on low-yield vines. Perfect for casual dinner parties with people you like. Food pairings: grilled hot Italian sausages, barbecued ribs, chicken wing, hamburgers with relish, game. Drink: 2013 - 2017 51797 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2011, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: A rustic, robust Italian red wine with notes of dusty earth, sun-dried tomato and ferrous aromas. Dry and mouth-watering with good acidity for tomato sauce. This is one of Piedmont's most respected wineries. Will cellar well for 7-9 years. Barbaresco food pairings: hearty meat dishes including game. Drink: 2014 - 2018 155408 14.5% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gladiator Primitivo Di Manduria 2012, Puglia D.O.C., Italy: This robust Italian red wine made from the grape Primitivo is so vibrant and Zinfandel-ish, like its American cousin! Dark purple plums and blackberries and blueberries on the nose and palate. So tasty and smooth and full-bodied. Perfect for pizza and barbecue. This is a wine that will battle its way onto your list of favourites. Aromas of ripe berry fruit, with touches of chocolate and vanilla. Dry, medium bodied, robust and round with a long finish. An exceptional value, this wine will pair delightfully with hearty meat-based pasta dishes. Food pairings: meat-based pasta dishes, pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2017 23119 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Feudi Salentini 125 Del Salento Negroamaro 2012, Puglia I.G.P., Italy: A straight-forward, pleasant red wine at a value price. Smooth and medium-bodied with notes of red berries. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2017 395350 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Abbona Papà Celso Dogliani 2013, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Full-bodied with dark berries and lots of dark spice and toasty oak. Pair with spicy sausages. Drink: 2015 - 2018 193730 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mocali Morellino Di Scansano 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Fleshy ripe cherry aromas that get pleasantly tart on the palate of this Chianti made from the Sangiovese grape. Medium- to almost full-bodied, supple and mouth-watering with lots of acidity for food such as pasta in tomato sauce. Finishes with pepper, coffee and smoke. Superb value. Food pairings: slow-roasted lamb shank, braised pork shoulder, pasta in tomato sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2018 317115 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Resta Salice Salentino 2011, Puglia D.O.C., Italy: Well-priced for this robust, rustic Italian red wine. Great with pizza and hamburgers. Salice Salentino wines are known for the concentration of flavour and colour. Food pairings: spicy pasta dishes, lamb, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2017 324731 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Feudi Salentini Luporano Del Tarantino Primitivo 2012, Puglia I.G.P., Italy: This full-bodied Italian red wine is made from the Primitivo grape (aka Zinfandel) and is smooth, balanced and full-bodied with layers of dark berries, coffee, and anise. Love the mouth-watering and savoury taste on the palate. Pair with hamburgers. Primitivo food pairings: meat-based pasta dishes, pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 395368 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ilauri Le Pinciaie Montelpulciano D'abruzzo 2011, Abruzzo D.O.C., Italy: Lots of dark chocolate and mocha from very, very generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth and juicy layers of chocolate-covered dark fleshy berries. Pair with Mexican mole or a chocolate inflected dish. Montelpulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: espresso and cocoa-rubbed flank steak, lamb cutlets with pepperade and goat cheese, hamburgers, black bean soup. Drink: 2013 - 2017 396663 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Poggio Al Tesoro Sondraia 2010, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: Big, black and brooding with dark depths of concentrated black fruit, tar, oak and black spice. Needs cellar time then decant for 2-3 hours and pair with brontosaurus burgers. Food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, barbecued duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote, veal chops. Drink: 2016 - 2022 292391 14.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Volpaia Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Enticing aromas of sun-dried tomato and baked fruit with a mouth-watering juiciness, smooth texture on this classic Italian red wine. Medium- to almost full-bodied with an attractive lean style for Chianti due to the high altitudes where the vineyards are located. Elegant with great finesse. Lovely long and aromatic finish. This wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah grapes, matured for 12 months in oak. Produced by Giovannella Stianti. Pair with lamb. Chianti Classico food pairings: tomato sauce, sun-dried tomato, baked fruit, spaghetti and meatballs, Bocconcini salad pizza. Drink: 2012 - 2018 953828 13.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Black and brooding as Heathcliffe on the moor (can’t think of the Italian equivalent just now, sorry). Plush, opulent layers of black plum, blackberry and smoke. Long and satisfying. Finishes with wild truffle, violets, black cherry and cigar box. Pair with truffled risotto. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: beef bourguignon, spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2020 33498 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Macedonia
Tikves Winery Alexandria Cuvee White 2013, Tikves Wine Region, Macedonia: This white wine blend of Chardonnay and Riesling grapes offers lovely white floral notes and terrific acidity for seafood and salads. If you like Viognier try this delightful white wine. Medium-bodied and well-priced. Pair with mild curries and spices as well. Food pairings: lemon-citrus cod with grilled vegetables and herbed rice. Drink: 2013 - 2016 396408 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Fantastic sauvignon blanc, especially at this price! Fresh and crisp, not too herbal, with terrific lime and citrus brightness. Year after year, I love this zesty white wine from New Zealand! A lovely lime lift on the finish that's ultra-refreshing. Medium-bodied and crisp. Perfect for salads and shellfish. Try it with vegetarian pizza and creamy cheeses. Racy Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc. Eradus continues a successful run with Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: white fish, vegetarian pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2016 225557 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Giesen The Brothers Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely New Zealand Pinot Noir with ripe fleshy cherry, cranberry and spice. Layers of elegant and pleasure here. Pair with planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, barbecued duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote, veal chops. Drink: 2013 - 2019 402685 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Montefino Reserva Tinto 2005, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: A mature Spanish red wine that's almost past peak with dried fruit and ferrous-iron aromas. Full-bodied and smooth; more bones than flesh. This wine was aged in oak barrels for 12 months. There were 56,000 bottles produced. Pair with a t-bone steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 165159 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quinta Dos Carvalhais Colheita Vinho Tinto 2009, Dão D.A.O., Portugal: A full-bodied Portuguese red wine with aromas of black fruit, tar and smoke produced by Sogrape Vinhos. Toasty oak but not too much. Finishes with prune, blackberry, mocha and dried tobacco leaves. This robust red wine blend of mostly the native Touriga Nacional grape. Although the Vintages Catalogue notes the 2010 vintage, we tasted 2009. Decant 1 hour and enjoy with a rare steak. Vinho Tinto food pairings: meat stews, barbecued ribs. Drink: 2014 - 2017 13474 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fonseca Porto Quinta Do Panascal Vintage Port 2001, Portugal: A complex, richly textured dessert wine from one of the most famous Portuguese port producers, Fonseca. Pair with rich, chocolate desserts. Drink: 2012 - 2020 402354 20% S 375 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. February 2015. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quinta Do Roncão Reserva 2012, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: An opulent, robust red wine brought to us by Maria Manuela, with dollops of fleshy dark cherries, raisins and hickory smoke. Some dark spices on the finish. Terrific! This is a Portuguese red wine blend of 50% Touriga Franca, 30% Tinta Roriz, and 20% Touriga Nacional grapes. Finishes with dark spices. Decant 1 hour and enjoy with hearty meat dishes. Food pairings: smoky burgers, steaks, flavourful cheeses. Drink: 2013 - 2017 147942 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne Chenin Blanc 2012, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: South African Chenin Blanc is probably the world's most under-rated white wine. You MUST try this! Rock your world with apple blossom, peach forgetfulness and pleasure beyond limits. Full-bodied. Dive into it. Pair with pork tenderloin. Chenin Blanc food pairings: Asian dishes, fresh seafood salad, smoked turkey sandwiches. Drink: 2013 - 2017 282772 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Porcupine Ridge Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: Blackcurrant and wild blackberry flavour richness on the nose and palate, with a gorgeously smooth texture and full-bodied weight. Nice cedar and underbrush notes on the finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Nice price, too. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled chicken, hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2018 146894 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Finca La Cuesta 2011, Bierzo D.O., Spain: A full-bodied Spanish red wine with vines planted in clay and slate/schist soils at 650 metres above sea level. Aromas of black fruit, tart wild blackberry and toasty oak. Good depth, concentration and finish. Pair with a juicy slab of filet mignon. Drink: 2014 - 2019 166702 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viñas Elias Mora Tinta De Toro 2011, Toro D.O., Spain: A robust, rustic Spanish red wine that offers plenty of pleasure in the glass. Fleshy black fruit and toasty oak from start to finish. Pair with a ribeye steak. Tinta De Toro food pairings: smoked cheese, lamb chops, pan-seared venison, Papas con chorizo, herbed steaks. Drink: 2014 - 2018 209650 15% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rodríguez Sanzo Crianza 2009, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A rustic, big Spanish red wine with a gutsy heart and palate of black fruit and toasty oak and a tarry finish. Pair with grilled meats and a big growl. Drink: 2014 - 2018 359968 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Balbás Reserva 2001, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: The Vintages catalogue says this is 2005, but we tasted 2003. This full-bodied Spanish red wine has a good grip on the palate is offers more earthy, smoky, dusty aromas and flavours than fruity ones. Dry and subtle, with tanned leather and cigar box and made from the traditional Tempranillo grape. This DO wine finished with dry tobacco and cedar. Decant for 2 hours and pair with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2014 - 2019 85183 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pinyolet Selección 2010, D.O., Montsant, Spain: A robust, dark fruited Spanish red wine with toasty oak and a firm tannic grip. This full-bodied red wine is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Carinena grapes, from vines planted in 1945 and 1928, respectively. The wine was matured for 8 months in 2-year-old French oak barrels. Decant 2 hours and enjoy with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2018 338897 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah 2011, Paso Robles, California, United States: A pleasant, smooth, full-bodied Syrah with lots of toasty oak, smoke and vanilla-hickory notes from generous oak aging. Black fruit aromas and flavours on this Californian red wine. Pair with hearty meat dishes. The Vintages Catalogue notes a different vintage, but we tasted the 2011. Drink: 2013 - 2017 948240 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: A Chardonnay that's vibrant and alive! Great acidity yet lovely richness and complexity with green apple, baking spice and tree fruit aromas. This is superb craftsmanship for one of California's flagship white wines. Lovely baked apple and vanilla smoke on a long finish. Highly recommended. Chardonnay food pairings: butter-brushed lobster tail, goat cheese, cheese fondue, pork chops. Drink: 2013 - 2018 655381 14.1% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Girard Chardonnay 2012, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Butterscotch and caramel on the nose, but not as full-bodied as expected on the palate -- more medium-bodied. Finished with toffee from oak aging. Chardonnay food pairings: spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2017 276675 13.9% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 87/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chandon Méthode Traditionnelle Rosé Sparkling Wine, California, United States: This Californian sparkling wine is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle, the same method of a second fermentation in the bottle as in Champagne, which isn't surprising given it's owned by the coveted Champagne house Moet & Chandon. It's a beautiful rose bubbly, especially for this price, offering attractive notes of fresh field strawberries and wild flowers. Crisp, toasty and refreshing. Pair with classy events. Rosé Sparkling Wine food pairings: duck breast with celeriac purée, scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, lamb Bolognese. 56341 D 750 mL $33.00 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Barrel 27 High On The Hog White 2011, Central Coast, California, United States: So pretty with aromatic floral notes but not overly so: fresh white daisies or lilies after a spring rain. Great aperitif or companion to seafood. Medium-bodied and balanced. Drink: 2012 - 2017 396465 13.2% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ironstone Chardonnay 2013, Lodi, California, United States: Classically made Californian Chardonnay with balance and finesse, but it also reveals lip-smacking delicious flavours of green apple and butterscotch. The winemaking Kautz family was first to plant Chardonnay grapes in Lodi and that experience with the varietal shows. There's a crisp, refreshing finish. Crack it open tonight. Finishes with fleshy ripe tropical fruit flavors and toast. Almost full-bodied, lots of oak and butter with some peach fruit. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: pasta, shellfish, chicken breast, barbecued pork, cheese fondue. Drink: 2013 - 2017 355776 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Francis Ford Coppola Director's Chardonnay 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States: Buttery, caramel dipping full-bodied Chardonnay with loads of oak aging. Some apple notes underneath. Smooth. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2017 169366 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lander-Jenkins Spirit Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, California, United States: Leads with chocolate, mocha, espresso and coffee from very generous oak aging. Some fleshy black fruit underneath. Smooth and full-bodied. Finishes as sweet as it starts. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, beef enchiladas, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2012 - 2017 411966 13.5% D 750 mL $19.85 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Paring Red 2010, California, United States: This full-bodied and balanced Californian Cabernet-based red wine blend is brought to us by 101 Wine Company. It features attractive dark fruit aromas and a chalky dry finish that's a great foil to food. Good tannic grip on the palate so decant 1-2 hours. Finishes with blackberry, mocha and cassis. Pair with rack of lamb. Food pairings: veal, fajitas, roasted eggplant, meat topped pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2018 218909 14.7% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Carmel Road Pinot Noir 2012, Monterey, California, United States: Lovely sweet cherry aromas and flavours along with chocolate notes from oak aging. Medium0bodied and smooth. The vineyards are located on the benchlands of the Arroyo Seco appellation in the cool climate region of Monterey, which benefit from morning fog. Silky finish. Pair with roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, barbecued duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote, veal chops. Drink: 2012 - 2017 37986 13.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, smooth and supple with attractive aromas of black fruit and smoke. Very balanced and easy-drinking. I do question the value proposition here when compared to many other Cabernets in this release at one third the price. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, beef enchiladas, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2018 71175 14.5% XD 750 mL $74.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Champ De Rêves Pinot Noir 2011, Anderson Valley, California, United States: Generous, juicy and inviting Californian Pinot Noir, with fleshy red cherry aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and satin smooth. Pair with planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled tuna with a pepper crust, grilled pork chops, lamb kabobs, venison burgers, roast veal. Drink: 2013 - 2018 317883 14.5% XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Angeline Signature Reserve Pinot Noir 2013, Green Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very pleasant and balanced with lovely notes of fresh cherry and field berry. Just enough balanced acidity for a wide range of dishes. Love that this is not a Californian fruit bomb or heavy in alcohol. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, barbecued duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote, veal chops. Drink: 2013 - 2017 396143 13.5% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Elegant Californian Zinfandel that is extremely balanced. Dark fruit and some oak in balance. Polished tannins. Ready to drink now. Clos du Val is a consistently good producer of solidly made red wines. Finesse and Zinfandel aren't usually words that are in the same sentence, but here you are. Smooth and supple. You'd never know that this wine clocked in it 14.5% alcohol: it's so balanced. Pair with BBQ ribs. Zinfandel food pairings: barbecued ribs, grilled lamb, pasta. Drink: 2014 - 2018 590216 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cosentino Cigarzin Old Vine Zinfandel 2012, California, United States: Surprisingly low in alcohol for such a full-bodied, full-flavoured Californian zinfandel. Pure delicious! Smoky with fleshy black fruit. Complex zinfandel in all its glory. Yahoo! Old vines truly do make a difference to the complexity and concentration of flavour, especially in zinfandel. Finishes with dark spice, smoke and pepper. Pair with spaghetti and meat balls. Zinfandel food pairings: steaks, ribs, grilled meats, pasta sauces, pizza, cheese, hearty stews, blackened seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2018 269340 14.9% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. February 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: A pleasant, smooth, full-bodied Syrah with lots of toasty oak, smoke and vanilla-hickory notes from generous oak aging. Black fruit aromas and flavours on this Californian red wine. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Syrah food pairings: meat pizza, Margherita pizza, feta stuffed hamburgers. Drink: 2013 - 2017 948240 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. February 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart