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Vintages Release October 6, 2018

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Argentina

Susana Balbo Crios 2016, Mendoza, Argentina: A rich, full-bodied Argentine red wine blend of 73% Malbec, 22% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot for the 2016 vintage. Dark red and garnet tints in the glass with black fruit aromas on the nose and palate. Finishes with spice, mocha and espresso. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: black bean dishes, grilled New York strip loin, veal chops, Asian chicken salad. Drink: 2017 - 2020 366146 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Australia

Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz 2015, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied, concentrated and complex Australian red wine with rich black fruit flavours and made from the country's classic Shiraz grape. This winery has a long history in winemaking. This wine unfolds on the palate with terrific replays of dark fruit and spice. Long finish. Decant 2 hours. Pair with roast beef. Shiraz food pairings: Muscovy duck, grilled pork chops, rare roast beef, spice-braised lamb. Drink: 2017 - 2026 683086 15.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 94/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tait Wines The Wild Ride 2014, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Total juicy, lip-smacking wonder! Full-bodied and smooth with plush plums from here to Australia. Perfect for movie night and My Brilliant Career. Food pairings: venison, barbecued steak, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2017 - 2022 493544 15.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Paxton MV Shiraz 2015, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A robust, juicy Australian Shiraz with aromas of black plums and blueberries. Finishes with smoke and dark spice. Pair with meat lovers pizza. Shiraz food pairings: slow-cooked beef ragú, mutton with mint and coriander, espresso and cocoa-rubbed flank steak, black bean soup. Drink: 2017 - 2022 327403 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This robust Australian Cabernet over-delivers beautifully against its price point. I also love the Shiraz this winery makes. Full-bodied with smoky black fruit. Great concentration and depth with a good finish. Very satisfying. Crack open a bottle (or two) tonight. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rabbit with dumplings, venison sausage cassoulet, venison Swiss steak. Drink: 2016 - 2021 43224 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Smoke & Gamble Chardonnay 2016, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: An attractive Ontario Chardonnay with aromas of white peach and toasted almond. Almost full-bodied. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken breast, pork tenderloin, hard cheeses. Drink: 2017 - 2020 490391 13.4% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay 2013, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Toasted almond on the nose and palate of this medium-bodied Niagara Chardonnay. The oak regime is evident here from start to finish. White apricot and chalky dry finish. Pair with chicken in a cream sauce. Chardonnay food pairings: seared scallop, grilled seafood, roasted stuffed chicken. Drink: 2017 - 2020 324103 12.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Muskoka Lakes Winery Red Maple, Toronto And York Region, Canada: Intensely sweet with a terrific richness. True maple and cranberry flavours mingle nicely. Serve well-chilled. Red Maple food pairings: chocolate, vanilla ice cream, biscotti. Drink: 2016 - 2018 50039 15% S 375 mL $29.95 Score: 82/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Cabernet Merlot 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied red with pleasant mocha and dark fruit notes. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: hamburgers, pizza, black bean soup, cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2018 130252 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

G. Marquis The Silver Line Epic Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2013, Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied and juicy with black fruit and smoke. Black fruit on the palate. A bit short on the finish, but pleasant. Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc food pairings: grilled chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, flattened Cornish hen with savoury dressing. Drink: 2015 - 2018 310367 14% XD 750 mL $30.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Cellars Gewurztraminer 2013, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A floral, spiced Gewurztraminer with lots of mouth-filling luscious layers. Concentrated and complex. Pair with curried dishes. Gewurztraminer food pairings: chicken kebabs with lemon. Lemon herb roast pork tenderloin, pan-fried poorboy oyster sammies. Drink: 2017 - 2018 302059 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Strewn Winery Terroir Pinot Blanc 2015, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A voluptuous, round and mouth-filling Niagara Pinot Blanc. It certainly doesn't taste as hot as I expeected with 14.8% alcohol, which is unusual for this grape. Lovely as an aperitif or companion to heartier seafood dishes. Drink: 2015 - 2018 520205 14.8% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

13Th Street White Palette 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Light and floral. Served as a chilled aperitif on a hot summer day. Food pairings: grilled calamari, steamed mussels, crab cakes. Drink: 2017 - 2019 207340 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Reif Pinot Noir 2014, Niagara River, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Attractive earthy, peppery notes with nicely balanced tannins on this Niagara red wine made from the classic Pinot Noir grape. I love bitter cherries: they spice life. Forget all that flabby sweet fruit… wake up your mouth and senses with a wine like this one. Silky, medium-bodied and saucy. Tart cherries and pepper. Perfect for veal or lamb dishes. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb chops, roast leg of lamb, onion tarte. Drink: 2017 - 2021 282889 12% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Reif Estate Winery The Magician Shiraz Pinot Noir 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This Niagara red wine called "The Magician" is a blend of 70% shiraz and 30% pinot noir grapes that are kiln-dried before they're pressed to deepen the wine's flavours. 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: grilled flat iron steak, beef rib eye roast, venison tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2019 246413 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flat Rock Chardonnay 2015, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: I love this Chardonnay, and I'm not a Chardonnay lover. So luscious and fall into it loveliness. Rich, full-bodied with lovely aromas of butterscotch, vanilla smoke and fleshy peach. Pair with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2016 - 2020 286278 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gray Monk Estate Winery Gewürztraminer 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, light, floral BC Gewurztraminer with aromas of lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Medium-bodied and delicious. The 2015 vintage of the Gray Monk Gewürztraminer has a lovely pale golden hue in the glass. Finishes with Asian pear, lychee and roses. Perfect for Asian dishes, curries and spicy dishes. Gewürztraminer food pairings: fried herb-crusted and panko trout, chickpea lentil pea and potato curry, pizza with pork sausage. Drink: 2017 - 2020 321588 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fielding Riesling 2016, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Ultra-juicy and lip-smacking delicious Niagara white wine made from the classic and aromatic Riesling grape. Enjoy as a chilled aperitif. A pretty Niagara Riesling with good acidity and natural sweetness balancing each other for seafood dishes. Love the low alcohol of just 10.8%. Riesling food pairings: roast chicken, spicy pasta dishes, shrimp tempura, grilled salmon. Drink: 2016 - 2020 251439 10.8% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2009, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous Niagara Pinot Noir with a vibrancy on the nose and palate that's unforgettable. Wild cherry, earth and truffles. Pair with planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled pork chops, coq au vin, beef bourguignon.. Drink: 2016 - 2024 657874 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Château De Ségure 2014, Fitou, Midi A.P., France: Black cherry notes on the nose and palate of this rustic and toasty oak French red wine. Full-bodied with good acidity for grilled meats and tomato sauce. Food pairings: veal medallions, roasted pork loin, prime rib, coq au vin. Drink: 2017 - 2021 370254 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chanson Reserve Du Bastion Pinot Noir 2014, Burgundy, France: Medium-bodied, smooth Burgundian Pinot Noir with aromas of tart cherry and earth. Pair with roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, roasted pork loin, Tourtière, prime rib roasted. Drink: 2015 - 2019 50575 12% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Peymelon 2006, Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux, Bordeaux A.C., France: This is a value-priced wine from the remarkable 2006 vintage for Bordeaux. It's rustic and robust with aromas of wild tiny cherries and raspberries. There's some attractive smoke and dried herbs on the finish. I find this wine is more full-bodied than medium, but it's not heavy. Great for hearty meat dishes. Food pairings: hardy meat stews, Salisbury steak, sausage cassoulet, tortiere. Drink: 2017 - 2019 512558 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Joseph Drouhin Village Pinot Noir 2014, Côte De Beaune, Burgundy A.C., France: A gorgeously satin smooth, juicy, supple Old World Pinot Noir with just enough acidity for roast chicken or turkey. Aromas and flavours of fleshy ripe cherry, dried herbs, violets and earth. Absolutely wonderful! Pinot Noir food pairings: roasted poultry, soft cheeses, smoke salmon. Drink: 2017 - 2022 518191 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Armens 2010, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.P., France: A robust Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet from the Right Bank region of St. Emilion. Lots of dark fruit and toasty oak aromas. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: venison, barbecued steak, pork crown roast stuffed with corn niblets. Drink: 2017 - 2022 512525 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Joseph Drouhin Chardonnay 2015, Burgundy A.C., France: A full-bodied, yet balanced Old World Burgundian Chardonnay from one of the region's most respected producers. Aromas of orchard fruit and toasted almond. Perfect for roast chicken or turkey. Chardonnay food pairings: seared scallops, sashimi and sushi, bouillabaisse. Drink: 2017 - 2020 512582 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Xavier Cuvée Anonyme Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2010, Rhône A.C., France: Great concentration and depth of flavour and richness in this southern French red wine that's a blend traditional grapes such as Grenache and Mourvedre, among others. Xavier Vignon is the consulting winemaker for this winery. Châteauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: roast beef with all the trimmings, slow-braised beef long ribs, prime rib grilled rare. Drink: 2017 - 2025 352906 14.5% XD 750 mL $61.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Chablisienne Saint-Bris 2016, Burgundy A.C., France: Pure green apple vibrancy and intensity of flavour with mouth-awakening acidity. Medium-bodied and fresh. This Burgundian white wine made in the Village appellation of Auxerrois is unusually made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, which is lesser known than Chardonnay and far fewer wines are made from it in Burgundy. It nonetheless is superb. Enjoy with fresh oysters. Food pairings: poached seafood, sashimi and sushi, bouillabaisse, fresh oysters on the half shell.. Drink: 2017 - 2020 641753 12.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ortas Tradition Rasteau 2015, Rhône A.C., France: Full-bodied and meaty with savoury, fleshy black fruit and smoke. Nice price. Established in 1925, the Cave de Rasteau is one of the oldest wineries in the Rhone Valley. Finishes with dark spices and black fruit. Pair with grilled pork chops. The classic GSM blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, and Syrah is at play here, with Syrah taking a more prominent role than in the past. Food pairings: gourmet burgers, meat pizza, vegetarian lasagna, tortiere. Drink: 2017 - 2020 998716 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lavau Rasteau 2014, Rhône A.C., France: This full-bodied southern French red wine is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes. Ripe black fruit, smoke and dark spice on the nose and palate of this French red wine express the Rasteau terroir of the Rhone. Food pairings: meat pizza, tortiere, hard cheeses. Drink: 2017 - 2020 394650 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château D'anglès Classique La Clape Mourvèdre Syrah Grenache 2015, Midi A.P., France: Smoky earth and toasty oak on the nose of this wine with black cherry on the palate of this full-bodied French red wine. Deep concentration and ripeness here. Very smooth on the palate: great right out of the gate. That sourness is on the finish, but again in a pleasant way like cooked black fruit with dark spices. Mourvèdre Syrah Grenache food pairings: meat pizza, vegetarian lasagna, tortiere. Drink: 2017 - 2020 286484 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Germany

Darting Dürkheimer Nonnengarten Gewürztraminer Kabinett 2015, Pfalz Prädikatswein, Germany: Green and white melon spring sweetness, absolutely lovely! Layers of viscous richness and apricot preserves. Pair with fresh seafood. Gewürztraminer Kabinett food pairings: chicken tikka masala, potato and cauliflower yellow curry, vegetable coconut curry. Drink: 2017 - 2019 789628 12.5% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Castello Di Pomino Vin Santo 2008, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: A gorgeous Italian dessert wine from the 2008 vintage of Pomino Vinsanto in the 500 ml format. Aromas of hazelnut, toffee and caramel with a lick of spice. Perfect on its own for dessert or with nuts, hard cheeses or biscotti. Vin Santo food pairings: honey spice cake, roasted nuts and dried fruit. Drink: 2017 - 2020 661249 15% S 500 mL $42.95 Score: 93/100. October 2018. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bersano Gavi Di Gavi 2015, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Clean, crisp and mouth-watering with a lovely lime brightness and lift. No oak, just freshness. Perfect for seafood. Food pairings: steamed clams in lemon butter, mussels in their own juice, oyster hot pot. Drink: 2017 - 2019 999979 12.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2016, Alto Adige D.O.C., Italy: Crisp, dry and refreshing with notes of grapefruit and lime. Pair with shellfish. Pinot Grigio food pairings: pasta with cream sauce, grilled chicken breast, summer salads, oysters on the half-shell. Drink: 2017 - 2019 681429 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beni di Batasiolo Langhe Rosso 2014, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: Full-bodied with good acidity for tangy tomato dishes. Dried black fruit and some dried herbs. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: gourmet sausages, meat-based pasta dishes, barbecued chicken, rare roast beef. Drink: 2017 - 2020 981019 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Tarry black with a firm tannic grip: decant 1-2 hours to smooth out. Aromas of black spice and black fruit with toasty oak. Pair with rare steak. Chianti Classico food pairings: meat lovers pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, breaded veal cutlets, cobb salad. Drink: 2017 - 2019 91694 13.5% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Villa Cafaggio Cortaccio 2008, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Lots of maturity on the nose of this attractive Italian red wine with aromas of tanned leather, cigar box and dried herbs. Nicely balanced acidity. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. This wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Pair with veal. Food pairings: roasted vegetable casserole with piquant cheese, hard cheeses, pasta and rich tomato meat sauce. Drink: 2015 - 2020 20966 14.5% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

D'angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2012, Basilicata D.O.C, Italy: A rustic and full-bodied Italian red wine with cherry liqueur nose, and deep, dark concentration of flavour on the palate. Powerful dark fruit flavours follow through on the finish. The 2012 vintage is robust with dark fruit and toasty oak. Good acidity and finish. Pair with grilled meats. Aglianico Del Vulture food pairings: grilled meats, strong cheese, meat pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2019 971689 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Sofia Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: The nose of this robust Italian red wine is redolent of black cherry liqueur and raspberry jam. Full-bodied and smooth. Decant 2 hours. A wine that deserves its own fork and knife its so meaty and savoury. Pair with prime rib and a big smile. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: leg of lamb, pasta with tomato sauce, polenta dishes, venison, beef daube. Drink: 2017 - 2026 713669 15% D 750 mL $52.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Caparzo Winery Brunello Di Montalcino 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A full-bodied, mouth-watering red with aromas of dark red fruit, smoke and dried herbs. Firm tannins. Decant 2 hours. Will cellar well. Pair with game dishes. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: rich tomato sauce and pasta dishes, full-bodied meat dishes. Drink: 2017 - 2023 579094 14% D 750 mL $51.95 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Valpantena Torre Del Falasco Ripasso Valpolicella 2015, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: The Italian wine style Ripasso is a lighter version of Amarone also made in the northern Italian region of Veneto. Torre del Falasco offers dark fruit and spice. A spicy, full-bodied relatively smooth Italian red wine with lots of mouth-watering acidity on the palate. Aromas of tart cherry. Pair with a tangy tomato sauce. Ripasso Valpolicella food pairings: rich tomato sauce and pasta, vegetarian lasagna, fricassee rabbit. Drink: 2017 - 2022 642421 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Riserva Chianti Rúfina 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A juicy, robust, vibrant Chianti Reserva that's ready for more cellar aging: it has lots of potential, yet it's also ready to drink now. Aromas of black fruit, tar and smoke. The 2013 vintage was solid. The grapes for this wine come from the oldest vines on the Nipozzano estate, and the wine is aged for 24 months in oak barrels, according to ancient Tuscan tradition. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with gourmet pizza. Chianti Rúfina food pairings: grilled pork ribs, veal Parmigiano, spaghetti and meatballs. Drink: 2017 - 2024 395186 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2015, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Toasty oak on the nose of this terrific New Zealand red wine wraps around fleshy ripe black cherries. Full-bodied, mouth-watering juicy and smooth with a great finish. Smoky oak and black cherry notes with some dark spice on the finish. Terrific with a wide range of dishes, especially holiday turkey. Yum! Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, barbecued duck, veggie mushroom burger, frittata. Drink: 2017 - 2020 590414 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A fresh, lively New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with notes of lime zest, lemongrass and chives. Juicy and racy acidity for a variety of dishes, from shellfish and seafood to spinach quiche and roast chicken. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seared scallops, pan-roasted shellfish or mussels. Drink: 2016 - 2018 734798 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marisco Vineyards The King's Legacy Chardonnay 2015, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A juicy and flavourful cool climate Chardonnay from the New Zealand region of Marlborough. Toasty oak, green and golden apple aromas. Pair with roast turkey or chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: pork tenderloin, stuffed roast turkey, cold chicken sandwiches. Drink: 2017 - 2019 393694 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Portugal

Herdade Peso Trinca Bolotas Tinto 2015, Alentejo D.O.C., Portugal: Dark and spicy, this is a great value for the money. Black tarry fruit and toast and smoke. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Food pairings: chicken paprika, meat-filled pasta with rich tomato sauce, grilled pork chops, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2017 - 2020 431064 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2016, Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay W.O., South Africa: I love this wine year after year, and I'd rather be drinking it than writing about it so I'll let the previous note stand. Breathing this in is like walking into an opium den for wine lovers. Satin pillows of fleshy black cherry invite you to lie back, close your eyes and let your senses roam. Surely one of South Africa's finest Pinot Noir producers! Hamilton-Russell leads the way in the country for cool-climate viticulture and racy, exciting wines. Sophisticated and complex, but extremely easy to drink. Lavish fleshy ripe cherry aromas and flavours yet not simple or sweet. Complex, elegant and layered South African Pinot Noir from a master producer. Some dark spice on the finish. Silk texture. Chapter three of my second book (Unquenchable) includes a visit to this winery and dinner with the brilliant Anthony Hamilton Russell. This is easy to mistake for a top shelf Burgundian Pinot. Pair with your holiday dinners, especially those featuring roast turkey or chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb kabobs, venison burgers, roast veal, beef Carpaccio. Drink: 2017 - 2023 999516 13.5% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 95/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Origin Stellenbosch Drive Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: A robust South African red wine blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot grapes. Aromas of dark fruit, toasty oak and smoke. Pair with rare meats. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot food pairings: prime rib,  hamburgers, pizza, black bean soup, hard cheeses. Drink: 2017 - 2020 512707 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Rolland Galarreta Tempranillo Merlot 2012, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: A supple, juicy, smooth, full-bodied Spanish red wine blend of mostly Tempranillo with some Merlot grapes. This is a joint venture between the famous French flying winemaker Michel Rolland and Spanish wine entrepreneur Javier Galarreta. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plums, and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Tempranillo Merlot food pairings: leg of lamb, pasta with tomato sauce, polenta dishes, venison. Drink: 2017 - 2022 434423 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Torres Perpetual 2014, Priorat D.O.C.A., Spain: Whispers mocha espresso on the nose from oak aging, followed by a full whistle stop of fleshy blackberry aromas. This robust red wine is a blend of Garnacha and Carinena grapes planted in licorella slate soils on steep hillsides. Sounds like a lot of hot, back-breaking work to pick these suckers. You should be appreciative. The wine is aged in fine-grained French oak barrels for 18 months. Pair with filet mignon. Food pairings: bison burgers, minced venison steak, roast pheasant stuffed with wild mushroom. Drink: 2017 - 2022 265710 15.4% XD 750 mL $61.35 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva 2010, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Love that old leather, dried herb and black fruit combination. This is classic Rioja with that seductive mature character. There’s simply nothing like it. Food pairings: bison burgers, tortiere, roast chicken with thyme and rosemary meat stuffing. Drink: 2017 - 2020 161893 13% D 750 mL $34.00 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

CVNE Viña Real Crianza 2014, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A Full-bodied with black smoky fruit. Delicious lip-smacking juicy Spanish red wine with savoury notes of dried herbs as well as smoky red fruits. Decant 1 hour. Pair with grilled pork chops or lamb. Food pairings: sautéed duck with green peppers mushrooms and bamboo shoots, curried duck, pineapple and bell peppers fried duck.. Drink: 2017 - 2020 657411 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Faustino I Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2004, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Mature with tanned leather and Old World finesse. Gorgeous dry fruit and herbs, earth, dust and time gone by aromas. Finishes with longing and regret (for another glass). Pair with lamb. Tempranillo food pairings: wild boar roast, grilled venison steak, roast pheasant. Drink: 2016 - 2019 976662 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir 2012, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Love this style of Oregonian Pinot Noir! Fleshy ripe raspberries yet not jammy. Dark spices and intrigue and a wonderfully seductive velvet texture. Full-bodied but not heavy. The vines for this wine are planted in the iron-rich red soils of the Dundee Hills in the Willamette Valley, which helps with photosynthesis. Pair this wine with seared tuna. Pinot Noir food pairings: roasted pork loin, veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, beef bourguignon, coq au vin. Drink: 2015 - 2019 748434 13.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Atalon Pauline's Cuvee 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Savoury and juicy with fleshy black plum and blackberry. Finishes with dark spice and a feral note. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 432310 13.5% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: A Zinfandel with great finesse and length. More elegant like Cabernet but still with Zinfandel's vibrant black and purple berry/plums aromas. Lovely. Perfect for BBQ wings and ribs. Zinfandel food pairings: aged cheddar, grilled duck breast, Italian sausage burgers, cheese pizza. Drink: 2017 - 2020 590216 14.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: Blackened chary cassis and blackcurrant with lots of toasty oak. Full-bodied, rich and smooth. Needs a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled lamb chops, Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2017 - 2019 238261 14.5% D 750 mL $74.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classic minty blackberry on the nose. Good grip on the full-bodied palate. Black as night fruit, smoke and tar. Classically structured with deep concentration and complexity. Decant 2 hours. Drink with filet mignon and the good life. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rib steak, barbecued long ribs, rustic pork roast. Drink: 2017 - 2022 670463 14% XD 750 mL $149.95 Score: 96/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: This robust Californian red wine made from the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon grape offers lots of pleasure in the glass. Aromas of black currant, cassis and blackberry. Pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rib roast, roast chicken, roast breast of veal. Drink: 2017 - 2023 24190 14.5% D 750 mL $84.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: The grapes for this robust wine are grown in one of Napa Valley's coolest vineyards, and then the wine is aged for 20 months in small oak barrels. A full-bodied Californian Cabernet with lots of aging potential. Give this one some more cellar time, then decant 1-2 hours when you open it. Aromas of black fruit, violets, cigar box and smoke. Pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rare prime rib, gourmet burgers, roast chicken. Drink: 2017 - 2023 39388 13.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Chardonnay 2014, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Rich and robust with generous aromas of butterscotch and toasted almond on the nose and palate of this Chardonnay due to generous oak aging. Notes of green apple and pear. Nice balancing acidity. Perfect for roast chicken or turkey. Chardonnay food pairings: spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, lobster in butter sauce, beef bourguignon, toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce, pan-fried cod with lemon butter sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2020 986737 14.1% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 89/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stags' Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: California's best Petit Sirah, without question. Fleshy ripe blackberries wrapped in smoke and dark spice with voluptuous layers on the palate. Full-bodied and endlessly long on the finish. Here's a rare chance to try a lesser-known varietal on its own that's usually used in blending. The winery has planted 240 acres of vins on its estate. Pair with grilled meats. Petite Sirah food pairings: venison, barbecued steak, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2017 - 2020 590356 14.2% D 750 mL $60.95 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dominus Napanook 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: A full-bodied, balanced, Bordeaux-style Napa red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes. More earthy and elegant than fruity. Lovely dusty, smoky finish. Needs cellar time then decant 2 hours when you open it. Pair with prime rib. Food pairings: rib steak, lamb chops, beef tenderloin, roast chicken. Drink: 2017 - 2023 212357 15% D 750 mL $129.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States: Crisp and fresh California white wine made from the zesty Sauvignon Blanc grape. Racy acidity for extra lift and food compatibility. Some smoke from light oaking. Pair with fresh seafood or shellfish. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: smoked salmon, smoked whitefish, pan-fried pan fish. Drink: 2015 - 2018 27659 13.9% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Frank Family Zinfandel 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Juicy and mouth-watering with lip-smacking delicious flavours of fleshy berries yet not sweet. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Good layering and balance. Pair with grilled meats. The family-owned winery was founded in 1992 and owns 450 acres of vines. The winemaker is Todd Graff. Zinfandel food pairings: gourmet burgers, hard, aged cheeses, poultry, pork quesadillas. Drink: 2015 - 2020 278283 14.6% D 750 mL $59.00 Score: 91/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Clos Du Val Chardonnay 2015, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: An alluring Chardonnay with just the right balance of toasty vanilla oak and ripe pear aromas. There's also some notes of peach and a hint of zesty green apples. Full-bodied richness without too much weight. A superb effort from this producer. Highly recommended. Chardonnay food pairings: duck a l'orange, turkey burgers, camembert with calvados, salmon with a hollandaise sauce. Drink: 2017 - 2020 297499 13.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. October 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A luscious and rich Californian Pinot Noir with sweet cherry and mocha aromas and flavours on the nose and palate. This is one of four single vineyard wines from this Californian winery. The vines for this Pinot Noir grow in alluvial soils of the Russian River Valley. Heavy fog rolls in over the coastal range and burns off when the sun reaches its highest point in the day. This cooling morning effect and the loamy soils allows the Dijon clone of Pinot Noir in this wine to ripen slowly but to full maturity. Rich and chocolaty: although this is a dry wine technically, it has a generously sweet nose due to the ripeness of the fruit and the toasty oak again. Mocha and espresso flavours on the palate with fleshy sweet dark cherry notes. Supple and smooth. Pair with grilled chicken, Mexican mole or dark chocolate. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled chicken, roast pheasant, stuffed roast of veal breast. Drink: 2015 - 2021 366013 14.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. October 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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