Dessert Wine
De bortoli Noble One Semillon 2014, Riverina, New South Wales, Australia: A lusciously layered Australian dessert wine made from the classic Semillon grape. Rich aromas and flavours of honeyed apricot and peach preserves. Lovely nose of orange blossom, honey wax and white flowers. Terrifically concentrated sweetness at 231 grams per litre of residual sugar. Spreads with gorgeous textural weight across the palate. Australian dessert wines are often referred to as "stickies" however, there's nothing cloying about this wine and the only aspect that stickie is the memory of its taste. It has a refreshing finish. Pair with lemon tart, soft cheeses and smoked nuts. Semillon food pairings: mango or tropical cheesecake, blue cheese, fig tarte. Drink: 2017 - 2023 917252 10% S 375 mL $29.95 Score: 96/100. November 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: This is the magnum size format of this wine, equivalent to two regular sized bottles. A full-bodied Napa Valley red wine made from the region's classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Benchmark aromas of blackberry, black currant and cassis along with toasty oak. Polished tannins with a long finish. Pair with rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork roast, vegetarian stew, slow-roasted beef long ribs. Drink: 2017 - 2021 377242 14% XD 1500 mL $139.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret 2015, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: An easy-drinking Cabernet with chocolate and blackberry notes and some furry tannins. Decant 2 hours and pair with hamburgers. Claret food pairings: roast chicken, gourmet stuffed hamburgers, grilled pork chops. Drink: 2017 - 2020 479055 13.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. November 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2013, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: The low yielding vines that produce the grapes for this wine are called the dead arm as they look so wizened and ancient. The grapes are picked in small parcels and remain separate until final blending. They're gently crushed then transferred to five tonne headed down open fermenters. Foot trodding happens two thirds of the way through fermentation. The wine is then basket pressed and transferred to a mixture of new and used oak barriques to complete fermentation. The barrel ferments are on the lees to add richness and creamy texture. There is no racking until final blending and no fining or filtration. Dead Arm is a vine disease caused by the fungus Eutypa Lata that randomly affects vineyards all over the world. One half, or an arm of the vines slowly becomes reduced to dead wood. That side of the vine may be lifeless and brittle, but the grapes on the other side display amazing intensity. A savoury, juicy, darkly rich Australian red wine made from Shiraz grapes. Aromas of dark spicy, blackberry, anise and pepper. Pair with gourmet hamburgers. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, hamburgers, espresso and cocoa-rubbed flank steak, black bean soup. Drink: 2017 - 2022 430512 14.5% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Columbia Crest H3 Les Chevaux 2013, Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: A full-bodied, mouth-filling, satisfying red wine from Washington State. Aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Les Chevaux (French for "the horses") is named for the wild horses that once roamed the Hose Heaven Hills wine region. This robust Washington State red wine is a blend of 60% Syrah, 27% Merlot and several other lesser amounts of red grapes. Smooth and tasty. Perfect for meat lovers' pizza or grilled steak. Food pairings: game meats, rare roast beef, spice-braised lamb, cheddar. Drink: 2017 - 2021 287425 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marchesi Mazzei Riserva Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: The Mazzei family have been the owners of this Italian winery, Castello di Fonterutoli, since 1435. The 2013 vintage of the Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo offers black fruit aromas and firm tannins. Juicy and full-bodied Italian red wine with lots of wild black cherry notes, some smoke and mocha. This Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo is made from Sangiovese grapes. Savoury and meaty with a long finish. Decant 2 hours for maximum pleasure. Pair with grilled meats. Chianti Classico food pairings: ravioli, beef stew, pizza, pork chops. Drink: 2017 - 2021 288530 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Paso Robles, United States: Lots of dark chocolate and espresso on this robust Californian Cabernet that has been oak aged. Pair this Californian Cabernet Sauvignon with meat lovers' pizza. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hard cheese, braised pork shanks, veal chops, roasted let of lamb. Drink: 2017 - 2021 16915 13.5% D 1500 mL $49.95 Score: 88/100. November 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pietranera Brunello Di Montalcino 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lovely mature Brunello that has mellowed beautifully. Aromas of dark plum, dried herbs and some wild violets. Supple and easy drinking. Pair with truffle-inflected dishes. This classic robust Italian red wine from the northern wine region in the country offers vibrant acidity. Pair with wild boar. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: grilled steak, roast leg of lamb, hard cheese, veal piccata. Drink: 2017 - 2022 189761 14.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A solid, well-structured Californian Cabernet from a top producer. Aromas of cassis and black currant and smoke. Pair with prime rib. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, barbecued steak. Drink: 2017 - 2023 382325 13.9% D 750 mL $69.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Ambrosía Malbec 2012, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Made from 100% Malbec grapes grown in the Gualtallany, Tupungato regions of Mendoza planted at 1307 metres above sea level in calcium carbonate soils. Gualtallany is an increasingly fashionable region within the Mendoza as the fruit there develops rich polyphenols in the skins: colour, flavour and tannin character. Aromas of black fruit, smoke, pencil led and anise with great minerality. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak barrels. This wine is suggested to those studying for the Master of Wine exam as one of the best examples of Argentine Malbec. Each year, the front label honours one of the grape growers who provided the best fruit for the vintage. Pair with smoked meats, game birds and exam study and tasting sessions. Malbec food pairings: hard cheeses, grilled game meats, roast pheasant. Drink: 2017 - 2023 402941 15.5% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2015, Rhône A.C., France: A full-bodied southern French red wine from the heart of the Rhone Valley with aromas of black raspberry and dark cherry with some and spice. Very nice package. Pair with grilled meats, game and duck. Food pairings: grilled meats, venison steak, roast duck. Drink: 2017 - 2022 566844 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ridge Lytton Springs 2014, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very smooth and approachable now though it will also do well in the cellar. Full-bodied and smooth with luscious fleshy ripe blackberries and plums. Big black fruit and oak. Chary, toasty, smoky. Pair with filet mignon. Food pairings: meatloaf, lentil patties, Italian style pizza, salami, veal shanks, charcuterie, soft cheeses. Drink: 2017 - 2021 982413 14.3% D 750 mL $96.00 Score: 96/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pierre Amadieu Romane-Machotte 2014, Gigondas, Rhône A.C., France: Rich and dark with fleshy black fruit and a firm tannic grip on the palate. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with prime rib or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Food pairings: slow-roasted crown of pork stuffed with corn niblets chickpea green onion and cilantro, stir-fried pork tenderloin, veal Parmigianino. Drink: 2017 - 2022 17400 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: This is an extremely powerful and concentrated BC Pinot Noir. It needs some cellar time to come together, but when it does: watch out! Luscious layers of black cherry and spice. Great mouth-watering acidity for seared tune and planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: duck confit, coq au vin, beef bourguignon. Drink: 2017 - 2023 639658 14% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodega del Abad Dom Bueno Mencía 2013, Bierzo D.O., Spain: Savoury, meaty and juicy with gorgeous exotic black fruit aromas and flavours. Get out of your shiraz rut with this wine. Mencía food pairings: roast venison, rabbit stew, gamebird casserole. Drink: 2017 - 2020 291989 13.6% XD 750 mL $17.25 Score: 89/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kaiken Ultra Leyenda Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: Sexy Argentine red wine for sensualists. A rich, deeply concentrated red with blackberry liqueur and blueberry preserve aromas. Smooth and full-bodied. Fantastic for barbecues. This is a red for hedonists and evenings beside a crackling fire. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: prime rib, hearty meat stews, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2017 - 2023 135202 14.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Bois Sonoma Reserve Merlot 2014, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Lovely balance and elegance in the glass. Generous aromas of espresso and black plum give way to a mouth-filling luscious on the palate. While this wine is immediately enjoyable, it will also do well in the cellar. Enjoy it with pork tenderloin tonight. Merlot food pairings: roast duck in a pomegranate walnut sauce, lamb kebabs, grilled pork tenderloin. Drink: 2017 - 2020 34900 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Serre Nuove Dell'ornellaia 2015, Bolgheri, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: A benchmark Italian red wine blend with big, black-fruited smoky aromas and layers of full-bodied texture. Ripe blackberry on the mid-palate with some hints of liquorice. Great minerality, length and depth. Finishes with pencil led, and dried tobacco leaves. Tannins are firm but will smooth with time. Decant 102 hours and enjoy with rare steak. Terrific cellar keeper. Food Match: Herbed roasted Rack of Lamb with fingerling potatoes. Food pairings: lamb tangine, roast rack of lamb, beef long ribs on the barbie. Drink: 2017 - 2023 606194 14% D 750 mL $64.95 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gérard Bertrand Syrah Mourvèdre 2014, Saint Chinian, Midi A.P., France: A blockbuster red wine from the southern French winemaking region of Saint Chinian. Attractive aromas of fleshy black fruit, dark spice and smoke. This red wine blend is mostly Syrah and has a luscious velvet smooth texture. There are savoury and pepper notes on the finish. What an incredibly great wine for the price point. Pair with a rare steak or blood sausages. Syrah Mourvèdre food pairings: veal steak, hearty meat dishes, roast duck. Drink: 2017 - 2020 370247 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Shafer Merlot 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: So elegant, august, complex and balanced. If I had zillions, I'd drink this wine daily. I’ve long been a fan of this aristocratic red wine from Napa. This wine comes off as beautifully polished, structured and elegant, and is a blend of 17% Cabernet Sauvignon; 7% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, fig, smoke and leather, it’s a classic. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with hanger steak. Merlot food pairings: rack of BBQ ribs, veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb, beef. Drink: 2017 - 2024 346262 15.3% D 750 mL $79.95 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marqués de Murrieta Reserva Rioja Finca Ygay 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Mature with tanned leather and dried herbs and tobacco leaves. Full-bodied and mouth-watering with rich, dark, ripe fruit and a lovely weave of oak. This wine is a blend of tiprenolol, Grenache and manzello grapes. Lovely long finish, like an encore for the senses. Reserva Rioja Finca Ygay food pairings: black bean soup, short ribs, sharp cheddar, pork. Drink: 2017 - 2021 209148 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luce 2014, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: A robust, complex, beautifully structured Italian red wine blend. Aromas of fleshy blackberry and black plum with smoke. Very seductive. Pair with prime rib. This full-bodied Italian red wine is produced by a partnership between Vittoria Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi, established in 1993. Pair with prime rib. Food pairings: bean-based dishes, lamb chops, grilled cheese sandwich, chateaubriand, cheddar cheeses. Drink: 2017 - 2022 685263 14.5% XD 750 mL $114.95 Score: 96/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hall Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, classic California cabernet. Dark fruit aromas on the nose and just the right amount of oak. Subtle not fruit-forward or in your face. Deep violet hue in the glass. Finishes with dark spice, graphite and smoke. Terrific tannin structure to support long-term cellar aging. Pair with rare cuts of meat. Great gift wine. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rib steak, slow-braised beef ribs, venison stew. Drink: 2016 - 2022 273391 14.9% D 750 mL $107.00 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos de los Siete 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: Richly layered and textured Argentine red wine with grapes sourced from seven premium vineyards, thus "Siete." Renowned consulting winemaker Michel Rolland manages the winery and oversees production. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, smoke and dark spice. Pair with sausages. A lovely dark garnet hue with violet tints in the glass. Dusty tannins with superb balance. Judicious and subtle integration of oak. Finishes with some eucalyptus aromas, and mocha hints. Pair with a juicy rib-eye steak Food pairings: grilled lamb chops, liver and onions, pork sausages and grilled veggies. Drink: 2016 - 2021 622571 14.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Solaia Marchesi Antinori 2013, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Produced by Marchesi Antinori, this Turbo Tuscan, the 2012 vintage of Solaia, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese with some Cabernet Franc grapes. Grilled bacon and lots of smoke on the nose of this cult Italian red wine, aka a Super Tuscan. Lots of toasted black fruit, dried herbs, chary smoke, graphite and toasty oak. The 2012 vintage of Solaia finishes with black truffle and violets. Needs cellar time then decant 2 hours. Pair with a rare, juicy steak. This wine needs to be on your lifetime bucket list to taste. Food pairings: rib eye roast, filet mignon, rack of lamb. Drink: 2017 - 2029 987586 14% D 750 mL $257.95 Score: 96/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château La Garde 2010, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux A.C., France: A spectacular Bordeaux in every sense: top-drawer complexity, layering, balance, depth and length on the finish. This is the flagship wine of this house, and it declassifies 50% of production to maintain incredibly high standards vintage after vintage. The vines are planted in all the proto-typical Bordeaux soils: gravel, clay and limestone. The current owners purchased this chateau in 1990. On top of all this, the 2010 vintage was a terrific one so this is a great wine for your cellar still, and decant 1-2 hours when you open it. Dark fruit and smoke but not overwhelmed with oak -- no cover-ups here just pure mastery. Pair with a rare steak. Absolutely superb, especially for the price. Wow. Food pairings: rare grilled steak, game roasts, hard cheeses. Drink: 2016 - 2022 682617 12.5% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 97/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Goats do Roam The Goatfather 2014, Coastal Region, South Africa W.O., South Africa: Juicy purple and black plum aromas with dark spice. Happy, straight-up pleasure in a glass. Full-bodied, but not heavy. This wine is a non-traditional blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera and Nebbiolo grapes. Some terrific notes of cherry and blackberry on the finish. I love this producer's sense of humour as evident by the name of this wine and others. Pair with roast goat. Food pairings: meat lovers' pizza, chicken wings, grilled burgers, sausages. Drink: 2016 - 2019 11072 14.6% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Caymus Zinfandel 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States: A bold, full-bodied Californian Zinfandel from Caymus, one of Napa's most well-known wineries, famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of purple and black plum. Pair with barbecued meats. Zinfandel food pairings: venison stew, venison sausage and wild mushroom sauce, spicy spatchcock partridge. Drink: 2017 - 2021 718759 14% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2013, Rhône A.P., France: Black fruit, smoke and tar on the nose with dark spice, cedar brush and smoke on the palate. Full-bodied, layered and complex. Decant 2 hours. It will also do well in the cellar. Châteauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: maple glazed roasted root vegetables, vegetable cassoulet, sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2017 - 2022 62711 14% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2015, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A savoury, meaty, juicy ripasso: a red wine to chew on with deep satisfaction. Cedar, chewy black cherry layers float happily on full-bodied weight. The Ripasso method takes leftover pomace from making Amarone wine and adds it to a Valpolicella wine to start a second fermentation and in doing so, adds alcohol, body, tannin and flavour to the final wine. Yes please Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: veal tenderloin, rich tomato sauce and pasta, roast rabbit. Drink: 2017 - 2029 161844 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pata Negra Reserva 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Savoury and juicy with mouth-watering acidity on the palate. Smoky with leather and earth aromas. Decant 2 hours and pair with lamb. Food pairings: pork roast with cranberry and cherry stuffing, pork roasted vegetables and cider stew, pork loin with prunes and sherry. Drink: 2017 - 2021 443804 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Storia Antica Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2015, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Generous oak is well woven with rich black fruit. Savoury, dark and delicious with full-bodied weight and incredible concentration of flavour. Long finish. Great wine. Pair with rich meat dishes. Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore food pairings: grilled steaks, slow-cooked beef, osso buco. Drink: 2017 - 2022 273672 14% D 750 mL $18.25 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Terra d'Aligi Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2015, Abruzzo D.O.C., Italy: Lots of mocha and chocolate flavours from oak aging, some dark fruit. Supple, full-bodied. Pair with meat lovers' pizza. Montepulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: pasta with Bolognese sauce, rabbit stew, roast chicken with olives. Drink: 2017 - 2021 994616 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alpha Estate S.M.X. 2013, Florina P.G.I., Greece: This big-bones Greek red wine offers plenty of drinking pleasure. The Alphas Estate is the winery's flagship wine and the blend of red grapes comes from the estate's best vineyards that are mostly alluvium, sandy, clay soils with excellent drainage and a semi-continental climate which results in deep concentration and depth in the wine. The French oak barrels for aging were of medium toast and fine grain. This wine was unfiltered and has all the good stuffing left in it. Food pairings: grilled steaks, slow-cooked beef, osso buco. Drink: 2017 - 2022 92361 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 2013, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Coffee, espresso, mocha from oak aging. Juicy, full-bodied Australian red wine with black fruit yet not over-oaked. Loaded with layers of lapping pleasure with a long finish. Meaty and savoury and lip-smacking delicious. Sink your senses into this one. Elderton commands respect from wine lovers. Perfect for holiday entertaining. Shiraz food pairings: beef prosciutto, black bean soup, blue cheese, lamb shank. Drink: 2017 - 2023 716142 14.5% D 750 mL $99.95 Score: 94/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luzón Selección 12 Meses Crianza 2013, 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. Food pairings: cheese pizza, meat pies, meat and cheese stuffed Portobello mushrooms. Drink: 2017 - 2020 310219 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mollydooker The Maitre D' Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This blockbuster Australian red wine is incredibly concentrated with great depth and length. On the nose are big, dark aromas and flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and dark spices. Very mouth-filling and rich Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair with brontosaurus burgers. Highly recommended. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hamburgers, steak, hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2020 246629 15.5% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
13Th Street Sandstone Vineyard Gamay Noir 2014, Four Mile Creek, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The vines for this gorgeous Niagara Gamay Noir were planted in 1983 and the depth of their fruit complexity and concentration shows in the wine. Rich and round. Only 200 cases produced. Pair with grilled pork chops. Gamay Noir food pairings: antipasto plate, meaty tomato based pasta, roasted turkey, mild cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2021 130195 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sacred Hill Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Loaded with toasty oak, black cherry and mouth-watering acidity. Silky smooth with layers of gorgeous dark fruit flavours. Full-bodied for pinot. Pinot Noir food pairings: game meats, rare roast beef, roast leg of lamb, hard cheeses. Drink: 2017 - 2020 277665 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Puente Alto, Chile: A dark, charred black-fruited wine with loads of toasty oak. Smooth texture and full-bodied weight. Aromas of dark fruit and just the right amount of oak. Pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rustic stews, meat lover's pizza, hard cheeses. Drink: 2017 - 2025 403980 14% XD 750 mL $200.00 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A robust Argentine Cabernet with aromas of cassis and blackberry. Pair with grilled meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled thick cut steaks, roast duck, venison stew. Drink: 2017 - 2021 128629 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2015, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia: A strong acidic attack on the front and mid palate. Smoky with loads of toasty oak and chary black fruit. Heart of blackness with a mint lining. Fleshy black plums, blackberries and dark spices on this robust Australian red wine from Fowles winery. Luscious layers of flavour and complexity. Full-bodied with a long spicy satisfying finish. Pair with rare steak. Shiraz food pairings: hamburger, char-grilled beef, blackened chicken, lamb chops, cheesy pizza. Drink: 2017 - 2020 265967 15% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Renwood Premier Zinfandel 2014, Amador County, California, United States: Lots of juicy purple and black plum flavours in this full-bodied, smooth Californian Zinfandel. Smokey campfire finish - lovely! Pair with grilled hamburger. Zinfandel food pairings: cheese pizza, roasted stuffed turkey, barbecued steaks, meat pies, meat and cheese stuffed Portobello mushrooms. Drink: 2017 - 2020 450510 15.3% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Oatley Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Juicy purple plums and blueberries on the nose and palate of this robust Australian cabernet. Smooth and supple. pair with grilled meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge, grilled hamburgers, lamb Bolognese. Drink: 2017 - 2021 323741 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Dom Pérignon Vintage Brut Rosé Champagne 2004, Champagne A.C., France: Here's the king of Champagnes in this premium cuvée from Moet & Chandon. Dom Perignon is often thought to be the inventor of Champagne, or at least the bubbles, but it was rather the more complex task of masterly blending that he perfected. Great acidity, structure and length. Celebrate life! Champagne food pairings: smoked tuna omelet, smoked salmon, shellfish, caviar. Drink: 2017 - 2019 91777 12% XD 750 mL $341.95 Score: 94/100. November 2017. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Flat Rock Riddled Sparkling 2010, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Clean, crisp Ontario sparkling wine with a refreshing finish. Notes of green apple and stone fruit. The beer-bottle crown cap allows the bubbly to continue to develop flavours and bubbles (just as they do in Champagne before finally sealing it with the mushroom-shaped large cork). Pair with fried chicken. Sparkling food pairings: seafood, mushroom risotto, cold chicken sammies. Drink: 2017 - 2019 383315 12.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Henry of Pelham Winery Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche Blancs De Blanc 2012, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A superb Niagara sparkling wine with great depth, richness and refreshment. Blanc de blancs means that this was made only from white grapes, and Chardonnay to be specific. This bubbly stands up to Champagnes that are two to three times more expensive. Celebrate the holidays in style with this wine. Pair with shellfish and good friends. Blancs De Blanc food pairings: shellfish, fried foods, Asian fusion dishes, salad. Drink: 2014 - 2019 315200 12.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 95/100. November 2017. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Cave Spring Cave Spring Vineyard Chardonnay 2015, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Masterfully made: great value too. A well-rounded, balanced Niagara Chardonnay: not heavy or wimpy, just right. Toasted almond and golden apple aromas. Nice mouth-feel. Pair with roast turkey or chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, lobster in butter, corn dishes, pork, fried chicken, almonds, brie, camembert. Drink: 2017 - 2020 256552 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Toasted almond and hazelnut on the nose, with green apple vibrancy, gorgeous balance. I thought I loved this winery's Sauvignon Blanc best but now it's a toss up. Try this with pork tenderloin. Chardonnay food pairings: pork tenderloin, roast chicken, pan-fried trout with fresh lemon juice. Drink: 2016 - 2020 359513 14% XD 750 mL $40.95 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis 2015, Burgundy A.C., France: Lime zest on the nose with lots of refreshment. Crisp, dry unoaked Chardonnay from northern Burgundy. Notes of green apple brightness and acidity. Pair with shellfish. Serve chilled. Chablis food pairings: oysters on the half-shell, mussels Portuguese, clam linguine. Drink: 2015 - 2019 461640 12.5% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 88/100. November 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2014, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Secret reveal: I liked this Chardonnay more than the Kistler at three times the price in this release. Don't tell anyone though ;) The toasted along on the nose of this spectacular Ontario Chardonnay is simply addictive. A remarkable Prince Edward County Chardonnay from a remarkable producer. Rich and full-bodied, yet balanced with great finesse. Honey-gold apple and toasty oak aromas. Long finish. Pair with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: ravioli served with Alfredo sauce, lobster in butter sauce, fish tacos, gougère. Drink: 2016 - 2022 148866 12.5% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 94/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cathedral Cellar Chenin Blanc 2014, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Nice aperitif! Clean and crisp with mild white melon notes. No heavy oak. Chenin Blanc food pairings: grilled prawns, roast chicken, grilled salmon. Drink: 2017 - 2020 278325 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2015, V.Q.A. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: Very opulent and luxurious Chardonnay! Mouth-filling and viscous with a rich, mouth-coating opulence. Aromas of golden apple, buttered freshly baked bread and almond. Long finish. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken salad or poached salmon with a caper butter sauce, grilled cheese sandwiches. Drink: 2017 - 2020 639641 13% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2016, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This lovely off-dry Niagara Riesling is bursting with aromas of fresh citrus, lime and green apple. Remarkable, even though there are 18 grams of sugar in this wine, the acidity balances it perfectly, yielding only a slight impression of sweetness. Terrific mouth-watering acidity for seafood and salads. Riesling food pairings: grilled chicken with lemongrass stalk, spicy pasta dishes, Feta cheese, butternut squash risotto, duck liver pate. Drink: 2017 - 2020 578625 11.6% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi 2016, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Pure lemon sunshine in this zesty Italian white wine from Vigne Regali (Gavi)! Finishes crisply with notes of chives and lemon. The ancient story says that the Principessa Gavia, daughter of the King of the Franks, had a village and a wine named after her. Clean, crisp and refreshing with terrific mouth-watering acidity for seafood and salads. Medium-bodied layers of pleasure in this DOCG wine. This would also be a great aperitif. Produced by Vigne Regali Banfi, this Italian white wine is made from the local Cortese grape and offers lots of refreshment. Lots of minerality and acidity. Gavi food pairings: lighter fish dishes, salad, Italian hard cheeses. Drink: 2017 - 2020 250696 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Val De Loire, Loire I.G.P., France: Fresh crisp French Sauvignon Blanc with herbal notes, and some grassiness. No discernible oak flavour. Perfect for vegetarian dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled seafood, vegetarian pâté, goat cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2019 672345 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quails' Gate Estate Winery Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Quails' Gate Stewart Family 2016 Chardonnay is rich and mouth-filling with ripe golden apple, baked goods, nutty almond, lemon pudding, vanilla and smoky, toasty flavours silky smoooth on the palate, finishing oh soooo long. This Chardonnay is dry, elegant with refreshing acidity and can handle rich seafood dishes like lobster Thermidor but could go equally well with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken salad or poached salmon with a caper butter sauce, grilled cheese sandwiches. Drink: 2017 - 2020 639641 13% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 94/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Donatien Bahuaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2016, Loire A.C., France: This Vouvray also features lemon zest, mango and some lovely, luxurious candle wax notes (the latter, more texture than flavour). Very viscous, voluptuous and mouth-filling. This lovely Loire Valley Chenin Blanc offers floral notes. It's zesty and festive with attractive aromas of white peach. A terrific aperitif or companion to vegetarian dishes. A lick of sweetness makes it versatile with dishes such as glazed ham. Vouvray food pairings: honey-glazed pork, mango chicken, coquilles St. Jacques. Drink: 2017 - 2019 140889 12% M 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Chardonnay 2013, St. David's Bench, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Perfectly balanced. A round white wine with buttery notes. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken with honey mustard glaze, butternut squash risotto, roast quail stuffed with wild mushrooms. Drink: 2017 - 2020 287268 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hugel Gentil 2015, Alsace A.C., France: A classic, refreshing Alsatian white wine with lovely notes of lime, Asian pear, white peach and grapefruit. Perfect as an aperitif or an accompaniment to many dishes. Pair with fresh seafood. Food pairings: seared scallops, sushi, vegetables, herbed chicken, pork dishes. Drink: 2017 - 2020 367284 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. November 2017. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kim Crawford Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: So creamy, rich and seductively complex. This is a more richly woven Sauvignon Blanc than the winery's entry-level version. There's a longer pungency and persistence of flavours. Very mouth-filling and luscious with surprising lift and vibrancy. Winemaker Anthony is after more ripe tropical fruit in this expression, such as passion fruit, melon, and guava. So vibrant and expressive with clean slate and white citrus on the finish. Pair with mussels, oysters and scallops. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: Margherita pizza, salad, pork, strong cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2020 38240 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Chablisienne Grande Cuvée Chablis 2015, Burgundy A.C., France: So pretty! Juicy and mouth-watering with gorgeous lime-fresh acidity for shellfish and seafood. Green apple on the finish. Medium-bodied. Chablis food pairings: oysters on the half shell, steamed mussels in their own juice, oysters Rockefeller. Drink: 2017 - 2023 685222 13% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 92/100. November 2017. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart