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Vintages Release November 13, 2018

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Dessert Wine

Stratus Red Icewine 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Tasting this in 2016 to see how well this icewine has aged: good news, it's still great! This is a succulent blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, and Syrah grapes. Luscious aromas of strawberry pie. Pair with fruitcake, gingerbread, and spice cake. Icewine food pairings: strawberry-rhubarb pie and vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate pâté, mild coconut curries. Drink: 2016 - 2025 56689 12% S 200 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Vale D Maria Vintage Port 2015, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: A stunningly rich and deep vintage port with aromas of fleshy ripe blackberry, fig, and black raspberry with smoke and anise on a long, lovely finish. Pair with Black Forest Cake or enjoy on its own after dinner. Port food pairings: chocolate truffle cake, blue-veined cheeses, fruitcake. Drink: 2018 - 2028 582965 20% S 375 mL $41.25 Score: 94/100. November 2018. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Southbrook Vineyards Vidal Icewine 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous Niagara Vidal Icewine from one of the region's most respected producers. Aromas of honeyed nectar, apricot preserves and peach. Perfect for fruit flan or cobbler. Vidal Icewine food pairings: apple and pear crostata, fresh fruit cup. Drink: 2018 - 2027 581165 11.5% S 375 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

The Foreign Affair Dream 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy, succulent, full-bodied Niagara red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes. About 15% of the grapes for this wine were dried for about 4 months appassimento style, as is often practise in northern Italy. The wine was matured for 16 months in oak. Aromas of ripe black fruit and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: smoky game burgers, beef steak, rack of lamb, smoked cheeses. Drink: 2018 - 2024 364380 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Xavier Vignon 100% 2015, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.P., France: From Côtes Du Rhône Xavier Vignon 100% 2015 is actually a red blend of 40% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre with the balance Cinsault, Carignan and Marselan grapes. On the palate this flavoursome is showing red cherry and blackberry flavours mixed in with dark chocolate and savoury spice. This wine is aged 12 months in 80% concrete tanks and 20% in oak barrels. Xavier Vignon was the consulting winemaker for various Rhone Valley wineries, before focusing on his own bottling. Food pairings: gourmet burgers, tourtière, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2023 437079 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Le Gravillas Sablet 2015, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône A.C., France: Le Gravillas Sablet 2015 is full-bodied Côtes Du Rhône-Villages red wine blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes. Love the ripe black plum, black raspberry, cedar spice and garrigue herbs flavours on this wine. Pair with a grilled striploin topped with creamy blue cheese. This vintage was awarded Gold at the 2016 Concours des Vins à Orange. Food pairings: slow-baked brisket, BBQ long beef ribs, venison steak. Drink: 2018 - 2024 78790 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Esprit De Granit 2015, Saint-Joseph, Rhône A.P., France: Cave De Tain's Esprit De Granit 2015 is a rich and full-bodied 100% Syrah red wine. Deep ruby in the glass, scented with ripe blueberry, spice and smoky aromas, this Syrah has ripe black raspberry, blueberry, earthy florals and cake spice flavours on the palate. Vibrant acidity for food. Decant 2 hours prior to pouring with a grilled pepper steak. The vines for this robust French red wine are planted in granite terraces on the Rhône River's western banks. The wine was matured 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels and was not fined or filtered. Food pairings: rich lamb, beef stroganoff, barbecued ribs, fruit chutneys, cassoulet, steak fajitas. Drink: 2018 - 2023 17152 13% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Celia Elite Malbec 2015, Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A gorgeous, full-bodied Argentine Malbec with aromas of fleshy ripe dark plums and blackberries and a lick of dark spice on the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Malbec food pairings: bison burgers, steaks, crown pork roast. Drink: 2018 - 2022 578187 14.2% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 94/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2016, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Bishop 2016 is a robust Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, produced from 30 to 100 year old grapevines. "Bishop" is the maiden name of Judith Glaetzer, wife of Colin, who started the winemaking family business in the Barossa Valley 30 years ago. Today Ben continues the tradition. The vines are dry-farmed in the Ebenezer sub-region. This flavoursome red is very approachable now, tannins are soft. The wine has seen extensive oak ageing with 15 months in 40% new 245 litre barrels, 90% French and 10% American and is well-integrated. Lots of ripe black fruit texture and savoury flavours on this full-bodied red. Shiraz food pairings: game meats, rare roast beef, spice-braised lamb, burgers with blue cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2024 627869 15% XD 750 mL $44.00 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Las Mulas Reserva Organic Merlot 2017, Central Valley, Chile: The respected Spanish winemaker Miquel Torres also makes great wines in Chile's Central Valley. This organic red is a terrific value. Aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant and toasty oak. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2021 454868 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castello Di Meleto Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Castello Di Meleto 2015 is a great value under $20 Tuscan Chianti Classico. Full-bodied, elegant with pink florals, ripe red berry and savoury spice flavours on the palate. Very pretty. Could benefit from some cellar time. Drink from 2020 on. Chianti Classico food pairings: bucatini (pasta) with sausage and peas, rich meat pasta and tomato sauce, cheese pizza. Drink: 2018 - 2022 332114 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sabourin 2015, Côtes De Bordeaux - Blaye, Bordeaux A.C., France: A remarkably well-priced Bordeaux wine featuring aromas of blackcurrant and tart dark berries with smoke. Full-bodied with a frim tannic grip so decant 1-2 hours. Since 1832, seven generations of the Carreau family have farmed 202 acres of vineyards. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: grilled flat iron steaks, pork chops in a savoury sauce, tourtière. Drink: 2018 - 2025 25607 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Lane Vineyard Block 5 Shiraz 2016, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: The 2016 vintage of the Block 5 Shriaz is juicy with fleshy ripe black plum notes and toasty oak. Some black pepper on the finish. Full-bodied and supple. Pair with roast beef. Shiraz food pairings: lamb chops, prime rib, roast pheasant. Drink: 2018 - 2025 462515 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rully 2016, Rully, Burgundy A.C., France: Dufouleur 2016 is a medium-bodied soft and supple Old World Pinot Noir from the Burgundy wine region. Fleshy cherry, earthy florals, cedarbrush and savoury spice flavours can be found on the palate. This winery keeps their vineyard healthy and strong employing the increasingly popular enherbement naturel maîtrisé (ENM), a process of letting grass and cover crops grown between the vine rows. Pair with roast chicken. Rully food pairings: roast leg of lamb, gourmet burgers, hard cheese, vegetarian pizza. Drink: 2018 - 2022 356774 13% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flowers Pinot Noir 2016, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United States: Flowers 2016 is a spectacular Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, layered with ripe red berry fruit, rosehips, dried herbs, wild mushroom flavours and earthy spices on the palate. Smooth and medium-bodied. Perfect for grilled chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, veal chops, grilled duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote. Drink: 2018 - 2024 215202 13.5% XD 750 mL $69.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Borsao Berola 2014, Campo De Borja D.O., Spain: Borsao Berola 2014 is a full-bodied Spanish red wine blend of 70% Garnacha, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French and American oak. The Grenache wine grapes for this wine were planted in 1956, the Cabernet Sauvignon in 1990, and the Syrah in 2003. On the palate, there is more ripe, dark fruit, with smoke, garrigue herbs, earthy florals and spicy flavours. Very approachable now. Berola is the original name for the 12th century monastery of Veruela when the land was first granted to Cistercian monks to tend and plant as vineyards. This wine was aged in French bordelaise oak barrels for 14 months. Pair with game dishes. Food pairings: lamb shanks in red wine and roasted garlic, grilled lamb lollipops, stuffed lamb tenderloin. Drink: 2018 - 2024 371518 15% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvèdre Grenache 2015, Côtes Du Roussillon Les Aspres, Midi A.P., France: Grand Terroir Les Aspres 2015 is a medium-plus-bodied red wine blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache from the Côtes Du Roussillon Les Aspres and produced by Gérard Bertrand, and makes more than 85 different wines from 33 domaines (wineries and vineyards). Look for lush cherry, crushed black raspberries, cedarbrush and forest-floor on this silky red. Enjoy now and for the next five years. Syrah Mourvèdre Grenache food pairings: roast leg of lamb, lamb liver and sautéed sweet onions. Drink: 2018 - 2025 413245 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Chocolate Block 2016, Swartland W.O., South Africa: From the Boekenhoutskloof winery, this is the magnum size of the full-bodied The Chocolate Block 2016, a savoury, delicious red wine blend of Syrah with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Viognier. This is the second vintage of The Chocolate Block, always easy to enjoy and a crowd-pleaser with its savoury olive tapenade, ripe black and blueberry flavours. Food pairings: meaty chili, game meats, hard cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2025 135996 14% XD 1500 mL $87.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barón de Ley Reserva Rioja 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Estate bottled, Baron De Ley Reserva, the 2013 vintage is a toasty, smoky, robust red wine from Rioja. This is a full-bodied and rich red made from 100% Tempranillo. Smoky, toast, full-bodied Spanish red wine with notes of dark red fruit and leather. This Spanish winery is situated about 300 miles south of Bordeaux. The Baron de Ley estate even looks like a French Château. This wine is matured in both American and French oak barrels. Firm tannins that will smooth out with some cellar time then decant 1-2 hours. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Food pairings: barbecued chorizo sausage, lamb skewers, French cheeses. Drink: 2018 - 2024 958868 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Unánime Gran Vino Tinto 2014, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Unánime Gran Vino Tinto is a robust 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc red wine blend with wine grapes sourced from the producer's Mascota Vineyards in the Uco Valley. Perfumed with ripe dark berries, small black fruits, dark chocolate and savoury herbs. Pair with slow-roast beef ribs. Food pairings: rib steak, slow-braised beef ribs, venison stew. Drink: 2018 - 2023 466938 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ornellaia 2015, Bolgheri, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: Produced by winemaker, Axel Heinz, Ornellaia 2015 is showing a lot of promise with its bright raspberry, underbrush, wild mushroom and earthy flavours. Cellar for a couple years. Better in 2021. However, tannins are pretty tame for a young wine. Pair with a cross-rib roast. Food pairings: wild boar roast, grilled venison steak, roast saddle of rabbit. Drink: 2018 - 2024 722470 14.5% XD 750 mL $218.95 Score: 94/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Kistler Pinot Noir 2015, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Kistler 2015 is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir from a long, cool growing season with plenty of fog cover and all great for Burgundian style wines. Lots of dark ripe berries, dried herbs, earthy florals and mineral notes on this beautiful Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb and pilaf casserole, roast leg of lamb in rosemary and garlic, lamb chops with Danish blue cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2023 330274 14.1% XD 750 mL $97.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Peyros 2013, Madiran, Southwest A.C., France: Château Peyros 2013 looks pitch black in the glass. Made from "Vielles Vignes" 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernet Franc grapes from 40-plus year old vines from the Madiran wine region. It is a rich, smoky and tannic wine that would benefit from five years cellar time. Drink after 2020 pair with roast venison. Food pairings: roast veal, wild boar tenderloin venison stew. Drink: 2018 - 2023 234997 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Urbina Gran Reserva 1996, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: It's absolutely incredible that this 1996 vintage is still drinking well: no fading, just maturity. Wow. Aromas of tanned leather, violets and cigar box. This bodega over-delivers. Pair with lamb. Food pairings: lamb chops, beef tenderloin, roast pheasant. Drink: 2018 - 2022 355743 14% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 94/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Caymus Zinfandel 2016, Napa Valley, California, United States: Produced by Charles Wagner Sr., Caymus is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignons, but California's heritage Zinfandel grapes has a special place in his heart, and it shows on this big, bold Californian Zinfandel from the Napa Valley. Aromas of ripe purple plum and spice open up to ripe, jammy fruit, savoury herbs, cedar brush and spicy flavours on the palate. Enjoy with slow cooker ribs. Zinfandel food pairings: venison stew, venison sausage and wild mushroom sauce, spicy spatchcock partridge. Drink: 2018 - 2023 718759 14% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Quinta do Crasto 2015, Douro Valley Doc, Portugal: Terrific price for this juicy unoaked robust Portuguese red with good balance and concentration of flavour. This blend of four indigenous grapes offers aromas of cedar, black cherry and cranberry. Plushly textured. This producer is one of five in the Douro Valley known as the Douro Boys. Food pairings: slow-braised brisket, roast goose, rabbit fricassee. Drink: 2016 - 2019 81588 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Dark fruit and mint aromas on the nose of this benchmark red wine that are engulfed by a flood of fleshy blackberries aromas and flavours on the palate. Quite a pleasant sensation. Full-bodied and luscious Shiraz. Supple with a long finish. This wine would be terrific with hearty meat dishes. A toasty finish. Chianti Classico food pairings: goose, black bean soup, pork with soy, pot roast. Drink: 2015 - 2021 942607 13.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A spectacular blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and Malbec with a solid Bordeaux-like structure. The Okanagan signature is fully present here with a generosity of dark fruit aromas and rich, full-bodied weight. A long, satisfying finish. Food pairings: filet mignon, pork tenderloin, pizza, pasta, hard cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2022 626325 13.8% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: A spectacular Californian Cabernet vintage after vintage. Beautifully structured and elegant with a long finish. This is royal Californian Cabernet. Layers of black fruit and toasty oak. Needs serious cellar time then decant 2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled rare steaks, blackened ribs with BBQ sauce, coq au vin, Cornish game hen, tomato tarte.. Drink: 2010 - 2029 936039 13.8% XD 750 mL $282.95 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hécula Castaño Monastrell 2015, Yecla D.O., Spain: An attractive dark wine with black fruit, licorice, dark spices and smoky oak. Full-bodied with good persistence of flavor. Monastrell food pairings: charcuterie, hard cheeses, pork sausages cassoulet. Drink: 2018 - 2022 718999 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Carmenère 2016, Maule Valley D.O., Chile: Another stellar vintage for this single vineyard Carmenère rocks! Carmenère is the flagship red wine of Chile. Loving the layers of fleshy black plums. Lots of concentration and length. Velvet texture on the palate. The wines from San Pedro's 1865 line come from its own vineyard planted with a specific variety. The Carmenère comes from the winery's property in the Maule Valley, with rolling hillside vineyards averaging 20 years of age and planted in alluvial soil with angular stones to control plant vigour. This robust red wine finishes with notes of cassis and dried tobacco. Great balance and depth. Try it with a rack of lamb tonight. Highly recommended. Carmenère food pairings: venison, ratatouille, rabbit stew, bison steaks. Drink: 2018 - 2024 249201 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dominus Napanook 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: Dominus Napanook is produced by Christian Moueizand is a Napa Valley, Bordeaux-style red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes. Earthy, smoky and subtle with earthy florals, dried tobacco leaf and savoury spice flavours on the palate. Needs to be decanted a couple of hours prior to serving with a prime rib roast. Will improve with age. Food pairings: rib steak, lamb chops, beef tenderloin, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2024 212357 15% D 750 mL $119.95 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Benmarco Expresivo 2016, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Benmarco Expresivo 2016 is a medium-to-full bodied 75% Malbec and 25% Cabernet Franc red wine blend from the Uco Valley in Argentina. Edy del Popolo is the winemaker and viticulturist for this very expressive wine with bright red cherry, blackberry, earthy florals, anise and flinty notes on the palate. Good structure with tight tannins right now. Better in 2020. Food pairings: roast leg of lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2025 263517 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2016, Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A blockbuster Malbec with great depth, concentration, elegance and length. A little closed right now, the 2016 Concreto Malbec was produced in a difficult year with cool, rainy conditions in the Altamira. Even though, lot of aroma of herbs, with dark fruit, berries and savoury spices on the palate. Enjoy now and for the next five years. Malbec food pairings: asado, sausage casserole, roasted root vegetables. Drink: 2018 - 2024 455774 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Belle Glos is a lush Pinot Noir with dark cherries, dried fruit, dark chocolate and vanilla flavours on the palate. The Pinot Noir wine grapes are grown on the 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 to full maturity. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled chicken, roast pheasant, stuffed roast of veal breast. Drink: 2018 - 2023 366013 14.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato 2016, Veneto, Italy: From world-known and respected wine producer, Tommassi, Graticcio Appassionato is created in a similar fashion to Veneto's great Amarone wines. "Graticcio" is the term for the traditional racks used for air-drying grapes after the harvest and concentrating the grapes' robust flavours prior to the actual winemaking. Look for dried, dark cherry fruit, fig, raisin and toasty flavours. This full-bodied red finishes long with more dried fruit and nutty flavours. Vibrant acidity for food. Pair it with a meatlover's cheesy pizza. Food pairings: gourmet burgers, lamburgers, prime rib, lasagne, sausage. Drink: 2018 - 2026 338939 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michele Castellani Colle Cristi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2013, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Michele Castellani Colle Cristi is a full-bodied and very generous Amarone, and lovers of this style should stock up. Layers of dark cherry, blackberry, anise and dried herb flavours on the palate. Great acidity on this food-friendly wine. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: pepperoni, Italian sausage and pancetta pizza with mozzarella cheese, feta cheese stuffed hamburgers, Italian wedding soup. Drink: 2018 - 2024 222109 15.5% D 750 mL $48.95 Score: 95/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

I Castei Campo Casalin Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2013, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: I Castei Campo Casalin 2013 is absolutely delicious. Dried fruits, raisins, figs, baking spice and dark chocolate aromas on the nose. On the palate rich dark cherries, dried fruit and mocha flavours can be found. Tannins are grippy and there is good acidity for food. Enjoy with hard cheeses and roasted gamebirds. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: seared beef sirloin, rouladen, stuffed green and red peppers. Drink: 2018 - 2025 946558 15.5% D 750 mL $52.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Dell'ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2016, Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: Dell'ornellaia Le Serre Nuove is a big benchmark Italian red wine blend of 64% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot wine grapes from the Tuscany wine region. Look for ripe blackberry, raspberry and dark chocolate on the mid-palate with some hints of liquorice. The vintage is still quite tight and needs a couple of hour decanting if pouring now. Tannins are still firm. Le Serre Nuove is the little sibling of the famous Super Tuscan Ornellaia, and is a powerhouse in its own right. Food pairings: lamb tangine, roast rack of lamb, beef long ribs on the barbie. Drink: 2018 - 2024 606194 14% D 750 mL $64.95 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Duckhorn Merlot 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States: Duckhorn's Merlot 2015 is a ruby coloured, medium-plus-bodied Merlot with aromas of raspberries, black plums, blackberries, earthy beets and a touch of menthol. Plushy and juicy raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrant jelly and dark chocolate flavours coat the palate. Founders Daniel and Margaret Duckhorn have created quite a following for their Merlot-based wines since they first made them in the 1970s, as well as other classic Bordeaux grapes. Dry and delicious. Pair with lamb chops and flank steak. Merlot food pairings: bison burgers, steaks, crown pork roast. Drink: 2018 - 2025 992529 14.5% XD 750 mL $69.95 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sovrana Barbera D'alba 2015, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: Beni di Batasiolo's Sovrana is a rich, concentrated and brooding wine with layers of blueberries, blackberries, licorice, cigar box, dark spices and mocha. A judicious amount of oak wraps this package nicely. Solid finish from a consistently good producer. Beni di Batasiolo has nine estate vineyards surrounding the original winery in a circular pattern. Sovrana – or ‘sovereign’ is aged in oak for about 12-15 months. Barbera D'alba food pairings: veal parmigiana, lamb shanks, lamb kebabs, mushroom risotto. Drink: 2018 - 2028 642686 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2015, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Pirramimma launched this Petit Verdot in 1994 after experimenting with the grape for 11 years. Lots of tobacco smoke and cigar on the nose with charred black fruit and oak on the palate. Pair with prime rib. Petit Verdot food pairings: Porterhouse steak, roast beef, smoked brisket. Drink: 2018 - 2024 986752 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Shafer Vineyards One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: From the Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, Shafer One Point Five 2015 is a racy 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec red wine blend, finishing long and juicy. Great concentration of blackcurrant, ripe black fruits, blue florals flavours on the palate. Finishes long with great acidity for food and muscular tannins. Pair it with a grilled rib steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued meats, venison steak, bison burgers. Drink: 2018 - 2027 45476 15.3% XD 750 mL $203.00 Score: 95/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Feudo Montoni Lagnusa Nero D'avola 2015, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Lagnusa 2015 is a robust Sicilian Nero d'Avola and one of the best vintages from Vigna Lagnusa. On the palate, the juicy red is spicy, with earthy florals and ripe dark plum flavours. Tannins are silky. Great acidity for food. Pair with your favourite meat pasta and rich tomato sauce dish. Nero D'avola food pairings: roast chicken, roasted root vegetables, meaty stews. Drink: 2018 - 2024 523738 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Luce 2015, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Luce 2015 is a muscular and structured Italian red wine blend from Sangiovese and Merlot wine grapes. Matured in 85% new and 15% one-time used French oak barriques for 24 months, this elegant red is produced in partnership with Vittoria Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi, established in 1993. It is definitely a more new-world style of Super-Tuscan wine. Lots of blackberry, black plum, toast oak and vanilla flavours. Tannins are quite firm right now. Better from 2020 on. Food pairings: bean-based dishes, lamb chops, grilled cheese sandwich, chateaubriand, cheddar cheeses. Drink: 2018 - 2024 685263 14.5% XD 750 mL $114.95 Score: 96/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gordon Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: An attractive, full-bodied Washington Cabernet from the Columbia Valley. This wine is matured for 20 months in both French and American oak barrels. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled chicken, roast pheasant, stuffed roast of veal breast. Drink: 2018 - 2024 950295 13.7% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2016, Midi A.P., France: So luscious! High alcohol but the wine doesn't taste hot: rich and full-bodied with complex layers of black fruit, hickory smoke and dried herbs. So savoury! Love the incredible range of styles that the Rhone region produces, like this intriguing red wine blend. Full-bodied and deeply savoury. Violets, black plum, deep dive black raspberry into a heart of welling darkness and satisfaction. Food pairings: smoky game burgers, beef steak, rack of lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2025 119354 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Delheim Shiraz 2015, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: Delheim 2015 is a juicy and mouth-watering Shiraz with dark cherry, blackberries and blueberries flavours and a great example of a supple and elegant Shiraz from the Stellenbosch wine region. Food-friendly acidity makes this a great option for holiday meals. Pair with roast beef dinners and good company. Shiraz food pairings: hamburgers, sautéed pork, slow-braised beef ribs. Drink: 2018 - 2022 959080 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château de Nages 2015, Costières De Nîmes, Rhône A.P., France: Château De Nages 2015 is medium-plus red wine blend of mostly Grenache with Syrah and some Mourvèdre grapes from "vielles vignes" in the Costières De Nîmes, Rhône wine region. Produced by Michel Gassier, it's juicy, smooth and layered. The grapes were de-stemmed and both the Syrah and Mourvèdre components were matured for 1 year on the lees in French oak barrels. The Grenache portion is kept in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. This AC wine was bottled without filtration. Incredible value from this estate. Food pairings: roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic, grilled meats, tourtière. Drink: 2018 - 2022 40964 15% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tawse Winery Inc. Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2013, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From Tawse's Laundry Vineyard, the Cabernet Franc wine grapes for this wine are organically grown. This is an earthy, full-bodied Cab Franc with crushed raspberry earthy florals, dried herbs and spicy flavours on the palate. Great acidity for food and ready to drink now. Pair with Ossobuco. The wine matured 18 months in French oak barrels. Cabernet Franc food pairings: aged cheeses, fried, roasted or barbecued meats, seared pepper steak, roast beef, game meats. Drink: 2018 - 2022 130997 13.5% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Les Hauts De Palette 2014, Côtes De Bordeaux, Bordeaux A.C., France: Château Les Hauts De Palette 2014 is a red Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2014 vintage was awarded 2 Stars out of 3 in the 2017 Guide Hachette. This is an elegant, medium-plus-bodied red with ripe red fruits, blueberry, cake spice and toasty vanilla notes from 12 months of barrel aging. Jean-Christophe Yung showcases his expertise with this vintage. This family-owned winery was purchased in 1992. Food pairings: grilled lamb, osso buco, pork roast. Drink: 2018 - 2024 297267 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Mitolo's Jester 2016 is a robust red with crushed raspberry, toasty herb and dried tobacco leaf flavours. Good structure and firm tannins on this Cabernet Sauvignon from the McLaren Vale. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rabbit with dumplings, venison sausage cassoulet, venison Swiss steak. Drink: 2018 - 2024 43224 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States: Joseph Phelps 2015 is a dry, red blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Great acidity for food on this full-bodied red with ripe black currant, dark plum, anise and toasty flavours (from oak ageing). Enjoy now and for the next 10 years. Pair with a grilled Porterhouse steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled Portobello mushroom burgers, lamb Bolognese, grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2025 189795 14.5% D 750 mL $127.00 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ontañón 2010, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Ontañón 2010 Reserva is a medium-plus bodied red wine blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano. Terrific value on this Rioja red with great balance and length. Black raspberry liqueur, ripe red plums, tobacco leaf and earthy, smoky finish. Pair with a grilled skirt steak and salsa picante. Food pairings: grilled baseball steak, hamburger, hard cheese, barbecued pork spareribs. Drink: 2018 - 2025 725895 13.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

La Bastide Saint Dominique Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2016, Rhône A.C., France: A brooding dark blockbuster of a wine from southern France. Loaded with black fruit and smoky aromas. Fairly supple. This is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 7% Mouvedre and 3% Cinsault grapes. It's an organic wine. Pair with prime rib. Châteauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: lamb chops, prime rib, roast pheasant. Drink: 2018 - 2025 696203 15% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Galerie Latro Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A gorgeous, balanced, blockbuster of a wine! The 2014 vintage of the Cabernet Sauvignon Latro from Knights Valley is matured 20 months in two-thirds new French oak barrels. It is both unfined and unfiltered. Aromas of ripe black fruit, smoke, and mocha powder. Decant 2 hours. Pair with grilled steak. Wow. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: tourtière, bison burgers, grilled game sausages. Drink: 2018 - 2024 574459 14.5% XD 750 mL $74.95 Score: 94/100. November 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rosés

Mimi En Provence Grande Réserve Rosé 2017, Côtes De Provence, Provence A.P., France: The 2017 vintage of the Mimi En Provence Grande Réserve is a rosé from the Côtes De Provence in the Provence wine region of France. The rosé wine blend here is Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah with crisp acidity and fresh red berry fruit finishing with citrus and mineral notes. Very refreshing, pair with summer on the patio. Soft, pretty and light-bodied with a faint whiff of field strawberries aloft on a warm summer thermal. Pair with late afternoon naps and crab cakes. Rosé food pairings: charcuterie plate, green salad with raspberry balsamic, grilled salmon fillet. Drink: 2018 - 2020 452573 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Delas Saint-Esprit Rosé 2017, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: Delas Saint-Esprit 2017 is a bone-dry and refreshing rosé with wild strawberries, raspberry, spring rhubarb flavours. Lovely salmon pink colour here on Rhone rosé. This rosé is a zesty blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grapes produced in the saignée method of "bleeding" or siphoning off free-run juice after a short maceration on the skins. Pair with cold turkey sandwiches. Rosé food pairings: summer salads, grilled chicken breast, calamari, grilled white fish. Drink: 2018 - 2020 224964 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

White Wine

Louis Latour 2014, Marsannay, Burgundy A.C., France: A lovely, juicy Old World Burgundian Chardonnay from the Marsannay region. The 2014 of this Louis Latour features aromas of golden apple, lemon tart, and lots of racy acidity for shellfish or roast chicken. Food pairings: grilled pork chops, chicken Kiev, smoked whitefish on baguette. Drink: 2018 - 2022 435156 13% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sperling Vineyards Vision Series Chardonnay 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: Vision Series 2016 is an elegant, aromatically fresh and zesty medium-bodied, dry Chardonnay from Sperling Vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. On the palate there is toasty almond, golden apple, leesy, nutty and baking spice layers of flavours. Wine grapes were hand-harvested, cluster sorted, then gently whole-cluster pressed and the wine juice fermented in large oak barrels. Chardonnay food pairings: butternut ravioli served with Alfredo sauce, roast duck, crab cakes. Drink: 2018 - 2021 378570 13.8% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tenute Messieri Visioni Pecorino 2015, Offida, Marche D.O.C.G., Italy: Tenute Messieri Visioni 2015 Pecorina is zesty with fresh lime, lemon and grapefruit flavours on the palate. Produced by Cocci Grifoni, the grape for this northern Italian white wine is Pecorino of the cheese fame (same region). This winery is credited with saving the Pecorino grape from complete annihilation. This vintage received 2 Glasses out of 3 from Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2018. Pecorino food pairings: seafood, pasta with cream sauce, white meats, cheeses, salads. Drink: 2018 - 2020 414011 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Domäne Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Grüner Veltliner 2017, Wachau D.A.C., Austria: A pale straw hue in the glass. A lovely, zesty Austrian white wine made from the country's classic grape Gruner Veltliner. Aromas and flavours of lime zest, lemongrass, and grapefruit. Mouth-watering acidity and low alcohol make this perfect for seafood. Grüner Veltliner food pairings: green salads, pan-fried panfish, vegetarian pizza. Drink: 2018 - 2022 31534 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville Fumé Blanc 2015, Oakville, Napa Valley, California, United States: An exotically perfumed Californian white wine with aromas of lychee, rosewater, peach, Asian pear and baking spices. Medium-bodied with racy acidity for seafood. Fumé Blanc food pairings: roast turkey, salmon steaks, crab cakes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 27492 14.5% XD 750 mL $64.00 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Les Princes Abbés Pinot Gris 2015, Alsace A.C., France: Dry and refreshing with good balance and structure. The seven Alsatian grapes which comprise the blend of Princes Abbes range in style and contribute to the complexity. They are low yielding vines planted in sandstone soil slopes. Les Princes Abbés 2015 is a medium-bodied, dry and refreshing with great balance and structure. Starts with soft orange zest, lemon-curd and lime zest flavours. Ripe pear, apple and a light minerality are next. Great balance and elegance on this wine. Chill and enjoy now. Pinot Gris food pairings: chicken cacciatore, pasta, potato salad, liver pâté, cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2020 21253 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2016, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, Calfornia, United States: Kistler's 2016 Chardonnay is rich and elegant, a Burgundian style Chard with baked bread and nutty aromas. On the palate, green apple crunch, lean with a nutty, smoky, spicy finish. Very clean, elegant and with great acidity. The Chardonnay wine grapes for Kistler are sourced from the winery's only multi-vineyard site on Sonoma Mountain. Chardonnay food pairings: panko-crusted grilled chicken, salmon steaks, basil pesto, prawn bisque, cheese fondue. Drink: 2018 - 2023 183921 14.1% XD 750 mL $121.95 Score: 94/100. November 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Shafer Vineyards Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2015, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: This dry and full-bodied Chardonnay is pure gold in the glass, with white florals, ripe pear, honey and caramel flavours on the palate. Since the 1980s, Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch has cultivated Chardonnay in Napa Valley's cool climate region of Carneros within sight of the northernmost reach of the San Francisco Bay. The winemaker teamed up with the red-shouldered hawks and other birds of prey for the mission of sustainable gopher pest control in the vineyard. Impressive and expressive from start to finish. Chardonnay food pairings: crab cakes, Cornish hen, pan-fried cod with lemon butter sauce. Drink: 2018 - 2023 45583 14.9% XD 750 mL $117.00 Score: 94/100. November 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tbilvino 2015, Kakheti, Tsinandali, Georgia: Crisp and clean Georgian white wine with lemongrass and white grapefruit notes. This is a great wine to try if you love the racy acidity of Pinot Grigio. Pair with shellfish. Food pairings: lemon herbed roast chicken, feta cheese, shellfish hotpot. Drink: 2018 - 2018 26658 12.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Santa Ema Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2016, Leyda Valley, Chile: Loaded with butterscotch, toffee and caramel on the nose from generous oak aging. This full-bodied Chilean Chardonnay offers notes of peach and pear on the palate, Match with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled seafood, Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken breast, roast quail stuffed with wild mushrooms. Drink: 2018 - 2021 542365 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2016, Napa Valley, California, United States: Beringer Private Reserve is a dry, medium-plus-bodied classic Napa Valley Chardonnay designated organic. So gorgeous with layers of ripe peach, pear, lemon curd, vanilla and smoky, toasty oak flavours on the palate. Pair with roast chicken. Produced by winemaker, Mark Beringer. Chardonnay food pairings: roast duck, rabbit fricassee, turkey burgers. Drink: 2018 - 2023 26682 14.9% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bachelder Chardonnay 2016, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay produced by Bachelder is terrific. This Niagara Chardonnay is made by a master, Thomas Bachelder. Full-bodied yet balanced with a long finish. Lots of ripe pear, apple and lemon cream, smooth, weighty on the palate with bright acidity. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: tuna steaks, swordfish, turkey dinner, beef, chicken breast. Drink: 2018 - 2022 302083 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gadais Muscadet 2015, Sèvre Et Maine, Loire A.C., France: From the Loire wine region, Gadais 2015 is a great value Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie made from vielles vignes Melon de Bourgogne. Rich with layers of orange blossom, citrus peel, white grapefruit and nicely leesy giving a spicy and nutty character to the wine. Chill and enjoy with moules et frites. Muscadet food pairings: steamed mussels and fries, clam hot pot, fresh steamed freshwater shrimp. Drink: 2018 - 2020 444406 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baron de Hoen Pinot Gris 2016, Alsace A.C., France: The much-respected Alsatian winery Cave de Beblenheim has been making wine for more than 50 years. on the palate, the wine is just dry with balanced sweetness to acidity and flavours of tropical fruits, ripe stone fruit, quince, honeysuckle and soft sweet cake spices. Try this classic with grilled pork. This vintage was awarded Gold at the 2017 Concours Général Paris. Pinot Gris food pairings: mild curries, pad Thai, veal in white wine sauce. Drink: 2018 - 2020 461657 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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