Ktima Gerovassiliou Red 2022, Epanomi, Macedonia P.G.I., Greece: Epanomi sits on the Aegean coast near Thessaloniki, where Ktima Gerovassiliou has spent decades reviving Limnio, one of the oldest Greek grape varieties still in cultivation and one referenced by ancient writers as far back as the 5th century BC. The blend leans savoury and earthy, with Syrah and Merlot adding weight to blackberry and black currant fruit. Tannin is firm but doesn't tip into heaviness, and dried tobacco leaf shows up well after you've swallowed. Slow-braised beef brisket or pork chops from the grill would both stand up to it. Drink: 2026-2032. 32378 14.50% XD 750 mL $38.65 Score: 89/100. July 22, 2026
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewPlaneta Plumbago Nero D'avola 2022, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Alessio Planeta oversees production across six distinct territories in Sicily, and the Plumbago Nero d'Avola from Menfi is one of the clearest expressions of what the island's most celebrated indigenous red grape can achieve from certified organic estate fruit. Smoky and fragrant on the nose with dark plum, dried rosemary, warm clove, and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub, it opens to a ripe, structured palate of boysenberry, iron-tinged earth, tobacco leaf, and a long peppery finish with supple tannins. Drink it now through 2032 with grilled game sausages, roast chicken, or a bison burger. Drink: 2026-2032. 19491 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. June 20, 2026
Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewEscudero Solar De Becquer 2015, Rioja D.O.Ca., Spain: Old estate vineyards and traditional Rioja winemaking define the Solar de Becquer Reserva from Bodegas Escudero, one of the region's most respected family producers with roots stretching back to the early 1800s. Dried cranberry, warm vanilla, tobacco leaf, and iron-tinged earth open the nose, followed by a juicy, rounded palate of tart pomegranate and cracked black pepper, finishing long and polished with fine suede-like tannins. Drink it now through 2030 with grilled lamb or a slow-roasted pork shoulder. 49819 13.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 93/100. June 20, 2026
Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review