Norfolk Rise Vineyard Shiraz 2017, Mount Benson, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: This attractive, full-bodied, deeply flavoured Australian red wine made from the classic Shiraz grape is aged mostly in stainless steel tanks and 10% French oak barrels for ten months. Aromas of fleshy ripe black fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak or lamb.
Drink: 2018-2024. 632117 13.90% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 5, 2019
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Merlot 2016, Central Valley, Chile: A value-priced Chilean Merlot with aromas of black plum and toasty oak. Full-bodied. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2018-2020. 507483 14% D 750 mL $12.00 Score: 87/100. April 12, 2018
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay 2017, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A full-bodied, tasty Chilean Chardonnay with aromas of green apple and toasty oak. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2018-2021. 304022 13.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 88/100. July 4, 2018
Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Calmel & Joseph Villa Blanche Chardonnay 2016, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France: It's little wonder that this wine won gold at the World Chardonnay Competition, yet it's so affordably priced. A terrific white wine from southern France that offers crisp minerality and refreshment, unusual for Chardonnay these days. Lots of lime-bright acidity for food, yet there's also an underlying richness and fullness to the wine that is mouth-filling and delicious! Very versatile with food, from fresh seafood to roast chicken or pork chops. Drink: 2017-2020. 375071 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.15 Score: 90/100. July 4, 2018
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Domaine Autrand 2016, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: This attractive, robust Rhone red wine is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah grapes grown in vineyards that are about 40-45 years of age. Aromas of black cherry and black raspberry with smoke. Pair with hearty meat dishes.
Drink: 2018-2024. 380675 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 5, 2019
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Bersano Costalunga Barbera D'Asti 2015, Piedmont, Italy Drink: 2017-2021. 348680 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.15. December 7, 2013
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review