Mendel Semillon 2023, Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Mendel’s Semillón from the 1942 Paraje Altamira block revives this historic variety with a captivating interplay of beeswax, anise seed and sun-ripened lemon peel. Gentle oak nuance and a stony freshness underpin its layered texture, weaving into a refined, persistent finish. This Semillón feels both elegant and timeless. Drink through 2032 for peak expression. Drink: 2025-2028. 23331 13.70% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 93/100. July 19, 2025 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Rymill Coonawarra Classic Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: From the Coonawarra, South Australia, Rymill 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a Coonawarra classic, rich with blackberry pie, cassis, anise, bramble leaf, mint and dried sweet tobacco flavours rich and concentrated on the palate. Tannins are firm. Lots to love on this lush, medium-bodied and plushy Cab with pleasantly grippy tannins. Enjoy it through 2033. Drink: 2024-2033. 10541 15.60% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 2, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Wakefield Estate Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, South Australia, Australia: Wakefield Estate 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific value red from cool-climate vineyards in the Clare Valley and Limestone Coast. Bold and flavourful, this full-bodied wine shows layers of dark berry, red cherry, roasted herbs, cocoa and a hint of toasted nuttiness, all supported by vibrant acidity and smooth tannins. Matured in French oak, it strikes a harmonious balance between richness and finesse. Pour with beef short ribs or grilled portobello mushrooms. Drink: 2025-2032. 744235 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 95/100. June 7, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2021, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Peter Lehmann's The Barossan 2021 is a great value Shiraz at $22. Full-bodied and plushy with dark berry, blueberry compote, coconut, pepper spice and chocolate flavours savoury, vibrant and lush on the palate, enjoy this food-versatile Barossa beauty on its own or with a steak from the grill. Peter Lehmann is known for his efforts in saving the Barossa Valley wine industry in the 1970s, by sourcing and blending surplus grapes from the area, and crafting wines that helped some small family operations through tough times. Drink: 2024-2030. 522235 14.90% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. October 19, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2023, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The leading producer of Baco Noir in Canada. This wine offers superb depth and complexity with aromas of dark fruit and spice. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2024-2027. 459966 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 2, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Adamo Estate Winery Grand Meritage 2020, Mono, Ontario, Canada: Their Grand Meritage, which comes from Mono, Ontario, a stunning, emerging wine region just 45 minutes north of the GTA. This bold, full-bodied red really stands out with intense fruit flavors — think blueberries, blackberries, black cherries, and even a hint of dates. It's rich and complex, with a great balance of elegance and structure — perfect for pairing with a lamb burger or grilled eggplant with goat cheese. Adamo Estate Winery is set against a stunning backdrop — it’s next to Hockley Valley Resort, so you can easily make it a weekend escape. Spend the night, enjoy a spa day, and of course, savor their wine. The winery focuses on sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. They offer winemaker dinners, movies in the vineyard, a wonderful wedding venue! It's the perfect mix of relaxation and nature. Drink: 2025-2027. 13.30% D 750 mL  $53.00 Score: 95/100. June 21, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Pelee Island Winery Blanc de Blanc, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A crisp, lively sparkling wine with aromas of green apple, lemon, and pear, lifted by delicate floral notes and a touch of brioche. It’s light-bodied, dry, and refreshing on the palate, with fine bubbles, bright acidity, and 12% alcohol creating an elegant balance. Serve it well-chilled to highlight its freshness and sparkle. Fascinating fact: Pelee Island Winery crafts this bubbly from estate-grown grapes on Canada’s southernmost island, where the moderating effect of Lake Erie helps preserve vibrant acidity—perfect for sparkling wine. Best enjoyed young within 2–3 years for its crisp, fruit-driven style. You can order this wine directly from the winery at www.peleeisland.com. 276170 11.80% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2025 Full Review

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Colchagua Valley D.O., Chile: Drink: 2025-2027. 45086 14.30% XD 750 mL  $32.95. September 27, 2025 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Château Beau-Site Haut-Vignoble 2016, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux A.C., France: Bold tannins with ageability cement this Bordeaux in its black fruit-laden aromas. A beautiful mushroom risotto or filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes will pair well with this real wine. Drink: 2025-2028. 43907 14% XD 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Lillet Rosé, France: A succulent essence of peach entwines with foraged strawberry, delivering a bright tart quality that culminates in a delicate whisper of blossom at the finish. Its entrancing blush tone appears perfectly suited for a splash of effervescence or a juniper-infused spirit, inviting both leisurely sipping and inventive cocktail creation. For an elevated dining experience, try it alongside citrus-marinated scallops or a subtly spiced herb-crusted white fish. 295048 17% S 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. June 7, 2025 Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

Veuve du Vernay Brut Sparkling, Burgundy, France: A terrific sparkling wine from the Burgundy region of France! Zesty and crisp with lovely notes of white peach and green apple. Perfect for seafood. Drink: 2024-2026. 32535 11% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2024 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Brancaia N°2 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Maremma, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: From Maremma, Tuscany wine region, Brancaia N°2 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from organically grown grapes. A dry, full-bodied and perfumed Cab with black currant, dark cherry, nutty and dried herb flavours with an exotic spicy finish, it's bright and food-friendly with a vibrant, velvety finish and fine-grained tannins. Enjoy it now through 2028 with gourmet burgers and steaks from the grill. Drink: 2024-2028. 28451 14.50% XD 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 93/100. March 12, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2021, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: From the venerable cellars of Marchesi di Barolo in the heart of Piedmont comes the 2021 Barbaresco—a refined Nebbiolo that is as expressive as it is elegant. Sourced from vineyards where clay and limestone soils, enriched with quartz and fine silt, impart a unique minerality, this wine was aged one year in Slavonian oak barrels and then given an additional year in bottle to develop its intricate layers. On the nose, it unfolds fresh and vibrant aromas of ripe raspberry and cherry, underscored by subtle notes of earthy truffle and a refreshing hint of mint. On the palate, the wine is dry and medium-bodied, with fine, pleasantly grippy tannins that frame the juicy fruit and spice, creating an elegant balance that speaks to its refined structure. Its vibrancy now offers immediate charm, yet it promises further evolution with cellaring until 2030. For a memorable pairing, try it with a classic Piedmontese dish like risotto al tartufo or braised game. Drink: 2025-2035. 155408 14% XD 750 mL  $43.95 Score: 92/100. June 7, 2025 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2022, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: From Tenuta Sette Ponti, Oreno 2022 emerges as a Tuscan red of remarkable poise, instantly captivating the senses with a bouquet of delicate blossoms, nuanced mineral hints, and layers of rich, dark berries. Crafted from organically grown grapes in a blend of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, it offers a medium-plus structure where its intricately refined tannins envelop the palate with a silky, sumptuous texture. Although its current expression is impressive, further cellaring beyond 2028 will allow additional dimensions of balance and complexity to surface. For a memorable culinary experience, savour it alongside a hearty porchetta accented with fennel and sage, a rustic roasted eggplant parmesan, or a classic Tuscan tagliatta steak. Drink: 2025-2029. 735597 15% XD 750 mL  $99.95 Score: 100/100. June 7, 2025 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Terreno Momento Massimo 2016, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Drink: 2025-2030. 44854 14% XD 750 mL  $49.95. September 27, 2025 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Firriato Santagostino Baglio Sorìa 2018, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Drink: 2025-2028. 291369 14% XD 750 mL  $23.95. September 27, 2025 Delightful Duck Wine Full Review

Janare Q Brut Falanghina Sparkling, Sannio Benevento, Campania D.O.P., Italy: Pale gold fizz lifts honeyed-melon and quince-blossom aromas, while a plush core of baked-pear and fresh-almond notes rides on a cushion of fine bead. Bright and inviting, it finishes on a chalky whisper. Pair with prosciutto-wrapped melon and lemon-ricotta crostini. Drink: 2025-2027. 45390 12% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2025 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Corte Medicea Eklektós Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Polished blackberry-jam and cassis mingle with bell-pepper brightness and evergreen-needle perfume, while ginger-snap spice and vanilla-oak warmth wrap its sumptuous texture in velvet-fine tannins that lead to a lingering finish. Great pairing for venison-loin medallions with red-wine jus and coffee-rubbed rib-eye steak with thyme butter. Drink: 2025-2035. 574103 14.20% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Nikka From The Barrel Whisky, Japan: A powerful, complex spirit that greets you with aromas of caramel, dried fruit, and toasted oak, layered with spice, vanilla, and a hint of smoke. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, rich, and warming, with flavors of toffee, orange peel, baking spice, and a touch of leather, all carried by its bold 51.4% alcohol. The texture is velvety yet assertive, finishing long and layered. Serve it neat to appreciate its intensity, or with a splash of water to open up its intricate aromas. Fascinating fact: Created in 1985 by master blender Tadashi Sakuma, this whisky combines over 100 different malt and grain whiskies, which are re-casked to “marry” before bottling—a technique that adds remarkable depth and harmony. With its strength and concentration, it will keep beautifully for many years once opened if stored properly. 10226 51.40%  700 mL  $65.15 Score: 95/100. September 13, 2025 Full Review

Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Pinot Gris 2021, New Zealand: Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast 2021 Pinot Gris is so fragrant with ripe pear, apple, honeyed melon aromas mirrored on the palate with a smooth and lingering mineral finish. A lovely, fresh, dry and juicy PG produced from grapes sourced from several coastal sites: Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Gisborne and Waipara. Great value at $20. Drink: 2023-2025. 30153 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 9, 2023 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Jules Taylor Pinot Noir 2021, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This Marlborough Pinot Noir from Jules Taylor greets you with a perfume of ripe damson and violet petals, laced with a hint of clove spice. Its medium-bodied palate glides on a silky ribbon of chalky tannin, unveiling bright raspberry and earthy mushroom notes. Fresh acidity and a fine-grained structure deliver tension and polish through the finish. Pair with thyme-roasted quail or creamy chèvre polenta for a refined experience. Drink: 2025-2032. 329805 13.50% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 95/100. July 19, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Matahiwi Estate Pinot Gris 2023, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand: Matahiwi Estate 2023 Pinot Gris from Wairarapa unfurls aromas of golden plum and ripe melon layered with toasted brioche and cedar undertones. It’s lush yet agile, finishing with a zesty lift. Chill and enjoy with pork medallions in herb vinaigrette, roasted baby potatoes and charred corn salsa. Drink: 2025-2027. 12679 12.80% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 93/100. August 2, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Tohu Pinot Gris 2024, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Drink: 2025-2027. 43361 13.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95. September 27, 2025 Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Quinta do Espírito Santo 2020, Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal: From Casa Santos Lima, Quinta do Espírito Santo 2020 is a vegan-friendly, full-bodied and vibrant red wine blend of Tinta Roriz and Castelão wine grapes. Excellent value at $16, the wine is fragrant with crushed red berry, dried fruits, mocha and spicy with a warm and long, silky finish. The wine was aged in a blend of Portuguese and American oak vats, and this vintage was awarded Grand Gold at the 2023 Citadelles du Vin. Drink: 2024-2028. 488015 15% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 11, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Casa Santos Lima Quid Pro Quo 2021, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Alentejo, Portugal: From Vinho Regional Alentejano, Casa Santos Lima, Quid Pro Quo 2021 is a vegan-friendly and velvety red wine blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. Amazing value at $14, this is a beautifully balanced, dry and full-bodied Alentejo red, generous with ripe dark fruits, plum, savoury herbs rounded and supple on the palate. Very nicely structured. Buy cases of it at this price. Drink: 2024-2027. 37768 14% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 89/100. June 8, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2019, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: From the Stellenbosch W.O., Rustenberg 2019 is a great value 100% Chenin Blanc at $16. Love the fresh nose of apple, lemon-lime zest with dried fine herbs and mineral notes with a zesty finish. Chill and enjoy with fish tacos, crab cakes and spring salads topped with freshly steamed and chilled shrimp. Drink: 2022-2024. 698274 13.30% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2022 Best Value White Wine. Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review

Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc 2023, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: From the famed Lynedoch vineyard, where Radford Dale’s top Renaissance bottling originates, this Chenin Blanc offers wonderful value. It’s an expressive wine with rich pear, melon, and stone fruit notes, rounded out by soft orange citrus. The zesty acidity adds vibrancy, while the wine’s balance showcases the old-vine complexity. A beautifully crafted, vegan-friendly wine with a lively finish. A must-try now (and a great option for the next few years) alongside roast chicken or quail stuffed with wild apricot. Drink: 2025-2027. 13338 12.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. April 12, 2025 Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Ken Forrester Pat's Garden Reserve 2020, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Drink: 2025-2030. 45169 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95. September 27, 2025 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Signature Range Viognier 2024, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Drink: 2025-2026. 18687 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95. September 27, 2025 Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Thelema Sutherland Chardonnay 2021, Elgin W.O., South Africa: Drink: 2025-2025. 146423 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95. September 27, 2025 Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review

Ontañón Viura 2021, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Drink: 2025-2027. 437707 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95. September 27, 2025 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

R.López De Heredia Tondonia 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Drink: 2025-2055. 356337 12.50% XD 750 mL  $73.95. September 27, 2025 Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Izarbe 2007, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Drink: 2025-2030. 44870 14% XD 750 mL  $47.95. September 27, 2025 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Puelles Gran Reserva 2015, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: This Gran Reserva Rioja (95% Tempranillo, 5% Grenache, Graciano & Mazuelo) spent 24 months in French and American oak. Aromas of dark plum and red berries flow into layers of bittersweet chocolate and balsamic nuance, framed by perfect acidity and silky, integrated tannins. Drinking beautifully now and will evolve gracefully into the early 2030s. Pair with smoked meats, braised beef dishes, meat pies or hard cheeses. Drink: 2025-2029. 30222 14% XD 750 mL  $26.75 Score: 93/100. August 2, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Ontañón Reserva Rioja 2015, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A ripple of cracked black-pepper and dried-tobacco leaf frames rich damson compote, all carried by taut tannins. Balanced and savory, it demands bold flavors. Pair with duck-confit pizzettes and smoked-brisket quesadillas. Drink: 2025-2028. 725895 13.50% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 94/100. September 13, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Nivarius Edición Limitada Blanco 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Toasted almond and white-flower aromas meet baked apple and lemon-zest on a creamy, oak-kissed palate. Bright acidity and a long, nutty finish promise graceful aging. Pairs equally well with mushroom risotto or grilled sea bass with almond crust. Drink: 2025-2029. 15591 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. September 13, 2025 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Valtravieso Rolland Galarreta Merlot 2020, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: Juicy wild-strawberry drizzle and black-plum purée are woven with sweet-root liquorice and cedar-plank warmth. Bright acidity threads through a velvety core, while a touch of graphite-dust tannin guides a lingering echo of clove and anise. Drink now through 2028 and pair it with char-grilled lamb chops with rosemary-garlic butter or Manchego-stuffed piquillo peppers. Drink: 2025-2028. 434423 14% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 96/100. September 13, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Muriel Reserva 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Fresh bay-leaf and tomato-vine aromas weave through a tapestry of cranberry compote and cedar plank. Chalk-fine tannins support each sip, leading to a lingering thread of dusty spice. Serve with herb-crusted rack of lamb and piquillo-pepper empanadas. Drink: 2025-2027. 276030 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 13, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Urbina 2006, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Drink: 2025-2026. 10494 14% XD 750 mL  $41.95. September 27, 2025 Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Agramont 2015, Navarra D.O., Spain: Drink: 2025-2026. 44663 13.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95. September 27, 2025 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Castaño Hécula Organic Monastrell 2022, Yecla D.O., Spain: Castaño Hécula 2022 Monastrell skips the heavy theme in favor of fresh-picked berry uplift, melding wild-herb garrigue notes with ripe boysenberry and a kiss of rhubarb. Its light-footed tannins and bright pulse of acidity give each sip a sprightly finish. Pair it with smoky eggplant stacks topped with labneh or spicy chorizo-and-poblano tacos for a fun contrast. Drink: 2025-2026. 718999 14% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review

Pomelado Orange Wine 2023, Castilla La Mancha, Spain: Dominio de Punctum’s 2023 Pomelado is a copper-tinted orange wine steeped in apricot, ripe mango and toasted almond notes. Skin contact delivers a plush, tannic structure, balanced by bright, juicy acidity. The finish is long and laced with spice and minerality. Pair with roasted root-vegetable salad or Korean-style pork belly. Drink: 2025-2026. 12119 13.20% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. July 19, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Burgo Viejo Reserva 2020, Rioja D.O.C.A, Spain: This pure Tempranillo races forward on waves of macerated cherry, tart cranberry and succulent plum, all underpinned by firm tannins and vivid freshness. Its silky mid-palate leads to a seamless, resonant finish that lingers beautifully. Enjoy it with manchego-and-quince crostini or a smoky paprika-spiced pork loin. Drink: 2025-2026. 168823 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: This pure Reserva Tempranillo captivates with enticing aromas of sweet spices, a wisp of smoke, and a savoury hint of seaweed. Subtle nuances of roasted nuts and Iberico ham add depth to the bouquet. Medium-bodied on the palate, it reveals a juicy core of fruit supported by rounded, finely polished tannins. Balanced and approachable, this wine offers a harmonious drinking experience now, with the potential to evolve gracefully into the early 2030s. Drink: 2025-2030. 30885 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. January 21, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Elías Mora Crianza 2020, Toro D.O., Spain: Elías Mora Crianza 2020 is produced by Bodegas Elías Mora in San Román de Hornija, Toro wine region. Bodegas Elías Mora is a winery that was founded in 2000 by Victoria Benavides and Victoria Pariente. The two vineyards named after the two Victorias, are planted with pre-phylloxera Tinta de Toro vines and so have not been grafted. Fresh and fragrant with dark cherry, rich black plum, potpourri, wild herbs, expresso and smoky flavours on the palate, this is a powerful and elegant Toro crianza with satiny tannins and lingers on fresh, subtle spicy finish. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tank and after malolactic conversion, the wine was aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. Enjoy it with veal chops from the grill. Drink: 2024-2030. 366815 15% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 16, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Altanza Reserva 2017, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From the Rioja wine region, Altanza Reserva 2017 is a great value, vegan-friendly Tempranillo and is dry, medium-plus-bodied and vibrant on the palate with black cherry, blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, olive tapenade, earthy and spicy notes framed by rich and mouth-coating tannins that linger on and on. A perfect pairing to an equally juicy roast of pork. Drink: 2024-2028. 208223 14% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 16, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Cuatro Rayas 40 Cuarenta Vendimias Seleccion Especial Verdejo 2023, Rueda, Spain: This vibrant and straightforward Verdejo comes from 40-year-old vines, showcasing classic citrus notes of grapefruit pith, lime, and a hint of pine. The palate is fresh and energetic, with the distinctive intensity from the region's canto rodado soils. A wine with character and a refreshing, unpretentious charm, perfect for a variety of occasions. Drink now through 2027 alongside smoked salmon or grilled seafood. Drink: 2025-2027. 41261 13% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 92/100. April 26, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Penedès, Spain: Gorgeous complexity and concentration of flavour on this blockbuster Spanish red wine made from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape! The grapes for this lusciously ripe Cabernet grow on vines planted on the belvedere of the Mas la Palana estate. Aromas of blackberry jam, dark spice and some pepper. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2017-2024. 36483 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. December 16, 2019 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Matilda Nieves Mencia 2020, Ribeira Sacra, Ribera del Duero D.O., Spain: From Bodegas Rectoral de Amandi, Matilda Nieves 2020 is a vibrant red wine blend of 85% Mencia, 8% Garnacha and 7% Sousón with grapes sourced from the incredibly steep slopes of Ribeira Sacra. Fragrant with ripe dark plum, blackberry, mulberry and blueberry aromas, the wine is silky and mouth-filling with dark berry and ripe plum flavours fresh, vibrant and silky on the palate. Tannins are velvety. Drink: 2025-2027. 26322 13% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 29, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Altanza 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From Bodegas Altanza, Altanza Crianza 2018 is a great value 100% estate-grown Tempranillo at $18. The wine was aged for one year in French oak casks, followed by two months in French oak foudres. Easy to enjoy and pretty yummy now with ripe strawberry, cherry, plum, spicy cigar box and dark chocolate flavours. Enjoy it with a variety of aged cheeses like Manchego and Comté. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2027. 114835 13.30% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2, 2023 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017 is a vegan-friendly, dry, full-bodied Tempranillo from the Rioja wine region with a mouthful of ripe dark cherry, crushed raspberry, savoury herbs and dark spice flavours plentiful on the palate. Very elegant with chalky tannins, enjoy it now or cellar to 2027. Drink: 2024-2032. 642496 13.50% D 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 92/100. June 7, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Cune 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Cune Blanco Reserva 2019 is produced from Viura grapes from vines planted in 1973 in clay-rich soils around the village of Torre Montalvo. The vineyard is protected from the frost by the small Barbarroja mountain. This is the second vintage of the Reserva white similar to the style of wine they produced in the 1950s and 1960s. The 2019 vintage is dry, medium-bodied and citrusy with fine herbs, dried florals and smoky notes, chalky-textured and vibrant on the palate. The wine was matured in a combination of concrete, oak vats and barrel for 18 months. Chill and enjoy it through 2028. Drink: 2024-2028. 22446 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 20, 2024 Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2021, Napa Valley, California, United States: Beringer Private Reserve 2021 Chardonnay is produced from grapes sourced from Gamble Ranch in Oakville. Dry and full-bodied, this Napa Valley Chard from an Old Wente Clone, is fragrant with summer-kissed white florals, tropical fruit, fresh sliced pear, apples and lemon curd flavours, toasty and plushy on the palate. Drinking beautifully now but will continue to evolve in bottle for the next few years. Drink to 2030. Drink: 2023-2031. 26682 14.70% D 750 mL  $79.95 Score: 95/100. November 4, 2023 Top Rated White Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review

J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Paso Robles, California, United States: From the Paso Robles, California wine region, J. Lohr's Hilltop 2018 is a fragrant Cabernet Sauvignon-driven red wine blend with 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec splashed in. The wine was matured 18 months in French oak barriques (70% new). Look for ripe blueberry, cherry and dark plum aromas on the nose, full-bodied and smooth on the palate with ripe dark berry, cherry, mocha, dark spices, smoky and toasty on the palate. Pour with a grilled T-bone steak or roast beef dinner. This vintage was awarded Gold at the 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Drink: 2021-2028. 686584 14.90% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Red Hills, Lake County, California, United States: From Red Hills, Lake County, California, Obsidian Ridge Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, full-bodied and tannic Cab that needing some cellar time. Rich on the nose with black currant, dark cherry and flinty mineral aromas with balanced acidity on the palate. The wine was aged in Hungarian oak barrels for 18 months (40% new). Try it in 2026. Drink: 2023-2028. 544940 14.80% XD 750 mL  $58.95 Score: 94/100. November 19, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay 2023, Carneros, California, United States: From Carneros, California, Rombauer 2023 Chardonnay is a dry, full-bodied 100% Chardonnay concentrated with ripe peach, red apple, melon, apple cake spice flavours with buttery and lemon curd notes generous and zesty on the palate. Elegant and youthful, enjoy it now through 2028 with a traditional roast chicken dinner. Rombauer was founded by Koerner Rombauer in 1980 and the winery has been making Chardonnay since 1982. Rombauer's great-aunt, Irma, also wrote the international bestseller, The Joy of Cooking. Drink: 2024-2029. 441089 14.60% XD 750 mL  $69.95 Score: 91/100. November 2, 2024 Top Rated White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review