Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec 2019, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: From Trapiche, Gran Medalla 2019 is a fresh, modern-style Malbec, dry, full-bodied, bright on the nose and velvety on the palate with ripe cherry, blueberry, red currant, fine herb and mocha flavours. Grapes for this vintage were sourced from select blocks in the Los Árboles zone, near the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Drink or hold to 2030. Drink: 2023-2032. 467977 14.50% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 94/100. September 23, 2023
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Geoff Merrill G&W Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Mclaren Vale Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Geoff Merrill G&W 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is terrific value at $30. Grapes were sourced from the McLaren Vale and Coonawarra wines regions (73%/27%). The wine is powerful but elegant and so expressive with cassis, dark cherry, cedar brush and dried tobacco leaf flavours savoury and long with a dark olive and meaty finish. Tannins are rich and rounded. Drink or hold to 2030, but this one wouldn't last in my cellar for that long ;) Drink: 2023-2030. 30747 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. May 13, 2023
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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. November 8, 2025
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Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2022, Stellenbosch D.O., South Africa: Kanonkop Wine Estate's Pinotage from Stellenbosch is an expressive, full-bodied red wine showcasing notes of blackberry, rose petal, cinnamon and dark chocolate. This dry wine displays silky tannins and vibrant acidity that will continue to evolve over the next five years. Serve it at room temperature with grilled ostrich steaks as the wine's bold fruit matches the lean game meat, or pair it with barbecue pulled pork sandwiches where the wine's spice complements the smoky sauce. Winemaker Abrie Beeslaar has been crafting world-class Pinotage at Kanonkop since 2002, producing wines that showcase the elegance and complexity this uniquely South African grape can achieve. Kanonkop Estate is one of South Africa's most celebrated wineries, having won the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Winery of the Year award, and the estate has been instrumental in elevating Pinotage's reputation on the global stage. This widely distributed Pinotage represents exceptional value and will drink beautifully through 2030. Drink: 2025-2030. 30191 14.20% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. December 20, 2025
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