Zuccardi Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2023, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Cool, creamy Chardonnay with lemon-rind and wet-stone minerality, almond and ripe mango notes; sleek, medium-full and refreshingly clear—drink now with roasted chicken. Drink: 2025-2027. 46400 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2025
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewClos de los Siete 2021, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Clos de los Siete is polished and linear—ripe blackberry and black-currant with dark-chocolate and mineral threads; medium-plus and refined with a long, silky finish—drink now–2029. Drink: 2025-2028. 622571 14.50% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 95/100. November 22, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewWirra Wirra MVCG Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Wirra Wirra MVCG Cabernet Sauvignon shows classic cassis and blood-plum depth with dried herb and menthol lift; full-bodied and finely balanced, cedar and spice frame a firm-tannic core—drink now or cellar for texture to soften. Drink: 2025-2027. 45380 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewClaymore Bittersweet Symphony Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, South Australia, Australia: Claymore Bittersweet Symphony is a medium-plus-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker Claymore layers cassis, briny olive, peppery spice, and roasted hazelnut aromas over a palate with fine texture and powdery tannins, finishing persistent and robust. At 14.5% alcohol, it has excellent aging potential through 2032, gaining complexity while maintaining freshness. Pair it with a prime rib roast to highlight its structured fruit, or a roast venison tenderloin to complement its spice and tannin grip. This wine showcases South Australia's talent for producing approachable yet refined Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink: 2025-2032. 489971 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewFarmer's Leap Random Shot Shiraz 2023, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Farmer's Leap Random Shot is a medium-plus-bodied Shiraz from Padthaway, South Australia, with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker Farmer's Leap highlights ripe mulberry, cassis, and purple fruit flavours, accented by cocoa, sandalwood, peppery spice, violet, and a hint of eucalyptus, creating a fresh and generous palate. At 14.5% alcohol, it can age gracefully through 2030, developing more depth and complexity. Pair it with roast beef to bring out its bold fruit, or grilled lamb chops to complement its spice and herbal notes. This wine showcases Padthaway Shiraz with approachable richness and a long, vibrant finish. Drink: 2025-2030. 33368 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 95/100. December 6, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewThe Lane Vineyard Shiraz 2021, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: The Lane Shiraz is a full-bodied, dry Shiraz from Adelaide Hills, South Australia, with a firm weight and concentrated fruit profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker The Lane blends estate-grown Shiraz with a touch of Viognier, highlighting ripe damson, allspice, charred oak, white pepper, and subtle iris florals, all layered over fine-grained, approachable tannins. At 13.5% alcohol, it has solid aging potential through 2030, maintaining freshness while developing complexity. Pair it with lamb chops to enhance its peppery spice, or roast pheasant to complement its silky, lingering fruit. This wine exemplifies modern Adelaide Hills Shiraz with elegance, energy, and a structured yet juicy palate. Drink: 2025-2030. 462515 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewMitolo The Jester Grenache 2023, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Mitolo The Jester Grenache is elegant and juicy—wild-strawberry and sweet-cherry perfume with floral spice and soft tannins; an immediate, crowd-pleasing pour for charcuterie or grilled pork. Drink: 2025-2028. 572222 14.40% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewYalumba Viognier 2022, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Yalumba Viognier is perfumed and silky—apricot, white-nectarine and floral spice with a satin cream mouthfeel and medium acidity; excellent with curried dishes or roasted pork. Drink: 2025-2028. 954644 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2025
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewAngove Family Crest Grenache 2022, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Angove Family Crest GSM (McLaren Vale) offers ripe red-currant and dark-cherry fruit with savory-herb and spice detail, velvety tannins and juicy freshness—everyday drinking with roasted meats. Drink: 2025-2028. 534750 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2025
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewYalumba Samuel's Collection Grenache 2023, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This bush-vine red perfumes of plum, raspberry and violet with warm spice; silky and fleshy on the palate, finely tannic and lingering—enjoy now or cellar into the early 2030s with roast lamb. Drink: 2025-2033. 531228 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewSister's Run Calvary Hill Shiraz 2021, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Sister’s Run Calvary Hill Shiraz is savory and dense—olive and cracked-pepper notes over persistent blue-fruit concentration, polished tannins and a compact finish—drink now or cellar to 2032 with grilled red meats. Drink: 2025-2027. 222018 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewSidewood Shiraz 2021, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Sidewood 2021 Shiraz is a beautifully fragrant and elegant red with aromas of dark cherry, dark berry and a touch of white pepper spice. The wine is medium-bodied and smooth, showcasing fine herbal notes and its silky texture on the palate. It spent 18 months maturing in French oak barrels, which adds a subtle depth to its rich fruit character. A fantastic option now, but with the potential to evolve in bottle. Enjoy it with roast pheasant and other game meats. Drink: 2025-2043. 446146 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. February 7, 2026
Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewWakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Wakefield's Jaraman 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, full-bodied wine with captivating aromas of ripe red cherry, black currant, dark chocolate, and subtle oak spice, complemented by refreshing mint notes. The palate is vibrant and flavourful, with juicy fruit intensity, fine, velvety tannins, and a smooth, approachable finish. Enjoy now or cellar through the end of the decade. Pair it with herb-crusted lamb chops or grilled portobello mushrooms. Drink: 2025-2027. 142398 14.50% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 95/100. September 27, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewDandelion Pride Of The Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia: Dandelion Vineyards Pride Of The Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon delivers rich aromas of dark plum, cigar box and cooling mint. It's dry and medium-to-full bodied with structured tannins. Serve it at room temperature with grilled ribeye steak where the wine's firm grip complements the meat's marbling while its generous fruit balances the char, or cellar it through 2030. Winemaker Elena Brooks, who learned the craft by interpreting barrel tastings for international visitors to her mother's Bulgarian winery from age 12, sources this wine from the Stranger's Reach Vineyard on Fleurieu Peninsula—the coastal site benefits from cooling breezes off the Great Southern Ocean and Lake Alexandrina, where deep alluvial soils and minimal rainfall encourage the vines to produce concentrated flavors. This powerful wine also pairs beautifully with herb-crusted rack of lamb, where the wine's intensity matches the bold seasonings while its lively acidity cuts through the meat's richness. Drink: 2026-2030. 23778 14.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. March 7, 2026
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewBachelder Wismer-Parke Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Drink: 2026-2034. 520379 13% XD 750 mL $65.00. April 28, 2026
Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewMegalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2021, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Megalomaniac Narcissist 2021 Riesling is crisp, juicy and, of course, expressive with ripe pear, apple, minerally and petrol notes. The wine is off-dry and balanced with racy acidity and can take on any rich holiday dish because, well, it just can! Drink: 2023-2027. 67587 10.90% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. August 10, 2024
Best Value White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full ReviewTabalí Pedregoso Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Maipo Valley D.O., Chile: Tabalí's Pedregoso Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley is a stylish, full-bodied red wine offering notes of blackcurrant, menthol, crushed granite and green bell pepper. This dry wine displays graceful tannins and vibrant character that will continue to develop over the next four years. Serve it at room temperature with steak fajitas as the wine's slightly herbaceous finish complements the charred meat and peppers, or pair it with hearty black bean soup where the wine's succulent texture balances the rich broth. Vineyard wizard Hector Rojas grows grapes on the Maipo Costa, making the most of Pacific Ocean influence to create wines of remarkable freshness. Winemaker Gonzalo Vial ages this wine deftly in French oak, adding layers of cedar complexity while preserving the wine's stony character and cassis fruit. This fresh, mineral-driven Cabernet represents excellent quality and will drink beautifully through 2030. Drink: 2026-2030. 569699 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 7, 2026
Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full ReviewArboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Aconcagua Valley D.O., Chile: Produced by Eduardo Chadwick, Arboleda 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from sustainably grown grapes sourced from Las Vertientes, mid-Coastal Mountain Range. The grapes in this area are treated to cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean giving this dry, medium-bodied wine fresh and rich flavours of dark cherry, blackberry, sweet and spicy dried tobacco leaf, chocolate and mint. The wine is framed with fine-grained tannins. Drink or hold through 2030. Drink: 2024-2030. 606764 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 8, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewSan Pedro 1865 Tayú Pinot Noir 2024, Buhahueico, Malleco Valley, Chile: San Pedro 1865 Tayú is a medium-plus-bodied Pinot Noir from Malleco Valley, Chile, with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker San Pedro, in collaboration with the Mapuche community, crafts this wine from selected vineyards using oak, cement, and stainless steel fermentation, offering red cherry, forest floor, peppery spice, and stony mineral notes with pleasantly grippy tannins and a vibrant, fresh palate. At 13.5% alcohol, it has strong aging potential through 2032, gaining complexity and depth over time. Pair it with lamb chops to highlight its red fruit and spice, or roast Cornish game hens to complement its earthy, savoury character. This Pinot Noir reflects the Malleco Valley terroir and the unique cultural collaboration behind its creation. Drink: 2026-2032. 16628 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 94/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewLes Grandes Serres La Chevalière Rasteau 2023, Rasteau, Rhône, France: Les Grandes Serres La Chevalière is a full-bodied Grenache-Carignan-Mourvèdre-Syrah blend from Rasteau, Rhône, with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker Les Grandes Serres offers juicy red cherry, wild thyme, sandalwood spice, and stony mineral notes, supported by fine-grained tannins and food-friendly acidity. At 14% alcohol, it has moderate aging potential through 2028, developing additional complexity while remaining approachable. Pair it with veal Porterhouse to highlight its savoury depth, or roast chicken to complement its fruit and spice. This vintage was awarded gold at the 2023 Concours des Vins Avignon, reflecting the wine's quality and Rasteau terroir expression. Drink: 2025-2028. 18502 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewHalos de Jupiter Côtes du Rhône, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône, France: Halos de Jupiter Côtes du Rhône is a dry, medium-plus-bodied blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah crafted by renowned winemakers Philippe Cambie and Michel Gassier, revealing red plum, Earl Grey tea and violet with a peppery, toasted oak finish. Serve it at room temperature with grilled ribeye au poivre, where the wine's spicy notes and firm tannins complement the cracked black pepper crust and rich beef flavors, or pair it with roasted lamb shoulder with herbes de Provence as the wine's garrigue-like character echoes the aromatic herbs. Philippe Cambie is one of the Rhône Valley's most celebrated consulting winemakers, having earned the title "Flying Winemaker" for his work with over 100 estates across southern France and gaining fame for helping producers achieve top scores from critics worldwide. This elegant, beautifully balanced red offers tremendous value and can be enjoyed now or cellared through 2030 as its layers of fruit and spice continue to integrate. Drink: 2025-2030. 276956 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full ReviewPierre Sparr Grande Réserve Gewurztraminer 2023, Alsace A.O.C., France: The Pierre Sparr Grande Réserve Gewurztraminer is truly a treat. Lychee-nectar and rose-petal aromas mingle with grapefruit zest and warm spice, while a hint of tropical fruit lifts the off-dry frame; textured yet vibrant, it lingers on a spiced finish. Fabulous together with sweet-and-sour fish or seaweed-wrapped tofu. Drink: 2026-2028. 747600 13.50% MD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. March 7, 2026
Calm Curry Wine Full ReviewJean Geiler Pinot Gris 2022, Alsace, France: This 2022 Jean Geilier is a treat. Bright and zesty, this wine layers pear, apricot and peach with melon sweetness and a flinty mineral thread, finishing crisp and balanced. Try it with steamed mussels or spicy Thai green curry. Drink: 2025-2027. 315119 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2025
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewGérard Bertrand AN 806 Corbières 2021, Corbières, Languedoc, France: Gérard Bertrand An 806 is a medium- to full-bodied Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre blend from Corbières, Languedoc, with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker Gérard Bertrand offers a charred, rich wine layered with black fruit, damson, crushed strawberry, garrigue herbs, espresso, and charred oak, supported by medium, rounded tannins and a fresh, textured palate. At 14% alcohol, it has aging potential through 2028, developing further depth while maintaining vibrancy. Pair it with a meat lover's pizza to complement its dark fruit and spice, or roast duck to highlight its charred, savoury notes. This wine exemplifies Languedoc's ability to produce full-bodied, approachable red blends with finesse. Drink: 2025-2028. 394288 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full ReviewSauternes 2022, Bordeaux, France: Maison Sichel's Sauternes is a luscious Bordeaux dessert wine sourced from vines whose average age is 50 years, showcasing beeswax, bitter orange preserve, poached nectarine and glazed papaya with beautifully balanced sweetness and refreshing acidity. This is the convenient half bottle size (375 ml) which is ideal when you'd like to begin a meal with a glass and half each to toast. Serve it chilled with a wedge of creamy Roquefort and toasted almonds, where the wine's opulent sweetness melts into the pungent blue cheese while the nuts echo its complex layers, or pair it with seared foie gras as the wine's rich fruit character complements the luxurious liver while its bright acidity cuts through the richness. The Sichel family has been a pillar of the Bordeaux wine trade since 1883, establishing themselves as négociants who source exceptional fruit from top estates to create wines of remarkable quality and value. This stunning Sauternes can be cellared until 2034 as its complexity continues to develop. Drink: 2025-2034. 46881 13% S 375 mL $27.95 Score: 94/100. December 6, 2025
Blissful Blue Cheese Wine Full ReviewMasi Toar Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2022, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Masi Toar Valpolicella Classico Superiore from Veneto is a dry, medium-plus-bodied wine crafted from a traditional blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Oseleta, the latter a native Veronese grape rediscovered by Masi in the 1980s after being thought extinct, delivering fresh, richly layered flavors of black cherry, damson, earthy herbs and cured meats with chalky cocoa-textured tannins. Serve it at room temperature with grilled Italian sausages and peppers, where the wine's charred character and well-integrated tannins complement the charred meat while its earthy herbs echo the dish's aromatics, or pair it with osso buco as the wine's depth and structure stand up to the rich, slow-braised veal shanks. Winemaker Raffaele Boscaini oversees production at Masi, a historic Venetian estate that has been at the forefront of preserving indigenous grape varieties and pioneering the Appassimento technique since 1772. This wine's name "Toar" references the volcanic soils in which the vines are planted, and it can be enjoyed now or cellared through 2032 as its layers continue to integrate. Drink: 2025-2032. 342444 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewMazzei Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico 2021, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This Chianti Classico Riserva from Mazzei is a dynamic and precise wine, brimming with vibrant aromas of wild currants, Morello cherries, and herbal spices. The medium-bodied structure is supported by fine tannins, offering both intensity and energy, with juicy forest fruit notes melding seamlessly with dried herbs. It’s a beautifully balanced wine with a focused, crisp finish, promising enjoyment through 2030 and beyond. Pair it with a hearty Italian dish like lasagne, veal Parmigiano, or a rich mushroom risotto for the perfect match. Drink: 2025-2030. 288530 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 94/100. April 26, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewVilla Maria Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: From the Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, Villa Maria Reserve 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from sustainably grown grapes. Dry, medium-bodied and showing pristine fruit flavours of passionfruit, mango, gooseberry, lemon-lime zest, grassy and herbal notes fresh and vibrant on the palate, it is drinking beautifully now through 2030. Drink: 2024-2030. 536201 12.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 95/100. November 16, 2024
Top Rated White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full ReviewStoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir 2023, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Stoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir offers lifted aromas of raspberry, woodland herbs and hints of sandalwood. It's dry and medium-bodied with polished tannins. Serve it lightly chilled with cedar-planked salmon where the wine's earthy character complements the smoky wood while its vibrant acidity balances the fish's richness, or cellar it through 2032. Group winemaker Jamie Marfell, who has crafted Stoneleigh wines for over 20 years, sources this wine from the Golden Mile, a strip of land covered with ancient sunstones that absorb heat during the day and radiate it back to the vines at night. The Stoneleigh estate was first planted in 1981 and helped establish Marlborough as one of the world's great regions for Pinot Noir. This versatile wine also pairs beautifully with herb-roasted turkey breast, where the wine's silky texture complements the tender meat while its fresh acidity cuts through the richness. Drink: 2026-2032. 325654 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 94/100. March 7, 2026
Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewSpoke Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Awatere, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Spoke Awatere Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is a dry, medium-bodied white wine revealing a pristine, fabulously lifted bouquet of crisp pear, lemon verbena, Meyer lemon and subtle stone fruit aromas, followed by a wonderfully flavoursome palate that's energetic, zesty and intensely expressed. Serve it chilled with grilled snapper with lime and cilantro, where the wine's Meyer lemon and lemon verbena notes echo the fresh aromatics while its energetic acidity complements the delicate fish, or pair it with fresh goat cheese and arugula salad as the wine's upfront expression and zesty character cut through the tangy cheese while harmonizing with the peppery greens. Winemaker Jen Parr oversees production at Spoke, a Marlborough estate that sources fruit from the cooler, windswept Awatere Valley where stony soils and intense sunshine create Sauvignon Blancs with exceptional intensity and lifted aromatics. This wine offers excellent drinking and can be enjoyed now through 2028. Drink: 2025-2028. 41799 13.20% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewHerdade dos Lagos HDL Touriga Nacional 2022, Alentejo I.G.P., Portugal: Herdade dos Lagos HDL from Alentejo is a dry, medium to full-bodied wine crafted from 100% Touriga Nacional, revealing exuberant red and dark fruit framed by finely-tuned, smooth tannins with lively stony minerals that carry through the long finish. Serve it at room temperature with grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, where the wine's fruit-driven acidity and smooth texture complement the tender meat's savoury richness, or pair it with beef tenderloin with port wine reduction as the wine's pure berry flavors echo the sauce while its vibrant acidity cuts through the dish's richness. Winemaker João Portugal Ramos oversees production at this estate in Portugal's sunny Alentejo region, where the combination of hot days, cool nights and ancient granitic soils creates ideal conditions for Touriga Nacional to express both power and elegance. This immaculate wine earned Platinum recognition at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards and can be enjoyed now or cellared through 2030 as its layers continue to integrate. Drink: 2025-2030. 45494 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 94/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewAndreza Reserva, Douro, Portugal: Andreza is a dry, medium-plus-bodied red with a vibrant weight and a smooth, structured palate. Made from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, the wine reflects the Douro region's stony soils and benefits from careful oak aging that adds depth without overpowering the fruit. Winemaker oversight ensures consistency and finesse, and the estate's history highlights its dedication to traditional Douro viticulture. Pair it with veal medallions in a rich wild mushroom sauce, or serve alongside roasted pork loin for a comforting meal. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for several years to develop further complexity. Drink: 2025-2029. 385849 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewRadford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc 2022, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: From the Stellenbosch wine region, Radford Dale Vinum 2022 is a vegan-friendly Chenin Blanc produced from sustainably grown grapes from 40-plus year old bush vines. Look for rich ripe pear, melon, stone fruit and soft orange citrus flavours on this zesty and expressive Chenin. Amazing value at $20, enjoy it now through 2026. Drink: 2024-2027. 13338 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. October 5, 2024
Top Rated White Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewGraham Beck Pinot Noir Chardonnay Rosé Sparkling, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Drink: 2025-2029. 175588 12% XD 750 mL $24.95. May 9, 2026
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewGonzález Byass La Copa Vermouth Rojo, Jerez, Spain: La Copa is rich and fragrant on the nose with wormwood, cinnamon, cinchona bark and orange zest aromas. Produced by González Byass, this vermouth is medium-sweet, smooth and an easy sipper on ice. Drink: 2024-2028. 491712 15.50% S 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. February 7, 2026
Top Rated Dessert Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewPerica Olagosa Reserva Tempranillo 2014, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Perica Olagosa Reserva 2014 is a dry, medium-plus-bodied Rioja red produced from 90% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha and 5% Mazuelo. Elegant and rounded with dark cherry, ripe red berry with mocha flavours savoury and silky on the palate, it is drinking beautifully now. A hearth wine or enjoy it with veal chops smothered in a rich wild mushroom sauce. Drink: 2024-2026. 37634 13.80% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. March 7, 2026
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewLuis Cañas Viñas Viejas Rioja Alavesa 2022, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Luis Cañas Viñas Viejas from Rioja is a dry, medium to full-bodied white blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, revealing whole-hearted, generous flavors with roasted almond, smoky barrel leading the way and a stealthy seam of ripe apricot, rich and stylish with an enjoyable future ahead. Serve it chilled with grilled sea bass with almond romesco sauce, where the wine's roasted almond, smoky character echoes the sauce while its ripe fruit complements the delicate fish, or pair it with creamy lobster risotto as the wine's rich structure and barrel influence stand up to the luxurious, butter-enriched dish. Winemaker Juan Luis Cañas oversees production at Bodegas Luis Cañas, a family estate founded in 1928 in Rioja Alavesa that has earned acclaim for crafting both traditional and modern-style wines from old vines, with this Viñas Viejas bottling showcasing the depth and complexity that comes from low-yielding, mature vineyards. This wine earned impressive recognition at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards and can be enjoyed now or cellared through 2027. Drink: 2025-2027. 44798 13.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 95/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full ReviewPerez Barquero Vermouth, Montilla-Moriles D.O., Spain: This sweet red Vermouth from Pérez Barquero crafted with Pedro Ximénez grapes showcases aromatic layers of warm spice, candied orange peel, clove, and toasted nuts with a whisper of herbal bitterness. Medium-bodied and lusciously sweet, it glides across the palate with velvety richness before finishing with a gentle bitter-sweet edge. Serve it chilled over ice with an orange twist as an aperitif or enjoy it through 2030. Juan Márquez, cellar master and winemaker since 1996, draws on over a century of expertise at this historic estate founded in 1905 by three brothers from northern Spain. Pair this distinctive Vermouth with Spanish cured meats and Manchego cheese where its aromatic complexity will enhance the nutty, savory flavors, or drizzle it over vanilla gelato for an elegant after-dinner treat that plays beautifully with the sweet spice notes. Drink: 2026-2030. 47036 15% S 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 10, 2026
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewVittore Formula Ancestral Vermouth, Valencia, Spain: Vittore Formula Ancestral Vermouth from Valencia is a luscious, medium-bodied fortified wine offering aromas of candied citrus peel, toasted hazelnuts, and aromatic herbs. It's sweet with balanced acidity and a warming, silky texture. Serve it chilled over ice with an orange twist alongside Spanish chorizo and aged Manchego cheese as the vermouth's spiced complexity will complement the savory, cured flavors beautifully, or pair it with dark chocolate truffles where the wine's bittersweet botanical notes will enhance the cocoa's richness perfectly. The fifth generation of the Valsangiacomo family crafts this vermouth using the original 1905 recipe created by Benedetto Valsangiacomo, blending Macabeo wine with 24 carefully selected botanicals including gentian, wormwood, sage, and chamomile from Mediterranean and Alpine sources, then aging the blend for six months in oak barrels. Founder Vittore Valsangiacomo's son Cherubino established the Spanish operations in 1890 after relocating from Switzerland to Chiva, drawn by Valencia's strategic port location and outstanding local grape quality. Enjoy now or cellar for 1-2 years. Drink: 2026-2028. 47016 15% S 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. February 7, 2026
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewBorsao Cabriola 2019, Campo De Borja D.O., Spain: Borsao Cabriola from Campo de Borja is a bold, medium to full-bodied red offering aromas of sun-dried fig, espresso bean, and hints of baking spice. It's dry with velvety tannins and a polished texture. Serve it slightly below room temperature with grilled ribeye steak as the wine's layered complexity and concentrated fruit will enhance the charred meat's savory richness beautifully, or pair it with aged Manchego cheese where the wine's depth and lengthy finish will complement the cheese's crystalline, nutty character perfectly. The winemaking team at Bodegas Borsao, formed in 2001 when three progressive cooperatives merged, crafts this wine in collaboration with renowned Syrah expert Chris Ringland from old vines between twenty and sixty years of age planted on stony limestone soils at 350-700 meters elevation. Named after the cabriola, an acrobatic equestrian maneuver requiring perfect balance between horse and rider developed through years of precise training, the wine ages for ten months in French and American oak and reflects the philosophy that great wine emerges from the harmonious partnership between winemaker and terroir. Enjoy now through the end of 2026. Drink: 2026-2026. 44785 15% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 21, 2026
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewMarieta Albariño 2024, Rias Baixas D.O., Spain: Marieta Albariño from Rías Baixas is a vibrant, medium-bodied white wine offering notes of Granny Smith apple, Bartlett pear, golden apricot and honeydew melon. This dry wine displays high-toned floral character and well-defined fruit that will continue to integrate over the next three years. Serve it well chilled with calamari as the wine's crisp acidity complements the tender seafood, or pair it with spaghetti alle vongole where the wine's citrus brightness enhances the briny clams. Winemaker Luciano Amoedo crafts this fun wine for Martín Códax, the largest cooperative in Galicia and renowned for producing the finest Albariño in the region. The wine's yellow peach and tangerine complexity make it built for seafood or vegetarian sushi. This bright, food-friendly Albariño represents excellent quality and will drink beautifully through 2029. Drink: 2026-2029. 22498 11.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 21, 2026
Sensational Shellfish Wine Full ReviewTorres 2021, Altos Ibéricos, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Torres Altos Ibéricos Crianza from Rioja offers deep blackberry, wild raspberry, violet and a whisper of smoked cedar. It's dry and medium to full-bodied with velvety tannins and refreshing acidity that carries the concentrated fruit through to a long, satisfying finish. Serve it at room temperature with braised short ribs where the wine's structure and dark fruit complement the rich, tender meat, or pair it with roasted portobello mushrooms topped with aged Manchego where the wine's earthy notes and bright acidity balance the savory, umami flavors. Under the direction of fifth-generation general manager Miguel Torres Maczassek, who studied oenology at Tarragona University, this 100% Tempranillo is crafted from hand-harvested grapes from sustainably-farmed vineyards in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, then matured for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels followed by additional bottle aging. The Torres family established their Rioja project in 2005 in the medieval hilltop village of Labastida, drawn by the exceptional potential of Tempranillo grown in Rioja Alavesa's chalk-rich clay soils at high elevation, and the family has earned consecutive recognition as Drinks International's Most Admired Wine Brand. Enjoy this expressive Crianza through 2030. Drink: 2023-2030. 18767 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 21, 2026
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewMarco Real Syrah 2023, Navarra D.O., Spain: Marco Real Syrah from Navarra is a polished, medium to full-bodied red offering aromas of ripe mulberry, charred oak, and hints of ground clove. It's dry with smooth tannins and concentrated fruit. Serve it at room temperature with roasted duck confit as the wine's luxurious texture and layered depth will enhance the crispy skin and tender meat beautifully, or pair it with aged Manchego cheese where the wine's intensity and persistent finish will complement the cheese's crystalline, nutty complexity perfectly. The winemaking team at Marco Real, part of the Belasco family's Grupo La Navarra, crafts this wine from 100% Syrah grown in the Finca La Pared vineyard in Torres del Río on the slopes of Sonsierra Navarra, fermenting at 27°C with 25 days of maceration before aging for five months in French oak barrels. Founded in 1992 as an extension of Destillerías La Navarra (established in 1988 as a pacharán producer), the winery now farms 200 hectares of estate vineyards across distinctive plots and won a Silver Medal at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards. Enjoy now or cellar for 5-8 years. Drink: 2026-2034. 44964 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 7, 2026
Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewSan Bernabé Vermouth, Rioja, Spain: San Bernabé Rojo Clásico Vermouth from Rioja reveals aromas of candied tangerine, roasted hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and warm cardamom with whispers of raisin and toasted oak. Sweet and medium-bodied with round, velvety texture, it flows across the palate with layered botanical complexity before finishing with persistent notes of espresso and caramel. Serve it chilled over ice with an orange twist or cellar it through 2046. The master blending team at Licorera Albeldense crafts this classic-style vermouth using the original family formula from 1963, macerating ten botanicals in Rioja red wine made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes before aging the blend in seasoned oak barrels for over three years, continuing the legacy established by founder Carmelo Rodriguez Galilea who opened the distillery in Albelda de Iregua to produce traditional spirits in the time-honored Rioja style. Pair this complex vermouth with Manchego cheese and roasted almonds where its nutty richness complements the aged, savory flavors, or enjoy it with grilled chorizo as the wine's spiced character beautifully echoes the smoky, paprika-laden sausage. Drink: 2026-2046. 47564 15% S 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. March 7, 2026
Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review