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 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 ReviewHeirloom Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Heirloom Coonawarra Cabernet shows cassis, floral lift, olive and warm spice with cedar framing; concentrated, chalky-tannined and long—cellar to 2036 and match with grilled ribeye or aged cheddar. Drink: 2025-2036. 493577 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2025
Best Beef 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 ReviewChateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz 2022, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa 2022 Shiraz is great value at $23. Dry, full-bodied and intensely fragrant with blue florals, blackberry, toasty oak and anise spice wrapped up in smoky Madagascar vanilla, this Grand Barossa is generous, silky, fresh and rounded on t he palate. Enjoy it through 2034. Drink: 2024-2033. 20884 14.90% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 94/100. November 16, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game 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 ReviewZonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2021, Langhorne Creek, South Australia,, Australia: Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor 2021 is a great value vegan-friendly Shiraz. Grapes for this vintage were sourced from Langhorne Creek, South Aus. and the wine is rich and enticing with dark berry, earthy violets, meaty and cracked pepper spice plushy and generous on the palate. Finishes long and silky and tannins are fine-grained and velvety. Pretty terrific now, enjoy it through 2033. Drink: 2024-2033. 72975 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 14, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewSidewood Shiraz 2021, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Drink: 2025-2043. 446146 14% XD 750 mL $19.95. February 7, 2026
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 $24.95 Score: 95/100. September 27, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef 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 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 ReviewSpeck Brothers Family Tree The Boxer's Ghost Pinot Noir 2024, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Drink: 2025-2028. 30622 13% D 750 mL $18.95. February 2, 2026
Luscious Lamb 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 ReviewPerez Cruz Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Maipo Valley, Andes, Chile: Perez Cruz Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley is a dry, full-bodied wine crafted from sustainably grown Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc, unveiling enticing aromas of dark plum, blackcurrant leaf, spearmint and wild thyme with vibrant, juicy flavors and tannins that offer a pleasingly textured structure. Serve it at room temperature with grilled ribeye steak with chimichurri sauce, where the wine's herbal notes echo the bright green sauce while the structured tannins stand up to the rich, charred beef, or pair it with braised short ribs as the wine's dark fruit and full body complement the tender, wine-braised meat. Winemaker Germán Lyon oversees production at Perez Cruz, a family estate founded in 1994 in the Maipo Andes that has become renowned for sustainable viticulture and crafting terroir-driven wines from high-altitude vineyards with rocky, well-drained soils. This second wine of the prestigious Pircas bottling offers exceptional value and can be enjoyed now or cellared through 2028. Drink: 2025-2028. 36167 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewPerez Cruz Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Maipo Valley, Maipo Andes D.O., Chile: From Maipo Valley, Perez Cruz Piedra Seca 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a sustainably produced second wine of Pircas, crafted from grapes grown under the Maipo Andes D.O. Predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc (5%), it unveils enticing aromas of deep cherry, bramble leaf, mint, and wild herbs. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and succulent, complemented by tannins that offer a pleasingly tactile structure. Perfect with grilled burgers or ribs, it’s enjoyable through 2035. Drink: 2025-2034. 36167 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 94/100. May 10, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewMontGras Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Maipo Valley, Chile: MontGras Intriga is a medium-bodied, dry Cabernet Sauvignon-based red from Maipo Valley, Chile, with a firm weight and lively profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker MontGras blends grapes from 70-year-old vines, highlighting mulberry, wild strawberry, black currant, and eucalyptus with a fragrant, juicy palate and well-integrated structure. At 14.5% alcohol, it has moderate aging potential through 2028, remaining fresh while gaining subtle complexity. Pair it with rosemary lamb ribs to complement its dark fruit and herbal notes, or fine cheeses to enhance its savoury, structured character. This wine reflects the depth and elegance of old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile's Maipo Valley. Drink: 2025-2028. 57901 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese 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 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 ReviewJean-Paul Couamais Vouvray Cuvée Réserve Brut Sparkling, Loire, France: Jean-Paul Couamais Vouvray Cuvée Réserve Brut Sparkling is a dry, light-bodied sparkling wine made from 100% Chenin Blanc. It displays bright pear, baked apple, and grapefruit notes with a subtle hint of elderflower and a fresh, tangy finish. Pair it with seafood or chilled shrimp for a delicate complement, or enjoy it with creamy cheeses for a balanced, refreshing contrast. Serve chilled to enhance its vibrant acidity. This sparkling wine showcases the elegance and tradition of the Loire Valley. Drink: 2025-2028. 44208 12.50% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2025
Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Splendid Salad 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 ReviewSanta Maria Valpolicella Ripasso Classico 2021, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Santa Maria Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore from Veneto is a dry, medium to full-bodied wine crafted using the traditional Ripasso technique where the wine is re-fermented on dried Amarone grape skins, revealing a beguiling blend of mulled tangerine, morello cherries and allspice with a saturation of ripe forest berry fruits that is silken in feel. Serve it at room temperature with grilled lamb chops with rosemary, where the wine's gently tannic structure and wild berry fruit complement the tender, herb-crusted meat, or pair it with baked ziti with Italian sausage as the wine's slight bitter edge and textured mouthfeel harmonize with the rich tomato sauce and savoury sausage. Winemaker Pietro Zardini oversees production at Santa Maria, a family estate in the heart of Valpolicella Classico that has been crafting traditional Veronese wines for generations using time-honored methods including the Ripasso technique that adds depth and complexity to the wine. This darkly floral wine has a hint of citrus that adds gravitas and can be enjoyed from 2026 through 2031 as its layers continue to evolve. Drink: 2026-2031. 47033 15% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2025
Luscious Lamb 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 ReviewGiusti Asolo Prosecco, Prosecco D.O.C.G., Italy: Giusti Asolo Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry is a light, dry sparkling wine with bright orchard fruit aromas and subtle white jasmine notes. It is lively on the palate with a fine, well-integrated mousse and a clean, refreshing finish. Pair it with a crisp garden salad for a lively contrast or enjoy with mild cheeses for a balanced, easy-drinking experience. Made from grapes in the Prosecco DOCG region, this wine exemplifies the elegance and precision of traditional Italian sparkling wines. Crafted by the Giusti family, it carries the prestige of the Asolo Superiore designation. Drink: 2025-2027. 47797 11.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2025
Splendid Salad 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 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 ReviewAndreza, 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
Luscious Lamb 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 ReviewGraham Beck Méthode Cap Classique Brut Pinot Noir Chardonnay Rosé Sparkling, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Graham Beck Méthode Cap Classique Brut Pinot Noir/Rosé Sparkling Chardonnay is a brilliant example of South Africa’s esteemed sparkling tradition, meticulously crafted using the time-honoured méthode champenoise. This blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay displays a striking blush hue, while the nose teases with hints of freshly baked brioche, zesty citrus peel, and a touch of roasted almonds. On the palate, the wine is robust yet refreshingly brisk, with an expertly measured dosage that maintains its inviting character without sacrificing its lively spirit. An exceptional choice for festive occasions, it pairs beautifully with crispy calamari and chargrilled shrimp skewers. Drink: 2025-2027. 175588 12% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2025
Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood 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 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 Review