Wine Reviews and Food Pairings

Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2022, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Fabre Montmayou Reserva 2022 Malbec is vegan-friendly and a great value Malbec from the Mendoza's Luján De Cuyo at $20. Produced from grapes sourced from 40-year-old vines, the wine is fragrant with blueberry, mulberry, white pepper and well-integrated oak spice flavours creamy and generous on the palate. About 200,000 bottles of this wine were produced so stock up at this price. Drink: 2025-2031. 261867 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 16, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

47 bottles available at Bayfield & Hanmer (705) 722-1046
23 bottles available at Dufferin & Major Mack (905) 879-1139
19 bottles available at Bloor & Royal York (416) 239-3065
15 bottles available at Highway 17 & Tupper (613) 632-2121
15 bottles available at Bay & Bloor (416) 925-5266

Susana Balbo Críos Malbec 2022, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina: Susana Balbo Críos 2022 is a great value Malbec from the Uco Valley at $18. Fragrant with spiced cherry, red currant, black olive tapenade on the palate, this Malbec is fresh and flavourful with a lingering red berry finish delivered with smooth and silky tannins. The wine label shows three connected and overlapping hands, an image that was inspired by a Mayan artifact. The three hands represent Susana and her two children and "Crios" means offspring. Drink: 2024-2027. 162529 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. November 2, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

48 bottles available at Bloor & Royal York (416) 239-3065
48 bottles available at Bank & Walkley (613) 523-7763
43 bottles available at Highway 401 & Weston (416) 243-3320
37 bottles available at Erin Mills & Eglinton (905) 607-7900
34 bottles available at Innes & Tenth Line (613) 837-5527

Escorihuela Gascón 1884 Estate Grown Malbec 2022, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Escorihuela Gascón 1884 Estate Grown Malbec offers concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, violet and toasted oak. It's dry and full-bodied with a silky texture. Serve it at room temperature with smoky barbecued beef brisket where the wine's depth complements the char while its soft tannins balance the meat's richness, or cellar it through 2031. Winemaker Matías Ciciani crafts this wine at Argentina's oldest continuously operating winery, established in 1884 when Don Miguel Escorihuela Gascón emigrated from Spain and became the first to bottle a pure Malbec varietal wine in the 1940s—a pioneering move that helped establish Malbec as Argentina's signature grape. This versatile wine also pairs wonderfully with hearty mushroom and beef chili, where the wine's ripe fruit echoes the sauce's savory depth while its structure cuts through the dish's warming spice. Drink: 2026-2031. 375444 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. January 10, 2026 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

20 bottles available at Arthur & Neebing (807) 475-4833
15 bottles available at Cornwall & Trafalgar (905) 845-8100
11 bottles available at Rideau & King Edward (613) 789-5226
7 bottles available at Bank & Walkley (613) 523-7763
3 bottles available at Yonge & Davis West (905) 895-6341

Susana Balbo Crios Malbec 2023, Valle De Uco, Mendoza, Argentina: Susana Balbo Crios Malbec from Valle de Uco displays ripe blackberry, dark plum, lavender and a touch of sweet baking spice. It's dry and medium-bodied with supple tannins and lively acidity that keeps the concentrated fruit vibrant through the finish. Serve it at room temperature alongside beef and mushroom lasagna where the wine's rich fruit and smooth texture complement the savory layers, or pair it with grilled pork tenderloin rubbed with herbs where the wine's bright acidity cuts through the meat's richness while echoing the aromatic seasonings. Susana Balbo, who graduated in 1981 as Argentina's first female enologist from Don Bosco University in Mendoza, crafts this 100% Malbec from sustainably-farmed grapes grown at 1,050 meters elevation across different subregions of Valle de Uco, then ferments it in stainless steel with 40% spending eight months in well-used French oak barrels for added complexity. The wine's label features three connected and overlapping hands inspired by a Mayan artifact, representing Susana and her two children José and Ana who now work alongside her, and "Crios" translates to "offspring" in Spanish, symbolizing both the next generation of the Balbo family and wines designed for youthful enjoyment. Susana Balbo was inducted into the Decanter Hall of Fame in 2024, becoming only the second woman in the Americas to receive this prestigious honor. Enjoy this approachable Malbec through 2032. Drink: 2026-2032. 162529 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 21, 2026 Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review

Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Kaiken's Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon from Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza is an elegant, medium to full-bodied red wine offering notes of damson plum, cassis, wild blueberry and juniper. This dry wine displays well-structured tannins and concentrated character that will continue to develop over the next ten years. Serve it at room temperature with prime rib as the wine's layered complexity complements the marbled beef, or pair it with pork tenderloin where the wine's spiced flavors balance the tender meat. Winemaker Mariana Onofri crafts this wine from an old pergola vineyard in Vistalba, aging it in barrels that impart notes of sandalwood and cedar alongside cooling menthol and toasted almond complexity. The wine's richness and slightly liqueur-like tone define the heart of Vistalba, balancing concentration with peppery aromatics in this cool vintage. This luscious, grippy Cabernet represents outstanding quality and will drink beautifully through 2035. Drink: 2025-2035. 135202 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 94/100. February 21, 2026 Best Beef Wine Full Review

43 bottles available at Highway 401 & Weston (416) 243-3320
42 bottles available at Bloor & Royal York (416) 239-3065
40 bottles available at Yonge & Summerhill (416) 922-0403
29 bottles available at Wilson & Dufferin (416) 636-5349
26 bottles available at Dupont & Spadina (416) 922-7066

Sur de los Andes Cabernet Franc 2022, Mendoza, Argentina: The Sur de los Andes Reserva Cabernet Franc from Mendoza is a dry, medium-to-full-bodied red that draws you in with an aromatic nose of wild violet, crushed raspberry and dried thyme, while the palate unfolds with flavors of dark cherry, sun-dried fig and a savory hint of black olive, all carried by silky tannins and a lively, lingering finish. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in seasoned oak casks, the wine has a natural, unforced elegance that feels true to the land rather than the cellar. Serve it slightly below room temperature and enjoy now through 2032. Winemaker Pablo Durigutti, widely regarded as one of Argentina's most gifted young winemaking talents, was hand-picked by founder Guillermo Banfi when he launched the boutique Sur de los Andes label in 2005 after walking away from a successful career in international banking and finance to pursue his passion for wine. Pour it alongside a slow-braised beef brisket with roasted garlic and thyme, where the wine's earthy depth and dark fruit are an effortless match for the richness of the meat, or try it with a classic coq au vin made with pearl onions and mushrooms, where the wine's fruit and savory undertones weave beautifully through the dish. Drink: 2026-2032. 21992 13.90% XD 750 mL $16.80 Score: 90/100. March 21, 2026 Best Beef Wine Full Review

13 bottles available at Highway 7 & Weston (905) 851-2500
12 bottles available at Richmond & Kirkwood (613) 729-1735
12 bottles available at Highway 27 & Innovation (905) 264-7366
11 bottles available at Highway 2 & Green (905) 623-2391
10 bottles available at Osler & Main West (905) 628-2042

Viña Cobos Felino Malbec 2024, Mendoza, Argentina: Viña Cobos Felino Malbec from Mendoza displays aromas of ripe strawberry, dark plum, cracked black pepper and a hint of cocoa. It's dry and medium-bodied with smooth, supple tannins and lively acidity that keeps the concentrated fruit vibrant through the finish. Serve it at room temperature alongside gourmet burgers topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions where the wine's structure and bold fruit complement the savory richness, or pair it with spaghetti and meatballs where the wine's bright acidity cuts through the tomato sauce while echoing the dish's meaty depth. Founding partner and winemaker Paul Hobbs, who began exploring Mendoza's diverse terroirs in 1988 and established Viña Cobos in 1999, sources this 100% Malbec from hand-harvested grapes grown at altitudes between 2,300 and 3,800 feet above sea level across 65% Valle de Uco and 35% Luján de Cuyo, then ages it for nine months in small French oak barriques with only 8% new oak to preserve the pure fruit expression. The inaugural 1999 vintage of Cobos Malbec marked a milestone in viticulture that defied existing standards and firmly positioned Argentine Malbec on the international wine scene, and this entry-level Felino range continues to earn critical acclaim including 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck in 2025. Enjoy this approachable Malbec through 2035. Drink: 2025-2035. 118067 14.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 93/100. March 21, 2026 Best Beef Wine Full Review

96 bottles available at Mcneely & Highway 7 (613) 257-1646
50 bottles available at Yonge & Summerhill (416) 922-0403
48 bottles available at Bloor & Royal York (416) 239-3065
47 bottles available at Queensway & Highway 427 (416) 620-5390
47 bottles available at Appleby & New (905) 639-0337

Zonte's Footstep Blackberry Patch Cabernet 2021, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia: Zonte's Footstep, Blackberry Patch 2021 Cabernet is deep ruby in the glass and is dry, full-bodied with ripe blackberry, cassis, ripe dark plum, cedar brush, anise and dark chocolate flavours generous and lingering on the palate. Tannins are velvety and fine-grained. An amazing value Cab at $20, enjoy it now through 2033. Drink: 2024-2032. 353193 14.10% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 21, 2026 Best Beef Wine Full Review

91 bottles available at Yonge & Summerhill (416) 922-0403
91 bottles available at Avenue & Lawrence (416) 785-6389
70 bottles available at Appleby & New (905) 639-0337
68 bottles available at Bloor & Royal York (416) 239-3065
57 bottles available at Main & Thompson (905) 864-7030

Wakefield Estate Label Pinot Noir 2024, South Australia, Australia: Wakefield Estate Pinot Noir 2024 offers bright cherry and red-berry perfume with cedary oak spice and a hint of menthol; silky and approachable now, cellar gently to 2029—pair with mixed grill or roast chicken. Drink: 2025-2029. 197392 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 8, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

17 bottles available at Rideau & King Edward (613) 789-5226
3 bottles available at Bayview & Sheppard (416) 222-7658
3 bottles available at College & Bathurst (416) 922-8711
1 bottles available at Wonderland & Oxford (519) 432-7951
1 bottles available at Golf Links & Hwy 403 (905) 304-9608

Montes Purple Angel 2019, Colchagua Valley D.O., Chile: Montes Purple Angel 2019 is an elegant 92% Carmenere with the balance in Petit Verdot sourced from vines growing in granitic, clay, glacial and fluvial soils of the Colchagua Valley. Look for ripe and concentrated dark fruits, dark spices, mocha, vanilla and toasty oak spice on this juicy, beautifully balanced and popular Chilean red. Pour with bacon-wrapped filet mignon or hold in cellar for eight-plus years. Drink: 2022-2031. 62364 14.50% XD 750 mL $105.95 Score: 97/100. December 17, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

57 bottles available at Eglinton & Laird (416) 425-6282
54 bottles available at Innes & Tenth Line (613) 837-5527
39 bottles available at Bayview & St John (905) 727-7288
36 bottles available at Erin Mills & Eglinton (905) 607-7900
35 bottles available at Terry Fox & Campeau (613) 592-1849

Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2020, Aconcagua Costa D.O., Chile: Montes 2020 Pinot Noir is an excellent value Chilean PN at $17. Dry, medium-bodied with fresh dark cherry, raspberry, fresh herbs, subtly spiced with a lingering flinty mineral finish. A third of the wine was aged in French oak barrels for seven months with the balance in stainless-steel tanks. Lovely now. Lightly chill and enjoy with three pepper steak. Drink: 2022-2027. 37937 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 24, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

17 bottles available at Markham & Bur Oak (905) 201-9743
12 bottles available at Howard & E.c. Row Expwy (519) 972-1772
11 bottles available at Riddell & Centennial (519) 941-5800
9 bottles available at Glendale & Merritt (905) 641-1169
8 bottles available at Keele & Lawrence (416) 249-1391

Boya Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Leyda Valley D.O., Chile: From the Coast Zone, Leyda Valley wine region, Boya 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent value. Produced by Garcés Silva, this juicy, fresh SB is vegan friendly and produced from sustainably grown grapes. The Boya Vineyards are cooled by the moderated breezes off the Pacific Ocean giving the grapes time to slowly ripen and fully develop. These cooling breezes also bring a salty tang to the grapes. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tank giving extra freshness to its generous lime zest, gooseberry, melon and tropical fruit flavours finishing mouth-wateringly long on the palate on an herbal and briny mineral note. In other words, it is delicious! Chill and enjoy it through 2026. Drink: 2025-2027. 389726 12.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

31 bottles available at Rideau & King Edward (613) 789-5226
17 bottles available at Dufferin & Major Mack (905) 879-1139
15 bottles available at Highland & Westmount (519) 745-8781
14 bottles available at Lakeshore & Highway 10 (905) 278-7931
13 bottles available at Algonquin & Texas Gulf Road (705) 268-4600

Errázuriz Max Carmenère 2022, Aconcagua Valley D.O., Chile: 2022 Errázuriz Max Carmenère shows glossy black-plum and blackberry notes with cocoa and anise hints, framed by velvety tannins and subtle herbal lift. Try it with roasted lamb or smoky beef kebabs. Drink: 2025-2032. 37797 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. October 25, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

6 bottles available at Dundas & Jane (416) 762-8215
1 bottles available at Dixie & Highway 7 (905) 793-8027
1 bottles available at Paisley & Imperial (519) 822-2662

Falernia Gran Reserva Carmenère 2020, Elqui Valley, Chile: Falernia Gran Reserva 2020 Carmenère is produced from grapes sourced from vines in the Elquí Valley, 550 metres above sea level living in rocky, sandy soils. Produced in stainless-steel tanks to preserve the wine's fruity flavours and freshness, it is a soft and velvety Carmenère concentrated with dark berry fruit, dark cherry, plum, cocoa, vanilla and spicy flavours with a kiss of smoke on the finish. A portion of the grapes are dried in Appassimento style prior to making the wine. Excellent value at $20. Drink: 2024-2028. 269175 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. February 3, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review

71 bottles available at St. Clair & Pioneer Line (519) 354-9340
36 bottles available at Highway 7 & Woodbine (905) 940-2768
20 bottles available at Blair & Ogilvie (613) 745-9906
15 bottles available at Queen & Bellefair (416) 690-9876
12 bottles available at Markham & Bur Oak (905) 201-9743

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne, Champagne A.C., France: One of the most iconic and coveted rosé champagnes on the market. Stunning. Robust rosé champagne with aromas of cherry and toast. Perfectly balanced and elegant. This is the convenient half bottle size (375 ml): perfect for when you and your partner want to start a meal with a glass of bubbly each, then move on to something else. Great refreshment and cleansing acidity for a variety of dishes from fried chicken to shellfish. Drink: 2016-2022. 724559 12% XD 750 mL $109.95 Score: 92/100. November 25, 2017 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Lornano Chianti Classico 2017, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lornano 2017 Chianti Classico is a great value 100% Sangiovese ($21) from the Tuscany wine region. Fragrant and juicy with bright, ripe cherry, red berry, plum, loamy earth and dark chocolate flavours lingering on the palate with a nutty, spicy finish. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2026. 211599 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. February 4, 2023 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

1 bottles available at Carp & Highway 17 (613) 839-3210
1 bottles available at Bank & Holmwood (613) 238-5614
1 bottles available at Bay & Bloor (416) 925-5266

Ruffino Modus 2018, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Ruffino Modus 2018 is a crowd pleaser Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet red wine blend from the Tuscany wine region. The wine juice for each varietal is aged separately in small French and American oak casks up to one year prior to the final blend and bottling. Look for concentrated black cherry, plum, cassis, savoury herb and spicy flavours silky and vibrant on this muscular Supertuscan. Drink: 2024-2036. 912956 13.50% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. October 8, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Loveblock 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is vegan-friendly and produced from sustainably-grown grapes from the Marlborough wine region. Dry, mouth-watering and tasty with summer-kissed citrus blossom, apple, lemon zest, grapefruit, chive, dill, white pepper and mineral flavours silky and long on the palate. Delicious now. Drink or hold. Drink: 2022-2024. 22851 13.50% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. April 15, 2022 Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

8 bottles available at Regent & Long Lake (705) 522-8000
4 bottles available at Cope & Terry Fox (613) 836-2525
3 bottles available at Wilson & Dufferin (416) 636-5349
2 bottles available at Dundas & Jane (416) 762-8215
2 bottles available at Kingsway & Barrydowne (705) 560-4652

Lapis Luna Zinfandel 2021, Mendocino, North Coast, California, United States: From Pauli Ranch in Mendocino, Lapis Luna 2021 is a full-bodied, juicy Zinfandel with 20% Sangiovese added to the mix. "Lapis Luna" is Latin for "stone and moon" and is about the relationship between the earth (stone), the moon (luna) and as well as a nod to this producer's reach-for-the-moon attitude of exploring and finding undiscovered California vineyard sites. Crafted by Nicole Walsh, former winemaker at Bonny Doon, this Cali red is juicy fruity with tart cherry, ripe strawberry and pepper spice flavours zesty on the palate. The wine spent 10 months in French and American oak (10% new). Enjoy it through 2025 with equally juicy pork ribs and gourmet burgers from the grill. Drink: 2024-2025. 17264 14.30% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 20, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel 2020, Lodi, California, United States: From Don Sebastiani, Plungerhead 2020 is produced from Old Vines Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Lodi wine region. Over the last 20 years, Lodi has been recognized for its award-winning wines and high-quality grapes, with this example deep dark violet in the glass and fragrant with dark plum, chocolate, brambleberry, baking spices with a bright a long red berry finish. Totally overdelivers at $23. Drink: 2024-2029. 38039 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 19, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review