Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2023, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Susana Balbo Signature is a medium-plus-bodied Malbec from the Uco Valley, Mendoza, with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker Susana Balbo crafts this unfined and unfiltered wine from high-elevation vineyards, offering ripe black fruits, cassis, warming spice, and cocoa flavours with a fresh, generous palate and supportive tannins. At 14.5% alcohol, it has strong aging potential through 2030, developing more complexity over time. Pair it with a meat lover's pizza to highlight its dark fruit, or a spiced lamb or sausage dish to complement its richness and structure. This wine exemplifies Uco Valley Malbec with mountain freshness and elegant concentration. Drink: 2025-2030. 79798 14.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 95/100. December 6, 2025 Magnificent Meat Pizza 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. October 25, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Farmer'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 Review

Leyda Coastal Vineyards Canelo Syrah 2022, Leyda Valley D.O., Chile: Leyda's Coastal Vineyards Canelo Syrah from Leyda Valley is a rich, medium to full-bodied red wine offering notes of black cherry, grilled herbs, rosemary and cooking spices. This dry wine displays firm, dusty tannins and impressive concentration that will continue to develop over the next six years and beyond. Serve it at room temperature with BBQ beef short ribs as the wine's meaty character complements the caramelized sauce, or pair it with meat-lover's pizza where the wine's succulent finish stands up to the hearty toppings. Winemaker Viviana Navarrete crafts this deeply layered Syrah using thirty-five percent whole bunches to add complexity and spice, sourcing fruit from coastal vineyards where Pacific Ocean breezes create wines of remarkable freshness and intensity. Leyda was one of Chile's pioneering cool-climate regions, first planted in the 1990s, and has since established a reputation for producing world-class Syrah that rivals French examples. This flavorful, tightly wound wine represents excellent quality and will drink beautifully through 2032 and beyond. Drink: 2026-2032. 42109 13% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 93/100. January 24, 2026 Best Beef Wine Full Review

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

Halos 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 Review

Gérard 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 Review

Famile Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras 2022, Vacqueyras A.O.C., Rhône, France: Famille Perrin's Les Christins Vacqueyras from Rhône is a vibrant, full-bodied red wine blending Grenache and Syrah with notes of black plum, wild thyme, white pepper and forest floor. This dry, beautifully balanced wine displays supple tannins and impressive freshness that will continue to develop over the next five years. Serve it at room temperature with grilled lamb merguez sausages as the wine's spicy character mirrors the North African spices, or pair it with herb-roasted pork loin where the wine's savory depth complements the fragrant rosemary and garlic. Winemaker Charles Perrin oversees this cuvée sourced from fifty-year-old vines in the rocky Dentelles de Montmirail foothills, hand-harvesting and aging the wine in traditional large oak foudres for a year. The Perrin family is best known for producing the legendary Château de Beaucastel in nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and they bring the same meticulous attention to detail to this exceptional Vacqueyras. This wine captures the essence of southern Rhône terroir at an outstanding price and will cellar gracefully through 2030. Drink: 2025-2030. 973453 14.50% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 93/100. December 20, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Michele Chiarlo Le Orme Barbera d'Asti 2022, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Michele Chiarlo's Le Orme Barbera d'Asti from Piedmont is a generous, medium-bodied red wine offering notes of ripe plum, blackberry, violet and savory herbs. This dry wine displays soft tannins and juicy fruit that make it immediately approachable. Serve it at room temperature with grilled Italian sausages with marinara as the wine's bright acidity cuts through the rich tomato sauce, or pair it with eggplant and ricotta baked ziti where the wine's freshness balances the melted cheese. Winemaker Stefano Chiarlo crafts this ready-to-drink Barbera from four estate vineyards in Nizza, including the historic old-vine La Court vineyard, aging the wine sixteen months with four months in large oak to add subtle depth while preserving the fruit's vibrant character. The estate's vineyards are part of the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 2014 for their outstanding cultural landscape and centuries-old winemaking traditions. This fruit-forward Barbera offers exceptional depth and typical varietal character at an attractive price and will drink beautifully through 2031. Drink: 2026-2031. 265413 13.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. January 10, 2026 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Cusumano Presti e Pegni Benuara Syrah Nero d’Avola 2022, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: Cusumano Benuara from Sicily's Presti e Pegni estate blends 70% Nero d'Avola with 30% Syrah to deliver a wine bursting with aromas of wild blackberry, plum, cracked black pepper, and dried Mediterranean herbs. Dry and medium to full-bodied with polished tannins, it unfurls across the palate with luscious dark fruit and closes with a vibrant, spicy edge. Serve it slightly below room temperature or cellar it through 2030. Mario Ronco, the consultant winemaker from Piedmont, works with brothers Alberto and Diego Cusumano using sustainably grown grapes from the warm, powerful terroir of Monreale near Palermo, where the family established their winery in 2001 and quickly rose to become the number one Sicilian wine brand in the United States. Pair this juicy red with slow-braised beef stew where its bold fruit and gentle tannins will embrace the rich, savory flavors, or enjoy it with grilled lamb chops rubbed with rosemary as the wine's herbal notes beautifully echo the aromatic meat. Drink: 2026-2030. 597138 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 10, 2026 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Pajaru Vientu Appassimento 2024, Puglia I.G.T., Italy: Pajaru Vientu from Puglia opens with enticing aromas of blackberry, dark plum, black olive tapenade, and dried herbs with hints of dark chocolate and cool mint. Off-dry and medium-bodied with a lively, bouncy texture from vibrant acidity and minerality, it flows across the palate with concentrated dark fruit and closes with a refreshing finish of spearmint and anise. Serve it slightly below room temperature or cellar it through 2028. Federico De Cerchio, fourth-generation winemaker who returned to the family estates in 2018 after founding and selling Italy's first wine e-commerce company, crafts this appassimento-style blend of 35% Primitivo, 35% Negroamaro, and 30% Nero di Troia from vineyards in Manduria near the Salento Peninsula that his grandfather Laurentino discovered in the 1960s when shepherds offered him wine from their property after helping repair his broken-down car, leading to the purchase of what became Tenuta del Pajaru. Pair this distinctive red with slow-braised osso buco where the wine's dark fruit complements the rich, wine-braised veal shanks, or enjoy it with grilled lamb chops rubbed with rosemary as the herbal notes beautifully echo the aromatic meat. Drink: 2026-2028. 47088 15% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 24, 2026 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Gloria 2022, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Gloria's Reserva from Douro is a fresh, full-bodied red wine blending Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional with notes of iris, mulberry, cassis and dried oregano. This dry wine displays rounded texture and sweet spice finish that will continue to develop over the next four years. Serve it at room temperature with slow-braised brisket as the wine's fruity character complements the rich meat, or pair it with grilled rack of lamb where the wine's structure stands up to the charred flavors. Winemaker Vicente Faria crafts this nicely done Reserva with layers of toasted vanilla complexity while preserving the wine's vibrant fruit expression. Gloria represents exceptional quality from Portugal's premier Douro Valley, showcasing indigenous varieties at accessible prices. This great-value red represents outstanding quality and will drink beautifully through 2030. Drink: 2026-2030. 146522 13.30% D 750 mL  $15.10 Score: 91/100. February 7, 2026 Delightful Duck Wine Full Review

Andreza 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 Review

Faustino V 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A, Spain: Faustino's V Reserva from Rioja is a juicy, medium-bodied red wine offering notes of cherry, plum, leather and dark spice. This dry Tempranillo-based blend displays fine-grained tannins and bright freshness that will continue to develop over the next nine years. Serve it at room temperature with roasted leg of lamb as the wine's complexity complements the rich meat, or pair it with Spanish tapas including aged manchego and chorizo where the wine's Old World maturity enhances the traditional flavors. Winemaker Julio Faustino Martínez crafts this expressive Reserva with consistent quality, introducing Maturana to the blend for the first time in this vintage, adding layers of black earth and peppercorn to the classic Rioja profile. Bodegas Faustino Martínez has been family-owned since 1861 and is one of Rioja's most respected producers, maintaining traditional winemaking methods while aging their wines to achieve graceful complexity. This succulent, long-finishing Reserva represents excellent quality and will drink beautifully through 2035. Drink: 2026-2035. 22798 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. January 24, 2026 Best Beef Wine Full Review