Trivento Amado Sur Malbec Bonarda Syrah 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: This robust red wine is a blend of 80% Malbec, 10% Bonarda and 10% Syrah grapes that was matured for a year in oak. Bursting with aromas of black fruit, smoke and tar. This wine needs cellar time and decanting of 2 hours. Pencil led and black fruit on the finish. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Match with robust dishes of beef, pork or lamb. Drink: 2014-2017. 37036 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 10, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Bodega Atamisque Catalpa Malbec 2013, Tupungato, Argentina: This seductively rich Argentine Malbec is named for Atamisque, the iconic flower of the Uco Valley where red wine is made. Aromas of black cherry, plum and blackberry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, yet supple and smooth. Savoury, with some violets and coffee on the finish. The grapes come from 70-year-old vines at an altitude of 4,430 feet. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2019. 194126 14.20% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Calm Curry Wine Full Review
Evans & Tate Metricup Road Cabernet Merlot 2013, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Savoury, juicy and meaty with mouth-watering flavours of wild blackberry, cassis and bacon. Full-bodied and supple. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2020. 376848 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. October 1, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Primus Carmenère 2017, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A juicy and well-priced medium-plus-bodied Carmenère produced by Alto de Casablanca from the Colchagua Valley. Nicely balanced and layered with black currant, chocolate, minty and garrigue herb flavours on the palate finishing long and refreshing. The Caménère grapes for this wine enjoy a warm southern exposure along the Tinguiririca River. Pair with smoked meats, game and strong cheeses. Drink: 2019-2024. 439356 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. May 6, 2019
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Serie Riberas Carmenere 2014, Chile: Robust, smooth and juicy Chilean red wine made from the country's flagship grape Carmenere. Layers of ripe dark fruit, spice and toasty oak. A long fruit-driven finish. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2016-2020. 274043 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Leyda Valley, Chile: Unbelievably great quality, taste and freshness for the price. Clean notes of lime and lemon, with a citrus lift on the finish. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the cool-climate Chilean region of the Leyda Valley that borders and is moderated by the Pacific Ocean. Drink: 2014-2016. 367292 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Château Du Trignon Le Bossu Viognier 2013, Côtes Du Rhone A.C., France: Intense and aromatic nose of rose petal and lychee and spices. Gorgeous. On the palate, very dry and not quite as expressive but still very pleasant. Pair with mild Asian dishes and curries. Drink: 2013-2018. 394585 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Moillard Tradition Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: A stunningly gorgeous Old World Pinot Noir at a steal of a price for Burgundy. Holy smokes! Fleshy ripe cherry aromas and flavours with just enough juicy acidity for a wide range of dishes from turkey to salmon. Lovely long finish. Don't buy it all before I get to the store please. Drink: 2013-2018. 66399 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2014
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Tenuta Rapitalà Alto Nero d'Avola 2012, Sicily I.G.T., Italy: Love the dark fruit seduction. Layers of luscious black berry velvet caresses the senses and tongue. Wrap your mind and everything else around this black beauty. This wine was aged in both oak barriques and casks. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2013-2017. 392852 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Bersano Gavi Di Gavi 2013, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Clean, crisp and mouth-watering with a lovely lime brightness and lift. No oak, just freshness. Perfect for seafood. Drink: 2013-2017. 999979 12.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. January 10, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Fox By John Belsham Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A silky, smooth, medium-bodied Pinot Noir with lots of vibrant acidity on the palate. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2016-2019. 462028 13.50% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 88/100. September 17, 2016
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
The Bean Coffee Pinotage 2017, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: From the Mooiplaas Estate, The Coffee Bean is a coffee-espresso Pinotage. Delicious and smooth. Pinotage was originally created by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes. Juicy red fruits combined with fine espresso and smoky, toasty oak flavours. Smooth with fine tannins. Pair with coffee-rubbed grilled beef ribs. Drink: 2019-2024. 251165 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 6, 2019
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Rioja Vega Reserva 2011, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Lots of juicy acidity and mouth-watering tart black berry fruit wrapped in smoke. Full-bodied and fairly smooth. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2012-2018. 423517 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 10, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Barahonda Barrica Monastrell Syrah 2012, Yecla D.O., Spain: Pure blackberry liqueur on the nose and palate of this towering Spanish red wine. Notes of spice and dark pepper and smoke. This is huge and has high alcohol. Pair with brontosaurus burgers. Drink: 2014-2020. 378869 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 1, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Rio Madre Graciano 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A terrific, full-bodied red wine at an staggeringly great price! This is a DOCA wine and is produced by Bodegas Y Vinedos Ilurce. Loaded with black pepper, fleshy dark fruit, mouth-watering action and layers of lip-smacking flavours. This wine was matured in French oak and made from 100% Graciano, a native Spanish grape enjoying a resurgence in popularity. This is modern and complex Rioja red wine. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2014-2018. 354753 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 18, 2021
Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Gnarly Head Viognier 2013, California, United States: Pretty and floral but not over the top in aromatics. Delicate and full of character. Perfect for mild curry and spice dishes. Nice aperitif too. Drink: 2013-2017. 396416 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 10, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Treana Marsanne Viognier 2011, Central Coast, California, United States: Hope Family Wines produces this full-bodied Californian white wine blend of tradition Rhone Valley grapes, such as Viognier and Marsanne. Love the richness and the viscous texture! Dried pineapple and apricot with layers and layers of lapping pleasure. Full-bodied with a long finish. Pair with roast turkey. Drink: 2013-2017. 11247 14.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. December 6, 2014
Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Crisp, dry and fresh with a lemon-lime lift through the core of this California Sauvignon Banc. Robert Mondavi devised the name Fume Blanc for Sauvignon Blanc. Very deft/light use of oak preserves the refreshment of this wine and its versatility with food. This wine is mostly Sauvignon Blanc and with a splash of Semillon. Sixty percent of the wine is barrel fermented, and then it's all aged on its own yeast (sûr lie) in French oak for 9 months to add extra richness, creaminess and lovely dimension. The grapes are grown in the Stags Leap and Oakville vineyards. Try this wine with pasta or seafood in a cream sauce. Drink: 2014-2016. 221887 14.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. October 31, 2015
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
La Crema Pinot Noir 2013, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Fleshy cherry and dark spice with a long, naughty finish on this California Pinot Noir. Medium-bodied and satin smooth like lingerie. A supple red wine with cherry-berry mouth-filling wonder and flavours. Just enough oak for hedonists. Layered yet not heavy. This pinot has been one of my favourites for years. Satin seduction in a glass. Pair with roasted turkey or chicken. Drink: 2015-2018. 719435 13.90% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. October 1, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Kings Ridge Pinot Noir 2018, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: A mouth-watering, medium-bodied Pinot Noir, bright ruby in the glass with sour cherry, anise and fine herb flavours finishing, smooth, long and vibrant on the palate. Drink: 2020-2024. 237776 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. July 28, 2020
Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Primarius Pinot Noir 2019, Oregon, United States: Primarius 2019 Pinot Noir is an elegant, medium-plus-bodied PN with ripe strawberry, raspberry, sous bois, subtle spice, citrusy and minty flavours silky and bright on the palate. Lightly chill and enjoy with veal chops in a wild mushroom sauce. Drink: 2022-2024. 402180 12% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. November 5, 2022
Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Rex Hill Pinot Noir 2018, Willamette Valley, United States: I just love this Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon. From A to Z Wineworks, Rex Hill 2018 PN is sleek and smooth with vibrant cherry, crushed raspberry, cold black tea and spicy, smoky flavours on the palate. So good now to enjoy with lamb chops from the grill and mint jelly. Drink or hold. Drink: 2022-2028. 275735 14% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 92/100. June 30, 2022
Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review