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Alamos Malbec 2006, Argentina, Argentina: A terrific value wine. Full-bodied, smooth and supple. 467951 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 92/100. October 13, 2007 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Trapiche Reserve Malbec 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: A tasty and full-bodied Argentine red wine made from the country's classic Malbec grape. The vines are planted between 750 and 1100 metres above sea level. Aromas of black fruit, pepper and toasty oak. Pair with grilled meats and Argentine asado (BBQ). Drink: 2015-2018. 614651 14% D 750 mL  $14.20 Score: 90/100. May 27, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Santa Julia Magna Cabernet Malbec Syrah 2017, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A fleshy, medium-plus-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah red wine blend produced by the Zuccardi family. Lively and fresh with blackberry, blueberry, dark plum, spicy and savoury on the palate. Nicely done. Pour with burgers and ribs. Drink: 2020-2023. 93799 14% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. November 14, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific wine for the price! This full-bodied, smooth Argentine Cabernet features aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020-2023. 295105 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.00 Score: 90/100. December 3, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
BenMarco Malbec 2018, Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: From Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, BenMarco 2018 is a classic and great value rich and juicy Malbec. Produced by Susana Balbo, the Malbec is concentrated and plushy on the palate with blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, savoury herb flavours and made entirely with fruit from Los Chacayes. The wine was aged in neutral oak barrels for just under one year. Lots of power and depth on this unfined and unfiltered Malbec. Drink: 2021-2024. 657601 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 19, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2018, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Trivento 2018 Malbec is a dry, medium-plus-bodied 100% Malbec from Argentina's Luján De Cuyo wine region. Fragrant with dried wild herbs and spicy on the nose, the wine is rich and smooth on the palate with ripe blueberry, black cherry, dried garrigue herbs, dark chocolate vibrant with balanced acidity. So good now. Pour with grilled meats. Drink: 2021-2024. 588731 14.50% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz 2019, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Barossa Valley Estate 2019 Shiraz is a juicy, concentrated Shiraz with dark cherry, plum, anise and pepper spice flavours full on the palate. Nicely done and a great value Barossa Shiraz at $20. Drink: 2022-2024. 402701 14% XD 750 mL  $23.05 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Wakefield 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is amazing value under $20. Love the ripe, dark spiced plum, savoury herbs and dark chocolate aromas on this Cab. Dry, medium-plus-bodied and well-balanced with vibrant acidity, there are layers of ripe dark fruits, blackberry, plum, mint, dark chocolate and fine dried herbs mouth-filling, supple and long on the palate. Drink: 2021-2024. 744235 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 20, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Bleasdale Mulberry Tree Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: A great value medium-plus-bodied Cab from the Langhorne Creek wine region. Vibrant with fresh blackberry, blackcurrant, savoury herb, mint, mocha and spicy oak flavours on the palate. Matured in French oak barrels (15% new). Tannins are fine. Drink: 2020-2026. 661892 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Wakefield Shiraz 2018, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A generous, full-bodied, smooth and savoury Australian Shiraz from the cool climate of the Clare Valley. Aromas of ripe fleshy black plums. Terrific value. Absolutely delicious. Pair with grilled steak and hamburgers. Drink: 2020-2023. 943787 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 16, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Wayne Gretzky Estates Okanagan Cabernet Franc Syrah 2018, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A robust, savoury BC blend of Similkameen and Okanagan Valley Syrah and Cabernet Franc grapes. Aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2021-2025. 13.60% D 750 mL  $16.99 Score: 89/100. February 10, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Cono Sur Bicicleta Reserva Pinot Noir 2019, Central Valley, Chile: A smooth, mouth-watering, berry-ripe Chilean red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape. I challenge you to find Pinot Noir this delicious at this low a price. Lots of ripe and fleshy cherry aromas and flavours. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2021-2025. 341602 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 88/100. June 11, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Falernia Gran Reserva Carmenère 2017, Elquí Valley, Chile: Falernia Gran Reserva 2017 Carmenère is produced from grapes sourced in the Elquí Valley from vines that are 550 metres above sea level living in rocky, sandy soils. The climate is semi-arid with a dramatic contrasts between night and day temperatures. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and undergoes a full malolactic fermentation prior to ageing in small American oak barrels for six months. A portion of the grapes are dried in appassimento style. Lovely on the nose with ripe blackberry, plum, cocoa aromas, medium-plus-bodied, dry and fruity on the palate with plum compote, cedar spice, dried fruit and cocoa flavours wrapped up in a bit of smoke. Drink or hold. Pour with rich meaty dishes. Drink: 2021-2024. 269175 15% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. June 12, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Escudo Rojo Reserva Carmenère 2019, Colchagua Valley, Chile: From Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Escudo Reserva 2019 Carmenère is great value under $18. Fragrant with pink florals this is a dry and full-bodied juicy red, smoky with dark fruit, blueberry, green pepper and spicy flavours on the palate. Enjoy now with beef and herbed rice stuffed peppers topped with a rich, vibrant tomato sauce. Drink: 2021-2022. 14058 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 93/100. May 22, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review
Falernia Gran Reserva Syrah 2016, Elquí Valley, Chile: From Chile's northernmost wine estate, a full-bodied, smooth and spicy Syrah produced from hand-harvested grapes from the Titon and Huanta vineyards. Savoury on the palate with dark berry, olive, chocolate, toasty oak spice and supple tannins. Drink: 2020-2023. 16793 14% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 14, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Perez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Maipo Valley, Chile: Terrific full-bodied Chilean Cabernet with fleshy ripe black plums and a savoury juiciness. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014-2019. 694208 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. September 5, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Veramonte Reserva Pinot Noir 2019, Casablanca Valley, Chile: From the Casablanca Valley, Veramonte Reserva 2019 Pinot Noir is excellent value under $20. Produced from organically-grown grapes, the wine is dry, medium-bodied with earthy aromas, sweet cherry, citrus zest, savoury herbs and flinty flavours on the palate. Tannins are dusty. Lightly chill and enjoy with roast duck. Drink: 2022-2025. 134973 14% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Domaine Lafage Bastide Miraflors Syrah Vieilles Vignes Grenache 2019, Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon A.P., France: Bastide Miraflors 2019 is a juicy Old Vines red wine blend of Grenache and Syrah sourced from the Côtes du Roussillon wine region. Full-bodied, plushy and vibrant on the palate with ripe dark berry, toasty oak spice, wild herbs and meaty flavours with a vibrant finish. Tannins are structured and pleasantly grippy. Very approachable now, but can easily hold in cellar for three years. Drink: 2022-2025. 320499 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 10, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Henry Fessy Gamay Noir 2019, France: Henry Fessy 2019 Gamay Noir is fantastic value under $17. Dry, fruity, medium-bodied with ripe cherry, plum, vanilla, pepper and toasty spice flavours on the palate. Tannins are velvety. Enjoy now with pepper steak. Drink: 2021-2023. 648550 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. October 1, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Gérard Bertrand Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2016, Corbières, Languedoc A.P., France: Exceptional value on this robust red wine blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre grapes from the Corbieres wine region which covers the Mediterranean coast to the foothills of the Pyrenees. Lots of silky, smooth bright cherry, blueberry and spicy flavours for BBQ chicken and grilled steaks. Drink: 2020-2024. 394288 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. June 22, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Bastide Miraflors Syrah Grenache 2018, Côtes Du Roussillon, Roussillon A.P., France: From the Côtes Du Roussillon wine region, Bastide Miraflors 2018 is a lush and juicy old vines Syrah and Grenache red wine blend (70/30) produced by Domaine Lafage. The 2018 vintage is full-bodied and flavoursome with ripe red berry, cherry, raspberry, earthy violets, cracked pepper spice flavours with a kiss of smoky vanilla on the palate. Lots of food-friendly acidity here and tannins are firm. Decant two hours prior to pouring with a roast of pork and all the trimmings. Drink: 2021-2024. 320499 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 29, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Gérard Bertrand AN 806 Corbières Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2018, Corbières, Languedoc A.P., France: Gérard Bertrand 2018 Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre is a full-bodied and silky GSM from the Corbières, Languedoc wine region. Supple and smooth on the palate with ripe dark fruit, blueberry, plum, cedar brush and smoky pepper spice flavours vibrant on the palate. Drinking beautiful now, but could easily cellar for two- three years. Enjoy with a sausage and bean casserole. Drink: 2024-2027. 394288 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. December 14, 2024 Best Value Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Jean-Claude Boisset Les Ursulines Pinot Noir 2019, Burgundy A.C., France: From Jean-Claude Boisset, Les Ursulines 2019 Pinot Noir is a vibrant Burgundian PN with rose petal, tart cherry, red currant aromas. Look for tart cherries, earthy florals and spicy, smoky flavours on the palate. Grapes are sourced from the clay-limestone soils from the estate's Les Ursulines vineyard, which is located on what was once a convent up until the French Revolution. The Ursuline order of nuns were evicted from their convent. Drink: 2021-2024. 408310 12.50% XD 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2021 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2019, Naoussa, Macedonia P.D.O., Greece: From Naoussa, Macedonia P.D.O., Boutari Naoussa 2019 is a 100% Xinomavro, full-bodied and fruity with dark berry, cherry and earthy florals on the nose; zesty with a mouthful of dark berry fruit, plum, vanilla, olive and savoury herb flavours balanced with great acidity for food. Tannins are rich. Enjoy with moussaka or lamb stew. Boutari was founded in 1879 and is one of Greece's most renowned wineries. Drink: 2022-2028. 23218 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 5, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Cecchi Storia di Famiglia Chianti Classico 2019, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Cecchi Storia Di Famiglia 2019 Chianti Classico is produced from 100% Sangiovese. Bright, smooth and so easy to love with vibrant red cherry, pink florals, mocha, smoky, savoury herbs and citrus zest flavours - an easy-going medium-bodied Chianti with rounded tannins and food-friendly acidity to enjoy anytime of the week. Drink or hold. Drink: 2022-2026. 540922 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.90 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Tommasi Arele 2016, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Tommasi Arele 2016 is a dry, full-bodied red blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Merlot and Oseleta grapes, the latter being an ancient local variety. Vibrant and silky on the palate with ripe and lifted red berry fruit, plum, anise and dried fine herbs finishing long, smooth and elegant on the palate. This robust Italian red wine takes its name -- Arele -- from the wooden trays that were traditionally used to dry the grapes, or a portion of them, to make Appassimento wine. Pour with a Bistecca Florentine. Drink: 2021-2023. 224188 15% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 20, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2019, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Ricasoli's Brolio 2019 Chianti Classico is fragrant and intense with dark cherry, red plum, raspberry, earthy fresh mushroom, dried herbs and subtle baking spice flavours supple on the palate. Tannins are velvety. Extremely quaffable now. Drink: 2022-2024. 3962 13.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 92/100. June 3, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
San Felice Chianti Classico 2019, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico is a dry, medium-bodied Chianti Classico produced from mostly Sangiovese grapes. Earthy, savoury fragrant with pink florals with a mouthful of tart cherry, savoury herbs and orange zest flavours fresh and silky on the palate. Enjoy with a Margherita pizza. Drink: 2022-2023. 282996 13% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 4, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Zaccagnini Tralcetto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018, Abruzzo D.O.C., Italy: Excellent value on this full-bodied and rich Montepulciano D'abruzzo with ripe dark plum, blackberry, cassis, cedar spice, mocha and smoky flavours. Pour with smoky cheeses. Wine grower, Marcello Zaccagnini, founded this winery in 1978. Drink: 2021-2024. 396382 12.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 19, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Monte del Frá Bardolino 2019, Bardolino, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: From the Veneto wine region, Monte del Frá 2019 is a great value Bardolino under $20. Youthful, juicy and vibrant on the palate with ripe tart cherry, strawberry, red currant, savoury herb, spicy and smoky flavours on the palate and often referred to as "baby Valpolicella" as that viticultural zone is right beside it. Chill slightly and pour with a grilled pork tenderloin. Drink: 2021-2024. 134544 12.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 1, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Le Pupille Morellino di Scansano 2018, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Le Pupille Morellino Di Scansano 2018 is a fragrant, medium-plus-bodied Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo and Alicante red wine blend with spicy plum, cherry, mocha and toasty nut flavours smooth and fresh on the palate. Drink: 2021-2022. 455659 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Cusumano Nero D'avola 2015, Sicily, Italy: The Cusumano family has been making wine for more than 60 years on the southern Italian island of Sicily. Their expertise and craft shows in the glass of this exceptional red wine. An exceptional wine for the money! This Italian red wine is made from the Nero d'Avola grape, the iconic red grape of the island of Sicily. Layers of fleshy black (nero) fruit and pepper spice. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015-2019. 143164 14% XD 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 90/100. January 11, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Cecchi Storia di Famiglia Chianti Classico 2016, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A robust Tuscany Chianti Classico region produced from 100% Sangiovese. Love the fragrant dark cherry, smoky and spicy nose on this toothsome red. Juicy with dark cherry, dried berry, meaty, spicy and mineral flavours vibrant on the palate. Food-friendly, pair with spaghetti and meatballs. Drink: 2020-2022. 540922 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.90 Score: 90/100. April 15, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
The Grinder Pinotage 2011, W.O., Swartland, South Africa: Loaded with black pepper, dark spices, coffee, mocha and savoury dark fruit aromas. There's a seductive juiciness on the palate with full-bodied weight. Black plum and anise on the smoky finish. Highly recommended. Pair with rib roast or grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2016. 572107 14% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 90/100. January 19, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: A gorgeous, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon with blackcurrant, blackberry and blueberry flavours on the palate finishing smooth and earthy with spicy notes. Great wild game wine. Drink: 2020-2024. 146894 14% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. December 24, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2018, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: A terrific, full-bodied, smooth South African red wine blend with aromas of dark plums, smoke and bacon. Pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2020-2023. 292557 14% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. July 27, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Man Family Wines Skaapveld Shiraz 2019, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: From the Coastal Region wine region, Man Family Skaapveld 2019 Shiraz is a great value, easy-drinking plummy Shiraz with soft tannins. A splash of Viognier lends lift to a plushy mid-palate of rich dark fruit, dark chocolate with a smattering of cracked black pepper spice. Pour with smoked, braised and roasted meats. Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2026. 71332 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 1, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Atalaya Laya Almansa 2018, Almansa D.O.P., Spain: Produced from Garnacha (Grenache) Tintorera and Monastrell grapes planted in Spain's Almansa wine region from vineyards 1000 metres above sea level, this is a dry, medium-plus-bodied, juicy and velvety red wine blend with concentrated blueberry, dark plum, black raspberry, earthy florals and vanilla flavours wrapped up with a lingering spicy finish. Enjoy now with a grilled pork tenderloin. Drink: 2021-2022. 132605 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. March 16, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Crianza 2016, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Crianza 2016 is a great value Rioja red under $18. Dry, medium-plus-bodied with crushed raspberry, cherry, vanilla flavours finishing on a mineral note. Tannins are pleasantly chewy. Enjoy with a grilled pork tenderloin. Drink: 2021-2024. 340844 12.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 23, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Viña Real Crianza 2016, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Produced by Compania Vinicola Norle De Espana. a rich and vibrant Rioja Alavesa red wine blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano wine grapes, destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tank, matured and aged in French and American oak barrels for 13 to 14 months. Bright with pink florals, red berry, plum and spicy flavours, lithe and elegant on the palate. Drink: 2020-2022. 657411 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 28, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Borsao Garnacha 2015, Borja, Spain: This Spanish red wine offers extraordinary value and taste for the price. Aromas of purple plums and spice with fleshy sweet blackberries. This is a savoury, full-bodied blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2015-2019. 386961 14.50% XD 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 90/100. November 9, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Hacienda López de Haro Crianza 2017, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Hacienda López de Haro Crianza 2017 is a well-priced dry and earthy medium-plus-bodied 90% Tempranillo, 7% Garnacha and 3% Graciano red wine blend with cherry compote, plum, sweet dried tobacco leaf, dried fruit, cracked pepper and toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. A Tempranillo-driven Rioja red that is so easy to enjoy. Drink: 2020-2025. 377481 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.00 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Viña Real Crianza 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Viña Real Crianza 2018 is a vibrant, medium-bodied and fruit-driven red wine blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano wine grapes sourced from the Rioja Alavesa wine region. Produced by Compania Vinicola Norte De Espana, the wine is vegan-friendly and grapes were fermented in stainless steel tank, and matured in French and American oak barrels for up to 14 months. Fragrant with pink florals and red berry aromas, the wine is vibrant with blackberry, plum, cherry, cedar brush spice and cola flavours with racy acidity on the palate. A good cellaring candidate for eight-plus years. Drink or hold. Drink: 2022-2030. 657411 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 16, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Bodegas San Alejandro Evodia Garnacha 2019, Catalunya D.O., Spain: From the Catalunya D.O., San Alejandro Evodia 2019 is a 100% Garnacha and amazing value at $15. Juicy and bright with luxurious liquid red cherry, dark berry, violets and dark spicy flavours smooth and long on the palate. An excellent value Spanish red. Drink or hold. Drink: 2022-2024. 23914 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Burgo Viejo Crianza 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Burgo Viejo Crianza 2018 is an amazing value Rioja at $14. A red blend of mostly Tempranillo with some Graciano added to the mix, the wine is dry, medium-plus-bodied and spicy with dark plum, blackberry, dried tobacco leaf, herbs, dark chocolate, pepper and well-integrated oak spice flavours with balanced acidity on the palate. Tannins are structured. The wine was matured for one year in American oak barrels. Pair with aged, sharp cheeses. Drink: 2022-2024. 168815 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. March 5, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Crianza 2017, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Crianza 2017 is an excellent value Rioja Tempranillo at $18. Dry, medium-plus-bodied and silky on the palate with crushed raspberry, cherry, plum, toasted nut and smoky vanilla flavours. Tannins are supple. Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2025. 340844 12.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Hacienda López de Haro 2016, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Hacienda López de Haro Reserva 2016 is a smooth and vibrant blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano sourced from select older vines. Look for ripe dark fruit, black currant, sweet dried tobacco leaf, chocolate, spicy and savoury flavours on the palate. Grapes are hand-harvested from Tioja's Ebro terraces in the area of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. The blended wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for 20 months prior to bottling. Pour with a roast of pork. Drink: 2021-2025. 357335 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. January 7, 2022 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Viños de Arganza Lagar de Robla Premium Mencia 2016, Castilla y León, Spain: From the Castilla Y León, Lagar de Robla 2016 Mencia is a bright, medium-bodied red with ripe red cherry, blackberry, plum jam and dark chocolate flavours on the palate balanced with food-friendly acidity. Tannins are firm and grippy. Good now, better in 2022. Drink: 2022-2024. 439729 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 7, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Lodi, California, United States: Noble Vines 337 2018 is a stylish, full-bodied and smoky Cabernet Sauvignon produced from grapes sourced in the Lodi wine region of California. Well-priced at $20, look for ripe black cherry, cassis, chocolate, savoury herbs, smoky vanilla and toasty spicy flavours on the palate. Enjoy now with burgers and ribs from the grill. Drink: 2022-2023. 483321 14% D 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 90/100. April 15, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Ironstone Merlot 2020, Lodi, California, United States: Ironstone 2020 Merlot is a great value California Merlot at $18. Produced by the Kautz family, owners and operators of Ironstone, who began farming Lodi in 1926 and who have been making wine there ever since. Dry, fruity and rich on the palate with ripe dark plum, savoury herbs, cinnamon, anise and smoky vanilla flavours. The wine was aged up to two months in new French oak barrels. So good now. Pour with braised beef short ribs. Drink: 2022-2028. 704353 14% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. July 22, 2023 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Ironstone Merlot 2018, Lodi, California, United States: Ironstone Merlot is a consistent crowd-pleaser, enticing with its aromas of plushy dark, spiced plum and mocha on the nose. Full-bodied with black plum compote, savoury herbs and plenty of smoky vanilla and sweet oak spice flavours on the palate. The Kautz family, owners and operators of Ironstone, began farming in Lodi in 1926 and have been making wine there for four generations. Drink: 2020-2025. 704353 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 19, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2017, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Love this Merlot! Rich and layered, concentrated and balanced with ripe black fruit, smoky and savoury flavours vibrant and finishing plushy and long on the palate. The Merlot wine grape has tighter and smaller grape clusters so skin to juice ratio when macerating and fermenting is lower which results in the more flavour compounds transferring to the juice (wine) before the skins are removed Pair this slow-braised veal shanks or roast duck. Drink: 2020-2023. 454835 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. July 16, 2020 Best Value Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Lodi, California, United States: A full-bodied and smoky Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lodi wine region with ripe dark plum, ripe black currant, dark chocolate, vanilla, savoury spice and toasty oak flavours well-integrated on the palate. Pair with a grilled ribeye steak. Drink: 2020-2026. 483321 14% D 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2019, Lodi, California, United States: A rich, full-bodied Californian red wine made from the state's classic Zinfandel grape. Aromas of mocha, chocolate and smoke from generous oak aging. Some dark fruit and spice on the finish. Pair with barbecued ribs. Drink: 2021-2024. 678698 14.50% D 750 mL  $18.55 Score: 90/100. June 12, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Matchbook Estate Bottled Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Dunnigan Hills, California, United States: Matchbook Red Gravel 2019 is a full-bodied red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot sourced from the red gravels of the Dunnigan Hills, California. Smooth and rich on the palate with ripe dark fruit, blackberry, cassis, savoury herbs, mint, olive, vanilla and toasty oak spicy flavours on the palate. Nicely done. Pour with a skirt steak from the grill. Drink: 2021-2025. 478743 13.90% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. June 11, 2021 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

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