El Esteco Blend de Extremos Torrontés 2024, Calchaquí Valley, Argentina: El Esteco Blend de Extremos Torrontés from Argentina’s Calchaquí Valley greets the glass with a luminous pale gold hue and an inviting bouquet of lychee, white peach and delicate citrus blossom that hints at its aromatic intensity. This dry, light- to medium-bodied white has bright, juicy fruit framed by lively acidity and a silky texture that feels both refreshing and moderately weighty, best served well chilled and delightful to drink now or over the next couple of years. Crafted by winemaker Alejandro Pepa at historic Bodega El Esteco, founded in 1892 by French pioneers and one of the earliest estates to champion Torrontés from high-altitude vineyards in Cafayate and Catamarca, this wine captures both tradition and modern expression of Argentina’s signature white grape. The Blend de Extremos project unites fruit from two extreme sites — each over 1,700 metres above sea level — giving the wine a focused core and vivid profile that speaks of its unique terroir. Although no single trophy defines this bottling, El Esteco’s long record of international accolades for its Calchaquí wines underscores its quality and the esteem for Torrontés on the world stage. Drink: 2026-2029. 46399 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 93/100. January 10, 2026 Best Value White Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review

Kilikanoon Mort's Block Watervale Riesling 2023, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Kilikanoon's Mort's Block Riesling from Clare Valley, South Australia is a vibrant, light to medium-bodied white wine showcasing notes of lime zest, white peach, jasmine and slate. This dry wine displays razor-sharp acidity and impressive tension that will allow it to age gracefully over the next twelve years. Serve it well chilled with Thai green curry as the wine's bright acidity cuts through the coconut richness, or pair it with pan-seared trout with capers where the wine's minerality complements the delicate fish. Winemaker Peter Warr sources fruit from a low-yielding block in the prestigious Watervale subregion, where ancient soils and cool nights preserve remarkable aromatic intensity and crisp acidity. Kilikanoon is one of Clare Valley's most respected producers, consistently crafting Rieslings that rival the world's finest examples from Germany and Alsace at a fraction of the price. This exceptional Riesling represents outstanding quality and will continue to develop honeyed, petrol complexity through 2037. Drink: 2025-2037. 428342 12.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. December 20, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

Pfaffl Vom Haus Grüner Veltliner 2024, Niederösterreich Qualitätswein, Austria: This savory 2024 white shows smoky mineral and zesty herb lift beneath nectarine fruit for a round, approachable palate—drink now with grilled fish. Drink: 2025-2027. 45895 12.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 8, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2024, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Megalomaniac Narcissist 2024 is a crisp, juicy, and expressive off-dry Riesling that delights with ripe pear, apple, and minerally notes, complemented by a hint of petrol. Balanced with vibrant acidity, it offers a mouthwatering, fresh character that makes it a versatile pairing for a roasted chicken or a spicy pasta dish. Its lively profile and smooth texture ensure it’s a crowd-pleaser for years to come. Perfect for enjoying now or over the next few years. Drink: 2025-2028. 67587 10.90% M 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. January 10, 2026 Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

Reif Reserve Gewürztraminer 2023, Niagara River, Niagara-on-the Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Reif 's 2023 Gewürztraminer Reserve unfurls rosewater and lychee with pear and citrus brightness, its concentrated texture balanced by a kiss of residual sugar. Try it with roast turkey or spice-filled pork tenderloin. Drink: 2025-2028. 360255 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 25, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition 2023, Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France: Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition is a medium-plus-bodied Grenache-Syrah blend from Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker Cyril Marès highlights dark and red berries, star anise, dried garrigue herbs, cured tobacco, and warming spice, with pleasantly grippy tannins and a generous, juicy palate. At 14.5% alcohol, it has moderate aging potential through 2028, remaining fresh and approachable. Pair it with cheese pizza to complement its ripe fruit and spice, or ham and asparagus quiche to highlight its savoury, layered character. This wine showcases Costières de Nîmes' ability to produce flavorful, well-balanced, and value-driven red blends. Drink: 2025-2028. 143099 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. December 6, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger 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

Collemassari Melacce Organic Vermentino 2024, Montecucco, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Collemassari's Melacce Vermentino from Montecucco, Tuscany is a zesty, light to medium-bodied white wine offering notes of grapefruit, fresh lemon, sage and mint. This dry, organically grown wine displays tight, polished texture and vibrant acidity that make it wonderfully refreshing. Serve it well chilled with grilled shrimp scampi over pasta as the wine's citrus character complements the garlic and lemon, or pair it with fish tacos where the wine's leafy notes enhance the fresh cilantro and lime. Winemaker Lucia Gorelli crafts this fragrant Vermentino from organic vineyards in southern Tuscany's Montecucco region, where Mediterranean influences and mineral-rich soils create wines with distinctive aromatic intensity and food-friendly balance. Collemassari has been committed to organic viticulture since its founding in 1998, demonstrating that sustainable farming produces wines of exceptional quality and purity. This fresh, savoury wine represents excellent value and will drink beautifully through 2027 and beyond. Drink: 2026-2028. 33416 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 24, 2026 Best Value White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review

Sacred Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Sacred Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc delivers bright citrus zest, tropical papaya, passion fruit and fresh-cut grass aromas with a subtle mineral edge. It's dry and medium-bodied with crisp, energetic acidity that carries the fruit flavors through to a clean, refreshing finish. Serve it chilled alongside grilled shrimp skewers with lime and cilantro as the wine's herbaceous notes and zesty character complement the bright, smoky flavors, or pair it with a goat cheese and asparagus tart where the wine's lively acidity cuts through the creamy richness. Chief winemaker Nick Picone, who earned ten New Zealand Winemaker of the Year titles between 2011 and 2020, crafts this sustainably-grown Sauvignon Blanc from vineyards spread across Marlborough's diverse subregions. Sacred Hill has a remarkable history, starting as a family venture in Hawke's Bay in 1986 beneath Puketapu (sacred hill) before expanding into Marlborough, and the winery's Sauvignon Blanc earned Gold at both the Decanter World Wine Awards and the New Zealand International Wine Show. Enjoy this expressive wine through 2031. Drink: 2026-2031. 489112 13% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 94/100. January 10, 2026 Best Value White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

Aveleda Alvarinho 2024, Minho, Vinho Verde D.O.C., Portugal: Petal-fresh aromas of white blossom and green apple glide into a chalk-kissed mid-palate threaded with pear-skin and sea-spray minerality; its lithe frame and zesty acid lift make it a springboard to flavours of kaffir-lime leaf and wet-stone purity. Try it alongside oysters on the half shell or goat-cheese crostini with herbed olive oil. Drink: 2025-2026. 610295 12% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Pago del Cielo Celeste Verdejo Sur Lees 2024, Rueda D.O., Spain: Pago del Cielo's Celeste Verdejo Sur Lees from Rueda is a vibrant, medium-bodied white wine blending Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc with notes of green apple, grapefruit, lime and fresh herbs. This dry wine displays creamy texture and refreshing acidity that create an energetic, food-friendly profile. Serve it well chilled with grilled asparagus with hollandaise as the wine's bright acidity cuts through the rich sauce, or pair it with Spanish tortilla where the wine's freshness balances the creamy eggs and potatoes. Winemaker Juan Carlos Sancha ages this expressive white wine on its lees to add texture and complexity while preserving the fruit's aromatic purity and taut structure. Pago del Cielo represents a new generation of Spanish winemaking, focusing on indigenous varieties like Verdejo while bringing modern techniques to showcase the potential of Rueda's high-altitude vineyards. This clear, expressive wine represents excellent quality and will drink beautifully through 2027. Drink: 2025-2027. 44756 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. December 20, 2025 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Valparaíso Roble 2023, Ribera del Duero D.O., Spain: Bodegas Valparaíso Roble is a medium- to full-bodied Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero with a firm weight and dry profile, best served at room temperature. Winemaker Valparaíso aged the wine six months in oak, revealing bright garnet hues and aromas of morello cherry, violet, and subtle floral notes, with a structured, indulgent palate and firm tannins. At 14.5% alcohol, it has strong aging potential through 2035, developing further complexity over time. Pair it with pepper steak to highlight its vibrant fruit, or a sausage cassoulet to complement its savoury richness. This Roble showcases Ribera del Duero's ability to produce accessible yet structured Tempranillo with depth. Drink: 2025-2035. 44665 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. December 6, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review