Luca Malbec 2012, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied with lots of attractive mocha and chocolate on the nose from generous oak aging. Fleshy black fruit emerges on the palate. Delicious and layered. The grapes for this full-bodied red wine come from three vineyards in the Uco Valley in Altamira, La Consulta and Gualtallary. The vines are an average 46 years old. the wine is then matured for 16 months in French oak, 60% of which is new. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2018. 167312 14% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 92/100. December 12, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewYalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Yalumba always delivers, and the 2012 vintage of this delicious Shiraz Cabernet blend is no exception! I love how they achieve brightness in even a dark full-bodied red. This one is simple gorgeous with layer after lapping layer of fleshy, round plums and berries. Perfect for movie night or with meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2015-2018. 165811 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewShotfire Quartage Estate Grown, Thorn-Clarke Named Varietal Blends-Red 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Love this! Gorgeously rich and full-bodied with layers of voluptuous black fruit flavours. Velvet caress on the tongue. Top me up! Drink: 2012-2016. 24091 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. May 12, 2012
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewBarossa Valley Estate Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, Australia: Wow, what an aromatic nose on this Australian red wine! This Shiraz features toasty oak, fleshy blackberry and plum and mocha on the nose and palate. It's full-bodied, ultra-smooth and mouth-filling. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013-2019. 477801 14% D 750 mL $23.05 Score: 92/100. April 18, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewSchild Estate Gms Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2012, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Oh yum. Comfort me with mourvèdre and other old bush vine grapes. Rich, complex and deep Australian red wine: exactly what you want in a partner (and in a wine). Full-bodied and smooth and inviting. The Schild family has been in the Barossa Valley for more than 60 years. Lots of complexity, depth and vibrancy in this richly rewarding wine. This is a blend of 45% Grenache, 28% Mourvèdre and 27% Shiraz grapes. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2013-2018. 108183 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 21, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewElderton Friends Shiraz 2010, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: If you want to impress your friends without breaking the bank, then this is your wine. From the prestigious Barossa region, this crowd-pleasing Shiraz is rich and vivacious with aromas and flavours of crushed berries, black plum, vanilla, chocolate and earthy notes. A stunning value, this smooth and opulent red is great. My note: Incredible concentration and power for the price. Big blackberries and currants in a lovely weave of full-bodied weight and velvet texture. Drink: 2010-2014. 660480 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. June 11, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewWynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Lovely length, depth and savoury goodness. Beautiful extraction of dark fleshy plum flavour yet there’s incredible balance. Made by a confident, deft hand. Drink: 2011-2015. 433060 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 94/100. June 25, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full ReviewValletta Sellick's Hill Wines Grenache Shiraz 2005, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This wine doesn’t stop: it’ll conquer all your senses. Resist to make the pleasure last longer, but it will win you over. Long lines of dark fruit, savoury juiciness and smoke rush into touch your tastebuds and pleasure center. So mouth-filling, satin smooth and satisfying. One word: more. Drink: 2011-2018. 225136 15% XD 750 mL $38.55 Score: 95/100. July 9, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewHeartland Shiraz 2008, Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Love it! Minty cool on the nose, then a big vibrant, juicy attack o the palate. You won’t be daydreaming after a sip of this: it’ll pull you right back into the now. Full-bodied, juicy and generous, just how I like my friends. Drink: 2011-2015. 661934 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. August 6, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewTait The Wild Ride Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Total juicy, lip-smacking wonder! Full-bodied and smooth with plush plums from here to Australia. Perfect for movie night and My Brilliant Career. Drink: 2011-2016. 243584 15.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. October 15, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewLe Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Another winner from Le Clos Jordanne's Talon Ridge Vineyard. This Chardonnay features aromas of pear, nectarine, coconut, mineral, gentle woodsmoke and a touch of butterscotch. Dry, fairly robust with a blast of freshness followed immediately by an elegant, round fruitiness. The oak is very well handled, giving dimension to the wine. Medium-full bodied with a lingering finish. Enjoy it tonight. It should also age gracefully over the next 5+ years. My note: I can’t help but close my eyes every time after I taste this wine, and often there’s also a purr… which is hard to translate into a tasting note, but soldier on, I must. Buttery, toast almond with white pear and pear. Endless layers and finish. Are you sure we’re not in Meursault, Toto? Drink: 2011-2017. 143974 13.50% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 95/100. October 1, 2011
Top Rated White Wine. Full ReviewBurrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Plentiful aromas here, such as cantaloupe, toast, tropical fruit (banana, pineapple and coconut), spice and lemon meringue pie. Dry with lots of everything going on, but it all works extremely well. Full bodied, with ripe fruit, toasty oak and bright acidity in almost perfect harmony. Long finish. Cellar 3-5 years or enjoy tonight with rich seafood dishes. My note: Love it! Rich and layered with hazelnuts, smoke and almonds. Green apple notes shine through then there’s a lime zest finish. Drink: 2011-2017. 208694 13.70% XD 750 mL $38.35 Score: 93/100. November 10, 2012
Top Rated White Wine. Full ReviewCave Spring Csv Riesling 2011, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Adoration! Petrol, lime, with big acidity but you will embrace it just as it embraces you and all your senses. Liquid gorgeous. Drink: 2014-2022. 566026 11.50% M 750 mL $31.95 Score: 94/100. July 19, 2014
Top Rated White Wine. Happy Hawaiian Pizza Wine Full ReviewTawse Cuddy By Tawse Cabernet Merlot 2013, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario VQA, Canada: A seductive mocha, espresso nose on this distinguished Niagara red wine blend of Cabernet France, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. This wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Rich and smooth on the palate, with a long, satisfying finish inflected with blackberry, dark spice and smoke. Decant 1-2 hours. The 2013 vintage is the inaugural release of this wine. Jim Cuddy, lead singer and guitarist of the Canadian band Blue Rodeo, has partnered with Niagara’s Tawse Winery to create a new wine brand, Cuddy by Tawse. Cuddy is one of the country’s most iconic musicians: over the past thirty years Blue Rodeo has sold more than four million records, released 14 albums and won eleven JUNO awards. Pair this wine with a rare steak and the band's hit song "Try," aptly named for tasting this new wine. Drink: 2016-2021. 469031 12.50% XD 750 mL $25.25 Score: 93/100. June 24, 2017
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewLe Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways and sips. Gorgeously textured with a seductive satin mouth-feel. Fleshy black cherry flavours dissolve in your mouth and release that sigh you’ve been holding in. The acidity is there but so woven into the luscious layers that you barely notice it except to appreciate that you don’t tire of this wine easily … or ever. Drink: 2011-2018. 34553 13.50% XD 750 mL $75.00 Score: 95/100. November 26, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewTawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Medium-bodied, silky Niagara red wine, with mocha and spice aromas on the nose of this Pinot Noir. Fleshy ripe cherry aromas and flavours on the palate of this medium-bodied, mouth-watering Pinot Noir from Niagara. Very respected winemaker. Pair with salmon or tuna. Lovely craftsmanship. The 2011 vintage of the Tawse Grower’s Blend Pinot Noir has done well, despite a challenging vintage. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2013-2017. 130989 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. December 30, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewNativa Single Vineyard Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: This classic Cabernet Sauvignon offers alluring aromas mint, cassis, blackberry and just enough toasty oak. A full-bodied red wine with great structure and balance that was matured in 100% new oak. A terrific and vibrant expression of Maipo Alto terroir. This wine is made form organically grown grapes. Minty-medicinal notes on the nose followed by fleshy blackberry and cassis. Big and rich. Try it with gourmet hamburgers tonight. Drink: 2013-2016. 975359 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 18, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewBoya Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Leyda Valley D.O., Chile: From Garcés Silva, Boya 2023 is a great value Sauvignon Blanc produced from sustainably grown grapes sourced from the Coast Zone, Leyda Valley wine region. 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. Flinty and minerally on the nose and generous on the palate with lime zest, gooseberry, yellow plum, tropical fruits and fine herbs, balanced with bracing acidity and textured with a briny mineral finish, chill and enjoy it with a seafood ceviche. Delicious now and excellent value at $18. Drink: 2023-2025. 389726 12.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. June 8, 2024
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewMaison Champy Pernand-Vergelesses En Caradeux 1Er Cru Domaine Champy 2011, Burgundy A.C., France: Classic Burgundian Chardonnay. Stunning and concentrated with green apple and toasted almond. Love it! Drink: 2014-2022. 344143 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. July 19, 2014
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewAlain Jaume & Fils Clos De Sixte Lirac 2012, Rhône A.C., France: Beautifully concentrated with a core of hedonistic black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours running through it. Full-bodied, dry, complex and ultimately satisfying. Gutsy and muscular with a fair kick of dark fruit in its heart. Decant for 1 hour. Produced by Alain Jaume & Fils. Pair this beauty with lamb or steak. Drink: 2012-2018. 76349 14.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. April 4, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewRené Muré Signature Gewurztraminer 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Muré family have been growing grapes in Alsace since 1648. Their wines always express the classic characteristics of each grape variety they use. This Gewurztraminer is sourced from 29-year-old vines and displays aromas of intense lychee and rose petals. It’s dry, full bodied and spicy. It will delight as an aperitif or pair it with exotic foods. My note: The Platonic ideal of Gewurztraminer. Lychee, rose petal and light baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Love, love it! Asian dishes find their soul mate in the wine. Drink: 2011-2017. 61218 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. August 20, 2011
Top Rated White Wine. Full ReviewChâteau La Croix De Gay Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007, A.C., Pomerol, Bordeaux, France: Classic Bordeaux in all its lovely and august dimensions of incredible complexity, depth and length on the finish. Spectacular aromas of cassis, smoky blackberry and toasty oak. Full-bodied. This is Bach not Beethoven (that’s burgundy). Fantastic price for this quality of Bordeaux, especially for one that will age well in the cellar. Drink: 2012-2020. 102608 13% XD 750 mL $34.00 Score: 92/100. May 28, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewAntonin Rodet Pinot Noir 2008, A.C., Givry, Burgundy, France: Stunning, especially at this price! Lovely aromas of rose petal and raspberry. Medium-bodied and juices delicious not this is no fruit bomb. Nothing heavy or oaky about it. I’m buying a case. Gold Medal at the 2009 Concours des Vins de France in Mâcon. Drink: 2011-2016. 110395 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewLouis Jadot Clos Des Couchereaux 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Beaune, Burgundy, France: Sophisticated seduction! Gorgeous cherries and spices with an exotic underlay of violets and truffles to tickle your senses. This is a spectacular pinot noir, worth every penny. Drink: 2008-2018. 77578 12.50% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. May 28, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewCavino Grande Reserve 2007, Nemea P.D.O., Greece: Attractive tart cherry, dry earth and dried herbs on the nose and palate of this balanced, full-bodied and supple wine. Decant 1 hour. Very nice. Drink: 2013-2017. 295618 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 3, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewRemo Farino Monte Fante Riserva Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2004, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Oh my, welcome to wine heaven! Full-bodied, rich, inviting and embracing. Lovely aromas of fleshy black cherries and blackberries. I am carried away on a river of pleasure. There is a whack-a-mole alcohol level on this wine so beware, you’re not driving after this one. Riserva Amarone sees 4+ years’ ageing time. Drink: 2008-2018. 63636 14.50% D 750 mL $62.95 Score: 96/100. June 11, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewSanta Margherita Impronta del Fondatore Pinot Grigio 2010, Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy: By far, the best Pinot Grigio I’ve ever tasted. Clean and glorious on the nose with fresh peach and green apple fruit. Then it expands on the palate to a richness and mouth-filling voluptuousness that is almost Pinot Gris in weight and texture. Then there’s a clean lime-zest lift on the finish. Superb! Treat yourself or someone else: this makes a lovely gift wine too. This wine will be in the LCBO just before the holidays. Drink: 2011-2014. 231258 13.50% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 94/100. June 25, 2011
Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewAstrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal and grassy fresh! Very vibrant and live. Mouth-watering notes of lime and grapefruit. I like it. Drink: 2011-2014. 10421 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011
Favourite White Wine. Full ReviewRapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Rapaura Springs Reserve 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from sustainably-grown grapes from the Marlborough wine region and is a great value SB at $20. Fragrant with fresh melon, nectarine, fine herb and lime zest flavours, it's lip-smacking good with food-friendly acidity for prawns from the grill. Chill and enjoy it through 2025. Drink: 2024-2025. 465880 13.40% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. July 6, 2024
Best Value White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewSandeman Vintage Port 2011, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: An august vintage port from one of the region's finest producers. Aromas of black fig and dark berry preserves dusted with dark spice. Beautiful dessert wine. Pair with Black Forest Cake. Drink: 2015-2027. 362491 21% S 750 mL $70.00 Score: 97/100. November 14, 2015
Top Rated Dessert Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review2005, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: Rich and deep with liquid velvet texture. Fleshy black plums flavours infused oh so subtly with espresso... this wine will make you sit back and close your eyes. And sigh. Drink: 2014-2020. 206409 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. July 19, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewRioja Bordón Gran Reserva Bodegas Franco-Españolas Tempranillo 2001, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: There it is again: that unmistakable, exotic aroma of old tanned leather and cigar smoke. Love it! Try a mature wine like this if you haven’t and discover the many pleasures of “tertiary” aromas that only develop with bottle age. This is simply some kind of wonderful. Full-bodied, smooth and elegant. Drink: 2011-2015. 12295 13% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 93/100. October 29, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewRobert Mondavi Winery Pinot Noir 2008, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Drop-to-your-knees fleshy cherries, beg for mercy satin texture and lusciousness. This is a gorgeous pinot with medium- to full-bodied weight. Perfect for dinner parties featuring salmon or pork. Drink: 2011-2019. 438697 14.50% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. October 1, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewChateau St. Jean Fumé Blanc 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Stunning lemon brightness pierces through the rich voluptuous texture of this wine like sunlight through a cloud. Gorgeous notes of Asian pear and green apples are wrapped in toasty oak for a long, satisfying finish. Fall-for-it smokiness gets you right into the glass, then your engulfed in lemon and lime essence that is supported by an underlying richness. Full-bodied and balanced. I terrific wine for the money. Drink: 2009-2015. 537639 13.60% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. June 25, 2011
Top-Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewClos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from the Russian River Valley, with its cool and foggy climate, this aromatic Chardonnay offers complex aromas of citrus, pear, and lime with vibrant floral tones. During the eight-month barrel-ageing period, the wine is hand-stirred on the lees resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Ideal as a sipping wine. My note: Lovely balance in this beautifully constructed California Chardonnay. Peach, pear, green apple, vanillin and baking spices. Yum! Drink: 2009-2015. 479527 13.80% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. May 28, 2011
Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review7 Deadly Old Vine Michael & David Phillips Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: It took fruit sourced from seven of Lodi’s premium vineyards, specifically chosen for their superior quality, to create this sinfully rich Zinfandel. Loaded with berry fruit, pepper, spice and earth, this wine is a model of consistency. Mitigate the severity of your transgression (or implicate others as you will) and share this considerable, and decadent, treasure with friends at your next barbecue. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. My vote: I adore this wine: it’s vibrant, juicy, generous and fleshy rich with blueberries, purple plums, black raspberries. It reminds me of Tina Fey: lively and fun, always ready for a joke as you sit around the barbecue. It’s simply delicious. Drink: 2009-2015. 59311 14.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. May 28, 2011
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewPredator Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Yum, yum! Big fleshy blueberries and blackberries roll across your tongue. You want more. I’ll top you up. Full-bodied and so supple. It’s ready to go with you are. Bring it on with the barbecue. Drink: 2009-2015. 322957 15% XD 750 mL $26.90 Score: 92/100. May 28, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewCline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2013, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Cline's Zinfandel grapes are sourced from dry-farmed vines planted more than 100 years ago, thus deserving the name Ancient Vines. The depth and concentration of that aging vine wisdom shows in the glass. Notes of blackberry and toasty, black fruit, tar, smoke and toasty oak. Full-bodied. Perfect for BBQ meats and a campfire. This is a truly mouth-filling wine. Big, long finish like a Broadway number... it's a dazzling kick-line for the senses. Warm, sunny days and cool nights along the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers provide unique growing conditions to produce robust, intense red wines. Drink: 2013-2018. 719211 15% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 4, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewFrei Brothers Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2013, Russian River Valley, Northern Sonoma, California, United States: Toasted bread along with green apple aromas on the nose and palate of this classic Californian white wine made from the icon Chardonnay grape. Medium- to full-bodied and balanced. Very tasty. The 2012 vintage of this Russian River Valley Chardonnay shows its cool-climate regions roots, with the grapes being whole cluster pressed to avoid bitterness and preserve fresh fruit notes. This Chardonnay undergoes a full malolactic fermentation to add richness and depth. Pair with veal chops. Drink: 2013-2017. 317891 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. April 15, 2015
Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewDomaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2015, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: From the Dundee Hills in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, Domaine Drouhin Oregon 2015 is a dry, silky red with Old World elegance. On the nose there are dried florals, violets and crushed red berry aromas. Drouhin brings their expertise in crafting aromatic elegance in Bourgogne to a region with the perfect climate for Pinot Noir. A great medium-plus-bodied Pinot Noir that with blue florals, earthy violets, ripe red cherry and raspberry flavours on the palate. Drink: 2018-2025. 961284 14.10% XD 750 mL $60.00 Score: 94/100. November 24, 2018
Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewChateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Classic Cabernet with blackberry and cassis, mocha-espresso aromas from the oak and very balanced. Full-bodied and smooth. This Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet also includes small amount of Malbec, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah in the blend. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2015-2019. 269357 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. August 8, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review