Bachelder Kirby Vineyard Gamay Noir 2022, Four Mile Creek, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From the picturesque Kirby Vineyard in the Four-Mile Creek sub-appellation—owned by Scott and Maria Kirby of Kirby Estates Winery—comes a wine that marks Bachelder's inaugural venture using their distinct fruit. Crafted with 43% whole cluster pressing, this wine immediately impresses with a beautifully layered aromatic profile. On the nose, delicate floral notes give way to ripe raspberries, cherries, and cranberries, underpinned by subtle minty herbs, pepper, and spice, hinting at the vineyard's unique terroir.
On the palate, the intensity deepens as savory red berries merge with whispers of plum and darker berry nuances. Light, refined tannins, paired with a burst of juicy acidity, propel the wine to a vibrant, energetic finish. This expressive wine is best enjoyed now or cellared until 2027 for its full character to develop, and will pair nicely alongside charcuterie boards - especially if featuring hard cheeses. Drink: 2025-2028. 45139 13% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. June 7, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewVieni Estates Bruce Trail Red 2025, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2025-2027. 452169 12% D 750 mL $13.95. August 15, 2025
Full ReviewCorte Medicea Erastos Rosso 2019, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Corte Medicea Erastos Rosso 2019 is a great value 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Tuscany wine region. Fresh on the nose with ripe dark plum, earthy dark chocolate and subtle spicy notes savoury and supple on the palate, it lingers on the finish with a vanilla kiss. An excellent value Super Tuscan at $22, produced by consulting winemaker Andrea Bernardini. Drink: 2025-2028. 10948 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 16, 2025
Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full ReviewCampo Arriba Old Vines Monastrell Syrah Tintorera 2022, Yecla D.O., Spain: Señorío de Barahonda Campo Arriba 2023 is a full-bodied, vegan-friendly red blend of old-vine Monastrell (70%), Syrah (20%) and Garnacha Tintorera (10%) from southeastern Spain. Pours a deep garnet and greets the nose with dried blue and purple florals, ripe dark berries and wild cherry, underpinned by savory Mediterranean herbs and cracked black pepper. The palate is concentrated and dry—juicy core fruit gives way to a silky dark-chocolate finish framed by firm, chalky tannins that carry its earthy spice through a long, resonant close. Well-paired with aged Manchego or other hard Spanish cheeses, grilled pork sausages, chorizo-studded flatbreads or grilled eggplant drizzled with good olive oil. Drink: 2025-2027. 511519 14.50% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. July 5, 2025
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewSerna Imperial Reserva 2010, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From the Escudero family, Serna Imperial Reserva 2010 is a full-bodied Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Garnacha red wine blend sourced from 40 year old vines grown 450 to 800 metres above sea level. The wine was aged for 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle. This is a beautifully balanced, structured and elegant Rioja red with ripe dark fruit, dark cherry, anise and supple savoury flavours that linger on the palate. Pour with Porchetta. Drink: 2024-2025. 19047 13.50% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 90/100. October 5, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewGodelia Mencia Red 2018, Bierzo D.O., Spain: Godelia 2018 Mencia is an elegant, dry, medium-bodied red wine from the Bierzo wine region in Spain. Fresh with earthy, cassis, violet, olive and savoury spicy flavours on the palate, tannins are fine-grained and velvety. Enjoy it through 2026. Drink: 2024-2026. 368043 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. November 30, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewVicente Gandia Hoya de Cadenas Reserva Tempranillo 2020, Valencia, Spain Drink: 2025-2027. 13% D 750 mL $20.00. October 14, 2023
Full ReviewClos De Tafall 2021, Priorat D.O.Q., Spain: From the renowned Priorat D.O.Q., Clos De Tafall 2021 is a powerful and structured red blend, predominantly Old Vines Grenache, with Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah rounding out the mix. The nose offers a smoky, spicy profile, while the palate reveals layers of strawberry leather, anise, dried tobacco, and savoury herbs, culminating in a lingering spiced finish. With textured tannins and plenty of depth, it's drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve through the decade. Pair it with roast duck, filet mignon, or pork tenderloin en croute to showcase its character. Drink: 2025-2026. 574616 14.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. April 26, 2025
Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewFranco-Españolas Varela Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2010, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Bodegas Franco-Españolas, with over 130 years of winemaking tradition, was founded in 1890 through a partnership between French and Spanish producers. This wine reveals deep, ripe red fruits along with savoury herbal notes and a hint of smokiness. Aged to perfection, it highlights Tempranillo in its mature state, offering complexity and depth. Enjoy it now or cellar it. Pair with barbecued lamb chops or a hearty mushroom and truffle risotto. Drink: 2025-2027. 41248 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 26, 2025
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review