Domaine Bousquet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Domaine Bousquet's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza is a concentrated, full-bodied red wine blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec with notes of black cherry, espresso, toasted oak and graphite. This dry, organically certified wine displays bold tannins and impressive depth that make it ideal for hearty fare. Serve it at room temperature with grilled ribeye steak as the wine's structure stands up to the marbled beef, or pair it with slow-braised short ribs where the wine's intensity complements the falling-apart-tender meat. Winemaker Anne Bousquet oversees production at this certified organic and vegan-friendly estate, planted at over 4,000 feet elevation where the Andes' cool mountain air preserves remarkable freshness and purity. Domaine Bousquet was one of Argentina's first fully organic wineries when established in 1997, and the family's commitment to sustainable viticulture has earned them international recognition including a Gold medal at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards. This powerful Cabernet represents exceptional value and will drink beautifully through 2027. Drink: 2025-2027. 46398 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. December 20, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Hither & Yon Cabernet Shiraz 2022, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Hither & Yon's Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia is a generous, full-bodied red wine offering notes of blackberry, blue fruits, toasted hazelnut and cracked pepper. This dry wine displays supple tannins and concentrated fruit that will continue to develop over the next six years. Serve it at room temperature with roasted leg of lamb with rosemary as the wine's bold structure complements the rich meat, or pair it with grilled beef short ribs where the wine's intensity matches the caramelized glaze. Winemaker Peter Fraser sources fruit from McLaren Vale's renowned terra rossa soils, where Mediterranean climate and proximity to the Gulf St Vincent create ideal conditions for producing Shiraz of remarkable depth and complexity. The Hither & Yon label celebrates the journey of wine from vineyard to glass, reflecting the collaborative spirit of McLaren Vale's winemaking community. This immediately appealing Shiraz represents outstanding value and will drink beautifully through 2028. Drink: 2025-2028. 45719 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 20, 2025 Best Value Red 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

Zonte's Footstep 1st off the Rank Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Zonte's Footstep's 1st Off The Rank Cabernet Sauvignon from McLaren Vale is a bold, full-bodied red wine showcasing notes of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, dark chocolate and cedary oak. This dry, vegan-friendly wine displays polished tannins and concentrated fruit that will continue to develop over the next decade. Serve it at room temperature with a standing rib roast as the wine's structure cuts through the marbled beef, or pair it with aged cheddar and charcuterie where the wine's intensity complements the sharp cheese and cured meats. Winemaker Ben Riggs crafts this elegant Cabernet from McLaren Vale's iron-rich terra rossa soils, which impart distinctive minerality and depth to the fruit. The winery's quirky name pays homage to Zonte, the beloved family dog who would bound ahead on vineyard walks, always "first off the rank" to explore the rows. This Cabernet represents exceptional value from one of Australia's most exciting boutique producers and will cellar beautifully through 2036. Drink: 2025-2036. 33417 15% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 93/100. December 20, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review

Morandé Vitis Única Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Maipo Valley D.O., Chile: Morandé Vitis Única's Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley is an elegant, medium to full-bodied red wine showcasing notes of red currant, dried thyme, graphite and sweet tobacco. This dry, sustainably farmed wine displays refined tannins and bright minerality that reflect its origin on gravel-rich Alto Maipo soils. Serve it at room temperature with herb-crusted prime rib as the wine's savory character complements the seasoned crust, or pair it with roasted duck breast with cherry sauce where the wine's red fruit echoes the dish's tart sweetness. Winemaker Pablo Morandé sources fruit from high-altitude vineyards in Alto Maipo, where the proximity to the Andes Mountains provides dramatic diurnal temperature shifts that preserve acidity while allowing full phenolic ripeness. Pablo Morandé is a pioneering figure in Chilean winemaking, credited with first planting vines in the now-celebrated Casablanca Valley in the 1980s, fundamentally changing the country's wine map. This contemporary-style Cabernet represents exceptional value and will drink beautifully through 2028. Drink: 2025-2028. 668707 14.20% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 20, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review

Falernia Gran Reserva Carmenère 2021, Elqui Valley, Chile: Falernia's Gran Reserva Carmenère from Elqui Valley is a luscious, full-bodied red wine showcasing notes of black plum, mocha, toasted vanilla and crushed herbs. This dry wine displays velvety tannins and concentrated fruit derived from a distinctive winemaking technique where sixty percent of the grapes are partially dried before fermentation. Serve it at room temperature with braised lamb shanks as the wine's richness matches the falling-apart-tender meat, or pair it with aged Gouda and dried figs where the wine's sweetness complements the caramelized cheese and fruit. Winemaker Aldo Olivier crafts this unique Carmenère at 550 meters elevation in the rocky, sandy soils of Chile's northernmost wine valley, where intense sunshine and dramatic temperature swings create wines of remarkable concentration. The partial drying of grapes in the Appassimento style, traditionally used in Italy's Amarone, intensifies the fruit flavors and creates a wine of exceptional depth and complexity. This innovative Carmenère represents outstanding value and will drink beautifully through 2029. Drink: 2025-2029. 269175 15% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. December 20, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Errázuriz MAX 150 Years Anniversary Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Aconcagua Valley D.O., Chile: Viña Errázuriz's Max Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley is a polished, full-bodied red wine showcasing notes of blackcurrant, dark plum, cedar and mocha. This dry wine displays refined tannins and impressive depth that will continue to evolve over the next six years. Serve it at room temperature with herb-crusted prime rib as the wine's structure stands up to the marbled beef, or pair it with aged manchego and fig jam where the wine's richness complements the sharp cheese and sweet fruit. Winemaker Francisco Baettig crafts this seamless Cabernet as part of the Max Reserva series, named after Don Maximiano Errázuriz who founded the estate in 1870, making 2022 a special 150th anniversary vintage. The Errázuriz family has been at the forefront of Chilean winemaking for over a century and a half, and their Aconcagua Valley vineyards benefit from Andes mountain air that preserves remarkable freshness while allowing full phenolic ripeness. This nuanced Cabernet represents exceptional quality and will drink beautifully through 2031. Drink: 2025-2031. 47888 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 20, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Maipo Valley D.O., Chile: Emiliana's Novas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley is a bright, medium-bodied red wine offering notes of black cherry, mint, dark chocolate and bell pepper. This dry, organically farmed and vegan-friendly wine displays smooth tannins and lively acidity that make it immediately approachable. Serve it at room temperature with grilled flank steak with salsa verde as the wine's freshness cuts through the rich meat and herbaceous sauce, or pair it with bacon cheeseburgers where the wine's structure stands up to the char and melted cheese. Winemaker Noelia Orts oversees Emiliana's organic and biodynamic farming practices across their Chilean estates, producing wines that express terroir while respecting the environment. Emiliana is one of the world's largest organic wine producers and has been certified organic since 1998, pioneering sustainable viticulture in South America long before it became fashionable. This Novas Gran Reserva delivers exceptional quality at an outstanding price and will drink beautifully through 2027. Drink: 2025-2027. 13874 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. December 20, 2025 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Famile Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras 2022, Vacqueyras A.O.C., Rhône, France: Famille Perrin's Les Christins Vacqueyras from Rhône is a vibrant, full-bodied red wine blending Grenache and Syrah with notes of black plum, wild thyme, white pepper and forest floor. This dry, beautifully balanced wine displays supple tannins and impressive freshness that will continue to develop over the next five years. Serve it at room temperature with grilled lamb merguez sausages as the wine's spicy character mirrors the North African spices, or pair it with herb-roasted pork loin where the wine's savory depth complements the fragrant rosemary and garlic. Winemaker Charles Perrin oversees this cuvée sourced from fifty-year-old vines in the rocky Dentelles de Montmirail foothills, hand-harvesting and aging the wine in traditional large oak foudres for a year. The Perrin family is best known for producing the legendary Château de Beaucastel in nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and they bring the same meticulous attention to detail to this exceptional Vacqueyras. This wine captures the essence of southern Rhône terroir at an outstanding price and will cellar gracefully through 2030. Drink: 2025-2030. 973453 14.50% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 93/100. December 20, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Tenuta di Nozzole Nozzole Riserva Chianti Classico 2021, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Tenuta di Nozzole's Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany is an elegant, medium to full-bodied red wine showcasing notes of red cherry, toasted hazelnut, dried sage and sweet tobacco. This dry Sangiovese displays firm, velvety tannins and bright acidity that will soften beautifully over the next five years. Serve it at room temperature with osso buco with gremolata as the wine's structure cuts through the braised veal shank, or pair it with grilled portobello mushrooms and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano where the earthy flavors harmonize with the wine's savory character. Winemaker Alessandro Staderini oversees production at this historic estate owned by the Folonari family, one of Tuscany's most respected wine dynasties with roots in Italian winemaking stretching back to 1825. The Nozzole vineyards sit at 450 meters elevation in the Greve-in-Chianti subzone, where galestro soils and cooling breezes from the nearby hills produce Sangiovese of remarkable elegance and finesse. This Riserva represents exceptional value and will continue to evolve through 2030. Drink: 2025-2030. 11109 14% XD 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 93/100. December 20, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Celebrated Chicken and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is a dry, medium-bodied white wine revealing aromatic and evocative aromas bursting with ruby grapefruit, guava, white blossom, citronella and snap pea, with a silky lees undertow and flashes of herbal-mineral notes, while the rich, mouth-filling palate is generous in tropical fruit and citrusy acid drive that tightens to a nicely crisp, briny, long dry finish. Serve it chilled with grilled prawns with lime and cilantro, where the wine's tropical fruit and citrus drive complement the sweet shellfish while its briny finish echoes the ocean-fresh flavors, or pair it with seared scallops with grapefruit beurre blanc as the wine's ruby grapefruit notes harmonize with the sauce while cutting through the richness. Winemaker Richelle Tyney joined Greywacke in 2021, bringing steady-handed finesse to this collection founded by Kevin Judd, the legendary winemaker who helped establish Cloudy Bay as one of New Zealand's most iconic producers. This lovely wine's fruit intensity and balance suggest it will mellow nicely in the bottle and can be enjoyed now through 2032. Drink: 2025-2032. 164228 13% XD 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 96/100. December 6, 2025 Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Villa Maria's Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, South Island is a vibrant, medium-bodied white wine showcasing notes of grapefruit, passion fruit, fresh-cut grass and gooseberry. This dry, sustainably farmed wine displays bright acidity and zesty fruit that make it immediately appealing. Serve it well chilled with grilled prawns and lemon aioli as the wine's citrus character complements the shellfish, or pair it with goat cheese and herb salad where the wine's herbaceous notes mirror the fresh greens. Winemaker Helen Morrison sources fruit from the acclaimed Wairau Valley, where stony soils and sunny days create the intense aromatic profile that has made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc world-famous. Villa Maria has been at the forefront of New Zealand winemaking since 1961, pioneering sustainable viticulture practices and consistently producing wines that showcase the country's exceptional terroir. This expressive Sauvignon Blanc represents outstanding quality and will drink beautifully through 2027. Drink: 2025-2027. 974527 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 95/100. December 20, 2025 Top Rated White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review

Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2022, Stellenbosch D.O., South Africa: Kanonkop Wine Estate's Pinotage from Stellenbosch is an expressive, full-bodied red wine showcasing notes of blackberry, rose petal, cinnamon and dark chocolate. This dry wine displays silky tannins and vibrant acidity that will continue to evolve over the next five years. Serve it at room temperature with grilled ostrich steaks as the wine's bold fruit matches the lean game meat, or pair it with barbecue pulled pork sandwiches where the wine's spice complements the smoky sauce. Winemaker Abrie Beeslaar has been crafting world-class Pinotage at Kanonkop since 2002, producing wines that showcase the elegance and complexity this uniquely South African grape can achieve. Kanonkop Estate is one of South Africa's most celebrated wineries, having won the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Winery of the Year award, and the estate has been instrumental in elevating Pinotage's reputation on the global stage. This widely distributed Pinotage represents exceptional value and will drink beautifully through 2030. Drink: 2025-2030. 30191 14.20% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. December 20, 2025 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review