Monte Quieto Quieto 3 Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Inky black and savoury with meaty, cedar notes and wild black fruit. Drink: 2012-2015. 275701 14.30% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 22, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Salentein Reserve Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Stunning concentration of aromas and flavors with excellent balance robust Argentine red wine. Round, polished tannins give a velvet mouth-feel. This wine was aged 14 months in French oak. Nightcap anyone? A richly hued wine that finishes with black plum, mocha and vanilla spice. The estate vineyards are located between 1,110 and 1,700 metres above sea level and benefit from five different microclimates. Drink: 2013-2017. 640854 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Susana Balbo Signature Dominio Del Plata Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Blueberry-blackberry pie aromas on the nose with enticing dark spices and smoke. Full-bodied, supple and smooth. Pair with roast beef or prime rib. Great price. Highly recommended. A terrific wine for the holidays, whether to give or to get. Drink: 2013-2018. 79798 14.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. June 27, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Love it! Meaty and mouth-watering with gorgeous ripe dark berries. Smooth and full-bodied. Juiciness and acidity cry out for a food companion, especially for the hearty meat variety. Decant 1 hour. Some blackberry and anise on the finish. The grapes for this wine are grown at an altitude of 1067 metres above sea level, which gives the wine balance and a nervy edge due to excellent drainage for the vintages and cool microclimate for the grapes. Pair this dark beauty with a juicy steak. Drink: 2013-2017. 29280 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Valle Las Acequias Luis Segundo Correas Oak Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific full-bodied Argentine wine for the money! Robust, generous aromas and flavours of blackberries and black plums. There's toasty oak and dark chocolate on the finish with some notes of blackberry preserves. Vanilla spice gives it a kick. This red wine was aged in French oak for 10 months, which gives it an inviting toasty character. The Malbec grapes are grown on 85-year-old low vines and the wine spends 10 months in French oak, 6 months in bottle before being released. Try it with a pepper steak tonight. Drink: 2012-2016. 138412 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. May 16, 2015
Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
The Hedonist Walter Clappis Wine Co. Shiraz 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This towering, blockbuster Australian red wine from Walter Clappis Wine Co. delivers! Down Under intensity and concentration of flavour. Savory, meaty and juicy with luscious layers of black fruit. This is a big-boned wine, yet balanced. Love the replays of fleshy blackberries and plums across the palate. Signature McLaren Vale Shiraz with smoky, toasty oak and charred black plums in an attractive way. Drink: 2013-2018. 90191 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A terrific Chilean red wine at a great price. Notes of black cherries and cocoa on the nose and palate. Finishes with toasty vanilla spice, dark cherry and smoke. Very dry, and ultimately satisfying. Pair this beauty with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2017. 61937 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Maipo Valley, Chile: This Chilean red wine has an intense and aromatic nose of mint and blackberry with plush fleshy plums on the palate. Nicely balanced with full-bodied goodness. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine are sourced from Santa Rita’s estate vineyard in Alto Jahuel. Great structure and a good grip on the palate. Decant 1-2 hours. Finishes with dark spices. Pair with meat lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2012-2018. 460170 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 2, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is grassy-good with refreshing herbals aromas. Oak-free and pure, fresh Chilean white wine. Crisp aromas of lime and grapefruit merge on the palate followed by a clean finish. Solid craftsmanship here. Try it with spinach quiche or shellfish. Drink: 2013-2015. 974717 12.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. November 22, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review
Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Leyda Valley, Chile: Unbelievably great quality, taste and freshness for the price. Clean notes of lime and lemon, with a citrus lift on the finish. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the cool-climate Chilean region of the Leyda Valley that borders and is moderated by the Pacific Ocean. Drink: 2014-2016. 367292 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Full-bodied Chilean Cabernet at a great price! Offers seductive tarry blackcurrant and cassis aromas and flavours on the nose and palate. Pair with a juicy, rare steak. Finishes with blackcurrant and cedar brush. Pair with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2017. 169847 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Viña Chocalán Reserva Syrah 2012, Maipo Valley, Chile: Rich and full-bodied with attractive aromas and flavours of fleshy black plum and coffee-mocha. Supple and mouth-filling. Amazingly great price. Try it with grilled pork chops. Note the grape name is Syrah, not Shiraz, which is appropriate as this Chilean red has an Old World soul that belongs to the Rhone Valley, but its heart is pure Maipo Valley. Try this wine with a rack of lamb. Drink: 2013-2018. 38513 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Petit Verdot 2012, Rapel Valley, Chile: An attractive red wine made from an obscure red grape that's often part of Bordeaux blends to add colour and heft. Aromas of dark fruit and a savoury mid-palate note. A good grip on the palate, so decant 1 hour. You can't beat the price for the quality. Curious about Petit Verdot as a grape and wine? No better way to understand it than to try it as a stand-alone wine like this one rather than in a blend. Try it with meat lasagna. Drink: 2013-2017. 7484 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. October 3, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
MontGras ANTU Ninquén Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Very nicely balanced, smooth, full-bodied Chilean Cabernet. Aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Great campfire wine, or pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2017. 59329 14.30% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 15, 2014
Full Review
Domaine Les Yeuses Les Épices Syrah 2011, Pays D'oc, Midi I.G.P., France: Fantastic for the money! Full-bodied and juicy with black and purple fleshy plums and berry aromas and flavours. The Ultimate grilled hamburger wine. Great for parties given the price. Produced by Jean-Paul et Michel Dardé. Yes please! Drink: 2013-2016. 177584 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2012, Alsace A.C., France: Made by a master! Lovely concentration of lychee, rose petal aromas on the nose that open up on the palate. This Alsatian Gewürztraminer will convince of what you've been missing. Zesty acidity and lovely replays of flavour across the palate. Perfect for Asian dishes and curries. Try it as well as an aperitif chilled. Drink: 2013-2018. 747600 13.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Loire A.C., France: Excellent Old World Sauvignon Blanc that has the herbal grassy power and concentration of a New World wine. Pure lime focus in this mouth-watering, medium-bodied French white wine. Pair with vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2013-2017. 391847 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Château Ricaud 2010, Blaye Côtes De Bordeaux A.C., France: Rustic, robust and cedary with tart wild blackberry and cassis notes. Nice price for everyday Bordeaux. Decant for 2 hours and pair with juicy meats and rare steaks. Drink: 2014-2018. 390237 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. December 6, 2014
Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Chateau Nozieres Cuvée Ambroise de l'Her Malbec 2011, Cahors, Southwest A.C., France: Big, blackened fruit, smoke, tar and brooding dark mystery on the nose and palate of this full-bodied French red wine that is a blend of 90% Malbec and 10% Merlot grapes. Grippy tannins and lots of punch on the palate. Oak aging makes this wine finish with dark spice and smoke. Pair with grilled meats in a hearty sauce or stew, lamb or hard cheeses. Drink: 2013-2017. 276055 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Château Floréal Laguens 2010, Premières Côtes De Bordeaux A.C., France 388314 13% XD 750 mL $16.95. December 4, 2014
Full Review
Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2012, Qualitätswein, Pfalz, Germany: Magnificent for the price point! Floral with fleshy ripe peach yet airy and refreshing. Medium-bodied with a peach blossom finish. Slight sweetness lends food versatility, yet it's not at all cloying. Winemaker Rainer Lingenfelder has created an outstanding Riesling here that will appeal to many palates. This "Bird Label" is part of his Vineyard Creatures series. Pair with fresh seafood. Drink: 2013-2016. 568634 10.50% M 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2013, Mosel, Germany: Love it! There's simply no better value white wine on the shelf. Lime blossom gorgeous. The alcohol is refreshingly low, yet this is no wimpy wine: it's packed with flavour. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Some terrific white pear and lime blossom on the finish of this Qualitätswein (Q.B.A.) wine. Try it with just about anything, but start with seafood or a medium curry. Winemaker Ernie Loosen makes a range of wines, and this is his entry-level offering. It's spectacular for the price. Drink: 2013-2018. 599274 8.50% MS 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 18, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Cantine Due Palme Primitivo 2012, Salento, Puglia I.G.T., Italy: Dark chocolate and mocha aromas on the nose with fleshy ripe blackberry notes. Lovely toasty oak on the finish. Medium- to full-bodied. Supple and smooth but packed with flavour, just as a Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) grape-based wine should be. Try this with a variety of pizzas, from meat lovers' to four cheeses. Drink: 2013-2016. 658351 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Tollo Novello Rosso Terre Di Chieti 2014, Abruzzo, Italy: Banana bumblegum and purple berry flavours in the light Italian nouveau-style wine. Drink: 2014-2014. 271759 12.50% XD 750 mL $8.95 Score: 85/100. November 22, 2014
Full Review
Pasqua Villa Borghetti Passimento Rosso Regional Blended Red 2010, Veneto, Italy: A robust but smooth blend of the traditional grapes Corvina and Croatina. This red is amazing for the price point: rich dar red and black berries with a pleasant kick on the finish. Balanced and mouth-watering. Very food-friendly for hearty dishes and tomato sauce. Drink: 2012-2015. 141952 14% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. October 31, 2012
Full Review
Barbera Di Beneventano - Benvenuto, Italy 12% 750 mL $7.99. March 1, 2012
Full Review
Puglia Rosso - Paiara 2006, Italy 13% 750 mL $9.99. March 1, 2012
Full Review
Pier Pajun Superiore Barbera D'alba 2009, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy 394593 14% XD 750 mL $17.95. December 4, 2014
Full Review
Framingham Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy great vibrancy in this New Zealand white wine! This expressive Sauvignon Blanc has a pop of citrus flavour on the palate and finish. Lots of acidity. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2013-2016. 606848 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Maynard's Finest Reserve Ruby Port, Portugal: This Portuguese fortified dessert wine offers aromas of purple plums and blueberries on the nose and palate. This ruby port features black raspberry on the finish. Straight-forward dessert wine pleasure. Pair with black raspberry desserts. Drink: 2013-2019. 385237 19.50% S 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review
Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2012, Stellenbosch, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: This seductive South African Chenin Blanc is produced by The Winery Of Good Hope. It features fleshy peach and toasty oak on the nose. Full-bodied with lots of mouth-watering acidity for food. Great! Almost as superb as the 2010 vintage of this wine. Drink: 2013-2017. 739995 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. May 16, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Two Oceans Pinot Noir 2008, South Africa, South Africa 61598 12.50% 750 mL $9.95. July 20, 2008
Full Review
Torres Sangre de Toro Garnacha 2013, Catalonia, Spain: Staggeringly great for the price! Rich and mouth-filling, yet smooth and supple. Full-bodied weight. Aromas of black cherry and smoke. Perfect for charcuterie and hard cheeses. Drink: 2014-2017. 6585 13.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. November 15, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Borsao Garnacha 2012, Borja, Spain: Extraordinary value for the price! Wow. Full-bodied, supple, smooth with gloriously ripe aromas of black plum and blackberry. Perfect for hearty meat dishes and large parties. Drink: 2012-2016. 386961 14.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. November 15, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, California, United States: Aromas of jammy purple plums and blueberries on the nose. The palate opens up luxuriously, smooth and full-bodied with more lip-smacking tasty flavours of dark fruit. An amazing wine for BBQ ribs or chicken wings. Fire up the grill! Drink: 2013-2016. 678698 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Beaulieu Vineyard BV Coastal Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2013, California, United States: Clean, fresh and crisp like the mist of the Pacific Ocean on a spring day. That's not surprising given that the Sauvignon Blanc grapes for the BV Coastal Estates grow close to the water, and thus get the moderating influence of the ocean to preserve their freshness. There's a lovely lime lift through the mid-palate with a kick of lemon zest on the finish. Staggeringly great value and taste for the price. Drink: 2015-2019. 295253 13.50% MD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 89/100. December 3, 2020
Best Value White Wine. Great Goat Cheese Wine Full Review