Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.
Dessert Wine
Offley 10 Year Old Tawny Port Btld. 2012, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Terrific tawny! Very balanced and structured without being too sweet. Nice grip. Drink: 2012 - 2017 297788 20% S 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Smoking Loon Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Lots of mocha and on the dark chocolate nose and finish from generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth with fleshy ripe black plums on the palate. Zinfandel food pairings: BBQ ribs and honey mustard coleslaw, grilled pork loin stuffed with stewed cherries.. Drink: 2012 - 2015 272393 14% D 750 mL $17.05 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery A.J. Lepp Vineyards Reserve Merlot 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada: Loaded with oak, smoke and mocha. Some black fruit and plums underneath. Drink: 2012 - 2015 299222 13.4% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Castello di Gabbiano Castle Vineyard Sangiovese 2009, Tuscany, Italy: A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% other red grapes. Smooth and medium- to full-bdoied. Needs food and would be very versatile with a variety of dishes. Sangiovese food pairings: pasta served with sauce, as well as with meat stuffings, risotto with mushrooms, spiced red meat, roast pork cooked in the tuscan tradition and truffled half-mature cheese.. Drink: 2012 - 2015 219808 13% 750 mL $20.05 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Emmolo Merlot 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Purple and black fleshy plums; full-bodied and somewhat sweet and over-priced, yet delicious. Merlot food pairings: slow-cooked roast beef with root vegetables. Drink: 2012 - 2015 96024 14.9% D 750 mL $70.00 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Good acidity with some green stemminess. Wild tart cherries with a good balance. Drink: 2012 - 2015 949909 14.5% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Malivoire Wine Company Albert's Honour Old Vines Foch 2010, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: Savoury and oaky then dark red plums and wild blueberries with cedar forest. Great interpretation of foch. Drink: 2012 - 2014 551036 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Lalande Mausse Meritage 2009, A.C., Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: Savoury, black and meaty. Rustic with a cedar finish. Wild cassis and blackberry. Meritage food pairings: beef brisket, steaks with a peppercorn sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 303859 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Bord'eaux Clos Des Moiselles Meritage 2009, A.C., Côtes De Bourg, Bordeaux, France: Savoury and juicy with black fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2012 - 2015 191528 13% XD 750 mL $16.85 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alpha Domus The Barnstormer Syrah 2010, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Cedar forest on the nose followed by lots of acidity for food on the palate. Black fruit, medium-bodied. Syrah food pairings: bacon-wrapped lamb medallions. Drink: 2012 - 2015 303396 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Alicia Paso De Piedra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Great structure and savoury note with blackberry and cassis aromas and flavours. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled steak in a soy and ginger marinade. Drink: 2012 - 2016 177980 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kangarilla Road Primitivo Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, smooth and balanced. Ripe dark fruit. Nicely done. Great for dinner parties. Primitivo Shiraz food pairings: shepherd’s pie. Drink: 2012 - 2015 286724 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De L'estang Meritage 2009, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux, France: Bargain Bordeaux: smoky cigar box and savoury, meaty notes with cassis and blackberry. Full-bodied. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2015 191551 13% XD 750 mL $18.85 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Sénéjac Meritage 2009, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Chalky dry with black fruit. Full-bodied and over-priced. Drink: 2012 - 2016 193177 13% XD 750 mL $28.85 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos De Los Siete 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Black pepper and fleshy black plums with some cassis on the finish. Layered, complex and deep, like math. Food pairings: grilled lamb chops, liver and onions. Drink: 2012 - 2016 622571 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Absolutely delicious especially at this price! Luscious layers of fleshy black plums and blackberries. Juicy and full-bodied. This wine cries out to be on your table beside a rare or pepper steak. Let your mouth have some fun tonight! Malbec food pairings: marinated steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2015 186668 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: A fleshy ripe malbec with a touch of dark spice on the finish. Full-bodied and smooth. Great price for such quality. Drink: 2012 - 2016 723478 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rolf Binder Heinrich Shiraz Mataro Grenache 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Smoky black fruit; full-bodied and brooding. Dark and deep. Drink: 2012 - 2015 90258 14% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Leconfield Merlot 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Big black and purple plums with some dark spices. Full-bodied, juicy with a smoky finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 39446 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Two Hands Wines Brave Faces Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied, rich and complex with fleshy ripe cassis and wild blackberries. A black plum, smoky finish. Nicely done! Grenache Shiraz Mataro food pairings: baked ham, veal chops, herbed pork tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 660035 14.8% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Langmeil Winery Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Tannic; needs cellar time. Dark and brooding with fleshy fruit that wants to bloom. Smoky, long finish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 644039 14.5% D 750 mL $29.85 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canepa Finísimo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Rich and savoury with a distinctive coffee-espresso finish. Full-bodied and smooth. Terrific price! Drink: 2012 - 2016 211920 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Cruzeau Meritage 2009, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Full-bodied and complex with a long, dry finish. Aromas of cassis and tart field blackberries but mostly earth and smoke. Drink: 2013 - 2017 966473 13% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Pensées De Pallus Domaine De Pallus Cabernet Franc Chinon 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Savoury and juicy with spicy dark red fruit. Full-bodied, smooth and happy. Drink: 2012 - 2016 123893 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe La Crau 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Full-bodied with great depth though over-priced. Savoury dark red and black fruit. Drink: 2012 - 2016 951475 14.5% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delas Frères, Saint-Esprit 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Honkin big tannic grip with a black fruit punch if you don't agree. Full-bodied with a savoury finish. Needs cellar time. Drink: 2014 - 2018 729962 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Perrin & Fils L'andéol Rasteau 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Savoury and delicious with smoky black fruit and cedar forest. Decant 2 hours or cellar it. Food pairings: lamb burgers, grilled Angus beef steaks. Drink: 2013 - 2017 976845 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Riserva, Antinori Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Smoky cigar box and dried herbs on the nose, extremely dry palate, full-bodied but subtle. Earthy not fruity. Drink: 2012 - 2015 241363 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Crognolo Tenuta Sette Ponti 2009, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Dry and mouth-watering with dried herbs and tart cherries. Full-bodied but not heavy. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2015 727636 14% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hunter's Wines Pinot Noir 2010, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Juicy with fleshy black cherries and a satin smooth texture with a medium body. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2016 586115 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Vendimia Palacios Remondo Tempranillo 2011, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Hauntingly savoury and delicious. Must be a typo on the price for such quality. Full-bodied and smooth with incredible texture. From the hands of a master. Tempranillo food pairings: chili con carne, lamb ragout. Drink: 2012 - 2016 674564 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Freemark Abbey Merlot 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Fleshy yet subtle, full-bodied yet balanced. Loaded with ripe black plums. Lots of layers of pleasure. Drink: 2012 - 2015 1602 14.4% D 750 mL $45.25 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Goldeneye Pinot Noir 2009, Anderson Valley, California, United States: Lots of acidity shot though fleshy cherries. Fleshy, luscious and full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2015 659854 14.5% D 750 mL $79.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lindaflor Monteviejo Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Complex and delicious with intriguing spicy black fruit and a mouth-watering juiciness. Full-bodied and cellar-worthy. Drink: 2012 - 2017 109322 15.5% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Musician Majella Cabernet Shiraz 2011, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Bright black cherry, dried herbs and cedar forest. Savoury, juicy and mouth-watering. Full-bodied and lovely. Cabernet Shiraz food pairings: herbed roast beef cooked rare. Drink: 2012 - 2015 142018 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Minervois 2010, A.C., Midi, France: Black as night and just as mysteriously exciting. Full-bodied with layers of black velvet to caress your senses and imagination. Pair with hearty meat dishes and hearty love affairs. Drink: 2012 - 2016 17764 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: One of South Africa's flagship wines. This elegant cabernet combines strength and finesse. Deep, rich and full-bodied with cassis and a long finish. Will age well. Drink: 2012 - 2017 283390 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Terrunyo Block 27 Vineyard Selection Peumo Vineyard, Concha Y Toro Carmenère 2009, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile: Superb in every way! Complex, deep, savoury and bursting with luscious black fruit aromas and flavours. This wine gives and gives right out to a long finish. Yum! Drink: 2012 - 2016 562892 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis Bernard Gigondas 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Yum! Juicy and loaded with purple and black plums and fleshy blackberries. Yet there's structure, finesse and a long finish. Some kind of wonderful. Food pairings: stuffed veal tenderloin, lighter red meats. Drink: 2012 - 2017 222596 14% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. October 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, California, United States: A beautifully balanced red with classic cabernet aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Just the right amount of oak and a long finish. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2012 - 2015 292151 13.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2010, South Australia, Australia: A vibrant, plummy red with a floral lift in the mid-palate from the viognier. Full-bodied, smooth and very berry-ripe. Shiraz Viognier food pairings: gourmet burgers, roast chicken, BBQ ribs. Drink: 2012 - 2017 624494 13% XD 750 mL $14.80 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Cave de Ribeauvillé Giersberger Brut Crémant D'alsace, A.C., Alsace, France: Crisp and clean with incredible value and taste for this price point. Your guests will think you paid triple. Toasty and refreshing. Drink: 2012 - 2015 183624 12% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tarlant Zéro Brut Nature Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France: Aged character rather than fresh: toasted almond with some golden amber aromas. For those who love aged champagne. Drink: 2012 - 2015 996264 12% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Sparkling Wine, Sonoma County, California, United States: One of my favourite Californian bubblies! Toasty and fresh at a great price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 192898 12.5% D 750 mL $36.35 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois California White Blend 2010, California, United States: A floral blend of chardonnay, moscato and chenin blanc. Lively and fresh with just the right amount of acidity for a variety of dishes. Great aperitif as well. California White Blend food pairings: Cheeses, Sushi, Thai, Salads. Drink: 2012 - 2013 308015 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clean Slate Riesling 2010, Mosel, Germany: Lovely and bright, especially for this price point! Lime blossom and floral notes. Very pretty. Riesling food pairings: Asian dishes, spicy foods, sushi, fish, poultry and pork. Drink: 2012 - 2016 286237 10.5% M 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Maipo Vitral Reserva Chardonnay 2010, Valle De Casablanca, Chile: Very generous oak treatment: loaded with smoke, vanilla spice and toast. Some apple notes mid-palate. Full-bodied. Chardonnay food pairings: poultry, creamy pasta dishes, corn dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2014 270009 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mike Weir Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Grassy fresh, herbal and chives. Medium-bodied, mouth-watering and refreshing. Drink: 2012 - 2014 686972 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gavi Di Gavi Le Selezione, Marchesi Di Barolo Cortese (Gavi) 2011, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Crisp and clean though pricey for what it is. Lemon freshness. Cortese (Gavi) food pairings: steamed mussels, clams. Drink: 2012 - 2014 155382 12.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Filadonna Tedeschi Pinot Grigio 2011, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: Dry, crisp and clean with a medium weight and no heavy oak. Good aperitif. Pinot Grigio food pairings: grilled salmon steaks, herb-rubbed roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2014 562058 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Eden Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay 2009, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States: Full-bodied with good acidity and some orchard fruit and lemon. Drink: 2012 - 2015 20407 13.8% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 88/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc Cyril Marès, Vign. 2011, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Dry, crisp and clean and excellently priced! If you like pinot grigio, give this white a shake. Food pairings: Sérac, Saint-Marcellin. Drink: 2012 - 2015 701094 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Seresin Chardonnay 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely toast almond on the nose mingles with green apple vibrancy. Full-bodied, mouth-watering and food-friendly. Lovely dry peach on the finish. Drink: 2012 - 2016 19190 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Gooseberry goodness on the nose with a gusher of mouth-watering acidity on the palate: needs food. Herbal and bright. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2014 224428 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. October 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tierhoek Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Piekenierskloof, South Africa: Richness and vibrant, like the perfect husband. Layers of complexity and lemon loveliness. Drink: 2012 - 2016 288175 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vine Cliff Los Carneros Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied with a deep richness and a smoked almond finish. Some orchard fruit in the middle. Drink: 2012 - 2016 289132 14.4% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. October 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pasqua Pasqua Black Label Soave 2011, Veneto, Italy: Refreshing and crisp with lime notes and a lemon zest finish. Great aperitif or companion to seafood and salads. Soave food pairings: light starters, delicate dishes such as tagliolini with shrimps or seafood risotto and many fish dishes.. Drink: 2012 - 2013 289447 12.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 86/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Finca El Origen Chardonnay 2010, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A beautifully chardonnay, especially for this price point! Full-bodied and just the right amount of oak. Some bright tree fruit on the mid-palate. Chardonnay food pairings: butter roasted turkey, green salads with nuts, pork chops in cream sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 269992 14% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. October 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart