Dessert Wine
Quinta Do Castelinho 10 Year Old Tawny Touriga Nacional Tinta Roriz, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Quinta do Castelinho is one of the Douro’s oldest properties. They produce this fine Port from their best vineyards. The blend, aged 10 years in barrel, is Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Franca. This Port is filled with dried fruits, mocha and vanilla aromas and flavours. Enjoy it as an after-dinner sipper. No decanting is required. My note: Wonderful concentration with some toffee and nuts. I love it and what an amazing price. Drink: 2011 - 2016 198952 20% S 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Messias Late Bottled Vintage Btld. 2010 Port 2005, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A fine Port featuring spot-on aromas of raisin, dark chocolate, very ripe plum and a hint of prune. Sweet, round and ripe with just enough acidity for balance, preventing it from being cloying. A superb LBV for the classic pairings of blue cheese or nuts. My note: Love it! Blackberry jam and plum preserves. Smooth and full-bodied. 140863 MS 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Le Clos Jordanne La Petite Colline Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of rose petals, raspberry, humus, and mocha. Dry and fresh with fruit still underneath waiting to unfold as it ages (allow 1-3 years). Fairly lengthy finish. Try it. Very Burgundian in style. My note: An intoxicatingly exotic perfume wafts up from the glass. This vineyard is only 3.25 hectares. The wine offers lovely aromas of fresh cherry, mocha, earth. Silky smooth and medium-bodied. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal cutlets, grilled parsnips, grilled portobello mushrooms. Drink: 2011 - 2016 33944 13.5% XD 750 mL $45.00 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Palatine Hills Estate Winery Proprietors Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: An intensely characterful wine reminiscent of the Bordeaux style. The nose and palate are wonderfully complex with notes of blackberry, red plum and vanilla. Enjoy this robust and savoury wine. My note: A pleasant sipper with mocha-blackberry nose. Full-bodied and smooth with some dried herbs and smoke on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued steak, gourmet burgers, roast lamb. Drink: 2011 - 2015 121699 12.8% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Grove Street Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Over the past twenty years, Grove Street has played an important role in putting Sonoma on the global wine map. This impressive Cabernet shows why they’ve been so successful. Deep ruby in the glass, it’s busting with blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, plum and cocoa. Finely structured and balanced, this superb effort offers incredible value. Try it tonight. My note: A pleasant, full-bodied red with dark fruit aromas, oak and good acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: T-bone steak. Drink: 2011 - 2014 161190 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Mondavi Winery Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: This Californian red wine is a blend of 76% Merlot with 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 3% Syrah and 3% Cabernet Franc grapes. Superbly balanced and elegant wine with full-bodied aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and black plum. Smoky and long on the finish and satisfaction. Merlot food pairings: grilled lamb, stuffed veal tenderloin. Drink: 2011 - 2017 953562 15% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-on mocha-dark chocolate note with fleshy blackberries underneath. Full-bodied and smooth with lapping layers of dark fruit flavour. Drink: 2011 - 2017 222877 14.5% XD 750 mL $175.10 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ironstone Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Ironstone creates a fruit-forward, crowd-pleasing Zinfandel rich in blackberry and blueberry notes. Medium bodied, dry, soft and round, with a lingering finish. Superb value. My note: Classic Californian Zinfandel! Love it: brambleberry, blueberry and blackberry pie. Smooth and full-bodied and ultra-juicy. Slather it on! Zinfandel food pairings: burgers, steak, pasta marinara, beef fajitas, sesame pork ribs. Drink: 2011 - 2015 951889 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hogue Cellars Reserve Merlot 2006, Wahluke Slope, Washington State, United States: Big, black and beautiful! Jammy-ripe with blackberries and fleshy dark plums. Full-bodied and juicy. Drink: 2011 - 2015 220491 15.4% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby in the glass, with deep and intriguing aromas of sour cherry, cola, earth, plum and woodsmoke. Showing good structure, the wine is dry and medium bodied, fruity and smoky, with bright acidity and silky, ripe tannins. Lovely balance throughout the medium-long finish. My note: Gorgeous dried herbs, fleshy cherries and earth in this medium-bodied, silky number. Pinot Noir food pairings: mustard-glazed ham. Drink: 2011 - 2017 317221 14.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Passion Reserve Valentin Bianchi Malbec 2008, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: The world is certainly passionate about Argentine Malbec, and really, can you blame us? Here is another excellent example of what all the noise is about. Crowd-pleasing, flavour-packed, and beautifully structured, textured and balanced, this wine is simply bursting with flair. My note: Lip-smacking tasty with big juicy purple plums, fleshy blueberries and just enough oak. An upfront wine that pulls no punches. Malbec food pairings: barbecued back ribs, steak. Drink: 2011 - 2014 191775 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Urraca Malbec 2008, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina: A solid, full-bodied red with black fruit, smoke, oak and some tarriness. Smooth but could use 1-2 hours decanting. Dried figs and some prune. Drink: 2011 - 2013 214379 14.8% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luigi Bosca Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipü, Mendoza, Argentina: Smooth as velvet and wonderful aromas of black plums and dark spices. Full-bodied and supremely satisfying. Serve this to your boss and get promoted. Drink: 2011 - 2018 128629 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Valdivieso Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Valdivieso released its first wines in 1887. With its dark red colour and its ripe, juicy flavour – and as you would expect from a producer with 124 years of experience – this wine is an excellent example of a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. My note: Solid, tasty, full-bodied red with dark berries and some meaty notes. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled or roast beef. Drink: 2011 - 2013 32110 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Caliterra Tributo Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Caliterra was established in 1996 as a partnership between the Robert Mondavi family and Viña Errázuriz. Viña Erráruriz acquired the Mondavi share in 2004. The name Caliterra is a combination of the words calidad (quality) and tierra (land). This is a deliciously lush wine with layers of sweet dark fruit, nice structure and a seam of acidity keeping everything in balance. My note: Superb value for the money! Rich, savoury dark berries and plums. Nice juiciness and full-bodied weight. Drink: 2011 - 2014 56630 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kilikanoon Shiraz 2007, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Minty blackberry with juicy mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied and smooth with a good finish. Drink: 2011 - 2015 674747 14.5% XD 750 mL $43.00 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oscar's Estate Vineyard Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A wonderfully robust and intriguing nose of blackberry jam, caramel, cocoa and a touch of toasted coconut. The palate is dry, with nice fruit and a plush texture. This is a real crowd-pleaser of a wine. A nice addition to a casual gathering. My note: Jammy-lovely: blackberry pie in a glass! Dry but packed with flavour. Full-bodied with layers of pleasure that lap over your senses. Shiraz food pairings: spare ribs. Drink: 2011 - 2016 225631 15.2% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
St. Huberts Pinot Noir 2008, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Love that combination of fleshy ripe cherries and raspberries with a pleasant bitterness and acidity to balance it perfectly. Medium-bodied and smooth. Maximum pleasure. Drink: 2011 - 2017 221861 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Superbly crafted with big ripe blackberries and black plums. A strong, but balanced, smoky weave. Savoury and delicious. A strong performer year after year. Drink: 2011 - 2016 590273 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delheim Shiraz 2007, W.O., Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa: Juicy, mouth-watering purple plums, blackberries and blueberries. A lovely weave of oak runs through it with full-bodied, smooth layers of flavour. Drink: 2011 - 2014 959080 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Gigognan Vigne Du Régent Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Wow! Drop-dead gorgeous. Full-bodied with generous aromas of black fruit and oak. Liqueur-like richness, though it’s dry. Suitable for rich meat dishes and perfect for dinner parties. Spectacular! Drink: 2011 - 2020 219899 15.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 94/100. April 2011. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saint-André Corbin Vign. Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils Merlot 2008, A.C., St-Georges-St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. This elegant Merlot-based wine features aromas and flavours of black cherry, mint, anise and menthol. Dry, with lots of fruit up front, in synch with balanced acidity and ripe tannins. Age it for up to 10 years. My note: Mocha-toasty oak on the nose with black fruit and smoke. Very New World style of a merlot-cabernet blend. Full-bodied and smooth. Terrific for dinner parties. Merlot food pairings: prime rib, roasted root vegetables. Drink: 2011 - 2016 43810 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave Des Vignerons De Bel Air Beaujolais-Villages Gamay 2009, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Translucent purple, with bright strawberry, cherry, pepper, and a lifting violet character on the nose. The palate is dry, with a crisp acidity and nicely integrated fruit carried through the medium-long finish. A superb value, this will work with a variety of lighter meats. My note: Juicy, generous wine with just the right amount of mouth-watering acidity. Ripe blueberries and tart cherries. Smooth and ready to dance with so many dishes. Gamay food pairings: ham. Drink: 2011 - 2014 208058 12.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De La Casenove La Garrigue Etienne Montès, Prop.-Récolt Carignan Grenache Mourvedre 2006, Vin De Pays Des Côtes Catalanes, Midi, France: Big black plum and dark spice notes. Full-bodied with some tannic grip so decant for 1-2 hours. Mouth-watering and scrumptious. Drink: 2011 - 2014 956888 14.2% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mas Des Dames La Dame 2008, A.C., Côteaux De Languedoc, Midi, France: Black raspberry liqueur with rich layers of full-bodied flavour. Some anise and dark spices. Savoury and lip-smacking yummy! Drink: 2011 - 2014 223214 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave de Rasteau La Domelière Rasteau Syrah Blend 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Savoury meaty notes, ripe black cherry, smoke and happiness on the nose. Full-bodied, plush and smooth in the mouth. Goes on and on with a long finish. Stunning for the price. Drink: 2011 - 2014 222927 14.5% XD 750 mL $15.00 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De La Ville Rouge Inspiration Crozes-Hermitage Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: Very purple plum and blueberry. Juicy and full-bodied with layers of rich, ripe fruit flavour. Drink: 2011 - 2014 194837 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Laurence Féraud Séguret Sélection Grenache Syrah 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. It features pretty aromas of baked berry pie, spice cupboard, garrigue and vanilla tones. Medium to full-bodied with bright acidity and lovely fruit. A delicious wine to drink over the next 2-4 years. It may be enjoyed tonight. My note: Vibrant peppery aromas and dark red fruit. Full-bodied and smooth and lovely juicy, mouth-watering action. Perfect for lots of meat dishes. Love this style. Fancy label makes it an expensive-looking gift wine that lives up to its promise. Grenache Syrah food pairings: grilled steaks, gourmet sausages. Drink: 2011 - 2016 211482 14.1% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villa Matilde Rocca Dei Leoni Aglianico 2007, I.G.T., Campania, Italy: Savory, heart-warming and delicious! Rich aromas of black cherry, dark spices, dried herbs. Smooth and full-bodied but will also do well in the cellar. Terrific value for the money. Excellent dinner party wine. Drink: 2011 - 2018 165035 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ca Del Baio Asili Barbaresco 2007, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Tart and expressive with vibrant notes of tart cherries, violets and some smoke. Full-bodied and smooth though decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2011 - 2020 213066 13.9% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Carrick Pinot Noir 2007, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: A luscious wine with fleshy black cherries and some baking spice. Medium- to full-bodied with velvet smooth. Great length and satisfaction. Drink: 2011 - 2015 919837 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ant Moore Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Ant Moore isn’t a fanciful moniker; it’s the real name of the owner/winemaker. Australian-born Moore controls every aspect of the wine-making, from the vineyards to bottling the finished wines. Complex and aromatic Otago Pinot with aromas of spring flowers, cherry, plum, earth and vanilla. Dry with a wonderful balance between the fruit, acidity and moderate tannins. Good ageing potential (3-5+ years). My note: Savory dark cherry flavour with some dark spices. Good richness on the palate with balancing acidity. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled game bird, veal medallions in a red-wine sauce. Drink: 2011 - 2015 220657 14.2% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lone Kauri Reserve Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Classy Marlborough Pinot with aromas of strawberry-rhubarb, black cherry and woodsmoke. Dry, fruity, ripe and round with a touch of crispness for balance. Flavourful, and ready to drink. A prime Pinot. My note: Superb for the money! Black raspberries, strawberries and rhubarb. Satin smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled salmon steaks. Drink: 2011 - 2016 214858 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Staete Landt Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Spring in a bottle: fresh and vibrant with the first field-fresh strawberries in the aromas. Medium-bodied and silky smooth. So very easy to drink. An Eat, Pray, Drink kinda wine. Drink: 2011 - 2016 214833 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Amisfield Pinot Noir 2008, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: Ripe, fleshy cherries and raspberries wrapped in just the right amount of oak. Medium-bodied, plush and smooth. Drink: 2011 - 2018 179754 14% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 94/100. April 2011. Favourite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Apollonio Valle Cupa Negroamaro Primitivo 2004, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine has won numerous awards at international wine competitions, including a Gold at the 2010 Concours Mondial in Brussels. It is a rich yet rugged 50/50 blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo. This producer usually releases its wines later than the norm so that the wines are at or near their optimal drinking window when they come to the market. The wine is filled with blackberry, plum and earth aromas and flavours. Dry and quite mouth-filling, with good structure. Enjoy it tonight or age it up to five years more. My note: Black cherry and blackberry liqueur richness with mocha and a little dark spice. Layers and layers of flavour. Full-bodied squared. Negroamaro Primitivo food pairings: grilled lamb. Drink: 2011 - 2016 84046 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Valiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Lovely juiciness and savoury character with black cherries and blackberries. This wine goes down slippery-fast: the type of wine where you’re chatting and then look at your glass and wonder who drank it when you weren’t looking. Top me up! Drink: 2011 - 2015 211706 13.7% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Allegrini Corvina 2006, I.G.T., Veronese, Veneto, Italy: Savory and juicy, with straight-forward, full-bodied pleasure. Dark fruit, oak and some spices. Drink: 2011 - 2015 476598 13.6% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Monte del Frá Tenuta Lena Di Mezzo Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C, Veneto, Italy: Chocolate-mocha nose with fleshy ripe blackberries and dark spices. Full-bodied and smooth. Black cherry liqueur runs through the heart of this wine that has terrific length. Drink: 2011 - 2015 47506 15.5% XD 750 mL $52.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hijos De Antonio Barceló Viña Mayor Crianza 2006, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: A solid, well-made Crianza with dark red fruit, some mocha and dried prune. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011 - 2014 343426 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodegas Altanza Lealtanza Crianza Tempranillo 2006, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Straight-forward, rustic pleasure with aromas of dark red fruit, smoke and cedar. Full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for book club get-togethers. Drink: 2011 - 2015 114835 13.3% XD 750 mL $17.25 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Baronia Del Montsant Flor D'englora Roure Garnacha Carinena 2009, D.O., Montsant, Spain: A juicy, purple plum-infused wine with mouth-watering notes of tart blackberries. Rich, smooth and full-bodied. Fantastic for the price. Drink: 2011 - 2014 210989 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Château Val Joanis Tradition Chancel Family, Prop.-Récolt. Syrah Rosé 2010, A.C., Luberon, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale salmon-pink with lively aromas of spring flowers, strawberry and cherry. Dry, medium bodied and with plenty of mouthwatering acidity. There is also a touch of tannic influence that adds nice balance. Lovely tangy red fruit flavours with floral and herbal notes. Beautifully refreshing with a substantial finish. Perfect as a sipper. My note: I want it! Goodness gracious, this is fantastic for the money! Fresh strawberries and field berries. Perfectly balanced and refreshing. Syrah Rosé food pairings: turkey. Drink: 2011 - 2013 707281 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Favourite Rose Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Fonscolombe Cuvée Spéciale Rosé 2010, A.C., Côteaux D'aix-En-Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Provence is famous for its rosés, and Château de Fonloscombe is one of the region’s most respected producers. Aromas suggest plum, strawberry, peach and candied fruit. A dry, medium-bodied wine that’s fresh on the palate, with good length. My note: Lovely! Redolent of fresh field strawberries and a summer sunshine. Light and flavourful with just the right touch of acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or food companion to many dishes. Rosé food pairings: chicken satay with peanut sauce, seafood. Drink: 2011 - 2013 180851 12.9% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. April 2011. Best Value Rose Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Lacourte-Godbillon Brut Champagne Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2002, A.C., Champagne, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Lacourte-Godbillon has been making award-winning Champagnes for over four generations. Nevertheless, its wines are new to this market – and should not be missed. The blend in this vintage bubbly is 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The nose suggests pear, yellow plum and buttered brioche. On the palate, these aromas replay beautifully. The mousse is fine and robust, giving the body very good support. A great champers for flavourful seafood dishes. My note: So creamy and toasty: love it! Green apple and almond, with lots of complexity. Great price. Pinot Noir Chardonnay food pairings: crab, lobster pan-fried scallops. Drink: 2011 - 2015 211052 12% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Favourite Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Poderi Elia Moscato D'asti 2009, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Floral tones float delicately atop notes of sweet peaches, apricot and tangerine. The palate is medium-sweet with good crisp acidity, nice fruit and a lively medium-long finish. My note: Simply lovely! I adore this wine and style almost no matter who makes it. Slightly fizzy and orange blossom slightly sweet, it is a wonder. Try it! Moscato D'asti food pairings: fruit salads, light desserts featuring peaches or berries. Drink: 2011 - 2013 211664 5.5% MS 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Raventós I Blanc L'hereu Reserva Brut Cava 2007, D.O., Penedès, Spain: A solid-working bubbly for large parties. Toasty and crisp. Delivers as expected at this price point. Food pairings: seafood, sausage. Drink: 2011 - 2014 26198 12.2% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Featherstone Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: So beautiful! This riesling has it all: juicy, peach and lime aromas, balance, complexity, length and lambs. (That was a baaaaah-d joke, I know.) Medium-bodied and packed with flavour. These folks are Riesling Masters: Ka-pow! Drink: 2011 - 2016 80234 10% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Favourite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Huff Estates Winery Reserve Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Ontario, Canada: I adore the petrol, mineral aroma/texture here! This is simply amazing Riesling. Some ripe tree fruit but the something extra really is in the forefront. Call it complexity, zip, length. Buy a case. Drink: 2011 - 2018 223982 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Favourite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Malivoire Wine Company Gewürztraminer 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Tones of lotus flower, lychee, rose petal and exotic spices on the nose. The palate is off-dry, medium bodied and delivers great acidity and classic Gewürz bitterness. This closes out with a spicy edge to the medium-length, fresh and fruity finish. A great pairing for salmon in a light cream sauce. My note: Love this style of gewurz! Enticing aromas of lychee, rose petal, baking spices and happiness. Medium- to almost full-bodied. A spectacular wine. Oh my, oh my. Gewürztraminer food pairings: Asian dishes, curries, Indian fare. Drink: 2011 - 2016 542522 13% MD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Favourite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Extremely well-made sauvignon blanc form biodynamically farmed grapes. Lovely lemon and lime aromas with terrific balance and length. One of California’s best sauvignon blancs. Fumé Blanc food pairings: lemon sole, ham. Drink: 2011 - 2017 346296 14.3% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Blackstone Winery Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Such a beautiful Chardonnay: this is what I love in Californian Chardonnay when I find it. Buttery with ripe peaches and pears yet balanced with great length. This is a blend of grapes from Carneros, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast. Drink: 2011 - 2015 128926 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rolling Cumulus Wines Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009, Central Ranges, New South Wales, Australia: Simple and tasty with refreshing lime and chive flavours. Drink: 2011 - 2013 678821 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Weingut Müller Neubergen Riesling 2009, D.A.C., Kremstal, Austria: Big dry Riesling with searing, mouth-watering acidity for food. Lime, chives and green apples. Bright, vibrant wine that will cut through creamy cheeses and cream sauces like a knife. Riesling food pairings: creamy cheeses, creamy sauces. Drink: 2011 - 2017 211060 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pierre Sparr Réserve Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: With its nose of lychee, ripe citrus, rose petal, and spice, this wine is an excellent introduction to Alsatian Gewurz. The palate echoes these wonderfully characteristic Gewurz qualities. Dry with a balanced and zesty acidity and a good length. This is would make an excellent aperitif wine. My note: Made by a master! Lovely concentration of lychee, rose petal aromas Gewurztraminer food pairings: lighter-flavoured sea-food dishes, Asian dishes, curries. Drink: 2011 - 2017 747600 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. April 2011. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Cordaillat Reuilly Sauvignon Blanc 2009, A.C., Loire, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale platinum-yellow colour leads to an expressive nose of Asian pear, melon, mineral, asparagus and artichoke. Dry, fresh, fruity and vibrant. Stylistically it embraces both the Loire and New Zealand schools. Zippy acids really bring zest to this fairly long-finishing wine. A great palate-refresher. My note : Mouth-watering lemon and lime notes with some herbs but not too grassy. Fresh and clean without much oak. Medium-bodied and food friendly. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled prawns, white fish, salmon teriyaki. Drink: 2011 - 2015 202432 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dal Cero Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: A nuttier style of Pinot Grigio with delicate aromas of apple, pear and citrus along with hazelnut and almond. Buttery and pleasant, it is dry, with nice fruit and a good length. An excellent value wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods. My note: Refreshing, clean and crisp with no heavy oak and buttery notes. Great aperitif. Pinot Grigio food pairings: herb-and-olive-oil pastas, mild vegetable curries. Drink: 2011 - 2014 672401 12.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 2011. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal and wonderful with grassy refreshment. Great mouth-watering action. So food friendly. Drink: 2011 - 2015 225557 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. April 2011. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: White grapefruit, lime and grass with mouth-watering acidity. Great refreshment as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled veggies, shellfish. Drink: 2011 - 2014 735043 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. April 2011. Favourite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Fantastic! Love the lifted citrus-lime style of New Zealand sauvignon blanc rather than the grassier versions. This is lovely, with mouth-watering acidity and ultra-refreshment. Drink: 2011 - 2014 224428 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. April 2011. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc 2009, The Brothers Land, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A come-alive nose with fresh notes of lime, grass and chives. Wake-up your senses. Good mouth-watering acidity. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: salads, seafood. Drink: 2011 - 2014 223180 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 2011. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart