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.
White Wine
Raats Chenin Blanc 2024, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch is a dry, medium-bodied white wine sourced from vines more than 40 years old, revealing a rich, generous character with excellent precision and focus amid the ripe fruit, offering generous golden apple, nectarine, grapefruit and stony in an authentic, utterly satisfying frame. Serve it chilled with pan-seared sea bass with lemon-herb butter, where the wine's structure and depth complement the delicate fish while its stony notes cut through the richness, or pair it with roasted turkey with herbs as the wine's ripe fruit and generous character stand up to the savoury, herb-infused bird. Winemaker Bruwer Raats oversees production at Raats Family Wines, a boutique Stellenbosch estate founded in 2000 that has become internationally renowned for championing South African Chenin Blanc and showcasing the exceptional quality that comes from old vines in the Cape's premium terroirs. This wine is so good and a natural match for seafood with the structure for more substantial dishes, drinking beautifully now through 2028. Chenin Blanc food pairings: roast chicken, game hens, pork tenderloin, seafood gumbo. Drink: 2025 - 2028 494559 13.5% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 91/100. December 2025. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Medievo Gran Reserva 2017, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Medievo Gran Reserva from Rioja is a dry, full-bodied blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, offering aromatic jasmine and iris with ripe dark fruits and toasted almonds framed by rounded, supple tannins and a lip-smacking finish. Serve it at room temperature with slow-roasted leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary, where the wine's long-lasting fruit and supple tannins complement the tender, herb-infused meat, or pair it with grilled ribeye steak as the wine's crisp pomegranate texture and almond notes stand up to the rich, marbled beef. Winemaker Carlos San Pedro oversees production at Bodegas Medievo, a historic estate in the heart of Rioja that crafts traditional Gran Reserva wines using extended aging in French and American oak followed by additional bottle aging to achieve classic elegance and complexity. This exceptional wine earned impressive recognition at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards and represents outstanding value for a Gran Reserva of this quality. Food pairings: well-marbled prime rib roast, rack of lamb, roast pork. Drink: 2025 - 2027 47072 13.5% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 95/100. December 2025. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart