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
Jules Taylor Pinot Gris 2025, Marlborough, New Zealand: Jules Taylor Pinot Gris from Marlborough's South Island is a medium-bodied white blending fruit from the Meadowbank vineyard in the Taylor Pass sub-region with parcels from the Waihopai Valley, with a portion wild-fermented in barrel and aged on lees to build texture and aromatic complexity that makes this a Pinot Gris worth paying attention to. On the nose it's fragrant and inviting, with white nectarine, dried chamomile, a whisper of warm ginger, and crushed chalk. The palate is round and juicy, with lemon curd, tangerine zest, poached pear, and a long, spiced finish with fine fruit tannins and lively, food-friendly acidity. Winemaker Jules Taylor was born in Marlborough the same year the first vines were planted in the region and built her reputation as head winemaker at Kim Crawford before founding Jules Taylor Wines in 2001 with just 200 cases of hand-picked, barrel-fermented Pinot Gris and Riesling, and now in its 25th vintage the brand remains entirely family-owned. Serve it well chilled now through 2028 with pan-fried rockfish with lemon butter, where the wine's textured finish holds up to the fish beautifully, or try it with fish tacos and a mango slaw for a casual pairing that lands every time. Pinot Gris food pairings: green salads, pan-fried rockfish, fish tacos. Drink: 2026 - 2028 36866 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 94/100. August 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Luis Felipe Edwards Cinso Cinsault, Chile: This is Chile's most underrated red grape, or it should be. Cinsault used to be an afterthought here, mostly blended away, until winemakers realized it could shine on its own. Red cherry leads, a whisper of clove and a savoury, earthy edge trailing behind. It's light and juicy in the mouth, with firm, fine tannins keeping it from feeling too soft. Try it with a niçoise salad or tuna tartare on cucumber. Cinsault food pairings: charcuterie with cornichons, niçoise salad, tuna tartare on cucumber. Drink: 2026 - 2026 51147 12% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 93/100. August 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart