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Vintages Release April 24, 2020

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Reviewed Wines | All Wines | Group by Wine Type | Group by Country/Region

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Australia

Sister's Run Old Testament Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: So savoury and rich, with intense blackberry, dark plum, wild herb, minty flavours on the palate and a luxurious dark spice and vanilla finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine were sourced from the Old Testament vineyard in the heart of the Coonawarra region. Pair with a juicy, grilled ribeye steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pizza topped with steak strips, rib steak, slow-braised brisket. Drink: 2019 - 2025 478271 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Penny's Hill Cracking Black Shiraz 2016, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A fragrant and full-bodied Shiraz with blackberry compote, dark plum, vanilla and spice aromas on the nose. Rich with dark fruit, blackberry, mocha, cedar spice and smoky vanilla flavours on the palate. Grapes are sourced from the estate Malpas Road vineyard, growing on infertile, grey-black cracking soil. The black Biscay soils of Malpas Vineyard crack open. This natural process which annually breaks off superfluous fingerling vine roots, reduces vine vigour intensifying grape flavours. Drink now and for the next 10 years. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, marinated pepper steaks, grilled bison strip steaks. Drink: 2020 - 2027 396473 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Canada

Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2015, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A creamy, full-bodied and zesty Niagara Chardonnay with ripe yellow apple, honeydew melon, toasted nut and smoky mineral flavours on the palate. Pair with halibut steak in lemon butter. Chardonnay food pairings: pan seared scallops, grilled seafood, stuffed chicken roasted, beef bourguignon. Drink: 2020 - 2022 116384 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. April 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

PondView Estate Winery Gold Series Vidal Icewine 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied and gorgeously rich apricot and peach jam with luscious layers of hedonism and lip-licking happiness. Perfect as dessert on its own or with fruit cobbler or flan. Vidal Icewine food pairings: fruit and custard tart, fresh berries with sweetened whipped cream. Drink: 2015 - 2023 390351 11% S 200 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. April 2020. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2018, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From Henry of Pelham Estate on the Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment wine region, a mouth-watering, lean and bright Riesling with white-fleshed stone fruit, crunchy green apple and lime zest flavours. Chill and enjoy now and for the next five years. Riesling food pairings: smoked salmon and chive cream cheese on baguette, oyster hotpot, mild curries. Drink: 2019 - 2024 557165 11.5% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay 2017, Cave Spring Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Wine grapes for this lush and creamy Chardonnay were sourced from three parcels in the Cave Spring Vineyard from vines over 30 years of age. Love the ripe apricot, apple, tropical fruit, nutty and smoky vanilla flavours on this buttery Chard. Chill and enjoy with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, lobster in butter, corn dishes, pork, fried chicken, almonds, brie, camembert. Drink: 2019 - 2022 256552 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Tragically Hip Ahead by a Century Chardonnay 2018, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Produced by Stoney Ridge Estate Winery, The Tragically Hip Ahead By A Century 2018 Chardonnay is zesty with citrus, crisp apple, pear, vanilla. butterscotch and toasty flavours delivered on a creamy palate. Serve chilled with a roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: mushroom and onion risotto, grilled pork sausage, roast chicken. Drink: 2019 - 2024 483875 12.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. April 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Hidden Bench Fumé Blanc 2018, Rosomel Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A vibrant food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc that was one third new barrel aged, one third old barrel and one third concrete tank. Smoky with bright apple, pear, fine herb and flinty mineral flavours on the palate. Pair with herbed goat cheese and green salads. Fumé Blanc food pairings: chicken and sage skewers, fresh tomato and basil salad, Thai green curry fish, smoked oyster Poor Boy sandwiches. Drink: 2020 - 2023 68825 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Culmina Family Estate Winery R&D Red Blend 2016, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: R & D from the Culmina Family Estate Winery is a juicy, medium-bodied Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc crowd-pleaser red wine blend that pays homage to Culmina co-owner Don Triggs and his twin brother, Ron as their pictures as boys are on the label. Love the smoky cherries and concentrated berry aromas on the nose with ripe dark cherry, blackberry, dried herbs, anise, black pepper, dark chocolate and smoky flavours on the palate. Aged in French and American oaked barrels. Pair with smoked, grilled meats. Food pairings: roast chicken paprika with onion and herb stuffing, onion pie, roast brises chicken. Drink: 2020 - 2023 445494 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Chile

Escudo Rojo Reserva Carmenère 2018, Maipo Valley, Chile: A full-bodied, concentrated Chilean red wine made from the country's classic grape Carmenere. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plums and dark spice. Pair with grilled lamb. Carmenère food pairings: grilled sirloin steak, slow-braised blade roast in wine sauce, wild mushroom and leek risotto. Drink: 2020 - 2024 14058 14% XD 750 mL $17.00 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Croatia

Kutjevo Grasevina 2018, Slavonia, Croatia: From Slavonia, Kutjevo's Grasevina 2018 is floral with ripe pear, apple aromas on the nose, dry, fresh and zesty on the palate with grapefruit, fresh melon, citrus flavours and finishing spicy with a briny minerality. Pair with creamy shellfish or pasta dishes. Wine grapes were sourced from the Danube-Kutjevo Vineyard. This grape is known by many other names, such as Welschriesling, Ryzlink and Olasz Rizling. This was grown in ancient volcanic soil from an old world winery. Grasevina food pairings: grilled fish, grilled pork chops, charcuterie and hard cheeses. Drink: 2019 - 2021 519074 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

France

Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2018, Midi A.P., France: A Picpoul Pinet from the Midi wine region in France and is a grape varietal as well as appellation. Vibrant acidity on this wine which comes natural to the grape. Fresh apple, lemon juice, light herbs and a light salty finish on the palate. Perfect for raw oysters on the half-shell or grilled shellfish. Chill and enjoy now. Picpoul De Pinet food pairings: wiener schnitzel and potato salad, pan-fried freshwater fish, oyster hotpot. Drink: 2019 - 2021 350124 12.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2020. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Favray Pouilly-Fumé 2018, Loire A.C., France: This Pouilly-Fumé is a crisp and delicious Sauvignon Blanc with smoky, lemon zest, fine herb and yellow plum flavours on the palate. Nice structure and finesse on this SB from lees ageing. Pouilly-Fumé food pairings: chicken in a garlic, white wine sauce, salads, pan-fried smoked scallops. Drink: 2020 - 2022 323642 12.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. April 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2017, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.P., France: Produced by winemaker, Jean-Marc Lafage, from Maury in the Midi wine region, Château Saint-Roch's Chimères is a deep, dark purple, full-bodied red wine blend of 40% Grenache and 30% each of Carignan and Syrah. Lush and layered with liquid cherry, dark berry compote, dried wild herbs, flinty finishing with pepper spice on the palate. Matured in concrete tank and large oak casks. Enjoy now and over the next three years. Food pairings: smoky game burgers, beef steak, rack of lamb. Drink: 2020 - 2023 119354 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Famille Perrin Nature Côtes du Rhône 2017, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: A full-bodied and smooth Grenache and Syrah red wine blend with ripe dark fruit, ripe red berries, smoky and savoury dried wild herb flavours on the palate. The winery is certified organic by Ecocert and was already into organic farming 40 years ago. Food pairings: grilled venison steak, bison burgers, rack of lamb. Drink: 2020 - 2020 948059 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne 2009, Champagne A.C., France: A lovely, mature Champagne from a well-respect and renown producer. Produced from 20% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Meunier and 40% Pinot Noir, creamy and elegant with a fine mousse showing fresh-baked brioche, poached pear, lemon, and bright red berry flavours on the palate. Champagne food pairings: oysters on the half-shell, roast chicken sandwiches, seafood bites. Drink: 2020 - 2023 240085 12% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 92/100. April 2020. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Bonnin Pichon Grande Réserve 2015, Lussac-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A beautifully balanced, rich and layered Bordeaux wine at a great price from the hilly terrain of Lussac, a satellite appellation of Saint-Émilion. Lots of ripe dark fruit, tobacco, and vanilla on the nose. Elegantly smooth, medium-bodied with ripe blackberry, plum, vanilla and pepper spice flavours, savoury and satisfying on the palate. Good now, better in a year of two to further integrate tannins. Food pairings: grilled meats, baron of beef roast, tourtière. Drink: 2021 - 2024 280008 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc 2018, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: A zesty and well-balanced Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc and Clairette white wine blend. Elegant with ripe tropical fruit, melon and lemon-lime zest flavours on the palate. Soft, delicious and so easy to enjoy. Pair with roast lemon chicken. Blanc food pairings: crab cakes, grilled calamari, turkey dinner. Drink: 2020 - 2021 48892 13% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. April 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Château Peyros Tannat Cabernet Franc 2015, Madiran, Southwest A.C., France: A rich and concentrated Tannat and Cabernet Franc sourced from the Madiran Wine Region with ripe dark fruit and tanned leather aromas on the nose. Rich dark plum, blueberry, black raspberry, dried fine herbs and sweet cake spice on the palate. Finishes long and savoury. Decant for one hour prior to pouring with a well-marbled grilled steak or cellar for a couple years. Tannat Cabernet Franc food pairings: rare grilled meats, game dishes, sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2020 - 2025 208249 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marchand-Tawse Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2017, Burgundy A.C., France: A sexy smooth and silky Pinot Noir fragrant with a tart cherry, sous bois and mocha nose. Dry, zesty with bright cherry, red berry, dried fine herbs and oak spice flavours caressing the palate. Nicely done! Pinot Noir food pairings: veal scaloppini, beef, smoked salmon, coq au vin. Drink: 2020 - 2023 285601 13% XD 750 mL $32.25 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Italy

Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino 2014, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Produced from organically-grown Sangiovese wine grapes. Dark, smoky and savoury with ripe black fruit, earthy florals, dried wild herbs, bitter chocolate flavours and smoky, toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. This Brunello is unfiltered. Tannins are firm. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: ravioli, autumn hodge-podge, chilli. Drink: 2020 - 2028 237263 15% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 94/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Riserva Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A full-bodied, aromatic Italian red wine made from the classic Sangiovese grape. Notes of dark plums, blackberries, smoke, dark spices. Juicy, mouth-watering acidity for tangy tomato sauces. Chianti Classico food pairings: meaty lasagne, mushroom risotto, pasta Bolognese. Drink: 2021 - 2024 13496 13.9% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Michele Satta Piastraia 2016, Bolgheri, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: Produced by Winemaker Michele Satta. An intense medium-bodied red wine blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah aged in oak for one year and a half. Look for black cherry, black plum skin, blackberry, fresh and dried herb, spice and dried pink florals smooth and with refreshing acidity on the palate. Enjoy now and for the next 10 years. Food pairings: mushroom risotto, vegetarian lasagne, veal Parmesan. Drink: 2020 - 2032 709980 13% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Proprietà in Fontanafredda Barolo 2013, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: A gorgeous northern Italian red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape. This Barolo offers aromas of black cherry, violets, truffles and smoke. A long, lingering finish. Needs more cellar time. Decant 2 hours. Pair with truffle-accented dishes and wild game meats. Barolo food pairings: roast duck, venison striploin, roast turkey, grilled game sausages. Drink: 2022 - 2038 638999 14% XD 750 mL $138.00 Score: 95/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Castello di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: An elegant and well-balanced, medium-bodied Chianti Classico Riserva with poise and finesse. Silky smooth on the palate with ripe black cherries, baking spices, tobacco leaf, tanned leather and smoky vanilla flavours on the palate. Chianti Classico food pairings: roast beef, cheesy pizza, stuffed roasted turkey, pasta in tomato sauce. Drink: 2022 - 2035 216309 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Lirica Primitivo di Manduria 2015, Puglia D.O.P., Italy: Lirica 2015 is a robust red Primitivo Di Manduria with black and purple plum liqueur, crushed raspberry, blackberry, tarry with toasty oak flavours on the palate. Great concentration of dark fruit flavours to toasty oak on this southern Italian red wine. Pair with a meaty, cheesy lasagna. Primitivo Di Manduria food pairings: meaty stews, rabbit stew, roast chicken with olives. Drink: 2018 - 2024 326710 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tornatore Etna Bianco 2018, Etna, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: A refreshing, medium-bodied 100% Carricante with grapes sourced from Etna in the Sicily wine region with ripe stone fruit, soft orange and ginger flavours with a clean citrusy, mineral finish. Food pairings: fish tacos, vegetarian pizza, grilled shellfish.. Drink: 2019 - 2023 577676 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. April 2020. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato 2017, Veneto, Italy: From Tommassi, a medium-bodied vibrant Corvina, Rondinella and Merlot red wine blend made in a similar method as Amarone wines. When wine grapes are harvested, they are air-dried, thereby concentrating the flavours prior to fermentation. Lush and spicy with dried fruit, dark cherry, savoury herb and nutty flavours rich on the palate. Food pairings: gourmet burgers, lamburgers, prime rib, lasagne, sausage. Drink: 2019 - 2028 338939 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

New Zealand

Momo Organic Pinot Noir 2018, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A well-priced Pinot Noir under $20 produced from organically and biodynamically grown grapes from a bio-grow certified winery. Dry, medium-bodied with ripe raspberry, dark cherry, dried herbs smooth and bright on the palate. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb chops, mushroom risotto, planked salmon, frittata, coq au vin. Drink: 2020 - 2023 163972 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2020. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

South Africa

Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: Love the nose on this South African Cabernet Sauvignon with black currant, fine herb and earthy aromas on the nose. Lots of juicy sweet black plums and blackberries, sweet spice, vanilla flavours delivered on a velvety palate. Nice now, better in a year or two of cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: sirloin tip roast, grilled pork chops, meat and root vegetable stews. Drink: 2020 - 2023 744375 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. April 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Spain

Faustino I Gran Reserva 2006, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A lovely full-bodied and mature mostly Tempranillo red wine (with some Graciano and Mazuelo). Earthy with dried herb and dried fruit aromas on the nose. Spicy with leather, dried fruit and tobacco leaf flavours on the palate. The time has come to drink this wine. Pair with game roasts and grilled game sausages. Food pairings: wild boar roast, grilled venison steak, roast pheasant. Drink: 2019 - 2021 976662 13.5% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

United States

The Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, North Coast, California, United States: A velvety, full-bodied and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with a splash of Petit Sirah added from the Hess Collection with ripe dark fruit, sweet spice and toasty oak and vanilla spice flavours on the palate. So good now. Enjoy with a prime rib roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge, grilled burgers. Drink: 2019 - 2025 25080 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. April 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2017, Monterey County, California, United States: Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay was first produced in 2005 by Charlie Wagner and has kept its rich, full-bodied and unoaked style. Brought up in stainless-steel and cement tanks, this Chard is fresh with blanched almond, bright apple, soft tropical fruit and citrus flavours finishing crisp with clean mineral flavours on the palate. Pair with grilled shrimp. Chardonnay food pairings: spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, lobster with melted butter poached whitefish in white wine sauce. Drink: 2020 - 2023 220343 14.8% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. April 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ridge Geyserville 2017, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A medium-plus-bodied red blend of 68% Zinfandel, 18% Carignane, 12% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Aromas of blue florals, ripe red cherries and sweet cake spice with layered blackberry, dark plum, mocha and oak spice flavours on the palate. Tannins are firm. Good now, better with a couple of years in cellar to marry, mellow and integrate tannins. Food pairings: barbecued meats, venison steak, bison burgers. Drink: 2022 - 2038 723072 14.5% XD 750 mL $96.00 Score: 92/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Drumheller Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: A juicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of ripe blackberry and toasty oak on the nose. Fresh with bright blackberry, spiced plum, vanilla and minty flavours on the palate. Pair with grilled meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast chicken, roast veal, mild goat curry. Drink: 2020 - 2023 551473 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 2020. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Napa Valley, California, United States: A polished Napa Valley Cab from Buena Vista, rich, layered and full-bodied with ripe dark plum, black currant, blackberry, meaty, minty and cedar spice flavours on the palate. Smooth with structured tannins and balanced acidity. Love the long and juicy dark cherry finish. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast venison steak, rabbit tenderloin en croute, grilled veal Porterhouse steak. Drink: 2020 - 2025 539106 14.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 93/100. April 2020. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel 2017, Mendocino County, California, United States: A plushy, juicy, full-bodied Zinfandel with layers of ripe dark berries, dark cherry, bright red berry and baking spice flavours finishing long and zesty on the palate. Zinfandel food pairings: pizza, lamb kabobs, nachos, turkey and cranberry sauce, barbecue ribs. Drink: 2020 - 2023 4887 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. April 2020. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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