Here are my top wine picks from the February 16 Vintages Release. You can also get all 91 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions.
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Sols & Sens Laudun Blanc Les Vignerons Des 4 Chemins 2011, A.C., Côtes-Du-Rhônes-Villages, France
Lovely hazelnut and citrus on the nose. Smooth, mouth-watering and medium-bodied on the palate. Terrific price. Try it with pork chops. Pair with: roasted sea bass and lemon mashed potatoes. Drink: 2012-2015. 272435 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine
The Hogue Cellars Genesis Riesling 2010, Columbia Valley, Washington State
Love it! White flowers, white peach, lime and petrol (this is good) on the nose. Vibrant and juicy on the palate. Packs a punch flavour-wise even though it’s medium-bodied. Ultra food-friendly from seafood to roast chicken. Just a touch of sweetness but it’s hard to pick up with the great acidity. Drink: 2012-2016. 309666 12.1% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine
Bodegas Balbás Ardal Crianza Bodegas Alitus 2005, Do Ribera Del Duero, Spain
Lovely! A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that’s both savoury and delicious at an amazingly great price. Aromas of dark cherry, smoke, and dried herbs. Layers of pleasure give rise to happiness (on the second glass). Superb craftsmanship. Pair with: thick barbecued porterhouse steak. Drink: 2013-2018. 167601 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine
Altesino Brunello Di Montalcino 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy
One of the best brunellos I’ve tasted. Savoury, complex, layered and delicious. Aromas of dark red berries, smoke, anise and happiness. Full-bodied, supple and endless on the finish. Wow. Drink: 2013-2018. 994095 13% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 96/100. Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta Wine
Ayala Majeur Brut Champagne, A.C., Champagne, France
Gorgeous balance, toastiness and complexity. Robust yet refreshing. Superb craftsmanship. Lovely lemon biscuit notes on the long finish. Drink: 2012-2015. 4143 12% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 93/100. Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine
Banero Extra Dry (Kpm) Tenuta San Giorgio Prosecco, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy
This kosher for Passover sparkling wine is fresh and toasty with a crisp finish. Good value for the price. Drink: 2012-2014. 298489 5.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. Best Value Sparkling Wine. Splendid Salad Wine
Anselmann Gewürztraminer Kabinett 2011, Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany
Lemon drops and sweet lychee and pear on the nose. Seductive and exotic. Medium-bodied and viscous and smooth. Try this with Asian dishes, curries and spices. To die for with the right food combo. Pair with: spicy pork stir-fry, toasted almonds and strong cheeses. Drink: 2012-2016. 909697 10.5% MS 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. Best Value Dessert Wine. Enchanting Cheese Wine
Quinta de la Rosa Vintage Estate Bottled Port 2009, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal
A complex and aromatic port with aromas of fruitcake, black plum preserves and black raspberry pie. Absolutely deliciously yet balanced and elegant. Perfect after-dinner drink. Pair with Black Forrest cake. Drink: 2013-2020. 741397 20.4% S 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. Top Rated Dessert Wine. Best Beef Wine
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