Argentina
Finca El Origen Reserva Estate Malbec 2019, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: From Bodegas y Viñedos La Esperanza, Finca El Origen Reserva Estate 2019 is a well-priced Argentinean Malbec under $18. Structured with ripe and rich blueberry, plum, anise and stony mineral flavours on the palate with fresh acidity for food. Tannins are firm and structured. Good now, better in 2022. Pour with beef steaks or ribs from the grill. Malbec food pairings: pulled pork sandwiches, Swedish meatball stew, barbequed rib steak. Drink: 2022 - 2025 65664 14.1% D 750 mL $17.00 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
El Enemigo Los Paraisos Bonarda 2017, Mendoza, Argentina: El Enemigo Los Paraisos 2017 Bonarda is produced from a single-vineyard and is bottled unfiltered. Look for ripe small dark berries, dark plum, earthy violets and savoury herbs balanced with food-friendly acidity finishing plushy on the palate. Tannins are fine and rounded. Drink or hold. Bonarda food pairings: roast pork tenderloin, turkey, chicken. Drink: 2022 - 2026 17286 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodegas Krontiras Doña Silvina Family Selection Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina: From the Mendoza wine region, Doña Silvina 2018 Malbec is a medium-plus-bodied, vibrant red wine with dark plum, dark berry, mocha, savoury herb, nut and pepper spice flavours nicely wrapped up with food-friendly acidity. Tannins are firm. Pour with grilled meats from the BBQ. Drink or hold. Malbec food pairings: roast pork, duck, grilled game sausages. Drink: 2022 - 2027 303024 14.7% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viñalba Reserva Malbec Touriga Nacional 2019, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Viñalba Reserva 2019 is a full-bodied 80% Malbec and 20% Touriga Nacional red wine blend from the Mendoza wine region. Fresh and bright on the nose with red cherry, dark plum, earthy mushroom, dried herbs, dark chocolate, citrus zest and savoury spice flavours finishing fresh and long on the palate. Tannins are velvety. Malbec Touriga Nacional food pairings: grilled sirloin steak, mushroom stuffed flank steak, beef stews. Drink: 2022 - 2025 442459 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Folklore Cabernet Merlot 2018, Western Australia, Australia: Folklore 2018 Cabernet Merlot is a dry, full-bodied and fresh red blend from the Margaret River, Western Australia. Deep purple in the glass and perfumed with black currant, black plum, menthol, green herbs, savoury spices matched with vibrant acidity with a long, creamy finish. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, lentil stew. Drink: 2022 - 2024 20879 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds Max's Shiraz Cabernet 2019, South Australia, Australia: Penfolds Max's 2019 Shiraz and Cabernet blend is fragrant and muscular with ripe blackberry, blueberry, savoury herb, cedar and pepper spice flavours smooth and satisfyingly long on the palate. Tannins are supple and velvety. Pour with bison burgers from the grill. Drink or hold. Shiraz Cabernet food pairings: roast leg of lamb, grilled pork chops, roast Cornish game hens. Drink: 2022 - 2025 629238 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tyrrell's Wines Hunter Valley Shiraz 2019, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: Tyrrell's 2019 Shiraz is a full-bodied and fragrant Shiraz from Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Love the earthiness, ripe red and spicy berry aromas on this medium-plus-bodied red with gravelly, sous bois flavours and mineral undertones. Beautifully balanced with spot-on acidity, elegant with smooth tannins. Very nice now, but will drink well into the late 2020s. Shiraz food pairings: roast shoulder of lamb, veal chops, turkey, duck. Drink: 2022 - 2028 13990 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Best's Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2018, Victoria, Great Western, Australia: From the Victoria wine region in the Great Western, Best's Bin No. 1 2018 Shiraz is like liquid velvet. Fragrant, full-bodied and savoury on the palate with ripe plum, cherry, mulberry, raspberry, mocha, pepper and toasty oak spice with a long finish. Drink or hold. Grapes are hand-harvested with whole berry fermentation (a portion of the grapes are whole bunch fermented) and the wine was matured in large oak casks. Shiraz food pairings: pork chops, grilled radicchio, beef prosciutto, black bean soup, blue cheese. Drink: 2022 - 2035 222323 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stella Bella Chardonnay 2018, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Stella Bella 2018 is a cool-climate Margaret River Chardonnay, lush and full-bodied with ripe stone fruit, apple, lemon curd, subtle apple pie spice, creamy and vibrant on the palate. Beautifully balanced and crafted. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled salmon, lobster with a butter sauce, crab cakes, fried clams, ham, cheese pizza, Caesar salad. Drink: 2022 - 2024 102061 13% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
3 Rings Shiraz 2018, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: 3 Rings 2018 Shiraz is the deepest, darkest red in the glass and fragrant with blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry and cocoa aromas. This is a full-bodied, big red at almost 15% abv, but there is so much ripe raspberry, blueberry, blackberry fruit and smoky, spicy flavours on the palate, the wine balances itself out. Tannins are ripe and there is great acidity for food on this wine. Pour with a roast leg of lamb rubbed with rosemary and garlic. Yum! Shiraz food pairings: hamburgers, espresso and cocoa-rubbed flank steak, black bean soup, cheese. Drink: 2021 - 2027 15495 14.6% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Evans & Tate Redbrook Estate Cabernet Merlot 2017, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Evans & Tate, Redbook Estate 2017 is a fresh 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 7% Malbec. Bright, medium-plus-bodied with subtle flavours of black currant, red berry, fine herbs, cedar spice and flinty notes savoury on the palate. Tannins are fine-grained and velvety. Drink or hold. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: meat-lover's pizza, roast pork, venison burgers. Drink: 2022 - 2032 16530 14.5% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Grove Estate Wines Hilltops Shiraz 2018, New South Wales, Australia: From New South Wales, Grove Estate Wines Hilltops 2018 Shiraz is a mouthful of ripe dark cherry with cinnamon, clove and pepper spice flavours with a soul-satisfying finish. Dry and medium-plus-bodied with good acidity for food, pour with steaks from the grill. Drink or hold. Shiraz food pairings: grilled lamb chops, roast pheasant, striploin steaks from the grill. Drink: 2022 - 2026 21100 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery Oak Bay Pinot Noir 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: From St. Hubertus Estate Winery, Oak Bay 2019 Pinot Noir is dry, medium-bodied with tart red cherry, earthy florals, savoury herbs and smoky, toasty oak spice flavours vibrant on the palate. Produced by the Gebert Family from St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Vineyards that were planted in 1928, making the winery one of the oldest wineries in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. Pour with wild mushroom stuffed Cornish game hens. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast duck in port wine sauce, veal chops, grilled duck sausages, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2022 - 2025 267146 13% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Frogpond Farm Organic Chardonnay 2017, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Frogpond Farm 2017 Chardonnay is a vegan-friendly Chard produced from organically-grown grapes from the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region. Frogpond was Ontario's first certified organic winery. Look for vibrant, crunchy green apple, orange and peach blossoms, fresh pear, tropical fruit and clean, crisp mineral flavours with a long and zesty finish. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, corn on the cob, grilled duck breast with blackcurrant pomegranate sauce, fresh salmon steak. Drink: 2022 - 2024 203547 12.2% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir 2018, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Henry of Pelham Canada's Baco Noir specialist. This one is robust with red berry, blueberry, dried herbs and earthy spice flavours on the palate. Tannins are smooth and there is good acidity to enjoy this one on its own or pair with hearty meat dishes. Baco Noir food pairings: blackened, smoked beef dishes, grilled radicchio, hamburgers. Drink: 2019 - 2024 461699 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Vibrant and bright with ripe sweet cherry, raspberry, fresh mushroom and smoky mineral flavours on this medium-bodied Niagara-on-the-Lake Pinot Noir. Wine grapes were hand-harvested off of 25-year old vines. Elegant and juicy and great value under $20. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled tuna steak, chicken cacciatore, pasta. Drink: 2022 - 2023 258673 13.4% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2016, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Juicy and mouth-watering with fleshy black plums and tart blackberries. Smooth and supple and medium-bodied. Pair with grilled pork chops. Cabernet Franc food pairings: lamb, beef prosciutto, goat cheese, turkey, beef stew with root veggies, red pepper stuffed with rice and meat.. Drink: 2022 - 2025 64618 12.3% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kew Vineyards Barrel Aged Gamay Noir 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Kew 2019 Gamay Noir is fragrant with smoky, spicy red plum and red berry aromas on the nose. Bright and juicy with raspberry, red berry, tart cherry and black pepper spice smooth and silky on the palate. Pour with a duck confit or roast turkey. This winery is housed in a historic 160-year-old home in Niagara. Gamay Noir food pairings: baked ham with cherry coulis, roast duck, roast chicken. Drink: 2021 - 2024 515270 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
PondView Estate Winery Bella Terra Chardonnay Sur-Lie 2020, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Pondview Bella Terra 2020 Chardonnay is a vibrant and elegant Chardonnay from the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region. There is no oak treatment on this wine, but it did spend eight months on its lees giving the wine a fine structure and creaminess. Look for ripe apple, pear, some tropical fruit notes, lemon-lime zest flavours. Pour with lobster bisque or freshly steamed crab with drawn butter. Chardonnay Sur-Lie food pairings: roast chicken, seafood chowder, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2022 - 2024 23972 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Arboleda Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Aconcagua Valley D.O., Chile: From the Aconcagua Valley Wine Region in Chile, a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon with juicy black currant, earthy, spicy and dark chocolate flavours on the palate. Tannins are grippy and there is good acidity for food. Good now better in 2021. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef enchiladas, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese, braised pork shanks with white beans. Drink: 2021 - 2026 606764 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MontGras Antu Carmenère 2019, Cachapoal Valley, Peumo D.O., Chile: From the Peumo D.O. in Cachapoal Valley, MontGras Antu 2019 Carmenère is produced from grapes sourced from 20-plus year old vines. Pretty, flavoursome and smooth on the palate with ripe dark fruits, chocolate, well-integrated oak spice with balanced acidity. Pour with lamburgers stuffed with Feta cheese. Carmenère food pairings: veal cutlets, vegetarian pizza, lentil stew. Drink: 2022 - 2024 632752 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Lavau 2018, Gigondas, Rhône A.C., France: Lavau 2018 is a vibrant, medium-plus-bodied red wine blend of mostly Grenache with 50% in Syrah and Mourvèdre. Richly layered with ripe red plum, strawberries, earthy mushroom, toasted nut, flint and well-integrated baking spice flavours long and smooth on the palate. Pretty yummy and very approachable now, pour with a grilled pork tenderloin or minced veal and herb stuffed Portobello mushrooms. Food pairings: hearty meat dish, chicken, braised lamb. Drink: 2022 - 2028 234955 14% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Favray Pouilly-Fumé 2019, Burgundy A.C., France: Château Favray 2019 Pouilly-Fumé is a fragrant, crisp and delicious Sauvignon Blanc silky with fresh fine herbs, gooseberry, green pea, grassy, lemon zest and smoky flavours creamy on the palate. Chill and enjoy with oysters on the half shell. Château Favray was distinguished by the presence of Françoise de la Rivière, who was lady-in waiting to Henri IV's wife, Queen Margot. When Françoise married François de Reugny in 1602, she became Dame de Favray. Pouilly-Fumé food pairings: chicken in a garlic, white wine sauce, salads, pan-fried smoked scallops. Drink: 2022 - 2025 323642 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Fond Croze Confidence Côtes du Rhône 2019, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: Domaine Fond Croze Confidence 2019 is a juicy 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah red wine blend from the Cotes du Rhone wine region and amazing value under $13. Rich and supple on the palate with ripe dark cherry, crushed raspberry, dark chocolate with a mouth-watering, savoury finish. Drink or hold. Food pairings: roast leg of lamb, sausage cassoulet, veal chops in red wine sauce. Drink: 2022 - 2025 20951 14.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fortant Grands Terroirs 2018, Minervois, Languedoc A.C., France: From Minervois in the Languedoc, Fortant Grands Terroirs 2018 is an excellent value red blend of 80% Syrah with the balance in Grenache grapes under $17. Dry, juicy and savoury with dark plum, red berry, black currant, cocoa, pepper and anise spice flavours smooth and lingering on the palate. The wine was aged in concrete and stainless steel tanks on its fine lees for six months. Food pairings: blade roast in red wine sauce, wild mushroom bisque, veal chops. Drink: 2022 - 2024 20713 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 93/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux La Tour Sarrasine Gigondas 2019, Gigondas, Rhône A.C., France: Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux La Tour Sarrasine 2019 Gigondas is a rich and juicy red blend of 70% Grenache with the balance in equal amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Vibrant and intense with ripe strawberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit, black olive, savoury dried herbs and a kiss of pepper spice. Tannins are grippy. The wine was matured for 24 months in stainless steel and concrete tanks. Decant for one hour prior to pouring it with a rib roast, or cellar to 2028. Food pairings: roast shoulder of lamb, roast goose, chicken. Drink: 2022 - 2026 18388 14.8% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 93/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Maison Valdesday Pinot Noir 2017, Burgundy A.C., France: Maison Valdesday 2017 Pinot Noir is an earthy PN, dry and bright on the palate with dark cherry jam, blueberry, anise and cinnamon spice with a lingering flinty mineral finish. Elegant, vibrant and drinking beautifully now, an amazing value Burgundy Pinot Noir under $20 from a great vintage. Pour with roast duck. This vintage was awarded Gold at the 2018 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb chops, veal cutlets, roast chicken. Drink: 2022 - 2025 12176 13.3% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marquis De Bern 2018, Bordeaux A.C., France: From Les Chais de Rions, Marquis De Bern 2018 is an amazing value, rich and concentrated 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc Bordeaux blend under $15. Vines average 20 years of age and are grown on the clay-limestone slopes and gravelly soils on the plateau of Entre-deux-Mers. Look for spicy black plum, red berry and toasty oak flavours on this youthful red with bright acidity and pleasantly chewy tannins. The wine was aged six months in oak with a further six months in stainless-steel tank. Pour with veal cutlets in a creamy mushroom sauce. Food pairings: roast pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2022 - 2024 21091 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Courac 2017, Laudun, Cotes Du Rhône, Rhône A.P., France: Château Courac Cotes du Rhône-Villages 2017 is a bright and cheery Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Mourvèdre red wine blend. An easy-to-enjoy Rhône red and easy on the pocket book as well under $20. Look for ripe black cherry, red berry, flinty, spicy flavours with a smoky finish. Nicely structured with fine-grained, velvety tannins. Drink now thru 2026. Food pairings: slow-braised lamb shanks, veal cutlets, roast duck. Drink: 2022 - 2026 20949 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Closerie des Alisiers Petit Chablis 2019, Burgundy A.C., France: From Stephane Brocard, Closerie des Alisiers 2019 Petit Chablis is dry, vibrant and intense with green apple, ripe stone fruit, lemon curd and briny mineral flavours finishing long on the palate. Chill and enjoy with salads topped with fresh steamed shrimp. Petit Chablis food pairings: veal cutlets, grilled seafood dishes, smoked salmon bisque. Drink: 2022 - 2023 557769 11.2% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Touraine, Loire A.C., France: From the Touraine, Loire A.C., Domaine Bellevue 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is dry, vibrant and elegant with green apple, lime zest, grapefruit, green pea and a hint of briny mineral notes silky on the palate. Chill and enjoy with creamy seafood dishes. Produced by Patrick Vauvy who took over the family estate in 1985. This vintage was awarded Gold at the 2021 Concours des Vins du Val de Loire. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: Tempura seafood, sushi and sashimi, pan-fried panfish. Drink: 2022 - 2024 82305 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Joseph Cattin Pinot Gris 2019, Alsace A.C., France: From the Alsace wine region, Joseph Cattin 2019 Pinot Gris is enticingly fragrant with fresh stone fruit, ripe pear, ginger spice, flinty and smoky aromas on the nose; on the palate, the wine is barely dry, medium-plus-bodied, silky and vibrant with apricot, peach, poached pear, smoky, flinty and ginger spice flavours with a long finish. So good now and excellent value under $16. Chill and enjoy with a juicy roast pork and all the trimmings. This vintage was awarded Gold at the 2020 Concours International de Lyon. Pinot Gris food pairings: sweet red Thai curry, chicken à l’orange, rich cheese, seafood, light pastas. Drink: 2022 - 2024 196956 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Pey de Pont 2015, Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: Château Pey De Pont 2015 is a Cru Bourgeois red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot sourced from the Médoc, Bordeaux wine region. Fragrant with ripe blackberry, cassis, dark plum, savoury herb and eucalyptus aromas with same on the palate finishing savoury, supple and long. Tannins are fine-grained and firm. Good now, better in 2022. Food pairings: roast duck, goose, chicken, turkey. Drink: 2022 - 2025 22944 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château d'Anglès Syrah Grenache Mourvèdre 2019, La Clape, Languedoc A.C., France: From the Languedoc wine region, Château d'Anglès 2019 is a vibrant, fruit-forward 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre red wine blend from La Clape. Produced by the Famille E. Fabre, by Eric Fabre, former director of Château Lafite Rothschild. Look for ripe red berries, blueberry, garrigue herbs, earthy and savoury spice flavours finishing long and supple on the palate. Produced in stainless-steel tank. Pour with a veal Porterhouse steak. Syrah Grenache Mourvèdre food pairings: meat pizza, vegetarian lasagna, tourtière. Drink: 2022 - 2026 286484 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Piazzano Ventoso Sangiovese 2019, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: From the Tuscany wine region, Piazzano Ventoso 2019 Sangiovese is fragrant with fresh blackberry, blueberry, pink florals and earthy, dusty aromas on the nose and is dry, medium-plus-bodied with bright acidity, chewy tannins and a long tart cherry finish. Enjoy now with your favourite meaty pasta and rich tomato sauce dish. Sangiovese food pairings: lasagna, cheesy pizza, grilled veal chops. Drink: 2022 - 2025 22761 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fasoli Gino San Raffaele Pinot Grigio 2020, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Produced by Fasoli Gino, San Raffaele 2020 is a well-priced, vegan-friendly Pinot Grigio under $17 from the Veneto wine region. San Raffaele is a family-owned winery crafting wines since 1925. Produced from organically-grown grapes, this PG is dry, vibrant and expressive with fresh apple, pear, rock melon, lemon-lime zest and white pepper spice finishing mouth-wateringly long on the palate. Chill and enjoy with fresh-steamed shellfish or salads. Pinot Grigio food pairings: freshwater fish, grilled calamari, steamed shrimp with fresh lemon juice. Drink: 2022 - 2023 204768 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Torre Guinzano 2017, San Gimignano, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: La Torre Guinzano 2017 is produced from mostly Sangiovese with about 30% in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Full-bodied and smooth on the palate, the wine is beautifully-structured with tart cherry, spiced plum, blackberry, blueberry and anise flavours matched with vibrant acidity and rich tannins. Pour with roasted meats. Drink or hold. Food pairings: meat-lover's pizza, roast duck, grilled game sausages. Drink: 2022 - 2025 480665 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato 2019, Italy: Tommasi's Graticcio Appassionato 2019 is excellent value under $17. Produced from Corvina, Rondinella and Merlot wine grapes made in a similar method as Amarone wines. "Graticcio" is the term for the traditional bamboo racks used for air-drying grapes after the harvest. Tommasi partially dries the grapes for this wine and partially ages the wine in oak casks. Look for rich and concentrated flavours of dark cherry, ripe plum, savoury herb, chocolate and toasted nut flavours with a silky finish. Food pairings: gourmet burgers, lamburgers, prime rib, lasagne, sausage. Drink: 2021 - 2028 338939 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Farina Valpolicella 2020, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Farina 2020 Valpolicella is an excellent value, medium-bodied 45% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara red wine blend under $17 from the Veneto wine region. A crowd-pleaser Valpo with tart red berries, blackberries, fine herbs, smoky, spicy and toasty on the palate. Pour with a meat-lover's pizza. Valpolicella food pairings: wild mushroom and leak risotto, polenta with basil and parmesan cheese, Osso buco. Drink: 2022 - 2027 492561 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Castellina Il Nero Di Poggio Alla Buca 2015, Maremma, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: La Castellina Il Nero Di Poggio Alla Buca 2015 is a full-bodied and savoury Cabernet and Petit Verdot red wine blend from the Tuscany wine region. Dry and vibrant with ripe dark plum, blueberry, earthy mushroom, black olive and toasted oak and baking spice flavours plushy on the palate. Tannins are firm and the wine could benefit from some time in cellar. But if having tonight, decant for one hour or two and pour it with a full-bodied, meaty lasagne topped with lots of cheese. Food pairings: grilled steaks, roast goose, game burgers. Drink: 2023 - 2026 22796 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Masserie Pisari Primitivo 2018, Salento, Puglia I.G.T., Italy: From the Puglia wine region, the grapes for Masserie Pisari 2018 Primitivo are grown in the Conca d'Oro Valley, 10 minutes from the moderating Mediterranean Sea. This 100% Primitivo wine is dry and full-bodied with dried red berries, tobacco leaf, ripe dark plum, blueberry flavours with a spicy, peppery finish. Pour with veal cutlets in a rich and cheesy tomato sauce. Primitivo food pairings: cheese pizza, hard cheeses, roast leg of veal. Drink: 2022 - 2026 270306 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Vite Lucente 2019, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: From Tenuta Luce, La Vite Lucente 2019 is a dry, full-bodied, smooth and vibrant Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon red wine blend with dark cherry, dark berry, plum, dried herbs, smoky spice and mochanilla flavours silky, smooth on the palate. The wine was aged 12 months in French oak barriques. Drink or hold. Pour with aged hard cheeses. Food pairings: pepper steak, roast beef, sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2022 - 2028 747030 13.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Calvane Quercione Chianti 2019, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Le Calvane Quercione 2019 Chianti is a full-bodied, juicy and vibrant 100% Sangiovese with bright cherry, earthy, smoky herbs and baking spice flavours plushy on the palate. Tannins are firm and pleasantly chewy, so enjoy it with a steak Florentine or hold in cellar for another three to five years. Villa Le Calvane is perched on the hills adjacent to the legendary Castle of Montegufoni, just 20 kilometres away from downtown Florence. Chianti food pairings: meat lover's pizza, hard cheeses, pasta Bolognese. Drink: 2022 - 2028 454934 13% XD 750 mL $19.25 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Beyra Altitude 2019, Beira D.O.C., Portugal: From the Beira appellation, Beyra Altitude 2019 is produced by Rui Roboredo Madeira, one of the most dynamic winemakers in Portugal. A blend of Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional, the wine saw elevage in stainless steel tanks. Look for ripe raspberry, red currant, spiced plum, leather and sweet dried tobacco flavours on this full-bodied red with no oak treatment. Pour with tourtière. Food pairings: grilled pork chops, rack of BBQ ribs, lentil dishes, veal Porterhouse, borscht. Drink: 2022 - 2026 408120 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alice Vieira de Sousa Reserve Red 2019, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Alice Vieira de Sousa Reserve 2019 is a full-bodied and toasty red wine blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz from a small family estate in the Douro wine region. Dry, full-bodied and vibrant with ripe plum, blueberry, mocha, toasty oak spice and vanilla notes balanced with lively acidity with a lingering velvety finish. Grapes for this vintage were hand-harvested and sorted. Pour with BBQ pork side ribs. Red food pairings: meat pasta with rich tomato sauce, meat lover's pizza, feta cheese stuffed lamburgers. Drink: 2022 - 2025 548560 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: La Motte 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a lush and fruity Cab with ripe dark fruit, fresh blue florals, mint, mocha, dried wild herbs and well-integrated oak spice flavours on the palate. The wine aged 16 months in 300 litre French oak casks. This vintage was awarded Double Platinum at the 2020 National Wine Challenge. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast beef, hard cheeses, bison burgers. Drink: 2022 - 2026 21155 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Fledge & Co Jikken Bareru Experimental Barrels Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: From The Fledge & Co, Jikken Bareru Experimental Barrels 2019 is a dry and zesty white wine blend of Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Semillon produced by Leon Coetzee and Margaux Nel. Grapes were sourced from the Agulhas, Bottelary and Elgin wine districts and the wine was inoculated with champagne yeast for a long and cool fermentation. Look for white florals, crunchy green apple, fresh fine herbs, hay, lime-lemon zest flavours with a mouth-watering finish. Chill and enjoy with seafood dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: herbed flat bread topped with goat cheese, salads, fish tacos. Drink: 2022 - 2023 21157 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fram Shiraz 2019, Swartland W.O., South Africa: From the Swartland W.O. Fram 2019 Shiraz is produced by Thinus Krüger. The Shiraz grapes for this vintage were sourced from Kasteelberg and the Paardeberg. Fragrant on the nose and robust on the palate, the wine is fresh with wild herbs, lavender, rooibos tea, dark cherry, blueberry and pepper spice. Tannins are firm. Good now, better in 2022. Shiraz food pairings: roast of veal stuffed with wild mushrooms and apricots, pork tenderloin en croute, butternut squash risotto. Drink: 2022 - 2025 21326 14.2% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Honoro Vera Organic Garnacha Monastrell 2020, Calatayud D.O., Spain: A robust, luscious Spanish red wine with aromas of mocha, spice and dark berries. Good acidity. Finishes with black plums. Pair with grilled meats. Garnacha Monastrell food pairings: braised beef dishes, turkey, soft cheese, roasted pork. Drink: 2022 - 2024 440867 14.5% D 750 mL $11.00 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marqués de Cáceres Reserva 2016, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Marqués de Cáceres Reserva 2016 is a vegan-friendly, medium-plus-bodied red wine blend of 90% Tempranillo with 10% in local grapes from the Rioja wine region. Always a crowd-pleaser, juicy and straightforward with its ripe plum, black cherry, red currant, sous bois and sweet spice flavours vibrant and supple on the palate. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. Enjoy with a Spanish Parrillada. Drink or hold. Food pairings: Greek marinated lamb ribs on the grill, rack of lamb, mushroom risotto. Drink: 2022 - 2026 702761 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hacienda López de Haro 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Hacienda López de Hero Crianza 2018 is a well-priced crowd-pleaser. Dry, medium-plus-bodied, the 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha and 5% Graciano red wine blend from the Rioja is plushy with ripe black fruits, red berry, bell pepper, vanilla, pepper and toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. Enjoy with juicy pork chops from the grill. Food pairings: meatloaf, lentil patties, Italian style pizza, salami, veal shanks, charcuterie. Drink: 2022 - 2025 377481 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodegas Olarra Laztana Gran Reserva 2011, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From the Rioja wine region, Olarra Laztana Gran Reserva 2011 is a complex red wine blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha with the remainder in Graciano and Mazuelo. Dry and full-bodied, the wine is fragrant with strawberry jam, dried fruits, white pepper and dark spices concentrated and vibrant on the palate. Tannins are fine-grained and structured. Fermentation was in stainless-steel tanks followed by full malo conversion and spending up to three months on its lees in French oak barrels. This rich and complex Gran Reserva also spent six months in new oak prior to ageing 27 months in neutral oak casks. Food pairings: roast pork, ribs and gourmet burgers from the grill. Drink: 2022 - 2030 22489 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
El Angosto La Tribuna 2018, Valencia D.O., Spain: From the Valencia wine region, El Agosto La Tribune 2018 is an amazing value, medium-plus-bodied Monastrell, Syrah and Garnacha red wine blend under $15. Fresh on the nose and palate with bright strawberry, blue fruits, earthy florals and pepper spice flavours balanced with fresh acidity for food. Tannins are firm. Pour with a sausage cassoulet. Food pairings: grilled pork chops, lamb kebabs, tourtière, roast pork, chicken, turkey, duck confit. Drink: 2022 - 2024 16867 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Lodi, California, United States: From the Lodi wine region, Ironstone 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is fragrant on the nose with ripe cassis, chocolate, vanilla and spicy aromas. Look for ripe blackberry, dark plum, olive, mocha, savoury herb and toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. Drink or hold, but this wine is definitely one for steaks from the grill. The Cab Sauv. grapes are sourced from several Lodi sub-appellations, including Mokelumne River and Sloughouse. The winery practices sustainable viticultural such as cover cropping, crop reduction, leaf removal, organic materials and drip irrigation. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast gamebird stuffed with olives and wild mushrooms, crown roast of pork, lamb casserole. Drink: 2021 - 2025 537597 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ivory & Burt Zinfandel 2018, Lodi, California, United States: Ivory & Burt 2018 Zinfandel is produced from sustainably grown grapes from the Lodi wine region in California. Dry and concentrated on the palate with dark plum, cherry, toasty oak spice balanced with vibrant acidity finishing smooth and long. Pour with burgers and ribs from the grill. Zinfandel food pairings: gourmet burgers, meat lover's pizza topped with more steak, grilled sausages. Drink: 2022 - 2025 479303 14.9% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Secret Indulgence Evoluna Chardonnay 2017, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United States: Secret Indulgence Evoluna 2017 Chardonnay is produced from grapes sourced from the Martaella, Susanna and Searby vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. Dry, medium-plus-bodied and vibrant, look for summer-kissed florals, ripe tropical fruits, ripe pear, stone fruit and sweet spicy flavours with a silky and elegant finish. The wine was barrel fermented and aged 18 months in 30% new oak. Chardonnay food pairings: pork tenderloin en croute, veal cutlets, grilled chicken dishes. Drink: 2022 - 2022 22679 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clayhouse Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Paso Robles, United States: From the Paso Robles wine region, Clayhouse 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a toasty California Cab with ripe black fruit, blackberry, olive, espresso and toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. Clayhouse is certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The winery is 90% solar powered. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: veal chops, rosemary lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, strong cheese. Drink: 2022 - 2025 57869 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: From Columbia Valley, Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Indian Wells 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied Cab Sauv. with 13% Syrah, 1% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc added to the mix. Look for ripe dark berry, black cherry, dried fine herbs and delicate spicy flavours on this well-balanced and elegant Cab. Since 1967, Chateau Ste. Michelle have been crafting beautiful wines expressive of their terroir with this example coming from a stellar vintage. Warm fall days allowed for full ripening of the grapes while the cool Washington nights maintained their crisp natural acidity. Grapes were sourced from Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope and Yakima Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued steak, grilled lamb chops, hamburger, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2022 - 2026 55764 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Argyle Sparkling 2016, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Argyle 2016 is a zesty sparkling blend of 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier produced from sustainably-grown grapes from the Knudsen and Spirit Hill Vineyards in the Willamette Valley wine region. This Oregon bubble is bone-dry, full-bodied and vibrant with a fine and persistent mousse of ripe apple, pear, tropical fruit, lemon zest and toasty flavours generous and harmonious on the palate. The cuvée for this wine was aged in 70% stainless steel tank and 30% neutral oak barrels with no malo and finished with a dosage of 3 g/l sugar. Sparkling food pairings: seafood canapes, creamy cheeses, antipasto. Drink: 2022 - 2025 258160 12.5% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Aquinas Pinot Noir 2017, North Coast, California, United States: Produced by Don Sebastiani & Sons, Aquinas 2017 Pinot Noir is an elegant, textured and vibrant PN from the North Coast of California. Rich with dark cherry, blueberry, raspberry, baking and cedar spice flavours on the palate. Nicely done and great value under $22. Pour with roast duck. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb chops, tourtiere, grille pork tenderloin, veal cutlets. Drink: 2022 - 2024 277657 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pedroncelli Bench Vineyards Merlot 2018, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: From Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, Pedroncelli Bench Vineyards 2018 Merlot is produced from sustainably grown grapes. Dry, medium-plus-bodied and spicy with dark plum, dark berry, olive and dried wild herb flavours, lovely, fresh and finishing long on a mineral note. Drinking beautifully now. Merlot food pairings: roast pork, chicken, turkey. Drink: 2022 - 2024 22605 14.1% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 88/100. January 2022. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend Zinfandel 2018, San Joaquin, Sonoma County, California, United States: Ghost Pines 2018 Zinfandel is a lush mouthful of ripe strawberry, black raspberry, cocoa, pepper and vanilla flavours concentrated and finishing long and smooth on the palate. Tannins are supple. Very impressive! Pour with ribs from the grill. Zinfandel food pairings: Mediterranean spiced steak with red rice and quinoa dumplings, marinated beef long ribs on the BBQ, beef stir fry. Drink: 2022 - 2025 269373 14.9% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Carneros Avant-Garde Pinot Noir 2019, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Domaine Carneros Avant-Garde 2019 Pinot Noir is a vegan-friendly, elegant PN, fragrant and earthy with violets, dark cherry, blueberry, fine herbs, anise and cinnamon spice flavours with a velvety, long finish. Domaine Carneros was established in 1987 by Champagne Taittinger. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken, turkey, pepper steak, lamb chops. Drink: 2022 - 2024 11528 12.5% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. January 2022. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart