Argentina
El Retiro Tempranillo Reserva Especial 2004, Mendoza, Argentina: Simple but a delicious and juicy red with full-bodied notes of black fruit. Drink: 2008 - 2010 57216 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Norton Malbec Reserva 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Great value. Full-bodied with mocha, black cherry, vanilla and smoke. Drink: 2008 - 2010 17061 14.7% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Glaymond Asif Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia: An elegant, balanced powerhouse. A delicious red with aromas of black cherry. Drink: 2008 - 2012 64022 15% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Syan Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Victoria, Australia: Minty cool with black cherry notes. Drink: 2008 - 2020 72629 14% D 750 mL $43.95 Score: 92/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pike & Joyce Pinot Noir 2005, Adelaide Hills, Australia: A vibrant, tasty Pinotwith lovely notes of cherries and currants. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2008 - 2012 68064 13.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gemtree Uncut Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Lip-smackingly great. Deep and delicious. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008 - 2012 627844 14.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: We were wowed by this deeply delicious wine. Classic black fruit aromas and flavours give this an extreme depth of flavour from beginning to end. It is not jammy or overdone, and everything is perfectly in place, especially the exceptional use of oak. My note: Gorgeous depths of black fruit. Full-bodied. Shiraz food pairings: short ribs. Drink: 2008 - 2012 89599 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Rich, ripe and focused, with a lovely purity to the blackberry, dark plum and sweet spice flavors, playing against bittersweet chocolaty notes on the long, expressive finish. My note: A flagship wine from Australia. Elegance with power, depth and finesse. Shiraz food pairings: rare prime rib, beef wellington, shepherds pie, hard mature cheeses, grilled cheese sandwich. Drink: 2010 - 2020 564278 14% XD 750 mL $133.95 Score: 95/100. October 2008. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pirramimma Shiraz 2005, Mclaren Vale, Australia: A balanced and delicious red with black plums. Drink: 2008 - 2015 987784 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Black Chook Viognier Shiraz 2007, South Australia, Australia: Great value for this tasty full-bodied red. Drink: 2008 - 2010 66738 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Langmeil Hangin Viognier Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia: A robust Shiraz loaded with blackberries, oak and a wisp of mint. Drink: 2008 - 2015 77685 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Langmeil Three Gardens Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia: Delicious, full-bodied and filled with aromas of mint and black plums. Drink: 2008 - 2015 644047 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mornington Estate Chardonnay 2005, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: An hour's drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, the most southerly point on mainland Australia, is surrounded on three sides by water. The cooler maritime climate here and prolonged gentle autumn allows the fruit to ripen slowly over a long period of time. This results in elegant wines with distinct fruit flavours and higher natural acidity. A vibrant and fruity Chardonnay, this is a great representation of this region with its juicy flavours of peach, nectarine and citrus fruit balanced by subtle oak and a seam of bright acidity. My note: Beautiful, buttery Chardonnay. Full-bodied and packed with pears. Drink: 2008 - 2010 72850 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Granite Hills Riesling 2006, Victoria, Australia: A zippy, citrus-loaded Riesling. Bring it on! Riesling food pairings: shellfish, pork, chicken. Drink: 2008 - 2015 72876 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Turkey Flat Rose 2007, Barossa Valley, Australia: A dry, thirst-quenching rose with ripe raspberries. Drink: 2008 - 2010 68916 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Vineland Estates Winery Elevation Cabernet Merlot 2005, Ontario, Niagara, V.Q.A., Canada: It seems Vineland can do rich reds as well as they do zipy whites. Complex, layered and delicious. Notes of black fruit and mocha. Drink: 2008 - 2015 88880 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mike Weir Winery Vidal Icewine 2006, Ontario, Niagara, V.Q.A., Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: You don't have to be a golf fan to appreciate this stunning Icewine from Canada's links superstar Mike Weir. It's intense and luscious with plenty of tropical fruit, honey, melon and apricot aromas and flavours, all balanced by a seam of bright acidity. My note: A voluptuous, fat icewine that coats your mouth. Light a fire. Relax. Vidal Icewine food pairings: foie gras, cheeses, blue cheese. Drink: 2008 - 2010 54981 16% S 750 mL $55.15 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Ninquen 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Ninquén (nin-ken) means 'Plateau on a Mountain' in the local native dialect and literally describes the geographic condition of this mountain estate. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon hand-picked at an altitude of 305 meters above sea level, this exquisite wine is aged for 22 months in 80% French and 20% American oak. Packed with rich black fruit, earth, leather and smoke. My note: A delicious, full-bodied red with mocha and dark red fruit. Food pairings: braised beef. Drink: 2008 - 2012 675553 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Ema Merlot Reserve 2005, Maipo Valley, Chile: Great value! Sweet chocolate notes of ripe black fruit. Drink: 2008 - 2012 642538 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. October 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Cousiño-Macul's first Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay was made in 1969. This trademarked designation is reserved for the finest Chardonnay from a vintage. Only a small portion of this wine was aged for 7 months in small French oak barrels and a smaller percentage underwent acid-softening malolactic fermentation both of which contributed additional layers of complexity to the wine. Medium-bodied with flavours of apple, lemon drop, grapefruit, anise and hazelnut. My note: Great value for this full-bodied oaky Chardonnay. Chardonnay food pairings: crab cakes, prawns, baked salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2010 730044 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Anne Boecklin Furstentum Pinot Gris 2005, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: The first written records of Furstentum vineyard date back to 1330 when they were counted part of the Convent of Basle's holdings. The vineyard's steep calcareous and pebbly soil provides great drainage and the slope's southern exposure contributes beneficial sunshine. Furstentum wines show finesse and powerful aromas. My note: Lovely balance and length. Citrus and floral notes. Pinot Gris food pairings: cheese fondue, seafood. Drink: 2008 - 2012 80507 13% M 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Cantegril Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Stunning, layers of ripe apricots. Your foie gras is calling. Drink: 2008 - 2012 86454 13% S 750 mL $56.95 Score: 92/100. October 2008. Favorite Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pol Roger Rose Champagne Brut 2000, A.C. Champagne, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Churchill was in his bunker during the blitz on London and turned to his generals and said, "In the midst of a crisis there is always time for a glass of champagne..." My note: A spectacularly rich and toasty bubbly. Rose Champagne Brut food pairings: fried chicken, spicy curries, pasta with tomato seafood sauces, roast pork, grilled tuna. Drink: 2008 - 2015 82495 12% XD 750 mL $94.95 Score: 95/100. October 2008. Favorite Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Saint-Joseph Domaine Rochevine Syrah Blend 2005, Rhone, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine Rochevine (which translates as Wine Rock) has a well-deserved reputation for making spectacular Syrahs at remarkably good prices. This is a fine evocation of the Saint-Joseph appellation, featuring aromas of blackberry, blueberry, barnyard, cured bacon and black peppercorn. My note: A stunning, peppery number with black cherries and cedar. Full-bodied and balanced. Syrah Blend food pairings: grilled game, roast beef, root vegetables. Drink: 2008 - 2012 733923 12% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 94/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Guigal Brune Et Blonde Syrah Blend 2004, A.C., France: A consistently great producer year after year. black cherry, currants and smoke notes. Drink: 2008 - 2020 352534 14% XD 750 mL $123.00 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Deforge Syrah Blend 2005, A.C. Cotes Du Rhone-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Jean Deforge was a famous French jockey of the 1950s and 1960s who after he hung up his saddle, started this winery. Today, the property is managed by his son. The prize possession of this property is its old vines Grenache and mature Syrah and Mourvèdre. The 2005 vintage in the Rhône Valley was spectacular, and this is an excellent introduction to its strengths. My note: A spicy, peppery, tasty red with black fruit notes. Syrah Blend food pairings: grilled meats, steaks, game. Drink: 2008 - 2015 79053 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Bréhat Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Côtes de Castillon is the 'go-to' appellation for great value, Merlot-based reds and this is an excellent opportunity to try a mature example. From the solid 2001 vintage, this wine will enthuse you with its smooth blackberry, floral, and dried-fruit flavours and hints of leather. My note: A rustic, delicious red. Full-bodied with cassis and garrigue. Drink: 2008 - 2014 43828 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château D'Argadens Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A remarkable wine for the money. Balanced, great length. Cranberry, cassis and black berry notes. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008 - 2012 681643 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Packed with full-bodied flavor. Layers of cassis and black plums. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: steak, roasts. Drink: 2008 - 2013 87304 14% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Des Menuts Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Clos de Menuts consists of 38 hectares of vineyards that are partly encircled by the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. The limestone and clay soil with sand and clay subsoil are ideal for the growing of the grapes used in their Merlot-dominated wines. The resulting wines are deeply coloured with aromas of cassis, vanilla, smoke and cherry. My note: A rich, textured red with classic cassis and blackberry notes. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: steak, game, stew, lamb. Drink: 2008 - 2012 86447 13% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Marquis Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004, A.C. Bordeaux, France: A classic Bordeaux with layers of cassis, smoke and vanilla. Full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend food pairings: lamb, steak. Drink: 2008 - 2012 669671 12.5% XD 750 mL $70.95 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Hauts De Lynch-Moussas Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, A.C. Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is the second wine of Château Lynch-Moussas. The estate cultivates nearly 60 ha of vineyards, inluding some that neighbour the vineyards of Châteaux Batailley and Grand-Puy-Lacoste. The vines are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The 2003 is a full-bodied, concentrated wine with plenty of ripe cassis and black plum fruit, stony minerality and chewy tannins. My note: Stunning depth, complexity and layers of richness. Classic notes of cassis and black berries. Drink: 2008 - 2012 81885 12% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 93/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Large Cote-De-Brouilly Gamay Noir 2006, A.C. Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Well-made Gamay Noir with aromas of plums, table grapes, blueberries and an attractive slight earthy tang. Dry, charming, light- to medium-bodied with a lingering finish. My note: A pleasant, medium-bodied with cherry notes. Gamay Noir food pairings: grilled salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2012 742585 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune Teurons Pinot Noir 2006, A.C. Burgundy, France: A gorgeous Pinot bursting with ripe cherries, pomegranate and earth. Pinot Noir food pairings: duck, game, salmon. Drink: 2008 - 2020 653675 13.5% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 92/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Jean Chauvenet Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Burgundy, France: Rich, full-bodied Pinot with ripe plums and violets. Drink: 2008 - 2012 91322 14.1% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 92/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinett 1998, Q.M.P, Germany: Gorgeous breath of spring. Stay young and optimistic: drink this wine. Notes of ripe pears. Drink: 2008 - 2012 940809 9% M 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domdechant Werner Riesling Spatlese 2003, Q.M.P, Germany: Delicious layers of pear and peaches. Drink: 2008 - 2010 654830 8% MD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2015, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy Barbera food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce, veal chops, roasted chicken, pork. Drink: 2016 - 2019 72348 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 October 2008. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2014, D.O.C., Italy Barbera food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce, veal chops, roasted chicken, pork. Drink: 2008 - 2015 72348 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2007, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Barbera may be the best value to come out of Piedmont. Its full-bodied with a plush texture leading to a lengthy finish. My note: A pleasing, chocolately wine (dry though) with black fruit. Smooth and full-bodied. Barbera food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce, veal chops, roasted chicken, pork. Drink: 2008 - 2015 72348 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Poderi Colla Le Rose Bussia Borolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Italy: Don't go near this tannic monster for another 5 years. It should evolve into a remarkable wine. Full-bodied with tar and black fruit notes. Drink: 2015 - 2025 596890 14.5% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 94/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Castello Vicchiomaggio Delle More Ripa Sangiovese 2004, I.G.T., Italy: Big, red fruit, mocha and smoke notes fill the glass. Drink: 2008 - 2016 983775 14% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso 2006, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: 'Campolietti' means 'happy fields', a very appropriate name given to the vineyards from which the grapes for this wine are harvested. My note: Rich, sweet mocha aromas (dry wine) with blackberries. Ripasso food pairings: lamb, beef. Drink: 2008 - 2015 695890 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Distant Land Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Established by Croatian Petar Fredatovich in 1937, this family-owned winery makes fine Sauvignon Blancs with exciting personalities. This white, filled with sweet tropical fruit and tangy gooseberry flavors. My note: Pure grassy goodness, lime notes too. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood, mango salad. Drink: 2008 - 2010 677542 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kim Crawford SP Flowers Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand: Always a top-notch Sauvignon Blanc. Adds intriguing citrus notes to the herbal notes. Drink: 2008 - 2010 69245 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Bon Cap Wine Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, W.O., South Africa: A solid, full-bodied red with black fruit and a smooth texture. Drink: 2008 - 2012 11064 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Darling Cellars Kroon Onyx Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003, W.O., South Africa: Bordeaux elegance; South African power. Black fruit and smoke notes. Wow! Drink: 2008 - 2015 900639 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Morgenster Lourens River Lalley Merlot Blend 2003, W.O., South Africa: A blend of 68% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc. Juicy and full-bodied. Blackberries and earthy goodness. Coffee and truffle notes. Drink: 2008 - 2015 709303 14% D 750 mL $27.25 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rust en Vrede Estate Merlot 2005, W.O., South Africa: A remarkable wine for the money. Full-bodied with black fruit and oak. Drink: 2008 - 2013 321231 14% D 750 mL $39.55 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Osborne Solaz Pedro Ximenez Sweet Sherry 2005, D.O.C.A., Spain: Christmas fruitcake, spices and prunes fill the glass. Drink: 2008 - 2010 47944 17% S 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Coto De Imaz Rioja Reserva 2001, D.O.C.A., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A wonderful Reserva with floral, black cherry and spice aromas and flavours. It has a silky, warm, tense centre with a balanced finish. My note: A juicy, luscious, full-bodied red with ripe plums and raspberries. Rioja Reserva food pairings: grilled lamb chops. Drink: 2008 - 2012 23762 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Paso A Paso Tempranillo 2006, D.O., Spain: A great value for the taste and quality. Plummy and round. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2008 - 2015 82206 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Senorio De P. Tempranillo Blend Pecina Reserva 1999, D.O.C.A., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This reserva is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and just a pinch of Graciano and Garnacha. While this property is an organically farmed estate, it is not certified organic. Aged 36 months in American oak. My note: A Bordeaux-like red of balance and elegance. Black fruit and oak notes. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008 - 2015 279058 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Justin Isosceles Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot 2005, Paso Robles, United States: A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot. Unfiltered, full-bodied and delicious. A spectacular wine. 684282 15% XD 750 mL $117.95 Score: 93/100. October 2008. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart