Argentina
Fabre Montmayou Phebus Torrontés 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Lightly floral with tropical tree fruit on the nose, then ultra-dry and mouth-watering on the palate. Medium-bodied. Torrontés food pairings: scallops. Drink: 2012 - 2014 283663 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ruca Malen Reserva Petit Verdot 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Ink and black with black fruit, mocha and a dry chalky texture. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2015 279232 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
d'Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, savoury and delicious with black fruit and cedar. Smooth and long. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2015 943456 14.5% D 750 mL $20.30 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir 2010, Australia: Only 2000 cases were made of this wine. If offers lovely cherry-berry flavours that are nicely balanced with a seam of acidity. Very versatile with many dishes. Drink: 2010 - 2016 893156 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jacob's Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2011, Adelaide Hills, Australia: A full-bodied chardonnay with generous oak treatment. Some tropical fruit notes. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, pan-seared swordfish or vegetarian dishes.. Drink: 2012 - 2019 270017 13% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. September 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bremerton Rebecca Willson, Winemaker Verdelho 2011, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Clean, crisp and green with terrific refreshment. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Great food companion. Verdelho food pairings: seared scallops, chicken in a light cream sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2014 159848 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gulf Station De Bortoli Chardonnay 2010, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Love it! Seductive smoke and toast on the nose is cut through with a shaft of lemon brightness and polish. Full-bodied and lovely. Drink: 2012 - 2016 238071 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oscar's Estate Shiraz Viognier 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Like the dark hero on a romance novel: take me now! Brooding, full-bodied, muscular and you know. Black fruit, savoury with a long finish (most importantly). Again please. Drink: 2012 - 2016 287961 15.9% XD 750 mL $17.25 Score: 93/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wakefield Winery St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia, Single Vineyard Release, Australia: A long hallway of breezy menthol and black plum aromas and flavour. Complex, deep, rich and full-bodied. Savoury and meaty. Do you really need more descriptors? Drink: 2012 - 2016 58198 14.5% D 750 mL $55.00 Score: 93/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ross Estate Lights Out Shiraz 2009, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Black raspberry jam and savoury cedar goodness. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Drink: 2012 - 2015 285387 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Complex and woodsy with cedar, cassis and blackcurrant. Earthy and mouth-watering and full-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2016 59956 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
John Duval Entity Shiraz 2008, Barossa, Australia: An extraordinary wine of great complexity, depth and elegance. Dark fruit flavours are balanced by an earthy, smoky character. This one would age a long time in your cellar, but why wait? Available in Vintages October 13. Shiraz food pairings: grilled meats, well-seasoned game and aged hard cheeses such as cheddar. Drink: 2012 - 2020 73056 14.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 95/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Blanc 2011, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Very pleasant, clean and crisp with subtle aromas of white melon and dry white apricot. Mouth-watering and medium-bodied. Pinot Blanc food pairings: mildly spiced chicken, tuna steaks with an apricot salsa. Drink: 2012 - 2015 321612 11.9% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Juicy with very tart cherry, cranberry and rhubarb. Silky smooth with mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2016 591404 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Tierra Del Fuego Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Full-bodied with plush ripe black plums and a velvet texture. Delicious! Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carmenère food pairings: barbecued steaks, beef fajitas. Drink: 2012 - 2015 279711 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MontGras Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Leyda Valley, Chile: Grassy, herbal and refreshing with mouth-watering acidity for food. Lemon zest and lime edge. Bright and happy. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: steamed mussels, lemon-herbed chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2014 367292 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2010, Maipo Valley, Chile: Savoury and dark with meaty black fruit flavours and smoke. Love the barest hint of mint that lifts and brightens the black fruit flavours. Full-bodied, layered and lovely. Drink: 2012 - 2016 57513 14.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Jacques Girardin Santenay Clos Rousseau 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Lovely, juicy and silky with a medium body. Satin smooth texture with fleshy, mouth-watering cherry aromas and flavours. Good acidity. Pinot Noir food pairings: duck, rabbit, Gruyère. Drink: 2012 - 2016 281121 13.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Cesseras Rouge Pierre-Andre & Guillaume Ournac 2008, A.C., Minervois La Livinière, Midi, France: Black and full-bodied with an attractive smoky finish. Juicy layers of fleshy blackberries in between. Drink: 2012 - 2016 590570 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne 2004, A.C., Champagne, France: Deep core of minerality shoots straight through the middle of this glorious baked bread toasty bubbly with green apple vibrancy. Perfect. Drink: 2012 - 2016 281337 12% XD 750 mL $75.95 Score: 95/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Manissy Tavel André Florian, Prop.-Récolt. Rose 2011, A.C., Rhône, France: Full-bodied for rose with terrific rose petal and wild raspberry notes. Bone-dry and refreshing. Drink: 2012 - 2014 276469 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château La Gorce Cru Bourgeois 2008, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Loaded with oak! Toast, smoke, black tar with some cassis underneath. Full-bodied. Food pairings: beef stew, lamb stew, grilled game meats. Drink: 2012 - 2015 280057 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saint Auriol Corbières Claude Vialade & Fils, Vign. 2009, A.C., Midi, France: Black and brooding with tar, smoke and dark fruit. Full-bodied, juicy and smooth. Palate-whacker! Food pairings: hunter-style chicken braised in a tomato based sauce with bacon, onions, garlic, rosemary, thyme and red wine. Drink: 2012 - 2016 36533 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jean-Luc Baldès Triguedina La Chapelle Du Clos Malbec 2008, A.C., Cahors, Southwest, France: Extremely attractive for the price! Full-bodied and juicy with enticing dark red fruit aromas and mouth-watering acidity. Lovely layers of flavour and a clean finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 276253 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Schloss Reinhartshausen Erbacher Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2005, Prädikatswein, Rheingau, Germany: Gorgeous peach blossom and medium sweetness. Refreshing acidity balances it out and makes it perfect for any spicy dish you wish to throw at it. Drink: 2012 - 2015 129858 11% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Barone Di Villagrande Etna Bianco Superiore 2009, D.O.C., V.Q.P.R.D., Sicily, Italy: Light- to medium-bodied and fascinatingly different. Smoky with lemon and minerality. Like Etna herself, puffing away and pent up energy. Drink: 2012 - 2014 291351 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fattoria Dei Barbi Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Completely mature: dried leather, smoke, dried herbs, not fruity. An acquired and expensive taste, but if you love it, this is a great example. 928028 14% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Capitel Nicalò Tedeschi Valpolicella Appassimento Classico Superiore 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Black cherry liqueur richness and depth of flavour, though this is a dry wine. Full-bodied with terrific and satisfying layers of flavour. Great price. Valpolicella Appassimento Classico Superiore food pairings: grilled meats, light stews. 984997 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fojaneghe Bossi Fedrigotti Rosso Masi Pinot Noir 2008, I.G.T., Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Alto Adige, Italy: Dry and full-bodied with aromas of earth and sun-dried tomatoes. Pinot Noir food pairings: oven-baked pasta, Stelvio cheese, prosciutto. 279109 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sampietrana Vigna Delle Monache, Salice Salentino Riserva 2006, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Dry and savoury with dark red fruit aromas and some earth and smoke. Full-bodied. 247908 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canonica A Cerreto Riserva Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Full-bodied and dry with dark red fruit and a short finish. Great food wine. 283697 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Banfi Centine 2010, Tuscany Igt, Italy: Dry and full-bodied with pleasant dark fruit, fairly smooth texture. 947440 14% D 750 mL $17.25 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Castello Di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2009, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Ultra-dry with a tannic grip yet there's also mouth-watering acidity. Dark cherry and smoke. Needs cellar time. Drink: 2014 - 2018 994608 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Silvano Piacentini Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2009, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Full-bodied and juicy with dark red fruit; great food wine. Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso food pairings: cocoa-rubbed beef medallions, barbecued ribs, baked pasta dish. 289637 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mocali Rosso Di Montalcino Sangiovese (Chianti) 2010, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: Wow! Juicy, full-bodied and exotically different! Fleshy ripe blackberries and black raspberries. Absolutely delicious... Let's plan pasta night now! Sangiovese (Chianti) food pairings: pasta bolognese. 286260 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Monte Fante Riserva Classico, Remo Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Incredibly deep and complex with smoky ultra-ripe purple plums and black cherry liqueur. 63636 14.5% D 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Vite Lucente Luce Della Vite 2010, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Love it! Complex, full-bodied yet subtle. Gorgeous aromas of dried black cherry, cedar, smoke, fleshy blackberries. Buy this one for my birthday please. Drink: 2012 - 2019 747030 13.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 94/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Farina Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Love this! Towering yet deep, with rich luscious layers of black cherry liqueur flavours. Full-bodied is an understatement. Glorious flavour heaven. Drink: 2012 - 2020 995910 14.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 95/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Trinity Hill John Hancock Syrah 2010, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Savoury and smoky: love it! Full-bodied and gorgeous. Blackberries and wild cassis. Drink: 2012 - 2016 194274 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A blast of gooseberry and herbal refreshment! Very much alive in the glass and the mouth. Juicy and mouth-watering. Clear, clean and crisp. Drink: 2012 - 2014 662882 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Momo Pinot Gris 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Makes my mouth water just smelling it! Lovely white peach and melon with mouth-watering acidity for food. Very refreshing as an aperitif or companion to many dishes from seafood to salads. Drink: 2012 - 2015 163535 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Halo Sacred Hill Tony Bish, Winemaker Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lots of grassy and gooseberry goodness in the glass! So vibrant and mouth-watering. Just waiting for you, to wake up your senses. Drink: 2012 - 2014 278671 13% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Poças Ruby Manoel D. Pocas Jr. Port, Douro, Portugal: Cherry drops and liqueur. Pleasant and soothing dessert wine. Port food pairings: after-dinner cheese plate. Drink: 2012 - 2018 286211 19% S 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Jacksons Stanford Hills Estate Pinotage 2009, W.O., Walker Bay, South Africa: Almost Amarone-like in it's concentration and depth of blackberry liqueur flavour. Very satisfying and excellent for the price. Drink: 2012 - 2016 278341 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Duron Crianza 2009, Doc, Ribera Del Duero, Spain: A smooth, medium- to full-bodied red with dusty notes and some leather and dried herbs and dark fruit. Drink: 2012 - 2016 8412012001111 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 86/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Reyes D'aragon Brut Reserva Cava 2009, Tarragona, Spain: Earthy, robust and deeply flavoured. Rustic and straight up. You simply can't beat this price. Drink: 2012 - 2015 194803 11.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fuente Elvira Pedro Escudero Verdejo 2010, D.O., Rueda, Spain: Clean and crisp with a tasty edge. Lemon and smoke. Very seductive aperitif. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2012 - 2015 218313 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Legón Crianza 2008, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Subtle, balanced and medium- to full-bodied. Like wearing your favourite pair of comfortable jeans: kick back and lounge. Dark fruit and smoke. Drink: 2012 - 2015 276089 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.75 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Starry Night Old Vine Zinfandel 2007, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Straight up purple delicious! Purple fleshy plums and blueberries; full-bodied and smooth. Awesome-possum BBQ wine. Zinfandel food pairings: dry-roasted ribs, grilled eggplant. Drink: 2012 - 2015 293332 14.9% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cooper Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2009, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Savoury and juicy with dry wild black cherry and earthy notes. Medium-bodied and smooth. Pinot Noir food pairings: lamb burgers, smoked meat sandwiches, beef Bourguignon. Drink: 2012 - 2015 510750 13.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, California, United States: Savoury and meaty with long layers of black fruit flavour. Full-bodied and smooth. Very comforting. Drink: 2012 - 2015 212126 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Brilliant! Complex and satisfying with full-bodied golden weight and a velvet texture. Generous oak yet it's integrated beautifully with the green apple and peach aromas. A chardonnay lover's chardonnay. Drink: 2012 - 2017 119073 14.5% D 750 mL $77.25 Score: 94/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Treana Marsanne Viognier 2009, Central Coast, California, United States: Love the richness and the viscous texture! Dried pineapple and apricot with layers and layers of lapping pleasure. Full-bodied with a long finish. Drink: 2012 - 2016 11247 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Pinot Noir 2010, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Liquid velvet! Black cherry seduction with mouth-watering yearning for more. Please! Drink: 2012 - 2016 154442 14.5% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 91/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
De Loach Green Valley Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Deep, rich and earthy with black cherry and some wild violet. Medium- to full-bodied with a satin smooth texture. Drink: 2012 - 2016 52217 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Savoury, meaty nose with dark fruit and toast. Juicy and mouth-watering with fleshy blackberries and some mocha. Very nice. Drink: 2012 - 2016 652925 13% D 375 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart