Argentina
La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Mocha and coffee-richness on the nose followed by tasty ripe black plums on the palate and a good grip. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2015 75515 13.5% D 750 mL $16.75 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Hrb D648 Thomas Hardy & Sons Chardonnay 2009, Pemberton And Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Hazelnut richness wraps around fleshy ripe peach and pear notes. Full-bodied and generous. Drink: 2012 - 2015 287755 13.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yalumba Organic Viognier 2011, South Australia, Australia: A fragrant and floral viognier with notes of lime blossom and baking spices. Full-bodied yet not heavy. Viognier food pairings: mushroom risotto with truffle oil, Moroccan lamb tagine, roast pork stuffed with prunes and dried apricots. Drink: 2012 - 2015 288217 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kilikanoon Wines The Lackey Shiraz 2010, South Australia, Australia: Rich and full-bodied with classic Aussie Shiraz character. Big black fruit, a hint of mint and a savoury depth. Incredibly great price. Shiraz food pairings: roast leg of lamb, stuffed eggplant. Drink: 2012 - 2015 5199 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Charles Cimicky Reserve Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Smoky, mocha-espresso black fruit from generous oak aging. Black brooding fruit and a full-bodied weight. Drink: 2012 - 2015 685594 14% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Two Hands Wines Bella's Garden Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Some mint and gorgeous fleshy black plums on the nose. Full-bodied with a liquid velvet texture. Oh yum. Drink: 2012 - 2016 636407 15.8% D 750 mL $64.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2010, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia: Full-bodied, smooth, complex and rich. Fleshy blackberry liqueur with some smoke, spice and mystery on the finish. Drink: 2012 - 2017 290874 14% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Austria
Münzenrieder Classic Zweigelt 2010, Burgenland, Austria: Peppery with fleshy ripe cherries but light. Like gamay sprinkled with pepper. Zweigelt food pairings: veal chops, schnitzel. Drink: 2012 - 2014 298174 12.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Plentiful aromas here, such as cantaloupe, toast, tropical fruit (banana, pineapple and coconut), spice and lemon meringue pie. Dry with lots of everything going on, but it all works extremely well. Full bodied, with ripe fruit, toasty oak and bright acidity in almost perfect harmony. Long finish. Cellar 3-5 years or enjoy tonight with rich seafood dishes. My note: Love it! Rich and layered with hazelnuts, smoke and almonds. Green apple notes shine through then there’s a lime zest finish. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster, crab, seafood dishes. Drink: 2011 - 2017 208694 13.7% XD 750 mL $38.35 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Bc, Canada: A splendid shaft of line-infused sunlight on a dark dark. Vibrant, zesty and medium-bodied. Versatile with many dishes. Riesling food pairings: seafood coconut curry, shellfish, tapas, soft white cheddar. Drink: 2010 - 2015 130575 10.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, Bc, Canada: A consistently great riesling year after year! Zippy notes of lime-lemon blossom blowing in a breeze of white floral happiness. Delicious! Riesling food pairings: braised pork belly, seafood coconut curry, shellfish, halibut, tapas, salads, Okanagan tree fruit or soft white cheddar. Drink: 2012 - 2016 130575 8.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Juicy and complex with layers of tart cherry and spice aromas and flavours. Beautifully structured with a long finish and a satin texture. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast chicken in a cream sauce, rich seafood dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2016 33894 13.5% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148 Carmenère 2010, Las Pataguas Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile: Terrific value and price for such a delicious wine! Full-bodied but not heavy with luscious and mouth-watering aromas and flavours of dark fruit and some dark chocolate. Carmenère food pairings: thick steaks, veal medallions in a red wine sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 30957 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Big black fruit and chewy, meat core. Wild blackberries and cedar forest floor. Drink: 2012 - 2015 322586 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Dopff & Irion Vorbourg Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Ripe Asian pear and peach. The touch of sweetness pairs beautifully with glazed ham, sweet potatoes. Medium- to full-bodied with a rich texture. Drink: 2012 - 2016 292227 13.5% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Riaux Bertrand Jeannot & Fils, Prop.-Récolt. Pouilly-Fumé 2011, A.C., Loire, France: Refreshing and crisp with lemon brightness. Not herbal. Nice aperitif or companion to seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes. Medium-bodied. Pouilly-Fumé food pairings: grilled salmon with mustard and herbs, fillet of sole with lemon. Drink: 2012 - 2015 200063 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Ferme Du Mont Première Côte Stéphane Vedeau 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Rugged, rustic and satisfying. Full-bodied with wild black tart cherries and woodland forest oak. Drink: 2012 - 2014 251645 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Chablisienne Fourchaume 1Er Cru Chablis 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vey vibrant with gorgeous lemon brightness wrapped up in hazelnut goodness. Incredibly tasty and mouth-watering. Laser focus. Drink: 2012 - 2016 656835 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Latour-Giraud Cuvée Charles Maxime Meursault Chardonnay 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Come hither peach and pear notes folded gently into toasted almond and hazelnut. So alive, so seductive. Full-bodied but not heavy: gorgeous chardonnay! Drink: 2012 - 2018 299784 13% XD 750 mL $82.00 Score: 94/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Roques Mauriac Supérieur Sylvie Et Vincent Levieux 2010, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Black with pleasantly bitter tar notes and wild tart blackberries. Medium- to full-bodied. Needs decanting for 2 hours minimum. Drink: 2012 - 2015 295782 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viidal-Fleury Crozes Hermitage Syrah Shiraz 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Peppery and mouth-watering with tart black cherry notes. Full-bodied. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2015 295832 13% XD 750 mL $35.00 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave De Lugny Brut Crémant De Bourgogne Rosé, A.C., Burgundy, France: Toasty, with vibrant field strawberries and a bone-dry finish. Incredibly price. Crémant De Bourgogne Rosé food pairings: baked salmon, hors d’oeuvres. Drink: 2012 - 2015 297846 11.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Sylvain Gaudron Vouvray 2011, A.C., Loire, France: Terrific refreshment at a great price! Lemon and white melon with a lime fresh finish. Medium-bodied. Vouvray food pairings: Camembert cheese, pasta in a light cream sauce with fresh herbs. Drink: 2012 - 2015 297861 12.8% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vieil Armand Médaille Gewurztraminer 2010, A.C., Alsace, France: Classic gewurz with lychee and rose petal: very aromatic. Off-dry sweetness with a medium body. Gewurztraminer food pairings: pad Thai. Drink: 2012 - 2016 260158 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Télégramme Domaine De Vieux Télégraphe 2010, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Leather, violets, dried herbs and dried cherries. Full-bodied and tannic. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2016 292722 14.5% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bouchard Pere & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Beautifully sour black cherries, satin seductive texture, medium-bodied. Layers of complexity and a long finish. Drink: 2012 - 2016 661330 13.5% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pierre Amadieu La Grangelière Vacqueyras 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: A full-bodied, juicy, rich red with rustic wild red cherries and cedar floor notes. Drink: 2012 - 2015 76398 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
St. Urbans-Hof Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett 2011, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: A spectacular white bursting with personality! Lovely balance of acidity for food and peach blossom. Try it at least once. Drink: 2012 - 2016 216622 9.5% XD 750 mL $27.00 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Schloss Schönborn Kabinett Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Estate Btld. Riesling 2010, Prädikatswein, Rheingau, Germany: As classic as a Chanel suit: year in, year out, dependably delicious. Fresh and ripe peach and pear with a terrific juiciness. Drink: 2012 - 2016 70946 9.5% MD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Markus Molitor Edition No. 3 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese 2003, Qualitätswein, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: I adore the lemon-petrol nose! Trust me on this and open up your world to a new level of sensory delight. Medium-bodied, juicy and wondrous. Riesling Spätlese food pairings: roast turkey, pork roast with apple chutney. Drink: 2012 - 2017 298000 11.5% M 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hungary
Gróf Degenfeld 4 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2007, Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary: Luscious and delicious dessert wine with apricot preserves and baking spices. Tokaji Aszú food pairings: blue cheese, fruit custard, a dessert featuring apricots and nuts. Drink: 2012 - 2017 297176 10% MS 500 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Pinot Grigio 2011, D.O.C., Valdadige, Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy: One of the best values for pinot grigio in the liquor store! Fresh, clean and crisp with sunshine bright aromas of lemon zest, lime blossom and white peach. Amazingly great price for this half bottle size. Drink: 2012 - 2015 687558 12.5% XD 375 mL $10.45 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2008, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lots of acidity that cries out for a hearty meat dish. Black fruit with smoke and tannins. Decant 2 hours. Chianti Classico food pairings: thick, peppery grilled steak, homemade pizza featuring steak strips. Drink: 2012 - 2015 91694 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Formica Amarone Della Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Rustic and tannic with gorgeously seductive black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours. Full-bodied with a long finish. Drink: 2013 - 2017 295543 15% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Serre Nuove Dell'ornellaia Bolgheri 2010, D.O.C., Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy: Big black smoky fruit with layers of full-bodied texture. Terrific cellar keeper. Drink: 2014 - 2018 606194 12.5% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Giacosa Fratelli Basarin Vigna Gianmaté Barbaresco 2007, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: One of the prettiest Barbarescos I've tasted in a long time, maybe ever. Red floral notes, spice and tart red fruit on the nose and palate. Juicy and mouth-watering, with full-bodied layers of pleasure. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012 - 2016 291401 13.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2007, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Savoury with a lovely nose of fleshy ripe black fruit and some mocha. Full-bodied and layered for complexity with a long finish. Drink: 2013 - 2017 713479 14.5% XD 750 mL $75.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Classico, Masi Amarone Della Valpolicella 2005, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Smoky black fruit with layers of seductive liquid velvet. A long finish infused with a touch of mocha and brooding black fruit. Drink: 2013 - 2017 462812 15.5% XD 750 mL $99.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marziano Abbona Cerviano Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Amarone-like on the nose with concentrated black cherry liqueur and smoke. The palate unfolds with gorgeous layers of dark fruit flavour and complexity. This big beauty needs cellar time. Drink: 2014 - 2018 295915 14% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 94/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Kim Crawford Small Parcel The Mistress Riesling 2006, Wairarapa Valley, Martinborough, South Island, New Zealand: Love it! Crisp and clean with spring morning aromas of lime zest, lemongrass and zesty goodness. Medium-bodied. Riesling food pairings: bouillabaisse, pan-seared scallops. Drink: 2012 - 2015 90134 13% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal, grassy and gloriously refreshing with a terrific medium-bodied weight, no oak. Drink: 2012 - 2014 10421 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Tasty sauvignon blanc with a nice balance between citrus and herbal notes. Medium-bodied. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood pasta in an alfredo sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2014 963124 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Croft Pink Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Love it even if I am wary of pink marketing to woman. Glorious fun taste for a dessert wine yet not heavy. Strawberry and raspberry preserves. Put 3-4 ice cubes in it for an evening of fun. Drink: 2012 - 2016 140871 20% MS 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Poças Colheita Manoel D. Pocas Jr. Port 1994, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Lovely and complete: toffee richness envelopes the senses. Why doesn't every port aspire to be a tawny? Drink: 2012 - 2017 216424 20% S 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fonseca Porto Vintage Btld. In 2007 Port 2005, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Classic vintage port with cassis liqueur notes and blackberry richness. Loaded with flavour, layers and finish. Discuss the fate of the world over this wine. Drink: 2012 - 2020 123695 20.5% S 750 mL $73.95 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2011, W.O., Elgin, South Africa: A full-bodied chardonnay without too much oak. Nice peach and pear aromas. Drink: 2012 - 2014 295402 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fairview Shiraz 2009, W.O., Coastal Region, Paarl, South Africa: Savoury, acidic in a lovely way with wild black fruit. A feral wine not to be contained. Full-bodied and eccentric. Drink: 2012 - 2015 626358 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hartenberg Shiraz 2007, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Love it! Change your opinion of South African wine instantly with this one. Savoury, dark, delicious and complex. Juicy fruit, smoke and a long finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 906289 14.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Chocolate Block Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Shiraz 2010, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Savoury, complex and delicious: wow! Cassis, blackberry and cedar forest. Meaty and enticing, full-bodied wonderful. Drink: 2012 - 2016 129353 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Pazo Pondal Leira Pazo Pondal Albariño 2011, D.O., Rías Baixas, Spain: Clean and crisp with refreshing aromas of chives, lime and herbal notes. Medium-bodied and food-friendly. Drink: 2012 - 2014 115816 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ukraine
Massandra Rose Muscat 2008, Black Sea Coast, Crimea, Ukraine, Ukraine: Pure blackberry pie in a glass... Nice dessert wine. Muscat food pairings: nut bowl, blue-veined cheeses. Drink: 2012 - 2015 73155 16% MS 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Elegant and full-bodied with a smooth texture. Aromas are classic: cassis and blackberry with a weave of smoke. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled rib-eye. Drink: 2012 - 2016 226944 13.8% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Newton Vineyard Unfiltered Chardonnay 2008, Napa County, California, United States: Gorgeous mouth-filling texture. Rich and voluptuous with fleshy peach, pear and butterscotch. Drink: 2012 - 2016 1537 15% D 750 mL $78.00 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Blackberry liqueur and fleshy ripe purple and black plums. Incredible richness and depth from a master. Drink: 2012 - 2016 942151 14.8% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cakebread Cellars Zinfandel 2009, Red Hills Lake County, California, United States: Rich, glorious and complex with a superb balance and depth that I haven't tasted in most other California zinfandels. This is a flagship for the varietal and the region. Drink: 2012 - 2016 214031 14% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hogue Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Wahluke Slope, Washington State, United States: Love this style of cabernet! Cedar and savoury with wild blackberries. Balanced and dry with a full-bodied weight and long finish. Great with many meat dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2016 301358 14.3% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Pinot Noir 2009, Anderson Valley, California, United States: Liquid velvet! Black cherry seduction with mouth-watering yearning for more. Please! 72199 14.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Mocha rich with fleshy blackberries and plums. Round and layered with lots of layers and a long finish. Drink: 2012 - 2016 119065 14.8% XD 750 mL $154.00 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart