Dessert Wine
Messias Late Bottled Vintage Btld. 2012 Port 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Great value at this incredible price. Lovely fleshy sweet aromas of blackberry and black plum. Port food pairings: mulberry yogurt parfait, berry pie with whipped cream, Stilton. Drink: 2012 - 2016 140863 19.5% S 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ruffino Serelle Vin Santo Del Chianti 2008, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: A lovely honeyed elixir that's not overly sweet. Perfect complement to biscotti and mixed nuts. Chianti food pairings: savoury crackers and sharp cheeses. Drink: 2012 - 2020 1008 15.5% S 375 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Gewürztraminer Icewine 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: This bold Icewine deserves a full-flavoured, sweet dessert. A terrific dessert wine that will cap a wonderful meal. Redolent of ripe apricot, peach and pear preserves. Lovely honey-infused finish. Bring it on! Food matches: serve slightly chilled on its own, with rich pâtés, fresh fruit, rich (but not overly sweet) desserts or a selection of fine cheeses. Gewürztraminer Icewine food pairings: cheesecake, crème brûlée. Drink: 2011 - 2020 193326 10% S 200 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stratus Riesling Icewine 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Some kind of gorgeous. Platonic ideal of peach preserves and honeysuckle with drizzled honey. Just drink. Riesling Icewine food pairings: turkey dinner, rhubarb pie, baked apples with cinnamon. Drink: 2012 - 2020 56671 12.5% S 200 mL $39.95 Score: 94/100. November 2012. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Smith Woodhouse Vintage Btld. 2002 Vintage Port 2000, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Supremely complex port with complex layers of blackberry preserves and cassis. Lasts forever. Drink: 2012 - 2022 140277 20% S 750 mL $79.95 Score: 97/100. November 2012. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Peninsula Ridge Beal Vineyard Cabernet Franc Icewine 2011, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Luscious rich raspberry aromas and flavours. Beautifully balanced. terrific dessert wine on its own or with chocolate-based desserts. Cabernet Franc Icewine food pairings: dark chocolate. Drink: 2013 - 2028 148056 10.5% S 200 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Black Sage Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, V.Q.A., Okanagan, B.C., Canada: Classic cabernet sauvignon with an attractive nose of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant. Full-bodied and balanced. Decant 1-2 hours. Will also cellar well. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: prime rib, filet mignon. Drink: 2012 - 2016 143784 13.9% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Black Sage Merlot 2010, V.Q.A., Okanagan, B.C., Canada: Fleshy black plums with a touch of smoke. Full-bodied and smooth. Terrific, especially for the price. Merlot food pairings: grilled pork chops, meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2012 - 2016 593053 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ballast Stone Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Toasty charred black fruit with a smoky finish. Full-bodied and smooth with a full-on palate whack. Drink: 2012 - 2015 167064 15% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saumur-Champigny Domaine Langlois Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Woodsy, rusty, cedary, herbal and somewhat tannic -- and very delicious with wild red forest berries. Full-bodied. Decant 2 hours and slurp up! Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast turkey, ratatouille. Drink: 2012 - 2015 7179 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canonica a Cerreto Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: An earth, full-bodied wine with smoky dark red fruit and good, mouth-watering acidity. Best consumed with hearty dishes involving tomato sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 275867 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Bean Coffee Mooiplaas Wines Pinotage 2011, W.O., Western Cape, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Totally coffee-espresso on the nose and palate. Weirdly wonderful and comforting. End your day with the alcoholic version of your morning coffee. Full-bodied and smooth with some black fruit flavours as well. Drink: 2012 - 2015 251165 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California, United States: Jammy purple plums and blueberries. Smooth, full-bodied and lip-smacking tasty with BBQ ribs or chicken wings. Zinfandel food pairings: spaghetti, pizza, barbecue. Drink: 2012 - 2015 678698 14.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pascual Toso Reserve Barracas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Classic cassis, wild tart blackberry and some mint on the nose. Full-bodied and tannic. DecaVery satisfying. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: burgers, steak, ribs, pastas. Drink: 2012 - 2015 83337 13.9% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Taltarni Pyrenees Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia: Full-bodied, balanced, complex and tasty with a long finish. Classic cabernet with cassis and blackcurrant. Great dinner party wine. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb burgers, bison steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2016 940692 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Rousseau De Sipian Blend - Meritage 2006, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Medium-bodied, smooth and elegant with a lovely balance of cassis, smoke and toasty oak. Great price for Bordeaux. Blend - Meritage food pairings: roast beef, pheasant, Camembert. Drink: 2012 - 2015 246637 13.1% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cortes De Cima Red 2009, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: A robust, savoury red with a terrific different twist. Get out of your cabernet sauvignon rut with this one. Full-bodied with black fruit and a smoky finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 677971 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel 2010, Mendocino County, California, United States: Big purple and black plum notes with full-bodied juiciness and a smooth texture. Perfect for BBQ. Drink: 2012 - 2015 967679 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Peter Lehmann Wines The Futures Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Savoury, meaty and toasty with a juicy black fleshy fruit goodness running through the core. A producer of consistently great quality. Fire up the BBQ! Drink: 2012 - 2016 606780 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Carolina Specialties Dry Farming Carignan 2009, Cauquenes Valley, Chile: Complex, dry and savoury with gorgeously rich black fruit. Pleasant tarry-tart black cranberry. Full-bodied with a velvet smooth texture. Drink: 2012 - 2015 213520 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Arboleda Carmenère 2010, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Elegant, smooth and full-bodied with fleshy black plums aromas and flavours. Generous and mouth-filling. Great price for this quality. Carmenère food pairings: grilled lamb, beef braised in a mole sauce, hearty stews. Drink: 2012 - 2015 223015 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Musella Vigne Nuove Superiore Valpolicella 2009, D.O.C.G., Veneto, Italy: Amazing taste and quality for this price point! If you love Italian wines, especially to pair with Italian dishes, this is red to stock up on. Bright somewhat tart cherry notes with some lovely balancing smoke. Drink: 2012 - 2015 205757 13% XD 750 mL $16.00 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2002, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lots of oak balanced by fleshy ripe black fruit. Full-bodied, mouth-watering juicy with a great finish. Smoky and toasty. Yum! Pinot Noir food pairings: salmon, barbecued duck spring rolls with ponzu sauce, veggie mushroom burger. Drink: 2004 - 2010 590414 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte 2010, A.C., Gigondas, Rhône, France: Blacked fruit with a tarry note. Full-bodied, savoury and meaty. Pair with robustly flavoured dishes and a hearty steak. Drink: 2012 - 2017 17400 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Susana Balbo Brioso, Unfined And Unfiltered Dominio Del Plata 2006, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina: Savoury, meaty, dark and delicious. Big black fruit, smoke and lots of complex layers of flavour. Smooth and different. Drink: 2012 - 2016 95265 14% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Grand Veneur Clos De Sixte Lirac Alain Jaume & Fils 2008, A.C., Rhône, France: Beautifully concentrated with a core of hedonistic black cherry liqueur running through it. Full-bodied, dry, complex and ultimately satisfying. Pair with the biggest of meat dishes and appetites. Drink: 2012 - 2017 76349 14.5% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rust En Vrede Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Fantastic and seductive! Gorgeous black fruit, smoke, tar and violet aromas. Complex, multi-layered and savoury on the palate with a long finish. Pair with meaty dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2016 921767 15.4% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, full-bodied with black fruit yet not over-oaked. Loaded with layers of lapping pleasures. Sink your senses into this one. Drink: 2012 - 2016 716142 14.5% D 750 mL $99.00 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Complex, subtle and full-bodied with great elegance and a long finish. Dark fruit and smoke, lots of layers and great cellar potential. Drink: 2012 - 2018 149955 14.6% D 750 mL $119.95 Score: 94/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château de Beaucastel Vign. Pierre Perrin 2010, A.C., Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône, France: Beautifully made with superb craftsmanship! Full-bodied, concentrated and complex with layers of rich black fruit flavour and smoke. Great cellar potential but why wait? Drink: 2012 - 2020 711317 14.5% XD 750 mL $89.95 Score: 95/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château de Beaucastel Vign. Pierre Perrin 2010, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Beautifully made with superb craftsmanship! Full-bodied, concentrated and complex with layers of rich black fruit flavour and smoke. Great cellar potential but why wait? Drink: 2012 - 2020 968750 14.5% XD 375 mL $46.95 Score: 95/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Stunning in both taste and price. Complex, rich and deep with layers of subtly nuanced dark fruit, smoke, violets and smoke. Wow. Drink: 2012 - 2018 936039 13.7% XD 750 mL $122.95 Score: 95/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Divine! Full-bodied and savoury with lots of layers and a long finish. Seductive, satin fleshy black fruit. Paul, please come over for dinner tonight. Drink: 2012 - 2018 351758 14.5% XD 750 mL $84.95 Score: 95/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yalumba The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Drop to your knees kind of wine: toasty, tarry black fruit with complex layers of dark brooding mystery. Complex and lasting ... Until its gone. Drink: 2012 - 2018 449017 14.5% XD 750 mL $174.00 Score: 96/100. November 2012. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Dufouleur Père & Fils Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Méthode Traditionnelle 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Terrific toasty and smoky bubbly (robust) at a stunningly great price. Stock up for your holiday parties now before it's gone. Food pairings: tempura appetizers, breaded sole, turkey dinner with herbed stuffing. Drink: 2012 - 2014 207993 13% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Filippino Moscato D'asti 2011, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Love! Apple blossom and honeysuckle on a bed of effervescent happiness. Moscato D'asti food pairings: spicy sushi rolls, creamy cheeses and fresh fruit. Drink: 2012 - 2014 729160 5.5% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Steller's Jay Sparkling Brut 2001, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A toasty and refreshing sparkling wine made using the traditional champagne method and grapes. This bubbly is a great aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Sparkling Brut food pairings: fried chicken, potato chips, caviar, oysters, shellfish. 264879 13% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. November 2012. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Huff Estates Winery Chardonnay 2011, V.Q.A., Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada: Nicely balanced, generously flavoured chardonnay. Full-bodied but not heavy. White peach and some toast on the finish. Drink: 2012 - 2014 129742 12.8% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
entwine Wente Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2010, Livermore Valley, California, United States: Crisp and clean, with enticing aromas of white and green melon with a lime lift on the refreshing finish. Very versatile with a wide range of dishes from seafood and salads to medium curries and soft cheeses. Pinot Grigio food pairings: salty cheeses, white fish, ham, and tropical fruits. Drink: 2012 - 2013 272344 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Azienda Agricola Giol Pinot Grigio 2011, Veneto Igt, Italy: Clean and crisp with lemon zest and lime lift. No oak. Great aperitif and food companion. The bonus is that it's organic. Pinot Grigio food pairings: fish dishes, seafood, creamy pasta, light cheeses. Drink: 2012 - 2015 285353 12% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kientzheim-Kaysersberg Anne Boecklin Schlossberg Riesling 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Dry, mild and soft with subtle lime blossom notes. Just enough acidity to make it very versatile with food. No oak, fresh. Riesling food pairings: goose, turkey, mildly spiced curries. Drink: 2012 - 2014 61390 12.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Vincent Sauvestre Chablis 2011, A.C., Burgundy, France: Crisp, clean and subtle with mild aromas and flavours of white melon and lemongrass. Light- to medium-bodied. Chablis food pairings: seafood, shellfish. Drink: 2012 - 2014 240598 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Spiropoulos Mantinia 2011, P.D.O., Mantinia, Peloponnese, Greece: Crisp, clean and mouth-watering. Works as an aperitif or versatile food companion to salads, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Much like pinot grigio or vinho verde. This organic wine has just 21 mg/l of free sulphur. Food pairings: grilled sardines and chopped herbs, herbed pork. Drink: 2012 - 2014 490119 11.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Columbia Crest Winery Grand Estates Chardonnay 2009, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Full-bodied, straight-forward pleasure with toasty oak and tree fruit notes. Great price. Drink: 2012 - 2014 462846 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
First Press Chardonnay 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and round with white peach and some dry pear. Drink: 2012 - 2015 199810 14.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Catena Chardonnay 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Smoky matchstick on the nose with peach and Asian pear on the palate. Full-bodied, tasty and warming. Chardonnay food pairings: smoky roast chicken, lobster with butter dipping sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 918805 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, herbal and fresh with mouth-awakening acidity. Great for salads and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2014 734798 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wither Hills Pinot Gris 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Loaded with warm baking spices and fresh peach fleshiness. Mouth-filling and delicious. Drink: 2012 - 2015 214999 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Framingham Pinot Gris 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Fresh and crisp with some peach ripeness that fleshes out the wine and makes it mouth-filling. Lovely sunshine orchard flavours and fresh spring happiness. Pinot Gris food pairings: pork chops and applesauce, sushi, spinach quiche. Drink: 2012 - 2015 981803 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2010, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, rich and round with lots of alcohol. A long, warm finish. Chardonnay food pairings: panko-crusted grilled chicken, salmon steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2016 183921 14.1% XD 750 mL $121.95 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Full-bodied with toasted hazelnut and almond on the nose from generous oak aging, following by fleshy peach notes. Drink: 2012 - 2015 210039 14.5% XD 750 mL $41.25 Score: 90/100. November 2012. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2011, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: One of my favourite sauvignon blancs from South Africa (and I have many). Bright and refreshing without being too grassy. Lots of lime lift and zesty goodness. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: roast chicken, tuna steaks, herbed prawns, mild green curries. Drink: 2012 - 2015 933424 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Rich, complex and layered from a master. Ripe peach and Asian pear with toasted almond. Drink: 2012 - 2016 34561 14% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 93/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling 2011, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Stunning peach goodness with a bright seam of acidity for food. Really gorgeous riesling with a laser focus like a shaft of sunlight that then settles in and warms your shoulders and senses. Drink: 2012 - 2017 233196 12.5% XD 750 mL $26.65 Score: 94/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Malivoire Wine Company Moira Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada: Toasted almond fleshed out by ripe peach. Gorgeous, full-bodied and layered. Truly one of Canada's best chardonnays. Yum! Drink: 2012 - 2016 243113 12.7% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 94/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Shafer Vineyards Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2010, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: Stunning concentration of flavours with peach goodness and toasted almond. Full-bodied and complex. A great producer year after year. Drink: 2012 - 2016 45583 13.5% XD 750 mL $117.00 Score: 94/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stratus White 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Beautiful! Full-bodied, mouth-filling and voluptuous. Gorgeous and exotic aromas and flavours with honeysuckle, lime blossom and lilies. Food pairings: stuffed pork tenderloin, grilled game bird. Drink: 2012 - 2017 660704 13.5% D 750 mL $44.20 Score: 95/100. November 2012. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vineland Estates Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lovely! Peach and pear goodness, with purity and refreshment. No oak, just crisp, mouth-watering flavour for a wide range of dishes from seafood and pastas. Drink: 2012 - 2015 669374 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. November 2012. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart