Argentina
Finca El Origen Bodegas Y Viñedos La Esperanza Malbec Rosé 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied rose with fleshy raspberry aromas and flavours. Drink with meaty fish dishes. Malbec Rosé food pairings: lamb skewers and tzatziki, barbecued chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2014 229682 13% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Doña Paula Chardonnay 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Excellent structure with copious notes of ripe tree fruit. Layers of perfumed flavor and a round, voluptuous texture with a full-bodied weight. Some tropical fruit flavors on the finish such as pineapple and guava. Great value! Chardonnay food pairings: smoked ham, quail, seafood with a cream-based sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2015 93898 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.00 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Las Moras Black Label Bonarda 2010, San Juan, Argentina: Juicy and tasty with purple and black plum notes. Full-bodied and smooth. In a previous vintage this wine won the Gold Medal for Best Producer at the Sélections Mondiales de Vins in Canada. Some black cherry and mocha on the finish. Excellent value. Bonarda food pairings: slow-cooked beef dishes, grilled steak, game. Drink: 2012 - 2015 260901 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Black and brooding with tar, smoke and roasted black fruit made from grapes grown on 40-year-old vines in the regions of Lujan de Cuyo and Las Compuertas. About 40% is aged in in French oak for 12 months. Drink: 2013 - 2015 261867 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Small Gully The Formula Robert's Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia: Lots of toasty oak on the nose from generous oaking plus dark roasted black fruit. Full-bodied and smooth with lots of alcohol. This packs a punch flavour-wise. Demands hearty meat dishes. Shiraz food pairings: radicchio, black bean soup, lamb cutlets, salmon, turkey with traditional trimmings, spicy chorizo sausages, peppercorn steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2015 142935 15.9% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Little Yering Yering Station Pinot Noir 2011, Yarra Valley, South Australia, Australia: Cherries and mint on the nose with toasty oak. Silky satin texture and a beautiful medium body. Juicy and tasty. There's a nice tang on the finish that's refreshing. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, seared tuna, roast chicken, grilled pork chops. Drink: 2012 - 2016 188094 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Two Hands Wines Zippy's Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2010, Roennfeldt Road, Maranga, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: If you want “bang” for your buck, this is your wine. A towering, stupendous wine. Black as night fruit aromas, generous oak and deep as the ocean in concentration and flavour. This wine cries out for hearty meat dishes and meaty conversation. Shiraz food pairings: roast beef, pepper steak. Drink: 2012 - 2017 89516 16.7% D 750 mL $105.00 Score: 93/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thomas Goss Chardonnay 2011, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: About 85% was matured in stainless steel and the rest in new French barrels for 6 months. Lemon and lime notes with fresh chives on the finish. Mouth-watering and tasty. Perfect for seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2015 326066 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Cave Spring Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada: Hazelnut and white peach on the nose opens up to lovely ripe pear on the palate. Full-bodied and supple, but not heavy. Long finish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 529941 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.75 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Angels Gate Winery Mountainview Chardonnay 2010, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A solid chard with green apple and toasty oak. Good balance. Chardonnay food pairings: scallops in cream sauce, roast chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2014 116384 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Union Squared White Generations Wine Company 2012, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A pleasant, well-priced and refreshing white blend of pinot gris, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Just enough oak for richness, yet balanced with mouth-watering refreshment for food. Try it with fresh seafood. Food pairings: seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2015 346775 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gaspereau Vineyards Muscat 2011, Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: Pure orange clementine delivered dry and mouth-watering. Lovely! Sun-dappled citrus orchard. Walk through your senses. Some orange blossom on the finish. Lovely for Asian or any flavourful dish and seafood. Muscat food pairings: seafood, thai food, sushi, shrimp rolls. Drink: 2013 - 2016 1008448 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir Rose 2012, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely notes of wild field strawberries and raspberries on the nose. Bone-dry and mouth-watering on the palate with a medium body. Very versatile with food, from seafood to salads. Pinot Noir Rose food pairings: fresh figs with prosciutto. Drink: 2013 - 2014 39974 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery Harvest Gold Mead 2011, Ontario, Canada: Exotic lavender (purple floral notes are strong), honey and other flowers in this unusual dessert wine. If you love mead, try this one. Mead food pairings: chicken tikka. Drink: 2013 - 2015 437319 12% M 500 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Natura V.E.S.A. Rosé 2012, Rapel Valley, Chile: This organic wine has just 22 mg/l of free sulphur. Earthy aromas of field strawberries. Light, pretty and refreshing. Rosé food pairings: lox and creamy cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2014 277962 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Maycas Del Limarí Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2009, Limarí Valley, Chile: Aged a year in oak, this full-bodied white offers notes of baked bread and green apple. Drink: 2012 - 2015 162040 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Caliterra Tributo Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A pleasant, well-rounded Chardonnay with notes of green apples and vanilla smoke. Full-bodied and generous with a satisfying long finish. Great value! Chardonnay food pairings: basil pesto, cheese fondue, chicken breast, frittata, prawn bisque. Drink: 2012 - 2015 144709 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Single Vineyard Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Supple, juicy and full-bodied but not heavy. Fleshy black fruit and the right amount of toasty oak. Quaffer, not an analyzer. Pass me the bottle please. Drink: 2013 - 2015 325365 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Carmen Wines Gran Reserva Carmenere 2011, El Peñasco Vineyard, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Savoury, dark and complex with a chewy, full-bodied mid-palate. Layers of black fruit with a long finish. Superbly crafted for this price. Great structure and persistence of flavours on the finish. Terrific value. Carmenere food pairings: lamb, pasta, venison, char-grilled burgers, tamarind-marinated steaks. Drink: 2013 - 2015 439166 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Casas del Bosque Reserva Pinot Noir 2011, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Cherry-berry on the nose: fleshy-ripe-sweet though it's a dry wine. Full-bodied with great acidity for roast chicken. Loaded with berry fruit on the finish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 995068 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Château Clos Floridène Meritage 2009, A.C., Graves, Bordeaux, France: Black cherry liqueur, tobacco and tar on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and supple and juicy on the palate. Good depth and balance. Pleasant finish. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 189365 13% XD 750 mL $27.85 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Fontenelles Cuvée Notre Dame Corbières Thierry Tastu 2009, A.C., Midi, France: Rustic and cedary on the nose with wild black tart cherry notes. Excellent for the money. Full-bodied and supple. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013 - 2016 269522 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Pindefleurs Grand Cru Meritage 2009, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Subtle and elegant on the nose with black fruit and some toasty oak. Full-bodied, layered and complex on the palate. Seriously long finish. Perfect for prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2018 195263 13% XD 750 mL $28.85 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Romain Duvernay Vacqueyras 2010, A.P., Rhône, France: A robust, cedary blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre grapes. Black fruit, full-bodied and supple. Decant 1 hour. Great with steak. Drink: 2013 - 2016 280966 14.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Simian 2010, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah grapes with the remainder being Mourvèdre and Cinsault grapes. I was surprised, especially given it's alcohol level and plush and soft it is. Although it still squeaks into the full-bodied category, it's not heavy. Black fruit and dark spice aromas and flavours. Nice balance and finish. Drink: 2013 - 2018 328575 15% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Moillard Nuits-Saint-Georges Pinot Noir 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Fresh-turned earth and tart black cherry on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, silky smooth, layers of pure pleasure. Worth every penny. Great, balanced acidity for duck or planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb, veal chops. Drink: 2012 - 2018 330019 13% XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 92/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De La Grave Caractère Philippe & Valérie Bassereau Meritage 2009, A.C., Côtes De Bourg, Bordeaux, France: Black, brooding and absolutely phenomenal for the price, especially for Bordeaux. Loaded with toasty oak and tar and smoke. Full-bodied and layered. Good finish. Decant 2 hours and pair with a big, juicy steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 224683 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Rollan De By Meritage 2009, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Stunning depth, complexity and richness -- and a great price for such an excellent Bordeaux. Fleshy black fruit, smoke, dark spices and a weave of just the right amount of toasty oak. Long finish on this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes. Decant 1 hour. Drink: 2013 - 2018 191262 13% XD 750 mL $31.85 Score: 93/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos De Loratoire Grand Cru Meritage 2009, A.C., Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Splendid in every dimension! Full-bodied, supple, complex, layered. Dark fruit and some oak on the nose gives way to lots of sophisticated pleasure on the palate. Ultra-long finish. Pair with a hearty meat dish. Drink: 2013 - 2020 198671 13% XD 750 mL $68.85 Score: 94/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
M. Chapoutier Les Granilites 2011, A.C., Saint-Joseph, Rhone, France: Hard to believe how low the alcohol is on this given its blockbuster explosion of black fruit, cedar and smoke, along with a luxuriously rich weight and mouth-filling voluptuousness. Yes, I like it. Complex, deep, rich. Perfect with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2020 339697 13.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 95/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages Latour De France, Midi, France: Rich, velvet fleshy black raspberries loll over your tongue and release their juicy flavour as you move the wine around in your mouth. Full-bodied and pleasurable. Close your eyes. I can't resist a good Latin name either. Makes a perfect gift for an English teacher. A finish as long as War & Peace with dark spice and plot twists. Drink: 2012 - 2018 643239 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 95/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
M. Chapoutier Invitare Viognier 2011, A.C., Condrieu, Rhône, France: Gloriously and exotically unusual. If you haven't tried Condrieu, especially from renowned producer Chapoutier, you must. Surprising acidity is ready for many dishes, especially cream sauces on chicken, seafood and pasta. Gorgeous notes of peach, pear and baking spices. A finish that lasts almost as long as you can go back to the liquor store and buy another bottle. Stupendous. Drink: 2013 - 2020 339739 14% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 95/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jean Féry & Fils Les Nosroyes Puligny Montrachet Chardonnay 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Smokin great! Green apple goodness, with a smoky loveliness. Full-bodied and mouth-watering. This is classic Chardonnay from Puligny-Montrachet Lots of minerality and complexity with a long, dry finish. Try it tonight with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled rainbow trout with lemon sauce, lemon-herb chicken breast, prawn bisque, cheese fondue. Drink: 2011 - 2018 243568 13% XD 750 mL $55.00 Score: 95/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Ventenac Grand Réserve Cabardès 2009, A.C., Midi, France: Black fruit with a pleasantly bitter bite. Full-bodied and smooth. Cries out for a rare steak. Food pairings: lamb, beef, pork. Drink: 2013 - 2015 336255 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Les Grands Bois Cuvée Eloise Cairanne Farjon Desnardeau, Vign.-Récolt. 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Rustic tart blackberries and blueberries. Cedar brush and full-bodied. Juicy and mouth-watering. Great for BBQ meats. Drink: 2013 - 2016 328468 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Genot-Boulanger Clos Du Cromin Chardonnay 2010, Meursault, Burgundy, France: Full-bodied with rich aromas and flavours of hazelnut, toasty oak and some green apple. The fruit will come forward as this wine matures. Gorgeous depth, complexity, layers and finish. Drink: 2013 - 2018 330043 14% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Couly-Dutheil René Couly Chinon Rosé 2012, A.C., Loire, France: Mouth-watering with cranberry notes. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Drink it with seafood. Rosé food pairings: stuffed peppers, turkey breast. Drink: 2013 - 2014 323360 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château d'Anglès La Clape Non-Filtered Rosé 2012, A.C., Midi, France: Very pretty aromas and flavours of tiny wild raspberries. Dry and very mouth-watering. This rose cries out for food. Feed it salads or seafood. Rosé food pairings: grilled salmon, , green salads with citrus wedges. Drink: 2013 - 2014 323386 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pierre Brigandat & Fils Brut Champagne Récoltant-Manipulant Rosé, A.C., Champagne, France: Lovely and fresh with aromas of field strawberries. Crisp and dry, this is made from 100% pinot noir. Pair with fresh seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2016 340372 12.5% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Corne-Loup Tavel Jacques Lafond, Prop.-Récolt. Rosé 2012, A.C., Rhône, France: Fresh, pretty and young! Aromas and flavours of field strawberries. Perfect as a chilled aperitif. Rosé food pairings: chicken, lamb burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2014 71209 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Kabinett 2011, Prädikatswein, Bernkasteler Badstube, Mosel, Germany: A pleasant-drinking, light-bodied white with aromas of white pear and lime. Bernkasteler Badstube is viewed as some of the best vineyard soils in the Mosel region. There's some orchard fruit on the finish here. Crisp and vibrant, yet has some balancing fruit sweetness so as not to be austere and to pair well with a wider variety of dishes. Some guava and papaya infused with smoke on the finish. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: spicy shrimp dishes, Asian chicken salad, roast turkey. Drink: 2012 - 2016 33407 8.5% MD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett 2011, Prädikatswein, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel, Germany: Terrific zesty acidity with deep aromas of the ripest peaches and pears. The sweetness is beautifully balanced with the acidity in this wine to create a stunningly delicious package and terrific food versatility. Live and let live with this wine: kick back on the deck or dock. Medium-bodied and lasting. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: Asian chicken salad, risotto, cheese, Hawaiian pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2018 114793 11.5% M 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Varvaglione Papale Primitivo di Manduria 2009, D.O.P., Puglia, Italy: Juicy great with generous layers of mouth-watering blackberries, blueberries and purple plums. Primitivo is the Italian version of zinfandel ... Fire up the barbecue! Lovely layers of mulberry and black plum on the palate with terrific persistence of flavours through the finish which features toasty oak, smoke and some bitter tar notes. Primitivo Di Manduria food pairings: Moroccan-style lamb dish with cumin, coriander and paprika, ravioli, chili verde, smoky ribs, steaks with rosemary. Drink: 2012 - 2015 261784 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Farina Parziale Appassimento 2011, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Full-bodied with cherry liqueur and licorice concentration from the appassimento technique of drying the grapes and therefore concentrating the flavours. Drink: 2013 - 2015 438481 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pighin Pinot Grigio 2012, D.O.C., Fruili, Grave, Italy: Clean and crisp with lemon and grapefruit notes, no heavy oak. The Friuli region in northern Italy is known for its crisp, zippy pinot grigio. This medium-bodied one has a spring fresh finish with some notes of white pear. Dry and satisfying! Pinot Grigio food pairings: pan-fried freshwater fish, salads, frittata, basil pesto, herbed chicken breast. Drink: 2012 - 2015 987545 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Attems Pinot Grigio 2012, I.G.T., Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy: Juicy, crisp and mouth-watering with lovely lime, grapefruit and white melon aromas. Great aperitif or companion to many dishes. The Attems family has been making wine since 1106. Their pinot grigio is favourite of mine year after year. Perfect for the patio! Pinot Grigio food pairings: grilled chicken breast, summer salads, frittata, basil pesto, pork burgers, grilled lake fish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 707950 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bolla Le Origini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Big, black and brooding with blasted black fruit, tar, smoke. Full-bodied with a full-palate whack on the finish. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 204792 15.5% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 91/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Caldora Yume Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2008, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Coffee toasted oak and warm, comforting black fleshy fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Reminds me of great pinotage. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 330217 14% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villa Mattielli Ripasso San Giacomo Valpolicella 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Perfumed and pretty with aromas of violets and black roses. Full-bodied and supple with layers of bubble-bath worth pleasure. Pair with pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2016 333310 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mazzei Badiola Sangiovese (Chianti) 2010, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Soft and plush and medium- to almost full-bodied. Fleshy black plums and berries. Nice aperitif or companion to pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2016 662197 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Elephant Hill Le Phant Blanc Named Varietal Blends-White 2011, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Lovely, slightly white floral edged with lime lift. Ultra-refreshing, pretty aperitif or companion to seafood. Medium-bodied and vibrant. Named Varietal Blends-White food pairings: barbecued chili prawns. Drink: 2013 - 2015 325951 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Auntsfield Long Cow, Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Terrific lime awakening of the taste buds! Not too grassy, more of a citrus lift on this medium-bodied wine. Spring refreshment in a glass. Some notes of kiwi and green herbs on a dry finish. Terrific! Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: tuna steaks, seafood platter, Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, linguine, snap pea soup, avocado and papaya salad. Drink: 2012 - 2014 663286 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Porca De Murça Reserva Real Companhia Velha Tinto 2010, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Full-bodied with black fruit and straight up pleasure. Black and purple plums with toasty oak. A savoury, meaty note. This wine cries out for a hearty steak. Tinto food pairings: barbecued burgers, lamb. Drink: 2012 - 2015 684753 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2009, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: A full-bodied, savoury red with black fruit, cedar and smoke. Lovely texture and satisfying finish. Perfect for BBQs. Plush long finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 408112 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
KWV Triptych K.W.V. 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Smooth and delicious with full-bodied layers of fleshy black plums. Smoky and smooth. Amazingly great price. This wine is a blend that leads with cabernet sauvignon, but also includes shiraz and merlot grapes. Just enough oak to bring this whole delicious package together. Good finish. Drink: 2012 - 2015 53124 14.4% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2012, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Dry with attractive white peach and white melon. Crisp, refreshing aperitif or companion to fresh seafood. Chenin Blanc food pairings: mild Thai curries. Drink: 2013 - 2015 981167 13.8% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2011, Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, South Africa: Spectacular! Rich, concentrated and hedonistic. A chardonnay lover's chardonnay. Perfectly balanced between luscious ripe peach and green apple, toasty oak and a nervy seam of acidity for a range of dishes, from roast chicken to seafood. Please bring some the next time you drop by. Drink: 2013 - 2018 931006 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 95/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Cerro Añon Reserva Bodegas Olarra Tempranillo Garnacha Mazuelo 2006, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Toasty oak and dark fruit on the nose. Gorgeous, supple texture, full-bodied weight and great length. This is perfect for potluck gatherings or movie night. This wine is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha and 15% Mazuelo that is matured for 20 months in American oak. dry, smoky finish. Tempranillo Garnacha Mazuelo food pairings: lightly spiced grilled chicken and mushrooms, chili, Cuban black bean soup, short ribs, turkey. Drink: 2012 - 2016 114306 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodega del Abad Dom Bueno Godello 2010, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: Dry, crisp and clean with lots of lime acidity. A terrific wine for making up your senses. Nice aperitif or companion to a wide range of dishes. This wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Godello food pairings: ginger chicken, salads, grilled vegetables. Drink: 2012 - 2014 154302 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vizcarra Senda Del Oro Roble Tempranillo 2011, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: This organic wine has just 8 mg/l of free sulphur and is made 100% Tempranillo grapes grown in organic vineyards. The wine was matured 7 months in both French and American oak. Black fruit, smoke, layered depth and a long finish. Great value. Drink: 2013 - 2015 331249 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Folie à Deux Zinfandel 2010, Amador County, California, United States: Big aromas and flavours of boysenberry, blueberry and blackberry. Vibrant, round and full-bodied. Bursting with flavour and vibrancy. Perfect for BBQ meats. Zinfandel food pairings: dry-rubbed ribs, grilled burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2015 147231 14.5% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sebastiani Merlot 2009, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Plush and round with fleshy black plums, mocha and dark chocolate on the nose and palate. Supple and smooth. Finishes long. Try with grilled pork chops or coffee-rubbed chicken breast. Drink: 2013 - 2015 672659 14.2% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Paso Robles, California, United States: Opens with seductive black fleshy plums, blackberries and blackcurrants wrapped in mocha and smoke. Full-bodied and smooth with terrific balance and mouth-watering action. Great for hearty meat dishes and when you want to be good to yourself. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak, roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2016 313817 13.6% XD 375 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gann Family Cellars Pinot Noir 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Black cherry liqueur concentration of flavour with field raspberries. Berry explosion. Full-bodied and smooth. Pair with grilled salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: charcuterie and cheese plate, prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2016 327510 14.4% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Duck Pond Cellars Fries Family Cellars Pinot Gris 2011, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Soft and pleasing with lovely notes of green and white melon. Great aperitif. Drink: 2013 - 2015 333286 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Fresh and vibrant with lemon, lime and grass notes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled pork. Drink: 2013 - 2015 94375 13.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Val Estate Btld. Chardonnay 2010, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States: An alluring Chardonnay with just the right balance of toasty vanilla oak and ripe pear aromas. There's also some notes of peach and a hint of zesty green apples. Full-bodied richness without too much weight. A superb effort from this producer. Highly recommended. Chardonnay food pairings: duck a l'orange, turkey burgers, camembert with calvados, salmon with a hollandaise sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2016 297499 13.5% XD 750 mL $40.75 Score: 92/100. July 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart