Red Wine
Ghost Pines Zinfandel 2011, California, United States: Enticing aromas of black and purple plums on the nose followed through by gloriously luscious flavours of these same fruits on the palate. Full-bodied and juicy. This wine cries out for any grilled meat on the barbecue. Drink: 2013 - 2015 269373 14.9% D 750 mL $20.75 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
San Savino Picus Rosso Piceno Superiore 2010, D.O.P., Marche, Italy: Full-bodied with dark, toasted fruit and smoke. Good grip, but not too tannic. decant 1 hour and pair with hearty meat dishes. Rosso Piceno Superiore food pairings: grilled eggplant, pasta bolognese, pizza. Drink: 2013 - 2015 314534 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 84/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Agustinos Gran Terroir Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Aconcagua, Argentina: Classic mint, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied, balanced and aristocratic with great finesse and complexity. Long finish. Lovely! Drink: 2013 - 2016 325423 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Posta Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Balanced with fleshy dark plums, smoke and a dry, chalky finish. Lots of layers of enjoyment here with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Fleshy blackberry aromas on a long finish. No new oak. Food pairings: beef stew, spaghetti & meat balls, barbecued chicken, turkey, duck breast. Drink: 2012 - 2015 261586 13.9% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De La Tête Noir Cairanne 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Very full-bodied with big, black fruit, smoke, oak and dark spices. Cries out for BBQ meats. Drink: 2013 - 2016 328203 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lanciola Colli Fiorentini Chianti 2010, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Juicy and full-bodied but not heavy. Pleasant with good acidity of tomato sauces. Rustic and cedary. Drink: 2013 - 2015 330761 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ondarre Reserva Tempranillo 2006, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: A pleasant blend of 75% tempranillo, 15% mazuelo and 10% garnacha, aged in American and French oak barrels. Dark red fruit, leather and some smoke. Almost full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2013 - 2015 723452 12.8% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pago De Matarredonda Juan Rojo Tinta 2006, D.O., Toro, Spain: This is 100% Tempranillo from 80-year-old vines that was matured for 8 months in French oak. Black fruit and toast with full-bodied goodness. Drink: 2013 - 2015 104513 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cloudline Pinot Noir 2011, Oregon, United States: Satin smooth with tart red cherries and cranberries, very tasty. Lovely replays of dark cherry aromas and flavours, touched by a hint of dark spice. A model of its kind for Oregon. This would be to-die-for with cedar-planked salmon or seared tuna. Pinot Noir food pairings: cedar-planked salmon, avocado and papaya salad, balsamic grilled radicchio, basil pesto, zucchini and red onion frittata. Drink: 2012 - 2016 159970 13.5% XD 750 mL $30.95 Score: 88/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château D'aurilhac Meritage 2009, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Full-bodied and juicy and supple with fleshy blackberries on the nose and palate. Round and mouth-watering with a good finish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 189035 13% D 750 mL $23.85 Score: 88/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bernard Alias Cuvée Hector & Juliette Corbières 2010, A.C., Loire, France: Full-bodied and juicy with black and purple fleshy plum aromas and flavours. Supple and fairly smooth. Reminds me of a turbo zinfandel. BBQ anything will work. Food pairings: barbecued beef kebabs. Drink: 2013 - 2016 340984 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2010, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Blackberries, licorice, black and purple plum notes and lots of toasty oak on the nose. Full-bodied smooth, smoky and fantastic, especially for the price. This is perfect for parties and BBQs. A wine for campfire stories and seduction. Flip those burgers on the grill will you, and I'll top up your glass. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, beef, pork spareribs. Drink: 2012 - 2015 72975 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Galil Mountain Pinot Noir 2010, Galilee, Israel: A smoky pinot with fleshy black cherries that's been given generous oak treatment. Smooth and full-bodied. Some spice and cedar smoke on the finish. This wine is Kosher for Passover. Pinot Noir food pairings: brisket, prime rib, frittata. Drink: 2012 - 2016 121228 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Puygueraud Meritage 2009, A.C., Côtes De Francs, Bordeaux, France: This robust wine is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and the balance Malbec grapes. Produced by the Thienpont family, this bruiser of a wine offers black fruit, tar, smoke and loads of toasty oak. Anise, dark spice and more tar on the finish. Decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2013 - 2017 189423 13% XD 750 mL $22.85 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Recanati Winery Shiraz 2011, Galilee, Israel: A robust, smooth wine with aromas of black fruit. This wine also has a dash of Viognier that gives a mid-palate lift. This wine is Kosher for Passover. Pair with steak or brisket. Shiraz food pairings: black bean soup, lamb cutlets, gumbo. Drink: 2012 - 2015 218685 14.3% XD 750 mL $26.50 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine de Rochebin Clos St. Germain Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011, A.C., Burgundy, France: Acidic with tart red cherries. Medium-bodied and smooth. I like this style, but it's an acquired taste given the acidity. Try it with roast chicken or planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: cedar-planked or grilled salmon. Drink: 2013 - 2015 264549 12.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oveja Negra Single Vineyard Carmenère 2011, Maule Valley, Chile: Full-bodied and juicy with fleshy black plums and blackberries. Some smoke and toasty oak that's nicely balanced. Great value. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Carmenère food pairings: rare steaks, game meats. Drink: 2013 - 2015 302646 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delheim Shiraz 2010, W.O., Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa: Juicy, mouth-watering purple plums, blackberries and blueberries. A lovely weave of oak runs through it with full-bodied, smooth layers of flavour. Some mocha and espresso on the finish. Incredibly great value and taste for this price. Get in the groove with this charmer tonight. Shiraz food pairings: hamburgers, pork with soy. Drink: 2012 - 2015 959080 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lawson's Dry Hills Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Berry-cherry fleshy ripe aromas wrapped in toasty oak. New World style all the way and back again. Supple and juicy and full-bodied. Drink: 2013 - 2016 34827 13.5% D 750 mL $23.75 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Don David Finca La Maravilla #6 Malbec 2011, Cafayate Valley, Argentina: Black cherry liqueur, toasty oak and layers of full-bodied pleasure. Some black licorice and dark spices on a nice finish. Great for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2015 322826 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rodney Strong Symmetry Blend - Meritage 2009, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A towering and august wine of great depth and structure. Needs cellar time. Aromas of black currant and cassis with toasty oak. this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink: 2015 - 2020 641142 15.3% XD 750 mL $61.25 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Altanza Bodegas Altanza Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Lovely mature aromas with leather, cigar, violets and dried plums. Full-bodied and ultra-supple. Drink now rather than age further. See what a mature wine tastes like as it’s rare thing these days in stores or restaurants. Delights from the get-go. Tempranillo food pairings: chili verde, short ribs, sharp cheddar, lamb, turkey. Drink: 2010 - 2016 453548 13.5% XD 750 mL $30.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: A balanced wine and a great value. This is mostly cabernet sauvignon with some merlot, syrah and cabernet franc grapes in the blend. Dark fruit aromas are wrapped in toasty oak. Nice symmetry and balance with full-bodied weight. Gets my vote! Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, asparagus and sugar snap pea soup, hodge-podge, avocado and papaya salad, beef. Drink: 2012 - 2016 73817 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Masseria Altemura Aasseo Primitivo 2010, I.G.T., Salento, Puglia, Italy: Pure purple goodness with lip-smacking fleshy plum and blueberry aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and smooth, this is a terrific BBQ or pizza wine. The grapes are late harvested, which packs them with lots of concentrated flavour. Primitivo is the same grape as Zinfandel, most well-known in California. You'll be the hero of the evening if you open this one. Primitivo food pairings: barbecued back ribs in a rich sauce, gourmet sundried-tomato pizza, cheeseburgers, pasta with tomato sauce, coq au vin. Drink: 2011 - 2014 230573 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vignerons De Caractère Seigneur De Fontimple 2010, A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France: Fleshy ripe cherries on the nose: lovely! A river of velvet red fruit on the tongue. Caress your senses and tastebuds with this full-bodied, delicious red. Terrific price. Move over cabernet, you've got some full-bodied competition here! The grapes come from 30-year-old vines and the wine is aged 100% in stainless steel tanks. Food pairings: grilled steak, prime rib. Drink: 2012 - 2015 234013 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penley Estate Condor Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, round and tasty with rich aromas of fleshy black plums and blackberries and mint and toasty oak. The blend is of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes. The shiraz contributes the juicy, fleshy dark fruit flavours, while the cabernet imparts structure and length. A terrific package together. Great value here. A knock your socks off wine. This wine is a blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon and 42% shiraz. Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork tenderloin, sharp cheddar, casseroles & stews. Drink: 2012 - 2015 731893 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ferraton Père & Fils La Source Saint-Joseph 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Peppery, spicy and racy with juicy dark red fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Some blackberry and blackcurrant on the finish with a lick of dark spice. Here's a wine to tease the senses yet needs no coaxing to jump out of the glass. Perfect for movie night. Lots of pepper and dark spice on the finish. Food pairings: grilled steak or chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 137026 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Dalem Meritage 2009, A.C., Fronsac, Bordeaux, France: Black plum liqueur richness, concentration and depth with a judicious use of toasty oak. Full-bodied, supple but decant 1 hour. Long, smoky finish. Perfect for filet mignon. Drink: 2013 - 2020 191213 13% XD 750 mL $33.85 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Xavier Vignon 2010, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Plush black plum aromas give this wine a luscious mouth-filling character and juiciness before an incoming tide of peppered darker fruit that creates a lovely bite. Full-bodied and voluptuous. Drink now if you decant for 2 hours or hold it in your cellar for a decade or more. Incredible richness, depth and concentration. Demands hearty meat dishes. This is a blend of 65% Grenache and the remainder equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah grapes. Loaded with purple and black plums and licorice on the finish. Food pairings: prime rib, wild game, cherry and wine-reduction sauces. Drink: 2012 - 2020 244814 13.5% XD 750 mL $45.75 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Decoy Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Luscious, juicy and generous with rich aromas and flavours of black and purple plums and blueberries. Supple and smooth and full-bodied. Perfect for BBQ meats. Zinfandel food pairings: char-grilled burgers, ribs, lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2016 327502 14.5% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ravenswood Vintners Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, California, United States: Ravenswood is known for very full-bodied zinfandels, and this cabernet is also robust, but in a smooth, balanced and mouth-watering way. Packed with blackberry and cassis flavours with some smoke on the finish. Terrific! Ravenswood is one of the famous three R's of California wineries famous for their Zinfandel (Ridge and Rosenblum being the other two), which sometimes overshadows just how well they make Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't blame me if you get hooked on this cab: I warned you. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued steak, grilled lamb chops, Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge, grilled burgers. Drink: 2012 - 2016 606632 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cono Sur Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Luscious and full-bodied with terrific depth of flavour and length on the finish. This is New World style all the way: fleshy ripe black cherries dance across your palate and play with your senses. Fabulous dinner party or gift wine that will appeal to many people. Pinot Noir food pairings: mushroom dishes, planked salmon, roast chicken, avocado and papaya salad, basil pesto. Drink: 2012 - 2017 957836 14% D 750 mL $34.30 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Superb! The best of New World power, energy and black fruit concentration in great balance, depth and length on the finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 10% Merlot and aged for 12 months in French oak. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Amazing price for this quality. Drink: 2018 - 2020 322586 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. August 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rosés
Alain Jaume & Fils Grand Veneur Réserve Rosé 2012, A.C., Côtes-Du-Rhône, France: Very aromatic and pretty! Notes of small cherry and raspberry. Dry, mouth-watering and almost full-bodied for rose. Pair it with planked salmon. Rosé food pairings: gourmet sandwiches, canapés, roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2014 323840 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Cadierenne Bandol Cuvée Grande Tradition Rosé 2012, A.C., Provence, France: Medium- to almost full-bodied for rose. Lovely flavours of summer strawberries and raspberries. Dry and refreshing. Works as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Rosé food pairings: salmon steaks, green salads with fresh fruit. Drink: 2013 - 2014 119453 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Coeur Clementine Rosé 2012, A.C., Côtes De Provence, France: Light and pretty with fleeting notes of fresh field strawberries. Dry and refreshing. Perfect for pate. Rosé food pairings: grilled paprika chicken skewers. Drink: 2013 - 2014 326603 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé 2012, A.C., Rhône, France: Classic Tavel rose! Rich aromas and flavours of fleshy ripe raspberries. Mouth-watering and full-bodied yet not heavy. Perfect for seared tuna. Rosé food pairings: grilled salmon, lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2014 729947 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Château Moncontour Tête De Cuvée Brut Vouvray, A.C., Loire, France: What a bargain for such a crisp, toasty bubbly! Lovely bright green fruit. The French writer Honoré de Balzac featured this winery in his novel, La Femme de Trente Ans. Lovely lemon lift on the finish. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to seafood and great novels. Vouvray food pairings: oysters, fried chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 207936 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Beringer Blanc Named Varietal Blends-White 2010, Knights Valley, California, United States: Refreshing with lime blossom and lemon lift. Mouth-watering with a lovely, long finish. Drink: 2013 - 2015 403188 14.1% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tablelands Southdown Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Martinborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy and herbal with gooseberry and lime. Good acidic attack for food such as vegetarian dishes and seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2014 336248 12.9% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Macrostie Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Full-bodied with classic green apple, butterscotch and toasty oak aromas and flavours. Try with roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2016 330224 14.1% XD 750 mL $50.50 Score: 88/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fielding Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2012, V.Q.A., Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Melon fresh not grassy with white and green melon emerging on the nose and palate. Light and refreshing with good acidity for food. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: green salads, scallop ceviche. Drink: 2013 - 2014 131235 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio 2012, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy: This organic Pinot Grigio offers subtle notes of white melon and lime. Clean, crisp and refreshing. This family been making wine since 1925, but started moving toward organic viticulture in 1980 with full certification in 1984. Enjoy the fruits of their labour as an aperitif or friendly companion to seafood and salads. This organic wine has just 3 mg/l of free sulphur. Pinot Grigio food pairings: summer salads, avocado and papaya salad, balsamic grille radicchio, basil pesto, zucchini and red onion frittata, chicken skewers with a lemon-parsley marinade. Drink: 2012 - 2014 204768 12.5% D 750 mL $15.75 Score: 88/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Ultra-dry with mouth-watering acidity. Lime lift. Perfect foil for shellfish. Clean, crisp and refreshing. No oak. Chablis food pairings: green salads topped with grilled prawns. Drink: 2013 - 2015 112227 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lua Cheia Em Vinhas Velhas Old Vines 2011, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: White grapefruit and lime lift, like pinot grigio. Clean, crisp and refreshing but with a bit more heft. Great aperitif or seafood companion. Drink: 2013 - 2015 336073 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marc Brédif Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2011, A.C., Loire, France: Lemongrass and lime zest with terrific mouth-watering acidity. Clean and crisp: ideal for many dishes from seafood to vegetarian dishes. Some green apple and citrus on a lively finish. This wine is a touch off-dry making it extremely versatile with spicy and hot dishes. Good bones and breeding here. Chenin Blanc food pairings: crab cakes, lobster, vegetarian dishes, Asian dishes, Brie, pear garnished with blue cheese, avocado and prawn verrine,. Drink: 2011 - 2014 685362 13% MD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Morgadio Da Torre Alvarinho Sogrape Vinhos Vinho Verde Albarino Alvarinho 2012, D.O.C., Vinho Verde, Portugal: Melon fresh and mouth-watering: more personality than most vinho verdes I've tasted. Great aperitif. This lively white really highlights the refreshing nature of the Alvarinho grape, which is known in Spain as Albariño. Vibrant notes of lime-citrus course through the glass with a lovely silver seam of acidity to keep things interesting, especially with seafood. Albarino Alvarinho food pairings: fish, cheese, grilled pork, spiced mixed olives with garlic and orange, appetizers, summer salads. Drink: 2012 - 2014 960955 12.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MacMurray Estate Vineyard Pinot Gris 2011, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Refreshing and dry: perfect for the deck or dock as an aperitif. Very food friendly for a range of dishes from salad to seafood. Aromas of melon, lemon and lime lift and refresh. There's a lovely Asian pear and hint of spice on the finish. The winemaker, Tasmanian native Susan Doyle, first made wine in the Yarra Valley, Australia where she also created fruit-forward, aromatic wines. This would be terrific with roast chicken. Pinot Gris food pairings: sautéed scallops, avocado and papaya salad, basil pesto, zucchini and red onion frittata, cedar-planked pork loin. Drink: 2012 - 2014 47787 14.4% D 750 mL $20.75 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Turkey Flat Butchers Block Marsanne Viognier Roussanne 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Nicely balanced, with fresh melon and green apple and cozy blanket toasty oak. Medium-bodied and food versatile. This is a spring fresh blend of Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne grapes. Drink: 2013 - 2015 58503 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
André Blanck Altenbourg Gewurztraminer 2012, A.C., Alsace, France: Medium sweetness, good body with lots of lychee and spice flavour. Full-bodied, ultra-dry and ready to take on very spicy dishes. This boutique winery is family-owned and has been making wine for seven generations. Gorgeous notes of spiced apricot and peach on a long finish. This would be divine on movie night with spicy Doritos. Gewurztraminer food pairings: moderately spicy Thai dishes, Indian dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2017 168906 14% MD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fuente Elvira Pedro Escudero Verdejo 2011, D.O., Rueda, Spain: Clean and crisp with a tasty edge. Lemon and smoke aromas provide a heady mix on the nose and palate. Very seductive aperitif. Medium-bodied. Seductive notes of tangerine on the finish. Mouth-watering acidity makes this a lively companion to many dishes, and many companions. Verdejo food pairings: fennel, Thai dishes, curry, coconut shrimp, basil. Drink: 2012 - 2014 218313 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Santa Ema Amplus Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Leyda Valley, Chile: Gooseberry, lime and green melon. Great refreshment, not too acidic. Lovely and medium-bodied with great aptitude to pair with seafood and salads. Terrific! Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: steamed mussels, asparagus quiche. Drink: 2013 - 2015 301416 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2011, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: Clean and fresh like an early spring breeze. Mouth-watering, medium-bodied and crisp. Terrific white peach and floral notes. I continue to be impressed with South African chenin blanc: it's a lovely change from other whites. Great for after an evening dip in the pool. Try it! Chenin Blanc food pairings: Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, linguine, snap pea soup, avocado and papaya salad. Drink: 2012 - 2015 231282 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Des Fines Caillottes Jean Pabiot & Fils Pouilly-Fumé 2011, A.C., Loire, France: Savoury and mouth-watering, and quite unlike New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. More dried herbs and lemon-smoke than cut grass. I love this style as it’s less in-your-face, more subtle. Classic signature of the region and wine style of Pouilly-Fumé that offers a exuberant vigour and sensory tingle on the nose and palate. This review was also published in the Vintages Catalogue. Pouilly-Fumé food pairings: pan-seared scallops with grilled asparagus. Drink: 2011 - 2014 695908 12.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alain Geoffroy Beauroy 1Er Cru Chablis 2011, A.C., Burgundy, France: Clean and crisp with pure green fruit and sunshine spring morning. Mouth-watering, food friendly. Lovely yellow plum and pear aromas on the nose. Great finesse and elegance for a dinner party of gift wine. Try it tonight with seafood. Chablis food pairings: oysters, grilled white fish, chicken, pasta with pesto sauce, avocado salad, mussels with a lemon-herb sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2016 733501 13% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 91/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nautilus Chardonnay 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand: Full-bodied and luscious yet has the snap and bite of green apples after a spring rain. Full-bodied and balanced. Perfect for roast chicken and boring dinners. Drink: 2013 - 2016 657569 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gloria Ferrer Estate Grown And Btld. Chardonnay 2009, Carneros, California, United States: This Chardonnay was completely fermented in oak barrels giving it a creamy, rich texture and taste. Heady aromas of baked bread, vanilla, ripe tropical fruit, peaches, pears, green apples. Round, deep, complex and satisfying with enough acidity to make it food friendly. This winery is also famous for it's expressive pinot noirs and sparkling wines. Try it tonight. Chardonnay food pairings: baked ricotta on toast, stir-fried veggies, brie cheese, chicken tetrazzini, duck a l'orange. Drink: 2012 - 2015 83345 14.1% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Whitehaven Greg Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Martinborough, South Island, New Zealand: Gooseberry, lime, chive invitation on the nose delivers on the palate. Mouth-watering and juicy with a perfectly medium-bodied weight. Pair with fresh seafood and salads. This wine was made to honour founder Greg White. Drink: 2013 - 2015 325944 13.6% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kim Crawford Dry Riesling 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Bone-dry Riesling that’s simply delicious! High on the hedonistic scale. Aromas of white peach, lime, lemongrass and sunny days running through a field of white flowers. Medium-bodied and zesty. This is classic New Zealand style from a flagship producer. Try it clams, scallops, oysters and mussels. Riesling food pairings: Asian chicken salad, barbecued lobster, risotto, turkey, spicy pork dish. Drink: 2012 - 2017 626408 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Darting Kabinett Dürkheimer Nonnengarten Gewürztraminer 2012, Deutscher Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany: Classic gewurz on the nose: rose petal and lychee aromas. Medium sweetness on the palate is perfectly balanced with acidity. The ultimate wine for Asian, curries and spicy dishes. Try it! Very textured and nuanced with an intriguing spicebox finish. Highly recommended. This review was also published in the Vintages Catalogue. Gewürztraminer food pairings: spicy barbecued chicken, chicken vindaloo, autumn hodge-podge, fruit cake, wasabi seasoning. Drink: 2012 - 2018 789628 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. August 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart