Argentina
Alta Vista Premium Chardonnay 2012, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A fabulous find! Full-bodied, buttery chardonnay a discount price. Lovely richness and satisfaction. Yay! Drink: 2013 - 2016 166504 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zolo Reserve, Fincas Patagónicas Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: What an incredible wine for this price! Full-bodied with attractive aromas of blackberry and cassis. Good balance with a long, satisfying finish. This winery produces other terrific reds as well, so keep an eye out for this producer. Pair this wine with a juicy, rare steak and full-bodied conversation tonight. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak. Drink: 2013 - 2016 54098 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Rich and full-bodied with fleshy ripe blackberry, mint and black olive aromas on the nose. Layers and smooth, with polished tannins and a long finish. Terrific mouth-watering juiciness. I would love this red with grilled pork chops and soft music. Shiraz food pairings: pizza, pasta in meat sauce, steak, lamb cutlets, beef brisket, peppercorn steak. Drink: 2013 - 2016 287979 15.2% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
St. Hallett Gamekeeper's Shiraz Grenache 2010, Barossa Valley, Australia: Baked cherries and kirsch on the nose with a warm, peppery finish. Full-bodied and tasty. Great value. This winery has been making classic wine in the heart of the Barossa Valley since 1944. In Australia, this blend of Shiraz and Grenache grapes along with a dash of the flagship Portuguese grape Touriga Nacional is called the Gamekeeper’s Reserve. Some pepper on the finish is just right for that grilled steak. Shiraz Grenache food pairings: fettuccine carbonara, meaty lasagna, grilled pepper steak, lamb cutlets, onion dip. Drink: 2013 - 2016 24117 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Turkey Flat Butchers Block Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Exceptional value! Full-bodied and delicious with aromas of fleshy black plum and berry. Round and smooth and mouth-filling. Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre food pairings: grilled red meats. Drink: 2013 - 2016 90241 14% D 750 mL $21.25 Score: 91/100. October 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
d'Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2011, Australia, Australia: Great intensity of flavour! Nice honeyed pea aromas (but it’s a bone dry wine) along with apricot notes. Medium-bodied and zippy. Roussanne is one of the lesser-known but fabulous white grapes of the wine world, traditionally grown in the Rhone Valley of France. This interpretation of Roussanne is vibrant and mouth pleasing. Yes please! Drink: 2013 - 2016 656710 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. October 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mountadam Patriarch High Eden Shiraz 2009, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Strong mint black cherry with toasty oak. Full grip with mouth-filling layers of black fruit flavour. Drink: 2013 - 2017 906255 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Glaetzer Wines Wallace Shiraz Grenache 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Dark and aromatic with opulent aromas of blackberry, cedar spice, black raspberry. This wine is a blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Grenache. It was matured for 12 months in French and American oak. It's generous and full-bodied with great concentration so you don't have to (concentrate or worry about the wine in your glass). Lovely dark spice finish is perfect with barbecued ribs. Shiraz Grenache food pairings: barbecued ribs, lamb cutlets. Drink: 2013 - 2016 47605 14.5% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yabby Lake Vineyard Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: Black cherry with mouth-watering acidity yet it doesn't taste tart. Great balance and mouth-filling joyousness. Perfect for roast turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2017 262402 14% XD 750 mL $51.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oliver's Taranga Vineyards Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Valle, Australia: Full-bodied with hefty weight and alcohol. Offers aromas of fleshy black fruit and toasty oak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 191643 15% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Complex, full-bodied and delicious! Loaded with black fruit flavours yet it's very dry and balanced, with a lovely long finish. Great dinner party wine. The "gnarly dudes" refer to the old, twisted grapevine trunks that are illustrated on this wine's label. This is a classic red from the heart of the Barossa Valley. Serve this at a dinner party featuring a hearty meat dish, and listen to the murmurs of appreciation. Superb craftsmanship! Shiraz food pairings: black bean soup, lamb cutlets, beef brisket, grilled steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2016 660043 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Gorgeous! Juicy and full-bodied with a savoury, mouth-watering core that goes on forever. The catalogue says 2009 but we tasted 2008 so check what's on the shelves. Drink: 2013 - 2017 936971 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Austria
Domäne Wachau Terraces Grüner Veltliner 2012, Wachau, Austria: Clean, crisp and green with notes of lime and tart green melon. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering with no oak. Drink: 2013 - 2015 155812 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Charles Baker Wines Picone Vineyard Stratus Vineyards Riesling 2010, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontariov.Q.A., Canada: Could this be Niagara's finest riesling? It's certainly got a great shot at it. Gorgeous concentration of flavour without a trace of heaviness. Lemon, petrol (that's good) and lime lift clears away the clouds with a fresh spring rain finish. Almost perfect. Beautiful lemon petrol seductive nose. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering but superbly balanced. One glass leads to the next. Drink: 2013 - 2018 241182 10.5% M 750 mL $35.20 Score: 94/100. October 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fielding Estate Winery Riesling 2012, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: White peach, light petrol and white floral notes on this very pretty white. Great mouth-watering acidity for seafood and shellfish. Medium-bodied and delightful. Also works as an aperitif. Riesling food pairings: seafood, Asian chicken salad, risotto, black bean with bacon soup, shellfish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 251439 10.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Konzelmann Estate Winery Vidal Icewine 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Lovely richness and apricot glory in the glass! Great dessert wine with fruit-based treats. Drink: 2013 - 2018 167866 10.5% s 200 mL $25.10 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Neige Première Ice Cider 2011, Quebec, Canada: Fun! Essence of apple: the platonic ideal of apples. A delicious cider of green tart apples. Food matches: nuts, blue-veined cheeses. Food pairings: nuts, blue-veined cheeses. Drink: 2013 - 2016 39305 10% MS 375 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. October 2013. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
J. Bouchon Las Mercedes Ensamblaje Named Varietal Blends-Red 2009, Maule Valley, Chile: Bright cherry and cranberry with mouth-watering acidity balanced with richness, weight and heft. Great for meats with a tangy sauce. Excellent price. Drink: 2013 - 2016 325357 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Château De Maison Neuve Vignobles M. Coudroy, Vitic. 2010, A.C., Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Incredible concentration and depth, especially for St. Emilian, which tends o be lighter in body and character. This has aromas of cedar, black fruit and smoke. Stock up if you love Bordeaux! Drink: 2013 - 2017 351965 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Lacombe Noaillac Jean-Michel Lapalu Meritage 2010, A.C., Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Cedar underbrush and distinctive herbal and bell pepper notes. Tart and acidity with smoky oak. Wild forest. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2013 - 2016 199091 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Lamothe de Haux Néel - Chombart, Prop.-Vitic. Meritage 2010, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux, France: Savoury, cedary and wild with mouth-watering acidity and tart black currant aromas and flavours. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2013 - 2016 641555 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Laplace 2010, A.P., Madiran, Southwest, France: Robust with a good grip on the palate (decant 1-2 hours). Offers aromas and flavours of black tart cherries, smoke, cedar and toasty oak. Cries out for a juicy, rare steak. Pierre Laplace is known for his deft handling of the Tannat grape. Food pairings: steak. Drink: 2013 - 2016 103705 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Les Tours De Peyrat Vieilles Vignes Château Solidaires Meritage 2010, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux - Blaye, Bordeaux, France: Savoury and full-bodied with deep, rich veins of black fleshy fruit and toasty oak. Blackberry liqueur richness. Very satisfying. Great price. Drink: 2013 - 2016 355891 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vitteaut-Alberti Crémant De Bourgogne Blanc Brut, A.C., Burgundy, France: A toasty sparkling wine that offers supreme quality and value for the price point. Some baked bread and apple on the nose. Stock up. Drink: 2013 - 2015 180018 12% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Gewurztraminer 2010, A.C., Alsace Grand Cru, France: Lychee, rose petal and baking spices on the nose. Mouth-watering acidity is terrific for Asian and spicy dishes. Very distinctive and aromatic. Full-bodied with lots of layers. Luscious with a finish that leaves you longing for more. Highly recommended. Gewurztraminer food pairings: Asian and spicy dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2016 259770 13% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
William Fevre Chablis 2011, A.C., Burgundy, France: Crisp, clean and mouth-watering with juicy acidity for cream sauces and seafood. Lemon-lime brightness, medium-bodied chardonnay. No oak. Great aperitif. Classic Chablis in every way. Drink: 2013 - 2017 124578 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Thomas-Labaille Chavignol Les Monts Damnés Sancerre Unfiltered Sauvignon Blanc 2012, A.C., Loire, France: Fresh and crisp with lemon brightness that cuts through creamy dishes and bad moods. Medium-bodied and absolutely mouth-watering with lots of acidity for seafood and many other dishes. Lovely! Drink: 2013 - 2018 355941 13% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Jérôme Quiot 2010, A.C. Rhone, France: Spicy with black fruit and cedar forest notes. Many layers of voluptuous, full-bodied pleasure on the palate with fleshy dark fruit flavours. Smooth with a long finish. A wonderful way to spend an evening of conversation and sipping. Food pairings: braised beef dishes. Drink: 2012 - 2018 983650 14.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Larose Trintaudon Sustainable Vineyard 2010, A.C., Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France: Mocha and dark chocolate on the nose from generous oak aging. Fleshy black plums on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. Decant 1 hour. Drink: 2013 - 2016 297945 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 89/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Sangiovese 2008, D.O.C.G. Tuscany, Italy: A full-bodied, mouth-watering red with enticing aromas and flavours of black tart cherries and cedar. Great partner for a variety of dishes. Love the balance here and the long finish. A terrific example of the dark side of the Sangiovese grape. Sangiovese food pairings: pasta, tomato sauce, hearty meats. Drink: 2012 - 2016 685180 13.5% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 91/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Batasiolo Barolo, Barbaresio Nebbiolo 2009, Piedmont, Italy: I like this! Juicy, mouth-watering and pleasantly acidic to make it ultra-versatile with food, this wine has lovely tart cherries and plums. Smokey with a satisfyingly long finish. Full-bodied and supple. Try it tonight with a dish featuring tangy tomato sauce. Decant 1-2 hours for maximum pleasure. Drink: 2013 - 2016 37051 13% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Luce Della Vite Luce 2010, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Magnificent! Towering, complex, structured, rich and deep. The perfect Italian boyfriend substitute. There's so much cellaring potential here though it'll be hard to resist. Perfect for launching your new Ferrari. Drink: 2015 - 2022 685263 12.5% XD 750 mL $99.95 Score: 98/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta S. Anna Superiore De Valdobbiadene Prosecco, D.O.C.G., Veneto, Italy: White peach refreshing. Toasty and summery. Perfect for big parties and weddings. Prosecco food pairings: seafood appetizers, Chinese dumplings with a mild hot sauce. Drink: 2012 - 2014 281386 11.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marchesi di Barolo Gavi Di Gavi Cortese 2012, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Crisp and clean with terrific lemon zest and freshness. There's some yellow apple and white pear on a clean finish. The wines for Gavi di Gavi are made completely from Cortese grape and grown in the township of Gavi. Try this wine with a range of fresh seafood or vegetarian dishes. Cortese food pairings: steamed mussels, clams. Drink: 2013 - 2016 155382 12.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Toscolo Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Lovely! Mocha but not too much, just a warming edge along with fleshy black plum. Full-bodied and almost smooth (nothing that 2 hours of decanting can't solve). Layered and delicious. Drink: 2013 - 2018 69369 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Castello di Bossi Berardo Riserva Chianti Classico 2008, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Full-bodied and tart with black sour cherry and smoky earth notes. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2014 - 2017 113316 14% XD 750 mL $44.00 Score: 88/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Wither Hills Rarangi Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: One of my favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs year after year! It's herbal but not too grassy with a lovely lime lift through the mid-palate and finish. Crisp and refreshing. This would be perfect with seafood and light-hearted conversation. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: chicken, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge, pasta. Drink: 2013 - 2015 551721 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
José Maria Da Fonseca & Van Zeller Vintage Port 2000, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: A spectacular port from a classic vintage that's an incredible value at this price. Layers of fleshy black plum and blackberry flood the senses. Full-bodied, textured and layered with a long finish. This port would make a terrific conclusion to any meal. Pair it with chocolate desserts and quiet conversation. Drink: 2014 - 2020 339200 19% S 750 mL $24.95 Score: 96/100. October 2013. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
José Maria Da Fonseca & Van Zeller Vintage Port 2003, Portugal: An excellent port with tremendous depth, concentration and length. Aromas and flavours of fleshy back fruit, dark spice and smoke. Perfect for evenings when a fire is blazing and the comforts of home are around you. Try it with hard cheeses and long, engrossing mystery novels. Drink: 2014 - 2020 638924 19% S 750 mL $24.95 Score: 96/100. October 2013. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Romania
Monser Senator Feteascã Neagrã 2009, I.G., Dealurile Hu_Iului, Moldova, Romania: Here's your Ultimate Bargain Red in this release! Almost full-bodied with cherry juicy aromas and flavours and just enough smoke from oak. Smooth. Buy a case or two for your holiday parties. Feteascã Neagrã food pairings: grilled meats, smoked hard cheeses. Drink: 2013 - 2015 315069 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 2013. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Ernie Els Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, W.O. Stellenbosch, South Africa: Savoury, juicy and loaded with black fruit. Decant 2 hours for maximum pleasure. Smooth and satisfying like a hole in one. Loaded with purple and black plums and attractive dark spice and smoke on the finish. Els had retired from golfing, then returned with a flourish, winning the 2012 British Open. Let's raise a glass to him! Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: chicken, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge, avocado and papaya salad. Drink: 2013 - 2016 278358 14.6% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chocolate Block Boekenhoutskloof Named Varietal Blends-Red 2011, South Africa, South Africa: Savoury, complex and delicious: wow! Cassis, blackberry, smoke, toasty oak, mocha and cedar forest. Meaty and enticing, full-bodied wonderful. Loaded with dark spice and black fruit on a long finish. This magnum size, the equivalent of two regular-sized 750 ml bottles, would be an impressive wine to open at a dinner party. Let the festivities begin with a toast! Drink: 2014 - 2018 135996 14% XD 1500 mL $94.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vinum Africa The Winery Of Good Hope Chenin Blanc 2011, W.O., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa: Seductive with fleshy peach and toasty oak on the nose. Full-bodied with lots of mouth-watering acidity for food. Great! Almost as superb as the 2010 vintage of this wine. Drink: 2013 - 2016 739995 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Journey's End Single Vineyard Shiraz 2007, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Savoury and juicy with a meaty note that makes this ultra delicious. This is a full-bodied red that will tempt you to drink it too fast: it's that tasty. Aromas of fleshy black fruit and hedonistic happiness. Shiraz food pairings: peppercorn steaks, mushroom burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2017 337642 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Condado de Haza Crianza Tempranillo 2009, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: I love the mature taste of this wine: leather, spice and smoke with a backdrop of dried red fruit. Chewy and savoury and ready to drink now. Winemaker Alejandro Fernández is a widely respected person in the region. Ready to drink now or try if you can, to cellar it for a few years for even more pleasure. Tempranillo food pairings: lamb, roast suckling pig, sirloin steaks, semi-cured sheep cheese, short ribs. Drink: 2013 - 2016 963348 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cerro Añon Gran Reserva Olarra 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Savoury and meaty with juicy, mouth-watering fleshy black fruit. Nicely put together. There's a lovely dark weave of smoke, spice and black fruit on the finish. It'll do well in the cellar, but can also be enjoyed tonight with grilled steak. Food pairings: steak. Drink: 2012 - 2016 190827 13.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Northern Sonoma, California, United States: Full-bodied red wine that's beautifully structured and balanced yet packs a punch flavour-wise. Black fruit and smoke. Yes please! Drink: 2014 - 2018 343996 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Hometown Pinot Noir 2010, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Full-bodied with dark cherry and dark spices. Smooth and tasty. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2017 256644 14.1% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 89/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Columbia Crest Winery Grand Estates Merlot 2010, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Full-bodied and smooth with mocha and black plum. Straight-forward pleasure. Drink: 2013 - 2016 263418 13.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Chardonnay 2011, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied, well-rounded, buttery wine with lovely balancing acidity and citrus fruit notes. Ideal for roast chicken or seafood with cream sauces, as well as lobster in butter. Chardonnay food pairings: toasted ravioli served with Alfredo sauce. Drink: 2013 - 2016 67231 14.5% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 90/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mcnab Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Mendocino County, California, United States: Lime wake-up call on the nose and palate. Surprisingly high alcohol doesn't come through on the palate, which is refreshing. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: artichoke-and-pesto white pizza with goat cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2015 353052 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. October 2013. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Grove Street Pinot Noir 2011, Sonoma County, California, United States: Juicy cherry berry aromas with some mocha. Round and mouth-filling and smooth. Lovely sunset wine. Drink: 2013 - 2017 231613 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 2013. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart