Argentina
Zuccardi Serie A Chardonnay Viognier 2012, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific, lovely white with floral and white peach notes. Lots of toasty oak. Summer day wine on a back deck or quiet dock. Close your eyes and breathe in happiness. Chardonnay Viognier food pairings: cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2016 262097 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sur de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich and full-bodied with an incredible price point. Layers of fleshy dark fruit cry out coffee grounds cry out for a meaty dish companion. Finishes with blackberry and black plum notes. Terrific! Hidden among the rich black fruit flavour in this powerful wine are fleeting notes of violets to create an intriguing bouquet. Perfect for barbecues and back decks. Malbec food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, sausages, barbecue-grilled meat-lovers’ pizza, lamb cutlets. Drink: 2013 - 2016 208322 14.4% XD 750 mL $17.25 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Cobos Felino Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: The Malbec grapes for this elegant red wine are selected from several mountain vineyards in the Mendoza wine region that are planted at altitudes of 2,300 and 3,800 feet above sea level. The cool nights high on the mountainside provide a lively, vibrant balance for this full-bodied wine that is redolent of blackberry and black cherry. Terrific smoky finish with a lingering note of dried herbs and wistfulness (for the next glass). Malbec food pairings: beef, turkey, tomato sauces, hamburgers, spaghetti and meat balls. Drink: 2014 - 2018 118067 14.5% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Mollydooker The Boxer Sarah & Sparky Marquis Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: Ultra-concentrated and intense: for those who want a blockbuster experience on the palate. Black fruit, smoke and rich fruitcake aromas on the nose. High in alcohol yet delicious. Full-bodied and supple with generous layers of flavour. Blueberries and blackberries on the finish. Try it with gourmet burgers and all the fixings heaped high. Shiraz food pairings: grilled meats, pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2019 246595 16% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Willunga 100 Cabernet Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Black cherry liqueur depth and richness and concentration of flavour. Lots of alcohol and heft here in the glass. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2018 376830 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: I love a little black book reading with a sympathetic robust red wine that has a big vocabulary when it comes to aromas and flavours, like this one! 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. You put on the jazz music and I'll pour the wine, deal? Shiraz food pairings: pork, pasta in meat sauce, steak, lamb cutlets, beef brisket, peppercorn steak. Drink: 2013 - 2017 287979 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Two Hands Wines Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: The grapes for this blockbuster red wine come from the McLaren Vale, a much-respected wine region in Australia. Sexy Beast is indeed sexy, with fleshy ripe back fruit, a lingering whiff of smoke and a voluptuous texture that wraps itself around your senses. Classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas on the finish of cassis, dark spice and some tar. Powerful, but balanced. Try it with a brontosaurus burger. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2019 219469 14.8% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Pondview Estate Winery Bella Terra Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 373100 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pondview Estate Winery Bella Terra Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 373100 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2016, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, barbecued pork. Drink: 2014 - 2018 593996 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, barbecued pork. Drink: 2014 - 2018 593996 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pondview Estate Winery Bella Terra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Rich, dark and concentrated with mocha and dark chocolate notes from 16 months maturation in French and American oak. Try it with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 373100 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave Spring Csv Riesling 2011, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Adoration! Petrol, lime, with big acidity but you will embrace it just as it embraces you and all your senses. Liquid gorgeous. Drink: 2014 - 2022 566026 11.5% M 750 mL $31.95 Score: 94/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Solid Niagara Chardonnay for the price point with surprising acidity mid-palate. Toasty oak and green apple brightness. Try with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken, barbecued pork. Drink: 2014 - 2018 593996 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Blanc 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Honeysuckle and apple blossom on the nose of this ultra lovely white wine from one of BC's best producers. Crisp and mouth-watering yet there's a touch of balancing natural fruit sweetness, like white apricot. Drink: 2014 - 2017 321612 13.2% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Masculine and full-bodied with great bones. I love the Claystone series of wines from this winery, both with this Chardonnay as well as the Pinot Noir. Drink: 2013 - 2020 56929 14% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 92/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Portage Pinot Noir 2012, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A medium-bodied red wine with aromas and flavours of tart cherries and cranberries. Mouth-watering and juicy. This red wine is a blend of three of the winery's estate vineyards, including Closson, Benway and Foxtail. Each parcel of grapes was matured separately in French oak barrels for 1 year. This wine needs food: feed it roast chicken for starters. Drink: 2013 - 2016 373415 12% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Nk'Mip Cellars Winemaker's Series Merlot 2011, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Nk’Mip is pronounced in-ka-meep and the winery is the first Aboriginal owned and operated winery in North America. Loaded with aromas of ripe plum, berries and mocha from toasty oak aging. Smooth and supple with a lovely medium body. Throughout the Okanagan Valley on cliffs and on caves are hundreds of drawings of animals and people known as pictographs. Several of these are feature on the label of this Merlot. Merlot food pairings: roasted pork loin and grilled root vegetables. Drink: 2012 - 2016 626416 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
CedarCreek Estate Winery CedarCreek Rosé 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A vibrant, strawberry bright rose with mouth-watering acidity and a zesty clean finish. Dry and companionable with seafood and salads as well as doing just fine on its own. Rosé food pairings: a charcuterie board. Drink: 2014 - 2016 157412 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Upper Bench Estate Winery Upper Bench & Four Shadows Pinot Noir 2012, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied Pinot Noir with aromas of black plums and berries and mocha and toasty oak. Smooth and supple with lots of layers of tasty pleasure. Pair with grilled pork chops. Pinot Noir food pairings: roasted duck with yam mash. Drink: 2014 - 2019 90514 13.7% D 750 mL $28.00 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Upper Bench Estate Winery Merlot 2012, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada Merlot food pairings: roast beef. Drink: 2014 - 2018 783266 14.3% D 750 mL $30.00 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Crooked Pine Late Harvest Vidal 2012, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Viscous, luscious, seductive dessert wine with apricot preserves and peach jam and an apple pie freshly baked cooling in the window of a country kitchen. Lovely. So much flavour for so little alcohol. Yes please! Vidal food pairings: fresh fruit cup, any dessert. Drink: 2014 - 2020 368738 11% S 375 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
13th Street Cuvée 13 Brut Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This top-drawer Niagara sparkling wine uses the traditional method also used in Champagne of the second fermentation in the bottle. The wine is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay grapes, with a toasty, crisp profile and lovely persistence of tiny bubbles that bead along the sides of the flute glass. 147504 12.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: Lusciously rich and velvet-textured with fleshy sweetly ripe black plums. The 2011 vintage of this wine is a blend of 90% Carmenère and 10% Syrah grapes. Drink: 2014 - 2018 57513 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Concha y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Merlot 2011, Peumo, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Tannic with a big grip and lots of flavour. Concha y Toro produces a wide range of styles of wines in several regions. Their Marques De Casa label is consistently great year after year. This one offers big mocha and espresso aromas from the oak aging supported by fleshy ripe blackberries and black plums. Rich and smooth. It's more subtle on the nose than opens big, wide and satisfying on the palate. Try it with duck. Merlot food pairings: barbecued beef, cheese, poultry, borsch (beet soup), quesadillas, Tandoori-flavored dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2017 939827 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Concha y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Syrah 2014, Peumo, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Chile Syrah food pairings: barbecued beef, cheese, poultry, borsch (beet soup), quesadillas, Tandoori-flavored dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2017 117294 14.5% D 750 mL $25.95 July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Maipo Valley, Chile: Love it! Superb complexity, depth and heft for the money. Each of the wines for the San Pedro line comes from its own selected vineyard planted with a specific variety, in this case fleshy ripe Cabernet Sauvignon that's surprisingly aromatic. Notes of blackberry and cassis. Finishes with mocha and dark spice. The grapes are grown in the Alto Maipo Valley in high altitude vineyards planted 40 years ago in clay loam soils on an alluvial terrace with cobblestone 50 centimetres (20 inches) below the surface to create excellent drainage and superbly concentrated wine. Drink: 2014 - 2018 37911 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Alain Jaume & Fils Grande Garrigue 2012, Vacqueyras, Rhône A.C., France: Terrific concentration, depth and breadth of flavour in the glass for this robust red wine. Cedary aromas with black forest cherries on the nose. Full-bodied and generous though it needs 1-2 hours decanting for maximum pleasure. Dried herbs and some smoke on the finish. Pair it with film noir or a murder mystery. This full-bodied red wine is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault grapes. Food pairings: pepper steak, grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014 - 2020 233916 14.5% XD 750 mL $30.95 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Louis Jadot Beaune 1Er Cru 2011, Burgundy A.C., France: A gorgeous expression of Burgundian terroir in this Pinot Noir. Wild violets, truffles, fresh earth and tart cherry. Supple and smooth and medium-bodied with an exceptionally long finish that's tinged with black raspberry. Polished tannins, great finesse and elegance. Highly recommended. Drink: 2015 - 2022 641308 13% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Paul Autard 2010, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Loaded with garrigue, dried herbs, dark spices and cedar brush. The savoury and meaty French red wine is a good example of the strong 2010 vintage for Châteauneuf du Pape. It is a basic cuvee ee or blend of grapes including Grenache and Syrah, among others. Drink: 2016 - 2022 380667 14.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 92/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2011, Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.C., France: Love the incredible range of styles that the Rhone region produces, like this intriguing red wine blend. Full-bodied and deeply savoury. Wow, so different: love it! Violets, black plum, deep dive black raspberry into a heart of welling darkness and satisfaction. Platonic ideal of concentration and depth with a long, sensuous finish that leaves you bathed in flavour satisfaction. Pair with hearty meat dishes and deep conversations. Food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hamburger. Drink: 2013 - 2019 119354 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Barville Brotte 2010, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: The strong 2010 vintage Châteauneuf du Pape shows in the glass of this Domaine Barville. Full-bodied, layered and complex with black fruit and toasty oak. Food pairings: rich stews, osso bucco. Drink: 2015 - 2020 148841 14.5% XD 750 mL $50.25 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Chasse-Spleen Blend - Meritage 2015, Moulis, Bordeaux A.C., France Drink: 2015 - 2020 257220 13.5% XD 750 mL $49.85 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Chasse-Spleen Blend - Meritage 2012, Moulis, Bordeaux A.C., France Drink: 2015 - 2020 257220 13.5% XD 750 mL $49.85 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cave de Tain 2011, Crozes Hermitage, Rhône A.C., France: Spectacular for the money! Great intensity and depth of flavour in the glass; great pleasure and satisfaction in the mind. A lovely juicy, spicy wine with fleshy ripe cherries and smoke. Medium- to full-bodied and satin smooth. Terrific! Previous vintages of this wine have won the Gold Medal at the prestigious Concours des Grands Vins de France. Food pairings: lamb cutlets, beef stew, grilled chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2019 572230 12.5% D 750 mL $29.25 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château La Condamine Corbières 2012, Midi A.C., France: Terrific richness, concentration and density of flavour on the palate -- amazing price, my friends! Fleshy black and purple plum aromas and flavours. Velvet texture. Corbières is a warm climate region in southern France famous for it's big, blockbuster red wines. Drink: 2014 - 2018 374439 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
André Delorme Givry 2010, Burgundy A.C., France: Lots of mouth-watering acidity and vibrant tart cherry flavour in this silky smooth, medium-bodied Pinot Noir. Clean and fresh, yet it also has the signature balance and complexity of Old World Burgundy as opposed to the sweeter cherry fruit of New World Pinot Noir. This is an excellent price for this quality Burgundy. Try it with veal. Drink: 2015 - 2021 366435 13% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château de Nages Vielles Vignes 2011, Costières De Nîmes, Rhône A.C., France: This spicy blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre grapes is produced by Michel Gassier. It's juicy, smooth and layered. The grapes were de-stemmed and both the Syrah and Mourvèdre components were matured for 1 year on the lees in French oak barrels. The Grenache portion is kept in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. This AC wine was bottled without filtration. This is a fantastic wine from winemaking consultant, Philippe Cambie, especially for this price. Aromas of wild dark fruit, dried herbs, spice, and cedar underbrush. Highly recommended. It's a classic Rhone blend with fragrant spices, black cherry and licorice for grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 40964 15% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Teyssier 2011, Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A classic Bordeaux that superbly balanced and elegant. This 2011 vintage is under-priced and over-shadowed by the big 2010 vintage, so here's your bargain Bordeaux. Snap it up! Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and smoke. Nice finish. Great with steak. Drink: 2014 - 2020 226035 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Berthoumieu Haute Tradition Madiran 2011, Southwest A.C., France: Not bad at all for the price! Full-bodied, rustic yet supple. Tarry black fruit and oak ... just what you'd expect from the southern warm region in France of Madiran. Serve with brontosaurus burger. Drink: 2014 - 2017 380816 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trimbach Réserve Pinot Gris 2011, Ribeauvillé, Alsace A.C., France: Here's a wake-up call for your senses and palate! Refreshing, clean and ultra-appealing. Dry and crisp with white grapefruit and white melon. Great aperitif or companion to shellfish. Pinot Gris food pairings: breaded veal cutlets, salad, cheese, poultry in a rich sauce, quiche. Drink: 2012 - 2015 971762 14% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Loire A.C., France: Lemon gold brightness. Crisp, clean and mouth-watering at an incredibly great price. Like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc? You will love this. Drink: 2013 - 2016 82305 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Classé Sauternes 2010, Sauternes, Bordeaux A.C., France: A stunning Sauternes of the finest kind from the spectacular 2010 vintage. Rieussec is known for its top-drawer dessert wines, but this one trumps most of those in known or tasted memory. Gorgeous aromas of peach blossom, apricot preserves and honeyed ginger. Terrific balancing acidity. This would give the coveted Chateau d'Yquem a run for its money, especially when Rieussec is a fraction of the price. Drink: 2014 - 2025 263012 13% S 375 mL $87.95 Score: 97/100. July 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Delas Frères Saint-Esprit Rosé 2013, Côtes Du Rhône A.C., France: Dry and refreshing with notes of fleeting strawberries on a summer breeze. This zesty dry blush is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsaut grapes that uses the saignée method of "bleeding" or siphoning off free-run juice after a short maceration on the skins – 18 hours in this case. The free-run juice is always the best, most flavourful, least rugged from the press of the grapes and results in superior wine like this one. Try with pate or cold chicken sandwiches beside yonder babbling brook. Rosé food pairings: summer salads, grilled chicken breast, calamari, grilled white fish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 224964 13% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gassier Sables D'azur Rosé 2013, Côtes De Provence A.P., France: The southern region of France, Provence, is famous for rose. It only produces the dry style so it is refreshing and great with a wide range of dishes. Strawberry fields forever! Love it! Light, bone-dry and ultra-refreshing. Transport yourself to Provence in your mind and save the airfare. Perfect as an aperitif or with pate and picnics beside shady rivers. Rosé food pairings: seasoned seafood, turkey breast. Drink: 2013 - 2015 33621 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Chasse-Spleen 2010, Moulis, Bordeaux A.C., France: This respected chateau has produced a balanced and flavourful Cabernet blend that is typical of the terrific 2010 vintage. Aromas of wild, tart blackberry and cassis plus toasty oak. Decant for 2 hours, or better yet, give it some cellar time. Drink: 2015 - 2020 257220 13.5% XD 750 mL $49.85 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Maison Champy Pernand-Vergelesses En Caradeux 1Er Cru Domaine Champy 2011, Burgundy A.C., France: Classic Burgundian Chardonnay. Stunning and concentrated with green apple and toasted almond. Love it! Food pairings: grilled seafood, pork. Drink: 2014 - 2022 344143 13% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2012, Mosel Q.B.A., Germany: Spectacularly concentrated flavours, yet not heavy and, bonus, is light in alcohol. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to German Riesling. (Though pair this zesty white wine with dishes that have a touch of sweetness like glazed ham rather than dessert itself.) Glorious pleasure that could be three times the price! Ripe peach, apricot and pear with some zingy moth-watering action. Light and fresh… float away on its flavours. Riesling food pairings: beef, fish, game birds, pork, cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2019 596601 10% MD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Mastroberardino Greco Di Tufo 2012, Campania D.O.C.G., Italy: A zesty Italian white wine with lime green notes and crisp with refreshing acidity. Perfect aperitif or seafood companion. Food pairings: white fish, macaroni salad. Drink: 2013 - 2016 568105 12.5% XD 750 mL $22.00 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Schreckbichl Colterenzio Pinot Grigio 2012, Alto Adige D.O.C., Italy: Opens with lemon-lime zest on the nose and follows through on the palate with crisp, bright refreshment. Medium-bodied with white grapefruit and lemongrass. Nice aperitif. Great minerality with a clean finish. Perfect for dock or deck. Pinot Grigio food pairings: breaded veal cutlets, salad, cheese, poultry, quiche. Drink: 2013 - 2016 293399 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
i Basalti Colli Benici Merlot 2012, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Full-bodied, smooth Italian red wine with lots of mocha and dark chocolate on the nose from generous oak aging. Great price. Available directly from the agent. Drink: 2012 - 2015 229179 12.5% D 750 mL $10.00 Score: 84/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Maculan Pinot Grigio 2012, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Fresh and dry with dry white peach and lime. Great aperitif. Fausto Maculan has a marvelous reputation among northern Italian wineries, especially for zesty white wines like this one. Mouth-watering and refreshing. Perfect companions to vegetarian dishes. Pinot Grigio food pairings: seafood, pasta, breaded veal cutlets, barbecued chicken, cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2015 734921 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fattoria Il Palagio Vernaccia Di San Gimignano 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Soft and subtle with mild notes of white melon. A pleasant sipping wine especially when you don't want to think of anything in particular. Vernaccia Di San Gimignano food pairings: vegetable risotto, barbecued chicken. Drink: 2012 - 2015 214544 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Monde Pinot Bianco 2012, Friuli Grave D.O.C., Italy: Straight-forward and subtle Italian white wine with notes of white melon. Good acidity. Nice aperitif. Pinot Bianco food pairings: shellfish, roast pork, turkey. Drink: 2013 - 2015 372417 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Full-bodied, dry Chianti with aromas smoke, earth and dark fruit. Savoury, meaty and imminently satisfying. I'm thinking of this with pizza, lasagna or other pasta dishes with a spicy meat sauce. Yes please! Chianti Riserva food pairings: pasta in a tomato sauce, roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2018 969469 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fatalone Pasquale Petrera Primitivo 2009, Gioia Del Colle, Puglia D.O.C., Italy: Intense and concentrated with a seductive core of black fruit brooding. Savoury, meaty. This organic wine has just 6 mg/l of free sulphur. Supple, smooth and juicy: this is the Old World version of Zinfandel. Finishes lively with a lick of black and purple plums, mingling with fleshy blackberries. Pass that bottle, would you? Primitivo food pairings: intense ragout, creamy cheese, barbecued ribs, chicken wings steaks. Drink: 2012 - 2016 279729 15% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2011, Abruzzo D.O.C., Italy: Tre Saggi translates to "three wise men" and both wise men and women will be smart to try this wine. Rich, dark and savoury with black cherries and smoke and lots of mocha and sweet chocolate notes. Full-bodied and luxuriously thick like a comforting blanket you wrap closer to you on a chilly night under a starry sky by the campfire. Great structure and balance. An elegant dinner party wine that won’t cost a fortune. Plus the label looks like it cost twice as much as you paid for it ;) Great spice and smoke notes on the finish. Montepulciano D'abruzzo food pairings: pasta, veal, quiche, tuna salad, lamb phyllo. Drink: 2013 - 2017 204016 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Asnas Langhe Rosso Pier 2009, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: Rustic and simple with tart purple plum and wild blueberry aromas and flavours. Full-bodied, tannic and acidic. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2014 - 2017 368456 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 85/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Riondo Il Cuore Per Martina Appassimento 2012, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Full-bodied, round and supple with tart purple plums flavours. The merlot and native Corvina grapes that comprise this wine were dried under controlled condition for 20-25 days in the Verona region. Aromas of dark fruit . Nice for the price. This wine finishes with dark cherry, mocha and spice. Try it with grilled meats. Food pairings: mushroom risotto, grilled eggplant-and-mushroom kebabs, hamburgers. Drink: 2014 - 2017 326595 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Vallone Vereto Salice Salentino 2010, Puglia D.O.P., Italy: Savoury herbs and wild berries on the nose. Attractive tart fruit and acidity on the palate of this big Italian red wine. Drink: 2014 - 2019 379255 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Valpantena Torre Del Falasco Amarone Della Valpolicella 2010, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Deep chocolate and mocha, coffee, espresso flavours and aromas. Rich, concentrated and full-bodied with a smooth texture. Oddly tasty. Drink: 2014 - 2020 922161 15% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dei Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Black and brooding with black depths of tarry dark fruit, smoke and oak. You'll need a flashlight with this wine and serve it is a gloriously generous and fun-loving pot-bellied glass. This Italian red wine will also age well for a few years. Decant 2 hours and pair with T-Rex burgers. Drink: 2014 - 2019 285510 14% XD 750 mL $36.40 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Costamaran I Castei Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Dark and robust with a seductive nose. Fleshy ripe black fruit aromas and smoky notes. Decant 1 hour. Incredibly concentrated and deeply flavored, this classic Ripasso finishes with signature black cherry, leather, mocha and spice. Try it with spicy Italian sausages or pepperoni pizza. Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: barbecued ribs. Drink: 2014 - 2018 972406 13.2% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A vibrant, clean, richly flavoured Chianti at a very reasonable price for the Tuscan region. Full-bodied with a lovely length and persistent dark berry flavours. A river of pleasure in this full-bodied, generous red. Perfect for so many dishes, from Italian fare to roast beef. Decant for 2 hours. try it with meat lovers pizza. Chianti Classico Riserva food pairings: pasta in a tomato sauce, roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2018 174473 14.2% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lebanon
Château Ksara Réserve Du Couvent 2011, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon: A straight-forward, robust, rustic red wine offering black cherry and raspberry aromas. Supple and tasty, with a firm grip on the palate. This wine is leaning toward the Rhone Valley in style and the blend here leads with the Syrah grape. Try this with meat lovers' pizza tonight. Drink: 2013 - 2016 443721 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A summer flower of a wine: blooms in the senses and mouth with lime blossom, fresh citrus and lemon zest. Lovely and balanced. Big acidity. Superbly crafted. Penetrating freshness right through to the finish. Try with vegetarian dishes. OTHER: Mount Nelson is a refreshingly different expression of Marlborough Sauvignon. Its Italian ownership Lodovico and Piero Antinori (Campo Sassi) is at the heart of this wine's restrained "Sancerre" style. The attack is fresh and with bright tropical fruit, citrus, mineral, jalapeno grapefruit notes. The palate very similar with added gooseberry and honey flavours. Impressive intensity and length no doubt as a result of four months of lees ageing after the fermentation. Score - 90 (Anthony Gismondi & Stuart Tobe, gismondionwine.com, Jan. 20, 2014) Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: pizza, barbecued beef, bison steak, grilled or spice-rubbed chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2017 694752 12.5% XD 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bird Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Terrific lime-zestiness in this citrus-herbal inflected Sauvignon Blanc. Refreshing and zippy: classic New Zealand style. I'm so delighted that this wine is back on the shelves again as it's a benchmark for the Marlborough region. Top me up! Finishes with gooseberry and passionfruit. Liquid lovely. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood salads, goat cheese with fresh baguette, poached salmon, pork tenderloin, onion and anchovy pie. Drink: 2014 - 2016 178319 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Contraste Conceito 2011, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: A straight-forward, rustic, robust Portuguese red wine. The grapes are grown in the Douro region. Needs food. Drink: 2014 - 2017 268003 14% XD 750 mL $17.25 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Herdade do Sobroso Sobro Red 2012, Alentejano, Portugal: Full-bodied red wine from one of Portugal's premium dry red-wine producing regions (it's not all about port!). This number has a firm tannic grip on the palate and big black fruit. Rustic and tasty. Needs meat! Decant 2 hours. Finishes with cedar, spice and black plum. Try it with hamburgers. Food pairings: pork. Drink: 2014 - 2017 306563 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Contraste Conceito 2015, Douro D.O.C., Portugal Drink: 2014 - 2017 268003 14% XD 750 mL $17.25 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Nederburg Manor House Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Western Cape, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: Matchstick and hickory smoke on the nose of this robust South African Sauvignon Blanc followed by lemon brightness and acidity. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2013 - 2016 372334 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Miguel Torres Gran Viña Sol Chardonnay 2012, Penedès D.O., Spain: Wonderfully balanced and tasty! Aromas of green apples, peach, butterscotch and smoke. Nicely balanced. Lots of acidity for roast chicken. Perfect for Sunday dinner of roast chicken. A steal at this price. Winemaker Torres adds a splash of the native Parellada grape to its Chardonnay to infuse the wine with crispness and a pleasing edge on this voluptuous white wine. The winery uses eco friendly lightweight bottles. Try this with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: planked or smoked salmon, roast chicken, beef bourguignon, veal, pan-fried fresh fish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 115229 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Don Jacobo Rosé 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A full-bodied rose with strawberry fruit aromas and flavours. Dry but succulent. Nice aperitif. Rosé food pairings: barbecued chicken, pork kebabs with peppers and mushrooms. Drink: 2013 - 2015 374850 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Best Value Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Paco & Lola Albariño 2012, Rías Baixas D.O., Spain: Crisp and clean on the nose: that freshness follows through on the palate and finish. Lime and white grapefruit with loads of mouth-watering acidity and clean refreshment. No oak. Great aperitif or companion to salads and seafood. I'd love this with shellfish. Albariño food pairings: green salad, fresh fish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 350041 12.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Montebuena Cuvée Kpf Tempranillo 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A value for such a well-constructed, robust red wine. This Tempranillo based wine offers aromas of black fruit, toasty oak and smoke. Stock up for your next party. This wine was matured in American oak. Tempranillo food pairings: roast of goat or lamb done with bay leaves, rosemary, some garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Drink: 2014 - 2017 211029 13% XD 750 mL $16.25 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tamaral Roble Tempranillo 2011, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: Purple, plummy, savoury and meaty with good mouth-watering acidity in this robust Spanish red wine. Made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, the flagship varietal for the region. Pair with meat lovers' pizza and movie night. 375766 14.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
2005, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: Rich and deep with liquid velvet texture. Fleshy black plums flavours infused oh so subtly with espresso... this wine will make you sit back and close your eyes. And sigh. Drink: 2014 - 2020 206409 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Souverain Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Complex, layered and nuanced yet powerful and intense too. Gorgeous depth and concentration with a finish as long as Sunset Boulevard. Classic dark fruit, smoke and mocha. Incredible craftsmanship. Try it with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2013 - 2020 718197 14.8% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, California, United States: A towering blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes from Monte Bello. This wine was matured in 100% new oak barrels and this is a blend of 18 of a potential 24 vineyard parcels for the final blend. Wow. Drink: 2014 - 2022 320945 14.5% XD 750 mL $345.00 Score: 94/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, California, United States: This is the half bottle 375 ml of this wine. The full sized 750 ml is also in this release. A towering blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes from Monte Bello. This wine was matured in 100% new oak barrels and this is a blend of 18 of a potential 24 vineyard parcels for the final blend. Wow. Drink: 2014 - 2022 529537 14.5% XD 375 mL $172.00 Score: 94/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon 1989, Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, California, United States Drink: 2014 - 2022 320945 14.5% XD 750 mL $345.00 July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir 2011, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States Drink: 2014 - 2018 48207 13.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir 2010, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Good balance with black cherry aromas and flavours that's not overly sweet. Medium-bodied and smooth and a fair price for this quality, especially for Pinot Nor which is always expensive. This hails from one of California's cool climate regions in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma which creates the balance in the wine from cool nights. Drink: 2014 - 2018 48207 13.5% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Candor Lot 5 Zinfandel, Paso Robles, California, United States: Full-bodied Zin for those who love chocolate in their glass. This is liquid fudge. Pair it with sweet baby back ribs. Zinfandel food pairings: roast pork, tangy ribs. Drink: 2014 - 2017 133389 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 87/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States: Dark chocolate on the nose from oak aging with fleshy sweet black plums on the palate. Supple and full-bodied. Rancho Zabaco is named for the original Mexican land grants in Northern Sonoma. Finishes with juicy sweet blackberries and boysenberries. Drink: 2014 - 2018 434605 15.3% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Black Stallion Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied with black fruit, cassis and toasty oak. Very dry with a long finish. Try it with roast beef. Drink: 2014 - 2019 256768 14.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 90/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rodney Strong Merlot 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: There's terrific balance, structure, supple texture and length on the finish of this wine. Alluring aromas of mocha-coffee on the nose along with rich black fruit. Pleasantly surprising vibrant acidity for food. Plush black plums and coffee on the finish. Try is with braised beef. This warm-climate Merlot finishes with vanilla spice, dark berry and fig. Merlot food pairings: beef, cheese, poultry, borsch (beet soup), quesadillas. Drink: 2014 - 2018 497933 13.8% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Brazin (B)Old Vine Delicato Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, California, United States: Pure Californian Zinfandel in all its succulent, robust glory! The nose is redolent of raspberry jam and mocha from generous oaking. Full-bodied, juicy and smooth. Terrific for grilled meats and spare ribs. Zinfandel food pairings: grilled meats, spare ribs, hamburgers. Drink: 2013 - 2016 256750 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hahn Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Central Coast, California, United States: Hickory smoke, campfire wine with a terrific Californian Cabernet character of black fruit. Balanced, layered, rich, deep. Good value. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued steak, lamb or hamburgers. Drink: 2014 - 2019 57877 14.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Franciscan Chardonnay 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Good acidic bite of green apple vibrancy that's enveloped with butterscotch richness. Full-bodied. Try with lobster in melted butter and invite me please. Chardonnay food pairings: barbecued chicken, pasta with white sauce, fruit and cheese platter. Drink: 2014 - 2018 496125 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Chardonnay 2012, Monterey, California, United States: Solid and full-bodied with green apple, vanilla and butter aromas. Very classic and typical of cool climate Californian chardonnay. Yum! Serve robust chardonnays, like this one, slightly less chilled than you would sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. Finished with fresh baked bread and Californian sunshine. Chardonnay food pairings: crab legs, lobster, chicken breast, vegetable terrine, pork burgers. Drink: 2014 - 2018 158683 13.9% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United States: Intense lemon vibrancy on the nose and palate, which also offers green apple tartness. Aggressive acidity. Crisp and refreshing with nuances of long wispy grass in a fresh spring rain. Finishes with green apple and lime tang. Try it with vegetarian dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: bell peppers, cheeses, shellfish, Caesar salad, corned beef and cabbage. Drink: 2013 - 2016 966036 13.1% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 89/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
St. Supéry Virtu 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Love this white wine blend of Semillon 56% and Sauvignon Blanc 44%. Subtle yet vibrant. Produced by the Skalli Family. Barrel fermented for richness. Drink: 2014 - 2018 555276 13.5% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 93/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stonestreet Broken Road Chardonnay 2011, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Old World elegance and classicism with New World power in this classic Californian Chardonnay. Wow. Drink: 2014 - 2020 329474 14.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. July 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ironstone Chardonnay 2012, California, United States: Classically made Chardonnay with balance and finesse, but it also reveals lip-smacking delicious flavours of green apple and butterscotch. The winemaking Kautz family was first to plant Chardonnay grapes in Lodi and that experience with the varietal shows. There's a crisp, refreshing finish. Crack it open tonight. Finishes with fleshy ripe tropical fruit flavors and toast. Chardonnay food pairings: pasta, shellfish, chicken breast, barbecued pork, cheese fondue. Drink: 2013 - 2017 355776 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. July 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart