Dessert Wine
Limnos Wines Muscat De Limnos 2014, A.P., Greece: Fantastic value for this lovely apricot-rich dessert wine! Not heavy or cloying, this lovely offers up ultra-ripe peaches and pear preserves. Enjoy with crème brûlée or fruit cobblers. Food pairings: spice cake, crème brûlée, fruit-based desserts, pastries, fresh field berries in cream. Drink: 2015 - 2019 61119 15.3% MS 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fonseca Porto Late Bottled Vintage Port 2009, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: There are just over 100 grams per litre of residual sugar in this Portuguese dessert wine, so it's intense and sweet yet balanced on the palate. Lots of fleshy blackberry jam and black plum preserves on the palate and finish. Pair this fortified wine with Black Forest Cake or chocolate cheesecake. Port food pairings: fresh field berries in cream, Camembert, honey cake, chocolate cookies. Drink: 2015 - 2020 87551 20% S 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bischöfliche Weingüter Kabinett Trier Scharzhofberger Riesling 2012, Mosel Prädikatswein, Germany: This medium sweet German Riesling offers classic aromas of lemon smoke, beeswax and clementine on the nose and palate. Lots of racy acidity to pair with fresh fish or spicy dishes. Riesling food pairings: apple dumplings, fresh field berries in cream, Camembert, chocolate mousse. Drink: 2014 - 2019 670752 8.5% MS 750 mL $23.75 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Red Wine
Tedeschi Capitel Nicalò Appassimento Valpolicella Superiore 2013, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: A full-bodied juicy Italian red wine with lots of heft and mouth-filling flavour. Dark cherry and black plum, almost prune on the nose of this D.O.C. wine. Good value. This is one of the best producers of ripasso. Featuring aromas of coffee and black cherry. Wonderful dry finish for a wide range of dishes, especially hearty meat ones. Valpolicella Superiore food pairings: hamburger, hearty soups, pasta, Mediterranean cuisine, white or red meats. Drink: 2014 - 2020 984997 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cathedral Cellar Petit Verdot 2013, South Africa: A smoky, savoury, seductive South African red wine made from the lesser known Petit Verdot grape. This is on the grapes in Bordeaux blends, but here it stands alone in a smoldering, smoky rendition. Fabulous taste and quality for this price point. The wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels of which 70% was first fill. Pair this beauty with wild game meats and hard flavourful cheeses. Drink: 2014 - 2017 427559 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jackson-Triggs Sunrock Illumina 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A mocha, dark chocolate opening on the nose from generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth with sweet blackberry aromas and flavours. The grapes for the 2012 vintage of the Sunrock Illumina are Zinfandel and Shiraz, harvested from the winery's vineyard in Osoyoos Lake Bench. The wine underwent a full malolactic fermentation to soften the acids then it was barrel aged for 18 months in French and American oak. Pair with Mexican mole. Drink: 2013 - 2018 846592 13.5% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Freemark Abbey Merlot 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lots of black fruit and juicy acidity on the palate. Full-bodied and supple. Pair with grilled hamburgers. Merlot food pairings: lentil dishes, grilled pork chops, flank steak, borsch. Drink: 2014 - 2018 1602 14.5% D 750 mL $45.25 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Toro De Piedra Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Curicó Valley, Chile: Juicy, tasty and mouth-watering Chilean Cabernet. Amazing price. The Chilean wine region of the Curicó Valley has a reputation for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon due to its ideal climate. Good structure in this robust red wine which balances the fleshy black fruit. A smoky finish. Pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: gourmet burgers. Drink: 2015 - 2017 39362 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Shafer Vineyards One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States: Elegant and blockbuster at the same time: packed with flavour yet long and with great finesses. Aromas of black plum and blackberry with bacon and savoury notes and underbrush. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: smoky ribs, mushroom burgers, pork tenderloin, barbecued steak. Drink: 2015 - 2019 45476 15.5% D 750 mL $203.00 Score: 92/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaines Perrin Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2013, Côtes-Du-Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: Full-bodied with fleshy ripe blackberry jam and black raspberry preserves aromas and flavours. Rich and layered. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2016 - 2020 48884 14% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine de Cristia 2012, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Savory bacon fat and black cherry liqueur aromas on the nose and palate of this terrific southern French red wine blend from the Rhone Valley. Rich, full-bodied and voluptuously textured. Some smoky notes play in the background. Perfect for hearty meals and barbecues. Food pairings: beef stew, barbecued pork chops. Drink: 2015 - 2019 67678 15% D 750 mL $57.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Mocha rich on the nose with aromas of fleshy blackberries and plums and chocolate. Round and layered with lots of length on the finish. This full-bodied red wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but also includes a splash of Cabernet Franc grapes in the blend. Decant 1-2 hours. This would be a terrific dinner party wine or gift wine. Give it to yourself! Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pork tenderloin, lamb with rosemary. Drink: 2015 - 2018 119065 14.4% XD 750 mL $154.00 Score: 92/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Du Meix-Foulot Clos du Chateau de Montaigu Mercurey 1ER Cru 2011, Burgundy A.C., France: Wood spice and smoke on the nose from oak aging with attractive sour and fleshy ripe red cherry and berry on the palate. Medium-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2015 - 2019 123927 13% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alta Vista Atemporal 2011, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: This rich red wine offers pleasant notes of black fruit, dark chocolate and smoke. Atemporal translates to timeless in Spanish - time will fly when you're enjoying this wine. No time like the present to open it and enjoy with a juicy steak. Food pairings: meat lovers pizza, gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2015 - 2018 144352 15.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Piccini Vila Al Cortile Brunello Di Montalcino 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lovely wild violets and roses with garrigue and earth aromas on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth with juicy mouth-watering action for food. Try lamb with rosemary or game meats. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: veal piccata, cheddar cheese, barbecued steak, roast leg of lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2019 164855 14% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alkoomi Black Label Shiraz Viognier 2012, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: A full-bodied, blockbuster Aussie red wine with big, forward aromas of fleshy black plum and berries. Nicely wrapped in toasty oak. Much to enjoy here. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 203166 13.8% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2013, South Australia, Australia: Crazy high alcohol but I love it and it's balanced within the context with this towering wine. Ultra-concentrated and intense Australian red wine from Sarah & Sparky Marquis: for those who want a blockbuster experience on the palate. Black fruit, smoke and rich fruitcake aromas on the nose. Full-bodied and supple with generous layers of flavour. Blueberries and blackberries on the finish. Loaded with black fruit, the 2013 vintage of The Boxer Shiraz offers blackberry jam and dark spice on the finish. Pair with a pepper steak or with gourmet burgers and all the fixings heaped high. Shiraz food pairings: rich game dishes, roast beef, hard cheese, pizza, grilled or spice-rubbed chicken. Drink: 2015 - 2019 246595 16.5% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 93/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sassoregale Sangiovese 2013, Maremma Toscana, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: A tart, acidic Italian red wine with sour cherry aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and fairly smooth. Pair with tangy tomato sauce. Sangiovese food pairings: braised pork shoulder, slow-roasted lamb shank, stuffed turkey, sausages. Drink: 2014 - 2017 251785 13.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 86/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villa Symposia L'Equilibre 2012, Languedoc, Midi A.P., France: Juicy, savoury and full-bodied with a velvet texture. Very mouth-filling with fleshy black plums and smoke highlights on the finish. Lovely balance. Drink: 2014 - 2018 298620 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Amastuola Organic Primitivo 2011, Puglia I.G.P., Italy: Huge juicy purple plum and blueberry aromas and flavours in this supple, smooth, full-bodied Italian red wine. Primitivo is also known as Zinfandel in California. Finishes with baked blueberry pie and dark spice. Perfect for grilled meats and barbecue. Primitivo food pairings: osso buco, grilled hamburgers, aged cheeses, venison stew. 300004 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Vert 2009, Lussac Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: Lots of black pepper and black fruit with dark spices. Mouth-filling and full-bodied. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015 - 2018 368555 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dominio De Tares Cepas Viejas Mencia 2011, Bierzo D.O., Spain: A black, tarry red wine with pleasantly bitter baked black fruit and charred oak on the nose and palate. The wine undergoes a malolactic fermentation to make it smoother, then is aged 9 months in Allier and Never (French) oak barrels. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: meat lovers pizza, gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2015 - 2018 379891 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: A luscious, medium-bodied, satin-smooth Oregonian Pinot Noir with classic aromas of fleshy ripe cherry and berry and some mocha. Racy acidity on the palate from this cool climate. Pair with grilled salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: roasted pork loin, tourtière, prime rib, coq au vin. Drink: 2015 - 2020 385757 13.5% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Casetta Barbaresco 2010, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Mature, almost past peak, with tanned leather and dried herbs. Full-boded with a firm grip on the palate from the tannins. Needs a rare steak. Barbaresco food pairings: barbecued leg of lam, cheddar cheese, roasted pork loin, game birds. Drink: 2014 - 2018 412247 13.5% D 750 mL $42.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Silvio Grasso Bricco Manzoni Barolo 2010, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: A mature, savoury Barolo with a firm but pleasing grip on the palate. Tanned leather, dried herbs, wild violets and black tart cherry. Very attractive and complex. Pair with game meats. Barolo food pairings: aged cheese, roast beef, barbecued venison steaks, meatloaf. Drink: 2015 - 2020 422105 14% XD 750 mL $89.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rioja Vega Reserva 2008, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Lots of juicy acidity and mouth-watering tart black berry fruit wrapped in smoke. Full-bodied and fairly smooth. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2015 - 2019 423517 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Perrin & Fils Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2013, Rhône A.C., France: A full-bodied southern French red wine from the heart of the Rhone Valley with aromas of black raspberry and dark cherry with some and spice. Very nice package. Pair with grilled meats, game and duck. Drink: 2014 - 2018 566844 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: More elegant like Cabernet but still with Zinfandel's vibrant black and purple berry/plums aromas. Very nice. Perfect for BBQ and grilled meats. Zinfandel food pairings: aged cheddar, grilled duck breast, Italian sausage burgers, cheese pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2018 590216 14.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Heitz Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Almost Bordeaux-like in its restraint and balance. Dark fruit but not fruit forward more smoke and earth essence. Full-bodied and long. Decant 1 hour and enjoy with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese, hodge-podge. Drink: 2014 - 2018 642124 14.5% XD 750 mL $110.00 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2013, Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.C., France: Produced by M. Chapoutier, this is benchmark Rhone Valley red wine from a spectacular vintage. Black fruit, smoke, tar and black pepper. Full-bodied, balanced, concentrated with great depth. An incredible wine for this price point. Pair with filet mignon. Drink: 2015 - 2020 643239 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 95/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Palacios Remondo La Montesa Crianza 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A full-bodied Spanish wine from a great vintage and a well-respected producer. Aromas of black fruit, smoke and dark spice. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 674572 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ascheri Sorana Barolo 2010, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Attractive black cedar brush, feral note with wild blackberry in forest glade. Pair with game meats: the wilder, the better. Add truffles. Barolo food pairings: roast beef, roast veal, hamburgers, aged meats and cheeses, venison. Drink: 2015 - 2020 711077 14% XD 750 mL $57.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2010, Mclaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Meaty, savoury and juicy Australian red wine. Full-bodied with big, black brooding dark fruit, smoke and layers that go on forever. This wine is a blend of about half Cabernet Sauvignon, and a quarter of Merlot and Petit Verdot, and a splash of Cabernet Franc. The wine was matured 12 months in French oak. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: barbecued steak, hamburgers. Drink: 2015 - 2018 907584 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fontanafredda Serralunga d'Alba Barolo 2010, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: This Barolo has knitted together quickly and comes from a strong vintage. Not fruit forward but rather dust, smoke, tar, leather and earth. Good acidity for truffled risotto or wild boar. Some tannins still though they are taming. Barolo food pairings: hamburgers, aged cheese, venison, grilled beef, roast veal. Drink: 2015 - 2018 943290 14% D 750 mL $52.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Jaeger Defaix Rebource 2012, Rully, Burgundy Aoc: Old World Burgundian Chardonnay that's been oak aged and features aromas of toasted almond, hazelnut, baked peach and pear. Match it with roasted chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2018 200139 13.5% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Bestheim Brut Crémant D'alsace, Alsace A.C., France: Robust French sparkling wine with aromas of freshly baked bread, green apple and toasted almond. Pretty dam amazing, especially for this price. Savoury juicy and full of flavour. Great aperitif or enjoy it with oysters. Crémant D'alsace food pairings: vegetable stew, pulled pork sammies, crab legs, pasta. Drink: 2015 - 2018 141184 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Duval-Leroy Reserve Brut Champagne, Champagne A.C., France: A crisp, refreshing, toasty Champagne at a great price. Terrific structure with persistent beading bubbles and mousse. Racy acidity on the palate. Champagne food pairings: Thai coconut shrimp, pasta with cheese-based sauce, seafood risotto, sushi. Drink: 2014 - 2018 661264 13% XD 750 mL $55.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Zolo Fincas Patagonicas Torrontés 2014, Mendoza, Argentina: Highly perfumed, like Lemon Pledge, with strong floral notes and good acidity. Pair it with spicy dishes. Torrontés food pairings: Asian dishes, fresh seafood salad, seafood appetizers, smoked turkey sandwiches. Drink: 2014 - 2017 183913 13.8% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio 2014, Delle Venezie, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Vibrant, zesty and refreshing Italian white wine with mouth-watering acidity for food. Medium-bodied, no perceptible oak. Great aperitif or companion to seafood or salads. Nice price. The bonus is that's organic. Pinot Grigio food pairings: fresh water fish, grilled. Drink: 2015 - 2017 204768 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.75 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Darling, Swartland W.O., South Africa: Juicy with passionfruit, lime, lemon and cut grass. Crisp and clean with lots of mouth-watering action from racy acidity. Pair with clams or mussels. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: steamed mussels, garden salad, barbecued chicken, fresh-water fish. Drink: 2014 - 2017 235895 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stonehedge Reserve Chardonnay 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Smoky with campfire and hickory smoke on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth with more smoke from toasty oak aging on the palate. Baked apple on the finish. Pair with smoked turkey. Chardonnay food pairings: linguine with clams and fennel, stuffed roasted turkey, Asian dishes, grilled seafood. Drink: 2014 - 2017 311548 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Elephant Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand: A refreshing and mouth-watering New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with clean, crisp flavours of lime and lemongrass. Medium-bodied and delightful. Works as a well-chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. Highly recommended. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: chicken and sage skewers, fresh tomato and basil salad, oysters on the half shell, pan-fried freshwater fish. Drink: 2015 - 2017 23798 12% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 93/100. October 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Duckhorn Chardonnay 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied with toasty oak and a creamy texture from lees stirring and French oak fermentation (in barrel). Golden apple and baking spice. Pair with roast chicken: birds of a feather should flock together. Chardonnay food pairings: Asian dishes with black beans, crab cakes, pasta with tomato sauce, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2014 - 2018 418319 14.1% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling 2014, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Lots of floral notes on the nose of this cool-climate Australian white wine made from Riesling grapes. This is followed by lime and lemon zest with lots of racy acidity on the palate. Pair with Dover Sole. Riesling food pairings: spicy pasta dishes, noodle salad, white turkey meat, Munster cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 428342 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Alkoomi White Label Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: A vibrant Australian white wine blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Lots of acidity on the palate for fresh seafood. Notes of lemon and lime. Drink: 2014 - 2018 428383 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Salomon Undhof Groovey Gruner Veltliner 2014, Austria: Limes and white grapefruit head to the finish line to create an exciting sense of vibrancy and refreshment. No oak. Try it with clams or mussels. Gruner Veltliner food pairings: seafood dishes, chicken, avocado green curry with cilantro and lime. Drink: 2015 - 2017 669606 12% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied with toasted almond and hazelnut and smoke from oak aging. Green apple brightness on the palate with mouth-watering acidity. Chardonnay food pairings: seared scallops,, grilled seafood, stuffed roast chicken, beef bourguignon. Drink: 2014 - 2018 701748 13.8% XD 750 mL $132.00 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trimbach Riesling 2012, Alsace A.C., France: A vibrant Alsatian white wine with a strong acidic attack on the palate. Requires, demands, food like seafood and shellfish. Riesling food pairings: Thai seafood noodle salad, duck liver pate, butternut squash risotto, roast chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2017 734517 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart