Argentina
Alamos Seleccion Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: A robust red with great depth and complexity at an excellent price point. The grapes for this red are grown in the San Carlos region in the Uco Valley. Syrah add so much character to this blend with fleshy blackberries and cherries. It's full-bodied, balanced and smooth. Perfect for grilled meats and hard cheeses. Highly recommended. Malbec food pairings: herb-roasted lamb, pork tenderloin, cheddar cheese, spaghetti and meat balls. Drink: 2013 - 2017 322800 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Penfolds Bin 9 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, South Australia, Australia: Black fruit and toasty oak on the nose and palate of this robust Australian red wine that's made from Cabernet sauvignon grapes. Full-bodied yet supple, this would benefit from decanting 2 hours and pairing with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak, beef empanadas, chicken cacciatore, venison burgers, hard cheese. Drink: 2016 - 2019 25950 14.5% XD 750 mL $30.35 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
3 Rings Shiraz 2013, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Black charred fruit, tar, dark spice and loads of oak. High alcohol and full-bodied. Needs brontosaurus burgers. Shiraz food pairings: lamb cutlets, hamburgers, espresso and cocoa-rubbed flank steak, black bean soup. Drink: 2014 - 2017 15495 14.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Cape Barren Native Goose Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with juicy, mouth-watering acidity. Lots of dark spice, spice and earth notes. Pair with spicy sausages. Drink: 2014 - 2017 425850 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
House Wine Co. Riesling Pinot Grigio 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Pretty and floral with racy acidity for shellfish and mildly spicy dishes. Medium-bodied. Great aperitif. Drink: 2014 - 2017 219022 11.5% MD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Painted Rock Estate Winery Merlot 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Savoury, dark and rich with a firm grip on the palate that will smooth out over time in the cellar. This is a remarkable and huge merlot. Pair with grilled lamb. Highly recommended. Drink: 2018 - 2025 242768 14.8% D 750 mL $68.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Painted Rock Estate Winery Syrah 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Spectacular BC Syrah with savoury herbs, cedar brush, fresh earth, wild dark berries and spice. Wowsers! Stay with me here, but this wine also smells like marijuana ina seductively complex way. Canabis actually has a complex array of aromas from its terpines: you'll get rosemary, black pepper and others that are also the basis for essential oils. It's definitely there on the nose of this wine and I love it. Pair this with more Syrah ... or perhaps an announcement from our new prime minister on legalization. Which one? Let's hope the new government is also liberal enough to allow Canadians to buy wines grown and made outside their province. Surely that can't be as provocative as the other new law they're considering. Raise a toast to common sense. Drink: 2018 - 2023 541540 14.9% D 750 mL $40.00 Score: 93/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Painted Rock Estate Winery Ltd. Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied and still tight, but this will be a blockbuster with cellar time. A fabulous BC Cabernet Sauvignon with terrific structure and balance and a long, satifying finish. Pair with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2018 - 2023 14.9% D 750 mL $40.00 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Painted Rock Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Savoury, meaty and juicy BC Cabernet Franc without a trace of bell pepper or herbal notes. Full-bodied and smooth with layers of fleshy black plum and dark spice. Pair with lamb. Highly recommended. Drink: 2018 - 2023 14.8% D 750 mL $50.00 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
House Wine Co. Cabernet Shiraz 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Juicy and round with purple plums aromas and flavours. Good value for the price. pair with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2017 219030 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Henry of Pelham Winery Baco Noir 2014, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Classic Niagara Baco Noir from the province's best producer of this varietal, Henry of Pelham. Aromas of fleshy ripe purple and black plums with smoke on the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Baco Noir food pairings: aged cheddar, game meats, beef with horseradish or mustard, spicy food or the startling yet remarkably harmonious pairing of strawberries with black berry. Drink: 2014 - 2017 270926 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sibling Rivalry Red 2013, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A juicy, luscious Niagara red wine blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. Plush, smooth, round and mouth-filling. Just what you want in a wine, especially at the price. Pair with hamburgers. Food pairings: hamburgers on the barbeque, pasta with meat sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2017 126151 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Henry of Pelham Sibling Rivalry Chardonnay Riesling Gewurztraminer 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Floral, pretty and aromatic with white flowers and spice. Pair with mildly spicy dishes. Drink: 2013 - 2017 126144 12% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
House Wine Co. Vidal Moscato 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Pretty and floral and drier than expected. Light-bodied and refreshing as an aperitif. Drink: 2013 - 2016 279547 11.5% M 750 mL $11.95 Score: 86/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
House Wine Co. Baco Noir Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Fleshy ripe black and purple plums on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, smooth red wine. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2017 279521 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Silver Bay Riesling Gewurztraminer 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Soft and pretty with lovely white floral and white peach aromas and flavours. According the winery, Silver Bay is where the vineyard meets the beach: the Niagara's sandy shoreline separates the waters to the south, east and north. And adds romantically, that the gentle breeze flickers through the leaves of the silver oak trees lining the beach. Ah, live the life; drink their wine ;) This works as a refreshing aperitif or companion to seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2013 - 2015 372771 12% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Silver Bay Pinot Noir 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A pleasant, soft, round pinot noir at a bargain price. Aromas of field berries. Good juicy acidity for turkey or chicken. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2013 - 2015 372789 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 86/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Leyda Valley, Chile: Unbelievably great quality, taste and freshness for the price. Clean notes of lime and lemon, with a citrus lift on the finish. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the cool-climate Chilean region of the Leyda Valley that borders and is moderated by the Pacific Ocean. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: steamed mussels, lemon-herbed chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2016 367292 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Errazuriz Max Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A superb and fresh Sauvignon Blanc that combines the best of herbal refreshment and a lime citrus lift through the mid-palate and finish. So crisp and clean. Works as an aperitif or companion to fresh seafood or shellfish. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: seafood, cheeses, salads, chicken, fish. Drink: 2014 - 2017 273342 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Georges Duboeuf Morgon Cote De Py 2011, Burgundy, France: A rich, full-bodied satin smooth Burgundian red wine made from gamay grapes by one of Beaujolais' best-known producers. Black cherry liqueur-like concentration and depth of flavour in this satisfying dry wine. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2017 424887 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Hoffmann-Simon Riesling Spätlese 2009, Q.M.P., Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Mosel, Germany: Lovely floral and lychee, yet not as sweet as expected. Perfectly balanced. Drink: 2014 - 2018 216499 8% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Greece
Atlantis Dry White Argyros 2014, Cyclades, Santorini P.G.I., Greece: A zesty fresh Greek white wine with lemon blossom and lime on the palate and finish. Very pleasant. Served chilled as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2014 - 2017 371863 13% XD 750 mL $23.85 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Sella & Mosca Di Sardegna Riserva Cannonau 2011, Sardinia, Italy: Tons of acidity and tannic grip. Tart cherry. Decant 2 hours and it might smooth out. Pair with a tangy tomato sauce. Cannonau food pairings: braised beef dishes, turkey, soft cheese, roasted pork, lamb. Drink: 2013 - 2017 425488 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Kim Crawford Small Parcels Corner 50 Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: Savoury, smoky and juicy: this New Zealand red wine blend of Merlot and Cabernet needs cellar time. No wonder as we're tasting a tank sample. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and dark spice. Lovely. Pair with grilled meats. Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak, hamburgers, bison, beef tenderloin. Drink: 2016 - 2020 447433 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Marqués de Cáceres Reserva 2009, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Dusty, earthy and dry in the classical Spanish red way. Some aromas of dried fruit and smoke on the finish. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2014 - 2018 702761 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tinedo Cala N.2 Bodega Tinedo 2011, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla, La Mancha, Spain: Warm on the palate and finish from 15% alcohol. Charred, roasted black fruit. A Spanish red wine blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano grapes. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2016 425066 14.5% XD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 85/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Charles Smith The Velvet Devil Merlot 2013, Washington State, United States: A smooth, easy-drinking red wine from Washington State. Fleshy ripe plums and some toasty oak. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2017 394742 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Napa Cellars Chardonnay 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied and generous Californian Chardonnay, with toasted almond, peach and pear notes. Finishes with peach and vanilla smoke. Produced by Folie à Deux, this robust Napa Chardonnay offers layers of tropical tree fruit aromas and freshly baked bread. Perfect for roast chicken or lobster in melted butter. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster with melted butter, barbecued pork, turkey burgers, beef bourguignon, linguini with clams and fennel. Drink: 2013 - 2018 225342 14.1% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Clos du Bois North Coast Chardonnay 2013, North Coast, California, United States: An elegant, balanced, classic Californian chardonnay with signature aromas of butterscotch, golden apple, peach and vanilla smoke. Lovely body and texture. Pair this white wine with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: shrimp dumplings. Drink: 2015 - 2018 400549 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Chardonnay 2014, Central Coast, California, United States: Buttery, smoky and absolutely delicious Californian Chardonnay. Full-bodied and voluptuous with layers of butterscotch, toffee goodness wrapped around a core of golden apples. Pair with roasted chicken or turkey. Drink: 2014 - 2018 379180 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart