Argentina
Cicchitti Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Mendoza, Argentina: A solid Argentine red wine with aromas of ripe black fruits, dark spice, graphite and anise. Pair with grilled lab. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled lamb chops, Margherita pizza, hard cheese, braised pork shanks. Drink: 2013 - 2017 301465 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Crios 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A darkly hued Argentine red wine with black fruit flavours on the nose and palate. Finishes with mocha and espresso. Pair with grilled meats. Food pairings: black bean dishes, grilled New York strip loin, veal chops, Asian chicken salad. Drink: 2014 - 2017 366146 13.9% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Two Hands Wines Lily's Garden Shiraz 2013, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Robust Australian red wine with towering black fruit flavours and made from the country's classic Shiraz grape. This winery has a long history in winemaking. Shiraz food pairings: Muscovy duck, grilled pork chops, rare roast beef, spice-braised lamb. Drink: 2015 - 2019 162213 14% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Lots of blackberry preserves on the nose and palate of this richly flavoured Australian Cabernet. Some eucalyptus and herbal notes wrapped in toasty oak on the finish. Pair with a pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge, grilled New York strip loin. Drink: 2015 - 2019 606939 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: This robust Australian Shiraz was matured for 13 months in second-use American oak hogshead barrels. The 2012 vintage of the Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz offers rich aromas of ripe blackberry, cassis, anise and dark spice. Polished tannins. Pair with a pepper steak. Shiraz food pairings: marinated pepper steaks, burgers with blue cheese, chargrilled pork chop, cheddar. Drink: 2014 - 2019 422782 15.5% XD 750 mL $49.00 Score: 93/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Oatley Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Crisp, clean and refreshing Australia Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of freshly cut grass and lime. Pair with oysters. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: stuffed chicken breast, pan-fried freshwater fish, oysters on the half shell, sauerkraut with sausages. Drink: 2014 - 2017 186106 12.2% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Giesen The Brothers Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, Australia: Lots of crisp, mouth-watering acidity on this cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc. Finishes with lemon-lime notes. Pair with shellfish. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: pasta primavera, stuffed chicken breast, garden salad, steamed shellfish. Drink: 2013 - 2016 520824 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied BC white wine made from Chardonnay grapes and displaying aromas of green apple and freshly baked bread. Good minerality on the finish. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: deep sea scallops, beef bourguignon, pan-fried cod, pasta in an Alfredo sauce. Drink: 2014 - 2018 208694 13.7% XD 750 mL $38.35 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Megalomaniac Wines Coldhearted Riesling Icewine 2014, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely Niagara dessert wine made from the classic Riesling grape which lends lime citrus notes and terrific balancing acidity to this icewine. Pair with fruit flans and cobblers. Riesling Icewine food pairings: cheese cake, strawberry and rhubarb pie, Camembert, blueberry grunt. Drink: 2015 - 2019 243519 7.9% S 200 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jost Vineyards Maple Wine, Nova Scotia, Canada: Classic Canadian maple forest flavours on this Nova Scotia dessert wine. Pair with biscotti dipped in caramel or chocolate. Food pairings: pecan pie, apple dumplings, ice cream desserts, chocolate cookies. Drink: 2015 - 2017 431791 10% S 375 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Inniskillin Niagara Estate Vidal & Riesling Icewine 2012, Ontario, Canada: Inniskillin's Vidal and Riesling offer unparalleled quality and flavour. The Vidal offers fresh peach and apricot whereas the Riesling comes in with more lime citrus. Both have terrific balancing acidity to work as post prandial drinks on their own or with fruit flans and cobblers. Icewine food pairings: honey cake, chocolate cookies, berry tarts, apple dumplings. Drink: 2014 - 2020 601021 12% MS 400 mL $64.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Cono Sur Viento Mar Pinot Noir 2013, San Antonio Valley, Chile: Lusciously fleshy ripe sweet cherry-berry aromas and flavours with a generous silky texture in this Chilean Pinot Noir. Some rose petal and cinnamon spice on the finish. Medium-bodied. This wine is made with 100% Pinot Noir. Pair with roasted chicken or turkey. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, roasted pork loin, roasted and braised lamb, chicken stuffed with asparagus and goat cheese, venison burgers. Drink: 2015 - 2018 235035 14% D 750 mL $20.25 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tabalí Reserva Especial 2011, Limarí Valley, Chile: A savoury Chilean red wine blend of mostly Syrah, along with smaller amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in this full-bodied red wine, with terrific aromas of big, black fruit and smoke. Anise, pencil led and fleshy black plum flavours flood the senses. Tabali is the most northern premium winery in Chile, the vineyards lie on the edge of the Enchanted Valley. The grapes are harvested by hand. Try it with a hearty meat dish tonight. Food pairings: rosemary lamb. Drink: 2015 - 2018 107540 14.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Maipo Valley, Chile: A robust Chilean red wine with flavours of blackberry jam and preserves, firm tannins and a sweet dark fruit finish. Pair with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, braised pork shanks, veal chops. Drink: 2014 - 2017 562918 15% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Lavau Vacqueyras 2012, Rhône A.C., France: This robust southern French red wine offers blackberry liqueur aromas and richness on the nose and palate, with a pleasant smoky finish. Full-bodied and layered with a terrific value for the price for this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. In the early 1960s, the Lavau winemaking family left St-Émilion in Bordeaux and moved to the Rhône Valley. Brothers Benoit and Frédéric Lavau partner with 300 grape growers in the region to make their wines. Pair with prime rib. Food pairings: rack of lamb. Drink: 2015 - 2018 104927 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac 2008, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: Lots of blackberry, cassis and smoke on the nose and palate of this seductive Bordeaux red wine blend. Great structure, depth, complexity and length on the finish. cellar it for a few more years for maximum pleasure then decant 1 hour. This Grand Cru French red wine is produced by Vignobles Dourthe. Pair with rare steak. Drink: 2015 - 2020 425546 13% XD 750 mL $42.00 Score: 93/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Pey La Tour 2010, Bordeaux, France: This traditional Bordeaux blend has Merlot (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Cabernet France (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%) grapes. Classic aromas of cassis and black currant with some pepper and smoke on the nose, palate and long finish. The 2010 vintage was a strong one and it shows in this value-priced Bordeaux. The vines are planted in calcerous-clay soils. Superb balance, depth and freshness . Pair with prime rib or a rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2019 349308 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Champagne, Champagne A.C., France: A robust and complex Champagne from one of the region's top producers. Bollinger always delivers and this special cuvee is no exception. Aromas of freshly baked bread, lemon zest and toasted almond. Pair with oysters. Champagne food pairings: grilled salmon, curry dishes, pulled pork sammies. Drink: 2015 - 2021 234104 12.5% D 375 mL $46.95 Score: 93/100. October 2015. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bailly-Lapierre Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Burgundy A.C., France: A terrific Blanc de Noirs from Burgundy, made using the classical Champagne method and from red grapes (Pinot Noir) to produce this white sparkling wine Lots of racy acidity and aromas of Asian pear and golden apple. Crémant De Bourgogne food pairings: seafood, salad, gorgonzola. Drink: 2014 - 2019 420984 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme 2013, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: A blockbuster southern French red wine made from a blend of traditional Rhone red grapes such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Lots of rich dark fruit flavours wrapped in dark spice and smoke. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2017 - 2022 292722 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett 2014, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany: Beautiful peach blossom nose then a surprising but delightful juicy, mouth-watering attack on the palate that is ultra-refreshing. Medium-bodied with terrific refreshment in this classic German Riesling. Pair with fresh seafood. Riesling Kabinett food pairings: sushi with extra wasabi, roast chicken, spicy pasta dishes, baby greens salad, feta cheese. Drink: 2015 - 2018 160846 7.5% M 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. October 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Piazzano Chianti 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Good price for this Italian quaffer offering attractive notes of dark red fruit, spice and smoke. Chianti is the iconic red wine of Italy, and has come way since those days of the straw-wrapped bottles. This rendition has terrific acidity for pasta dishes. Pair with movie night and pizza. Food pairings: polenta dishes, venison, beef daube, leg of lamb, pasta with tomato sauce. Drink: 2015 - 2017 393199 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ruffino Lodola Nuova Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Juicy and savoury with delicious dark layers of fleshy black cherry and blackberry. Great zing on the palate and finish to add refreshment and food friendly virtuoso-ness. Pair with hearty meat sauces and tomato dishes. Drink: 2015 - 2019 332411 14% XD 750 mL $35.15 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Modus Ruffino 2011, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: A seductive nose of violets and wild blackberries gives way to a much more robust palate of fleshy black fruit, smoke, tar, graphite and oak. This truly is a Super Tuscan blend that delivers year after year. Layered, complex and offering a long, satisfying finish. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with prime rib. Food pairings: pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, autumn hodge-podge. Drink: 2015 - 2021 912956 14% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 93/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Savoury, mouth-watering and complex: this Italian red wine delivers. Made from the classic Tuscan grape of the Chianti region, Sangiovese, this wine offers aromas of sun-dried tomato, dark, tart cherry and earth. Perfect for meaty pasta dishes. Drink: 2014 - 2018 45195 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio 2014, Venezie I.G.T., Italy: An extraordinary fresh Italian white wine, especially for this price. Wow. Vibrant aromas of lemon zest, green apples and lime-citrus. Racy, mouth-watering acidity for salads and vegetarian dishes. Highly recommended. Drink: 2014 - 2017 589101 12% XD 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Very herbal, grassy and refreshing New Zealand white wine. A herbaceous finish with chives and lemongrass. Great with salads. Pale straw in hue, with green tints. Crisp, clean and fresh on the finish. A consistent producer of sauvignon blanc year after year. Pair with soft and fresh cheeses, Dover sole and pesto. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: cheese, shellfish, Caesar salad, corned beef and cabbage, turkey pot pie. Drink: 2014 - 2017 225557 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A zesty, medium-bodied, unoaked New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of freshly cut grass and lime. Herbal on the palate with lots of acidity. Pair with shellfish. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled prawns, barbecued chicken skewers, Asian dishes with black bean sauces, poached salmon. Drink: 2014 - 2017 324228 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Delaforce Quinta Da Côrte Vintage Port 1997, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: A luxuriously layered and rich Portuguese fortified dessert wine with aromas of fleshy blackberry jam, black plum preserves and dark spices. Pair with Black Forest cake. Port food pairings: fruit pies, crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, honey cake. Drink: 2014 - 2020 199695 21% S 750 mL $45.00 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Taylor Fladgate Century Of Port Collection, Douro, Portugal: Tawny port is my favourite style of port with its rich toffeed, caramel flavour profile. I love the baking spice finish with luxurious flavours of brown sugar. I hope Santa remembers this for me. Drink: 2015 - 2022 601419 20% S 1500 mL $289.95 Score: 92/100. October 2015. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Gloria Ferrer Blanc De Blancs, Carneros, California, United States: Toasty Californian sparkling wine with freshly baked brioche aromas. Lovely zestiness and refreshment. Consistently great producer. This is an amazing price. Pair with fried chicken. Blanc De Blancs food pairings: fried chicken. Drink: 2015 - 2018 223792 12.5% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States: Such an elegant, yet expressive Californian Cabernet on the nose. Aromas of blackcurrant cassis mingle with dried herbs and cigar box. The palate opens to layers of dark fruit anise and smoke. Terrific balance, depth and length with a dry finish. This Californian red wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in Sonoma, mostly Knights Valley. It's actually a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, and a splash of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. The wine was matured in French oak barrels mostly, with a few American oak barrels for the 2012 vintage. Pair with filet mignon or lamb with rosemary. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb, pork tenderloin, pepper steak, hamburgers, cheese. Drink: 2015 - 2018 678615 13.5% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Scott Family Dijon Clone Pinot Noir 2013, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, United States: Lots of juicy acidity on the palate, with aromas and flavours of attractive tart cherries and field strawberries. Smooth and full-bodied. Try it with planked salmon. Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, roasted pork loin. Drink: 2015 - 2018 317784 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: Complex, balanced and structured: this Californian Cabernet offers lots of pleasure but also has great elegance. Aromas of dark fruit, spice and smoke. Layered and concentrated. Pair with a rare filet mignon. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: beef enchiladas, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese, braised pork shanks with white beans. Drink: 2015 - 2018 161141 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Earthquake Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California, United States: A monster Zinfandel with huge aromas and flavours of purple plums, blueberry and blackberry jam. High alcohol at 16% makes this warm on the palate and finish. Juicy and mouth-filling and smooth. Pair with pterodactyl wings. Zinfandel food pairings: aged cheddar, grilled lamb loin, grilled duck breast, Italian sausage burgers. 59717 16% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 89/100. October 2015. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Folie à Deux Zinfandel 2012, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Big aromas and flavours of boysenberry, blueberry and blackberry on this classic Californian red wine made from the flagship Zinfandel grape. Vibrant, round and full-bodied. Bursting with flavour and vibrancy. Finishes with dark spices. Perfect for BBQ meats. Zinfandel food pairings: dry-rubbed ribs, grilled burgers. Drink: 2013 - 2017 147231 14.5% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 92/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Saved Red Blend 2012, California, United States: This robust, smooth, supple Californian red wine is a blend of 27% Merlot, 19% Malbec, 17% Syrah, 13% Zinfandel, 7% Sauzao, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Petite Sirah, 4% Grenache and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for the 2012 vintage. Select parcels from vineyards in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County and Dry Creek were picked blended separately to perserve their unique character. The wine was aged in 30% new French oak barrels for 16 months before blending. It offers enticing aromas of fleshy blackberries and plums, cedar forest and black cherry. This is a collaboration between one of the world's most famous tattoo artists, Scott Campbell, and winemaker, Clay Brock, who grew up in Napa Valley and is also Director of Winemaking at Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards. This particular wine is named after Scott's famous SAVED tattoo studio in Brooklyn New York and his work is etched on the bottle's front label. This wine finishes with luscious berry flavour. Pair with a pepper steak or roast beef. Drink: 2013 - 2018 417378 15.2% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Simi Winery Merlot 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States: Winemakers Susan Lueker and Megan Schofield have crafted a supple, smooth, rich Merlot for the 2012 vintage. This is a red wine blend of 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine was fermented in 100% stainless steel then aged in 1005 oak for 14 months in a combination of small French and American oak barrels, 20% of which was new. This wine delivers pleasing aromas of blackberry, plum, clove, cedar forest and spice. Great balance of acidity and luscious fruit flavour for dishes like grilled pork chops and lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2018 417386 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. October 2015. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Crisp, dry and fresh with a lemon-lime lift through the core of this California Sauvignon Banc. Robert Mondavi devised the name Fume Blanc for Sauvignon Blanc. Very deft/light use of oak preserves the refreshment of this wine and its versatility with food. This wine is mostly Sauvignon Blanc and with a splash of Semillon. Sixty percent of the wine is barrel fermented, and then it's all aged on its own yeast (sûr lie) in French oak for 9 months to add extra richness, creaminess and lovely dimension. The grapes are grown in the Stags Leap and Oakville vineyards. Try this wine with pasta or seafood in a cream sauce. Fumé Blanc food pairings: chicken salad, pork tenderloin, seafood, barbecued lobster. Drink: 2014 - 2016 221887 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. October 2015. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart