Argentina
Alamos Malbec 2006, Argentina, Argentina: A terrific value wine. Full-bodied, smooth and supple. Alamos Malbec food pairings: stew. 467951 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 92/100. October 2007. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jacques & François Lurton Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mendozza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Here's a cabernet sauvignon that combines drinkability with power, all for under $15. It's rich and round with pure berry and cherry flavors and a long finish. There's a whole lot of quality per cubic milliliter here. My note: A delicious, robust wine with lip-smacking aromas of black fruit. Jacques & François Lurton Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: braised short ribs, gourmet pizza, pasta with meat sauce. 591735 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Treasury Wine Estates Greg Norman Estates Shiraz/Cabernet 2005, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 53% Shiraz and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine plays to each grape's strengths featuring aromas of blackberry, cassis, raspberry and black pepper. The tannins settle the fruit a touch leaving the wine almost ideally balanced. My note: A full-bodied and juicy wine overflowing with ripe berry aromas. Greg Norman Estates Shiraz/Cabernet food pairings: roast leg of lamb. Drink: 2007 - 2012 586156 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2004, Clare Valley, Australia: A lovely, balanced and full-bodied wine. There are aromas of cassis and dark plums present. 448241 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mchenry Hohnen Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2005, Margaret River, Australia: A simple, grassy wine that's very refreshing. Mchenry Hohnen Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon food pairings: mussels, shellfish, salads. 39370 12% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Valdivieso Reserva Syrah 2005, Central Valley, Chile: Amazing wine for the money. Full-bodied, smooth and rich. Buy a case for holiday entertaining. 45153 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viu Manent Viu Manent Reserva Carménère 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Fantastic value here. Full-bodied with rich aromas of chocolate and dark red fruit. Long finish. Viu Manent Reserva Carménère food pairings: hearty meat dishes. 45161 14.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Domaine Belle Crozes Hermitage Les Pierelles 2004, Rhône, France: A remarkably light wine for the Rhone. It's medium-to full-bodied with lovely aromas of cherry and cedar. 41921 12.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Côte Montpezat 2001, Ac Cotes De Castillon, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Produced with the guidance of Michel Rolland, considered by some to be the world's most influential winemaker, this 2001 is just hitting its stride. Still dominated by fresh fruit aromas and flavors such as red berries and cassis, it is beginning to show hints of dried herbs and leather suggesting some developing maturity. It is drinking wonderfully now but has the potential to become even greater with time. My note: A terrific value for Bordeaux. Aromas of dark fruit and smokey oak. 45658 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ségla 2003, Ac Margaux, France: This is a second wine of Chateau Rauzan-Segla. It has gorgeous concentration and remains smooth on the palate. Aromas of cassis and black plum. 713263 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Favorite Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2004, Ac Pauillac, France: Elegant and balanced. Full-bodied with a long finish. 669622 13% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saint-Pierre 2004, A.C. St-Julien, France: This Bordeaux has concentrated depth and a long finish. Aromas of cassis, herbs and cedar. Drink: 2012 - 2025 670109 13% XD 750 mL $59.00 Score: 91/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
De Valandraud 2003, Ac Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, France: Juicy, plummy and full-bodied. 45997 13.7% XD 750 mL $56.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Lalande 2003, Ac Saint-Julien, Cru Bourgeois, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The wine has a deep ruby color showing a hint of garnet on the rim. The nose is medium in intensity with cassis and vanilla. The palate brings more cassis with some earthy character. The oak is not overly toasty, but it makes a clear impression on the finish. My note: Outstanding quality fo the Cru Bourgeois category. Rich aromas of black plums and smoke. Château Lalande food pairings: rack of lamb, stew. 43893 13% XD 750 mL $38.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Colombier-Monpelou 2003, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The wine has a deep ruby core holding its color well to the rim. On the nose are medium plus intensity aromas of cassis and minerals. The palate is dry, with an intense replay of the aromas and good depth of fruit through the entire palate. The tannins are ripe and approachable, but still very much a part of the wine. The oak is subtle and well-integrated. This is a classy, elegant wine that displays the pedigree of Pauillac. My note: An elegant, balanced wine with a long finish and aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. 43851 13% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Cantemerle Grains Du Terroir 2003, Ac Bordeaux Superieur, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine de Cantemerle is an experimental estate. They are committed to environmentally-friendly methods of vine growing and winemaking and have earned themselves official certification for their natural and responsible production techniques. The 2003 Grains du Terroir is medium-bodied with cassis and plum flavors, a firm tannic structure, and excellent length. My note: A juicy, plummy wine you'll adore if you like merlot. Domaine De Cantemerle Grains Du Terroir food pairings: roast beef. 47217 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Lynch-Moussas 2003, Ac Pauillac, 5E Cru, France: An outstanding wine for the money. Full-bodied, complex and layered with a long finish. Château Lynch-Moussas food pairings: steak, lamb. 963256 12% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Peter Nicolay Estate Riesling 2006, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Throughout the centuries, marriages have brought together everything from warring kingdoms to important wine estates. In 1971 Helga Berres married Peter Pauly, bringing together the Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler and Peter Nicolay estates. The two families and the two wineries have thrived since the union. My note: A lovely, light-bodied and refreshing simple sipper. Peter Nicolay Estate Riesling food pairings: salmon, spicy dishes, glazed ham. 43323 8% MD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 87/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Langwerth Von Simmern Riesling Kabinett 2004, Rheingau, Germany: A terrific, well-balanced riesling with refreshing aromas of lime and citrus. Langwerth Von Simmern Riesling Kabinett food pairings: chicken, pork, ham. 49890 11% MD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Favorite White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Israel
Domaine Du Castel 'c' Blanc Du Castel 2005, Judean Hills, Israel: Vintages Wine Panel: Domaine du Castel is located west of Jerusalem at an altitude of 730 meters. The high-density planting results in naturally small yields. The fruit is hand-picked, fermented and aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels. My note: Fascinating wine with exotic aromas of lanolin, apples and smoke. Kosher for Passover. Domaine Du Castel 'C' Blanc Du Castel food pairings: planked salmon, rainbow trout. 36210 13% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Pio Cesare Pio Cesare Barbera D’alba 2005, Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Pio Cesare takes as much care in the production of their Barbera wines as they do with their Barolos. In fact, the winery feels that their Barbera is different from other Piedmontese versions because the grapes are grown right beside the Nebbiolo used to make their Barolo. My note: A juicy, full-bodied and tannic wine. Decant for 1-2 hours. Pio Cesare Barbera D’Alba food pairings: Italian cheeses, veal, truffles, mushrooms. Drink: 2007 - 2012 938886 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
I Castei Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso ‘costamaran’ 2004, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Deeply colored and richly flavored, this ripasso Valpol displays a classic aroma profile of sweet black cherry, ripe plum, hints of new leather and chocolate. My note: Dark and robust with a Bordeaux-like nose. Dark ripe fruit aromas and notes. Decant 1 hour. I Castei Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso ‘Costamaran’ food pairings: barbecued ribs. 972406 13.2% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Valpantena Amarone Della Valpolicella 2004, Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes for this Amarone are dried naturally in the winery's loft. The resulting product, a combination of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, is rich and concentrated. The Cabernet Sauvignon is an unusual addition, but allowed under the DOC if it is no more than 5% of the blend. My note: There are rich layers of Italian warmth here with aromas of dried cherries and herbs. Valpantena Amarone Della Valpolicella food pairings: roast leg of lamb. 981316 14.5% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Kim Crawford Cabernet Franc 2004, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Round, generous and ripe flavors. Aromas of plum and chocolate. 17392 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Cabanas Do Castanheiro Gambozinos Reserva 2004, D.O.C. Douro, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz (both major Port grapes), this wine is deep in color with a great concentration of fruit aromas, including plum, blackberry and raspberry. In the mouth, the fruit is surrounded by firm tannins, suggesting good ageing potential. My note: A hulking big wine with rustic aromas of cedar and blackberries and raspberries. Cabanas Do Castanheiro Gambozinos Reserva food pairings: hearty beef dishes. 41855 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Aveleda Follies Vinho Verde 2006 2006, Vinho Verde, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: The Alvarinho grape is considered the best grape with which to make Vinho Verde. Its thick skin and ability to make wines of higher alcohol and more flavor than most are what winemakers find so attractive. My note: Enticing aromas of grapefruit and citrus. Aveleda Follies Vinho Verde 2006 food pairings: simple white fish, simple chicken dishes. 59048 12.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. October 2007. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa: A pleasant, balanced and full-bodied wine with aromas of blackcurrant and chocolate. 37424 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Raka Spliced 2003, Walker Bay, South Africa: If you like merlot, you'll enjoy this blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Loaded with ripe black fruit notes. 37457 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Cline Cellars Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2005, California - Contra Costa County, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2005 Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows wonderful flavors of raspberry, blackberry, white pepper and spice, with coffee and chocolate characters. Aging in new and seasoned American oak has imbued this wine with a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. My note: Concentrated and rich with cherry liqueur aromas. Full-bodied. Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel food pairings: lamb, pork tenderloin. 719211 15% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Toasted Head Shiraz 2004, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Toasted Head refers to the barrels in which this wine is aged. Common practice is to char only the barrel walls but in this case the heads are toasted too, imparting richer, toasty characters to the wine. The palate offers bountiful black cherry flavors with nicely integrated notes of cocoa and cedar. My note: A good, all-round, balanced shiraz. Toasted Head Shiraz food pairings: red meats, spicy pastas. 42937 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
E. & J. Gallo Winery Gallo Frei Ranch Zinfandel 2003, California - Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, United States: Juicy, brambleberry aromas. Full-bodied but not tannic. Gallo Frei Ranch Zinfandel food pairings: roasts. Drink: 2007 - 2009 555599 15% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 89/100. October 2007. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart