Red Wine
Cave Spring Cabernet Franc 2013, Niagara Escarpment Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: One of the best Ontario Cabernet Franc wines I've ever tasted. Rich, full-bodied with layers of dark plums, smoke and mocha. Beautifully balanced, with a sweet chocolate note on the finish, though this wine is dry. That extra kicks just makes it more luscious and delicious. Pair with grilled pork chops or lamb. Cabernet Franc food pairings: pasta with bolognese sauce, mushroom risotto, bouillabaisse, coq au vin, roasted guinea hen or game birds, steak tartar, hearty beef stews. Drink: 2015 - 2017 391995 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château de Nages Vieilles Vignes Costières De Nîmes 2012, Rhône A.C., France: This spicy blend of mostly Grenache, along with Syrah and some 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. It's a classic Rhone blend with fragrant spices, black cherry and licorice for grilled meats. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Highly recommended. Drink: 2015 - 2019 40964 15% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand: Toasty oak on the nose of this terrific New Zealand red wine wraps around fleshy ripe black cherries. Full-bodied, mouth-watering juicy and smooth with a great finish. Smoky oak and black cherry notes with some dark spice on the finish. Terrific with a wide range of dishes, especially holiday turkey. Yum! Pinot Noir food pairings: planked salmon, barbecued duck, veggie mushroom burger, frittata.. Drink: 2015 - 2018 590414 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Frei Brothers Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2012, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Medium-bodied Californian Pinot Noir with dark red fruit, black cherry, spice and toasty oak. Pair with meaty fish dishes like salmon and tuna. Pinot Noir food pairings: roast quail, veal scaloppini, beef bourguignon, smoked salmon. Drink: 2014 - 2018 91025 13.5% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 88/100. October 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Prisoner Wine Company Red 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: Very high alcohol on this wine, but it has the fruit heft to handle it. A robust, layered Californian red wine of solid structure and concentration. Pair with hamburgers or steak. Food pairings: beef, steak, hamburgers. Drink: 2016 - 2021 104299 15.2% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2014, Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.P., France: Love the incredible range of styles that the Rhone region produces, like this intriguing red wine blend. Full-bodied and deeply savoury. 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. Produced by Domaine Lafage, this robust Rhone red wine from 2014 vintage of this Cotes du Roussillon Chimeres is a blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah grapes, with a splash of Carignan. The wine undergoes an extended cold-soak that's not in stainless steel tanks, then fermentation in 500 litre barrels. The vineyards are located close to the village of Maury in the Rhone Valley. Food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hamburger. Drink: 2017 - 2022 119354 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz 2014, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied, concentrated and complex Australian red wine with rich black fruit flavours and made from the country's classic Shiraz grape. This winery has a long history in winemaking. This wine unfold on the palate with terrific replays of dark fruit and spice. Long finish. Decant 2 hours. Pair with roast beef. Shiraz food pairings: Muscovy duck, grilled pork chops, rare roast beef, spice-braised lamb. Drink: 2017 - 2025 683086 15.5% D 750 mL $57.95 Score: 94/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
I Castei Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2012, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Lots of sweet mocha and cherry on the nose and palate. A bold, robust red wine that's bursting with dark, brooding fruit, and dark chocolate. This Italian red offers black cherry and smoke on the nose. Supple, with a long, satisfying finish. Try it with a hearty meat dish. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, leg of lamb, pasta with tomato sauce, dark chocolate. Drink: 2018 - 2025 739979 15.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Ferme Du Mont Sarl Premier Cote 2014, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhone A.C., France: Stéphan Vedeau produced this robust southern French red wine blend that's a typical GSM, mostly Grenache, with about a third Syrah and the remainder Mourvèdre grapes. He's a third generation winemaker from Cotes Du Rhone. His wines are all organic products, free of chemicals and pesticides, the fertilizers are organic and he uses ambient or natural yeasts to ferment the wines. The wine was matured concrete tanks for 12 months. The vines are planted on the eastern slopes near the town of Courthezon, which lies along the eastern border of Châteauneuf du Pape in the Rhone. The 2014 vintage of the Côtes du Rhône Premières Côte grapes were picked in late September and early October. Food pairings: roast beef, smoked beef sammies with gravy, rib eye steak. Drink: 2016 - 2020 251645 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Lane Vineyard Block 5 Shiraz 2014, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: A luscious, full-bodied Australian Shiraz with aromas of fleshy black plum, pepper and spice. Pair with grilled lamb. Shiraz food pairings: Moroccan lamb with dried apricots and peach, Thai chicken curry, lamb kebabs. Drink: 2016 - 2020 447598 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: La Crema is well-known for its Californian Pinot Noir, and here we are with their Oregonian version from the Willamette Valley that savoury and mouth-watering. 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 or seared tuna. Pinot Noir food pairings: roasted pork loin, tourtière, prime rib, coq au vin. Drink: 2016 - 2022 385757 13.5% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
The Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States: A towering, huge wine in every dimension and absolutely delicious! Lots of black fruit, smoke and tar. Demands a juicy slab of steak. Food pairings: roasted pork loin, tourtière, prime rib, coq au vin. Drink: 2017 - 2022 373076 14% XD 1500 mL $115.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château La Caussade 2010, Médoc, Bordeaux A.C, France: Full-bodied, savoury and juicy with attractive aromas of fleshy black plum, blackberry and black currant. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: roast pheasant, fried chicken, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2016 - 2020 177014 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bootleg Red 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Loaded with black fruit, smoke and spice, this Californian red wine blend has a long life ahead of it. Decant 2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: gourmet burgers, venison stew, barbequed short ribs. Drink: 2016 - 2020 462820 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 89/100. October 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Masseria Surani Heracles Tommasi Primitivo 2014, Puglia I.G.T., Italy: Juicy and delicious Italian red wine with blackened plums and purple plum notes. Lots of toasty, charred oak in this Primitivo (aka Zinfandel). This robust Italian red wine is produced by Tommasi family's Puglia vineyards in southern Italy, first settled by ancient Greeks in 700 BCE, and therefore the wine is named in honour of Heracles. Lots of black fruit and oak. Perfect for grilled and barbecued meats. Primitivo food pairings: barbecued ribs, chicken wings, steaks rubbed well with Primitivo, hamburgers garnished. Drink: 2016 - 2020 434274 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine De Cristia Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2012, Rhone A.C., France: The 2012 vintage of the Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes features black fruit, smoke, anise, tar and spice. It could use cellar time and definitely decanting. Pair with roast beef. Châteauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hamburger. Drink: 2017 - 2025 71381 14.5% D 750 mL $107.00 Score: 93/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zuccardi Zeta Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Zuccardi consistently over-delivers on the taste-price ratio, and this wine is no exception. A full-bodied, supple and smooth Argentine red wine blend. This robust Argentine red wine is a blend of mostly Malbec from La Consulta and some Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Tupungato Vineyards. Aromas of black plum, toast, blackcurrant and dark spice. Pair with grilled steak or pork chops. Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: farmer's style pork chops, slow-cooked pork ribs, crown pork roast. Drink: 2017 - 2022 163725 14.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Crios Dominio Del Plata Malbec 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: A consistently solid producer of classic Argentine Malbec year after year. Plush, full-bodied and smooth with aromas of black plum and berries. Pair with prime rib. Malbec food pairings: Asado, beef steak on the barbeque, slow-cooked lamb leg. Drink: 2017 - 2020 538784 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Gallo Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Mocha and chalk dry with juicy, mouth-watering acidity. Good balance and elegance. Pair with a rare steak. The Gallo family has been making wine for 80 years in California, Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled steak, roast chicken, gourmet hamburgers, pot roast. Drink: 2016 - 2022 394197 14.5% XD 750 mL $68.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Guiseppe Quintarelli Classico Valpolicella Classico 2008, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Taste to see what a decade of patience yields in the glass. Benchmark Veneto red wine. In 2012, founder Giuseppe Quintarelli died at the age of 84. His legacy lives on though, especially in the Quintarelli. The 2008 vintage offers tanned leather, dried herbs and smoke. A towering, blockbuster Italian red wine. Rich black cherry liqueur and dark spice aromas with layers of full-bodied goodness on the palate. A long, lasting finish. Pair with prime rib. A huge Italian red wine blend meant for hearty meat dishes and game dishes. Valpolicella Classico food pairings: beef steak, smoked ribs, venison tenderloin. Drink: 2017 - 2025 986117 15% D 750 mL $104.95 Score: 95/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mazzei Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: The Mazzei family have been the owners of this Italian winery, Castello di Fonterutoli, since 1435. The 2012 vintage of the Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo offers black fruit aromas and firm tannins. Juicy and full-bodied Italian red wine with lots of wild black cherry notes, some smoke and mocha. This Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo is made from Sangiovese grapes. Savoury and meaty with a long finish. Decant 2 hours for maximum pleasure. Pair with grilled meats. O Chianti Classico food pairings: ravioli, beef stew, pizza, pork chops. Drink: 2016 - 2020 288530 13.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fattoria Di Fèlsina Rància Riserva Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: The 2011 vintage of this robust Italian red wine, the Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia, is loaded with dark red fruits and spice. This wine will cellar well. Decant 2 hours and pair with a tangy tomato sauce. Chianti Classico food pairings: pizza, rich tomato sauce and meat-filled pasta, hard cheeses. Drink: 2016 - 2019 82362 14% D 750 mL $69.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodegas Olarra Anares Reserva 2010, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Love the seductive espresso, coffee-scented nose with fleshy black fruit that emerges underneath. Great concentration and depth in this red wine. A full-bodied red wine with classic Rioja aromas of tart with dark red fruit, earth and some smoke. Lots of layers and complexity here. Try this interesting Old World wine tonight with a hearty meat dish. Food pairings: lamb shanks in red wine and roasted garlic, grilled lamb lollipops, stuffed lamb tenderloin. Drink: 2016 - 2018 244723 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
E. Guigal Gigondas 2012, Rhone A.C., France: Guigal is the much-respected producer of this Giogondas 2012. The red blend for this wine is 60 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah, 20 % Mourvèdre from 40 year old vines and matured in oak casks, some new, for two years. - Community Wine Reviews Food pairings: roast Bresse chicken, roast pheasant with garlic leeks, veal chops in red wine sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2021 331900 13.8% D 750 mL $47.95 Score: 89/100. October 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Apollonio Terragnolo Primitivo 2011, Salento, Puglia I.G.T., Italy: A robust Italian red wine made from the juicy and flavourful Primitivo grape (aka Zinfandel). Smoky campfire wine with fleshy black fruit. Previous vintages of this wine won the Grande Médaille d’Or at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Full-bodied with a long finish inflected with coffee and mocha notes. Perfect for barbecued blackened ribs with BBQ sauce. Primitivo food pairings: grilled rare steaks, coq au vin, Cornish game hen, tomato tarte. Drink: 2016 - 2019 211813 14.5% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Esprit De Granit Syrah 2013, Saint-Joseph, Rhone A.C., France: A rich, full-bodied, tannic southern French red wine from the Rhone Valley with seductive aromas of cassis, black raspberry, pepper and dark spice. A supple texture and ample weight with a great finish. The wine region of Saint-Joseph is nestled in the northern Rhône, and it produces mostly wines made from 100% Syrah grapes, although winemakers are permitted to add up to 10% of Roussanne and Marsanne, both grapes in the blend to add a floral lift and brightness on the mid-palate.) Decant 2 hours. Pair with a grilled pepper steak. Syrah food pairings: rich lamb, beef stroganoff, barbecued ribs, fruit chutneys, cassoulet, steak fajitas. Drink: 2017 - 2021 17152 13% XD 750 mL $37.95 Score: 93/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Concha y Toro Block 27 Carmenere 2013, Peumo, Entre Cordilleras, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: This Chilean red wine is made from the country's iconic red grape Carmenere sourced from the winery estate's Peumo Vineyard Block 27. Grapes are sourced from Entre Cordilleras, Peumo and Cachapoal Valley where the climate is sunny, sub-humid Mediterranean with pronounced daily temperature variation. The vines are planted in alluvial clay loam 170 metres above sea level. Winemaker Ignacio Recabarren hones his craft on this single-vineyard bottling. The Spanish word Terrunyo means terroir. This Carmenere is complex, deep, savoury and bursting with luscious black fruit aromas and flavours. This wine gives and gives right out to a long finish. Brought to us by Concha Y Toro. Pair with grilled meats. Carmenere food pairings: venison stroganoff, venison tenderloin, bison burgers. Drink: 2016 - 2020 562892 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Borsao Berola Garnacha Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Campo De Borja D.O., Spain: Savoury, meaty fleshy ripe black fruit. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 14 months. Chocolate, mocha and espresso on the nose and palate from generous oak aging and a firm tannic grip on the palate. Berola is the original name of the Monastery of Veruela dating back to the 12th century and was run by the Cistercian monks. This Spanish red wine is a blend of mostly Garnacha (Grenache), with some Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Pair with lamb in rosemary. Garnacha Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb shanks in red wine and roasted garlic, grilled lamb lollipops, stuffed lamb tenderloin. Drink: 2016 - 2022 371518 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: The St. Henri label has always been my favourite of the Penfolds line-up. Full-bodied and supple yet will cellar well. This stunning Australian red wine is made from Shiraz grapes. Savoury and gorgeous with great length, depth and concentration. Pair with rare meats. Shiraz food pairings: bbq rib steak, rack of lamb, bison steaks. Drink: 2018 - 2026 510875 14% D 750 mL $150.00 Score: 94/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Elderton Ode To Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot 2013, Barossa Valley, Australia: This full-bodied Australian red wine is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Shiraz and Merlot grapes. This big, black fruited Australian red wine is produced by the Ashmead Family. It offers a savoury, meaty note and mouth-watering acidity. Layered and delicious. Elderton winery is certified Carbon Neutral. My thanks to Lorraine for being the inspiration for this wine. Pair with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot food pairings: meatloaf, pork tenderloin, roast chicken. Drink: 2017 - 2022 976423 14.5% XD 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2014, Mendoza, Argentina, Argentina: The illustrated jaguar on the front label of this Argentine wine is considered the lord of the starred night in ancient Indian culture. Savoury with cedar brush aromas and juicy mouth-watering acidity in this full-bodied, black-fruited Argentine red wine made from Malbec grapes. Excellent taste and quality. The 2014 vintage of the Chakana Malbec Estate is matured in new and used French oak for 18 months. Pair with roast beef. Malbec food pairings: herb-rubbed roast, breaded veal cutlets, duck breast, tagliatelle alla Bolognese. Drink: 2016 - 2020 219261 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds R.W.T. Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A gorgeously rich and full-bodied Australian red wine made from Shiraz grapes from a stellar vintage. Aromas of cracked black pepper, fleshy plum and spice. Full-bodied with juicy, mouth-filling black fruit yet there’s balance and finesse. Pair with grilled meats. Decant 1-2 hours. Highly recommended. Shiraz food pairings: beef steak, prosciuttos, black bean soup, blue cheese, lamb with rosemary. Drink: 2017 - 2022 564278 14% XD 750 mL $150.00 Score: 97/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2014, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Torbreck offers unbeatable value with this classic blend of Grenache Shiraz and Mourvèdre (GSM) with terrific structure and a long opulent finish as well. The GSM is full-bodied with fleshy black fruit, pepper, dark spice and smoke. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with grilled meats. Shiraz food pairings: venison stew, venison sausage and wild mushroom sauce, spicy spatchcock partridge. Drink: 2017 - 2023 927533 15.2% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 94/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Errázuriz Single Vineyard Syrah 2013, Aconcagua Costa, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: This Chilean Syrah shows its coastal origin as in both the balance and elegance as well as its focus. The vines for this wine grow just 12 kilometres or 7.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. They grow in the clay-black slate-schist soils of the Manzanares Vineyard which lends deep minerality to the wine. They were planted back in 2005. The grapes were picked early in the morning during harvest, then cold-soaked and fermented at 24-28 degrees Celsius (75-82 degree Fahrenheit) in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. A gorgeous, opulent Chilean Syrah of the best pedigree. Structure, density, concentration and complexity all play roles in this wine, with intense replay of fleshy dark plums and berries across the palate (and mind). Perfect for grilled pork chops or game dishes. Syrah food pairings: grilled pork chops, shish-kebab, roasted root vegetables. Drink: 2016 - 2021 387910 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 95/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A juicy and savoury Italian red wine from the heart of Tuscany, with full-bodied richness on the palate. Lots of acidity and firm tannins on the palate of this full-bodied Italian red wine made from Sangiovese grapes. This (No Suggestions)-based wine finishes with dried herbs. Try it with pasta in a meat sauce tonight. Could use cellar time and 1 hour decanting. Chianti Classico food pairings: beef, pasta, veal, lamb. Drink: 2016 - 2020 222810 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Dourosa Quinta Da Rosa 2014, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: A smooth, supple almost full-bodied Portuguese red wine with black fruit aromas. Pair with pork tenderloin. The winemaker, Jorge Moreira buys grapes for this robust Portuguese red wine from high-altitude vineyards. He blends Rabigato, Códega and other grapes for the 2014 vintage. This is considered the winery's second wine, but it's no slough compared to the flagship bottle. This Quinta de la Rosa has terrific layers of flavour and just the right amount of oak. Food pairings: pork tenderloin, Porchetta, fig and apricot stuffed pork chops. Drink: 2016 - 2020 146233 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
13th Street Red Palette 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. The result? A great palette wine for your palate pleasure. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Try it with grilled pork chops. Food pairings: thin-crust pizza, charcuterie, cheese boards, rustic stews, grilled veal steaks. Drink: 2016 - 2019 249458 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine de Pignan Châteauneuf Du Pape 2013, Rhone A.C., France: Black cherry liquer and toasty oak. Full-bodied to the max. pair with brontosaurus burgers. OTHER: (aged in old foudres for 16 months): Brilliant ruby. Assertively perfumed aromas of ripe raspberry, cola, spicecake and potpourri develop a vibrant mineral nuance in the glass. Juicy cherry cola and red berry flavours put on weight with air while maintaining vivacity. Closes smooth, sweet and long, displaying a repeating raspberry note and gentle tannic grip. Drinking window: 2020-2026. Score - 91 (Josh Raynolds, vinous.com, April 2016). Châteauneuf Du Pape food pairings: leg of lamb with roast potatoes, veal sweetbreads with sautéed mushrooms, cassoulet. Drink: 2016 - 2020 473678 14% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Lamartine Meritage 2014, Castillon Côtes De Bordeaux, Bordeaux A.C., France: The Castillon-Cotes de Bordeaux region is close to St. Émilion where Merlot grapes dominate the red wine blends. Full-bodied red wine from Gourraud et Fils with tarry black fruit and toasty oak and firm tannins. This robust French red wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. Try it with a hearty meat dish. Meritage food pairings: grilled meats, roast chicken, gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2016 - 2020 368159 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Barons De Rothschild Légende 2012, Pauillac, Bordeaux A.C., France: That Band-Aid note on the nose with smoke and toasty oak and black fruit. Full-bodied, supple and long in the finish. OTHER: 'Légende is crafted by winemaker Diane Flamand. Born in Médoc, Flamand studied enology in Bordeaux, graduating in 1987. Today she is only one of fewer than half a dozen female winemakers in Bordeaux, a region with 10,000 chateaus (wineries). Flamand has worked in all facets of the industry, from the laboratory to wine sales. She has worked at renowned houses such as Lynch Bages, Pichon Baron and Luden. Even so, when she was first in the industry, she was not allowed in the cellars as the old men would tell her that she would spoil the wine. Since 2004, Flamand has been an enologist at Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite), in charge of Légende. The Légende 2012 Pauillac is made with 70 percent cabernet sauvignon and 30 percent merlot. The wine comes from two estates, Duhart-Milon and Lafite Rothschild, and has good tannins and powerful, spicy notes. (Allison Levine, napavalleyregister.com, June 21, 2016). Légende food pairings: roast duck loaf, wild duck with fried root vegetables, chicken encroute. Drink: 2016 - 2020 468397 13.5% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Toasted Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, North Coast, California, United States: Juicy and savoury with mouth-watering flavours of blackberry and black plum with bacon and spice. Layers of pleasure. pair with rare meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: gourmet hamburgers, leg of lamb, pasta with tomato sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2019 686824 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Solaia Antinori Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese Cabernet Franc 2012, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Produced by Marchesi Antinori, this Turbo Tuscan, the 2012 vintage of Solaia, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese with some Cabernet Franc grapes. Grilled bacon and lots of smoke on the nose of this cult Italian red wine, aka a Super Tuscan. Lots of toasted black fruit, dried herbs, chary smoke, graphite and toasty oak. The 2012 vintage of Solaia finishes with black truffle and violets. Needs cellar time then decant 2 hours. Pair with a rare, juicy steak. This wine needs to be on your lifetime bucket list to taste. Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese Cabernet Franc food pairings: rib eye roast, filet mignon, rack of lamb. Drink: 2019 - 2029 987586 14% D 750 mL $251.95 Score: 96/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta Rocca Barolo 2011, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: This robust northern Italian red wine sports aromas of tanned leather, violets, cigar box and also has good acidity. Perfect balance. Not fruity: dry earth and old leather. Classic Barolo made from the northern Italian grape Nebbiolo. Aged in oak barrels for three years. Decant 2 hours. Pair with game meats. Barolo food pairings: herbed roast beef, roast veal, lamb, hamburgers, aged meats and cheeses, venison. Drink: 2018 - 2025 395103 14.5% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tomassi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2012, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: A classic Amarone with gorgeously rich aromas of black cherry, fruitcake, dark spices and brooding mystery on the nose. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Mouth-filling with some dark plum on a long finish. The 2012 vintage of this Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is well structured. Amarone Della Valpolicella food pairings: meaty stews, roasts, blue cheese, hamburger, osso buco. Drink: 2017 - 2021 980128 15% D 375 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Reif Estate Winery The Magician Shiraz Pinot Noir 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This Niagara red wine called "The Magician" is a blend of 70% shiraz and 30% pinot noir grapes that are kiln-dried before they're pressed to deepen the wine's flavours. A full-bodied, smooth, supple red wine with attractive aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Some anise and smoke on the finish. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Shiraz Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled flat iron steak, beef rib eye roast, venison tenderloin. Drink: 2012 - 2017 246413 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trapiche Terroir Series Orellana De Escobar Malbec 2011, La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina: This benchmark single vineyard Argentine red wine made from the iconic Malbec grape features aromas of blackberry, smoke, spice and anise. Luxuriously layered and rich with a thick mouth-coating texture and weight of flavours. A hint of mint on the nose wrapped on ripe black fruit, then a coffeed-espresso finish. Such a wonderfully unusual and decadent wine. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with game meats and great conversation. Superb craftsmanship. Malbec food pairings: roasted lamb, veal dishes, grilled pork chops, cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2022 178145 14.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 95/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
H J. Fabre Barrel Selection Malbec 2014, Patagonia, Argentina: A full-bodied, luscious Argentine Malbec with black fruit flavours and spice. Pair with grilled meats. Malbec food pairings: grilled flat iron steak, short ribs on the barbie, roast veal. Drink: 2016 - 2019 455741 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fattoria Dei Barbi Brunello Di Montalcino 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: The 2010 vintage of the Brunello di Montalcino is full of character. Mature aromas of leather, violets and truffles. Smooth and medium-bodied. Contemplative wine. Dark fruit aromas with cigar box and a long finish. Decant 2 hours. Pair with game dishes or rack of lamb. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: rack of lamb, ravioli, beef stew. Drink: 2018 - 2024 928028 14.5% XD 750 mL $53.95 Score: 94/100. October 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Lornano Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Firm tannic grip on the palate and finish. Needs cellar time. Blackened fruit with lots of acidity. Decant 2 hours and pair with a tangy tomato sauce. Chianti Classico food pairings: cheesy pizza, rich tomato sauce and pasta, vegetarian lasagna. Drink: 2016 - 2020 211599 14% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: The 2014 vintage is an Australian red wine blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine was matured in both new and used French and American oak barrels. The Jip Jip rocks are an outcrop of 350 million year old red granite near the family's vineyard in the heart of the Padthway region near Morambro Creek. A lively, mouth-coating red wine from a consistently good producer. This vintage offers aromas of minty blackberry on the nose with fleshy black plum on the palate. Round, supple and satisfying with a great finish. Try it with gourmet hamburgers and all the fixings. Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pizza, hamburgers, lamb chops. Drink: 2016 - 2020 186114 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zeni Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009, Veneto, D.O.C.G., Italy: A robust, balanced Amarone that isn't as sweet-tasting as most are with their black cherry liqueur flavours. This one is more black fruit and smoke. Very nice. Perfect for roast beef. OTHER: This sculpted red offers aromatic notes of dried marjoram and ground pink peppercorn up front, with black currant pâte de fruit, plum cake, mocha and steeped cherry flavours, underscored by a savoury streak of forest floor. Tightly knit and focused. Best from 2017 through 2029. Score - 91 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2015). Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: boeuf bourguignon, rib roast, roast duck. Drink: 2016 - 2022 472688 14% XD 750 mL $67.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château De Gourgazaud Reserve 2013, Minervois La Livinière, Midi, Languedoc A.C., France: Aromas of black fruit, toasty oak, tar and dark spice. Château de Gourgazaud makes this terrific red wine from southern France. Château de Gourgazaud celebrated 200 years of wine production in 2014. The estate has 70 hectares of vineyards, of which 40 hectares are designated AC, the appellation control designation. The balance are Vin de Pays d’Oc, and still yield wines of great quality. This full-bodied red wine is made mostly from Syrah grapes, but there's also Mourvèdre. This wine is aged for 12 moths in oak barrels. This is gorgeous wine country to visit, and even better wine to drink. Pleasantly bitter finish. Try it with grilled meats tonight. Food pairings: roast leg of lamb, barbecued ribs or wings. Drink: 2016 - 2020 986083 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Simonnet-Febvre Brut Crémant De Bourgogne Sparkling Wine, Burgundy A.C., France: Toasty, rich, creamy and delicious French sparkling wine at an incredibly low price compared to Champagne. Pair with fried chicken or potato chips or both. Crémant De Bourgogne Sparkling Wine food pairings: seafood, oysters, fried chicken. Drink: 2016 - 2020 126318 11.8% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ferrari Brut, Alto Adige Trentino D.O.C., Italy: Tasty, robust, crisp and delivering everything you want in a refreshing sparkling wine at a fraction of the price of champagne. A classic expression of Trentino terroir. Stock up now for your holiday parties. Works well as an aperitif or cocktail or pair it with shellfish or fried chicken. Highly recommended. Drink: 2014 - 2030 478106 12.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Top Rated Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: An approachable unoaked Chardonnay from the northern Burgundian region of Chablis. Aromas of green apple and grapefruit. Pair with fresh seafood. Chablis food pairings: crab cakes, pan fried seafood. Drink: 2014 - 2018 124305 12.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. October 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hidden Bench Winery Estate Riesling 2014, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Petrol lemon awesome. How do they get so much flavour with so much alcohol? Okay I know the answer but still. Pair with fresh seafood. Lip-smacking delicious! Riesling food pairings: roast chicken, grilled salmon with lemon sauce, feta cheese, baby greens salad with fig dressing.. Drink: 2015 - 2020 183491 10.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Flat Rock Chardonnay 2013, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Rich, full-bodied with lovely aromas of butterscotch, vanilla smoke and fleshy peach. Pair with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2018 286278 13% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: This vines for this lovely Washington Chardonnay are planted at 200 feet above sea level which is ideal for achieving a silky texture from the grapes rather than an oak barrel. Rich and full-bodied with luscious layers of fleshy ripe peach, pear and butterscotch. This Washington Chardonnay has great finesse and styling: French spirit with Washington DNA. It was barrel fermented without a lot of lees stirring to preserve it's zesty character. Finishes with apple and citrus notes. Pair with roast chicken or veal. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2019 232439 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jean-Max Roger Winery Cuvée Les Cailottes Sancerre Sancerre 2015, Loire A.C., France: This French white wine from Sancerre in the Loire Valley is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Good acidity for halibut or sole. Lots of lemon zest and minerality on the finish. A soft white wine with white pear notes. Some lime on the finish. Clean and fresh. Pair with seafood and salads. Sancerre food pairings: salad, grilled chicken, seafood. Drink: 2016 - 2020 65573 13% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 89/100. October 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2015, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: A classic cool-climate Australian Riesling from the Eden Valley. Aromas of wet stone, lime zest and lemongrass. Mouth-watering, juicy acidity for shellfish and vegetarian dishes. Gorgeous citrus lift on the finish. Highly recommended. Riesling food pairings: pesto pasta with shrimp and green peas.. Drink: 2016 - 2023 558650 13.5% D 750 mL $50.00 Score: 95/100. October 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mallory & Benjamin Talmard 2015, Mâcon-Uchizy, Burgundy A.C., France: Old World Chardonnay with a touch of oak but not much. Nice price. Green apple goodness. Harvested from the southern end of Burgundy. The Talmard name is recorded in viticultural documents going all the way back to the seventeenth century. Finishes with a citrus lift and bright orchard fruit. Pair with Dover sole. Food pairings: stuffed roast chicken, linguini with clams and fennel, grilled fish, lobster in butter sauce. Drink: 2016 - 2019 733956 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 89/100. October 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tyrrell's Wines Lost Block Semillon 2015, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, South Australia, Australia: Lemon lanolin on the nose of this attractive Australian white wine made from Semillon grapes, with a refreshing zestiness yet rich texture. Tyrrell’s winery accidentally left a section of Semillon grapes on the vine allowing it to ripen more than usual back in 1993. Thus the name “Lost Block.” The result was a richly flavoured white wine with mouth-brightening acidity. Lovely white for so many dishes. Semillon food pairings: sautéed mussels, barbecued freshwater fish, pizza with spinach and feta cheese. Drink: 2016 - 2021 933200 11% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio 2015, Delle Venezie, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: This Italian white wine is made by a family-owned winery and the vineyards have been certified organic since 1984. The 2015 vintage of this Pinot Grigio lemon and lime highlights. 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, calamari, steamed shrimp with fresh lemon juice. Drink: 2015 - 2017 204768 12% XD 750 mL $15.75 Score: 89/100. October 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Andre Blanck Et Ses Fils Altenburg Gewurztraminer 2015, Alsace A.C., France: Mouth-filling and viscous. Here's a terrific example of a medium-sweet Gewurztraminer that would be divine with a spice-inflected fruit-based dessert. Come-alive notes of peach jam and baking spices. Gorgeously rich and concentrated with cinnamon-spiced peach preserves and spicy apple pie aromas. Gewurztraminer food pairings: pear and saffron upside down cake, lemon custard and almond biscotti, apple cinnamon dumplings. Drink: 2016 - 2022 168906 13.5% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: The grapes grow in the Oakville region in Napa. The wine is 100% barrel fermented and undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation for extra richness and creamy depth. Butterscotch and toffee aromas in this rich Californian Chardonnay. Some apple and peach wrapped lovingly in caramel form generous oak aging. Full-throttle Chardonnay for lovers of the genre. This Californian Chardonnay is a heavy-hitter: full-bodied, layered and rich. Toasty oak, smoke, vanillin, caramel and baked peach pie from generous oak aging. Pair with quail or Cornish hen. Chardonnay food pairings: fish cakes with a rhubarb relish, crab cakes with aioli dip, Poorboy oysters. Drink: 2016 - 2022 26682 14.7% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 93/100. October 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spy Valley Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A strong acidic attack on the palate followed by pure grassy aromas, not citrus. Herbal and green. Demands food like shellfish. The 2015 vintage of this Sauvignon Blanc continues to display refreshing herbal aromas on the nose and palate. Lively and zesty with gooseberry and lime zest on the finish. Perfect for salads and vegetarian dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, grilled radicchio, avocado and papaya salad. Drink: 2016 - 2018 686675 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 2016. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Kendall-Jackson Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2013, Santa Maria Valley, California, United States: The grapes for this Californian Chardonnay are grown in a cool climate and gravel soils, with excellent drainage. The 2013 vintage of the Chardonnay Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands is sourced from 40-year-old, ungrafted vines. The wine is then barrel-fermented and matured for 8 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Extremely concentrated and full-bodied Californian Chardonnay: toasted almond and butterscotch from generous oak aging. Aromas and flavours of pear, peach and apple. Pair with roasted chicken or turkey. Chardonnay food pairings: mango chicken, roast quail with peaches, fish tacos with tropical fruit chutney. Drink: 2016 - 2022 59139 14.1% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 93/100. October 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart