Argentina
Bodega Francois Lurton Piedra Negra Pinot Gris 2017, Uco Valley, Argentina: A crisp, zesty organic white wine from Argentina made from the classic Pinot Grigio grape. Aromas of lime, grapefruit and white melon. Pair with seafood. Drink: 2017 - 2019 556746 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.90 Score: 87/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bodega del Fin del Mundo La Poderosa Malbec 2017, Argentina: A supple, full-bodied red wine made from the Malbec grape. Aromas of fleshy ripe blackberries and black plums. In 1952, Ernesto "Che" Guevara took a ride though Chile on his Norton 500 motorcycle, nicknamed the Powerful One and immortalized n the book and movie The Motorcycle Diaries. This wine is kosher. Pair with grilled meats and freedom songs. Drink: 2019 - 2022 540583 13% D 750 mL $12.55 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Catena Alta Historic Rows Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Mendoza, Argentina: From Bodegas Esmeralda in Argentina, the grapes for the 2014 vintage of this Cabernet Sauvignon from Catena Alta are from vineyards planted over 1000 metres above sea-level that take advantage of the cool nights (and warm days) to fully ripen the wine grapes. The wine was then aged 18 months in new French oak. A many-layered, multi-faceted wine with great complexity and classic aromas of cassis, blackberry, blackcurrant, coffee and wood spice. You'll find my feature story on Catena, and a visit with Nicolas Catena that was part of my second book, Unquenchable. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued and grilled meats, game, chicken salad, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2018 - 2022 959965 14% XD 750 mL $48.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zuccardi Serie A Chardonnay Viognier 2016, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: This Chardonnay, Viognier wine blend from the Uco Valley has notes of tropical fruit, white blossoms and toasted brioche. The 2016 vintage of the Zuccardi Serie A is full-bodied, robust and definitely well-priced. A terrific, lovely white with floral and white peach notes. Lots of toasty oak. Pair with mild spices and curries. Chardonnay Viognier food pairings: baked brie and apricot coulee, salad greens with goat cheese pomegranate and cranberry, Feta cheese. Drink: 2018 - 2021 262097 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec 2014, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Produced by Vinos Cobos, this towering Argentine Malbec wine was aged 18 months in French and American oak and wasn’t fined or filtered. A deeply powerful, concentrated and extracted red wine from Argentina's flagship grape Malbec, with aromas with black fruit, smoke and mocha-rich coffee. Full-bodied, supple with a warm finish. Try it with grilled steak. Malbec food pairings: venison filet mignon with red wine gravy, grilled bison strip steaks, goose and duck sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2018 - 2024 123729 15% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2016, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: This 2016 Shiraz is the deepest darkest purple and there is so much on this wine from blackberry, chocolate and spicy caramel flavours with a satiny vanilla, and long minty finish. The Jip Jip Rocks are a striking outcrop of 350 million year old pink-red granite in the heart of the Padthaway region which are sacred to traditional Aboriginal beliefs. Minty cool on the nose with wild blackberry and brambleberry on the palate. Full-bodied, smooth and supple with richness and depth that is very satisfying. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Shiraz food pairings: rare roast beef, lamb, pizza, barbecued pork spareribs. Drink: 2018 - 2023 673897 14.5% D 750 mL $17.75 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: This robust Australian red wine is a blend of 89% cabernet sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 5% petit Verdot grapes. Small lots of these grapes were fermented together and then spent 4 weeks on the grape skins to impart extra colour, flavour and depth to the wine. The wine was matured for 14 months in French oak barriques, of which 40% was new. A full-bodied Australian red wine with aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and wild blackberry all wrapped in toasty oak. Pair with roast beef. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled lamb chops, Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, hodge-podge. Drink: 2018 - 2022 433045 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Beckett's Flat Five Stones Sauvignon Semillon 2016, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: This family-owned estate is situated in the middle of the Margaret River region, known for its zesty cool climate wines. The Beckett’s Flat Five Stones blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon is Kosher for Passover. The wine is made under the supervision of Kosher Australia, the Kashrut Authority of Western Australia and the Orthodox Union USA. Aromas of freshly cut grass, gooseberry, and grapefruit. Mouth-watering and zesty. Terrific! Sauvignon Semillon food pairings: Jarlsberg cheese, corned beef and cabbage, cheese fondue, turkey pot pie, egg dishes, asparagus quiche, guacamole. Drink: 2017 - 2019 108001 12.5% D 750 mL $19.90 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2016, South Australia, Australia: This kick-A** Australian red wine from Sarah & Sparky Marquis is not for the faint of palate. It's for those who want a blockbuster experience. Pair with a pepper steak or with gourmet burgers and all the fixings heaped high. A hefty red wine with a great right hook on the palate! Despite high alcohol it still comes together within the context with this towering wine. Black fruit, smoke and rich fruitcake aromas on the nose. Full-bodied and supple with generous layers of flavour. Loaded with black fruit, the 2016 vintage of The Boxer Shiraz offers blackberry jam and dark spice on the finish. Shiraz food pairings: steak enchilada casserole, deep dish pizza and cheese pie, pan-fried goose breast with watercress. Drink: 2017 - 2022 246595 16% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2014, Barossa Valley, Australia: A terrific Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. Yalumba has been making wine in this region for 160 years. The winery creates this wine from a "patchwork quilt" of soils, aspects, microclimates and cultures, thus the name. The winery has selected specific parts of its cool-climate vineyard in the Eden Valley for this "patchwork" blend of Shiraz. It marries these with some warm plots in the Barossa Valley to create a remarkable wine. A rich, full-bodied, supple Australian red wine with attractive aromas of black plum, blackberries and black raspberries. Incredible concentration and depth with a long finish. Seductive notes of cedar smoke on the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Shiraz food pairings: barbecued pork spare ribs with a dark sticky glaze.. Drink: 2017 - 2022 98392 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Austria
Aussere Bergen Zull Gruner Veltliner 2015, Weinviertel Dac, Austria: A crisp, vibrant Austrian white wine made form the country's flagship grape Gruner Veltliner. Aromas of lime, white pepper and grapefruit. Racy acidity to pair with fresh seafood. Drink: 2016 - 2021 523530 14% XD 750 mL $33.00 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Stonechurch Big Ideas Riesling 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A light, soft Niagara Riesling without a lot of acidity for the sweetness. Aromas of sweet peach and pear. Match with glazed ham and mild curries. Riesling food pairings: light, mild vegetarian curries, grilled pork chops, pan-fried panfish. Drink: 2017 - 2020 520239 11% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: Almost full-bodied with a mouth-filling richness. A creamy, rich BC Chardonnay. Round and supple with attractive white peach aromas and flavours. Pair with scallops with a sesame ginger dressing, spinach and pepper jack stuffed chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, pork tenderloin. Chardonnay food pairings: turkey burgers, crab cakes, chicken breast, lobster in butter sauce, cheese. Drink: 2017 - 2020 377770 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château des Charmes Cuvée D'andrée Rosé 2015, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Soft and floral with light strawberry notes. Not a lot of acidity. Nice aperitif. Deeply flavoured rosé (for rosé) with notes of dark cherry and ripe black raspberry. Good balance and refreshment. Works as an aperitif or companion to salmon. Rosé food pairings: cedar-planked salmon, salmon tartar, salmon burgers. Drink: 2017 - 2019 333260 12.6% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 2018. Best Value Rosé Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Trius Chardonnay 2016, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, richly textured Niagara Chardonnay that was fermented in oak barrels and then aged for 12 months on the lees in French barrels, of which 30% was new. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: pan seared scallops, pasta with a vodka cream sauce, grilled tiger shrimp, chicken skewers. Drink: 2018 - 2022 251470 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Burrowing Owl Syrah 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada: A supple, smooth, seductive red wine made from estate grown BC Syrah grapes. Syrah really shines in the Okanagan Valley and here's a great example of it. Pair with pork tenderloin. Syrah food pairings: lamb tangine, roast rack of lamb, beef long ribs on the barbie. Drink: 2018 - 2022 73072 14.5% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 92/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2016, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A full-bodied, pleasant Chilean Chardonnay that's well-priced. Pair with roasted chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: steamed mussed in their own juice, tomato and clam linguine, linguini with rose sauce. Drink: 2018 - 2022 287995 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Las Mulas Reserva Organic Merlot 2016, Central Valley, Chile: Attractive cedar smoke and dark spice on the nose of this robust Chilean red wine. Deep, deep black plum, fleshy, rich and enveloping. Pair with grilled meat. Drink: 2016 - 2020 454868 14% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Arboleda Carmenère 2015, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Arboleda is a boutique winery nestled in the heart of the Aconcagua Valley that handcrafts six exclusive single vineyard wines, each from a unique terroir, according to the back label. The wine's name, Arboleda, is a tribute to the 1,450 hectares of native forest that surround the winery's sustainably farmed vineyards. The 2015 vintage is elegant, smooth and full-bodied with fleshy black plum aromas and flavours. Generous and mouth-filling. Great price for this quality from Eduardo Chadwick, well respected within the Chilean wine community and beyond. Long, satisfying finish. Pair with grilled lamb. Carmenère food pairings: grilled lamb, beef braised in a mole sauce, hearty stews. Drink: 2018 - 2021 26235 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
J. Bouchon Block Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Maule Valley, Chile: Attractive aromas of redcurrant and wild blackberry with some wood smoke and spices on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth with lots of satisfaction. Some dried herbs and earthy notes on a long finish. Try it with grilled pork chops tonight. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: grilled pork chops, hamburger, turkey, grilled seafood, beef. Drink: 2018 - 2022 546481 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Emiliana Adobe Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This crisp Chilean white wine made form the zesty Sauvignon Blanc grape, was formerly labeled as Earth Day for its organic origins. Terrific value here. Aromas of grapefruit, freshly cut grape and chives. Pair with seafood or shellfish or vegetarian dishes. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: shellfish, light fish, sushi, pastas with seafood sauces, cheeses. Drink: 2018 - 2020 406942 12.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 85/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Château Langlais 2010, Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A elegant Bordeaux from a strong vintage. This wine is solid but is at peak, or just slightly past so drink now. Aromas of slightly stewed prunes, smoke, and black currant. A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Franc grapes. Perfect for rare steak. Food pairings: rack of lamb, pork cassoulet, grilled hanger steak. Drink: 2018 - 2019 463273 13.5% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marchand-Tawse Pinot Noir 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: A very seductive nose of black cherry and violets. Smooth, supple and almost full-bodied with great richness on the palate. Aromas of sour cherry, cranberry and wild tart blackberry. Good acidity for smoked salmon or grilled chicken. Produced by a joint venture between Moray Tawse, of Niagara's Tawse winery, and Burgundian winemaker Pascal Marchand. The Pinot Noir vines were planted in 1978 in the clay and limestone soils of Pommard, one of Burgundy's most respected communes. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal scaloppini, beef, smoked salmon, coq au vin. Drink: 2016 - 2020 285601 12.5% XD 750 mL $32.25 Score: 94/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Grivière 2011, Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: A pleasant Bordeaux red wine made of a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The vines are planted in soils of marl, oyster shells and calcareous. Aromas of dark red fruits, smoke and oak. Pair with a arare steak. Food pairings: grilled rare steaks, blackened ribs with BBQ sauce, coq au vin, Cornish game hen, tomato tarte. Drink: 2016 - 2022 469783 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Weingut R&A Pfaffl Pfaffenheim 2015, Alsace A.C., France: Very pleasant and mouth-watering with white peach and lime bossom aromas. Pair with fresh seafood. Medium-bodied. OTHER: This is a wine that blends Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc, and was crafted specifically to pair with seafood. It's easy and friendly with a delightful and bright personality. Fresh and fruity with a lifted floral nose and a slight sweet edge to the ripe peach fruit on the palate. Enjoy with shellfish. (VINTAGES panel, April 2016). Food pairings: steamed mussels in their own juice and frites, spring green salad with asparagus, grilled halibut. Drink: 2017 - 2020 469734 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Pech Redon L'épervier 2014, La Clape, Coteaux Du Languedoc, Midi A.P., France: The 2014 vintage of the Chateau Pech Redon from southern France is a robust blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 20% Carignan grapes. The wine was aged 18 months in a blend of large barrels (foudre) and stainless steel tanks before bottling. Band-Aid on the nose (I like this) along with fleshy ripe black plums and smoke. The vineyard is planted on the uppermost part of La Clape's hill facing the Mediterranean sea in the Languedoc region. The surrounding biodiversity of aromatic herbs, plants and trees influence the taste of the wine, according to the wine's back label. Pair with game dishes, duck confit and grilled lamb with rosemary. Decant 1 hour. Food pairings: grilled flank steak, slow-braised ribs, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2023 129965 14.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Château Du Grand Caumont Cuvée Tradition 2014, Corbières, Midi A.P., France: Rustic in an extremely attractive, woodland, cedar brush way. So tasty with a great grip on the senses and palate. Loaded with black pepper and dark spice followed by fleshy blackberries and cassis. Very sexy stuff. Full-bodied and smooth. Great price. Food pairings: tourtière, grilled gourmet burgers, slow-braised lamb shanks. Drink: 2018 - 2022 540831 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese 2015, Mosel Prädikatswein, Germany: Lovely richness and layered with apricot preserves and peach jam on the nose and palate. Decisive sweetness is balanced by terrific mouth-watering acidity. Fleshy ripe peach and pear on the finish. Pair with mild curries and glazed ham. Riesling Spätlese food pairings: turkey and spicy stuffing, pork schnitzel and dumpling, mild curry dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2023 727370 7.5% M 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. March 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Anselmann Edesheimer Rosengarten Siegerrebe Spätlese 2016, Pfalz Prädikatswein, Germany: The German grape Siegerrebe offers a lot of fruit, flower and sweet spice aromas and flavours. This is a light-bodied wine that's big on flavour with balanced acidity, fresh and crisp enough for fruit flans and cobblers. Liquid gorgeous with clementine zest and lovely apricot sunshine. Sweet but not cloying: still fresh for fruit flans and cobblers due to lovely balancing acidity. Siegerrebe Spätlese food pairings: fruit, fruit flan, apple cobbler, green salad with mango and strawberries. Drink: 2018 - 2022 910554 8.5% S 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fritz Willi Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium Riesling Feinherb 2015, Mosel Qualitätswein, Germany: The term Feinherb is not regulated by law, but it usually refers to a German white wine that' either halbtrocken or slightly sweeter than halbtrocken, which refers to wines that have 9-18 grams of residual sugar. So it's neither completely dry or sweet, but rather somewhere in between. This lovely German white wine made from the country's flagship Riesling grape is very aromatic offering notes of fresh white peach, lime and citrus. Pair with shellfish. Riesling Feinherb food pairings: pork schnitzel with applesauce, veal Porterhouse steak, grilled seafood. Drink: 2017 - 2021 523894 11% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Israel
Tulip Winery Just Blend 2016, Galilee, Israel: A full-bodied, smooth red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Grenache grapes harvested from a vineyard in Galilee. The wine was aged for 6 months in French oak barrels. Aromas and flavours of sweet blackberries and plums. A modern, international style, clean. Pair with a pepper steak. Food pairings: lamb cutlets, New York striploin steak, roast breast veal. Drink: 2018 - 2023 440396 13.5% D 750 mL $21.75 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Barkan Wine Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Upper Galilee, Israel: A superbly balanced, robust Cabernet from Israel. Firm tannins, so age in the cellar a few more years then decant 1-2 hours and pair with rare steak. Aromas of fleshy black fruit and toasty oak. This wine was aged in French oak barrels for 20 months. This wine is kosher for Passover. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast chicken, grilled lamb chops, gourmet burger. Drink: 2019 - 2023 698902 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Golan Heights Winery Hermon Mount Hermon Red 2016, Galilee, Israel: This wine is kosher for Passover. It's a full-bodied, rustic red wine and one of the few we see from Israel in local liquor stores. It's imported by the respected winery Yarden and offers aromas and flavours of black fruit, toasty oak and tar. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair it with brisket. Red food pairings: hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2017 - 2019 611293 13.9% XD 750 mL $25.65 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2014, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Tarry black with a firm tannic grip: decant 1-2 hours to smooth out. Aromas of black spice and black fruit with toasty oak. Pair with rare steak. Chianti Classico food pairings: meat lovers pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, breaded veal cutlets, cobb salad. Drink: 2018 - 2021 91694 13.5% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marziano Abbona Terlo Ravera Barolo 2011, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: As brooding as Bach, as dark as Heathcliffe: this is a towering monument to all dark forces that move us to delight. Tannic, yes so it could use cellar time and certainly decant 1-2 hours when opening it. Dark fruit, tar, violets and truffles comingle and delight. Barolo food pairings: anchovy pizza, porcini mushrooms, prime rib beef. Drink: 2018 - 2024 67918 14% XD 750 mL $59.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2015, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: This robust Italian red wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot grapes. Full-bodied with gloriously rich aromas and flavours of black cherry, mocha and smoke. Complex and layered with a long finish. Pair this with T-bone steak. Pair with game meats. Food pairings: hearty beef stew with fall vegetables, three sausage and bean cassoulet, Mediterranean spiced lamb. Drink: 2018 - 2025 735597 14.5% D 750 mL $84.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Il Molino di Grace Il Margone Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lots of racy acidity on the palate, with black fruit and some mocha. Finished with back spice. Pair with grilled meats. Chianti Classico food pairings: steak topped pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, breaded veal cutlets, cobb salad. Drink: 2018 - 2022 435115 13.5% XD 750 mL $42.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2015, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Juicy and mouth-watering with sour and tart cherry notes. Supple and fairly smooth. Perfect for grilled meats. Food pairings: prime rib, hearty meat stews, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2018 - 2023 147876 12.5% XD 750 mL $43.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tenuta Ulisse Pecorino 2016, Terre Di Chieti, Abruzzo I.G.P., Italy: Orange blossom, clementine and spring blossoms. Good acidic bite and more heft on the palate than I expected from such a pretty, flirty nose. Pecorino food pairings: cream-based pasta, mild cheese, seafood medley. Drink: 2018 - 2020 249128 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Attems Pinot Grigio 2016, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: One of my favourite Italian Pinot Grigio wines year after year. This IGT wine from northern Venezia region is fresh, with zesty aromas of lime, white pear and grapefruit. Mouth-wateringly perfect for grilled fish or calamari. Pinot Grigio food pairings: grilled chicken breast, summer salads, pork burgers, oysters on the half-shell. Drink: 2018 - 2020 707950 12.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2013, Collezione Ca' Del Pipa, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Full-bodied and delicious Italian red wine from the Veneto region. Lovers of Amarone will love this bottling as it offers a full-palate-flavour of fleshy black cherries and blackberries. There's also some dried herbs and dark spices on the finish. Powerfully crafted for pleasure. Match it with a New York steak. Highly recommended. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: rich tomato sauce and pasta, vegetarian lasagna, fricassee rabbit. Drink: 2018 - 2023 75127 15% XD 750 mL $55.95 Score: 92/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fontanafredda Eremo Langhe Rosso 2014, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: A terrific value from the northern Italian region of Piedmont. This robust red wine is made from the classic and distinctive Nebbiolo grape. Aromas of wild truffle and dark fruit and smoke. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with game meats. Food pairings: herbed steaks, Portobello mushroom, chili, soup, lamb chops. Drink: 2016 - 2020 454041 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Masi Brolo Campofiorin Oro 2013, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Smooth, full-bodied and lovely with mocha and dark fruit goodness. Gorgeous replays of black plum and cherry across the palate. Finishes with a touch of spice and espresso. Highly recommended. Dark berries on the nose with vanilla spice and baked fruit on the finish. Pair with roasted meats. Food pairings: grilled lamb, pepper steak, spaghetti carbonara. Drink: 2017 - 2022 976092 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente Vii Chianti Classico 2014, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Dark berry and smoke on the nose of this full-bodied Italian Chianti. Wild cedar underbrush notes, not fruit forward. Pair with a rare steak Chianti Classico food pairings: breaded veal cutlets, cobb salad, roast beef, cheesy pizza. Drink: 2017 - 2021 421388 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 87/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Poggio Al Tufo Rompicollo 2015, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Savoury and juicy with smoky black fruit on the nose. Very attractive. Full-bodied Italian red wine with black cherry and spice on the nose. Pair with roast beef. Food pairings: rich tomato and roasted Italian vegetables sauce over penne, beef stuffed tomatoes and peppers. Drink: 2017 - 2022 13755 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Wither Hills Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This generous Pinot Noir was aged for 16 months in French oak barriques. A lovely, layered New Zealand Pinot Noir, with luscious notes of cherries and plums on the nose and palate. Silky smooth texture and medium body. Pair with seared tuna or roast turkey. Pinot Noir food pairings: prime rib, turkey, pork tenderloin, mushroom and truffle dishes, grilled salmon. Drink: 2018 - 2021 919829 14.5% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Portugal
Alianca Winery Vinho Verde 2016, Vinho Verde D.O.C., Portugal: A crisp white with incredible mouth-watering acidity. The acidic attack on the palate offers notes of white grapefruit and lime zest. This refreshing white cries out for food such as fresh seafood. Drink: 2018 - 2019 75663 10% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 85/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Beyra Vinhos De Altitude 2015, Beira D.O.C., Portugal: A pleasant, full-bodied Portuguese red wine blend with notes of black fruit and oak. Pair with hamburgers. Food pairings: grilled pork chops, rack of BBQ ribs, lentil dishes, veal Porterhouse, borscht. Drink: 2018 - 2022 408120 13% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 86/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Andreza Reserva 2014, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Juicy and full-bodied with rich aromas of fleshy black plums, blackberries and smoke. Relatively polished in texture on the palate. On the Douro River, river bends are called "voltas" and all have individual names. The Volta of Andreza is one of the most beautiful, and this wine is named for it. The two winemakers Joao Silva e Sousa and Francisco Baptisto work with vines planted at a high altitude, which gives more structure to the wine than those grapes grown closer to the river. This is a blend of traditional varieties: Touriga Nacional and Touriga Roriz. Half the wine was aged in French and American oak barrels. There is no filtration, clarification or stabilization of this wine. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Food pairings: grilled flank steak, slow-braised ribs, roast chicken. Drink: 2018 - 2022 616911 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah 2014, Simonsberg Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: The 2014 vintage of this South African Syrah from the Simonsberg-Stellenbosch W. O. Rustenberg's Buzzard Kloof offers smoky black currant aromas and sweet spice and black pepper. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in oak barrels to give it is soft and creamy mouthfeel. More than one-third of the wine was aged in new oak barrel for 20 months. Lots of mocha, dark chocolate and smoke on the nose of this robust South African Syrah. A full-bodied, smoky South African red wine with aromas of cassis and black currant. Finishes with wood smoke and dark spice. Pair with grilled lamb. Syrah food pairings: slow-cooked beef ragú, mutton with mint and coriander, espresso and cocoa-rubbed flank steak, black bean soup.. Drink: 2018 - 2022 588938 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Man Family Warrelwind Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Grassy and herbal with lots of acidity for seafood and shellfish. Medium-bodied and no oak aromas. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: creamy cheeses, calamari, steamed mussels, creamy pasta dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2020 461004 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ernie Els Big Easy 2016, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: South African golf pro Ernie Els earned the nickname The Big Easy for his effortless swing and manor on the golf course. This savoury, juicy, lip-smacking red is dried herbs, spice and wild blackberry on the nose and palate. The Big Easy is a full-bodied South African red blend of 60% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Grenache, 3% Mourvèdre, 5% Viognier and 7% Cinsault grapes. Lots of flavour here! A core of spicy, wild blackberry. Pair with a pepper steak. Food pairings: rare rib roast, roast of lamb, New York strip loin. Drink: 2018 - 2022 220038 14.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Franciscan Chardonnay 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States: Boston cream pie on the nose and palate from oak aging, that follows through with a rich texture on the palate. Lots of butter, butterscotch, caramel, and toffee-vanilla notes. Full-bodied and luscious with fleshy peach emerging on the palate. Finishes smoky. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Chardonnay food pairings: barbecued chicken, pasta with white sauce, fruit and cheese platter. Drink: 2018 - 2022 496125 13.5% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hogue Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: The Columbia Valley is the heart of Washington State's wine production, with top-notch producers winning international respect. There is a great deal of diversity in mesoclimates and sub-regions. The 2014 vintage of Genesis is made from grapes grown in vineyards planted in the warm climate of Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope as well as the cooler region of Yakima Valley. A full-bodied and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Washington's most respected wineries. Lots of dark fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: garlic lemon marinated beef long ribs grilled on the barbie, slow-cooked beef brisket, sautéed wild mushrooms over toast. Drink: 2018 - 2022 275123 13.5% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Robert Mondavi Winery To Kalon Vineyard Reserve Fumé Blanc 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: A superb Californian Chardonnay from the Mondavi estate's most prized vineyard, To Kalon Vineyard, planted in Oakville. It features old vine Sauvignon Blanc, which adds depth and complexity to this wine. Aromas of lemongrass, chives and lime zest with racy acidity and an attractive smoky finish. Pair with fresh seafood. Fumé Blanc food pairings: grilled shrimp, seafood Shepherd's pie, calamari, grilled whitefish. Drink: 2017 - 2020 326165 14.5% XD 750 mL $79.95 Score: 92/100. March 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Napa Cellars Merlot 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: An intense, deep Merlot offering dark fruit and toasty oak. Finishes long and smooth with blackberry and cedar smoke. Mocha and dark chocolate on the nose with luscious black fruit unfolding on the palate and mouth-filling juiciness. This wine was aged in 100% French oak, 33% of which was new. There were 610 barrels produced of this wine. Perfect for rare meats. Decant 1 hour. Merlot food pairings: prime rib, grilled leg of lamb, pork, roasted turkey. Drink: 2018 - 2022 161299 14.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
A to Z Pinot Gris 2016, Oregon, United States: Crisp Oregon white wine made from the state's most iconic white grape, Pinot Gris. White peach clean with mouth-watering acidity that makes it a superb aperitif. Pair with shellfish. Pinot Gris food pairings: pan-seared buttered scallops, grilled tiger shrimp, chicken skewers with lime citrus sauce. Drink: 2018 - 2020 258145 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, California, United States: This organic Californian red wine is made from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Aromas of dark berries, plums, spice and smoke. Full-bodied. Decant 1-2 hours. A consistently good producer year after year. The winemaker is Jeff Cichocki. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2017 - 2020 342428 13.8% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Baron Herzog Pinot Grigio 2016, California, United States: A crisp, fresh Californian Pinot Grigio that is also Kosher for Passover. Zesty, with mouth-watering acidity. This is a respected Kosher winery that's been making wine in California since 1985. Pair this with seafood. Drink: 2017 - 2018 640606 12% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc 2018, California, United States: A light-bodied, soft summer sipper with fresh peach and pear notes. Nice expression of Californian Chenin Blanc that we don't see often on the liquor store shelves. This wine is Kosher for Passover. Pair with light seafood dishes. Drink: 2020 - 2022 206995 11.5% D 750 mL $15.20 Score: 87/100. March 2018. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Paul Hobbs Winery Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Paul Hobbs Winery was founded in 1991 by established winemaker, Paul Hobbs. The winery is located in Sebastopol, Sonoma County and specializes in single-vineyard varietal wines made from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. This 2015 Californian Chardonnay is rich, intense and full-bodied as any Chardonnay can go. Complex and satisfying Californian Chardonnay, with full-bodied richness and weight with a velvet texture. Toasty oak yet it's integrated beautifully with the green apple and peach aromas. A chardonnay lover's chardonnay. Complex with a long finish. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: lobster in butter sauce, breads, cheese, poultry, quiches. Drink: 2018 - 2022 119073 14.1% XD 750 mL $77.25 Score: 93/100. March 2018. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Francis Coppola Director's Chardonnay 2015, Sonoma County, California, United States: Lots of toasty oak on the nose and palate of this full-bodied California Chardonnay. Some golden apple on the palate. This finish has more oak and smoke. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: roast chicken, veal chops in white wine sauce, creamy pasta dishes. Drink: 2018 - 2021 396291 13.5% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 88/100. March 2018. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Raymond Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: The 2014 vintage of the Raymond Reserve Selection is a lively Cabernet Sauvignon from California's Napa Valley. Lots of fresh and ripe red fruit, plum and raspberry notes on this 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance in Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc wine grapes. Bottled unfiltered, the wine also spent one year and a half in new French oak. Great cellar wine. A delicious red with ripe red fruit, plum and raspberry notes. Pair with a rare steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak, stew, bison, venison, boar. Drink: 2018 - 2022 715979 15% XD 750 mL $54.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir 2014, Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: An elegant Oregon Pinot Noir from one of the state's most respected producers. Supple, silky and medium-bodied. Aromas of dark cherry and some spice. This is the inaugural vintage for this wine. Pair with veal or roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: rack of lamb, sausage cassoulet, grilled hanger steak. Drink: 2018 - 2021 529107 14.5% XD 750 mL $50.00 Score: 92/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: A juicy, robust Californian Cabernet bursting with aromas and flavours of fleshy black plum, blackberry and cassis all nicely wrapped in toasty oak. Perfect for a steak or prime rib. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York strip loin, hard cheese, braised pork shanks. Drink: 2017 - 2021 432211 14.5% XD 750 mL $50.95 Score: 90/100. March 2018. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Ironstone Merlot 2015, Lodi, California, United States: Mocha-dark chocolate on the nose with fleshy black plum and campfire smoke aromas on this full-bodied Merlot. Dependably delicious year after year. A consistent and accessible Californian Merlot with loads of toasty oak and chocolate flavours. Don't listen to Miles (from the movie Sideways), try this with burgers. Four generations of family have been making wine at Ironstone. You can visit them in the historic Gold Rush town of Murphys in California. Pair with grilled meats. Merlot food pairings: grilled ribs, burgers, cheese, poultry, lamb, grilled sausages. Drink: 2016 - 2020 704353 14% XD 750 mL $18.25 Score: 91/100. March 2018. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart