El Enemigo Syrah Viognier 2019, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: El Enemigo 2019 is a dry, medium-plus-bodied Syrah and Viognier blend, dark violet in the glass and fragrant with rose petals, violets, plum, earthy truffle and ripe blackberry flavours silky on the palate. Tannins are fine-grained and velvety. This Argentinean red wine was inspired by the Côte Rotie style of making wines. Expressive and delicious. Drink or cellar to 2033. Drink: 2023-2033. 19390 13.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 94/100. September 2, 2023
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewEl Enemigo Los Paraísos Bonarda 2019, Mendoza, Argentina: El Enemigo Los Paraísos 2019 Bonarda is produced from a single-vineyard and is bottled unfiltered. Look for ripe small dark berries, blackberry, plum, savoury herbs, fir flavours and spicy notes vibrant on the palate. Tannins are fine. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2028. 17286 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. October 7, 2023
Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewBenjamin Bridge Méthode Classique Non Vintage Brut Sparkling, Gaspereau, Nova Scotia, Canada: A stunning Nova Scotia sparkling wine from Benjamin Bridge. This is a non- vintage (NV) bubbly that's a blend of L’Acadie, Vidal, Seyval, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay estate grown grapes. Aromas of freshly baked bread and golden apple. Winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers has blended several vintages to create this signature style. Pair with shellfish and seafood. Drink: 2022-2025. 528752 11.50% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 93/100. December 2, 2023
Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewHenry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2019, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment wine region, Henry Of Pelham Estate 2019 Pinot Noir is produced from sustainably-grown wine grapes. Lovely and inviting on the nose with ripe cranberry, cherry and toasty oak spice; medium-bodied and bright with red currant, raspberry, strawberry, sous bois, earthy fresh mushroom, cinnamon and clove spice flavours on the palate. Nicely balanced with good acidity for food. Pour with a duck confit. Drink: 2022-2026. 268391 13.50% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. October 7, 2023
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewWayne Gretzky Estates Whisky Oak Aged Chardonnay 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From the Niagara Peninsula wine region, Wayne Gretzky 2019 Whisky oak aged Chardonnay is a rich, full-bodied, smoky Chard with ripe peach, apple, vanilla, caramel and toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. A portion of the wine was fermented in stainless-steel tank with the balance (48%) in whisky oak aged barrels. Chill and enjoy with roast chicken. Drink: 2022-2024. 17234 13% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 6, 2023
Best Value White Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewEscudo Rojo Reserva Chardonnay 2021, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Escudo Rojo Reserva 2021 is produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild from sustainably-grown Chardonnay wine grapes. The wine is dry, medium-plus-bodied with crunchy green apple, tropical fruit, fresh pastry, nutty and creamy citrus zest flavours zesty on the palate wrapped up in a lingering, leesy mineral finish. Chill and enjoy it on its own or with grilled chicken dishes. Drink: 2023-2024. 17617 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 2, 2023
Best Value White Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewSan Pedro 1865 Tayú Pinot Noir 2020, Buchahueico, Malleco Valley D.O., Chile: San Pedro 1865 Tayú 2020 Pinot Noir is a smoky and juicy PN from Buchahueico, Malleco Valley wine region. Rich and ripe with fresh red berry fruit, earthy floral and spicy notes savoury and vibrant on the palate. Tannins are firm and pleasantly chewy for a Pinot Noir. Grapes are 35% whole-cluster fermented and 60% of the wine was aged in stainless-steel tank with the balance in oak and concrete vessels. In Mapudungun, "Mapuche" means “people of the land”, "Tayu" means “Ours” and the making of this wine is based on their understanding of the grape based on a traditional approach. This wine project has been under development since 2015, when viticulturist Pedro Izquierdo began teaching viticulture to local families. Today, there are four vineyards at 2.5 hectares each with winemaker, Viviana Navarrete (Viña Leyda) assisting the community in making wine. Drink: 2023-2028. 16628 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. September 2, 2023
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewUndurraga Terroir Hunter Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Cauquenes, Maule Valley, Chile: From Cauquenes, Maule Valley, Undurraga Terroir Hunter 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes sourced from the Pirque commune near the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Look for a dry, medium-plus-bodied Cab, vibrant with cassis, bramble leaf, black olive and cocoa flavours fresh and silky on the palate. Tannins are textured. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2027. 24768 14.40% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. September 2, 2023
Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewCave de Tain Héritiers Gambert Nobles Rives 2021, Crozes Hermitage, Rhône A.P., France: From the Rhône wine region, Cave de Tain Héritiers Gambert Nobles Rives 2021 is a 100% Syrah red wine produced from sustainably grown grapes from the well known wine region of Crozes Hermitage. Rich on the nose and palate with violets, ripe dark berry fruit, cherry, savoury herbs and pepper spice with a kiss of smoke and wrapped up in pitch-perfect balanced acidity, it is a beautifully-crafted Syrah. A portion of the wine was aged in concrete vats (60%) with the balance in 400-litre oak barrels. Drinking beautifully now and to the end of the decade. Drink: 2023-2030. 572230 12.50% D 750 mL $29.25 Score: 92/100. September 9, 2023
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewCellier des Dauphins Vinsobres 2019, Vinsobres, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: Cellier des Dauphins 2019 is a Cru des Côtes du Rhône and amazing value at $20. Dry, medium-plus-bodied, the wine is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. Look for bright red berry, cherry, dark berry, smoked meat and baking spice flavours on this delicious and refined Rhone Red. Cellier des Dauphins is made up of 13 co-operative wineries and 3,000 growers. Drink: 2023-2028. 15448 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 2, 2023
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full ReviewChâteau Bellevue La Forêt Originel 2020, Fronton, Southwest A.P., France: Château Bellevue La Forêt 2020 is produced from Cabernet Franc , Cabernet Sauvignon, Négrette and Syrah wine grapes and an excellent value Fronton red blend at $16. The wine is rich, dry and full-bodied with bright red fruits, chocolate, earthy herbs and spicy flavour, Tannins are structured. Each varietal was vinified separately and the wine was aged for 24 months in large oak barrels prior to bottling. The little known Négrette wine grape appeared in the 12th century and was named "Mavro" (black) originally brought in from Cyprus by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Drink: 2024-2026. 354134 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. November 2, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewWillm Réserve Riesling 2016, Alsace AOC, France: Lemon sunshine all the way in this vibrant, mouth-watering, juicy Alsatian white wine made from the classic Riesling grape. Dry and satisfying. Perfect for shellfish and seafood. #Love Drink: 2018-2023. 11452 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 6, 2023
Best Value White Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewAllegrini Palazzo della Torre 2019, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2019 is dry, medium-plus-bodied 40% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese red wine blend produced from sustainably grown grapes. A portion of the grapes were produced in the 'double pass' or Ripasso method and the wine is vibrant and richly layered with ripe dark cherry, raisined fruits, mocha, clove and black pepper spice elegant, harmonious and finishing long and velvety on the palate. Tannins are soft and rounded. Excellent value at $25. Drink or hold. Drink: 2022-2029. 672931 13.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. October 7, 2023
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewTommasi Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico 2020, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Tommasi Rafaèl 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is a great value fruity, full-bodied, traditional Corvina, Rondinella and Molina red blend at $20. Fragrant with fresh red berries, cherry, fine herb, vanilla, baking spice flavours and peppery notes on nose and palate. Beautifully balanced with fresh acidity, tannins are medium and fine-grained. The wine was matured for 15 months in Slavonian oak casks. Produced from a fourth-generation family estate founded in 1902 with holdings of 260 acres in the Valpolicella Classico zone. Drink: 2023-2025. 23259 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. September 9, 2023
Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewZenato Valpolicella Superiore 2020, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Zenato 2020 Valpolicella Superiore is great value at $19. Dry, medium-bodied and perfumed with spicy dark cherry, red currant, plum and toasty oak spice fresh on the palate with a hint of chocolate, cola and savoury herbs. The wine is produced mostly from Corvina Veronese with Rondinella and Corvinone grapes in support. Tannins are well-integrated. Founded in 1960, Zenato is one of the most trusted names in all of wine industry. For more than half a century, Zenato has concentrated on making premium wines in Veneto. Drink: 2024-2025. 995704 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. January 6, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full ReviewFontanafredda Barbera D'alba 2021, Piedmont D.O.C., Italy: From the Piedmont wine region, Fontanafredda 2021 is a great value Barbera d'Alba at $18. Fragrant with pink florals, black cherry and dark berry fruit, the wine is zesty, meaty and spicy on the palate with a lingering mineral and mocha finish. Enjoy with roasted Cornish game hens or bison and blueberry sausages from the grill. Drink through 2026. Drink: 2023-2026. 17530 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 23, 2023
Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewClos Henri Petit Clos Pinot Noir 2019, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Clos Henri Petit Clos 2019 Pinot Noir is an organically farmed and biodynamic-produced PN from the Marlborough wine region. Pale ruby in the glass with a fresh and vibrant nose of ripe raspberry, blueberry and violets. On the palate, the wine is dry and juicy with more ripe berry, blueberry and spicy flavours. Tannins are fine-grained. Drink: 2021-2028. 19621 13.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. October 21, 2023
Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewLe Bonheur Chardonnay 2022, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: Le Bonheur 2022 Chardonnay is a dry, medium-plus-bodied, bright and happy Chard with spring florals, crisp green apple, lime zest and flinty mineral flavours lively and silky on the palate. Grapes for this vintage were sourced from the Stellenbosch wine region and are sustainably grown. Drink: 2023-2024. 20970 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. December 16, 2023
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewNivarius 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From the Rioja wine region, Nivarius 2018 is a dry, medium-bodied white wine blend produced from certified organic, Old Vines Viura and Maturana Blanca (70%/30%). The winery currently produces only white wine and “nivarius” meaning "snow drift” is so named for the vineyards located on north-facing slopes at 800 metres above sea-level; a site so cold it is common to see a snowy blanket covering the vineyards in winter, and it was also a place to store snow to be used for ice in the summer. The wine was temperature controlled fermented in stainless-steel tanks then aged for nine months in French oak barrels. Look for white florals, white-fleshed stone fruit, apple pie, nutty, lemon zesty and minerally flavours super fresh on the palate. Drink: 2023-2024. 15591 14% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. October 7, 2023
Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full ReviewBorsao Berola 2018, Campo de Borja D.O., Spain: From the Campo De Borja wine region in Spain, Borsao Berola 2018 is produced from Grenache and Syrah grown in high-altitude vineyards up to 700 metres above sea level and spent 14 months ageing in a mix of French and American oak barrels. Dry, fresh and fruity with concentrated black fruits, smoky toasty oak and pepper spice flavours rich and vibrant on the palate. Pour this bright beauty with a short rib ragu. Berola is the original name for the 12th century monastery of Veruela when the land was first granted to Cistercian monks to tend and plant as vineyards. Established in 1958, Bodegas Borsao has grown to include three co-ops with some 620 wine growers who cultivate over 2,430 hectares of vines. Drink: 2022-2025. 371518 15% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. November 18, 2023
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewMonasterio de las Viñas Garnacha 2017, Cariñena D.O.P., Spain: From the Cariñena wine region, Monasterio de las Viñas 2017 is an old vines 100% Grenache and amazing value at $20. Fragrant with dark cherry compote, fine herb, anise, minty and toasty oak aromas and flavours, the wine is dry, medium-bodied with velvety, rounded and supple tannins. Produced from 40-plus-year-old vines and the wine rested four months in French oak barrels prior to bottling. Overdelivers for the price and drinking beautifully now. Drink: 2023-2025. 10635 14.70% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2, 2023
Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewBorsao Zarihs Shiraz 2018, Campo De Borja, Aragón D.O., Spain: From Campo De Borja, Aragón wine region, Borsao Zarihs 2018 Shiraz is a lush, medium-plus-bodied dry red, smoky on the nose with dark cherry and earthy notes; dry and smoky on the palate with ripe dark cherry, dried fruits, mocha, minty and spicy flavours. The wine was aged 12 months in 40% American oak barrels with the balance in stainless steel-tank. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2027. 21433 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 2, 2023
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewRio Madre Graciano 2021, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From Bodegas y Viñedos Ilurce, Rio Madre 2021 Graciano is produced from 100% Graciano grapes. This Rioja red is dry, robust and fragrant with dark spices, blackberry and toasty oak spice flavours fresh on the palate. Tannins are fine-grained and structured. Try in 2024 with a wild mushroom ragu or game sausages from the grill. Drink or hold. Drink: 2024-2028. 354753 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 2, 2023
Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2018, Lodi, California, United States: A robust, blockbuster Californian Zinfandel with aromas of blackberry, black plum, dark spice and smoke. Supple and smooth. Perfect for barbecued and grilled meats. Drink: 2022-2025. 59311 14.90% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. October 6, 2023
Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewLa Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: A silky, juicy cool climate California Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast. Fleshy red cherry and dark spice with a long, silky finish and nervy acidity for seafood, roast chicken and turkey. Medium-bodied and delicious!
Drink: 2019-2023. 719435 13.90% D 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. October 6, 2023
Top Rated Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewLouis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Napa Valley, California, United States: A stunning, complex Californian Cabernet with aromas of cassis and blackberry. Beautifully crafted. Decant 1 hour and pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020-2027. 232371 14.40% D 750 mL $67.95 Score: 93/100. October 6, 2023
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewChateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, California, United States: Chateau St. Jean 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is an amazing value Cali Cab from Sonoma County at $17. From a well-known winery, the wine is full-bodied, fruity and silky-smooth with dark cherry, cassis, toasty oak spice and structured tannins. A Wednesday wine to enjoy with burgers and ribs from the grill. Drink: 2023-2029. 38034 13.80% XD 750 mL $18.20 Score: 91/100. September 9, 2023
Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review