Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: Smoky with charred black fruit. Honkin big and mouth-filling. Full-on palate whacker for grilled burgers and people who talk too loudly and ignore personal space. Drink: 2014-2018. 50849 14.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 11, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: This winery sources all of its grapes from estate vineyards and the harvesting is done by hand. This Shiraz (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) blend spends 8 months in American and French oak, which imparts depth and richness to the wine, along with toasty oak and vanilla smoke aromas. Lots of dark fruit to fill out all the spaces in this wine. Rich and fleshy black and purple plum flavours on this finish. A crowd pleaser. Pair with hamburgers dressed with all the fixins. Drink: 2015-2017. 17111 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 19, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Don Cristobal 1492 Barrel Selection Shiraz 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Aromas of dark fruit on the nose that build more strongly on the full-bodied palate of this Argentine red wine made from Shiraz grapes. This is a terrific wine for the price point and will drink well with a wide variety of hearty meat dishes. Finishes with dark spices and vibrant fleshy black fruit nuances. Drink: 2015-2017. 236133 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 19, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Crucero Reserva Carmenère 2013, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Lots of oak, smoke and toast on the nose of this robust Chilean red wine. Full-bodied and supple smooth. Carmenere, as a grape, consistently over-delivers on the price-quality ratio. Pair with a pepper steak and good friends. Finishes with toasted coffee and spices. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2015-2017. 237859 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. September 19, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Carmen Wines Gran Reserva Syrah 2012, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Blackened fruit and lots of oak on the nose of this robust Chilean red wine. Purple and black plums and blueberries on the nose. Generous, supple and full-bodied on the palate, loaded with dark fruit flavour. Lip-smacking tasty. The 2012 vintage of the Carmen Gran Reserva Syrah was matured for 10 months in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels. It finishes with a hint of mint, mocha and toasty dark fruit. This is a shining example of the quality of wines now produced in the Chilean region of Apalta. Pair with grilled lamb chops. Drink: 2015-2018. 14124 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. September 19, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Tessellae Old Vines Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2013, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.P, France: The 2013 vintage of Tessellae Old Vines Cotes du Roussillon is fresh and intriguing on the nose with fleshy purple plums, black fruit and some toast. Perfect for grilled meats. Finishes with pepper and dark spice. Highly recommended. Drink: 2015-2019. 343517 14% XD 750 mL $17.00 Score: 93/100. September 5, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
La Ferme Du Mont Le Ponnant 2010, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages A.C., France: The 2010 vintage of the Cotes du Rhone Villages Le Ponnant is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The wine was matured in 30% oak barrels, the rest in stainless steel. Firm tannins. This wine is unfiltered. Drink: 2013-2017. 171371 14.50% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. September 15, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Perrin & Fils Peyre Blanche Cairanne 2013, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages A.C., France: An amazing wine for the money! This robust French red offers fleshy black cherry, anise, smoke and dark spices. Pair it with roast beef. Drink: 2015-2019. 650960 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. September 19, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2014, Swartland, South Africa: Tremendous value in this South African red wine made from Syrah grapes! Aromas of fleshy rich and ripe black and purple plums with blackberry liqueur. Perfect for pizza night, especially at this price. Drink: 2014-2018. 595280 14.60% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 16, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Fairview Shiraz 2013, Paarl, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: Smoky and savoury with cigar box and dried tobacco leaves along with blackcurrant and cassis. Robust, smooth and complex. Very well made. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2015-2017. 626358 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 19, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review