Agostino Inicio Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Juicy, generous and mouth-watering with aromas of purple plum, black plum and mocha-dark chocolate. This wine was matured for six months in American and French oak. Great value. Perfect for hamburgers. Drink: 2013-2016. 330670 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2013
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Kilikanoon Wines The Lackey Shiraz 2013, South Australia, Australia: Big, bold and black fruit with delicious fleshy ripeness wrapped in toasty oak. Polished tannins. Black pepper with a hint of eucalyptus on the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2017. 5199 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 19, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Wakefield Shiraz 2014, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Solid and full-bodied with big black fruit aromas. This terrific Australian Shiraz is tarry, spicy and peppery on the palate and finish. Pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2015-2018. 943787 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 22, 2015
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Willow Bridge Estate Dragonfly Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014, Geographe, Western Australia, Australia: Lemon zest and smoke -- so seductive. Amazing price. Zesty with mouth-watering juiciness for seafood and smoked fish. Oh yeah. Drink: 2014-2017. 418368 12.30% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 93/100. August 22, 2015
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Turkey Flat Butchers Block Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Smoky and toasty from lavish oak aging. This full-bodied and delicious Australian red wine blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre (GSM). Aromas of fleshy black plum and berry. Round and smooth and mouth-filling. Portions of these grapes grow on some of the Barossa Valley's oldest vines. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2015-2019. 90241 14% XD 750 mL $21.25 Score: 90/100. August 22, 2015
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Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Blanc 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia Bc V.Q.A., Canada: Honeysuckle and apple blossom on the nose of this ultra lovely white wine from one of BC's best producers. Crisp and mouth-watering yet there's a touch of balancing natural fruit sweetness, like white apricot. The grapes for this BC white wine are grown on the sun-drenched vineyards above Lake Okanagan just north of Kelowna. Crisp, clean and vibrant with attractive white peach notes. Perfect for dishes with a light glaze or chutney. Drink: 2015-2018. 321612 13.30% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 22, 2015
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Cave Spring Cabernet Franc 2013, Niagara Escarpment Ontario VQA, 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. Drink: 2015-2017. 391995 13.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. October 29, 2016
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Valle Andino Reserva Especial Syrah 2012, Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile: A full-bodied Chilean red wine with a supple, smooth texture and seductive dark spices. Pretty darn amazing for the price, even at twice the price. Lusciously ripe black fruit with layers of juicy pleasure that will make you regret buying only one bottle. The parent winery of Valle Andino is Agricola Y Commercial Santa Camila. Full-bodied and some kinda wonderful. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2017. 272682 14.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. February 7, 2015
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Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2011, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A terrific pinot noir, especially at this price point. Vibrant notes of sweet fleshy ripe cherries and raspberries. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Delicious! Perfect for movie night and casual get-togethers. Lovely long finish with spices and dark cherry. A value wine from truly one of Chile's best producers. Drink: 2013-2016. 37937 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 2, 2014
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Santa Alicia Gran Reserva De Los Andes Chardonnay 2013, Maipo Valley, Chile: A luscious, full-bodied Chilean white wine made from classic Chardonnay grapes. Perfect for roasted chicken or turkey. Drink: 2014-2018. 406991 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. October 3, 2015
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Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Cyril Mares, Prop.-Récolt. Syrah Grenache 2011, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Savoury and dark with big black fruit, smoke and meaty notes. A heart of darkness runs through this rich, deep, full-bodied wine. This wine is blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes, from a region you should put on your radar. This is an incredible price. Buy by the caseload for parties and your own pleasure. This wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged in concrete tank amazing price for this quality. Drink: 2012-2016. 143099 14.10% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2013
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Puig-Parahy Cuvée Georges 2011, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.C., France: Full-bodied and savoury with attractive notes of fleshy black fruit, dark spice, anise and toasty oak. Great value for the price. Drink: 2013-2017. 171025 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. January 10, 2015
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Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan De Dieu Aubert Frères, Prop.-Récolt. 2011, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Tasty, full-bodied and delicious! Superb value: staggeringly great for the price. Aromas of cedar, black fruit, smoke and juicy black cherry. This, my friends, is your party wine. It's dance with anything on the grill. Drink: 2013-2017. 224592 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Georges Duboeuf Hob Nob Chardonnay 2012, Languedoc IGT, France: A round, buttery Chardonnay from southern France at an extremely great price for the quality. Full-bodied with aromas of butterscotch, vanilla smoke, golden apples. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2013-2017. 232710 13% D 750 mL $9.95 Score: 88/100. April 20, 2016
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Domaine Beau Mistral Vieilles Vignes Rasteau 2012, Côtes Du Rhône Villages A.C., France: This robust French red wine from the heart of the Rhone Valley offers aromas of black fruit, cedar, smoke and dried herbs. It's complex, layered and deep with a long finish. This full-bodied red wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah matured in stainless steel and large barrels. Pair with hearty meat dishes and casseroles. Drink: 2015-2020. 343574 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. February 7, 2015
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Perrin & Fils Les Christins Vacqueyras 2012, Rhône A.C., France: Concentrated and complex with deep, satisfying layers of blackberry liqueur. Smooth yet mouth-filling. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2015-2022. 973453 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 92/100. May 30, 2015
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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
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Villa Wolf Ernst Loosen Pinot Blanc 2014, Pfalz Qualitätswein, Germany: Fresh, crisp and clean German white wine made from Pinot Blanc grapes. Lots of acidity on the palate: this wine needs food. Try shellfish, seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2014-2017. 374959 12.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. September 19, 2015
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Darting Dürkheimer Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett 2012, Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany: Terrific Deutscher white wine! White florals, peach blossom and lime aromatics with great acidity. Off-dry, food versatile. This Riesling Kabinett is medium-bodied, with lovely layering of flavours for mild to medium curries and spicy dishes. Drink: 2013-2018. 950212 9.50% MD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 2, 2014
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Salice Salentino Riserva, Cantele 2009, Puglia, Italy: Vibrant, juicy and lip-smacking delicious! Full-bodied, savoury and deep red wine. Dark fruit and smooth. Great price, especially for a DOC! Terrific Old World character, but blended with New World vitality and energy. The grapes for this wine are grown on the Salentine peninsula in southeastern Italy, known as the “heel of the boot.” The robust red wine is a blend of mostly negroamaro grapes and some malvasia nera grapes. Try it with hearty meat dishes tonight. Drink: 2013-2015. 724328 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 18, 2014
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Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2012, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: This robust Italian red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes is a towering blockbuster. It could use some more cellar time given its concentration and power. Layers of smoky black fruit and dark spice. Decant 2 hours and pair with a juicy rare steak. Drink: 2016-2021. 145920 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. April 20, 2016
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Ruffino Modus 2012, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: The 2012 vintage of this rich, full-bodied Italian red wine is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot grapes. The vines are planted primarily in the vineyards of Ruffino's estates of Poggio Casciano and Santedame, which is hilly clay rich in fossil fragments. The wine undergoes a malolactic fermentation and a post-fermentative maceration on the skins for 2 weeks to add richness and depth. It's then aged for 12 months in first, second and third use American and French 225 litre oak barrels. This Super Tuscan is worthy of your attention, from its ruby-violet gem glints in the glass to its finish as long as a Tuscan country road. It delivers an intense bouquet of black cherry, plum, graphite, dried tobacco leaves and dark spice. This robust red wine has remarkably polished tannins that yield to a supple, smooth texture. Incredible concentration and flavour at such a reasonable level of alcohol. Pair with truffle-inflected dishes and grilled meats. Drink: 2015-2021. 912956 13.50% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 94/100. July 6, 2017
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L.A. Cetto Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: This is an absolutely incredible wine for the price point. Here's your ultimate party pleaser wine. Fleshy ripe black and purple plum aromas with some blueberry jam. The palate is ultra-smooth and delicious with more dark fruit flavours. L.A. Cetto is the best-known wine producer in Mexico. Founder Don Angelo Cetto, of Italian origin, settled in Mexico in 1926. The Guadalupe Valley provides a great climate for viniculture: the Pacific Ocean’s cool winds result in chilly nights to maintain fresh acidity in the grapes while the days are very warm to ripen them. Try it with Mexican beef fajitas. Drink: 2013-2016. 114066 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 18, 2014
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Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy-great refreshment with vibrant herbal and lime-citrus aromas on this well-respected New Zealand white wine made from the country's iconic grape Sauvignon Blanc. Medium-bodied with lots of mouth-watering acidity. Perfect for salads and vegetarian dishes. Finishes with notes of gooseberry, passionfruit and citrus. A party favourite. Drink: 2014-2017. 662882 12.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. March 21, 2015
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Trinity Hill John Hancock Syrah 2013, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Savoury and smoky: love it! Full-bodied and gorgeous New Zealand Syrah. This is a must try. Finishes with notes of blackberries and wild cassis. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2015-2018. 194274 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. September 19, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Blissful Blue Cheese Wine Full Review
Herdade do Rocim 2011, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: A savoury, dry, herbed Spanish red wine with aromas of black fruit, smoke and spice. Firm, grippy tannins. Decant 2 hours. Perfect for lamb with rosemary. Drink: 2013-2019. 423574 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 22, 2015
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Sutherland Thelema Mountain Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Stellenbosch Elgin W.O., South Africa: Incredibly vibrant with herbal, lime and freshly cut grass aromas. Very refreshing. Wonderful quaffer. The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit flavour. Great value. Pair with fresh seafood and salads. Drink: 2015-2016. 446384 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. September 5, 2015
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Man Vintners Free-Run Steen Chenin Blanc 2014, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: Vibrant South African white wine made from the country's aromatic and iconic Chenin Blanc grape. This wine has lime energy and lift. Some green apple through the mid-palate with some white melon on a long finish. Amazing for the price point! Pair with fresh seafood. Drink: 2015-2018. 126847 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. August 22, 2015
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Clos Malverne Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: A terrific full-bodied red wine for the money! Black fruit, tannic grip on the palate so decant 1-2 hours. Great with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013-2015. 678433 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. December 7, 2013
Best Value Red Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Guardian Peak Ernie Els Wines Shiraz 2011, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Great value! Toasty oak, espresso-coffee and charry black fruit. Full-bodied, juicy and supple. Perfect for coffee-rubbed meats. Drink: 2013-2015. 652602 14.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 31, 2013
Best Value Red Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell 2011, Jumilla, Spain: A tasty and full-bodied red wine with black and dark red fruit aromas and flavours. Monastrell is also known as Mataró or Mouvedre in other regions, and usually creates rich wines of great depth and concentration. Try it tonight with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2015. 163154 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 4, 2014
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Monasterio de las Viñas Reserva Grandes Vinos Y Viñedos 2006, Cariñena, Spain: A terrific wine for the money! Juicy, full-bodied, savoury and smooth. Aromas of cedar and black cherry. Great pick for a potluck gathering or movie night. It would be terrific with cold cuts and hard cheeses. Drink: 2012-2015. 166579 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 4, 2014
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Hecula Bodegas Castano Monastrell 2009, Yecla, Spain: Tart red cherries, dust and smoke in this full-bodied, smooth red with mouth-watering acidity. Great price. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2012-2014. 143743 13.50% XD 750 mL $8.90 Score: 86/100. September 12, 2013
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Bodega del Abad Dom Bueno Crianza 2008, Bierzo D.O., Spain: Lovely mature flavours of tanned leather, violets and cigar box. Not fruity. Love this lots more than the other, "younger" Abad Bierzo wine in this release from 2008. Somewhat like mature Rioja without the markup. Drink: 2013-2016. 244699 13.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 18, 2017
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Beronia Reserva 2010, Rioja, Spain: Tannic and warm Spanish red wine, with black fruit, toasty oak and layers of mouth-watering juiciness. This is a Spanish red wine blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. The wine was aged for 18 months in barrel and another 20 months in bottle before being released from the winery. Pair with rack of lamb. Drink: 2013-2017. 50203 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2015
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Bodegas Vizcarra Jc Vizcarra 2011, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain 214650 14% XD 750 mL $29.95. June 27, 2015
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Alceño Premium 50 Barricas Syrah 2012, Jumilla D.O., Spain: Deep and rich with charred black fruit from oak aging, smoke, spice and anise flavours. Well-priced for this quality. Huge and full-bodied: needs grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2018. 398933 14.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. September 3, 2016
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Bodegas Castano La Casona Monastrell 2014, Yecla, Spain: This supple, full-bodied Spanish red wine is made from 100% Monastrell grapes. The winery (bodegas) is located in south-eastern Spain in the region of Yecla. The grapes are sourced from dry farmed vineyards that average in age between 40 and 60 years old. Aromas of blackberry and cassis with smoke. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2015-2017. 143743 13.50% XD 750 mL $10.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: This blockbuster Californian red wine needs more cellar time: it's just a baby, but a bruiser. Full-bodied, complex and layered with aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, dried herbs, tobacco leaves and cigar box. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with rare filet mignon. Wow. Drink: 2016-2023. 232371 14.40% D 750 mL $67.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2015
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Alexander Valley Vineyards Redemption Zinfandel 2013, Dry Creek Valley, California, United States: Gorgeous aromas of smoky brambleberry and briar patch, cedar brush and feral forest scents. These grapes are picked and vinified in small lots and aged 14 months in oak barrels. Complex and well-structured. Not jammy. Long finish. Classic and agable. Pair with filet mignon. Drink: 2016-2021. 224147 14.80% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. October 23, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review