Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: Bacon and campfire smoke on the nose of this big Australian red wine from oak aging. It's made from the country's flagship red wine grape Shiraz. Richard Tarlan was a favourite among the jesters to the Queen Elizabeth I and was the first to achieve national celebrity status. This wine is named in his honour, but it's no joke. Pair with lamb cutlets. Drink: 2014-2018. 659607 15% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. February 9, 2017
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Don't Hesitate Shiraz 2013, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Charred black fruit with lots of toasty oak and mocha on the nose and palate. Pair with brontosaurus burgers. 434159 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 31, 2016
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Wits End Luna Shiraz 2014, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Enticing aromas of blackberry liqueur on the nose and palate of this dry, full-bodied Australia Shiraz from the cool climate of McLaren Vale. Savoury and meaty, yet also juicy. This wine packs a flavour punch. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2015-2020. 311258 15% XD 750 mL $17.00 Score: 91/100. October 10, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Rich, complex and layered Niagara Chardonnay from a master. Ripe peach and Asian pear with toasted almond. Ultra dry with a judicious weave of oak. Nicely balanced in all dimensions, especially the acidity for a wide range of dishes. This is the winery's flagship white wine. The Chardonnay grapes for Le Grand Clos are sourced from the estate's premium vineyards that has the best sunlight exposure and water drainage. Those unique conditions are expressed in the glass, especially with the challenging 2011 vintage. Burgundian in style but Niagara by heart, this gorgeous Chardonnay will do well in the cellar, but it's also ready to enjoy now with roast turkey. Drink: 2012-2018. 34561 14% XD 750 mL $65.00 Score: 93/100. January 31, 2016
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Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Caramel, toffeed nose from oak aging which is very rich. Next up, aromas of white peach and pear with some butterscotch. Full-bodied and mouth-filling. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2019. 33936 13.50% XD 750 mL $30.00 Score: 90/100. January 31, 2016
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L'Acadie Vineyards Cuvée Rosé 2012, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: A deeply flavoured sparkling rose from Nova Scotia from one of the best producers of this style in the province. This is a blend of organically grown Marechal Foch and L'Acadie Blanc grapes, both Maritime hybrids. The wine is aged on its lees. Pair with NS lobster. Drink: 2012-2017. 11% XD 750 mL Score: 89/100. January 31, 2016
Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Errázuriz Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Terrific value for this vibrant, come-alive Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. Great aperitif or companion to seafood. Aromas of fresh gooseberry, grass, lime and lemon. Drink: 2016-2018. 263574 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 4, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Enchanting Feta Cheese Wine Full Review
Gérard Bertrand Viognier 2014, Languedoc, Pays D'oc, Midi I.G.P., France: A classic floral Viognier from southern France by one of the region's best-known producers. Aromas of clementine, apple blossom and honeydew on the nose. Lemon zest and mouth-watering on the palate. Medium- to full-bodied. Intense and lovely. Great for Asian fare. Drink: 2014-2019. 147975 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2016
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti 2014, Tuscany DOCG, Italy: Savoury and juicy with attractive sour cherry notes. Supple and smooth and full-bodied. There's a lot to love in this wine. Racy acidity means this wine will dance with tomato sauce dishes, including pasta. Drink: 2016-2019. 78006 12% XD 750 mL $17.00 Score: 90/100. January 31, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Castello Di Gabbiano Bellezza Chianti Classico 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Here's a knock-out Italian red that is at once robust and flavourful yet ultra-smooth and refined. All the elements have come together in this wine including a spectacular vintage. Aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Pair with rare steak. Drink: 2015-2023. 158229 13.50% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. July 9, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Racy and ripe with lots of juicy mouth-watering action on the palate for pasta in tomato sauce or pizza. Aromas of tart dark berries and smoke. Decant 1 hour. Great value. Drink: 2014-2019. 219808 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 31, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Castello di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G, Italy: Full-bodied with racy acidity on the palate that demands tomato sauce with some meat balls please. Firm tannins so this could do well in the cellar for several more years then decant 1-2 hours. Drink: 2017-2022. 174473 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. October 10, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2013, Lodi, California, United States: A juicy, full-bodied Californian Zinfandel with generous aromas and flavours of black plums and blackberries. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2013-2019. 942599 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 31, 2016
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Martin Ray Winery Chardonnay 2013, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Butterscotch nose that's very attractive (and from oak aging) is balanced with peach and golden apple notes. Nice balancing acidity on the palate for roast chicken or turkey. Lovely, classic Californian Chardonnay. Drink: 2013-2018. 57067 14.30% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. January 31, 2016
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Joel Gott Wines 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Juicy and savoury with enticing herbs and meaty notes mid-palate. Very intriguing. Full-bodied and smooth with some dark spices on the finish along with cedar brush. Highly recommended. Drink: 2014-2019. 444059 13.90% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. December 30, 2016
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