Bel Echo Terroir Greywacke Clos Henri Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, South Island: Love the blend of expressive New World fruit with a savoury, earthy Old World edge in style. Aromas of mouth-watering black cherry, luscious layers of satiny fleshy fruit with some spice on the finish. Superb quality and taste for the money. The signature of the Greywacke sandstone soil comes through on the both the palate and finish. Previous vintages of this wine have won the Gold Medal at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. Drink: 2013-2016. 159137 13.50% XD 750 mL $25.25 Score: 90/100. July 5, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewTerrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A rich, luscious, full-bodied Argentine Malbec with classic aromas of fleshy ripe black plum and mulberry. Some dark spice on the finish which is long and satisfying. A meaty, savoury mid-palate with a strong core of minerality. Pair with a rare filet mignon. Drink: 2015-2021. 29280 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 31, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewCrios Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: An absolutely incredible wine for the money! Juicy, savoury and delicious: full-bodied with rich layers of ripe plums, blackberry and other dark fruits. Superb craftsmanship! Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2014-2018. 640979 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 91/100. February 8, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewTrapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Beautifully structured and balanced Argentine Cabernet with attractive aromas of cedar brush, cassis and black currant. Very classic in its styling and elegance. Perfect for filet mignon. Drink: 2015-2021. 143206 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. February 20, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewChâteau Tanunda Barossa Tower Shiraz 2013, Barossa, Australia: Attractive black fruit, smoke, black pepper and black plum on the nose and palate. A mouth-fillingly rich, smooth and supple texture on the palate. Savoury, meaty notes on the finish. Pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2015-2019. 289983 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. March 19, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewYalumba Organic Viognier 2015, South Australia, Australia: Lovely spice and honeydew on the nose of this benchmark Australian Viognier. Perfect for mild to medium curries. Drink: 2016-2020. 288217 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Outstanding Organic Wine Full ReviewDomaine Tournon Shay's Flat Vineyard M. Chapoutier Shiraz 2010, Pyrnees, Victoria, Australia: Gorgeous concentration here! Black and dark red fruit mingle with pepper, dark spices and brooding mystery. What an incredible wine. It's produced be a classic and respected Rhone Valley producer Chapoutier. Pair with filet mignon or any peppery or spicy hearty meat dish. Drink: 2014-2018. 311480 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 98/100. January 19, 2013
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewDandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied red wine has lip-smacking delicious aromas and flavours of black and purple fruit. Smooth and supple. Love the fact that this big shiraz is not filtered, giving us the full-on flavour experience. The grapes for this robust red wine come from vines 100 years old. The wine is open-fermented with wild yeast, then aged 18 months in French oak barrels, and is not fined nor filtered. Try is with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2013-2017. 167189 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 15, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewKilikanoon 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 ReviewKilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: Smoky, savoury, meaty and juicy with luscious layers of fleshy ripe black fruit aromas and lots of smoke. So great, especially for this price. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2014-2018. 925453 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 9, 2017
Best Value Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewCharles Baker Wines Picone Vineyard Riesling 2012, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Superb craftsmanship in this benchmark Niagara Riesling. You simply won't find better than this. Incredible depth and concentration of flavour yet ephemerally light in alcohol. The best of all worlds: pure hedonism without the headache. Pair with happiness. Drink: 2013-2020. 241182 11% M 750 mL $35.20 Score: 96/100. March 19, 2016
Top Rated White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full ReviewRosewood Estates Winery & Meadery Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Loaded with ripley sweet cherry fruit, zingy cranberry and dried herbs. Incredibly mouth-watering and appetizing. Superb effort from this producer. 112177 12.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. August 30, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewTinhorn Creek Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Classic aromas of rosewater, baking spice and lychee on the nose and palate. Very balanced yet not overdone. Viscous and mouth-filling with great layering. Finishes with baking spices and lemon zest. Pair with shellfish and mild curries. Drink: 2014-2018. 904185 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 8, 2016
Top Rated White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full ReviewErrázuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A spectacularly rich and full-bodied Chilean Cabernet that also manages to be wonderfully balanced and long on the finish. Nicely balanced acidity for meat dishes with tangy or tomato sauces. Great structure and elegance. Very fresh on the finish. Highly recommended. Drink: 2017-2024. 203364 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. March 18, 2017
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewCarmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Maipo Valley, Chile: A remarkably rich and complex Chilean red wine for the price point. Aromas of cassis, wild blackberry and smoke. Superb. Drink: 2014-2017. 358309 14% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. October 26, 2015
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewViña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Maipo Valley, Chile: A savoury and juicy Chilean cabernet sauvignon with aromas of fleshy black plums and blackberries. A full-bodied red wine that's smooth and eminently gulpable. Dark red in the glass, mouth-filling in the palate. Finishes with smoke and spice. Great with pizza. Terrific for such a bold red wine from Chile's Maipo Valley. Great depth and length in the glass and on the palate. Try it with gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2015-2018. 18721 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 2, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full ReviewErrazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Syrah 2012, Aconcagua Costa, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A gorgeous, opulent Chilean Syrah of the best pedigree. Structure, density, concentration and complexity all play roles in this wine, with intense replay of fleshy dark plums and berries across the palate (and mind). Perfect for grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2019. 387910 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 95/100. September 27, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewErrázuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A gloriously rich and robust Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet France grapes in the blend from one of Chile's best-known and most-respected wineries. Classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant are wrapped luxuriously n vanilla smoke. Savoury, meaty and juicy with full-bodied weight and layers of dark fruit flavour. Concentrated, rich and deep. Long finish, great structure. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2018. 203364 14% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. May 30, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewSanta Alicia Reserva Carmenere 2013, Maipo Valley, Chile: An amazing wine for the money! Full-bodied, supple, smooth and gorgeously textured. This is an ideal party wine, and companion to many hearty meat dishes. The tannins are so smooth that you can also enjoy it with drier meat dishes like turkey. Aromas of fleshy black plum and blackberry. Drink: 2015-2017. 309302 14% XD 750 mL $13.25 Score: 90/100. April 15, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewMontes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2012, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Juicy fleshy ripe cherry berry aromas and flavours on this delicious medium-bodied Chilean Pinot Noir. Amazingly great price. Drink: 2013-2017. 37937 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 30, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewNinquén Antu Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah 2013, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Great concentration and depth of flavour. Exotic black and sweet purple plums and dark spices on the finish of this Chilean red wine made from Syrah grapes. Amazing quality for the price. Full-bodied, rich, endless. Plush, fleshy black plums wrap themselves around your tongue and dance with your senses. Pair with a crackling fire and a great book. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2017. 675371 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 13, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewFalernia Reserva Syrah 2010, Elquí Valley, Chile: Black fruit and great depths of coffee flavour richness. Full-bodied and delicious. Great price! This cool-climate Chilean Syrah over-delivers. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2017. 16793 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 18, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewDomaine Le Grand Retour Plan De Dieu 2012, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages A.C., France: Tasty, full-bodied and delicious! Superb value: staggeringly great for the price. Aromas of cedar, black fruit, smoke and juicy black cherry. From the L'excellence series of Aubert Frères, Proprietor-Récolt, this robust French red wine previously has won a Gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole wine competition. This wine is a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah grapes. This, my friends, is your party wine. It'll dance with anything on the grill. Drink: 2013-2017. 224592 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 18, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewGentil Hugel & Fils Hugel & Fils 2013, Alsace A.C., France: A classic, refreshing Alsatian white wine with lovely notes of lime, Asian pear, white peach and grapefruit. Perfect as an aperitif or an accompaniment to many dishes. This AC-designated wine is a field blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc grapes. Pair with fresh seafood. Drink: 2013-2017. 162841 12.50% XD 750 mL $21.90 Score: 91/100. April 18, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full ReviewPierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2013, Alsace A.C., France: A lovely, sunlit wine with attractive aromas of ripe peach and pear. The moderate sweetness is perfectly balanced with refreshing acidity so this wine will be divine with Asian and spicy dishes as well as those with some sweetness like glazed ham. Drink: 2013-2017. 983395 13.50% MD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. May 16, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewDomaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2012, Côtes De Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.C., France: Complex, mysterious and spectacular! Full-bodied, juicy, layered and smooth. Endless finish. I love the Braille label, plus the name includes a nice dose of Latin: perfect teacher's pet gift for end of the year (or perhaps now to lock in those 90s). Aromas of baked black fruit yet dry. So very delicious. Wish I knew the Latin phrase for that ... ultimum delici vinum! Taut, robust and ready to rock when you are! This full-on, take-me-on red wine has it all. Black fruit, smoke, mocha and dark spice on the finish, which is loooooooong. Drink: 2014-2020. 643239 14% XD 750 mL $25.45 Score: 95/100. December 6, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full ReviewDomaine Maby La Forcadière Tavel Rosé 2014, Rhône A.C., France: Love this fresh, mouth-watering Tavel rosé with racy, tart field berries and spices. Great aperitif or pair it with planked salmon. Drink: 2014-2016. 701318 13.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. June 27, 2015
Best Value Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewCoudoulet De Beaucastel Blanc, Château De Beaucastel, Famille Perrin 2011, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Yum! Gorgeous depth and richness and complexity. Get out of your white wine rut with this one: spectacular! Aromas of lychee, white flowers and pure dry peach essence. Drink: 2012-2017. 48892 14% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 95/100. October 13, 2012
Top Rated White Wine. Full ReviewChateau de Montgueret Cremant De Loire Brut, Loire, France: Floral, lime blossom, pretty: lots of acidity for food, medium-bodied. This isn't Champagne, but is made using the same methods of production with a second fermentation in the bottle to trap the bubbles, and based on Chardonnay grapes. Pair with fried chicken. Drink: 2022-2025. 217760 12% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. June 29, 2022
Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Full ReviewDomaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages Latour De France, Midi, France: Rich, velvet fleshy black raspberries loll over your tongue and release their juicy flavour as you move the wine around in your mouth. Full-bodied and pleasurable. Close your eyes. I can't resist a good Latin name either. Makes a perfect gift for an English teacher. A finish as long as War & Peace with dark spice and plot twists. Drink: 2012-2018. 643239 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 95/100. July 20, 2013
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewPierre Sparr Réserve Gewurztraminer 2014, Alsace A.C., France: A terrific Alsatian white wine with classic Gewürztraminer aromas of lychee, rosewater, grapefruit and baking spice. Pair with spicy and Asian dishes. Drink: 2014-2018. 747600 13.50% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. March 7, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Calm Curry Wine Full ReviewDomaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2013, Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.C., France: Produced by M. Chapoutier, this is benchmark Rhone Valley red wine from a spectacular vintage. Black fruit, smoke, tar and black pepper. Full-bodied, balanced, concentrated with great depth. An incredible wine for this price point. Pair with filet mignon. Drink: 2015-2020. 643239 14% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 95/100. October 24, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewGeorges Duboeuf Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2013, Languedoc IGT, France: Amazing value for such a beautiful French Pinot Noir! Modern style with fleshy ripe cherry, smooth texture and medium weight. Very food friendly and so delicious. Wow. Drink: 2013-2018. 184069 12.50% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. April 20, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewLouis Tête Coteaux Bourguignons Gamay 2014, Beaujolais A.P., France: So pretty! Lovely fleshy black cherry and a velvet texture. So loaded with character yet not heavy. Love this. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2017-2021. 448860 12.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 2, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewDomaine Lafage Cuvée Centenaire 2014, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.C., France: Lovely and rich without being heavy. Toasted almond and ripe apple. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2014-2018. 343491 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 20, 2016
Top Rated White Wine. Full ReviewClos Troteligotte K-Or Malbec 2014, Southwest, Cahors A.C., France: Black fruit, smoke and toasty oak on this well-price, robust southern French red wine made from Malbec grapes. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2017-2022. 299982 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 16, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewPierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2014, Alsace A.C., France: Dry quince, Asian pear on this zesty Alsatian white wine made from Pinot Gris grapes. Perfect for seafood. Drink: 2015-2018. 983395 13.50% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. April 16, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full ReviewChâteau La Tour De L'évêque Rosé 2015, Côtes De Provence A.C., France: This lively French rosé not only offers wild strawberry notes, it also has a little white pepper for intrigue and pleasure. Medium-bodied, dry and some kind of wonderful from Régine Sumeire, Propreitor-récolt. One of the most respected rosé producers in Provence: consistently great year after year. Drink: 2015-2017. 319392 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. December 30, 2016
Best Value Rosé. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewLoosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2013, Mosel, Germany: Love it! There's simply no better value white wine on the shelf. Lime blossom gorgeous. The alcohol is refreshingly low, yet this is no wimpy wine: it's packed with flavour. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Some terrific white pear and lime blossom on the finish of this Qualitätswein (Q.B.A.) wine. Try it with just about anything, but start with seafood or a medium curry. Winemaker Ernie Loosen makes a range of wines, and this is his entry-level offering. It's spectacular for the price. Drink: 2013-2018. 599274 8.50% MS 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 18, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full ReviewMichele Castellani Colle Cristi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Ca' Del Pipa, Veneto, Italy: Dried raisined cherries with a deep, luxurious layers of richness. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious aromas. A finish that says “buy me again!” Drink: 2011-2020. 222109 15.50% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 96/100. August 20, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewFarina Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Love this! Towering yet deep, with rich luscious layers of black cherry liqueur flavours. Full-bodied is an understatement. Glorious flavour heaven. Drink: 2012-2020. 995910 14.50% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 95/100. September 1, 2012
Full ReviewCarpenè Malvolti 1868 Brut Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Terrific toasty, rich, dry bubbly at a steal of a deal price. Goodness, stock up for your next party or all of the weddings in your future. Drink: 2015-2018. 727438 11% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 19, 2016
Best Value Sparkling Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewCastello 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 ReviewVilla Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand: The consistency of Marlborough Pinot Noir is remarkable, and especially for Villa Maria. This winery has a signature Pinot that comes through each year yet reflect the vintage differences.Plush and voluptuous: you'll want to dive head first into this wine (or your glass) and never come out. Fleshy cherries balanced with a nervy acidity that makes it dance with many dishes. Yes please! Drink: 2013-2018. 146548 13.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. June 18, 2014
Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewOyster Bay Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand: Toasty oak on the nose of this terrific New Zealand red wine wraps around fleshy ripe black cherries. Full-bodied, mouth-watering juicy and smooth with a great finish. Smoky oak and black cherry notes with some dark spice on the finish. Terrific with a wide range of dishes, especially holiday turkey. Yum! Drink: 2015-2018. 590414 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 29, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewMarisco Vineyards The King's Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Waihopai, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely, expressive kiwi sauvignon blanc. Herbal but not too grassy. Great mouth-watering acidity. Pair with oysters or clams. Drink: 2015-2018. 374165 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2016
Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewMomo Seresin Estate Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Big and juicy, with pleasingly tart and vibrant cherry aromas and flavours in this kiwi pinot noir. Mouth-watering acidity is fantastic for a range of dishes, from planked salmon to roast chicken. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Very tasty. Made by the film director of many famous movies, including several of the Harry Potter series. This red wine is bio-gro certified and the grapes came from three vineyard sites. The wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 11 months in old French barrels. Drink: 2013-2018. 163972 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 10, 2015
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewWhitehaven Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand: Such a pretty medium-bodied red wine! This New Zealand Pinot Noir offers seductive aromas of fleshy strawberry and field raspberries, yet is dry and mouth-watering for food. Gentle acidity pulls it together as a dinner companion or an aperitif. Great value. Drink: 2013-2017. 532929 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. February 1, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewVilla Maria Estate Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc that shows the extra richness and layering of about four months aging on the lees. Still, there's no oak here, just stainless steel to preserve fruit purity. You can almost sense the vibrancy of New Zealand light in the glass with this wine. Enjoy with salads and vegetarian or Thai dishes. Drink: 2014-2018. 974527 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. April 15, 2015
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewMomo Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: The Momo Sauvignon Blanc is produced by New Zealand's Seresin Estate of Michael Seresin, the producer and film director. (Think Harry Potter, Midnight Express, Angela's Ashes.). The kiwi savvy is herbal and refreshing with lots of mouth-watering, lime zest acidity for a range of dishes. There's some lemon zest on the finish. Intense, vibrant and clean. This is a well-known and respected New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with great typicity of the cool Marlborough region. Mouth-watering acidity weaves its way through fresh aromas of grapefruit and guava. Bring it, especially for movie night with fried chicken! Drink: 2013-2017. 9167 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. July 11, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewVilla Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand: Cherry-berry vibrant on the nose and palate of this delightful medium-bodied, smooth New Zealand red wine. This Pinot Noir offers juicy layers of fleshy ripe red fruit and touch of spice. Makes your mouth water. Perfect for seared tuna and planked salmon. Drink: 2013-2018. 146548 13.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. July 8, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewCroft Late Bottled Vintage Port 2009, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: Lovely Portuguese dessert wine, with black fleshy plums and prunes and dried fig aromas and flavours. Such a pleasant after-dinner sipper wine; great price. Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Ports are vintage-dated, with a year on the label. However, they are made in a style to consumer much earlier than Vintage Ports, and allow us a taste of the harvest earlier than usual, but deliciously so. Pair with Black Forest Cake. Drink: 2015-2019. 87601 20% S 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. September 5, 2015
Best Value Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full ReviewWaterkloof Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc 2014, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: A terrific South African Chenin Blanc from the biodynamic winery Waterkloof. Gorgeous white florals and citrus on the nose. Pair with roasted chicken. Drink: 2015-2018. 443382 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. April 2, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewGraham Beck Méthode Cap Classique Brut Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir Chardonnay, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Full-bodied, toasty and crisp with lots of Pinot Noir goodness in this zesty bubbly. Lovely cherry and strawberry notes and clean, crisp finish. Graham Beck is a master of sparkling wines, in my opinion, these are his best. Highly recommended. Perfect for planked salmon. Drink: 2022-2024. 175588 12% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 11, 2024
Best Value Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewRotllán Torra Vina D'alta Qualitat 2010, Priorato D.O.C., Spain: This Spanish Crianza is savoury and juicy with great complexity and depth. Smooth and full-bodied with lusciously ripe and fleshy dark berries. If you haven't tried many wines from the Priorat region of Spain, this is a great place to start. This wine needs no coaxing out of the glass. Decant for 1-2 hours. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with steak. Drink: 2013-2018. 267989 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 8, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewJean León 3055 Merlot Petit Verdot 2014, Penedès D.O., Spain: A savoury, juicy, full-bodied Spanish red wine with seductive aromas of black chary, plum, dark spice and a kick of anise. Smooth and supple, this wine knows how to please your taste buds. Pair with roast beef or brisket. Drink: 2015-2018. 437699 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 31, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Outstanding Organic Wine Full ReviewLuis Cañas Rioja Crianza 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: A gorgeous, rich and full-bodied Spanish red wine made from Tempranillo grapes. Seductive aromas of leather, dust and smoke. Perfect for lamb with rosemary. This wine will also age well in your cellar or make a great gift wine. Drink: 2013-2019. 336719 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2017
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewU Mes U Cygnus Organic Sador Brut Nature Cava, Penedès D.O., Spain: Toasty and earthy rather than fruity Spanish sparkling wine. Still refreshing at an exceptional price. Cava is the Spanish term for bubbly and translates to "cave." Buy by the caseload for holiday parties. Love the refreshing acidity here to enjoy this wine as an aperitif or companion to fried chicken. This sparkler is a blend of 40% Parellada, 30% Macabeo and 30% Xarello grapes and the producer uses the classic Champagne method for the second fermentation in the bottle. Drink: 2022-2024. 352856 11.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 91/100. December 17, 2022
Best Value Sparkling Wine. Outstanding Organic Wine Full ReviewErudito Reserva Especial 2008, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Dense, deep, concentrated and mouth-watering complexity in the glass here. A wine to sip, savour and yes even analyze if you are so inclined (or reclined). Aromas of black fruit, smoke, dark spice, violets and mystery. Wow. Drink: 2014-2020. 378885 14% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 95/100. August 16, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewMacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Good balance with black cherry aromas and flavours but not overly sweet. Medium-bodied and smooth and a fair price for this quality, especially for Pinot Noir, which is always expensive because it's so difficult to grow. This hails from one of California's cool climate regions in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma which creates the balance in the wine from cool nights. Produced by Ernest & Julio Gallo, this Californian Pinot Noir offers the balance that's the signature of the Sonoma region. The original MacMurray homestead was settled 150 years ago. Offers notes of sage, black raspberry and spice. Polished tannins. Drink: 2014-2019. 48207 13.50% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014
Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewChateau Ste. Michelle Brut Sparkling, Washington State, United States: Crisp and clean. Uses the method classique. Produced by Domaine ste michelle in Washington State. Wow, especially for this price. Drink: 2022-2024. 557637 11.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2022
Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Fantastic Fried Chicken Wine Full ReviewMark West Pinot Noir 2012, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: A smooth, supple Californian Pinot Noir with lots of toasty oak, mocha, espresso and coffee on the nose from aging in French oak barrels. Silky tannins. The winery is situated above the Salinas Valley. Pair with coffee-rubbed pork chops or a pepper steak. Yum! Drink: 2013-2017. 450189 13.80% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. June 5, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Full ReviewSeven Falls Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Wahluke Slope, Washington, United States: This is a terrific Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, especially for the price point! Mocha and dark chocolate aromas with black fruit. Chalky dry and full-bodied. Some black plum and berries on the finish. Great balance, with a deep red-garnet colour. Finishes with vanilla smoke. Drink: 2014-2018. 360222 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 30, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewCambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California, United States: A supple, medium-bodied red wine that's packed with aromas of cherry, red plum and cedar smoke. Cherry-berry festival for your mouth. Lively and silky. Great structure and mouth-watering juiciness. Some dried herbs and fresh earth on the finish. Try it with planked salmon. Bring it -- to my house please. Drink: 2013-2017. 317221 14.50% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 93/100. January 18, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewMacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir 2010, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Good balance with black cherry aromas and flavours that's not overly sweet. Medium-bodied and smooth and a fair price for this quality, especially for Pinot Nor which is always expensive. This hails from one of California's cool climate regions in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma which creates the balance in the wine from cool nights. Drink: 2014-2018. 48207 13.50% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. July 19, 2014
Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewChateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: I'm transported back to my favourite hand-crafted leather purse store in Napa. Love the nose on this wine ... it says, please come in and stay a while. Aromas of fleshy black fruit. Perfect for grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014-2021. 269357 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. April 20, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewSeven Falls Cellars Merlot 2011, Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Mocha, coffee and espresso on the nose that is so seductive... wow. Opens on the palate with fleshy black fruit and a velvet texture. Full-bodied and mouth-filling. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2014-2018. 420711 14.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. August 4, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewHogue Cellars Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: 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. Drink: 2016-2021. 275123 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 2, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewFirestone Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: A full-bodied, richly textured Californian Cabernet with toasty oak and mocha as well as black fruit and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2020. 292128 14.20% XD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. November 9, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewEos Zinfandel 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: Juicy and smooth with lip-smacking flavours of black and purple plums and spice. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014-2018. 964460 13.50% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. April 19, 2016
Full ReviewGhost Pines Winemaker's Blend Zinfandel 2014, San Joaquin, Sonoma, California, United States: Seductive notes of fleshy ripe black plums on the nose of this rich, full-bodied Californian red wine. Loaded with luscious rich flavours of these same fruits on the palate. Full-bodied and juicy. Pair with a juicy steak. Drink: 2015-2019. 269373 14.90% XD 750 mL $20.75 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2016
Top Rated Red. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewJoel Gott Riesling 2012, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Minerality and wet stone with a blossoming of lime citrus brightness on the palate. Mouth-watering and juicy. Perfect for fresh seafood. Drink: 2014-2019. 443143 12.90% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 30, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewChâteau St. Jean Fumé Blanc 2013, Sonoma County, California, United States: A terrific and complex Californian blend of Sauvignon and Semillon grapes. Not loads of acidity: smoky but not buttery like chardonnay. Pair with shellfish. Drink: 2015-2018. 537639 13.60% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 91/100. August 4, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewPaso Creek Zinfandel 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: Hickory smoke and savoury black fruit on the nose and palate of this delightfully delicious Californian red wine. Great value for this price. Pair with barbecued meats. Drink: 2014-2018. 279810 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 11, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewBrazin (B)Old Vine Zinfandel 2012, Lodi, California, United States: A full-bodied, smooth Californian Zinfandel with aromas and flavours of sweet purple and black plums. Pair with grilled meats and blackened chicken. Drink: 2014-2017. 256750 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 19, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review