Lindemans Gentleman's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, South Australia, Australia: A terrific, full-bodied Australian red wine made from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Aromas of cassis, black currant and wild blackberry. This is a special edition wine named in honour of Lindemans Winery founder Dr. Henry Lindeman, who in 1843, with his wife Eliza, planted the first vines in the Hunter Valley, just south of Sydney. I love the old-fashioned label that reminds me of a Victorian sepia toned catalogue featuring Uncle Bertram's Exlirir for What Ales Yee and corsets for the modern woman. Pair with roast beef and yorkshire pudding. Drink: 2017-2020. 461533 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 8, 2017
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Inniskillin Niagara Estate Reserve Shiraz Cabernet 2012, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Rich and succulent with layers of blackcurrant and cedar forest aromas and flavours in this Niagara blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Lots of mocha and coffee-espresso notes from lavish oak aging. Very satisfying and rich with a long finish with blackberry and some smoke. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2015-2018. 225482 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. August 8, 2015
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Diabolica 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC VQA, Canada: Smooth and round with aromas of purple and black plums and blueberry on the finish. Full-bodied and pleasant. Pair with meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2014-2017. 373001 13% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 7, 2017
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Fontanafredda Barolo 2005, Piedmont DOCG, Italy: Not too heavy, but loaded with black fruit flavour and some tarry notes. Supple and full-bodied with dried herbs. Drink: 2011-2015. 20214 14% XD 750 mL $30.15 Score: 88/100. March 28, 2011
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Tenuta S. Anna Extra Dry Prosecco, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Crisp and toasty with a touch of melon sweetness. Perfect for fresh seafood. 388710 11.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 8, 2017
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Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: White melon and white peach aromas and flavours on this crisp Italian sparkling wine, with good acidity and yet also a creamy softness. Pair with soft cheeses. Drink: 2022-2024. 687582 11.50% MD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. September 9, 2022
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Astoria Fano Asolo Prosecco, Veneto DOC, Italy: A beautiful bottle for a holiday gift. This Prosecco also delivers with what's inside the package. So creamy in texture with persistent mouse and bubbles. Crisp and refreshing. Drink: 2016-2019. 11% D 750 mL Score: 90/100. January 8, 2017
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Passion Regional Blended Red 2014, Lisbon, Portugal Drink: 2010-2013. 146449 13% D 750 mL $7.85. June 22, 2012
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Josh Joseph Carr Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California, United States 461053 13.50% D 750 mL $17.00. March 7, 2016
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Columbia Crest Winery H3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Washington, United States: This Washington state Cabernet yields only 3 tons per acre as compared to the entry level Columbia Crest wines at 4.5 tons per acre. That means that the H3 line has more power and concentration, yet also great finesse. Columbia Crest owns this label: the winery is the oldest in Washington state and first planted grapes in 1978. This wine features notes of black cherry and spice. Firm structure. Decant 102 hours. Pair with beef tenderloin. Drink: 2015-2020. 210047 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. January 8, 2017
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Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, California, United States: Rich and succulent Californian red wine with gloriously delicious flavours of blackberry and fleshy black plum and mocha. pair with grilled steak. Drink: 2014-2018. 392647 14% D 750 mL $19.00 Score: 90/100. January 8, 2017
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