Doña Paula Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Wild brambleberry and cassis on the nose and palate of this lovely, full-bodied Argentine red wine made fomr the classic Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The vines are planted at high altitudes of 3300 feet in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Finishes with dark spice and pencil led. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015-2020. 460162 14.50% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 89/100. September 28, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
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
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2011, Mclaren Valle, Australia: Meaty, juicy and savoury with aromas of plush plums and want-to-squeeze-them fleshy dark blackberries. This full-bodied, supple Shiraz delivers some kind of wonderful for your senses. Drink: 2013-2016. 659607 15% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. October 12, 2013
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Maipo Valley, Chile: This Chilean red wine has an intense and aromatic nose of mint and blackberry with plush fleshy plums on the palate. Nicely balanced with full-bodied goodness. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine are sourced from Santa Rita’s estate vineyard in Alto Jahuel. Great structure and a good grip on the palate. Decant 1-2 hours. Finishes with dark spices. Pair with meat lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2012-2018. 460170 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 2, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148 Carmenère 2012, Rapel Valley, Chile: Gorgeously rich and full-bodied Chilean red wine made from the country's signature red grape, Carmenere. The grapes are grown in the estate's Las Pataguas Vineyard. This wine offers savoury, meaty blackberry liqueur aromas and dark spices. This is an amazing wine for the money. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2014-2018. 30957 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. July 10, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Villa Annaberta Wines Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Fantastic! This Appassimento style robust Italian red wine delivers superb value and taste for the money. Aromas of fleshy black cherry, black raspberry and some smoke. Drink: 2014-2018. 378091 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. October 16, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: Crisp and zesty with come-alive aromas and flavours of lime and lemongrass. Medium-bodied, no oak. Excellent aperitif or companion to many dishes from seafood to vegetarian. Drink: 2012-2014. 619452 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. March 7, 2013
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review