Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Cyril Mares, Prop.-Récolt. Syrah Grenache 2009, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Grenache, this wine is filled with aromas of tar, tea, licorice, candy and chocolate. The palate confirms the promised complexity of the nose. Dry, with beautifully integrated tannins and a fine acidity, this has great structure and balance. A tremendous value from an up-and-coming region. My note: Savoury and dark with big black fruit, smoke and meaty notes. A heart of darkness runs through this rich, deep, full-bodied wine. This is an incredible price. Buy by the caseload for parties and your own pleasure. Drink: 2011-2015. 143099 14.10% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 5, 2011
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Château Le Doyenné 2011, Côtes De Bordeaux A.C., France: Big, black, smoky and brooding, this Bordeaux red wine has a lot going for it. Layers and intensely concentrated in back fruit and toasty oak flavour. Drink: 2015-2019. 416735 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. July 11, 2015
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Christian Moueix 2012, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A Merlot-driven Bordeaux red wine blend from the right bank. This wine will do well in the cellar. Generous oak aging that results in vanilla smoke, along with blackcurrant and cassis. Full-bodied and well-structured. Decant 2 hours and enjoy with steak. Drink: 2014-2020. 979955 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 88/100. August 20, 2016
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Château Pey La Tour Réserve Du Château 2012, Bordeaux, France: After two hours open in the glass, this wine transformed: far more aromatic than on first opening and the tannins smoothed out considerably. My score is based on that more open wine. This traditional Bordeaux blend has Merlot (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Cabernet France (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%) grapes. Although Merlot leads in the blend, this is not a far Merlot, but rather a well-structured one. The wine is aged in oak, but only 20% is new so as not to impart heavy oak notes. Classic aromas of cassis and black currant with some pepper and smoke on the nose, palate and long finish. The 2012 vintage was a strong one and it shows in this value-priced Bordeaux. The vines are planted in calcerous-clay soils. Superb balance, depth and freshness. Pair with prime rib or a rare steak. Drink: 2016-2019. 349308 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 16, 2017
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Château La Croix D'armens 2012, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France Drink: 2017-2022. 468272 14% XD 750 mL $24.95. January 12, 2017
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Légende Bordeaux Rouge 2015, Bordeaux A.C., France Drink: 2017-2022. 479816 12.50% XD 750 mL $17.95. February 18, 2017
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Château Bonnin Pichon 2014, Lussac Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A terrifically rich and layered Bordeaux wine at a great price. Complex and concentrated, this Merlot-driven French wine blend offers attractive aromas of cassis, black currant and black plum. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2021. 280008 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. March 4, 2017
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Chateau De Courteillac Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Bordeaux, France 360552 12.20% XD 750 mL $11.95. April 26, 2010
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Château Lagrange 2013, Lussac-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A stunning wine for the price! This Bordeaux red wine blend of Merlot and Cabernet grapes grown in the Right Bank district of Lussac St. Émilion. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Decant 2 hours and enjoy with rare meats. Drink: 2018-2024. 230391 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. March 2, 2018
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review