Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Langhorne Creek McLaren Vale, Australia: Wolf Blass first made 250 cases of the Grey Label Shiraz, but realized he could not earn a living based on such a small production of a premium-priced wine. Thus was born Yellow Label in 1966. It was created to be a crowd pleaser with the goal of quality, character and consistency, according to current winemaker Chris Matcher. Consistency is key as Yellow Label is designed to give consumers confidence that they are getting the same signature taste each time. That was the challenge to maintain when Yellow Label moved to regional selection of grapes for this vintage rather than widespread blending. Chris says that they achieve it through careful vineyard management and barrel selection. This Cabernet offers great value and attractive aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Pair with a juicy steak. Drink: 2016-2021. 251876 13.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 8, 2017
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2016, South Australia, Australia: A lovely, floral white wine from Australia made by one of the best producers of Viognier in the country. Pair with mild curries. Drink: 2017-2020. 470062 14.50% D 750 mL $16.00 Score: 91/100. April 25, 2017
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Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A superb, full-bodied red wine with layers of hedonistic pleasure! The best of New World power, energy and black fruit concentration in great balance, depth and length on the finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Amazing price for this quality. Drink: 2013-2017. 322586 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2014
Top Rated 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
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Domaine 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 Review
Villa 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. The Autri Valley where the fruit is grown for this wine is cooler on average than other regions in New Zealand. This Sauvignon has more intensity and more seriousness in both flavour and weight. You can almost sense the vibrancy of New Zealand light in the glass with this wine. Enjoy with salads and vegetarian dishes, sushi or dishes with fresh herbs. Drink: 2014-2017. 974527 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. June 27, 2015
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