Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2019, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: From the Uco Valley, Mendoza wine region, Susana Balbo Signature 2019 Malbec has a splash of Petit Verdot added to the mix and is so rich and pure of fruit. Fragrant with ripe blueberry, mulberry, vanilla and smoky aromas on the nose. Deep ruby in the glass with ripe dark berry, plum, clove, pepper spice, smoky vanilla flavours vibrant on the palate. Tannins are firm and structured. Beautifully crafted and balanced. Good now, better in 2023. Drink: 2023-2030. 79798 14.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. October 22, 2022
Top Rated Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC VQA, Canada: A full-bodied, well-balanced BC red wine blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes. Aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014-2018. 145102 13% XD 750 mL $17.45 Score: 88/100. October 31, 2017
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
Open Rose 2016, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: A delightful rosé with a field of fresh strawberries and raspberries wafting up from the glass. So pretty! Medium-bodied. A real crowd pleaser, though you should also drink it on your own on the patio or deck: it pairs perfectly with that novel you've been wanting to read. Drink: 2016-2018. 175349 11.30% D 750 mL $10.95 Score: 87/100. December 8, 2017
Best Value Rosé Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Remy Pannier Rosé D'anjou 2016, Loire Valley, France: So pretty! Bone-dry, delicate rose with aromas of wild field strawberries, the kind that melt deliciously in your hand from the warmth of your palm. Yes this wine is very dry. Perfect aperitif served slightly chilled or for a treat, pair it with smoked salmon. Drink: 2016-2018. 12641 10% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. December 8, 2017
Best Value Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Château Tauzinat L'hermitage 2015, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: A balanced, full-bodied Bordeaux red wine blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes from the Right Bank region of St. Emilion. Aromas of cedar brush, tart blackberry and smoke. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2017-2022. 486704 13% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 89/100. January 6, 2018
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Ruffino Modus 2014, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: The 2014 vintage of this rich, full-bodied Italian red wine is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot grapes. The vines are planted primarily in the vineyards of Ruffino's estates of Poggio Casciano and Santedame, which is hilly clay rich in fossil fragments. The wine undergoes a malolactic fermentation and a post-fermentative maceration on the skins for 2 weeks to add richness and depth. It's then aged for 12 months in first, second and third use American and French 225 litre oak barrels. This Super Tuscan is worthy of your attention, from its ruby-violet gem glints in the glass to its finish as long as a Tuscan country road. It delivers an intense bouquet of black cherry, plum, graphite, dried tobacco leaves and dark spice. This robust red wine has remarkably polished tannins that yield to a supple, smooth texture. Incredible concentration and flavour at such a reasonable level of alcohol. Pair with truffle-inflected dishes and grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2023. 912956 13.50% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 93/100. September 13, 2019
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review