Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Mendoza, Argentina: Love the balance and fullness of flavours on this classic made from Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark plum, blackberry, spicy and smoky flavours all beautifully balanced with vibrant acidity. Partially fermented in stainless steel tank with judicious use of oak. Tannins are fine. Drink: 2020-2024. 128629 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 15, 2020
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Zonte's Footstep Blackberry Patch Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, Australia: The wine is named for King Arthur's legend: whomever could pull the sword Excalibur from the stone under the Avalon Tree, would rule as king. Also named for Australia's great gumtrees. A rich and juicy red wine blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance in Tempranillo. Vibrant with bright cassis, savoury herbs and dark spice flavours on the palate. Pair with roast boar. Drink: 2020-2030. 353193 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 15, 2020
Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2017, Salento, Puglia I.G.T., Italy: Sasseo (Sah-say-oh) is derived from the Italian word "sasso", meaning stone and refers to the abundance of limestone in the area. A full-bodied Primitivo with a rich nose of liquid dark plums, savoury spice and dark chocolate. Rich black fruit compote, meaty, earthy, sweet tobacco leaf and vanilla spice flavours on the palate with mouth-watering acidity. Tannins are grippy. Pair with a barbequed side of beef. Pair with bison burgers. Drink: 2020-2025. 366955 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2020
Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
L.A. Cetto Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: Incredible value on this smooth, silky and juicy red. Look for juicy, fleshy dark fruit, blueberry compote and savoury fine herb flavours on the palate. L.A. Cetto is the best-known wine producer in Mexico. Founder Don Angelo Cetto, of Italian origin, settled in Mexico in 1926. The Guadalupe Valley provides a great climate for viniculture: the Pacific Ocean’s cool winds result in chilly nights to maintain fresh acidity in the grapes while the days are very warm to ripen them. Drink: 2020-2023. 114066 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. April 1, 2020
Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2020, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Cathedral Cellar 2020 Shiraz is a well-priced Western Cape Shiraz at $20. Fragrant, full-bodied and supple with crushed raspberry, dark cherry, smoky and spicy flavours with meaty and smoky vanilla notes vibrant and concentrated on the palate. Enjoy it with meats from the grill or a roast leg of lamb. Drink: 2024-2026. 561142 14.30% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 13, 2024
Best Value Red wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Ego Bodegas El Goru Monastrell Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Jumilla D.O.P., Spain: Produced by Ego Bodegas, El Goru Gold 2018 Goru Gold is a rich and concentrated red wine blend of Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes sourced from the Jumilla wine region. Grapes ferment and macerate in contact with their skins up to 30 days at 28 degrees Celsius, then aged for 12 months in new American and French oak barrels. Look for black currant, coffee been and anise spice aromas on the nose with dark plum, mocha, savoury herbs with hints of blueberry and orange zest flavours plushy on the palate. Drink: 2022-2026. 443945 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. October 22, 2022
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Rum Barrels Merlot 2018, Monterey County, California, United States: A rich, full-bodied Californian Merlot aged in rum barrels, which gives it an enticing toffeed finish. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2020-2024. 13734 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 8, 2021
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review