Clos de los Siete 2020, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Drink: 2024-2030. 622571 14.50% XD 750 mL $26.95. November 16, 2024
Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewTrapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Mendoza, Argentina: Drink: 2024-2028. 568865 14% D 750 mL $21.95. November 16, 2024
Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewThorn-Clarke Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut Sparkling, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Drink: 2024-2026. 37482 12.50% D 750 mL $22.95. November 16, 2024
Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Reviewd'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2023, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: From the McLaren Vale, South Australia, d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab 2023 is an amazing value Viognier and Marsanne white wine blend at $18. Crafted by Chester Osborn, one of Australia's most respected winemaker of top-tier reds, also works wonders with white Rhône varieties, with this example crisp and fresh on the palate with ripe peach, melon, tropical fruits, citrus-zest and subtle spicy notes. "The Hermit Crab" refers to the fossils that make up the limestone-laden McLaren Vale vineyards and the French appellation of Hermitage. Drink: 2024-2027. 662775 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 5, 2024
Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewRymill Coonawarra Classic Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Drink: 2024-2033. 10541 15.60% XD 750 mL $29.95. November 14, 2024
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewPeter Lehmann The Barossan Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Peter Lehmann The Barossan 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is amazing value under $22. Produced by Casella, a family-owned company founded by Filippo and Maria Casella in 1969, this is fragrant, big, rich and concentrated Cab matured in American oak barrels up to 12 months. Lots of ripe dark berry, cassis, dark cherry, raspberry, leather, cedar and dark spice aromas and flavours on the palate. Finishes long on a smoky vanilla note. Pour it with prime rib from the grill. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2030. 12331 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. July 22, 2023
Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewPeter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2021, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Peter Lehmann's The Barossan 2021 is a great value Shiraz at $22. Full-bodied and plushy with dark berry, blueberry compote, coconut, pepper spice and chocolate flavours savoury, vibrant and lush on the palate, enjoy this food-versatile Barossa beauty on its own or with a steak from the grill. Peter Lehmann is known for his efforts in saving the Barossa Valley wine industry in the 1970s, by sourcing and blending surplus grapes from the area, and crafting wines that helped some small family operations through tough times. Drink: 2024-2030. 522235 14.90% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. October 19, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewFalernia Titón Single Vineyard Reserva Syrah 2019, Elqui Valley, Chile: Drink: 2024-2029. 27198 14.50% D 750 mL $22.95. November 14, 2024
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewMontGras Organic Pinot Noir 2021, Bío-Bío Valley, Chile: Drink: 2024-2028. 37871 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95. November 14, 2024
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewMontGras Antu Single Vineyard Carmenère 2022, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, D.O., Chile: From Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, wine region, MontGras Antu Single Vineyard 2022 Carmenère is great value at $20. Produced from grapes sourced from the Las Cabras parcel in Peumo known to produce fleshy and plushy Chilean reds. Look for ripe dark cherry, plum, fine herbs and the typical green leafy notes this varietal has to offer. The wine was aged in foudres and neutral oak barrels. Nice now, better in 2025 as the wine continues to evolve and begins to show its very best. Enjoy it through 2029. Drink: 2025-2029. 632752 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 19, 2024
Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewVeuve du Vernay Brut Sparkling, Burgundy, France: A terrific sparkling wine from the Burgundy region of France! Zesty and crisp with lovely notes of white peach and green apple. Perfect for seafood. Drink: 2024-2026. 32535 11% D 750 mL $15.50 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2024
Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full ReviewGérard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Viognier 2022, Pays d'Oc, Languedoc I.G.P., France: From the Languedoc wine region, Gérard Bertrand 2022 Viognier is amazing value at $16. Dry, bright and elegant, it is fragrant with white florals and juicy with ripe peach, hazelnut, ginger spice and a mouth-watering finish that ends on a mineral note. Chill and enjoy it with grilled fish and chicken dishes. Drink: 2024-2027. 147975 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. June 8, 2024
Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full ReviewChâteau Bourdieu No. 1 2019, Côtes De Bordeaux - Blaye, Bordeaux A.C., France: Château Bourdieu No. 1 2019 is a full-bodied, Côtes De Bordeaux - Blaye red wine blend of 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec. The wine expresses itself beautifully with ripe fresh plum, Bing cherry, well-integrated toasty oak and smoky vanilla flavours plushy on the palate. Acidity is in balance and tannins are fine-grained. Enjoy with a grilled filet mignon. Drink: 2022-2025. 21095 13.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 90/100. February 17, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewBastide Miraflors Vielles Vignes Syrah Grenache 2021, Côtes Du Roussillon, Roussillon A.P., France: Drink: 2024-2027. 320499 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95. November 16, 2024
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewMas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2022, Costières de Nîmes, Rhône A.P., France: Produced by Cyril Marès, Mas des Bressades 2022 is an excellent value cuvée of Roussanne, Grenache, Marsanne and Viognier from the southern-most part of the Rhône. Summers are hot here with over 2,700 hours of sunshine every year, moderated only by cool breezes from the river delta called the Petite Camargue where the Rhône River and the Mediterranean meets. You can count on the wine being lush with rich lemon, ripe apple, yellow pear, tropical fruits flavours and plushy on the palate. Finishes long with fresh acidity to enjoy with grilled chicken or seafood dishes. Drink: 2024-2026. 701094 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. July 6, 2024
Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full ReviewOrmarine Carte Noire Picpoul De Pinet 2023, Southwest A.P., France: From Southwest France, Ormarine Carte Noire 2023 Picpoul de Pinet is amazing value at $15. Picpoul has been grown in this region as early as the 14th century. It was originally used for making vermouth until its crisp, tangy and brilliantly bright character made it an excellent accompaniment to seafood dishes. Enjoy it chilled with seafood chowder. Drink: 2024-2025. 38396 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. September 20, 2024
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewSacred Hill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2022, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Sacred Hill 2022 Pinot Noir is impressive, expressive and juicy with layers of pink florals, strawberry, raspberry, citrus zest, pepper spice and mocha flavours fresh on the palate. Lightly chill and enjoy it with lamb and veggie kebabs from the grill. Drink: 2024-2028. 277665 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. June 8, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewMatawhero Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022, Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand: From Gisborne, North Island, Matawhero 2022 Chardonnay is vegan-friendly and is produced from sustainably-grown grapes sourced from a single vineyard that is dry-farmed. Youthful and fresh with grapefruit zest, apple, stone fruit and spicy notes on the nose and palate, it continues to reveal itself with baked apple pie, lemon cream, toasty oak spice and nutty flavours balanced with fresh acidity. Enjoy it with a roast chicken dinner through 2028. Drink: 2024-2028. 36867 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. June 22, 2024
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewInvivo Pinot Gris 2021, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Invivo 2021 Pinot Gris is a well-crafted, elegant and vibrant PG from Marlborough, South Island and great value under $20. Dry, medium-bodied and balanced with racy acidity with layers of ripe apricot, pear butter, lemon zest and subtle spicy flavours comfy on the palate. Very nicely done. Drink: 2022-2024. 367771 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 10, 2022
Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full ReviewVilla Maria Private Bin East Coast Pinot Gris 2021, New Zealand: Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast 2021 Pinot Gris is so fragrant with ripe pear, apple, honeyed melon aromas mirrored on the palate with a smooth and lingering mineral finish. A lovely, fresh, dry and juicy PG produced from grapes sourced from several coastal sites: Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Gisborne and Waipara. Great value at $20. Drink: 2023-2025. 30153 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 9, 2023
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewStoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir 2020, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Stoneleigh Latitude 2020 Pinot Noir is produced from grapes sourced from a strip of land called the Golden Mile that is known for its quality Pinot Noir. This example is bright and mouth-filling with spiced plum, cherry, savoury herbs and mocha notes juicy and concentrated on the palate. Lightly chill and enjoy it with lamb kebabs from the grill. Drink: 2024-2026. 325654 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 94/100. October 5, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewInvivo X Sjp Pinot Noir 2022, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: From Marlborough, South Island wine region, Invivo X Sjp 2022 Pinot Noir is produced from sustainably grown grapes. Dry, medium-bodied, supple and seductive with dark cherry compote, dried herbs, nut, and fresh earthy mushroom flavours velvety on the palate, it is a beautifully balanced PN to enjoy now through 2030. Drink: 2024-2030. 39492 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 95/100. October 19, 2024
Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewTIKI Single Vineyard North Canterbury Pinot Gris 2023, North Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand: Tiki 2023 is a single vineyard Pinot Gris from the North Canterbury, South Island wine region in New Zealand. Elegant and expressive with white-fleshed nectarine, Bartlett pear, red apple, lemon zest aromas and just as juicy and fresh on the palate. Enjoy it now in all of its youthful freshness with salads topped with mild cheeses like Edam and Fontina or with an elegant pork tenderloin en croute. Drink: 2024-2025. 36881 12.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. August 24, 2024
Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewVicente Faria Gloria 2021, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Vicente Faria Gloria Reserva 2021 is a great value dry and full-bodied Douro red at $17. Produced from Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional wine grapes, the wine is fresh and fruity with aromas of earthy violets, blueberry, black currant, green herbs and vanilla flavours rounded on the palate with a sweet spice finish. Very nicely done for the price! Drink: 2024-2028. 146522 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. September 21, 2024
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewPrunus 2021, Dão D.O.C., Portugal: Prunus 2021 is a great value Dão wine region red wine blend at $17. Produced from 80% Jaen, 10% Tinta Roriz and 5% Alfrocheiro, the wine is fragrant with blueberry jam, damson plum, wild herbs with a spicy, long and refreshing finish. Absolutely amazing for the price. Drink: 2024-2026. 37769 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. October 19, 2024
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewQuinta do Espírito Santo 2020, Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal: From Casa Santos Lima, Quinta do Espírito Santo 2020 is a vegan-friendly, full-bodied and vibrant red wine blend of Tinta Roriz and Castelão wine grapes. Excellent value at $16, the wine is fragrant with crushed red berry, dried fruits, mocha and spicy with a warm and long, silky finish. The wine was aged in a blend of Portuguese and American oak vats, and this vintage was awarded Grand Gold at the 2023 Citadelles du Vin. Drink: 2024-2028. 488015 15% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 11, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewCasa Santos Lima Quid Pro Quo 2021, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Alentejo, Portugal: From Vinho Regional Alentejano, Casa Santos Lima, Quid Pro Quo 2021 is a vegan-friendly and velvety red wine blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. Amazing value at $14, this is a beautifully balanced, dry and full-bodied Alentejo red, generous with ripe dark fruits, plum, savoury herbs rounded and supple on the palate. Very nicely structured. Buy cases of it at this price. Drink: 2024-2027. 37768 14% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. June 8, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewRustenberg Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2019, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: From the Stellenbosch W.O., Rustenberg 2019 is a great value 100% Chenin Blanc at $16. Love the fresh nose of apple, lemon-lime zest with dried fine herbs and mineral notes with a zesty finish. Chill and enjoy with fish tacos, crab cakes and spring salads topped with freshly steamed and chilled shrimp. Drink: 2022-2024. 698274 13.30% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2022
Best Value White Wine. Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full ReviewTussock Jumper Chenin Blanc 2023, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Tussock Jumper 2023 Chenin Blanc is an excellent value Western Cape wine region Chenin. Dry, medium-bodied and fragrant with bright citrus, apple, fine herbs, honeysuckle flavours that linger on a flinty mineral note, it is so zesty. Chill and enjoy it with chicken breasts from the grill. Drink: 2024-2027. 480764 13.60% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. June 8, 2024
Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewRamirez de la Piscina 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza 2019 is produced from 100% Tempranillo sourced from San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Ábalos, Rioja Alta. The wine was aged for 14 months in neutral American and French oak barrels (50/50). Rich on the palate with blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, coconut and toasty oak spice flavours, it is framed by chalky textured, gently grippy tannins. Very elegant and a beautiful expression of a Rioja red. Enjoy it through 2034 with a roast Porchetta or a game sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2024-2034. 383018 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. September 20, 2024
Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full ReviewBordón Gran Reserva 2013, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Drink: 2024-2030. 114454 13% D 750 mL $27.95. November 14, 2024
Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewHeredad de Urueña Santo Terroir Tempranillo 2015, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain: Drink: 2024-2027. 629832 15% XD 750 mL $16.95. November 14, 2024
Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewHacienda López de Haro Rioja Reserva Blanco 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Drink: 2024-2029. 40433 12.50% D 750 mL $27.95. November 16, 2024
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewTorres Malpastor Crianza 2020, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Drink: 2024-2027. 40189 14% XD 750 mL $19.95. November 14, 2024
Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewAltanza Reserva 2017, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Drink: 2024-2028. 208223 14% XD 750 mL $21.95. November 16, 2024
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewVilarnau Barcelona Reserva Brut Organic Cava, Penedès D.O., Spain: A zesty, vibrant Spanish sparkling wine with notes of lemon meringue and white peach. Drink: 2024-2026. 515254 11.20% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. September 20, 2024
Best Value Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full ReviewAltanza 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From Bodegas Altanza, Altanza Crianza 2018 is a great value 100% estate-grown Tempranillo at $18. The wine was aged for one year in French oak casks, followed by two months in French oak foudres. Easy to enjoy and pretty yummy now with ripe strawberry, cherry, plum, spicy cigar box and dark chocolate flavours. Enjoy it with a variety of aged cheeses like Manchego and Comté. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2027. 114835 13.30% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 2, 2023
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewDe Pró Brut Cava, Penedès D.O., Spain: From the Penedès wine region, De Pró is made in the traditional method as for champagne and a great value dry, medium-bodied Cava at $17. A fresh and fun creamy bubble with ripe apricot, brioche, lemon zest and honeyed nutty flavours delivered on a soft and persistent mousse, chill and enjoy it on its own or with tapas, cheese, olives and Iberian jamón. Drink: 2024-2025. 36059 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2024
Best Value Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full ReviewBorsao Berola 2019, Campo De Borja D.O., Spain: From Campo De Borja wine region, Borsao Berola 2019 is a great value Grenache and Syrah red wine blend at $20. Dry, full-bodied, fruity and concentrated with blackberry, dark fruits, toasty oak and pepper spice flavours with a kiss of mocha on the finish, grapes were sourced from high-altitude vineyards up to 700 metres above sea level. The finished wine spent 14 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. Berola is the original name for the 12th century monastery of Veruela when the land was first granted to Cistercian monks to tend and plant as vineyards. Established in 1958, Bodegas Borsao now includes three coops with some 620 winegrowers who cultivate over 2,430 hectares of vines. Drink: 2024-2028. 371518 15% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. June 8, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewPalacio de Primavera Vendimia Seleccionada Reserva 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From Bodegas de Familia Burgo Viejo, Palacio De Primavera Reserva 2019 is an excellent value 100% Tempranillo at $19 from the Rioja wine region. Fragrant with pink florals, savoury herbs and spicy aromas, this wine is rich and concentrated with ripe plum, dark berry, dried herbs, chocolate, cinnamon and toasty, smoky notes long on the finish. Very nicely done, particularly at this price. Drink: 2024-2029. 13632 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 6, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewPalacio Glorioso 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Palacio Glorioso Reserva 2018 is a rounded and smoky 100% Tempranillo. Full-bodied and smooth with blue florals, plum, red berry, leather, smoky and balsamic notes it is refined and refreshing on the palate. Grapes were sourced from all three of Rioja's sub regions. Bodegas Palacio was founded in 1894 by Don Cosme de Palacio who went on to establish Ribero del Duero’s legendary Vega Sicilia. Enjoy this elegant red through 2029. Drink: 2024-2029. 930164 12.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 20, 2024
Best Beef Wine Full ReviewCune 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Cune Blanco Reserva 2019 is produced from Viura grapes from vines planted in 1973 in clay-rich soils around the village of Torre Montalvo. The vineyard is protected from the frost by the small Barbarroja mountain. This is the second vintage of the Reserva white similar to the style of wine they produced in the 1950s and 1960s. The 2019 vintage is dry, medium-bodied and citrusy with fine herbs, dried florals and smoky notes, chalky-textured and vibrant on the palate. The wine was matured in a combination of concrete, oak vats and barrel for 18 months. Chill and enjoy it through 2028. Drink: 2024-2028. 22446 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 20, 2024
Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewCuatro Rayas Tempranillo 2021, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: From the Ribera Del Duero, Cuatro Rayas 2021 is a great value 100% Tempranillo at $18. Fragrant with dark cherry, plum, dark berry and bright red berry flavours, the wine is dry, medium-bodied and harmonious with balanced acidity and a lingering fresh finish. Cuatro Rayas was established in 1935. Drink: 2024-2028. 37578 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 19, 2024
Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewCosme Palacio 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Cosme Palacio 2018 is a great value 100% Tempranillo at $20 from the Rioja wine region. Dry, full-bodied and rich with aromas of f blackberry, plum, earthy mushroom, loam and stoney mineral flavours, it is complex Rioja red with a fresh and creamy finish. Drink or hold to 2029. Drink: 2024-2029. 37552 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 21, 2024
Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewLolo Albariño 2022, Rías Baixas D.O., Spain: From the Rías Baixas wine region, Lolo 2022 Albariño is produced by the Cooperativa Vitivinícola Arousana from Old Vines Albariño, some over 300 years of age! In close proximity to the Northern Atlantic Ocean, vines are treated to sea fogs, briny mineral sea spray complementing Albariño's melon, zesty grapefruit and blanched almond flavours with briny mineral notes. Lovely and fresh now, enjoy it chilled with all things seafood. Drink: 2024-2026. 483933 12.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. March 16, 2024
Sensational Shellfish Wine Full ReviewAgramont Graciano 2021, Navarra D.O., Spain: From Bodegas Agronavarra in the Navarra wine region, Agramont 2021 is an excellent value 100% Graciano at $17. A good expression of this varietal, the wine is fresh and focussed with ripe dark berry, dried tobacco, herbal and spicy notes long on the finish and framed by structured and velcroish tannins. There is plenty of food-friendly acidity on this youthful, but very approachable Graciano to enjoy with a spicy pasta dish. Drink: 2024-2026. 37262 13.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. June 8, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewBarón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017 is a vegan-friendly, dry, full-bodied Tempranillo from the Rioja wine region with a mouthful of ripe dark cherry, crushed raspberry, savoury herbs and dark spice flavours plentiful on the palate. Very elegant with chalky tannins, enjoy it now or cellar to 2027. Drink: 2024-2032. 642496 13.50% D 750 mL $33.95 Score: 92/100. July 6, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewWine by Joe Pinot Gris 2022, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Wine by Joe 2022 Pinot Gris is one zesty PG by Joe produced from grapes sourced from the Willamette Valley wine region in Oregon. Amazingly mouth-watering with melon, cucumber, lime zest, grapefruit and light nutty flavours on the palate, it's not only refreshing on the palate, it is refreshing on the pocket book as well. Drink: 2024-2025. 58651 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 6, 2024
Best Value White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewMcManis Pinot Noir 2022, Lodi, California, United States: From Lodi, California, McManis 2022 Pinot Noir is produced from sustainably grown, estate grapes with a dollop of Petite Sirah added to the mix. Dry, full-bodied, bold and richly concentrated with cherry, wild strawberry, red plum, sweet baking spice and vanilla flavours supple on the palate, it is a perfect pairing to juicy lamb chops from the grill. Drink: 2024-2026. 570739 13.40% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. June 8, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewBonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Orange 2023, Central Coast, California, United States: From Central Coast, California, Bonny Doon Le Cigare Orange 2023 is a great value skin-contact white wine at $20. Produced from Grenache Blanc, Pinot Gris, Grenache Gris, Orange Muscat and Chenin Blanc, the wine is fragrant, juicy and concentrated with layers of summer-kissed white florals, ripe apricot and soft citrus flavours with eye-winking, made-for-food acidity on the palate. Chill and enjoy it with a duck a l'orange. Drink: 2024-2026. 36791 11.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2024
Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewBogle Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021, California, United States: Bogle 2021 Pinot Noir is richly layered with red plum, dark berry, bramble leaf and baking spice flavours plushy on the palate and wrapped up in fresh acidity. Not your Mother's Pinot Noir, this California PN is more robust and can handle a lamb ragu or sirloin steaks from the grill. Drink: 2024-2028. 24101 14% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. April 13, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full ReviewIronstone Zinfandel 2020, Mokelumne River, Lodi, California, United States: Ironstone 2020 Zinfandel is produced from Old VInes Zin between 40 and 60 years of age, and also includes a splash of Petite Sirah for structure and colour. Rich, full-bodied and mouth-filling with dark cherry, blackberry, vanilla, pepper and toasty oak spice flavours, this Lodi Zin is a perfect pairing for ribs and burgers from the grill. Drink: 2023-2026. 951889 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. September 23, 2023
Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewBeringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2021, Napa Valley, California, United States: Beringer Private Reserve 2021 Chardonnay is produced from grapes sourced from Gamble Ranch in Oakville. Dry and full-bodied, this Napa Valley Chard from an Old Wente Clone, is fragrant with summer-kissed white florals, tropical fruit, fresh sliced pear, apples and lemon curd flavours, toasty and plushy on the palate. Drinking beautifully now but will continue to evolve in bottle for the next few years. Drink to 2030. Drink: 2023-2031. 26682 14.70% D 750 mL $79.95 Score: 95/100. November 4, 2023
Top Rated White Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewCline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2021, Central Coast, California, United States: Cline Ancient Vines 2021 is a dry-farmed Zinfandel produced from vines planted in Contra Costa County over 100 years ago. Full-bodied and fruity, look for dark plum, anise, savoury herbs, smoky and spicy notes on this delish Zin from the California Coast. Enjoy it with burgers and ribs from the grill. Drink: 2024-2028. 719211 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. February 3, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewObsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Red Hills, Lake County, California, United States: From Red Hills, Lake County, California, Obsidian Ridge Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, full-bodied and tannic Cab that needing some cellar time. Rich on the nose with black currant, dark cherry and flinty mineral aromas with balanced acidity on the palate. The wine was aged in Hungarian oak barrels for 18 months (40% new). Try it in 2026. Drink: 2023-2028. 544940 14.80% XD 750 mL $58.95 Score: 94/100. November 19, 2022
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewJ. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Paso Robles, California, United States: From the Paso Robles, California wine region, J. Lohr's Hilltop 2018 is a fragrant Cabernet Sauvignon-driven red wine blend with 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec splashed in. The wine was matured 18 months in French oak barriques (70% new). Look for ripe blueberry, cherry and dark plum aromas on the nose, full-bodied and smooth on the palate with ripe dark berry, cherry, mocha, dark spices, smoky and toasty on the palate. Pour with a grilled T-bone steak or roast beef dinner. This vintage was awarded Gold at the 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Drink: 2021-2028. 686584 14.90% D 750 mL $49.95 Score: 90/100. April 1, 2022
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewRombauer Carneros Chardonnay 2023, Carneros, California, United States: Drink: 2024-2029. 441089 14.60% XD 750 mL $69.95. November 14, 2024
Plush Pork Wine Full Review