Kaiken Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Produced by Montes, this is savoury, dark plum and cedar brush nose on this full-bodied well-priced Argentine red wine blend. Lots of mocha and dark chocolate on the nose and palate from generous oak aging. this wine was matured in oak barrels for 10 months, both new and used French oak. Pair with chorizo sausages or jambalaya. Drink: 2013-2017. 384305 14.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. July 25, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Santa Julia Magna Zuccardi 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A dependable, full-bodied Argentine red wine blend from one of the country's largest, yet most respected producers of value-priced wines. The classic Malbec grape is 40% of this blend. Lots of fleshy black fruit and some toasty oak. Pair with grilled steak. Drink: 2014-2018. 93799 13.80% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 11, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Salentein Reserve Malbec 2015, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: This blockbuster would benefit from a few more years in the cellar, but if you can't wait, then at least decant 1-2 hours. A voluptuous mouth-feel. This wine was aged 12 months in French oak. A richly hued wine that finishes with black plum, mocha and vanilla spice and a lick of black pepper. Pair with game dishes and duck comfit. Drink: 2016-2021. 640854 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 28, 2017
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
D'arenberg The Stump Jump 2014, Mclaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Lively and expressive with lovely white floral notes, white peach and lychee. Stunning and refreshing. This Australian white wine is a blend of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne grapes. Mouth-watering acidity makes it a terrific food companion for dishes such as grilled chicken. Drink: 2014-2017. 922203 11.80% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. July 25, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Pillitteri Estates Winery Pillitteri Canadian Gothic Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada 395616 12% D 750 mL $12.95. January 1, 2014
Full Review
Thirty Bench Riesling 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario VQA, Canada: Soft with white florals, lovely aperitif. Spring mountain wet stone on the finish. Pair with fresh water fish. Drink: 2014-2018. 24133 11% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. February 20, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2013, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Light, breezy and soft: perfect aperitif, not a lot of acidity. Notes of white pear. Very pleasant aperitif or companion to light seafood dishes. Drink: 2015-2024. 286377 12% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Loaded with ripley sweet cherry fruit, zingy cranberry and dried herbs. Incredibly mouth-watering and appetizing. Superb effort from this producer. 112177 12.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. August 30, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Full Review
2027 Cellars Falls Vineyard Riesling 2011, V.Q.A., Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Superb! Juicy lime-lemon happiness with a gusher of mouth-watering pleasure. Medium-bodied and food-ultimate friendly. Drink: 2012-2016. 294041 11% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. September 15, 2012
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2011, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: So beautiful! This riesling has it all: juicy, peach and lime aromas, balance, complexity, length and lambs. (That was a baaaaah-d joke, I know.) Medium-bodied and packed with flavour. These folks are Riesling Masters: Ka-pow! Drink: 2013-2017. 80234 10% M 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. August 30, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Creekside Backyard Block Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A burst of summer sunshine after a thunderstorm! Vibrant, zesty and packed with fresh flavour. Lime zest and lemongrass. Yes please! Drink: 2013-2015. 341792 12.50% XD 750 mL $22.00 Score: 90/100. August 30, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review
Flat Rock Riesling 2013, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The Vintages Catalogue says 2014 but we tasted the 2013 vintage. Green apple and white pear. Love it. Building an inukskuk is now a ritual at the end of harvest for this winery: lifting the heavy stones requires a team effort. Pair with roast turkey and fun. Drink: 2013-2019. 43281 11% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. April 4, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Reif Estate Winery Riesling 2021, Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The 2021 Reif Riesling has aromas of wet stone and lemon sunshine and sunny apricot and lime zest flavours. This medium-dry white would be perfect with sushi, or anything with mild to medium heat or spice. Drink: 2023-2026. 111799 12% MD 750 mL $14.75 Score: 90/100. March 21, 2023
Best Value White Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review
Henry of Pelham Winery Old Vines Baco Noir 2014, Niagara, Ontario VQA, Canada: Wow! This knocked my socks off. The vines for this Baco Noir were planted in the early 1980s, and yield incredibly concentrated and complex flavours in this wine. Dark, fleshy ripe, mouth-watering black plum and blackberry. This is your ultimate barbecue wine. Drink: 2016-2022. 459966 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. June 5, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery Estate Pinot Noir 2012, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2015-2017. 230227 13% D 750 mL $16.95. December 3, 2015
Full Review
Ninquén Antu Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Great concentration and depth of flavour. Exotic black plums and dark spices on the finish. Amazing quality for the price. Full-bodied, rich, endless. Plush, fleshy black plums wrap themselves around your tongue and dance with your senses. Pair with a crackling fire on a chilly evening, and a great book. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with grilled meats. OTHER: This wine was awarded 91 points in the 2013 Descorchados guide. (VINTAGES panel, undated.) Drink: 2013-2017. 675371 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. September 13, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Carmenère 2010, Rapel Valley, Chile: Robust and brooding with exceptional value, like the rest of the wines in its line-up. Big black fleshy fruit, loaded with toasty oak, tar and smoke. Endless, deep and rich. Discuss world domination. Drink: 2013-2017. 34942 15% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. August 30, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Leyda Valley, Chile: Unbelievably great quality, taste and freshness for the price. Clean notes of lime and lemon, with a citrus lift on the finish. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the cool-climate Chilean region of the Leyda Valley that borders and is moderated by the Pacific Ocean. Drink: 2014-2016. 367292 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Chapoutier Rasteau 2012, Rhone Valley AOC, France: An excellent, complex, deeply layered Rhone Valley red wine blend from one of the region's best producers. Layers of dark fruit and smoke. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013-2016. 321539 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Blanc Grenache Blanc 2013, Cotes-du-Rhone A.O.C., France: A full-bodied, mouth-filling white wine blend from the Rhone Valley that offers excellent value. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2013-2017. 245340 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Henri de Villamont Prestige Bourgogne 2007, Burgundy A.C., France: Crisp and clean French Chardonnay with white pear and golden apple notes and just hint of smoke. Pair with roasted chicken. Drink: 2013-2017. 416123 13% XD 750 mL $20.75 Score: 89/100. July 25, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Château Brandeau 2010, Castillon, Côtes De Bordeaux A.C., France: Produced by A. Gray Et A.F. King, Prop.-Viticulturalist, this Bordeaux red wine has terrific depth, complexity and concentration along with terrific length on the finish. Aromas of dark fruit and some smoke. Simply incredible for this price point. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2015-2019. 351973 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 25, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Château Pesquié Terrasses 2013, Côtes Du Ventoux, Rhône A.C., France Drink: 2015-2018. 652313 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 25, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2012, Alsace, France: Viscous mouth-coating and terrific! Lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Will envelop food and your senses. This is a medium dry wine but the sweetness is superbly balanced with acidity making it ideal for a chutney or salsa with pork chops. Drink: 2014-2016. 373373 13% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. August 3, 2014
Full Review
Romain Duvernay 2012, Côtes-Du-Rhône A.P., France: Sweet fleshy ripe black cherry and plum on the nose and palate of this exquisitely deliciously red wine. Full-bodied Rhone with cedar, black pepper and smoke. Great balance, length and depth. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014-2019. 380659 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 13, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Château De Pierreux Brouilly 2013, Beaujolais A.C., France: Liquid gorgeous! Full-bodied, rich and complex -- so let's just get over that stereotype now of Beaujolais being light and simple, shall we? Glorious rich black cherry flavours, dark spices and yet this is super satin, sexy in texture. Pair with grilled pork chops. Yum! Drink: 2013-2016. 5496 12.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
La Vieille Ferme 2016, Cotes Du Ventoux, Rhone A.O.C., France: A full-bodied, rustic, robust southern French red wine blend. Aromas of black fruit, cedar brush and spice. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2018-2022. 263640 13% D 750 mL $13.85 Score: 89/100. July 5, 2018
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône 2015, Côtes du Rhône, Rhone A.C., France: Gorgeous black pepper, cedar brush and wild black cherry on the nose of this terrific southern French red wine. Perrin is one of the most respected producers in the Rhone Valley, and this is all the more impressive given this wine is organic. Amazingly great price for this quality. Pair with free range beef. Drink: 2017-2020. 948059 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 27, 2017
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Gattavecchi Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G, Italy: A robust Italian red wine with savoury, meaty aromas and flavours. Pleasantly bitter black fruit on the palate and finish. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2018. 672642 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. September 13, 2014
Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2013, Südtirol-Alto Adige D.O.C., Italy: Pinot Grigio is usually not this aromatic, which makes this wine both unusual and terrific! Aromas of green pear, golden apple, lime and grapefruit. This is classic northern Italian Pinot Grigio. Some white pear and stony minerality on the palate. Medium-bodied and thirst-quenching: perfect as an aperitif or companion to seafood or shellfish. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2015. 954024 13% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. June 7, 2014
Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Casa Vinicola Gerardo Cesari Cesari Soave Classico Doc, Veneto, Italy 438952 12% 750 mL $11.95. January 1, 2015
Full Review
Remo Farina Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2013, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Juicy, robust and vibrant: a terrific wine especially at this price point. Aromas of black fleshy ripe blackberries, black plums and some dark spice. Almost reminds me of Californian Zinfandel but with a darker undertone. Perfect for grilled meats and barbecue. Drink: 2014-2018. 999946 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. December 12, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review
Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand: Love the lime citrus lift and freshness of this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Lots of gooseberry and chives on the mid-palate and finish. Perfect for shellfish. Drink: 2015-2017. 415745 12.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 27, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Momo Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: The Momo Sauvignon Blanc is produced by New Zealand's Seresin Estate of Michael Seresin, the producer and film director. (Think Harry Potter, Midnight Express, Angela's Ashes.). The kiwi savvy is herbal and refreshing with lots of mouth-watering, lime zest acidity for a range of dishes. There's some lemon zest on the finish. Intense, vibrant and clean. This is a well-known and respected New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with great typicity of the cool Marlborough region. Mouth-watering acidity weaves its way through fresh aromas of grapefruit and guava. Bring it, especially for movie night with fried chicken! Drink: 2013-2017. 9167 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. July 11, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand: Toasty oak on the nose wraps around fleshy ripe black cherries. Full-bodied, mouth-watering juicy and smooth with a great finish. New Zealand Pinot Noir offers that unique combination of fleshy fruit and zingy juiciness. Oyster Bay is part of the Delegat wine portfolio and a solid producer of good value wines including this New Zealand Pinot Noir. Smoky oak and black cherry notes with some dark spice on the finish. Terrific with a wide range of dishes. Yum! Drink: 2014-2018. 590414 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 18, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Pegos Claros 2010, Palmela D.O.C., Portugal: OMG, this is delicious! Full-bodied, juicy, smooth, with black and purple plum liqueur and fleshy blueberries. You can't beat the price here. Great party wine when the party involves hearty meat dishes. Stock up! Drink: 2013-2018. 385252 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Guadalupe 2011, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: A robust Portuguese red wine that's deeply concentrated and smoky with attractive charred black fruit. Finishes with smoky black raspberry. Paired with grilled red meats. Drink: 2014-2017. 336313 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 30, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Pegos Claros 2010, Palmela D.O.C., Portugal: This is incredibly delicious! Full-bodied, juicy, smooth, with black and purple plum liqueur and fleshy blueberries. Produced by winemaker Frederico Falcão, this full-bodied Portuguese red wine is made from grapes grown on the winery's estate farm in the Palmela region from the local variety Castelao. The vines grow in sandy soils and are harvested via traditional methods with a foot treading for pressing and open lager fermentation and oak maturation. The grapes grow on old vines which lends concentration and aging potential to the wine. You can't beat the price here. Great party wine when the party involves hearty meat dishes. Stock up! Drink: 2013-2018. 385252 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. July 25, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Cathedral Cellar Kwv Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Western Cape, South Africa: Coffee mocha aromas on the nose, but not too much. Tannic grip but that will smooth out with 1-2 hours decanting. Great value and taste for the money. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014-2017. 328567 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 10, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Porcupine Ridge Syrah Viognier 2012, Swartland W.O., South Africa: Solid value at this price point. The white grape Viognier is just what’s needed in this blend to lift and brighten such a full-bodied red. Ripe blackberry and black raspberry notes. On the finish, black raspberry, wood spice and anise. Drink: 2013-2017. 79442 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100. August 30, 2014
Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2016, Swartland, South Africa: Campfire and hickory smoke on the nose of this generously oaked South African red wine made from Syrah grapes. Tasty and attractive, it features aromas of black almost charred fruit. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2019. 595280 14.60% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. September 3, 2017
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc 2015, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: This is a great example South African Chenin Blanc with seductive aromas of Asian pear and something I can only describe as black apricot. Oak imparts baked bread and wraps this wine beautifully. Baking spices on the finish of this exotically wonderful wine. Pair with mild curries. Drink: 2015-2019. 675421 14% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 11, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Castaño Solanera Viñas Viejas 2012, Yecla D.O.C., Spain: A real stunner for the money! An alluring, seductive nose of stormy black fruit, dried herbs, and wild violets. This wine fills your mind, mouth and senses. It is a limited production wine made in the Yecla region of southern Spain. Highly recommended. Drink: 2014-2021. 276162 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.75 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Monasterio de las Viñas Blend Gran Reserva Garnacha 2005, Carinena D.O., Spain: A mouth-watering, delicious Spanish red. Full-bodied, but not heavy with notes of ripe dark red fruit. this wine is a blend of Garnacha (otherwise known as Grenache), Tempranillo, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This Gran Reserva is a rare opportunity to taste mature Spanish wine, a rare treat . Pair with veal. Drink: 2008-2016. 82024 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 18, 2021
Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Beronia Tempranillo Rioja 2011, RIOJA, SPAIN 243055 14% 750 mL $12.75. January 1, 2018
Full Review
Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Pinot Noir 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Lovely cherry-berry aromas on the nose with a supple, smooth, medium-bodied texture on the palate. This is an incredibly great price for Napa Valley pinot noir. Medium-bodied and delicious. Drink: 2014-2017. 226571 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. August 15, 2014
Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review