Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A rich, luscious, full-bodied Argentine Malbec with classic aromas of fleshy ripe black plum and mulberry. Some dark spice on the finish which is long and satisfying. A meaty, savoury mid-palate with a strong core of minerality. Pair with a rare filet mignon. Drink: 2015-2021. 29280 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 31, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review
Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Beautifully structured and balanced Argentine Cabernet with attractive aromas of cedar brush, cassis and black currant. Very classic in its styling and elegance. Perfect for filet mignon. Drink: 2015-2021. 143206 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. February 20, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review
Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Malbec 2013, Vista Flores, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Savoury and juicy and fleshy wild blackberry notes. Smooth and ready to drink when you are. Some attractive smoke, vanillin and toasty goodness from oak aging. Finishes with anise and blackberry. Try it with meat lovers' pizza tonight. Drink: 2015-2019. 65425 14.60% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 7, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Peter Lehmann Wines Layers Shiraz Tempranillo Mourvèdre Grenache 2013, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Rich, luscious and full-bodied with black plums and berries. Gorgeous concentration and depth. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014-2019. 138883 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Penny's Hill Cracking Black Shiraz 2013, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Smoky, black and brooding with chary dark fruit and toasty oak. Full-bodied with smoke. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2018. 396473 14.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 20, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Peter Lehmann Wines Layers Shiraz Tempranillo Mourvèdre Grenache 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Attractive toasty oak and black fruit on this robust Australian red wine from one of the country's most respected producers. Finishes with dark spice and a lick of black pepper. Yes please: top me up! Pair with meat lovers' pizza (and meat lovers). Drink: 2014-2018. 138883 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 20, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia: Mint and blackberry on the nose with a juicy fleshy black plum note on the mid-palate. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014-2018. 138818 13.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. February 20, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Schild Estate Gms Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2012, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Oh yum. Comfort me with mourvèdre and other old bush vine grapes. Rich, complex and deep Australian red wine: exactly what you want in a partner (and in a wine). Full-bodied and smooth and inviting. The Schild family has been in the Barossa Valley for more than 60 years. Lots of complexity, depth and vibrancy in this richly rewarding wine. This is a blend of 45% Grenache, 28% Mourvèdre and 27% Shiraz grapes. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2013-2018. 108183 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 21, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz Cabernet 2013, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: A lively, mouth-coating red wine blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from a consistently good producer. This vintage offers aromas of minty blackberry on the nose with fleshy black plum on the palate. Round, supple and satisfying with a great finish. Try it with gourmet hamburgers and all the fixings. Drink: 2013-2018. 186114 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 16, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Barossa Valley, Australia: Drinking beautifully right now! It's great to taste Australian Cabernet with some age, and displaying lovey tertiary aromas such as tanned leather, dried herbs and cigar box. Pair with pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013-2019. 39537 14.50% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 92/100. April 16, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Cimicky Trumps Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This characterful Australian red wine is loaded with toasty oak and smoke and charred black fruit aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and savoury and smooth. Good structure. Try it with a pepper steak. Drink: 2013-2017. 27383 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 7, 2015
Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Teusner The Independent Shiraz Mataro 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A rich and full-bodied Australian red wine with attractive black fruit and mocha spice from oak aging. Balanced, warming and big. Drink: 2013-2018. 289876 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 7, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2012, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Full-on, big Australian red wine with glorious black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours. Rich, full-bodied and delicious. This wine has won multiple Gold and Silver Medals in competitions around the world. Part of the Bryson Family portfolio. The oak is woven in well and the wine comes off as balanced. Well-priced. I'd drink with a rack of lamb. Drink: 2013-2017. 673897 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.75 Score: 92/100. February 7, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage Shotfire Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied wonder is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Shiraz grapes. It packs a lot of black fruit flavour along with attractive dark spices, pepper and anise. It's concentrated, rich and deep with a long, satisfying finish. Bring it on with a prime rib dish. Drink: 2013-2017. 296582 14.70% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. August 16, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Barossa Valley Estate E Minor Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, Australia: A terrific wine, especially for this price point! Full-bodied and luscious with layers of dark fruit flavour and hint of smoke weaves through. Perfect for roast beef or lamb. Drink: 2012-2016. 295907 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 30, 2014
Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Complex, full-bodied and delicious! Loaded with black fruit flavours yet it's very dry and balanced, with a lovely long finish. Great dinner party wine. The "gnarly dudes" refer to the old, twisted grapevine trunks that are illustrated on this wine's label. This is a classic red from the heart of the Barossa Valley. Serve this at a dinner party featuring a hearty meat dish, and listen to the murmurs of appreciation. Superb craftsmanship! Drink: 2012-2016. 660043 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 26, 2013
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
3 Rings Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This robust red is packed with notions of black plums, blackberries and smoke. Full-bodied but not heavy: deliciously balanced. Great price. Try it with meat lovers' pizza tonight. Yum! Drink: 2013-2016. 15495 13.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. June 21, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Nice interplay of dark fruits across the palate on this mouth-filling Shiraz. Layers of flavour that coat the palate with a terrific texture and weight. Polished tannins add a suppleness and slippery smoothness to this wine. A hedonist's delight. Drink: 2013-2016. 94078 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. June 21, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2012, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied red wine offers signature aromas of dark, fleshy ripe blackberries, a hint of oak and a mouth-watering juiciness. Terrific Australian shiraz, especially for this price. Loaded with delicious dark fruit flavours, incredible depth, concentration and length. Drink: 2013-2018. 590273 14% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 92/100. March 4, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Two Hands Wines Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: The grapes for this blockbuster red wine come from the McLaren Vale, a much-respected wine region in Australia. Sexy Beast is indeed sexy, with fleshy ripe back fruit, a lingering whiff of smoke and a voluptuous texture that wraps itself around your senses. Classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas on the finish of cassis, dark spice and some tar. Powerful, but balanced. Try it with a brontosaurus burger. Drink: 2014-2019. 219469 14.80% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 93/100. July 19, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Blissful Blue Cheese Wine Full Review
Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied red wine has lip-smacking delicious aromas and flavours of black and purple fruit. Smooth and supple. Love the fact that this big shiraz is not filtered, giving us the full-on flavour experience. The grapes for this robust red wine come from vines 100 years old. The wine is open-fermented with wild yeast, then aged 18 months in French oak barrels, and is not fined nor filtered. Try is with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2013-2017. 167189 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. April 15, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
George Wyndham Founder's Reserve Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, Australia: A gloriously rich and full-bodied Australian Shiraz with aromas of black fruit, violets, toasty oak and dried herbs. Such a pleasant balance here with a naturally pleasing bite for food. Layered and complex and deep. Yes please! Pair with meat lovers' or pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2018. 107904 14.90% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 15, 2014
Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2012, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: This is what elegance and restraint tastes like from Australia: French grammar school, Australian graduate studies by the consummate gentleman winemaker Peter Gago. This wine was matured for a year in French oak, 26% of which was new. Lovely aromas of mint, cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry with just enough toasty warmth from the oak. Drink: 2013-2019. 509919 14% D 750 mL $61.00 Score: 94/100. November 15, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Pepperjack Barossa Red 2012, Barossa Valley, Australia: A wow wine! Mouth-watering aromas of wild blackberry and mulberry on the nose that delivers luscious, fleshy, juicy flavour on the palate. Full-bodied and very supple with layers of caressing pleasure on the tongue. Not overdone or a fruit bomb by any means: balanced, and dignified as only the way Barossa Valley reds can do. This is a robust red wine finishes with nuances of violets, anise and a touch of mocha. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2018. 393801 14.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier 2012, Victoria, Australia: Lots of attractive black pepper and dark fruit on the nose. This full-bodied, juicy red derives a lift in the mid-palate from the splash of viognier in the blend. It delivers hedonistic pleasure and ripe, fleshy layers of black plums and blackberries. This would be a superb gift wine, but why wait for a special occasion? Cote Rotie in inspiration but pure Australian at heart. Pair with a rack of lamb, or kangaroo burger. Drink: 2014-2019. 18887 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Cheviot Red Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2013, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: A lovely cool-climate, maritime pinot noir that shows the moderating and cooling effects of the ocean. A zesty seam of acidity with ripe cherry notes. Closed with a screwcap. Mornington Peninsula is becoming one of the most recognized and coveted Pinot Noir producing regions in Australia. Finishes with black cherry and smoke. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2014-2019. 58073 12.60% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 12, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review
Heartland Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Love the nose of black cherry liqueur and mysterious dark spices that draw you head first into the glass of this robust Australian Shiraz. The palate opens up with fleshy ripe black fruit and smoke. This is such a lively, full-bodied red that's smooth and ready to drink now. Try it with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2017. 661934 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 25, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, Australia: Wow, what an aromatic nose on this Australian red wine! This Shiraz features toasty oak, fleshy blackberry and plum and mocha on the nose and palate. It's full-bodied, ultra-smooth and mouth-filling. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013-2019. 477801 14% D 750 mL $23.05 Score: 92/100. April 18, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review
Zonte's Footstep Chocolate Factory Shiraz 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia 396481 14% XD 750 mL $19.95. January 9, 2015
Full Review
Riesling 2012, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: I am in love! Pure petrol-peach siren call on the nose of this stunning Ontario Riesling. I almost don't believe how low the alcohol is at 10% for the staggering amount of flavour packed in here. Have mercy, it's fantastic. Lime acidity perfect for so many dishes, almost anything except steak. Drink: 2013-2019. 131169 10.20% D 750 mL $21.00 Score: 94/100. June 21, 2014
Top Rated White Wine. Vital Vegetarian Pizza Wine Full Review
Tantalus Vineyards Single Vineyard Riesling 2010, VQA, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada: A cracking great Riesling, with come-alive lime zest and lemon aromas. Spectacularly juicy and mouth-watering with a finish of Granny Smith apple. Taste and see what BC is capable of when it comes to vibrant Riesling! Drink: 2011-2018. 626990067412 12.20% M 750 mL $22.90 Score: 92/100. August 5, 2011
Full Review
Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2013, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: August Baco Noir that rises to Bordeaux levels of elegance and complexity. Aromas of black plums, cassis, smoke and earth. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2014-2019. 461699 13.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. June 25, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Errázuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Terrific lusciousness on the nose and palate of this robust Argentine Cabernet. The Max Reserva line of wines delvers extraordinary value. The 2014 vintage offers aromas of ripe black plum and cassis. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2016-2019. 335174 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. January 31, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
San Pedro 1865 Carmenere 2011, Maule Valley, Chile: Wow, this single vineyard Carmenere rocks! Carmenere is arguably the flagship red wine of Chile. It has it all: concentrated, rich black fruit flavours and depth, yet it's supple and smooth with a long finish. Velvet on the palate, lingering in the mind. This robust red wine finishes with notes of cassis and dried tobacco. Great balance and depth. Try it with a rack of lamb tonight. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2017. 249201 14.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. October 11, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review
Moillard Tradition Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2012, Burgundy A.C., France: A stunningly gorgeous Old World Pinot Noir at a steal of a price for Burgundy. Holy smokes! Fleshy ripe cherry aromas and flavours with just enough juicy acidity for a wide range of dishes from turkey to salmon. Lovely long finish. Don't buy it all before I get to the store please. Drink: 2013-2018. 66399 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2014
Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2012, Côtes De Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.C., France: Complex, mysterious and spectacular! Full-bodied, juicy, layered and smooth. Endless finish. I love the Braille label, plus the name includes a nice dose of Latin: perfect teacher's pet gift for end of the year (or perhaps now to lock in those 90s). Aromas of baked black fruit yet dry. So very delicious. Wish I knew the Latin phrase for that ... ultimum delici vinum! Taut, robust and ready to rock when you are! This full-on, take-me-on red wine has it all. Black fruit, smoke, mocha and dark spice on the finish, which is loooooooong. Drink: 2014-2020. 643239 14% XD 750 mL $25.45 Score: 95/100. December 6, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review
Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan De Dieu 2013, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône A.C., France: This southern French red wine from the Rhone is brought to us by Plan De Dieu Aubert Frères. Tasty, full-bodied and delicious! Superb value: staggeringly great for the price. Aromas of cedar, black fruit, smoke and juicy black cherry. This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah grapes. This, my friends, is your party wine. It'll dance with anything on the grill. Drink: 2013-2017. 224592 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. April 16, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Tessellae Old Vines Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2013, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.P, France: The 2013 vintage of Tessellae Old Vines Cotes du Roussillon is fresh and intriguing on the nose with fleshy purple plums, black fruit and some toast. Perfect for grilled meats. Finishes with pepper and dark spice. Highly recommended. Drink: 2015-2019. 343517 14% XD 750 mL $17.00 Score: 93/100. September 5, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Castello di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G, Italy: A vibrant, racy, smooth, full-bodied Chianti Reserva with great typicity of the region and terroir. Aromas of earth, smoke and dried black fruit. Mouth-watering and juicy. Pair with tomato-based meat sauces. Drink: 2017-2023. 216309 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. August 4, 2018
Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Oyster Bay Merlot 2014, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Round, smooth, supple Merlot with enticing aromas and flavours of fleshy black plum and blackberry on the nose and palate. Medium- to almost full-bodied. This would be a great match for grilled pork chops. Drink: 2014-2017. 692343 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 5, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Waipara Hills Pinot Noir 2012, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand: A fleshy dark fruited New Zealand Pinot Noir that sources grapes from the cool Waipara region located between Christchurch and Marlborough. Lovely aromas of dark cherry and berry on this medium-bodied red wine. Pair with seared tuna. Drink: 2013-2018. 312876 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. August 30, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Momo Seresin Estate Pinot Noir 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Big and juicy, with pleasingly tart and vibrant cherry aromas and flavours in this kiwi pinot noir. Mouth-watering acidity is fantastic for a range of dishes, from planked salmon to roast chicken. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied. Very tasty. Made by the film director of many famous movies, including several of the Harry Potter series. This red wine is bio-gro certified and the grapes came from three vineyard sites. The wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 11 months in old French barrels. Drink: 2013-2018. 163972 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 26, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Quinta Do Roncão Reserva 2012, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: An opulent, robust red wine brought to us by Maria Manuela, with dollops of fleshy dark cherries, raisins and hickory smoke. Some dark spices on the finish. Terrific! This is a Portuguese red wine blend of 50% Touriga Franca, 30% Tinta Roriz, and 20% Touriga Nacional grapes. Finishes with dark spices. Decant 1 hour and enjoy with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013-2017. 147942 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 7, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Blissful Blue Cheese Wine Full Review
Porcupine Ridge Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Coastal Region W.O., South Africa: Blackcurrant and wild blackberry flavour richness on the nose and palate, with a gorgeously smooth texture and full-bodied weight. Nice cedar and underbrush notes on the finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Nice price, too. Drink: 2014-2018. 146894 14.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 7, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Rio Madre 2011, Rioja, Spain: A terrific, full-bodied red wine at an staggeringly great price! This is a DOCA wine and is produced by Bodegas Y Vinedos Ilurce. Loaded with fleshy dark fruit, mouth-watering action and layers of lip-smacking flavours. this wine was matured in French oak. Lovely! Drink: 2013-2017. 354753 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 4, 2014
Smart Buy 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
Napa Cellars Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Love it! Full-bodied and loaded with flavour yet vibrant and nimble and never heavy. Black fruit and spice with such a velvet smooth palate. Very complex and balanced. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2018. 126607 14.90% D 750 mL $25.25 Score: 92/100. September 5, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: A balanced wine and a great value. This is mostly cabernet sauvignon with some merlot and zinfandel grapes in the blend. Dark fruit aromas are wrapped in toasty oak. Nice symmetry and balance with full-bodied weight. Gets my vote! Finished with dried herbs an dark fruit. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2014-2018. 73817 13.50% D 750 mL $61.95 Score: 91/100. December 6, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Simi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied, savoury Californian Cabernet that needs to be decanted 1-2 hours before serving. Attractive notes of black fruit and smoke. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014-2018. 25221 13.50% XD 750 mL $31.95 Score: 90/100. April 15, 2015
Full Review
Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel 2011, Paso Robles, California, United States: Full-bodied with rich dark fruit and a complex structure. Not as sweet as many zins: more concentrated and complex. This muscular Zinfandel reflects the warmth and richness of Paso Robles in southern California. Lots of bold black cherry, pepper and spice. Sourced from grapes grown in the warm foothills of the arid vineyards studded with oak trees. Drink: 2013-2016. 31781 14.90% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review
Cosentino Cigarzin Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, California, United States: Surprisingly low in alcohol for such a full-bodied, full-flavoured Californian zinfandel. Pure delicious! Smoky with fleshy black fruit. Complex zinfandel in all its glory. Yahoo! Drink: 2013-2017. 269340 15.40% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. May 24, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, California, United States: Aromas of jammy purple plums and blueberries on the nose. The palate opens up luxuriously, smooth and full-bodied with more lip-smacking tasty flavours of dark fruit. An amazing wine for BBQ ribs or chicken wings. Fire up the grill! Drink: 2013-2016. 678698 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Toasty oak, blackberry and cassis. Chalky dry, full-bodied with polished tannins. Finishes long and dry with dark spices. The alcohol is high at 15.5% but it doesn't taste hot or out of balance. 38125 15.50% XD 750 mL $41.75 Score: 93/100. August 2, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
H3 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Horse Heaven Hills, Washingon State, United States: A terrific value and a rarity for us: great Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon. Very different from California. Try it and see. Aromas of mocha, cassis and blackcurrant with a wonderful weave of smoke. Try with grilled or smoked meats (not horse). Drink: 2013-2017. 210047 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. July 16, 2014
Best Beef Wine Full Review
Stirling Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, California Central Coast, United States 13% $15.95. March 1, 2012
Full Review
Bonterra Zinfandel 2011, Mendocino County, California, United States: This Californian Zinfandel is made from organic grapes and the winery practises sustainable viticulture, but that's not its main selling point - flavour is! Big, juicy black fruit wrapped lovingly in a warm blanket of toasty oak. This wine would make even cold pizza (topped with free range chicken of course) taste good. Drink: 2014-2018. 530139 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. July 5, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Outstanding Organic Wine Full Review
Angeline Signature Reserve Pinot Noir 2013, Green Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very pleasant and balanced with lovely notes of fresh cherry and field berry. Just enough balanced acidity for a wide range of dishes. Love that this is not a Californian fruit bomb or heavy in alcohol. Drink: 2013-2017. 396143 13.50% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 90/100. February 7, 2015
Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Cosentino Cigarzin Old Vine Zinfandel 2012, California, United States: Surprisingly low in alcohol for such a full-bodied, full-flavoured Californian zinfandel. Pure delicious! Smoky with fleshy black fruit. Complex zinfandel in all its glory. Yahoo! Old vines truly do make a difference to the complexity and concentration of flavour, especially in zinfandel. Finishes with dark spice, smoke and pepper. Pair with spaghetti and meat balls. Drink: 2013-2018. 269340 14.90% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. February 7, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2012, Paso Robles, California, United States: Mocha-rich Californian Merlot with some dark chocolate on the nose. Lots of fleshy ripe purple and black plums on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. This wine was aged for a year in oak, and offers plush depths of flavour. Perfect for potluck gatherings. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with lamb. Drink: 2013-2018. 27516 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 21, 2015
Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Joel Gott Wines 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Juicy and savoury with enticing herbs and meaty notes mid-palate. Very intriguing. Full-bodied and smooth with some dark spices on the finish along with cedar brush. Highly recommended. Drink: 2014-2019. 444059 13.90% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. December 30, 2016
Top Rated Red Wine. Blissful Blue Cheese Wine Full Review
Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend Merlot 2012, Napa, Sonoma, California, United States: Mocha, dark chocolate and espresso on the nose from the enticing oak aging on this Californian red wine. Full-bodied and smooth with lots of layers of fleshy black plums. Try it tonight with grilled pork chops. The Merlot grapes are gently delivered whole-berry to the fermenter, avoiding bitterness while brining out fresh fruit flavours. Drink: 2013-2018. 454876 14.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. April 15, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review