Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec 2017, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Trapiche Gran Medalla 2017 Malbec is a full-bodied, powerful and juicy Malbec with fleshy dark cherry, ripe blueberry, dark plum, cedar and savoury spice on the palate. Finishes spicy and smooth. Just outstanding. Drink: 2021-2024. 467977 14% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 95/100. July 10, 2022
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewTrapiche Pure Black Malbec 2019, Mendoza, Argentina: A lip-smacking, delicious Argentine red wine made from the country's most iconic red grape Malbec. This wine is 100% unoaked, so the fleshy black plum and fruit character shows through. It's full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Great value for this price. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2020-2023. 462861 14% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2021
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full ReviewRiverview Cellars Fontana Sparkling Rosé - 4 Pack, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada 10.50% MD $18.60. July 8, 2021
Full ReviewCave Spring Estate Gewürztraminer 2019, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment wine region, Cave Spring Estate, Cave Spring Vineyard 2019 Gewürztraminer is dry, medium-bodied, late-harvest style Gew and well priced at $20. Fragrant with rose petal, ripe stone fruit, ginger, lychee, spicy and long on the palate. Beautifully-crafted and balanced with medium-plus- intensity flavours with a long and mouthfilling finish. A portion of the wine was fermented on it skins. Very aromatic. Chill and enjoy with Thai shrimp curry or a traditional wiener schnitzel. Drink: 2022-2024. 302059 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 15, 2022
Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full ReviewCreekside Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp, clean and refreshing Niagara Sauvignon Blanc that leans more to the lime-citrus style than grassy-herbal. Mouth-watering and fresh. Perfect for seafood or shellfish. Drink: 2022-2024. 620724 12.70% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 6, 2023
Best Value White Wine. Great Goat Cheese Wine Full ReviewEastDell Pinot Noir 2017, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From the Niagara Peninsula wine region, Eastdell 2017 Pinot Noir is ruby in the glass with some bricking. Fragrant and earthy on the nose with sous bois, crushed raspberry and spicy aromas this PN is dry, medium-bodied with red berry, raspberry, plum, savoury herbs and a touch of spice and well-balanced with food-friendly acidity. Lightly chill and enjoy with roast chicken. Drink: 2024-2025. 613059 12.80% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 17, 2024
Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewProud Pour Pinot for Bees Pinot Noir 2016, St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A vibrant, lovely Niagara Pinot for a great cause - protecting wild bees. Aromas of tart cherry and earth. Pair with veal. Drink: 2021-2026. 17182 12.50% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. November 1, 2022
Top Rated Red Wine. Full ReviewQuails' Gate Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Quails' Gate 2019 Pinot Noir, is satiny smooth and elegant with balanced acidity, fragrant with crushed raspberry, dark cherry, lavender, sage, vanilla and smoky aromas on the nose. Perfectly poised, concentrated and powerful with dark cherry, fine herbs, anise, nutmeg and ginger spice flavours on the palate. Tannins are velvety. Enjoy on its own or pour with a rack of lamb. Drink: 2023-2026. 585760 14% D 750 mL $35.95 Score: 91/100. January 31, 2024
Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full ReviewFresh Horizons Sparkling Moscato 375Ml, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A, Canada 18307 9% M 375 mL $9.95. July 8, 2021
Full ReviewThirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Riesling 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A stunning Riesling from one of the province's best producers of this genre. Aromas of lime, lemongrass and wet stone. Pair with seafood and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2021-2024. 24133 11% MD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. July 8, 2021
Top Rated White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full ReviewLakeview Cellars Viognier 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2020-2022. 646307 13% D 750 mL $19.95. July 8, 2021
Full ReviewGray Monk Estate Winery Rosé 2020, Okanagan Valley, BC V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely, refreshing BC rosé with notes of small field berries and strawberries. Racy acidity makes this a terrific companion for seafood and salads. Drink: 2021-2023. 12.60% D 750 mL $17.99 Score: 92/100. April 28, 2022
Top Rated Rosé Wine. Full ReviewPillitteri Estates Winery Canadian Gothic White 2020, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A floral, light-bodied white wine blend from Niagara that's delightful on its own or with seafood. Drink: 2021-2023. 12.50% MD 750 mL $8.30 Score: 87/100. July 8, 2021
Full ReviewLakeview Cellars Serenity Pinot Noir Rosé 2020, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: Lakeview Cellars Serenity 2020 is a Pinot Noir driven-rosé blend with 10% Gamay Noir and 5% Chardonnay Musqué. As lovely on the nose as it is on the palate with ripe strawberry, raspberry, watermelon and citrus zest flavours. Says "summer" right out of the glass. Chill and enjoy this medium-bodied sipper with goat cheese and garden salads. Drink: 2022-2023. 16953 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. April 1, 2023
Best Value Rosé Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full ReviewBurnt Ship Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp and fresh with juicy, mouth-watering acidity. Aromas of lemongrass and lime zest. Perfect for seafood. Drink: 2021-2023. 517185 12% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 88/100. July 8, 2021
Best Value White Wine. Full ReviewPalatine Hills 1812 White 2018, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2020-2023. 12% D 750 mL $14.95. July 8, 2021
Full ReviewReif Estate Winery Riesling Reserve 2020, Niagara River, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: From Niagara's master of Riesling, Reif has produces another exceptional vintage of its reserve line. Aromas of lime pith, lemongrass and sunshine. Medium-bodied and off-dry. Perfect for seafood, salads and grilled veggies. Drink: 2021-2025. 12.50% D 750 mL $22.15 Score: 92/100. July 8, 2021
Top Rated White Wine. Full ReviewNiagara College Teaching Winery Balance Pinot Noir Rosé 2019, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2020-2022. 13% D 750 mL $16.95. July 8, 2021
Sensational Shellfish Wine Full ReviewKonzelmann Estate Winery Lakefront Series Cabernet Rosé 2019, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2020-2022. 12% D 750 mL $16.95. July 8, 2021
Full ReviewMontes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2020, Aconcagua Costa D.O., Chile: Montes 2020 Pinot Noir is an excellent value Chilean PN at $17. Dry, medium-bodied with fresh dark cherry, raspberry, fresh herbs, subtly spiced with a lingering flinty mineral finish. A third of the wine was aged in French oak barrels for seven months with the balance in stainless-steel tanks. Lovely now. Lightly chill and enjoy with three pepper steak. Drink: 2022-2027. 37937 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 24, 2022
Best Value Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewChâteau d'Aquéria Tavel 2020, Rhône A.C., France: Château d'Aquéria 2020 Tavel is dry, full-bodied Tavel fragrant with sage, lavender, rose petals, dried strawberry and earthy aromas with a soft orange finish on the palate. Produced from mostly Grenache with Clairette, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Bourboulenc and Picpoul added to the mix. Chill and enjoy with grilled salmon . Drink: 2021-2023. 319368 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. December 14, 2021
Top Rated Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full ReviewChâteau De Myrat 2011, Barsac, Bordeaux A.C., France: This second growth (2e cru) offers notes of apricot jam, baking spice and clementine. Pair with crème brûlée. Drink: 2014-2019. 297028 13% S 375 mL $24.85 Score: 89/100. May 16, 2015
Divine Dessert Wine Full ReviewCusumano Terre Siciliane Nero D'avola 2018, Sicily, Italy: This Italian red wine is made from the Nero d'Avola grape, the iconic red grape of the island of Sicily. Layers of fleshy black (nero) fruit and pepper spice. The Cusumano family has been making wine for more than 60 years on the southern Italian island of Sicily. Their expertise and craft shows in the glass of this exceptional red wine. Such terrific value! Pair with gourmet hamburgers and meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2019-2022. 143164 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. December 16, 2019
Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full ReviewSanta Margherita Pinot Grigio 2020, Alto Adige Trentino D.O.C., Italy: Beautifully balanced and refreshing Italian Pinot Grigio from one of the country's best-known producers of this wine. Santa Margherita was, in fact, the first to make Pinot Grigio back in 1961, and has led the way ever since. Crisp and lively with racy acidity for seafood and shellfish. Also works on its own as a chilled aperitif. Drink: 2021-2023. 106450 12.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. March 4, 2022
Best Value White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full ReviewMatahiwi Estate Holly Pinot Noir 2019, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand: From the Matahiwi Vineyard in the Wairarapa wine region, Holly 2019 Pinot Noir is elegant with pink florals, ripe red and dark berry, fine herb, nutmeg and ginger spice plushy and fresh on the palate. Tannins are fine and chalky. The Matahiwi Vineyard is planted with several Pinot Noir clones. This wine was made from clones 667, 5 and 777 and was aged 12 months in oak barrels (23% new). Drink: 2021-2024. 17543 13.50% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. May 11, 2021
Top Rated Red Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full ReviewTe Awanga Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Te Awanga Estate 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from grapes sourced from Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand. Vibrant with fresh white nectarine and elegant with fine herb, lemon-lime peel balanced with mouth-watering acidity on the palate. Drink: 2021-2022. 17553 12.50% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2021
Top Rated White Wine. Great Goat Cheese Wine Full ReviewLuna Estate Pinot Noir 2016, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: From Martinborough, North Island, Luna Estate 2016 Pinot Noir is produced from sustainably-grown grapes. Dry, medium-bodied with ripe raspberry, cherry, baking spice, earthy and savoury fine herb flavours on the palate. Lovely and easy to enjoy. Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2024. 17544 12.50% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. May 12, 2021
Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full ReviewForrest Wines The Doctors' Riesling 2019, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: From Forrest Wines, The Doctors' 2019 Riesling is produced from sustainably-grown wine grapes from Marlborough, South Island. Low in alcohol at 9% abv means you can have a glass or two of this delicious off-dry Riesling with lime zest, orange blossom and chalky, briny mineral flavours that linger on the palate. Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2027. 12321 9.10% MS 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2021
Top Rated White Wine. Calm Curry Wine Full ReviewMuddy Water Skin Ferment 2019, Waipara, South Island, New Zealand: Muddy Water 2019 is a skin ferment New Zealand orange wine. Produced from a blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Saint Laurent and Gruner Vetliner wine grapes, look for soft orange, baking spice, dried citrus, fine herb and floral flavours finishing with a chalky minerality and chewy tannins. A very different and interesting wine. Chill, drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2028. 17825 12.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2021
Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewArca Nova Vinho Verde 2019, Vinho Verde D.O.C., Portugal: Arca Nova 2019 is a great value, vegan-friendly Vinho Verde produced from Arinto de Bucelas, Loureiro and Trajadura white wine grapes indigenous to the wine region. Crisp and refreshing with crunchy green apple, white pepper and fine mineral flavours on the palate. Chill and enjoy on its own, but the wine also has wonderful food-friendly acidity and enough character to pair with periwinkles in black bean sauce. Drink: 2021-2023. 292029 10.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. May 22, 2021
Best Value White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewMedeiros Rosé 2020, Alentejano, Portugal: Medeiros 2020 is an excellent value, bright, medium-bodied rosé made from Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Aragonez wine grapes. Floral on the nose with pink rose petals, bright and fresh on the palate with fresh red berry, cherry and soft orange citrus flavours. Chill and enjoy it with a grilled salmon steak. Drink: 2021-2022. 451385 12.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. May 22, 2021
Best Value Rosé Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full ReviewBulas Vintage Port Unfiltered 2009, Douro, Portugal: This rich and full-bodied port makes for an excellent dessert wine after dinner. It offers generous aromas and flavours of ripe black fruit, smoke and dark spices. This is a DO-designated wine, and an excellent value. Great cellar bottle. Drink: 2015-2022. 363119 20% S 750 mL $49.95 Score: 94/100. February 1, 2014
Top Rated Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full ReviewCasa Santos Lima Colossal Reserva 2017, Lisboa, Portugal: Casa Santos Lima Colossal Reserva 2017 has colossal flavour with rich dark cherry, blueberry, blackberry, fine herbs and spice on the palate at not such a colossal price ($16). Powerful with rich tannins. Enjoy with a sausage cassoulet or game roasts. Drink: 2022-2024. 548867 14.20% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2022
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full ReviewStave & Steel Canadian Whisky Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, California, United States: A full-bodied Californian Cabernet that's aged in Canadian whisky barrels. Aromas of fleshy ripe black fruit and smoke. Pair with meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2018-2023. 13733 15.50% D 750 mL $21.05 Score: 91/100. July 8, 2021
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full ReviewRodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Sonoma County, California, United States: A vibrant Californian Sauvignon Blanc from the cool climate of northern Sonoma. Aromas of lime zest, lemongrass, smoke and chives. Fresh, crisp and mouth-watering. Pair with shellfish and fresh seafood. Drink: 2015-2018. 449207 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 29, 2017
Best Value White Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full ReviewBonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, California, United States: Focussed, classic Cabernet Sauvignon from Bonterra with juicy blackberry, cassis, mocha, savoury herb and toasty oak flavours on the palate. Decant for two hours if pouring now. Great cellaring candidate for the next three years. The winemaker is Jeff Cichocki. Bonterra has been producing organic wine for 20-plus years. Drink: 2019-2024. 342428 13.80% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. May 20, 2021
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review7 Deadly Old Vine Zinfandel 2017, Lodi, California, United States: A robust, blockbuster Californian Zinfandel with aromas of ripe blackberry, dark plum, spice and smoke. Supple and smooth. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2019-2023. 59311 15% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. February 11, 2021
Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full ReviewJ. Lohr Falcon's Perch Monterey County Pinot Noir 2018, Monterey County, California, United States: From Monterey County, California, J. Lohr's Falcon's Perch 2018 Pinot Noir is easy drinking and easy to love, rounded and smooth on the palate with ripe blackberry, dark cherry, strawberry, chocolate, smoky and toasty oak spice flavours. Pour with roast duck. Drink: 2022-2025. 361717 13.50% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 89/100. April 15, 2021
Delightful Duck Wine Full ReviewWente Beyer Ranch Zinfandel 2017, California, United States: Wente's Beyer Ranch 2017 is a juicy, full-bodied, estate-grown, Zinfandel-driven red wine with a splash of Petite Sirah from the Livermore Valley in California. Love the dried florals, blueberry, crushed raspberry, dark cherry and figgy flavours on this fruity, mouth-filling Zin. Wente Vineyards was founded in 1883. Drink: 2021-2024. 66118 14.50% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 88/100. April 2, 2021
Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full ReviewLongshot Pinot Noir 2019, California, United States: A juicy, smooth, medium-bodied California Pinot Noir. Aromas of strawberries and field berries. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2021-2024. 21969 13.50% D 750 mL $17.00 Score: 90/100. December 17, 2021
Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review