Catena Appellation Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Appellation Agrelo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: From Agrelo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Catena 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, medium-bodied, spicy red, fragrant with fresh black currant, dried blueberry, herbs, cola, cloves, baking spice and flinty flavours fresh on the palate. Tannins are firm. A beautifully expressive Cab, good now but better in 2024 when it will begin to show its best. Drink: 2024-2028. 484303 13.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 94/100. December 2, 2023 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc 2021, Paraje Altamira, San Pablo, Mendoza, Argentina: The Cabernet Franc grapes for Zuccardi Q 2021 were sourced from Paraje Altamira and San Pablo in the Uco Valley wine region. At $22, the wine over delivers on the palate with wild herbs, dark cherry, raspberry, plum, well-integrated oak spice matched with vibrant acidity for food. Good now, better in 2024 and to drink to the end of the decade. Drink: 2024-2029. 15121 14% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 94/100. December 2, 2023 Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review

Sons of Eden Freya Riesling 2022, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Sons of Eden Freya 2022 Riesling is produced from grapes sourced from 44 year-old-vines in Craneford and from 21 year-old-vines in High Eden from three vineyards. Grapes are hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed and cool-fermented. Fresh with aromas of white florals, citrus blossom, lemon-lime zest, apple, pear and minerally flavours fresh on the palate, enjoy it now through to 2040. Drink: 2023-2042. 12652 13% XD 750 mL  $22.90 Score: 96/100. December 2, 2023 Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Sidewood Mappinga Chardonnay 2019, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Sidewood's Mappinga 2019 Chardonnay is intense and lush with tropical fruit, melon, lemon curd, toasted nut and well-integrated oak spice flavours savoury, smooth and finishing long on the palate with crisp acidity. Drink: 2023-2026. 688291 12.20% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 94/100. December 2, 2023 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2021, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Torbreck Woodcutter's 2021 Shiraz is a fruity, full-bodied Barossa Valley red with ripe blackberry, raspberry, bright cherry, smoky with a hint of cardamon, star anise and Chinese five spice on the palate. Acidity is in check and tannins are creamy and fine-grained. Produced from 100% Shiraz, wine grapes for this vintage were sourced from the Marananga, Greenock, Seppeltsfield, Gomersal, Moppa, Lyndoch and Ebenezer districts. The wine was matured up to 12 months in neutral oak barrels. Drink or hold to the end of the decade. Drink: 2024-2028. 927533 15% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 96/100. November 18, 2023 Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Tyrrell's Semillon 2022, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: From Hunter Valley, New South Wales wine region, Tyrrell's 2022 Semillon is dry, medium-bodied and zesty with fresh pear, star fruit and fine herb flavours lean and sleek on the palate with a lingering minerally finish. Comes in at 11% abv! Drink or hold to 2030. Drink: 2023-2030. 632034 10.60% XD 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 94/100. November 18, 2023 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Zonte's Footstep Hills Are Alive Shiraz 2021, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: From the Adelaide Hills wine region in South Australia, Zonte's Footstep Hills Are Alive 2021 Shiraz is vegan-friendly, rich and juicy with cassis, dark cherry, chocolate, blue florals and cracked black pepper spice elegant and harmonious on the palate. Enjoy it with garlic-crusted lamb chops. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2029. 522342 15.10% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. November 4, 2023 Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review

Mountadam Chardonnay 2019, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Mountadam 2019 Chardonnay is a sinfully smooth, buttery Chard from the winery's High Eden Estate in Eden Valley, South Australia. Dry, medium-plus-bodied creamy and buttery on the palate with bright citrus, white-fleshed stone fruit, tropical fruit and toasty oak flavours with a long and fresh finish. The wine was fermented in oak barrels with partial MLF, and with bâtonnage in new French oak barriques. Drink: 2023-2030. 10411 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 94/100. November 4, 2023 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Elderton Shiraz 2020, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: From the Barossa Valley, Elderton 2020 Shiraz is produced from estate-grown grapes sourced from Ashmead Family Vineyards from vines between 15 and 100 years of age. Fresh with ripe blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry, mocha, cedar brush and baking spice aromas and flavours, this is an opulent and wonderfully complex 100% Shiraz at its best now to 2035. Pour with a roast leg of lamb. Drink: 2023-2033. 713024 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 94/100. November 18, 2023 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2021, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Megalomaniac Narcissist 2021 Riesling is crisp, juicy and, of course, expressive with ripe pear, apple, minerally and petrol notes. The wine is off-dry and balanced with racy acidity and can take on any rich holiday dish because, well, it just can! Drink: 2023-2027. 67587 10.90% M 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. August 10, 2024 Best Value White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Colchagua Valley D.O., Chile: Montes Alpha 2020 is an excellent value Cabernet Sauvignon-driven red wine blend (with 10% Syrah and 5% Carmenère added to the mix), a special cuvée with grapes sourced from Montes' extensive plantings in Marchigüe. Although the wine is built to age, it is currently showing some beautiful flavours of wild herbs, black currant, black cherry, plum and earthy florals smoky with subtle spicy and dark chocolate notes on the palate. Tannins are plushy. Drink from 2024 to the end of the decade. Drink: 2024-2031. 649160 14.60% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 95/100. December 2, 2023 Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Aconcagua Costa D.O., Chile: From the Aconcagua Costa wine region, Arboleda 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a great value Chilean Cab at $20. Produced by Eduardo Chadwick, this dry, medium-plus-bodied, vegan-friendly and fruity Cab is rich in blackberry, herbal and toasted oak spice flavours with good acidity for food and refreshing on the palate. Tannins are structured. The grapes for this vintage were sourced from the Las Vertientes zone on the west side of the Aconcagua Valley and the wine was aged 14 months in oak barrels (30% new). Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2029. 606764 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 16, 2023 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Entre Restanques Et Garrigues 2020, Cairanne, Rhône A.P., France: Produced by François-Xavier Nicolas Père & Fils, Entre Restanques Et Garrigues 2020 is a dry, medium-plus-bodied and juicy Rhône red wine blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah. Fresh on the nose and concentrated on the palate with bright red cherry, dried wild herbs, savoury and spicy with a smooth and velvety finish. Tannins are structured and fine-grained. Drink: 2023-2028. 15449 14% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 95/100. November 18, 2023 Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Gabriel Meffre Saint-Barthélémy 2020, Vacqueyras, Rhône A.P., France: Gabriel Meffre Saint-Barthélémy 2020 is a vegan-friendly, full-bodied and gorgeous Vacqueyras red wine blend of 70% Grenache with the balance in Syrah. Enticing on the nose with pink florals, dark cherry, liquorice and smoky spicy aromas and flavours mirrored on the palate. Savoury and so good, enjoy this Rhône red with a roast rack of lamb. Drink: 2023-2028. 479691 14% D 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 96/100. November 18, 2023 Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Camille Cayran 2020, Cairanne, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.C., France: From Cave de Cairanne, Camille Cayran La Grande Réserve 2020 is a medium-bodied Côtes Du Rhône Villages red wine blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre. Superb value at $19, look for ripe dark cherry, blackberry, chocolate and subtle spicy flavours juicy, velvety and dangerously drinkable. Nice concentration of fruit with balanced acidity and a lovely long finish. Very Impressive! Drink: 2023-2028. 31693 15% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 93/100. December 2, 2023 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Château de Nages JT White 2021, Costières de Nîmes, Rhône A.C., France: Château de Nages Jt 2021 is produced by Michel Gassier and is a dry and full-bodied white wine blend of mostly Roussanne with 25% Viognier and 15% Grenache Blanc added to the mix. Enticing and floral on the nose with honeysuckle and toasty aromas, it is dry, medium-plus-bodied, elegant and lush with honeysuckle, lemon curd, brioche, ginger and pepper spice flavours seamless and rounded with fresh acidity on the palate. The wine was aged eight months in 500-litre oak barrels. An absolutely beautiful Southern Rhône white wine blend to drink to 2028. Drink: 2023-2028. 485854 13% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 96/100. December 16, 2023 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Via Caritatis Vox Angelorum 2020, Ventoux, Rhône A.P., France: From the Ventoux, Rhône wine region, Via Caritatis Vox Angelorum 2020 is a great value Syrah and Grenache red wine blend at $20. Dry, medium-bodied, fruity and elegant with red berry, blueberry, blackberry and pepper spice flavours concentrated and fresh on the palate, this is a Rhône red to be enjoyed with a slow-cooked shoulder roast of lamb. The Syrah and Grenache grape vines for this wine were planted at an altitude of 320-380 metres above sea level and are tempered by the Mistral wind. Vines are organically grown and the grapes benefit from the region's warm days and cool nights. Drink: 2023-2027. 35622 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. November 18, 2023 Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Château de Nages Jt 2020, Costières De Nîmes, Rhône A.C., France: From the Famille Gassier in the Costières De Nîmes, Rhône wine region, Château de Nages Jt 2020 is a 85% Syrah, 10% Grenache, and 5% Mourvèdre red wine blend, fermented with 40% of grape stems. Dry, full-bodied and elegant, the wine is silky with ripe raspberry, cherry, meaty and cracked pepper flavours supported by soft, velvety tannins. Aged in both French oak barrels and concrete tanks, this Rhône red has staying power. Drink or hold to 2033. Drink: 2023-2032. 736876 13.50% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 95/100. December 16, 2023 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Fanti Poggio Torto 2020, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Poggio Torto 2020 is a dry, full-bodied and savoury red wine blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes sourced from the Tenuta Fanti estate. Poggio Torto translates to "leaning hill" referring to the irregular shape of the Poggio d’Arna hill that is situated in front of the winery. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks for four months prior to ageing for four months in oak barrels. Fruity and vibrant, the wine is dry, medium-bodied and generous on the palate with blackberry, cherry, boysenberry, earthy mushroom and fine herb flavours framed by soft, velvety tannins and a zesty finish. Drink: 2023-2028. 574251 14.30% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 93/100. December 16, 2023 Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Bertinga Sassi Chiusi 2017, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Bertinga Sassi Chiusi 2017 is an elegant, fine-boned and zesty estate blend of 85% Sangiovese with the balance in Merlot with grapes sourced from the winery's Adine, Bertinga and Vertine vineyards. The Sangiovese was vinified and aged in concrete tank while the Merlot was vinified in stainless steel tank and matured in neutral French oak barrels for 12 months. The wine also spent four years in bottle prior to its release. An elegant and lithe Tuscan red showing a mouthful of fresh black and red fruits, menthol and spicy notes with a long and luxurious dark berry finish. Enjoy it now through the end of the decade. Drink: 2023-2032. 32688 14% XD 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 94/100. December 2, 2023 Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

La Vite Lucente 2021, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: La Vite Lucente 2021 is a rich and robust red wine blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, concentrated and elegant with ripe dark cherry, plum, cassis, savoury olive and spicy flavours that linger on the palate. Nicely balanced with juicy acidity for food, enjoy it with your favourite osso buco dish. Drink or cellar to 2030. Drink: 2024-2032. 747030 13.50% D 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 95/100. April 27, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Nicosia Contrada Monte Gorna 2019, Etna D.O.C., Italy: From the Etna wine region, Nicosia Contrada Monte Gorna 2019 is produced from organically grown Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio wine grapes sourced from the high-elevation volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Dry, rich and spicy with a mouthful of bright red cherry, red berry fruit, wild herbs with mineral and balsamic notes on the palate, tannins are refined and very approachable now. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2027. 32530 13% XD 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 95/100. December 2, 2023 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2020, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: From the Tuscany wine region, Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2020 is a dry, full-bodied 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot red wine blend with gobs of dark cherry, blueberry, chocolate, cola and citrus zest flavours savoury and vibrant on the palate. Tannins are structured and pleasantly grippy. Good now, better in 2025. Drink: 2025-2032. 727636 14% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 94/100. December 16, 2023 Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Carpineto Riserva Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2018, Tuscany D.Oc.G., Italy: Carpineto Riserva 2018 Nobile Di Montepulciano is produced from mostly Sangiovese with 20% Canaiolo. Most of the wine was aged in Slavonian oak casks for two years with a portion in French oak barrels. Look for tart red berry, cherry, cedar brush and sous bois flavours on this smoky, medium-bodied and zesty red from the Tuscany wine region. Powerful and still quite youthful, enjoy it with Osso Buco or veal parmesan. Drink: 2023-2030. 368910 13% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 95/100. May 11, 2024 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Seifried Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Seifried 2022 is a vegan-friendly mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc with grassy goodness, green melon, feijoa and lemon-lime zest aromas and flavours intense and long on the palate. Beautifully pure of fruit and sleek with a minerally finish, chill and enjoy it with grilled chicken topped with herbed goat cheese. Drink: 2023-2025. 19768 13% XD 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 95/100. November 18, 2023 Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Villa Maria Cellar Selection 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from sustainably grown grapes sourced from select sites in the Awatere and Wairau Valleys. A dry, medium-bodied, flavoursome and zesty SB perfumed with green crunchy apple, white-fleshed stone fruit, cut grass, kiwi and lemon-lime zesty flavours on the palate. Drinking beautifully now. Drink: 2023-2025. 974527 13% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 93/100. November 18, 2023 Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

Toi Toi Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Toi Toi Reserve 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from sustainably grown grapes and is a dry, medium-bodied and fruit-driven SB with a mouthful of passionfruit, melon, fine herb and kaffir lime flavours vibrant, silky and lingering on the palate. Excellent now through 2025. Drink: 2023-2026. 32554 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 96/100. November 18, 2023 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Aveleda Solos De Granitos Alvarinho 2020, Minho V.R., Portugal: From the Minho Vinhno Regional, Aveleda Solos De Granitos 2020 is a vegan-friendly Alvarinho and is a dry, vibrant white wine with bright orchard fruit, white peach, nectarine and minerally flavours plushy and vibrant on the palate with a lemon zesty finish. The Minho, Vinho Verde region sits on granite bedrock giving a zesty mineral edge on wines from there. Drink: 2023-2028. 17514 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 94/100. December 2, 2023 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Marques Del Atrio 2 Cepas Blanco De Guarda Viura Tempranillo Blanco 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Marques Del Atrio 2 Cepas Blanco De Guarda 2019 is produced with equal amounts of Viura and Tempranillo Blanco wine grapes. Fragrant with ripe stone fruit, baked apple, fine herbs, smoky vanilla and toasty oak spice flavours, it is elegant and finishes long on a mineral note. Very nicely done. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2026. 32215 13% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 97/100. November 18, 2023 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review