Koskil Patagonia Pinot Noir 2021, Patagonia, Argentina: From the Patagonia wine region in Argentina, Koskil 2021 Pinot Noir is a bright dry, medium-bodied PN with fresh red cherry, wild strawberry, red berry, subtle spicy and fine herb flavours silky smooth on the palate. Tannins are velvety. Drink or hold to 2029. An excellent value PN from Patagonia at $18! Drink: 2024-2029. 34816 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. January 6, 2024
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Lagarde Old Vines Organic Malbec 2022, Mayor Drummond Vineyard, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: From the Luján De Cuyo, Lagarde 2022 Malbec is produced from organically grown grapes from Major Drummond Vineyard. Deep purple in the glass, it is fragrant with dark plum, crushed raspberry, violets, fine herb and spicy flavours on the palate, balanced with juicy food-friendly acidity. One for the barbeque. Drink or hold to 2030. Drink: 2024-2030. 36182 14.20% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 93/100. February 17, 2024
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Doña Paula 1350 Altitude Series 2020, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina: Doña Paula 1350 Altitude Series 2020 is a dry, full-bodied, red wine blend of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and a splash of Casavecchia produced from grapes sourced from two blocks (No 10 and 7) in high-altitude vineyards at 1,350 metres above sea level. Each grape variety was vinified separately in stainless steel tanks to obtain maximum fruit freshness. After fermentation, the wines were blended and matured in French oak barrels (20% new) for 16 months. Generous and juicy on the palate with ripe dark cherry, raspberry, pink florals, green leafy notes and spicy flavours, tannins are supple and very approachable now. Drink or hold. Drink: 2024-2028. 17382 14% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 95/100. February 17, 2024
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Shanahans The Barking Dog Gsm 2021, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Shanahans' The Barking Dog 2021 GSM is a lush, full-bodied and enticing Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre red wine blend with ripe sweet red cherry, bramble leaf, dark plum and savoury herbs with a smooth, long and juicy finish. A great value Barossa GSM at $22, enjoy it with steaks from the grill through 2028. Drink: 2024-2028. 20880 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. February 17, 2024
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Alkoomi Grazing Collection Shiraz 2021, Western Australia, Australia: Alkoomi Grazing Collection 2021 Shiraz is excellent value at $18. The 2021 vintage was co-fermented with Viognier and matured in French oak barrels (20% new). Fragrant with violets, black cherry, raspberry, dark plum and pepper spice flavours on the palate, the wine is dry, medium-bodied, lithe and elegant on the palate. Drink through 2033. Drink: 2024-2032. 33369 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 94/100. January 20, 2024
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Bethany First Village Grenache 2020, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Bethany First Village 2020 Grenache is fragrant with pink florals, ripe raspberry, red berry, dark plum, spicy, earthy aromas and flavours on the palate with structured tannins and zesty food-friendly acidity. Finishes on a spicy note and a perfect pairing to a spicy sausage casserole. Grapes for this vintage were sourced from two estate Old Vine Grenache plantings in the village of Bethany and a single vineyard in Light Pass. Drink to 2026. Drink: 2024-2026. 33564 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 95/100. February 3, 2024
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Sister's Run Bethlehem Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Gomersal, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: From Gomersal, Sister's Run Bethlehem Block 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is big, bold and a mouthful of cassis, dark berry fruit, dried herbs, minty, dark chocolate and spicy notes smooth and plushy on the palate. Tannins are structured, so enjoy this beautiful Barossa red with a juicy steak from the grill. Drink or hold. Drink: 2024-2031. 360636 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. January 20, 2024
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Karl's Scepter Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: From the Coonawarra, South Australia, Karl's Scepter 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is fragrant with black currant, dark cherry, toasty oak spice and vanilla aromas and flavours generous and juicy on the palate. Lots of gorgeous dark fruit on this wine and excellent value as well at $18. Drink or hold to 2030. Drink: 2024-2029. 33732 14.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 93/100. January 20, 2024
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Sister's Run Epiphany Shiraz 2020, Epiphany Vineyard, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Sister's Run Epiphany 2020 Shiraz is produced by Elena Brooks, founder/winemaker and Anthony John Parkinson, vign. Excellent value at $18, this fragrant Shiraz is fresh and concentrated with ripe blackberry, plum, chocolate and dried herbs, cedar brush spice savoury and velvety on the palate with a long, silky finish. Grapes were sourced from the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Peninsula for this vintage. Drink or cellar to 2030. Drink: 2023-2032. 269464 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. January 6, 2024
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Thorn-Clarke Barossa Shiraz 2020, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Thorn-Clarke 2020 Shiraz is a great value Terra Barossa Shiraz, dry, full-bodied, earthy, rich and dense with lush blackberry, red berry, cherry and plum fruit, silky smooth with a chocolatey and anise spice finish. Pour with roast beef dinner. Drink: 2024-2029. 33501 14.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 95/100. January 6, 2024
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Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Limestone Coast, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: From the Limestone Coast, Clare Valley, Wakefield Estate 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is great value at $20. This Cab is lush, full-bodied, concentrated and juicy with crushed black raspberry, fresh red cherry, tomato leaf, fine herbs, nutty and mocha flavours balanced with fresh acidity for food. Tannins are silky. Drinking beautifully now. Drink: 2024-2032. 744235 13% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. August 10, 2024
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Sidewood Shiraz 2020, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Sidewood 2020 Shiraz is fragrant, rich and lithe with dark cherry, dark berry, white pepper spice, fine herb flavours zesty and silky on the palate. The Shiraz grapes for this vintage were sourced from three estate vineyards in the Adelaide Hills and the wine was matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. Drink: 2024-2028. 446146 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 96/100. July 6, 2024
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Farmer's Leap Random Shot Shiraz 2020, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Farmer's Leap Random Shot 2020 Shiraz is dry, medium-plus-bodied, bright and generous with dark berry, fine herb flavours with spicy and chocolate notes fresh on the palate. Drink or hold to 2030. Drink: 2024-2030. 33368 14.50% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 95/100. January 6, 2024
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Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Organic Red Blend 2021, Maipo Valley, Chile: Tarapacá Gran Reserva 2021 is a vegan friendly, organic red wine blend produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes (54%/21%/10%/10%/5%) sourced from Fundo Tarapacá, Maipo Valley in Chile. Great value at $19 and loaded with ripe dark fruit, blackberry, raspberry, cold black tea and spicy flavours wrapped up in vibrant food-friendly acidity. Tannins are firm. Pour with prime rib. Drink or hold to 2030. Drink: 2024-2031. 35970 13.60% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 93/100. January 6, 2024
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Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Carmenère 2021, Colchagua Valley, Chile: From the Colchagua Valley, Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2021 is an excellent value Chilean Carmenère at $19. This vintage includes a splash (5%) of Cabernet Sauvignon and gives the wine a Bordeaux feel. Zesty on the palate with blackberry, plum, cherry, fine herb and flinty flavours on the palate, enjoy it now through 2035 with roast game dishes. Drink: 2024-2035. 274118 14.30% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. February 3, 2024
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Emiliana Novas Stellar Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carignan 2021, Maule Valley D.O., Chile: Emiliana Novas Stellar Selection 2021 is a dry, full-bodied, vibrant and vegan-friendly red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Carignan produced from organically grown grapes. Excellent value at $18, look for wild cherry, red berry, garrigue herbs and flinty mineral flavours textured on the palate with a long juicy finish. Drink through 2026. Drink: 2024-2027. 35672 13.50% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 94/100. February 3, 2024
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Viña Casablanca Itera Seaside Journey 2021, Chile: New to Viña Casablanca, Itera Seaside Journey 2021 is a dry and juicy, medium-bodied red wine blend produced from sustainably grown (60%) Pinot Noir with the balance in Merlot, Barbera and Grenache grapes. Fragrant and fresh with ripe black cherry, raspberry and spicy flavours savoury and velvety on the palate, the wine was aged in clay amphora, concrete tank and neutral oak barrels. Drink through 2029. Drink: 2024-2029. 34738 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. February 17, 2024
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Miraval Rosé, Côtes de Provence, Provence A.P., France: From the Côtes De Provence wine region, Miraval rosé is a fresh and zesty blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle. Dry and medium-bodied, the rosé is elegant with bright red berry, melon, fresh mushroom, piney and soft citrus notes fresh and lingering on the palate. Chill and enjoy it with salmon steaks from the grill. Drink: 2024-2025. 342584 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 93/100. February 17, 2024
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Cave Vinicole de Cleebourg Clérotstein Auxerrois Crémant d'Alsace, Alsace A.C., France: From the Alsace wine region, Cleebourg Clérotstein is a traditional method Crémant D'alsace made form 100% Auxerrois. Exceptional value on this fresh, fragrant and tasty, fine-edged bubble with white floral aromas, baked bread, and ripe yellow and citrus flavours concentrated with bright acidity on the palate. Beautifully crafted, enjoy it chilled on its own or pour with brunch dishes and creamy cheeses. Drink: 2024-2026. 32271 12.50% M 750 mL $19.95 Score: 94/100. January 20, 2024
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Les Vins Florian Mathieu La Croix de Beauliac Création Côtes du Rhone 2021, Côtes du Rhone, Rhône A.P., France: La Croix De Beauliac Création 2021 is a dry, medium-bodied, tasty and fragrant Southern Rhône red produced from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes. Look for tart cherry, smoked meat aromas on this juicy red with tart cherry, blueberry, salumi, flinty flavours and dusty tannins on this excellent value Côtes Du Rhone under $17. Drink: 2024-2028. 35943 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 95/100. February 3, 2024
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Château de Nages Héritage Costières de Nîmes 2021, Costières de Nîmes, Rhône A.P., France: From the Costières De Nîmes, Rhône wine region, Château de Nages Heritage 2021 is a dry, medium-bodied, Old Vines, Grenache-driven red wine blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah produced by Michel Gassier. Beautifully crafted, look for violets, ripe red and dark berry flavours, mingling with pepper spice and briny mineral notes fresh, supple and long on the palate. Drink: 2024-2029. 40964 15% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. February 17, 2024
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Château La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2020, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône A.P., France: From Domaine de la Renjarde in the Côtes Du Rhône wine region, La Nerthe Les Cassagnes 2020 is a Côtes du Rhône-Villages produced from organically-grown Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (GSM) grapes. Dry, medium-bodied and juicy red with dark plum, dark cherry, cassis, dark chocolate flavours and subtle spicy notes on the palate from beginning to end, this wine finishes long with velvety tannins. Very elegant and very nice. Drink or hold. Drink: 2024-2028. 494674 14.20% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 93/100. January 6, 2024
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Tommasi I Pianeti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2019, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Tommasi I Pianeti Superiore 2019 Ripasso Valpolicella Classico is rich with dark berry, cherry, dark chocolate, nutty and citrus zest flavours concentrated on the palate. Love the lingering dark chocolate finish ;). Drink or hold. Drink: 2024-2028. 32696 13.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. January 20, 2024
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Torre Il Cerreto Chianto Classico Riserva 2018, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Torre Il Cerreto Riserva 2018 Chianti Classico is a rustic, medium-bodied Sangiovese from the Tuscany wine region. Fragrant with earthy mushrooms, dark plum, earthy florals and truffle notes vibrant on the palate and very delicious now. Tannins are firm, so feed it a cheesy, meat-lover's pizza. Drink: 2024-2029. 33410 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. January 20, 2024
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Colomba Bianca Resilience Perricone 2021, Sicily D.O.C., Italy: From the Sicily wine region, Colomba Bianca Resilience 2021 Perricone is a dry, medium-bodied 100% Perricone, perfumed with ripe red berry, strawberry, chocolate and spicy flavours mouth-wateringly long on the palate. Tannins are structured, so enjoy this juicy Sicilian red wine with meats from the grill or a game sausage cassoulet. The Perricone grape is native to western Sicily and is also used in blends with Nero d'Avola. Drink: 2024-2028. 32685 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. February 3, 2024
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Tommasi Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: From the Veneto wine region, Tommasi Rafaèl 2021 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is amazing value at $20. Produced from Corvina, Rondinella and Molina grapes and expressive with fresh earthy aromas, spiced dark cherry, grilled herbs, dark chocolate flavours harmonious and balanced with fresh acidity on the palate. Tannins are pleasantly chewy. Enjoy it now through 2028. Produced from a fourth-generation family estate founded in 1902 with holdings of 260 acres in the Valpolicella Classico zone. Drink: 2024-2028. 23259 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. February 17, 2024
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Bertani Catullo Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2019, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Bertani Catullo Superiore 2019 is a fresh and plushy Valpolicella Ripasso Classico with bright red berry, strawberry, Earl Grey tea and minerally flavours velvety and concentrated on the palate with food-friendly acidity. The wine was aged in large oak casks. Drink or hold. Drink: 2024-2029. 17777 13.50% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 94/100. February 17, 2024
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Sheild Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Sheild 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from grapes sourced from Nelson, South Island. An excellent value New Zealand SB at $20, it is fragrant with feijoa, kiwi, green apple and lemon zest flavours lip-smacking and lingering on the palate. Chill and enjoy it now through 2025. Drink: 2024-2025. 32553 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. January 20, 2024
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Allan Scott Kekerengu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Kekerengu Coast, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: From the Kekerengu Coast, Marlborough, Allan Scott Kekerengu 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is fresh on the palate with key lime, tropical fruit, fine herbs and briny mineral flavours matched with eye-winking acidity. So good now, chill and enjoy it through 2026. Drink: 2024-2025. 32552 12.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. January 6, 2024
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River Farm Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: From the Marlborough wine region, River Farm 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is perfumed and intense on the palate with passionfruit, apple, pear, and lemon zest aromas and flavours with a mouth-wateringly long and silky finish. Enjoy it now through 2025. Drink: 2024-2025. 32547 13% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 93/100. January 6, 2024
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Intrinsic Red Blend 2020, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: From the Columbia Valley, Chateau Ste Michelle's, Intrinsic 2020 is a sultry and supple red wine blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% each in Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Enticing with ripe dark cherry, wild herbs, red berry and cocoa flavours the wine is silky and satisfyingly smooth on the palate with a long, savoury and velvety finish. So good now, enjoy it through 2028. Drink: 2024-2028. 17014 14.50% D 750 mL $28.95 Score: 94/100. January 20, 2024
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Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2021, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay is produced from estate grown grapes and is dry, medium-bodied and lush with exotic white floral aromas, ripe peach, pear, lemon curd and sweet baking spice flavours with a kiss of smoky vanilla on the palate. A very nicely done California Chard. Drink: 2024-2026. 36757 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 94/100. February 17, 2024
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