Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Mendoza, Argentina: A spectaclarly well-crafted wine, especially for this price point. Rich, full-bodied and savoury with aromas of dark fleshy berries and some meaty notes that are very satisfying. Lots of great layers. Pair with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2014-2021. 13608 14.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 3, 2017
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Los Clop Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: From the Uco Valley, Los Clop Reserva 2015 is fragrant with ripe cassis and rich on the palate with blackberry, crushed red berries and mint, balanced with food-friendly acidity and rich tannins throughout. Drink or hold. José Clop, a Spanish immigrant, founded Los Clop in 1880 which is now run by his great-grandchildren. Drink: 2019-2024. 668327 14.30% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. July 16, 2022
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Xanadu DJL Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: A blockbuster Australian Cabernet with a splash of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc added to it just because. Dry, full-bodied, lush with layers of blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate and oak spice flavours on the palate. Wine grapes were crushed and de-stemmed, then fermented for about a week. The wine was aged for 14 months in French oak barriques, 20% new. Xanadu winery was founded in 1977 by Dr John Lagan. Drink: 2020-2026. 444802 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 27, 2020
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Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Minty coolness on the nose of this gorgeous Australian red wine is flooded by fleshy blackberry richness on the palate. A hedonist's wine to fill the senses. Full-bodied and smooth Cabernet Sauvignon. Finishes with dried herbs, tobacco leaves and cedar brush. Very satisfying, especially at this price. Pair with ribeye steak. Drink: 2017-2022. 142398 14.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. March 3, 2018
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Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Casablanca Valley, Chile: A spirited and energizing Chilean Sauvignon Blanc with lots of texture and mouth-feel. Aromas and flavours of grapefruit pips that make you hungry and thirsty for more wine. More citrus than herbal. Tannins and structure come from the grapes not seeds (which are bitter and are kept tamed by 5 degree maceration). This wine undergoes 100% skin contact for 7 days to get its rich texture. Pair with rich seafood dishes. Drink: 2016-2018. 974717 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 92/100. August 27, 2016
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Rocca Delle Macìe Riserva Chianti 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A lovely, classic chianti that celebrates all that’s best about Tuscan living and the joys of pasta and fresh tomato sauce. Dark berries and smoke with mouth-watering acidity and full-bodied weight. I love it! Drink: 2011-2015. 111641 13.90% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. December 10, 2011
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Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2013, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: A blockbuster blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes with a splash of Sangiovese from northern Italy. The 2013 vintage is very fresh, more so than the 2012 vintage (which was a strong one). A lot of elegance in the glass here. Pair with braised beef. Drink: 2016-2021. 145920 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. October 17, 2016
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Sella & Mosca Di Sardegna Riserva Cannonau 2014, Sardinia, Italy: A robust, mature-tasting Italian red wine with classic aromas of smoke, tanned leather, dried earth and tobacco leaves. Made from old vines and aged in oak barrels. Amazing for the price. Pair with rare steak. Drink: 2015-2020. 425488 14% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. October 31, 2017
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Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2014, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: The Mazzei family have been the owners of this Italian winery, Castello di Fonterutoli, since 1435. The 2014 was a cool and wet vintage year for Tuscany, but this Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo is expressive with a floral and fresh red berry nose and dark red fruits and savoury herb flavours on the palate. Tannins are a bit grippy, but this should resolve in time. Drink: 2018-2023. 288530 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 1, 2018
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Matahiwi Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand: A terrifically vibrant and zesty New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of lemongrass, chives and lime zest. Racy acidity for seafood. Great price for this quality. Drink: 2019-2021. 402677 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 16, 2019
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Alejandro Fernández Dehesa La Granja 2015, Castilla y León, Spain: Produced by Alejandro Fernández, Dehesa La Granja 2015 Tempranillo is a smoky, toasty 100% Tempranillo with layers of tart cherry, dried strawberry, sweet tobacco leaf, charcuterie, baking spice and smoky toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. Tannins are firm. Pour with grilled game sausages or a roast goose. Drink: 2021-2030. 192476 14.30% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 92/100. June 11, 2021
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review