Trivento Concha Y Toro Reserve Syrah Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Deep, dark and rich, this brooding blend of Malbec (50%) and Syrah (50%) has dive-into-it aromas of blackberries, coffee, dark chocolate and smoke. The wine was aged for 8 months in French oak. Full-bodied but not heavy, wonderful concentration of flavour. This is Concha y Toro’s Argentine estate, and the wines punch well above their weight (and price point). Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2016. 492702 13.50% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. September 27, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game 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
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
The Lackey Kilikanoon Shiraz 2013, South Australia, Australia: This blockbuster Australian red wine is big and bold with tarry black fruit and lots of toasty oak. Black pepper finish. Pair with grilled meats. Despite being a heavyweight, this wine is also balanced and offers great layering of flavour and complexity. Polished tannins and a velvet mouth-feel. Drink: 2014-2019. 5199 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. April 4, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Mclaren Vale 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. This robust Australian Shiraz sources grapes from heirloom vineyards. Try this with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2013-2018. 358127 14.50% XD 375 mL $11.95 Score: 92/100. April 4, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Kilikanoon Wines The Lackey Shiraz 2010, South Australia, Australia: Rich and full-bodied with classic Aussie Shiraz character. Big black fruit, a hint of mint and a savoury depth. Incredibly great price. The Lackey represents terrific value in this producer's line-up. There's some lovely blackberry, cassis and spice on the finish. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2015. 5199 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. July 6, 2013
Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2012, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Incredibly juicy and mouth-watering with seductive aromas and white peach and pear. Dry with a great finish. So balanced. Medium-bodied, no oak. Drink: 2013-2017. 89029 10% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 15, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Malivoire Wine Company Riesling 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Lovely and light with sunny notes of green apple and white melon. Terrific aperitif or companion to seafood. Great craftsmanship. Drink: 2013-2016. 277483 11.50% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. March 16, 2013
Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Vineland Estates Winery Chenin Blanc 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: This is an extremely rich and unctuous white with layers of pleasurable fleshy peach, dry apricot and pear. Love it. Never knew that Niagara could do Chenin like this. You don't have to chill this wine as much as you might other whites as it's so aromatic (too much cold will numb those). Drink: 2009-2016. 227033 11.70% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. May 11, 2013
Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Flat Rock Riesling 2012, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Soooooo lovely! Apricot and honeysuckle aromas give this wine a lovely, natural fruit fleshiness and sweetness, but this wine is never cloying as it's beautifully balanced with mouth-watering acidity for a wide range of dishes. Luscious and seductive with a medium body and long finish. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2017. 43281 11% MD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. January 4, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
In Situ Winemakers Selection, San Esteban Carmenere 2010, Aconcagua, Chile: Outstanding wine for the money! Cassis and cedar with full-bodied richness. This wine is named after the river that divides it in half. The region of Aconcagua in Chile is extremely hot and dry, ideal for ripening rich, full-bodied red wines. It's supple and layered on the palate, like liquid velvet. I'd drink this wine with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2011-2015. 37952 14.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. May 25, 2013
Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Carmen Wines Gran Reserva Carmenère 2012, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: This classic Chilean red wine is savoury, dark and complex with a chewy, full-bodied mid-palate. Layers of black fruit with a long finish. The Carmenere grapes are sourced from the El Peñasco Vineyard. Superbly crafted for this price. Great structure and persistence of flavours on the finish. Terrific value. The 2012 vintage of the Carmen Gran Reserva is made from mostly Carmenère grapes, and the wine is matured in French oak for 10 months. Finishes with dark spices and vanilla smoke. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013-2018. 439166 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. April 4, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Santa Carolina Carignan 2010, Cauquenes Valley, Maule Valley, Chile: Complex, dry and savoury Chilean red wine with gorgeously rich black fruit aromas and flavours. Pleasant tarry-tart black cranberry on the finish. Full-bodied with a velvet smooth texture. The Carignan grapes are dry farmed, which adds richness, depth and character to the wine. Dry farming means that the grapes are not irrigated and must rely on the rain water that nature provides, however little that is in dry climates like this one. It also has the effect of producing smaller grapes or berries with more concentrated flavours. Drink: 2012-2018. 213520 14.50% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. March 7, 2015
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Remy Pannier Rosé d'Anjou 2013, Loire Valley, France: So pretty! Bone-dry, delicate rose with aromas of tine wild field strawberries, the kind that melt deliciously in your hand from the warmth of your palm. Yes this wine is very dry. Perfect aperitif served slightly chilled or for a treat, pair it with smoked salmon. Drink: 2014-2016. 12641 10% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 3, 2014
Best Value Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Darting Kabinett Dürkheimer Nonnengarten Gewürztraminer 2012, Deutscher Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany: Green and white melon spring sweetness, absolutely lovely! Layers of viscous richness and apricot preserves. Drink: 2013-2019. 789628 10.50% S 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. October 25, 2014
Best Value Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review
Mönchhof Robert Eymael Riesling 2011, Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany: Perfect petrol (stay with me), lime, apricot: balance, finish, juicy flavours, sweetness in tandem with focus. Pear and apple pie on the finish. Great with glazed ham, sweet potatoes and happy discussions. Drink: 2014-2020. 553776 10% MS 750 mL $17.75 Score: 92/100. January 18, 2014
Divine Dessert Wine Full Review
Pinot Grigio 2012, Valdadige, Alto Adige, Trentino, Italy: One of the best values for pinot grigio in the liquor store! Fresh, clean and crisp with sunshine bright aromas of lemon zest, lime blossom and white peach. Amazingly great price for this half bottle size. Perfect for nights when you put on comfy jeans and your favourite TV show. Drink: 2013-2015. 687558 12.50% XD 375 mL $10.45 Score: 89/100. January 18, 2014
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Storia Antica Valpolicella Ripasso 2010, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Generous oak is well woven with rich black fruit. Savoury, dark and delicious with full-bodied weight and incredible concentration of flavour. Long finish. Great wine. Drink: 2013-2017. 273672 13% D 750 mL $18.25 Score: 91/100. February 2, 2013
Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Le Ragose Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2010, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Rustic, dry and terrific with distinctive aromas of maturity: think tanned leather, violets, dried herbs and wild black cherry though not fruity. Nice mouth-watering acidity for a variety of dishes. Highly recommended. Finishes with cedar smoke, violets, and black tart cherry. Drink: 2013-2019. 991984 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. April 15, 2015
Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
L.A. Cetto Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: This is an absolutely incredible wine for the price point. Here's your ultimate party pleaser wine. Fleshy ripe black and purple plum aromas with some blueberry jam. The palate is ultra-smooth and delicious with more dark fruit flavours. L.A. Cetto is the best-known wine producer in Mexico. Founder Don Angelo Cetto, of Italian origin, settled in Mexico in 1926. The Guadalupe Valley provides a great climate for viniculture: the Pacific Ocean’s cool winds result in chilly nights to maintain fresh acidity in the grapes while the days are very warm to ripen them. Try it with Mexican beef fajitas. Drink: 2013-2016. 114066 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 18, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, lime-citrus and still great at this price. Lively and zesty with mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful! This is the convenient half bottle size of this popular wine. It goes down slippery fast with terrific refreshment. There's gooseberry and lime zest on the finish. Perfect for salads. Drink: 2013-2015. 199968 13% XD 375 mL $10.95 Score: 90/100. December 7, 2013
Best Value White Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review
Steve Bird Winery & Vineyards Old Schoolhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand: Terrific lime-zestiness in this citrus-herbal Sauvignon Blanc. Refreshing and zippy: classic New Zealand style. I'm so delighted that this wine is back on the shelves again as it's a classic of the Marlborough region. Top me up! Drink: 2012-2015. 178319 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. July 6, 2013
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Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Gorgeous aromas of lime blossom, gooseberry, pink grapefruit and a delicate hint and finesse of white flowers. Lovely citrus lift throughout: this is not a grassy sauvignon blanc. Lots of elegance and refinement yet also beautifully refreshing. Try it with seafood, salads, spinach quiche and vegetarian dishes. Also a min-blowing aperitif. Drink: 2013-2015. 324228 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 94/100. May 24, 2014
Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Rapaura Springs Pinot Gris 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A zesty New Zealand Pinot Gris with notes or lime and lemon sunshine. Good mouth-watering acidity for a range of dishes from field greens to shellfish. Drink: 2013-2016. 393702 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 16, 2015
Best Value White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review
Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Gorgeous aromas of lime blossom, gooseberry, pink grapefruit and a delicate hint and finesse of white flowers. Lovely citrus lift throughout: this is not a grassy Sauvignon Blanc. Lots of elegance and refinement yet also beautifully refreshing. Try it with seafood, salads, spinach quiche and vegetarian dishes. Also a mind-blowing aperitif. Drink: 2014-2017. 324228 13.50% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 89/100. May 16, 2015
Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Pegos Claros 2010, Palmela D.O.C., Portugal: OMG, this is delicious! Full-bodied, juicy, smooth, with black and purple plum liqueur and fleshy blueberries. You can't beat the price here. Great party wine when the party involves hearty meat dishes. Stock up! Drink: 2013-2018. 385252 14% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Quinta De Pancas Selecção Do Enólogo 2010, Lisboa D.O.C., Portugal: Love the wild cedar brush nose with dark berries and spices. Delicious and fascinating. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Ready to drink now. Finishes with attractive wood spice and smoke. Yes please! Drink: 2013-2019. 380931 XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. September 27, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Don Jacobo Reserva Bodegas Corral Tempranillo 2004, Rioja, Spain: A full-bodied red wine with seductive aromas of black cherry pie with dark spices greet the nose. Mouth-watering and delicious on the palate. This wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, and matured in oak for 14 months. A long, smoky finish that makes you long for more. Highly recommended. Incredible price. Pair with pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013-2016. 313270 13.50% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. January 18, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Ares Crianza Tempranillo 2009, Rioja, Spain: Aromas of smoke, dust and leather on this full-bodied red wine. Great mouthwatering action and complexity. This wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks then matured 1 year in French oak. Subtle hints of smoky black fruit on the palate wrapped in toast and earth. Wonderful wine! Drink: 2014-2018. 305912 13% XD 750 mL $18.75 Score: 91/100. January 18, 2014
Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Apothic Wine Apothic Red California 2009, California, United States: A round, plummy, medium-bodied blend of zinfandel, merlot and syrah grapes that delivers plenty of pleasure. Some mocha notes and a generous, mouth-filling smooth texture. Yum! Drink: 2011-2013. 234369 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 7, 2013
Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California, United States: Incredible concentration and mouth-watering lusciousness. There's also 25 percent petite sirah to add depth and layering. Terrific concentration of flavour from these old-vine grapes shows through. Remarkable, especially for the price. Long finish, great satisfaction! Try it with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2016. 942599 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 25, 2013
Top Rated Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
La Crema Pinot Noir 2012, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: This is the half bottle (375 ml) format of this wine. The full sized 750-ml is also in this release. Fleshy cherry and dark spice with a long, naughty finish. Medium-bodied and satin smooth like lingerie. A supple, smooth red wine with cherry-berry mouth-filling wonder and flavours. Just enough oak for hedonists. Layered yet not heavy. A consistently great producer of classic Californian pinot noir year after year. Love this silky Pinot Noir! It seems to get better every year. Beautiful cherries and field raspberry notes roll in first, then there's fresh earth aromas after a spring rain followed by some baking spices and a long finish. This pinot has been one of my favourites for years. Satin seduction in a glass. Drink: 2013-2017. 732040 13.90% XD 375 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 13, 2014
Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood 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