Catena Chardonnay 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: This full-bodied white wine has a smoky nose with peach and Asian pear flavours on the palate. Robust, tasty and satisfying. This wine comes from one of Argentina’s leading producers. Perfect for roast chicken or turkey. The grapes for this wine come from 3 vineyards and are whole cluster pressed and aged for 10 months in French barrels. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2014-2018. 918805 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. September 27, 2014
Delightful Duck Wine Full Review
Schild Estate Gms Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2012, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Oh yum. Comfort me with mourvèdre and other old bush vine grapes. Rich, complex and deep Australian red wine: exactly what you want in a partner (and in a wine). Full-bodied and smooth and inviting. The Schild family has been in the Barossa Valley for more than 60 years. Lots of complexity, depth and vibrancy in this richly rewarding wine. This is a blend of 45% Grenache, 28% Mourvèdre and 27% Shiraz grapes. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2013-2018. 108183 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 21, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Jim Barry Wines The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2012, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A top-notch shiraz with aromas of fleshy blackberry and mint. Juicy, smooth and full-bodied. Very tasty. Perfect for hamburgers, pizza and steak. The grapes for this wine are grown in vineyards at an elevation of 480 metres above sea level which imparts great elegance and balance to this full-bodied red wine. Elegance meets decadence in the glass. Drink: 2014-2018. 998476 14% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. May 16, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
The Lackey Kilikanoon Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: Big and black with tarry black fruit and lots of toasty oak. Black pepper finish. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2017. 5199 14.50% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. September 27, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Spectacular Spicy 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
Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied Australian red wine with classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry. Surprisingly elegant for a New World cab. Like it lots! This wine is aged for 22 months in French and American oak and offers a toasty finish. Nicely balanced oak with the fruit and character of the wine. Pair with brisket. Highly recommended. Drink: 2014-2018. 590471 13.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. February 7, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Elderton Ashmead Family Shiraz 2011, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Black as pitch, with lots of toasty oak, smoke and tarry notes. Full-throttle Australia Shiraz in all its glory. I'm a big fan of Elderton wines, and this is one fine example of why. A lovely vein of blackberry liqueur supports this concentrated wonder. Perfect for film noir and blackened ribs. Drink: 2013-2018. 713024 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. February 7, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review
Henry of Pelham Riesling 2012, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Off-dry but not cloying or sweet, like fresh ripe peach. Melon and sunshine loveliness. Soft and light-bodied. Perfect aperitif. Drink: 2013-2018. 557165 11.50% M 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. April 2, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Joseph Cattin Riesling 2013, Alsace A.C., France: Crisp, fresh and clean. This medium-bodied white offers lovely aromas of white melon and lime lift. Terrific clean finish which makes it a great aperitif or companion to many dishes. Drink: 2013-2016. 259788 12.40% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 27, 2014
Best Value White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review
Domaine du Grapillon d'Or 1806 Gigondas 2017, Rhône A.C., France: This is black liquid velvet; so tantalizing to the tongue and senses. Gigondas is my go-to region on a restaurant list. There are 35 acres planted for this wine that produces 50,000 bottles a year. The average age of the vines is 40 years, which imparts incredible depth and complexity of flavour in the wine. The grape are hand-picked and selected. Bursting with aromas and flavours of fleshy dark fruit, dark spices, dried herbs and garrigue. This wine is unfiltered. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2019-2026. 981787 14.50% XD 750 mL $36.95 Score: 94/100. February 21, 2015
Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Château De Panigon 2010, Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: Tastes almost Rhone-like in it's depth and concentration of black raspberry and cedar brush flavour. Good value. Decant 2 hours and enjoy with a rare steak. Drink: 2014-2018. 348250 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2016
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Corte Guala Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Love the black pepper and dark spice on the nose of this big Italian red wine. Amazing price for such quality. Black fleshy berry aromas and flavours. Smooth and delicious. Where's my hamburger please? Drink: 2013-2019. 354431 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 27, 2014
Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review
Speri Pigaro Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Attractive dark cherry nose with a hint of smoke. Full-bodied and supple and lip-smacking delicious Italian red wine. Try it with combination pizza or spicy sausages. Nice finish. The Speri Family has been making wine for more than 150 years with the fifth generation of the family now at the helm. Remarkably, they use only their own grapes. The 2012 vintage has a satisfying long finish. Drink: 2013-2017. 205286 13.50% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. February 21, 2015
Complete Cheese 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
Rotllán Torra Vina D'alta Qualitat 2010, Priorat D.O.C., Spain: This Spanish Crianza is savoury and juicy with great complexity and depth. Smooth and full-bodied with lusciously ripe and fleshy dark berries. If you haven't tried many wines from the Priorat region of Spain, this is a great place to start. This wine needs no coaxing out of the glass. decant for 1-2 hours. This full-bodied red wine pairs well with steak. Drink: 2013-2018. 267989 14.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 93/100. February 21, 2015
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review