Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Complex, full-bodied and delicious! Loaded with black fruit flavours yet it's very dry and balanced, with a lovely long finish. Great dinner party wine. The "gnarly dudes" refer to the old, twisted grapevine trunks that are illustrated on this wine's label. This is a classic red from the heart of the Barossa Valley. Serve this at a dinner party featuring a hearty meat dish, and listen to the murmurs of appreciation. Superb craftsmanship! Drink: 2012-2016. 660043 14.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 26, 2013
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Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Nice interplay of dark fruits across the palate on this mouth-filling Shiraz. Layers of flavour that coat the palate with a terrific texture and weight. Polished tannins add a suppleness and slippery smoothness to this wine. A hedonist's delight. Drink: 2013-2016. 94078 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. June 21, 2014
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Killibinbin Scream Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: Smooth, full-bodied Australian red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This is a seasonal product available close to Halloween given the wine's name, Scream. The back label defines Killibinbin as the ability to take one form and turn it into something bigger that mesmorizes and is hypnotic. Aromas of sweet black plums. Pair with Tootsie Rolls. Drink: 2014-2019. 429662 15% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. November 10, 2016
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Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vibrant tart cherries on the nose with lively acidity on the palate for a wide range of dishes from planked salmon to roast chicken. One of the best pinots in Ontario. Beautiful silk texture and medium body. Layered and complex, with dark spices on the finish with some pleasant sour cherry. Cellar it for 3-4 years, or enjoy it tonight. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2017. 208702 11.40% XD 750 mL $39.00 Score: 93/100. July 16, 2014
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Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 2008, Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: So pretty, floral, strawberry blossom exotic. Like a good dream from which you don't want to awaken. Perfect summer day in the middle of your winter world.
Drink: 2010-2013. 256289 6.50% MS 750 mL $25.95 Score: 93/100. June 11, 2016
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Rosehall Run JCR Pinot Noir 2011, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Love this style of Prince Edward County Pinot Noir with its tart cranberry and sour cherry aromas and flavours. This medium-bodied red wine will literally whet your palate and get those juices running in anticipation of a lovely planked salmon, seared tuna or tender cut of veal. Yes please! Drink: 2013-2017. 326504 12.50% XD 750 mL $39.00 Score: 91/100. July 5, 2014
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Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand: Crisp, clean and refreshing New Zealand Sauvigon Blanc with aromas of fresh cut grass, lime and lemon zest. Pair with fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes, including spinach quiche. Drink: 2016-2018. 35386 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 14, 2017
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Monasterio de las Viñas Blend Gran Reserva Garnacha 2005, Carinena D.O., Spain: A mouth-watering, delicious Spanish red. Full-bodied, but not heavy with notes of ripe dark red fruit. this wine is a blend of Garnacha (otherwise known as Grenache), Tempranillo, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This Gran Reserva is a rare opportunity to taste mature Spanish wine, a rare treat . Pair with veal. Drink: 2008-2016. 82024 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 18, 2021
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McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California, United States: Vibrant purple plums and blueberries on the nose and palate of this full-bodied Californian Cabernet. Generous and juicy and supple. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2014-2018. 212126 13.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. April 15, 2015
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Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel 2013, Sonoma County, California, United States: This Californian red wine is made from the state's classic red grape Zinfandel, which grows on the winery's Heritage Vines (old vines). Rancho Zabacho is named for the original Mexican land grants in northern Sonoma. Savoury, juicy and delicious with terrific aromas and flavours of blackberry, black raspberry and lip-smacking tasty spice. Lovely balance: not over-the-top. Just what you want for the BBQ. Pair with grilled meats and fun times with friends. Drink: 2014-2018. 434605 14.80% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 5, 2015
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Clayhouse Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Paso Robles, California, United States: This robust Californian Cabernet is part of Clayhouse's Vineyard Series. The wine was matured for 16 months in a combination of American, French and other European oak barrels, which imparts some lovely spicy, smoky coffee notes. Extraordinary balance and complexity. Layers of flavour with cassis, blackcurrant and mocha predominating. Full-bodied with a lovely length on the finish. Pair with a juicy steak. Drink: 2017-2020. 57869 13.50% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. January 20, 2018
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Joel Gott Wines 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, California, United States: Joel Gott 815 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is just the right size (375 ml) for one to savour when a glass or two of wine is all you want. Doesn't break the wine budget either at $15. California winemaker, Joel Gott is well-known for the quality of wine he produces and this California Cabernet Sauvignon produced from grapes sourced from the Lodi, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles is easy to enjoy with lots of dark fruit flavours, dark cherry, earthy, savoury herbs, mint and olive with a kiss of spice on the palate. Tannins are velvety. Drink: 2022-2025. 20717 14.20% D 375 mL $15.95 Score: 92/100. January 21, 2023
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