Best Medium Red Wine 2016

Expressive fruit and modest tannins are tame enough for fish yet flavourful enough for pepperoni pizza or meatloaf.

CATEGORY WINNER: Fontodi Chianti Classico 2011Italy$31.99 +533315It’s fair to call this classy Chianti runner-up for Best of Show, so close was the gripping final ballot among our judges. Sited in the heart of the Chianti Classico region and organically farmed since 2008, this all-sangiovese wine is aged in old barrels. Judges praised its fruity, spicy, earthy, oaky layers, all given extra dimension from a warm and generous vintage. It’s a true and pure expression of the grape and terroir.Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo 2010Italy$43.99 +484634Perfumed, leathery, muscular wine typifies the “tar and roses” of BaroloTwo Hands Angels’ Share McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012Australia$34.99 +57752Powerful yet elegant wine from prized old-vine shiraz in ancient terroirGiovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo 2012Italy$26.99 +779702Nebbiolo’s distinctive flavour, for a stealUndurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Gran Reserva 2013Chile$13.99 +761205Eloquently transmits the exceptional terroir of the chilly Leyda ValleyColdstream Hills Pinot Noir 2012Australia$26.09Cool-climate Yarra pinot noir that’s sleek and silkyBrotte La Fiole Côtes du Rhône 2013 France$17.49 +194498Silky smooth, spicy southern Rhône blend for your next hearty braiseCasa Planeta Syrah 2013Italy$15.59 +130252Judges adored this dense but juicy syrah from famous Sicilian estate PlanetaAltos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva 2012Argentina$30.99 +522870Exceptional malbec that’s an internationally acknowledged benchmarkMontes Cabernet Sauvignon 2012Chile$23.99 +322586Plush and polished cabernet from one of Chile’s great valleysCastiglion del Bosco Rosso di Montalcino 2012Italy$24.49 +628974Think of this as baby brunello for earlier drinking and less moneyBodegas Piqueras Castillo de Almansa Reserva 2011Spain$12.29 +270363Pour, sip, repeat, and pat yourself on the back for scoring such a stealStags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012USA$49.99 +473389Pedigreed Napa cab with powerful black fruit from a superb vintageVistalba Corte C 2014Argentina$20.49 +12070Memorable malbec blend from prestigious Mendoza terroirMoon Curser Carmenere 2013Canada$42.90 +634014Chile’s signature grape clearly loves the OkanaganCusumano Sicilia Nero d’Avola 2013Italy$16.29 +143610Sicilian warmth and terroir shines through chewy fig and cassis flavoursMezzomondo Salento Negroamaro 2014Italy$8.99 +135178Soft, fruit-forward red is well-built and well-pricedTelmo Rodriguez Viña 105 2013Spain$19.79 +603753Robust bistro red from savant winemaker Telmo RodriguesLuccarelli Puglia Negroamaro 2012Italy$12.99 +295287Cheerful bargain red from the heel of Italy’s bootPiccini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009Italy $34.99 +36012One of the very best bargains from one of Italy’s most prestigious regionsClos Pegase Mitsuko’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir 2012USA $51.99 +5603Bold, dark-fruited pinot with oak and Burgundian elegance<< BACK TO CATEGORIES