Simply put, the 2018 Antinori Villa Antinori, only $15.99, is an off-the-charts bang for the buck Tuscan red. It over-delivers about as much as any wine I have tasted in a long, long time. Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media, who I regard as the most reliable writer for Italian wines, agrees with me, saying: "The 2018 Villa Antinori is a stellar wine and an insane value. Juicy dark cherry, spice, mocha and leather all meld together in a supple, Cabernet Sauvignon-based Tuscan red that over-delivers in every way. 91 points." It's the perfect wine for a pizza from our deli!...

When we were offered the opportunity to purchase the excellent Charles Ellner Brut "Carte Blanche" at a very attractive price and pass the savings along to our customers, we jumped at the chance. After all, we all need Champagne for the holidays! It is a steal at only $34.99! Champagne of this quality very rarely sells at this price. Vivid yellow. Aromas of redcurrant, orange zest, and white pepper, with a smoky quality in the background. On the palate, supple red berry and pit fruit flavors are given lift and cut by a hint of dusty minerals. Rich yet lively...

Some wineries define excellence for their region and such is the case with Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. It was Nicolas Catena's genius to plant in the high-altitude region of Mendoza because he believed the result would be a better balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity in his wines. Many "experts" thought he was making a huge mistake but there is no question today that the Malbec and Cabernet (and increasingly Pinot Noir) grown there results in exquisite wines. The 2019 Catena Zapata Malbec Catena is a perfect illustration. At only $16.99, it is soft and generous on the palate...

About 15 years ago a good friend of mine who is one of the most well-known wine enthusiasts in the US came home from a trip to Italy and told me that he had discovered the best wine in the world that no one had ever heard of. He was referring to Fattoria le Pupille Saffredi. When I tasted multiple vintages of it at a dinner at his home with the proprietor, Elisabetta Geppetti, I had to agree with him that it was a truly profound wine. Elisabetta's 2020 Morellino di Scansano shows her dedication to making great wine. It...

I am always on the lookout for what I call "The Perfect Tuesday Night Hamburger- Pizza Wine." The Bodegas Olivares Old Vines Monastrell, Falesco Vitiano, Crosby Cabernet Sauvignon, Bodan Roan Pinot Noir, and Castano Alcaria Old Vines are all the result of this search. Well, I have found another one! The 2019 Bodegas Nekeas Cepa por Cepa Old Vines Grenache is exactly what we are all looking for and it's only $10.99! Josh Raynolds of Vinous agrees with me, rating it 91 points: "Limpid ruby-red. Bright and lively on the incisive nose, which displays fresh red berry and floral qualities...