Gold-Medal Favorites Dozen

Pillastro Selezione d'Oro is a full-bodied red wine with ripe plum and freshly brewed coffee aromas. The palate has more spicy plum flavor and a long, chocolatey finish.

Beef, lamb, pizza (esp. with meaty toppings), game, tomato-based pasta dishes, aged cheeses.

Altos de la Guardia is a full-bodied red wine with rich blackberry and strawberry aromas, underpinned by toasty oak and vanilla spice. The palate delivers the same flavors, plus smooth tannins and a long, satisfying finish.

Beef, pork, firm cheeses, red-sauced pastas, vegetarian meals.

Shroud Mountain is a medium-bodied red wine with savory blackberry bramble and powdered cocoa aromas. The palate has more blackberry and plum flavors, plus silky tannins and a smooth finish that hints at violet, vanilla and cinnamon stick notes.

Beef, lamb, game, burgers, meaty pasta, aged cheeses.

Bariloche is a medium-bodied red with ripe blackberry and cherry aromas, lifted by violet and clove spice notes. Rich and concentrated, the palate has similar flavors plus a smooth finish.

Aged cheese, duck, game birds, venison, pork, vegetarian.

Château Le Coin is a medium-bodied red wine with ripe plum, black currant and black cherry aromas, underpinned by delicate spice notes. On the palate, velvety tannins introduce fresh black-fruit flavors. Hints of clove and nutmeg grace the smooth, lingering finish.

Steak, burgers, barbecue, pork, duck, roasted vegetables, aged cheeses.