Santa Julia Familia Zuccardi Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: From the always-reliable Familia Zuccardi comes this perennial smart buy. Argentina consistently offers wine lovers incredible value, even beyond its benchmark Malbec wines, and this elegant Cab is a case in point. With its lovely black cherry fruit and notes of spice, mint and smoke, this medium-bodied wine pairs beautifully. My note: A blackberry greeting is followed by lovely aromas of ripe cassis and blackcurrant. Elegant structure and a nice long finish. 93781 14% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. January 9, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Zonte's Footstep Shiraz Viognier 2007, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: A big honkin' Shiraz with a warm embrace of dark red fruit. When you bang for your buck, go straight to the Aussie aisle of your liquor store. There’s 6% of the Viognier grape in this blend to give the wine a lovely lift and brightness on the mid-palate. The wine was also aged in 20% new oak. A sweet blackcurrant nose with notes of pepper, violets and plump plums on the follow-up. This multi-textured wine is a superb value. Perfect for casual weeknight meals at home or potluck get-togethers. 72975 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 23, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Robert Oatley Vineyards Currency Creek Pinot Grigio 2008, Currency Creek, South Australia, Australia: A mouth-watering, terrifically refreshing Pinot Grigio with lively notes of lime, green apple and lemon zest. Medium-bodied with a clean finish that leaves you wanting a top up. Perfect as an aperitif on the deck or dock, or pair it with a variety of dishes including grilled veggies and seafood. Yum! Drink: 2010-2011. 159806 12.20% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010 Full Review

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Gorgeous aromas of fleshy cherries with a luxuriously silky texture. This is Canadian Pinot Noir at its very best. Some dark spices and black raspberry on the finish. Outstanding effort. Serve it to friends and then reveal it's from BC. Drink: 2010-2016. 585760 14% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. May 15, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review

Domaine La Croix Belle Cuvée Syrah 2008, Côtes De Thongue, Midi, France: A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Syrah du Monde wine competition. Stunningly great value for this ultra-delicious, full-bodied red! Gorgeous notes of black plums and mocha. Round and supple: wow. Perfect party wine. 160150 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Puig-Parahy Georges Carignan Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Côtes De Roussillon, Midi, France: A blend of Carignan, Grenache and a little Syrah. Fantastic peppery, blackberry nose! Supple and full-bodied with a deep, dark concentration of flavour. Chewy tannins and a long, satisfying finish. I can’t believe how low the price is for this one. Drink: 2010-2015. 171025 14.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. May 1, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review