Estampa Malbec 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Estampa are blending specialists, and this concoction of Malbec (60%) and Petite Sirah is a fine example of their expertise. An attractive wine brimming with blackberry, cherry and coffee notes, it is an exceptionally priced crowd-pleaser. Just the thing for your next gourmet burger night. My note: Terrific value for this full-bodied, smooth, juicy wine with dark fruit. Party pleaser! 169938 14% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 86/100. October 16, 2010 Full Review

Ravoire & Fils Le Prieure Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A Gold Medal winner at the Foire aux Vins d’Orange 2008 competition. Impressively constructed Côtes du Rhône-Villages wine, featuring aromas of plum, cherry, strawberry/rhubarb and pepper. Dry, with lots of fruit expertly balanced by a nice seam of acidity and ripe tannins. Medium-full bodied with a long finish. Cellar it 3-5 years or enjoy it tonight. My note: Peppery cherries and cedar notes in this staggeringly great wine for the price. Full-bodied, savoury and tasty. Stock up for the holidays! Drink: 2010-2015. 175687 14.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Wonderful revelation! Staggeringly great value/taste for the price. Packed with aromas of peach, pear, melon and zen. Perfect for almost any social situation and a wide variety of palates. Drink: 2010-2013. 599274 8.50% MD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review

Apollonio Rocca Dei Mori Salice Salentino Rosso Negroamaro Malvasia Nera 2006, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Salice Salentino – blends vary, but this one is about 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera – has been made in Salento (the “heel” of Italy) for centuries. Sweet, slightly spicy aromas of mince tart, blackcurrant and blackberry mingle with some earthy, woody notes. The aromas recur in the flavours, revealing lots of crisp, ripe fruit that roll on the palate to a refreshing finish. A crowd-pleasing red, with a medium body and good length. My note: Black cherries wrapped smoke: absolute yum! A savoury bacon fat character in the middle that keeps me smacking my chops for more. Love it! Fantastic price… party wine. Drink: 2010-2014. 180257 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Full Review

Juan Gil Gos Monastrell 2009, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The Juan Gil estate’s sandy/chalky/rocky soil vineyards (which sit at 700 metres above sea level) and Jumilla’s dry hot weather provide the ideal setting for the cultivation of Monastrell (Mourvèdre). Aged for four months in a mix of new French and American oak barrels, this full-bodied, well-balanced wine is dark and fruity, with lovely cherry and plum notes on the nose. My note: Awesome value: stock up for your fall parties. Rich aromas of black and purple plums, and dark berries. Ultra-supple and full-bodied. Top me up! Drink: 2010-2013. 94888 14% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 88/100. October 2, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review