Luigi Bosca Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipü, Mendoza, Argentina: Smooth as velvet and wonderful aromas of black plums and dark spices. Full-bodied and supremely satisfying. Serve this to your boss and get promoted. Drink: 2011-2018. 128629 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. April 16, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Luigi Bosca Reserva Chardonnay 2010, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Tasty and balanced with appealing green apple and lemon notes and just the right amount of toasty oak. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2015. 575985 14.20% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: A stunning quality and taste for this price point! Rich and full-bodied with lip-smacking delicious black fruit aromas and just enough toasty oak. Vibrant and alive. Drink: 2012-2015. 143248 14% XD 750 mL  $16.25 Score: 89/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

La Posta Pizzella Family Vineyard Malbec 2009, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Dark, savoury, meaty and full-bodied. Terrific wine for rich and flavourful meaty dishes. Heart of darkness wine with a golden-good price. Drink: 2012-2015. 166298 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 26, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Wakefield Winery Merlot 2010, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and fleshy with purple and black plums. Reminds me of California zinfandel. Smooth and full-bodied. Terrific price! Drink: 2012-2015. 683201 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 26, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Shotfire Quartage Estate Grown, Thorn-Clarke Named Varietal Blends-Red 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Love this! Gorgeously rich and full-bodied with layers of voluptuous black fruit flavours. Velvet caress on the tongue. Top me up! Drink: 2012-2016. 24091 14% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Oscar's Estate Vineyard Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A wonderfully robust and intriguing nose of blackberry jam, caramel, cocoa and a touch of toasted coconut. The palate is dry, with nice fruit and a plush texture. This is a real crowd-pleaser of a wine. A nice addition to a casual gathering. My note: Jammy-lovely: blackberry pie in a glass! Dry but packed with flavour. Full-bodied with layers of pleasure that lap over your senses. Drink: 2011-2016. 225631 15.20% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. April 16, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Paringa Estate Shiraz 2008, Riverland, South Australia, Australia: An amazing wine for the money! Rich and concentrated with black cherry liqueur and fleshy ripe blackberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2015. 776146 15% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Grant Burge Barossa Vines S Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Fifth-generation winemaker Grant Burge is a master of Shiraz. The 2009 is classic Burge Barossa with layers of blackberry, plum and black cherry with smoky cloves and dark chocolate. Dry and delectably mouth-filling, with impressive tannins and a ripe fruit core. Enjoy tonight. My note: Flashy blackberries that have been rolled in mocha … savoury and dark with rich, full-bodied layers of pleasure. What intensity, concentration and power on the palate… very hedonistic. Long finish. Drink: 2011-2016. 738567 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. March 19, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Minty coolness on the nose is flooded over by fleshy blackberry richness on the palate. A hedonist's wine to fill the senses. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2012-2016. 142398 14.50% D 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 93/100. January 18, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Complex, full-bodied and delicious! Loaded with black fruit flavours yet it's very dry and balanced, with a lovely long finish. Great dinner party wine. The "gnarly dudes" refer to the old, twisted grapevine trunks that are illustrated on this wine's label. This is a classic red from the heart of the Barossa Valley. Serve this at a dinner party featuring a hearty meat dish, and listen to the murmurs of appreciation. Superb craftsmanship! Drink: 2012-2016. 660043 14.50% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. October 26, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Saltram Wine Estate Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Seductive nose of cassis and blackberry aromas. A superbly crafted wine with tremendous balance yet it's still lip-smacking, juicy-delicious. This cabernet has both structure and elegance with a long finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Smoke and cedar on the finish: very savoury and satisfying! Drink: 2012-2016. 48579 15.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. December 7, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A structured and balanced blend of dark fruit, smoke and a touch of spice on the finish. Elegant and full-bodied, but not heavy. Some dark spice on the finish. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2016. 468637 14% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 92/100. December 7, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Schild Estate Old Bush Vine Gms Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2011, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Oh yum. Comfort me with mourvèdre and other old vine grapes. Rich, complex and deep: exactly what you want in a partner (and a wine). Full-bodied and smooth and inviting. The Schild family has been in the Barossa Valley for more than 60 years. Lots of complexity, depth and vibrancy in this richly rewarding wine. Drink: 2013-2018. 108183 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Kilikanoon Wines Killerman's Run Shiraz Grenache 2011, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied red wine that's a blend of about two-thirds Shiraz grapes and one-third Grenache grapes that results in terrific and savory notes of black raspberry, dark spices, dried tobacco leaves and licorice. Full-bodied and supple. This is a consistently great producer of lip-smacking delicious red wines. Drink: 2014-2018. 9225 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage Shiraz 2010, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Towering, dark and deep, this Shiraz has it all. Black fruit, smoke, tar, anise, with juiciness and polished tannins. Perfect for filet mignon. Drink: 2014-2021. 922773 16.10% XD 750 mL  $43.95 Score: 95/100. February 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Dowie Doole Second Nature Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with mint and blackberry on the nose, then it spreads out over the palate with fleshy black fruit and mocha. Great price for the quality. Drink: 2013-2016. 361329 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Yalumba Shiraz 2012, South Australia, Australia: This organic red wine is full-bodied, smooth and delicious with aromas of smoky black plums and blackberries. Deep and rich and satisfying. Great taste for the price.  It opens beautifully on the palate with rich flavours of fleshy black fruit. Some pepper and spice and everything nice on the finish. Drink: 2013-2017. 280883 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. March 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Yalumba The Strapper Gsm Named Varietal Blends-Red 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This is an incredible robust red wine for the price! Full-bodied, lusciously rich and deep with a terrific long finish. Aromas of fleshy sweet dark fruit, a hint of pepper and savoury goodness. Mouth-watering and delicious. terrific with grilled pork shops, beef or lamb with rosemary. The Grenache in the blend gives this wine an extra richness, while the Mataro lends rustic tannins and the Shiraz, fleshy fruit. It's a terrific combo! Drink: 2013-2020. 295873 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. March 29, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 1984, South Australia, Australia Drink: 2013-2020. 960468 14% XD 750 mL  $99.95. December 7, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Nice interplay of dark fruits across the palate on this mouth-filling Shiraz. Layers of flavour that coat the palate with a terrific texture and weight. Polished tannins add a suppleness and slippery smoothness to this wine. A hedonist's delight. Drink: 2013-2016. 94078 14% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. June 21, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2012, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied red wine offers signature aromas of dark, fleshy ripe blackberries, a hint of oak and a mouth-watering juiciness. Terrific Australian shiraz, especially for this price. Loaded with delicious dark fruit flavours, incredible depth, concentration and length. Drink: 2013-2018. 590273 14% XD 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 92/100. March 4, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Montes Alpha Syrah 2010, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Let me count the ways I love this wine: flavour, texture, body, depth, finish... I could go on, but I can see that you're eyeing the bottle. What a amazing wine for the money. Dark plums dance head to head with smoke and spice. I have a feeling that you'll be buying this wine year after year. Drink: 2014-2018. 612 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. May 24, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Tabalí Reserva Especial Named Varietal Blends-Red 2009, Limarí Valley, Chile: A savoury blend of 74% Syrah, 14% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in this full-bodied red wine, with terrific aromas of big, black fruit and smoke. Anise, pencil led and fleshy black plum flavours flood the senses. Try it with a hearty meat dish tonight. Drink: 2013-2016. 107540 14.50% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 93/100. May 10, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Montes Purple Angel Carmenere 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Purple Angel will make you feel as though you've gone to heaven aloft a cloud of sensory pleasure. Can one wine pack more flavour into the bottle? I'm skeptical. If you love full-bodied, juicy, fruit-forward wines, this is your apogee as it also has all of those other great hallmarks of superb wine: complexity, balance and finish. Yes please! Drink: 2014-2020. 62364 14% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 95/100. May 10, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A superb, full-bodied red wine with layers of hedonistic pleasure! The best of New World power, energy and black fruit concentration in great balance, depth and length on the finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Amazing price for this quality. Drink: 2013-2017. 322586 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Veramonte Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Merlot Carmenere 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Juicy-wonderful! Just dripping with fleshy berry flavor and plums with some real vibrancy and lift on the mid-palate. I love it! This wine is a blend of about a third cabernet sauvignon, a third syrah, and the balance split between merlot and carmenere grapes. Superb craftsmanship; great value. Drink: 2013-2016. 712463 14.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. December 7, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009, Maule Valley, Chile: Gorgeous! Layers with voluptuously fleshy black plums and berries. This wine goes on and on and on. Thank-you. Drink: 2012-2015. 957050 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 29, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Santa Carolina Dry Farming Carignan 2008, Cauquenes Valley, Chile: Dry farming is a technique that relies solely on natural rainfall for irrigation. Beautiful! Stunning concentration and depth but there’s also real elegance and finesse here. Your guests will think you paid double for this wine so get a case or two. Savory dark fruit with subtle hints of happiness. Drink: 2011-2015. 213520 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Canepa Reserva Privada Carmenère 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Elegant, restrained with aromas of cassis, tar, dark chocolate and cedar. Sophisticated structure, good concentration of fruit and elegant complexity. DC. My note: A river of generous black cherry flavours and dark spices. Terrific price! 82586 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 87/100. December 5, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Oh my goodness, this is incredible! The price has to by a typo. Juicy, full-bodied, smooth with fleshy black fruit. Try with osso buco or a slow-cooked roast with root vegetables. Buy a case for your parties. Drink: 2011-2016. 957050 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Montes Alpha Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The colour is black as a starless night with a hint of purple on the rim. Aromas suggest cherry drops, smoked meat, cigar box, leather, cinnamon toast and cassis. Dry, very impactful wine with a full measure of fruit balanced by generous leather/smoked meat tones. On the mid-palate is where you will find silky tannins for balance. Spicy and generous with a solid finish. Very impressive Carmenère that will reward 2-5 years in a cellar, or enjoy it tonight. My note: Yes, yes, yes! I am referring to the wine: this is simply amazing for the price. The total package. Packed with gorgeously layered fruit yet there’s acidity and elegance. Drink: 2011-2015. 143230 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. December 10, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Errazuriz Single Vineyard, Max Reserva Estates Carmenère 2009, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: An incredible wine for the price! Gorgeous layers of plush black plums with a smoky weave that takes you right along to the finish. Lovely! Drink: 2012-2016. 273300 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Carmen Wines Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Another remarkable wine from this winery that tastes twice as expensive as it costs. Smooth, full-bodied and well-rounded with generous layers of black plush plum. Drink: 2012-2016. 439166 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 17, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Château Fongaban Meritage 2006, A.C., Côtes De Castillon, France: Incredible for the price! Full-bodied and juicy with black fruit and smoke. Lip-smacking delicious layers of fleshy ripe blackberries. Top me up! Drink: 2011-2015. 138735 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Le Ferme Du Mont Le Ponnant Stéphane Vedeau 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Super-duper (pulling out all the technical tasting terms now)! Juicy come-alive black fleshy cherry, some smoke and a gorgeous, give-me-more full-bodied smooth texture. Fantastic price. Drink: 2011-2016. 171371 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Des Tilleuls Clos Village Philippe Livera, Prop. Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, France: Ultra-seductive black cherry, violets and wild mushroom on the nose. Pulls you head-first into the glass. Silky smooth with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Stunning! Drink: 2012-2018. 264994 13% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 93/100. May 26, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Les Vignes Bila-Haut M. Chapoutier 2010, A.C., Midi, France: A spectacular wine, let alone for this price. Get yourself a case or two if you love juicy, full-bodied reds with racy, spicy dark red fruit, cedar notes and long-lasting pleasure. Drink: 2012-2017. 168716 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 91/100. September 29, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila-Haut 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Love it! This wine has it all: balance, length, great extraction of rich black cherry and spice flavour. Drown me in this and don’t bother with a rescue please. Incredible price: must be an accounting error. Drink: 2010-2016. 168716 14% D 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 91/100. June 26, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Laurence Féraud Séguret Sélection Grenache Syrah 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. It features pretty aromas of baked berry pie, spice cupboard, garrigue and vanilla tones. Medium to full-bodied with bright acidity and lovely fruit. A delicious wine to drink over the next 2-4 years. It may be enjoyed tonight. My note: Vibrant peppery aromas and dark red fruit. Full-bodied and smooth and lovely juicy, mouth-watering action. Perfect for lots of meat dishes. Love this style. Fancy label makes it an expensive-looking gift wine that lives up to its promise. Drink: 2011-2016. 211482 14.10% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 16, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2008, A.C., Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Latour de France, Midi, France: Savoury black fruit, cedar and meaty notes. Full-bodied, smooth and complex with layers of satisfaction. Great for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2011-2016. 643239 14% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 91/100. August 20, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Chateau De L'ille Cuvée Angélique Corbières 2008, A.C., Midi, France: This wine won the Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris and is a blend of 60% syrah and 40% grenache grapes. There’s big juicy cruisin-for-a-bruisin blackberries and blackcurrant. Terrific concentration and balance for the price point: it’s a steal. Drink: 2011-2015. 237578 13.70% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 20, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Alain Jaume & Fils 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, France: Black cherry liqueur runs through the heart of this gorgeous, full-bodied red. Smooth as velvet and as seductive as satin sheets. Bring it on! Drink: 2011-2020. 76331 14.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 93/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages Latour De France, Midi, France: Rich, velvet fleshy black raspberries loll over your tongue and release their juicy flavour as you move the wine around in your mouth. Full-bodied and pleasurable. Close your eyes. Drink: 2012-2018. 643239 14% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. September 29, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Chante Cigale Tradition 2010, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone, France: This spectacular red wine is a brilliant blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault grapes. It offers both Old World charm and New World concentration and depth of fruit. It reminds me of ancient monastery where the monks illuminate manuscripts: that smoky, earthy kind of aroma tinged with black fruit. Extraordinary… take your mouth on an adventure. Drink: 2012-2020. 194993 14% D 750 mL  $42.25 Score: 94/100. December 7, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Le Gravillas Vieilles Vignes 2011, Gigondas, Rhone, France: I’m lovin it! Juicy, savoury and mouth-watering: loaded with blackberry and black cherry aromas. Good grip on the palate: decant for 2-3 hours. Could use some cellar time. Fantastic price! Produced by Cave Des Vignerons a Sablet. Try it with hearty meat dishes and robust conversation. Drink: 2012-2016. 78808 14% D 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 93/100. January 18, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Ortas Prestige Rasteau, Cave De Rasteau 2009, Côtes-Du-Rhône-Villages, France: Savoury and tasty with dark red spicy fruit in this AC red wine. Full-bodied, juicy and smooth. Good value. A terrific, long, dry finish that leaves you longing for more. Drink: 2014-2019. 985929 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2011, Côtes De Roussillon-Villages Latour De France, Midi A.C., France: Complex, mysterious and spectacular! Full-bodied, juicy, layered and smooth. Endless finish. I love the Braille label, plus the name includes a nice dose of Latin: perfect teacher's pet gift for end of the year (or perhaps now to lock in those 90s). Aromas of baked black fruit yet dry. So very delicious. Wish I knew the Latin phrase for that ... ultimum delici vinum! Drink: 2014-2020. 643239 14% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 95/100. May 24, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

La Domelière Rasteau Cave De Rasteau 2012, Rhône A.C., France: Gorgeous richness in this powerful red wine at a staggeringly great price! Black fleshy plums that rub up against your senses and pleasure centre. Layers and layers of velvet richness. Mouth-filling and mouth-pleasing. Get a case. Drink: 2014-2018. 222927 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. June 21, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Château Boutisse Grand Cru 2010, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux A.C., France: The classic Bordeaux nose that is at once fresh and yet deeply rich and inviting. Blackcurrant, cassis, hickory smoke and dark spice. Polished tannins, excellent structure and balance. Long finish with attractively baked black fruit. Drink: 2015-2022. 368175 14.50% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 92/100. June 21, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

La Tour Coste La Combe Saint-Joseph 2010, Rhône A.P., France: Smoky nose with black and purple plums, black raspberry liqueur and cedar brush. New World finishes on this classic Old World Syrah from the Rhone Valley. Nicely balanced and structured. Drink: 2014-2020. 370106 13% XD 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 92/100. June 21, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Capanna Brunello Di Montalcino 2008, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Signature Brunello di Montalcino from both a great producer and a solid vintage. Classic aromas of violets, dark berries, smoke and some pencil led. Layered and nuanced; this wine will unfold in the glass (and on your senses) with time so decant 1-2 hours. Brunello is never inexpensive, but this lovely example is worth every penny. Try it with a rack of lamb tonight. Drink: 2015-2025. 378513 14% XD 750 mL  $67.00 Score: 94/100. June 21, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Modus Ruffino 2009, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: The 2010 vintage of this spectacular Italian red wine was released in the liquor store last year, and now here comes the 2009, which needed a more time given it's towering tannic structure. It too is a blockbuster and a palate pleaser, with a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes. Great bones, seductive flesh. Drink: 2014-2021. 912956 14% XD 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 94/100. May 10, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Michele Castellani Colle Cristi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Ca' Del Pipa, Veneto, Italy: Dried raisined cherries with a deep, luxurious layers of richness. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious aromas. A finish that says “buy me again!” Drink: 2011-2020. 222109 15.50% XD 750 mL  $45.95 Score: 96/100. August 20, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Umani Ronchi Montipagano Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2010, D.O.C., Abruzzo, Italy: Want a tasty, full-bodied, reasonably priced Italian red for pizza or pasta? This is your wine! Stunning for the price. This organic wine has just 16 mg/l of free sulphur. Drink: 2012-2015. 134585 13% XD 750 mL  $17.85 Score: 88/100. May 26, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Baglio Di Pianetto Nero D'avola 2009, I.Gt., Sicily, Italy: Love this especially for the price! Gorgeous layers of liquid black plums roll down a velvet carpet of polished tannins. Drink: 2012-2015. 207423 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. May 26, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Arele Appassimento, Tommasi 2009, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Love the black pepper juiciness of this red! Fleshy black cherries with some tart blackberries mingled in. Absolutely delicious! Drink: 2012-2016. 224188 13% D 750 mL  $18.75 Score: 89/100. April 28, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Sileni Estates The Plateau Pinot Noir 2009, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Pinot Noir from Hawkes Bay is not as common as the red Bordeaux varieties or Syrah, but when a producer such as Sileni is involved, the results show it is a variety with a future here. Grown on an inland plateau ideal for Pinot Noir, this 2009 is a fine ambassador for Hawkes Bay Pinot. Look for lots of black cherry and other dark fruit aromas backed by smooth tannins and a substantial finish. My note: heart-stopping delicious! Ripe fleshy cherries and juicy field raspberries almost make you want to bite into this wine rather than sip it. Yet it’s supple and medium-bodied with wonderful finesse and mouth-watering action. I adore this style of New Zealand Pinot Noir: more please! Drink: 2011-2016. 14578 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2007, W.O., South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: The grapes were sourced from a single vineyard in the Wellington district, then aged for 27 months in used French oak barrels. The result is a full-bodied, spicy and floral red. An amazing wine for the price! Rich notes of plums fill the glass. Drink: 2008-2012. 595280 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. September 27, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Artazuri Viñedos Artazu Garnacha 2008, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Love the peppered back raspberries! This is such a top-me-up-again kind of wine. Great for parties too given the price. Full-bodied and dripping with gorgeous black fruit flavour. 80812 14.40% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. April 3, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Atteca Old Vines 2008, Spain  14%   $30.00. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Juan Gil White Label De Cepas Viejas Monastrell 2010, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Deal of the Century! Full-bodied, juicy, savoury and delicious. Loaded with dark wild blackberries and forest-deep cherries and cedar. Oh yum. Drink: 2012-2015. 13656 14.50% XD 750 mL  $14.25 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Tempranillo Tridente Bodegas Triton 2010, Castille Léon, Spain   750 mL  $21.90. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Juan Gil Monastrell 2011, Jumilla, Spain: Savoury dark chocolate notes with black fleshy plums with a juicy, voluptuous finish. Full-bodied and satin smooth. A huge crowd pleaser. The Monastrell grapes has been grown in Jumilla for centuries. The grapes for this wine come from 40-year-old vines at 700 metres above sea level and the wine was then matured in French oak for 12 months. Great value. This DOC wine is the silver label in the winery's lineup. Drink: 2013-2017. 1677 14.50% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 91/100. February 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Finca Villacreces Pruno 2011, D.O., Ribera Del Duero, Spain: Full-bodied with dark black fruit and toasty oak with dried herbs on the finish. Nicely balanced. Drink: 2013-2016. 312140 13.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 88/100. September 28, 2013 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Muga Selección Especial Reserva 2009, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Complex, rich, balanced, powerful and concentrated: this robust Spanish red really does have it all. Great price-quality ratio too. Try it with Kobe beef. Drink: 2015-2022. 921536 14% XD 750 mL  $105.00 Score: 95/100. June 21, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Grove Street Pinot Noir 2011, Sonoma County, California, United States: Juicy cherry berry aromas with some mocha. Round and mouth-filling and smooth. Lovely sunset wine. Drink: 2013-2017. 231613 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 26, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied red wine is lovely with great balance. Smoky, mocha notes intermingle with fleshy blackberries and blueberries. Deep and complex. The winery is situated in Geyserville and produced its first wines in 1974. Sonoma cabernet always has a terrific blend of fruit richness and spicy depth. Supple tannins with a long finish. Try it tonight with pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013-2016. 54080 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 9, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2010, California, United States: Juicy wonderful with jubilant purple and black plums. Smooth and endless. Drink: 2012-2015. 719211 15% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 29, 2012 Full Review

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: This robust Californian cabernet has that classic signature of black fruit, smoke and toasty oak all wrapped into a supremely satisfying package. The winery, in Geyserville, first made wine in 1974. Sonoma cabernet always has a terrific blend of fruit richness and spicy depth. Drink: 2013-2016. 54080 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. January 4, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California, United States: A supple, medium-bodied red wine that's packed with aromas of cherry, red plum and cedar smoke. Cherry-berry festival for your mouth. Lively and silky. Great structure and mouth-watering juiciness. Some dried herbs and fresh earth on the finish. Try it with planked salmon. Bring it -- to my house please. Drink: 2013-2017. 317221 14.50% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. January 18, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Beaulieu Vineyard BV Beaurouge Named Varietal Blends-Red 2010, California, United States: A gloriously rich, full-bodied red wine that's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah and other grapes. This will do well in the cellar, but why wait? Decant for 1-2 hours and try this with a rare, juicy steak tonight. Drink: 2014-2020. 363531 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. April 12, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel 2011, Mendocino County, California, United States: Yes, yes, yes! This is what we want from Californian Zinfandel: fleshy dark fruit that's not sweet, just rich. A whiff of pepper, a lick of savoury goodness that in no way dims the vibrant character. There's some restraint and balance in a good way yet this is full-bodied, supple and smooth. Ready to dance with gourmet hamburgers. Drink: 2014-2018. 967679 14.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. March 29, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Gloria Ferrer Carneros Pinot Noir 2010, Carneros, California, United States: Ultra-juicy with a cherries jubilee festival for your mouth! So lively yet balanced. This winery is supreme at classic Champagne and Burgundian grapes, including Pinot Noir but also Chardonnay (and when they blend together in their sparkling wine). Not overly sweet cherry flavours make this so palatable on it's own or with roast chicken and other dishes. Almost full-bodied, smooth, satin and supple. A steal at this price. Drink: 2013-2018. 925925 13.50% D 750 mL  $27.75 Score: 93/100. March 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2012, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Cline's Zinfandel grapes are sourced from dry-farmed vines planted more than 100 years ago, thus deserving the name Ancient Vines. The depth and concentration of that aging vine wisdom shows in the glass. Notes of blackberry and toasty, black fruit, tar, smoke and toasty oak. Full-bodied. Perfect for BBQ meats and a campfire. This is a truly mouth-filling wine. Big, long finish like a Broadway number... it's a dazzling kick-line for the senses. Drink: 2013-2016. 719211 15% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. June 7, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel 2011, Sonoma County, California, United States: The exact proportions of grapes in this blend change each year based on harvest conditions, but the vast majority is usually Zinfandel. However, according to American AVA viticultural laws, a wine must be a minimum of 75% of a single grape to be labeled as such. So even if there's 74% Zinfandel in the blend, it may not be called Zinfandel. I like Ridge's approach though as it allows for vintage variation and winemaking mastery each year. This is concentrated, deep, rich and complex. Savour it slowly. Drink: 2014-2019. 723072 14.50% XD 750 mL  $96.00 Score: 94/100. June 7, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Marimar Estate Mas Cavalls Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Plush, luscious and generous with it's full-bodied weight and mouth-filling texture in this classic Californian Pinot Noir. Loaded with black cherry, dark spice, anise, mocha and toasty oak. Yet it's elegant, balanced and demonstrates great finesse. Drink: 2014-2019. 368316 14.20% XD 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 94/100. June 7, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Seghesio Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, United States: Very complex with a great balance of acidity and fruit. Layers of delicious flavour and a long finish. One of the most elegant zinfandels I've ever tasted. Drink: 2012-2016. 942151 14.80% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Andrew Rich Cuvée B Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Gorgeous pinot: best of both worlds! Juicy cherry fruit yet elegant, long and refined with just enough mouth-watering juicy. Smooth as satin. Drink: 2012-2016. 127043 13.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. April 28, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Renwood Red Label Syrah 2005, Sierra Foothills, California, United States: Mocha, blackberry goodness with supple layers and full-bodied weight. Smoky with a dry finish. 588095 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010 Full Review

Goldeneye Pinot Noir 2007, Anderson Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: From one of northern California’s coolest AVAs (Anderson Valley) comes this fine, classically styled Pinot. Medium ruby colour with aromas of cherry, raspberry, smoked meat and earth tones. Dry, quite fruity and pretty, with velvety tannins and fresh acids. Medium-full bodied with a ripe, fresh, lengthy finish. Will age 2-4+ years, but is drinking beautifully tonight. My note: Juicy ripe black cherries with supple smooth satin texture, medium-bodied. Absolutely lovely 659854 14.50% D 750 mL  $79.95 Score: 93/100. November 13, 2010 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

07 Mountain Cuvee Napa Valley (Chappellet Vineyard 2007, California, United States  173054 14.90%  750 mL  $37.95. January 1, 2011 Full Review

Predator Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Yum, yum! Big fleshy blueberries and blackberries roll across your tongue. You want more. I’ll top you up. Full-bodied and so supple. It’s ready to go with you are. Bring it on with the barbecue. Drink: 2009-2015. 322957 15% XD 750 mL  $26.90 Score: 92/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review