Catena Chardonnay 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A 1983 visit to Robert Mondavi’s landmark winery in California inspired Nicolás Catena to start his own cutting-edge winery in Argentina. He set about researching the Mendoza region to find the very best locations for his winery and vineyards. It was in the Agrelo area where it all came together. The winery uses three Agrelo-area vineyards for the fruit: Uxmal, Adrianna and Domingo. This 2009 Chardonnay is filled with ripe fruit ably balanced by nicely integrated oak tones and fresh acidity. My note: Wonderfully balanced: generous fruit but good acidity and judicious use of oak. Love this style. Medium- to full-bodied. Lovely hazelnut-infused finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 918805 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2008, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, Australia: Gorgeously layered and flavoured yet absolutely refreshing! A petrol nose (a good thing) gives way to a profusion of white flowers, lime blossom and zesty energetic spring fruit. Mouth-watering and tasty. Superb! Drink: 2010-2015. 606269 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite White Wine Tied. Full Review

Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Old World classic depth, structure, complexity and endless length. Life became more expensive for me when I first discovered the wines from this superstar Australian winery. No that I regret that: all good things in life have high value. If you visited this winery, you’d know how much they care for every vine like a child. Gorgeous black fruit and depth. Drink: 2012-2020. 720433 14.50% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 93/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2010, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Andrew Graham of Australian Wine Review awarded this wine a score of 90. Try this zippy Riesling. My note: Gorgeous juicy goodness with lime vibrancy. Drink: 2011-2015. 558650 13.50% D 750 mL  $50.00 Score: 92/100. August 6, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Peter Lehmann Wines Layers Red 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Smoky big oak with generous fleshy blackberries, currants and plums. Smooth and juicy. Winner of a Blue-Gold Medal at the Sydney International Wine Competition 2010 (judged with food). Drink: 2011-2015. 138883 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Blind Trust Red Laughing Stock 2008, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: A spectacular blend of Bordeaux grapes. (You can find out which grapes and the proportion when you remove the capsule... No peaking in the store!) Gorgeously ripe aromas of blackberries and cassis wrapped in a luxuriously long smoky blanket. One for the cellar. Drink: 2012-2016. 230110 14% XD 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 93/100. August 6, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Absolutely stunning! This winery leapfrogs itself every year, coming out of the gate with spectacular robust reds. Gorgeous depth of hedonitsically ripe blackberries and plums with a velvet texture and finish as long as the dessert sunset where it's made. 230094 14% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. July 23, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Plentiful aromas here, such as cantaloupe, toast, tropical fruit (banana, pineapple and coconut), spice and lemon meringue pie. Dry with lots of everything going on, but it all works extremely well. Full bodied, with ripe fruit, toasty oak and bright acidity in almost perfect harmony. Long finish. Cellar 3-5 years or enjoy tonight with rich seafood dishes. My note: Love it! Rich and layered with hazelnuts, smoke and almonds. Green apple notes shine through then there’s a lime zest finish. Drink: 2011-2017. 208694 13.70% XD 750 mL  $38.35 Score: 93/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Errázuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Curico Valley, Chile: A terrific, full-bodied Cabernet with classic aromas of blackberries, cassis and blackcurrant. Beautifully structured with a satisfyingly long finish. Great wine for dinner parties and steak dinners. Drink: 2010-2016. 335174 14% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 20, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Le Vieux Donjon Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Big and bold with enticing and dazzling aromas of black cherry and cedar forest. A wine to draw you in and never let you go. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2020. 700922 14% XD 750 mL  $80.00 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied. Full Review

Domaine Roux Père & Fils Les Chaumes Chassagne-Montrachet 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a simply gorgeous wine. The complex nose carries tones of vanilla, apple, citrus, toasted almond, butterscotch and ripe fruit. The palate is equally rich and rewarding, with great structure and balance throughout. Lively acidity carries through to the end of the lip-smacking finish. Delicious now or it will evolve over 5 years into an even more intriguing experience. My note: Stunning wine! Loaded with green apple and white peach with some butter and smoke and a long almond-infused finish. Drink: 2011-2017. 208512 13.50% D 750 mL  $51.75 Score: 93/100. April 2, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Bougrier Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2010, Loire Valley, France: This is an example of Chenin Blanc at its best, featuring aromas of peach, citrus, lanolin and pear. Chenin Blanc is known for its refreshing acidity, making it a fine candidate for cellar maturation. Some Vouvray have been known to last for 50 years or more. You can try them earlier than that – give this one a more conservative 2-4 years due to more approachable styling. You will also get great pleasure with this highly versatile wine. An absolutely delightful and pretty Vouvray! Lovely floral aromas with ripe peach and pear. Try this wine if you feel you’re in a white wine rut and want something different. Very versatile with food. No heavy oak or alcohol. Amazing price. Drink: 2012-2014. 253229 11.50% MD 750 mL  $18.20 Score: 89/100. January 21, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Domaine Poulleau Père & Fils Oak Aged Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Volnay, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous black cherry liqueur concentration of flavour, yet this wine is not heavy. Satin smooth with seductive notes of violets and deep-seated pleasure on the finish. Drink: 2011-2017. 265025 12.90% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Chanson Hauts Marconnets 1Er Cru Chanson Père & Fils Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Savigny-Lès-Beaune, Burgundy, France: Lovely hazelnut and toasty richness on this oaked chardonnay. Buttery and round with terrific balancing acidity. Drink: 2011-2015. 265033 13.50% XD 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 91/100. March 17, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Château de Beaucastel Pierre Perrin 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône, France: Incredible concentration yet still elegant and balanced, not heavy. This is the flagship wine for Châteauneuf-du-Pape: consistently glorious year after year. Will keep in your cellar very well. Drink: 2013-2020. 711317 14.50% XD 750 mL  $89.95 Score: 95/100. March 17, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Joseph Cattin Méthode Traditionelle Brut Rosé Crémant d'Alsace, Alsace A.C., France: A lovely bubbly with a hint of fresh field raspberries and a refreshing dry finish. Drink: 2012-2035. 264572 12% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Domaine Bachey-Legros Vielles Vignes Morgeot 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France: Full-on classic Old World chardonnay! Hazelnut richness from the oak aging wraps around peach, green apple and other tree fruit. Rich, complex, full-bodied and has a long finish. Drink: 2012-2016. 268508 14% D 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 93/100. April 28, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Dom Pérignon Brut Rosé Champagne 2002, A.C., Champagne, France: A spectacular champagne named after the monk who made it famous. A traditional belnd of chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir, this is a robust champagne, with seductive aromas and flavours of baked bread, white flowers and green apple. 91777 12.50% D 750 mL  $299.95 Score: 95/100. November 23, 2013 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Château de Beaucastel Vign. Pierre Perrin 2011, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Beautifully made with superb craftsmanship! Full-bodied, concentrated and complex with layers of rich black fruit flavour and smoke. Great cellar potential, but why wait? This comes from one of the most iconic producers in the Rhone Valley, and in all of France. Vivre la France! Drink: 2013-2020. 968750 14.50% XD 375 mL  $46.95 Score: 96/100. November 23, 2013 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling 2010, Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Dr. L is the exceptional entry-level Mosel Riesling made by the dynamic Ernst Loosen. If you are a Riesling newbie, this is an excellent place to begin. It shows all the bright fruitiness and refreshing acidity one should expect from the grape. Wrapped up in a very easy-drinking style, it can be enjoyed as a sipper or as a very versatile food partner. My note: This is a favourite of so many people I know and for good reason: packed with flavour, floral notes and melon essence. Light- to medium-bodied and low in alcohol. Drink: 2011-2014. 599274 8.50% MD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Spätlese 2008, Q.M.P., Bernkasteler Badstube, Mosel, Germany: Love it! The sweetness is pure fruit ripeness not cloying. Pear and pear notes with perfect acidity. Drink: 2011-2014. 727370 8% M 750 mL  $25.75 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Dr. Hermann Kabinett Riesling 2008, Erdener Treppchen, Mosel, Germany: Classic German Riesling with ripe peach and pear and a laser-focused minerality through the core. Mouth-watering acidity. Packed with flavour yet not heavy. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2010-2016. 189647 7.50% MD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

August Kesseler R Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Rheingau, Germany: Splendid! Ripe, focused and fleshy apricot and pear fruit with mouth-watering acidity for food and a lovely long finish. Stunningly made wine. Medium-bodied. It knows no end. 192641 10.50% MD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Bongiovanni Barolo 2006, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: A juicier more lifted and brighter Barolo than most. I really like this style. Full-bodied and juicy with fleshy dark berries and fruit. A smoky long finish. Great wine for the cellar. Yum! Drink: 2010-2016. 204594 14.50% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Tenuta Sant'Antonio Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Crafted from 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 5% apiece of the lesser-known Croatina and Oseleta varieties. This big, chunky Amarone combines dried red fruit notions with plenty of rich licorice, black pepper and dark chocolate. My note: Soooo tasty! Wow: full-bodied, juicy with ripe blackberries, plums and blackcurrant and a lovely underlay of mocha. Long and rich and satisfying. Leave me with the bottle, will you? Drink: 2011-2020. 435222 15.50% D 750 mL  $50.75 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied. Full Review

Anselmi San Vincenzo Anselmi Veneto I.G.T. 2009, Vénétie, Italy  12.70% D 750 mL  $15.65. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Rocca Delle Macìe Riserva Chianti 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A lovely, classic chianti that celebrates all that’s best about Tuscan living and the joys of pasta and fresh tomato sauce. Dark berries and smoke with mouth-watering acidity and full-bodied weight. I love it! Drink: 2011-2015. 111641 13.90% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. December 10, 2011 Full Review

Casalvento Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: A juicy black fruited wonder! Full-bodied, non-decision wine (just buy it). Fleshy blackberries and rolling plums. Drink: 2011-2015. 244210 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 6, 2011 Full Review

Monte del Frá Tenuta Lena Di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Dry and chalky with pleasing aromas of dark fruit and sun-dried tomatoes. Terrific for most Italian dishes. Drink: 2012-2016. 165662 14% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

La Castellina Tommaso Bojola Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: I like it! Juicy and savoury with a I-feel-like-dancing-after-dinner pep to it. Layers of juicy dark fruit and a pleasantly long finish. 268987 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Monsanto Riserva Fabrizio Bianchi, Prop. Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Smokey and dry with incredibly mouth-watering layers of dark berries. Complex, long, deep and lovely with full-bodied richness and loads of cellar potential. Decant for 2 hour. Drink: 2013-2020. 719864 14% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Quintarelli Classico Superiore Valpolicella 2002, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Rich black cherry liqueur and dark spices with layers of full-bodied goodness. A long, lasting finish. Drink: 2013-2020. 986117 12.60% D 750 mL  $79.95 Score: 95/100. March 17, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Dog Point Chardonnay 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Full-bodied with hazelnut richness on the nose plus green apple, white peach and pear on the palate. Complex and layered but not heavy. Terrific balance and finish. Drink: 2012-2016. 238568 14.50% XD 750 mL  $77.00 Score: 91/100. April 28, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Seresin Chardonnay 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: I adore this style of chardonnay! Balanced, generous, perfectly calibrated between toasty oak, acidity and generous tree fruit. Drink: 2012-2016. 19190 14% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Quinta Do Portal Vintage Port 2003, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Gorgeous aromas and flavours of black plums, blackcurrant and blackberry liqueur. Juicy and mouth-watering, with incredible depth, concentration and length on the finish. Try it! Drink: 2013-2025. 345041 20% S 750 mL  $58.95 Score: 95/100. November 23, 2013 Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Delaforce Corte Vintage Quinta And Vineyard Bottlers Vinhos Port 1997, D.O.C., Douro, Quinta Da Côrte, Portugal: Rich and complex with layers of dark plum and berry liqueur flavour. Superb after-dinner drink. Drink: 2008-2022. 199695 20% S 750 mL  $38.95 Score: 95/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review

José Maria Da Fonseca & Van Zeller Vintage Domingos Soares Franco & Christiano Van Zeller Btld. 2005 Port 2003, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: A rich and layered port with seductive aromas of blackberry liqueur and cassis. This port in the cellar for decades will glory so it's also a great one to lay down for a child or grandchild born in 2003. Drink: 2013-2025. 638924 20% S 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. January 7, 2012 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review

Graham's Port 2007, Portugal: Decadent and delicious! This superb port delivers on every dimension: concentration, depth and length. It's loaded with black plum liqueur, kirsch, blackberry jam aromas and flavours. Supple, full-bodied with a spicy, everlasting finish. 140202 20% S 750 mL  $85.00 Score: 100/100. May 29, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine. Full Review

Warre's Vintage Port 1996, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Terrific concentration with layered flavours of blackberry preserves, dark spices, plum preserves. Yummy! Drink: 2010-2025. 189605 20% S 750 mL  $54.00 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite Dessert Wine. Full Review

Barón de Ley Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2000, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: We’ve got leather and cigar box and the heady mixture of a mature wine to be sipped contemplatively in a wood-paneled study. Love this style and it’s such a rarity these days to taste a mature wine… everything is all fruit, right now. Try it and see what I mean. A long savoury, smoky finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 642496 13% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room Le Cigare Blanc Roussanne Grenache Blanc 2008, Arroyo Seco, Central Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Winemaker/iconoclast Randall Grahm continues his exploration of the Rhône varieties in a California context, with this white blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. The vineyard surely is appropriately named (Beeswax) because this wine features aromas of honeycomb, nectarine, mango and sweetgrass. Just bordering on off-dry, the wine is richly fruity, fresh and lively. Drink it as an aperitif throughout this summer and into the next one. Beeswax Vineyard is certified biodynamic by Demeter. My note: Lemon and tree fruit: lovely not buttery. Asian pear and quince wrapped in a whiff of smoke. Thanks Randall. Drink: 2011-2015. 95331 14.30% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 91/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Foxglove Chardonnay 2009, Central Coast, California, United States  262022 13.90% XD 750 mL  $24.95. January 21, 2011 Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Oh yum! What a luscious, beautiful pinot, packed with fleshy cherry notes. It's satin smooth and feels like liquid lingerie ... seductive. Perfect for dinner parties and romantic dinners when you want the answer to be yes. Drink: 2012-2016. 687970 14.20% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 95/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review