Wolf Blass Black Label 2004, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: 1998 vintage is the year this wine won the Jimmy Watson Award, the most prestigious award in Aussie winedom. My note: A full-on, full-bodied red with rich, deep layers of ripe black fruit. New World vitality and style. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 960468 14% XD 750 mL  $98.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2008 Full Review

Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 2005, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Often ranked among the best wines in the world, this blockbuster Shiraz is sourced from vines planted circa 1904. This latest vintage, like many of its predecessors, flirts with a 100-point score. My note: Gorgeous with rich layers of dark fruit. The texture and length are stunning. This wine was aged in French and American oak barrels. 716142 14.50% D 750 mL  $89.95 Score: 96/100. November 21, 2009 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Bouchard Pere & Fils Les Lavières 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Savigny-Lès-Beaune, Burgundy, France: Gorgeous black cherries with a lovely ripeness and fleshy character. Silky texture with mouth-watering field raspberries and some mocha on the finish. Superb! Drink: 2010-2016. 169789 13% v 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010 Full Review

Pol Roger Extra Cuvée De Reserve, Champagne, France: Terrific bubbly with a gorgeous mousse and toasty goodness. Notes of green apples and Asian pear. Makes a great aperitif or companion to many dishes. Drink: 2010-2015. 51953 12% D 750 mL  $58.55 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2010 Full Review

La Chablisienne Chablis 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2006, A.C., Burgundy, France: Clean, fresh and zippy with mouth-awakening notes of lime, green apples and lemongrass. The palate has wonderful weight and balance, followed by a lovely long finish. Drink: 2009-2012. 111666 13% XD 750 mL  $38.95 Score: 90/100. July 4, 2009 Full Review

Bodegas Castano Alion Tempranillo Blend 2004, D.O., Spain: Founded by the famous estate of Vega Sicilia in 1991. A perfectly balanced and long-lived red with incredible finesse, depth and layers. Aromas of black plums, smoke, blackcurrant, mocha, coffee and cigar box. Full-bodied. Drink: 2010-2022. 707166 14% XD 750 mL  $80.95 Score: 95/100. November 22, 2008 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review