Alamos Viognier 2010, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This crisp and clean Viognier shows off pretty aromatics with delicate citrus blossom, apricot, peach and floral notes. Medium bodied with deliciously concentrated fruit flavours and a medium-long finish. My note: Deep and rich for Viognier and I love it! Lychee, rose petal, baking spices. Medium-bodied. Perfect for Asian dishes and curries. Drink: 2011-2015. 507830 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Classic Aussie Shiraz: big black fruit, meaty with some dark spices on the finish. Full-bodied and supple. Knock it back! Drink: 2011-2015. 167189 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Full Review

Malivoire Ladybug Cabernet Franc Gamay Rosé 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: One of Canada’s best producers of Rose, if not the best. This lovely wine has it all: alluring field berry aromas, ephemeral lightness and a certain something that makes you come back to the glass again and again. Some kind of wonderful. Drink: 2011-2013. 559088 13% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Rosé. Full Review

Casa Silva Reserva Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Mocha wrapped in smoke: this powerful wine is extremely delicious. Blackberries with espresso and spice. A superb wine for this price. Crack one open when you’re watching your favourite TV show. Drink: 2011-2014. 24679 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 19, 2011 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile: This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Carmenère shows the best of both grapes with its blueberry, plum, blackberry and spice flavors. It’s dry and mouth-filling with plush fruit flavor and a lengthy finish. A well-structured, robust Cabernet blend with aromas of black plums and pepper. Great layers of flavor. A lovely finish. 16071 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 8, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Cono Sur Visión, Single Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2010, Las Colmenas, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw colour leads to a very attractive, youthful, varietally classic nose: red grapefruit, sweet peach, rosewater, white pepper and a touch of lychee. Dry, plenty of acidity to go with the robust flavours and bring exceptional balance. The finish is long and relatively intense. My note: I honestly don’t know how this winery produces wines this tasty and distinctive at these prices. Here’s another they’ve batted out of the park. Classic gewurz with rose petal, spices, lychee and lovely goodness. The ultimate wine for Asian, curries and Indian take-out. I’m hungry now. Drink: 2011-2015. 912949 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 5, 2011 Best Value White 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

Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2010, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This modern blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Carmenère is truly a superb value that shows the best of both varieties with its blueberry, plum, blackberry and spice flavours. It's dry and mouthfilling with plush fruit flavour and a lengthy finish. If you're a Cab lover looking for something a little different, then look no further. Hearty dishes with a bit of spice are a great match. My note: What crafty winemaking here! Just the right blend of the two grapes to produce a wine that is packed with dark fruit flavour but also has length, balance and depth. Pretty amazing for the price point! Drink: 2011-2014. 16071 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 15, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine J. Boulon Morgon Gamay (Beaujolais) 2009, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Light and happy with juicy tart cherries. Smooth and medium-bodied. Not a wine to analyze: one to enjoy! Drink: 2011-2013. 241166 13.10% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 15, 2011 Full Review

Bailly Lapierre Réserve Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C., Burgundy, France: Love it! Warm and toasty with baked bread, fresh apples and peaches. Stunning price. 641423 12% XD 375 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011 Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review

Domaine De L'arnesque Laurent Biscarat Et Ses Enfants Grenache 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This Grenache blend opens with lovely aromas of plums and licorice. The palate shows nice complexity with a light spice note layering neatly over the raspberry and sweet fruit core. Dry with mild tannins, this will reward 3+ years in the cellar, or pair it tonight. My note: Opens with bright red cherries and field berries. Love the mouth-watering juiciness of this red. Full-bodied red and a terrific finish. A steal at this price. Drink: 2011-2015. 223487 14% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Vignerons De Caractère Seigneur De Fontimple Vacqueyras 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Fleshy ripe cherries on the nose: lovely! A river of velvet red fruit on the tongue. Caress your senses and tastebuds with this full-bodied, delicious red. Terrific price. Drink: 2011-2013. 234013 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Full Review

La Chablisienne Sauvignon Blanc 2008, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Bet you didn't know they make Sauvignon Blanc in Burgundy. Now you can impress your guests with this unique Burgundian wine. And you'll only find them in the Saint-Bris appellation. My note: Vibrant, lemongrass and lime aromas leap out of the glass. Mouth-watering and juicy with terrific minerality and length. Medium-bodied and refreshing. 641753 12.50% XD 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Domaine La Bouscade Old Vine Carignan 2007, A.C., Midi, France: Gorgeous and savoury with mouth-watering aromas of blackberry and plums. This wine goes on and on and on. Top me, will you? Drink: 2010-2016. 78758 15% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010 Full Review

Anne Boecklin Réserve Cave Vinicole De Kientzheim-Kaysersberg Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Gewurztraminer is an exceptional choice for any gathering; it’s great as a sipper, and it’s an expert match for a vast array of foods. This Gold Medal-winning version (Concours des Grands Vins de France 2009) is filled with classic aromas of lychee, grapefruit and spice, plus notions of pear and rose petals. The palate replays all these aromas beautifully, balanced by moderate acidity. Give this a whirl before a meal, or enjoy it with something exotic. My note: Classic gewürztraminer: lychee, rose petal and baking spices with an exotic essence. So very perfect for Asian dishes and curries or as a wake-me-up aperitif. Drink: 2010-2018. 141226 12.80% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Les Costières De Pomerols Beauvignac Viognier 2009, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This a classy white that effortlessly evokes the sophistication of Southern France. There are lovely peach, honeysuckle, ripe apple and citrus notes, as well as pretty florals that give the nose a delightful and delicate complexity. The palate is dry and medium bodied, with a balanced acidity. The aroma replays on the palate are wonderful and leave you with a soft honeyed note on the medium-long finish. My note: Stunning viognier with classic aromas of rose peal, lychee and tree fruits. A pleasant bitter finish with extraordinary body and length. Incredible value. 525295 12% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. January 8, 2011 Full Review

Les Grandes Serres Syrah Blend 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône Villages, Rasteau, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the Concours des Vins in Orange, in 2010. Recently, Rasteau received a long-awaited approval to begin selling dry red wines under its own appellation name, separate from Côtes du Rhône-Villages. This red has a plum-and-spice nose, and flavours of black plum, blackberry, mince tart, honey and white pepper that all recur nicely on the palate to a warm, spicy finish. A well-made wine, with a medium body and good length. An excellent choice for grilled red snapper or ratatouille. My note: A savoury and delicious wine with aromas of black cherries and black raspberries, cedar and smoke. This wine would be amazing with a peppercorn steak or meat lovers’ pizza. Drink: 2011-2016. 194944 14.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 5, 2011 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Gassier Sables D'azur Rosé 2010, Ac Côtes De Provence, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Pretty, pale salmon-peach colour with charming aromas of strawberry, lavender, fresh apricot, rosehips and tangerine. Dry, light bodied, fresh, elegant and zesty, showing sunny fruit edged with fresh herbal notes. This rosé has impressive poise. Perfect as a sipper. My note: Pure loveliness in a glass! Summer sunshine glinting off the Mediterranean. Let this wine take you there. Ripe field strawberries and raspberries. Don’t run out. Drink: 2011-2013. 33621 12.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review

Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2010, A.C., Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium fluorescent-pink colour, with notes of red apple, ripe raspberry, cherry pie and a floral quality on the nose. The palate is dry with a rush of racy acidity that keeps it tart and tangy. This is a very flavourful, balanced and well-made rosé that really sings. My note: Bring it on! Delightful berries dance across your senses as you close your eyes in the warm summer sun. medium-bodied and perfect. Who needs conversation? Drink: 2011-2013. 950576 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Rosé. Full Review

Perrin & Fils Les Sinards Syrah 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: Come hither nose, with a warm embrace once you do hither over to the glass. Full-bodied, smooth and savoury with dark red fruit and a long finish. Superbly crafted, as are most wines from this producer who cares about every step. Terrific half bottles are hard to come by so stock for those nights when you’re on your own or when you and what’s his name just want a glass and a bit each. This is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection so you’re likely to find it in stock Drink: 2011-2020. 5975 14% XD 375 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

Le Gravillas Cave Des Vignerons À Sablet 2007, A.C., Gigondas, Rhône, France: I’m lovin it! Juicy, savoury and mouth-watering: loaded with blackberry and black cherry aromas. Good tannic grip: decant for 2-3 hours. Could use some cellar time. Fantastic price! Drink: 2012-2016. 78808 14% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 92/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Abbona La Pieve Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G, Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The great Nebbiolo-based wines of Barolo rarely come at this fine a price, so this is the perfect opportunity to sample this Piedmontese classic. The 2005 vintage is just starting to hit the market, so this also offers an opportune sneak-peek at the character of the vintage. Look for aromas of plum, truffles, raspberry and cedar in this wine. The tannins should be firm, but there will be plenty of fruit here to bring balance. My note: A real gripper but I like it! Big, black with a tarry streaking through the middle. Black cherry resistance and some dark spices. Perfect for black magic nights. Drink: 2011-2018. 213132 15% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 92/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

Terre Di Rubinoro Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Vecchia Cantina Di Montelpulciano Sangiovese 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Earthy and mature with leather and cigar box. A fantastic price for such an evolved wine. Smooth and full-bodied. Almost makes me want to read a long novel, but I think I’d rather have another glass and then a nap. Drink: 2011-2016. 206862 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

The Crossings Pinot Noir 2009, Atatere, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: New Zealand has made huge strides in its Pinot Noir production in the past 15 years. This Pinot abounds with earthy red fruit, ripe cherry, rhubarb, currant, mocha, oak and spice. An excellent value! Pour yourself a glass. My note: Love it! Black cherries, silk river of pleasure. Medium- to full-body. Incredible price. 694471 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 5, 2011 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

Muruve Crianza Bodegas Frutos Villar Tempranillo 2006, D.O., Toro, Spain: Elegant and balanced with lovely aromas of mocha, dark cherry. Terrific concentration and smooth texture, with a long finish. Superb effort. Drink: 2011-2015. 67546 12.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

McManis Viognier 2009, California, United States: Lovely and subtle with white flower aromas and ripe spring peach. Medium-bodied with mouth-watering juiciness. Such a marvellous food companion. Drink: 2010-2015. 658112 13.50% D 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review