Stonier Chardonnay 2004, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: Lovely and creamy with notes of soft oak, green apple and ripe pear. 25353 13.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 93/100. June 9, 2007 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

ST. Hallett Faith Shiraz 2005, Barossa, Australia: A lovely, juicy and full-bodied red with ripe aromas of plums and blackberries. Closed with a screwcap. 980631 14.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 93/100. January 5, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2001, McLaren Vale, Australia: A spectacular wine that rewards sip after sip. rich black fruit flavors with an elegant underlay of oak. 461368 14% XD 750 mL  $89.95 Score: 93/100. May 10, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Sandalford Estate Vineyards Chardonnay 2005, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Margaret River, Western Australia, Estate Grown Using 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from Sandalford's own Wilyabrup vineyard, this is considered the estate's premium "Chardie". Rich peach and fig aromas mingle pleasantly with vanilla notes imparted by 12 months in French oak. Full-bodied and well balanced. My note: Gorgeous chardonnay! Rich, opulent, buy-me-diamonds wine. Ripe pears fill your glass. Closed with a screwcap. 75978 13.50% D 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 93/100. July 19, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, South Australia, Australia: A regal, elegant wine of great depth and length. Redcurrants, cassis and min suffused in smoke. Full-bodied. 464461 13.50% D 750 mL  $89.95 Score: 95/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review

Elderton Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: An over-the-top delicious, full-bodied red with black cherries and toast. Drink: 2008-2012. 713024 14.50% XD 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 93/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review

Shiraz 2003, McLaren Vale, Australia: Hardy Wine Company’s flagship Shiraz, ‘Eileen Hardy’, was first made in 1973 to celebrate the family matriarch’s 80th birthday. It continues to be Hardy’s finest Shiraz. The 2003 was not reviewed at press time, but year after year it is praised by the critics for its structure, style, finesse and balance. Expect more of the same with this vintage. My note: A cult classic in Australia, this robust red offers aromas of black plum, smoke, vanilla, blackberry and spice. Drink: 2008-2012. 461368 14% XD 750 mL  $88.95 Score: 94/100. December 6, 2008 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review

Turkey Flat Butcher's Block Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This is a blend of 55% Shiraz, 28% Grenache and 17% Mourvedre grapes. A super smooth texture yields layers of black cherry, cranberry, black raspberry and plum. Some enticing notes of hickory smoke and cedar box in the background. Drink: 2008-2012. 90241 14% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 93/100. January 31, 2009 Full Review

Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2004, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Bordeaux balance and structure with New World concentration of fruit flavor and energy. Mint and blackberry on the nose with classic cassis, blackberry and plum on the palate. Full-bodied and luscious. This wine is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Shiraz that was matured for 22 months in French, Hungarian and American oak, half of which was new. 528356 14.50% XD 750 mL  $75.00 Score: 94/100. February 28, 2009 Full Review

Henschke Henry's Seven Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre Viognier 2005, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: This wine is a blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, and 5% Viognier. Gorgeously ripe black berries and plums are lifted and highlighted in the mid-palate with the Viognier. Wonderful balance and complexity with a smooth and hugely satisfying finish. 198621 14.20% D 750 mL  $42.95 Score: 94/100. March 14, 2009 Full Review

Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Langhorne Creek, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby color; plummy, blackberry, chocolate aromas with a hint of vanilla; dry, full bodied, rich and smooth palate, full-bodied with ripe fruit flavors and big tannins on the finish. My note: The grand-daddy of the Wolf Blass line-up, this Cabernet Sauvignon towers with its rich dark fruit concentration, elegance and incredible length. Minty cool blackberries on the nose are followed by fleshy dark plums on the palate. What more could you ask? 470120 14% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 94/100. May 7, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Ferngrove Shiraz 2007, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: Deep, dark and brooding with aromas of blackberry, cassis and cedar box. Great gift or dinner party bottle. 90282 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review

d'Arenberg Vintage Fortified Shiraz Chambourcin 2005, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Fantastic dessert wine! It’s fortified for extra richness, body, sweetness and alcohol. Redolent of blackberry jam, black raspberry liqueur and fig paste. 606244 17.50% S 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 93/100. October 10, 2009 Favorite Dessert Wine. Full Review

Tait Basket Pressed Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Amazing depth and flavor intensity with aromas of blackberry, bacon fat, anise, peppered plums and mocha. The grapes are grown on 60-year-old vines with just 1 – 2 tons per acre harvested. 138339 16.20% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 93/100. October 10, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Grant Burge Old Vine Shiraz 2007, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The Filsell vineyard is considered one of the best in the Barossa Valley, with vines that are nearly a century old. This powerful Shiraz is the not-so-little brother to Burge’s flagship Meshach, which is also sourced from Filsell. Dark, deep, layered and intense, this is premium Barossa Shiraz. It will benefit from 5-10 years in a good cellar, but if you can’t wait, serve it with an equally impressive dish. My note: Rich and redolent with lovely notes of mocha-plums, blackberry and cherry liqueur. Bring it on! 987453 15% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 7, 2009 Full Review

Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2006, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: I love this style of Riesling: ripe lime, white peach and green apples with a whiff of lovely flint. Great minerality and depth with an incredibly long finish. One of Canada’s best. Drink: 2009-2017. 566026 11.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. July 4, 2009 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Burrowing Owl Vineyard Meritage 2006, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Destined to become a cult classic. This wine offers enticing aromas of cassis, black plum, blackberries and coffeed oak. A monumental structure gives shape and definition to these plush layers of dark fruit. An otherwise ordinary weeknight becomes a celebration when you uncork this big red. Beautifully structured with a finish that’s as long as the yacht you’re planning to buy. Get yourself on the winery’s bottle allocation list now. Drink: 2009-2016. 20073 13.50% D 750 mL  $45.00 Score: 93/100. September 2, 2009 Full Review

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: More mocha wrapped in succulent black fruit than other vintages. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and superbly rendered. What an amazing wine! Drink: 2014-2022. 626325 13.50% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 93/100. April 30, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2004, V.Q.A. Okanagan Valley, Canada: Classic Bordeaux style with a distinctly Canadian interpretation. Notes of cassis, blackberry, smoke, oak and finesse. Buy a case! 626325 13.50% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. March 15, 2008 Favorite Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Arboleda Viña Seña Chardonnay 2007, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Stunningly lovely for the money! Hazelnut butter goodness wrapped in toasted almonds and melon notes. Full-bodied and rich. 208842 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 7, 2009 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Château Calon-Ségur Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, 3e Cru, Bordeaux, France: One singular sensation of finesse, elegance and refinement. Displays dazzling aromas of blackberry, violets, truffles and woodsmoke. Some dried herbs and cloves on the finish. Gorgeous structure and supple texture. Medium to full-bodied. Drink: 2010-2018. 564153 13% XD 750 mL  $85.00 Score: 93/100. February 18, 2012 Full Review

Château Calon-Ségur Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, 3e Cru, Bordeaux, France: One singular sensation of finesse, elegance and refinement. Displays dazzling aromas of blackberry, violets, truffles and woodsmoke. Some dried herbs and cloves on the finish. Gorgeous structure and supple texture. Medium to full-bodied. 563890 13% XD 750 mL  $85.00 Score: 93/100. January 23, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Château Calon-Ségur Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Saint-Estèphe, 3e Cru, Bordeaux, France: One singular sensation of finesse, elegance and refinement. Displays dazzling aromas of blackberry, violets, truffles and woodsmoke. Some dried herbs and cloves on the finish. Gorgeous structure and supple texture. Medium to full-bodied. 563916 13% XD 750 mL  $85.00 Score: 93/100. January 23, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5E Cru Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006, A.C., Pauillac, Bordeaux, France: A spectacular red with classic aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, cigar box, pencil lead and smoke. This wine just doesn’t stop: it goes on and on, leaving you longing for more. (Buy only one bottle if you like hedonistic torture.) It’s terrifically balanced with incredible depth, length and breadth. A cellar keeper! Drink: 2012-2015. 564302 13% XD 750 mL  $85.00 Score: 93/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Domaine De Poujo Madiran Claude Lanux, Prop.-Récolt. Tannat 2007, A.C., Southwest, France: Vintages Wine Panel: What an amazing value from a stellar vintage, and a Gold Medal winner too (2009 Concours Générale Agricole in Paris). Sourced from 20-year-old vines, this Tannat-dominated wine is blended with some Cabernet Sauvignon for added complexity. The nose is expressive with rich black fruits, spices and a hint of game meat. It’s very dry, with a medium body, fine tannins, a core of black fruit and a hint of pepper. A charming wine to enjoy. My note: Vibrant, bright, happy aromas of redcurrant, bing cherries and savoury bacon fat (trust me, this is a delicious thing). Love it and love the price. Drink: 2010-2015. 719674 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Perrin & Fils Chateau De Beaucastel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2005, Rhone, France: A blend of grapes including syrah, grenache and mouvedre. Lovely layers of black plums and spice. 968750 14.50% XD 375 mL  $46.95 Score: 93/100. April 26, 2008 Full Review

Aimé et Pascal Fayolle, Prop.-Récolt. Seigneur Des Coteaux Hermitage 2004, AC, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Syrah grown on the steep cliffs of Hermitage is capable of producing some very distinctive wines. Seigneur des Coteaux aims for elegance and richness in the finished wines, rather than weight and intensity. That way they preserve the individual characteristics of the vineyards. This red has classic aromas of blackberry, violets, pepper, a hint of dried meat and a touch of toasty oak. The balanced acidity and tannins adds elegance to this exquisitely made wine. My note: A stunning wine of incredible liveliness. Rich, ripe aromas of plums and cassis with a finish as long as Route 66. Drink: 2007-2012. 33860 13% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 93/100. September 29, 2007 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

J. Labet & N. Déchelette Château De La Tour Clos-Vougeot Grand Cru 2001 2001, AC, Grand Cru, France: It doesn't get much better than this for Old World benchmark pinot noir. Exotic aromas of earth, lovely sour cherries, beets (it's a good thing) and a certain je ne sais quois pas. Drink: 2008-2015. 970061 13% D 750 mL  $129.95 Score: 95/100. November 10, 2007 Full Review

Alain Hudelot Noellat Pinot Noir 2005, A.C. Chambolle Musigny, France: Incredibly mouth-watering and juicy with lovely tart cherries, earth, cedar and violets. Length, balance and finesse. Drink: 2010-2015. 979252 12.90% XD 750 mL  $76.95 Score: 93/100. November 22, 2008 Full Review

Paul Misset Vosne-Romanee Pinot Noir Les Barreaux 2002, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Les Barreaux is sourced from a mere two parcels of vines that range in age from 40 to 60 years. This is a classic example of Vosne-Romanée with its mellow, fleshy and opulent mouthfeel and beautiful flavours of cherry, strawberry, violet and undergrowth. This exquisite wine is drinking really well now. My note: A beautifully brooding Pinot with temperamental notes of earth, mushrooms, violet and black raspberries. Drink: 2008-2012. 87130 12.70% XD 750 mL  $67.95 Score: 93/100. September 27, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Domaine Tortochot Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Burgundy, Morey-Saint-Denis, France: Vintages Wine Panel: A dynamic ’06 red, from a terrific small grower, that proves that the vintage wasn’t just great for the whites. Filled with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, oak spice and savory herbs, this beautifully made, long-finishing Pinot Noir is an ideal choice for current consumption or mid-term cellaring (3-5 years). Its vibrant upfront fruit easily balances out the tannins to create a wine that will be pleasant tonight. My note: A wine of great purity and limpidity: I love this style of Burgundy! Opulent notes of tart cherries, black raspberry, cranberry and dried herbs. Drink: 2009-2018. 714634 13.20% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. June 6, 2009 Full Review

Château Saint-Roch Chimères Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: A superb effort from this producer: it has all the elements of greatness… balance, finesse, fruit extraction, length. Rock your world with this rich red. Lifted aromas of brambleberry, garrigue, black cherry, dark spices and hickory smoke. Full-bodied and gorgeously textured. 119354 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. April 11, 2009 Full Review

Clos Saint Jean Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Rhône, France: Ground pepper, anise, purple plum, back raspberry and cherry on the nose, followed by graphite, violets and a hint of tar on the palate. Full-bodied with a long finish. 70888 16% XD 750 mL  $56.00 Score: 93/100. April 11, 2009 Full Review

Delas Freres Domaine Des Grands Chemins Syrah Blend 2006, AC, Rhône, France: This wine from the heart of the northern Rhone is laced with ripe blueberries, blackberries, anise and dark spices. There’s cigar box, cedar and leather in the follow-up then a finish that rolls on to the end of the evening. Incredibly balanced and structured. 101105 13% XD 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 93/100. January 31, 2009 Full Review

Josmeyer Les Folastries Gewurztraminer 2005, A.C. Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Showing off attractive aromas of peony, grapefruit and lychee, this wine features a beautifully restrained quality on the palate that brings the aromatics perfectly into alignment. This slightly drier quality makes it an excellent partner for a variety of foods from spicy Thai to vindaloo chicken to stuffed pork tenderloin. It will also work with a vast array of fish and seafood dishes. My note: Gorgeously balanced and elegant Gewurz with classic notes of lychee, rose petal and lime. 81281 12.50% MD 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2008 Full Review

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Spatlese 2006, Q.M.P., Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw yellow in colour, the nose reveals notes of peach, apple blossom, clover honey and mineral. It shows lovely sweetness on the palate, with flavours reminiscent of peach, apple and honey.My note: What a mouthful! Rich, opulent texture yet not heavy. Baked pears fill the glass. Drink: 2008-2012. 71142 8% MS 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 94/100. October 25, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Schloss Reinhartshausen Erbacher Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2003, Q.M.P., Rheingau, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This single-vineyard late-harvest Riesling is hitting its prime. Juicy, with tropical fruit and a stony finish, it’s an inspired choice alongside charcouterie. My note: Apricot-delight! Gorgeous aromas of ripe peach and pear. Mouth-watering. What a revelation. 129858 11% M 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 93/100. November 7, 2009 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Terre Di Verona Cantina Valpantena Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Gorgeously rich, concentrated and extracted with a river of cherry liqueur running through it. Beautiful expression of life’s pleasures. Full-bodied beauty that will age well. Drink: 2009-2023. 117291 14.50% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. August 1, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Tenuta Di Castelgiocondo Lamaione Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Sangiovese 2006, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Magnificent, heart-stopping wine: the kind that if you bring it to dinner, you gain 20 social standing points as everyone murmurs, “Who brought this wine?” while you bask in silent glorious modesty. Black fruit, smoke, forest-hidden violets, and the element of elusive happiness. 978411 12% XD 750 mL  $63.95 Score: 96/100. March 20, 2010 FAVOURITE RED WINE. Full Review

Remo Farino Montefante Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2003, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Terrific Amarone! Black cherry liqueur with that alluring bitter Italianate aromas that makes the cuisine and drink of this culture fascinating. Full-bodied, supple yet not heavy or alcoholic at all, even though the actually alcohol level is a whopping 15%. Bring it on! Drink: 2010-2020. 63636 14.50% D 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 93/100. May 29, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: An elegant, almost feminine wine with a highly refined aroma profile, including black plum, licorice, leather and hints of earth. Dry, with pretty fruit at the start which is nicely supported by ripe tannins on the mid-palate. A Brunello that may be enjoyed in its youth with rare cuts of meat, or cellar it short-term. My note: A stunning wine of marvelous aromatic intensity, yet balanced and refined, very elegant. A superb wine on many dimensions. Aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries, mocha, smoke, violets and earth. Full-bodied with silky, polished tannins. Buy this wine for your anniversary. Drink: 2009-2015. 97592 13% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 95/100. May 2, 2009 Full Review

Pio Cesare Barolo Nebbiolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Barolo is style you crave or don’t. Tarry notes rip across black fruit and smoke. It’s a wine that needs time but given that chance it is absolutely phenomenal, like this one. 736587 14% XD 750 mL  $74.95 Score: 93/100. June 6, 2009 Full Review

Antica Napa Valley Guado Al Tasso 2004, D.O.C. Bolgheri Superiore, Italy: Magnificent wine of many layers of black fruit, smooth herbs and mocha. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2020. 986380 14% D 750 mL  $81.95 Score: 94/100. July 7, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Masi Campolongo Di Torbe Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2003, D.O.C, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from a centuries-old vineyard, this extremely limited Amarone from Masi is delicious now but has decades of cellaring potential. Aged for three years in oak and a further six months in bottle, this powerful, full-bodied wine is layered with intense aromas and flavors of baked cherries, dried plums, blackberries, vanilla and sweet spices. A powerful wine that is nonetheless elegant. A must-have for Amarone’s ardent fans and collectors. My note: A masterful producer of Amarone. This wine is loaded with black cherry liqueur notes as well as pencil, dried herbs and baked earth. Drink: 2008-2035. 548677 16% D 750 mL  $121.25 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2008 Full Review

Masi Mazzano Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2003, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Production for this single-vineyard Amarone is very limited. From the very warm and dry 2003 vintage, this wine was aged for three years in oak and a further six months in bottle. Its bouquet of cinnamon, violets, plums, candied fruit and spices resounds splendidly on the lush, full-bodied palate and lingers on the long finish. My note: Another strong showing for Masi Amarone. Massive aromas of black cherry, black plums, spices, smoke and cedar. Full-bodied, rich and deep with a long finish Drink: 2008-2023. 545129 15.50% D 750 mL  $102.95 Score: 94/100. December 6, 2008 Full Review

Masi Mazzano Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2001, DOC, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Production for this wine is very limited and it is made only in the finest vintages. Aged for three years in oak and a further six months in bottle, this Amarone presents a bouquet of violets, vanilla, plums, candied fruit and cocoa which resound splendidly on the full-bodied palate and linger on the long finish. My note: Great depth with black cherries and black raspberries. 545129 15.50% D 750 mL  $99.95 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2007 Full Review

Tenuta Sette Ponti Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2004, IGT Toscana, Italy: Lovely, vibrant and full-bodied wine with notes of cassis, smoke and dark chocolate. 727636 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 24, 2007 Full Review

Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy great with refreshing herbal with mouth-watering acidity. Perfect for so many dishes from seafood to salads. 10421 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. July 10, 2010 Favourite White Wine (Tied). Full Review

Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir 2008, Hemel-En-Aarde, Hermanus, South Africa: Silky and seductive with fleshy ripe cherries, violets, fresh earth. Power and elegance meet in this wine with great length. Drink: 2010-2016. 983031 14% D 750 mL  $63.00 Score: 94/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Miguel Torres Mas Borràs Pinot Noir 2007, D.O., Penedès, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this gorgeous Pinot Noir is sourced exclusively from the small Mas Borrás vineyard where yields are kept very low to concentrate the fruit flavors. Aged in new Nevers French oak barriques for several months, it is rich with violet, cocoa, pomegranate, raspberry and earth aromas. The dense fruit flavors are brought into focus by ripe tannins and mild acidity. If there is a better Pinot Noir from Spain, we have yet to find it. Cellar it for up to 10 years. My note: Oh please, take me away now with a case of this wine. Lock me in a cabinet until I finish it and then I’ll come out again. Full-bodied but supple and silky with rich, layered berry fruit and some mocha notes. A finish that goes on and on. 673483 13% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. September 12, 2009 Full Review

Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, D.O., Penedès, Spain: Dark and moody, fascinating! Black raspberry, plum, mocha, anise, and smoke. Dense, round, supple and full-bodied with mouth-brightening and juicy acidity. Terrific length with a coffee-infused finish. Drink: 2009-2018. 129676 14% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. October 10, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Pétalos Mencia 2007, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: A gorgeous wine that’s got it all: tasty, satisfying fruit, terrific structure, balance and length on the finish. Made 100% from the Mencia grape grown on vines that are 40 to 90 years old. Lovely aromas of blackberries, violets, bacon fat, hickory smoke. Silky, seductive, wonderful. 446484 15% D 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 93/100. October 24, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Pinot Noir 2004, DO Penedès, Spain: A full-bodied pinot noir that's more like those from California than Burgundy. Nicely balanced and hefty enough for a wide range of dishes. Gorgeous aromas of cherries, smoke, cedar and plums. Stunningly delicious. 673483 13% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. March 31, 2007 Full Review

Finca Allende Allende Tempranillo 2005, D.O.C.a., Rioja, Spain: Corpulent aromas of purple plums, blackberries, allspice and grilled meats. A full-bodied wonder that would be a dinner party hit. This wine is exclusively made from the Tempranillo, then barrel-fermented and aged for 14 months in French oak. Drink: 2008-2014. 954560 13.50% XD 750 mL  $36.95 Score: 93/100. March 28, 2009 Full Review

Thomas Fogarty Vallerga Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Napa Valley, California, United States: A New World classic: monumental in its structure, plushy ripe in its depths. Lovely, lovely blackberry, cloves, tar, and cigar box. Bring it on. 104232 14% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. June 6, 2009 Full Review

Acacia Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, Carneros, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Founded in 1979, Acacia was a pioneer in the Carneros region, which links the Napa and Sonoma valleys at their southern tips. Just two miles from San Francisco’s San Pablo Bay, Acacia’s vineyards are moderated by cool Pacific breezes which are perfect for growing elegant, benchmark Chardonnay. Experience its layers of youthful citrus, apple and nectarine fruit as well as notes of caramel and toasty hazelnut. My note: An opulently textured Chardonnay with rich, deep layers of ripe pear, apples, butter, vanilla spice and hazelnut. A tangerine-infused finish is a lovely ending to this wine, makes you want more. 80556 14.40% D 750 mL  $36.95 Score: 93/100. May 2, 2009 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: A blend of 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignan, 5% Grenache. Ridge is famous for its Zinfandels: some would call these benchmark wines for California and the world. Opulent blackberries, plums, currants, spice, meat and smoke. 652875 14.20% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 94/100. December 6, 2008 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Beringer Sbragia Chardonnay 2005, Napa Valley, California, United States: One of my favorite Californian chardonnay producers at all their price points. A rich, layered chard with notes of ripe pears and peaches, dried apricot and almonds. 79178 14.10% XD 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 93/100. June 7, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Siduri Pinot Noir 2007, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: This beguiling, silky Pinot send ripples of fleshy ripe cherries across your mouth followed by wave of mixed berry hedonism. Medium- to full-bodied. A cinnamon and baking spices finish makes you look longingly at your glass (and at the person holding the bottle). 159301 14.10% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Cakebread, a pioneering Napa Valley family estate, has been an iconic name since their first vintage in 1973. Their highly sought-after wines continue to impress. The grapes for this Cab are sourced from prime vineyard sites throughout the Valley, from Calistoga in the north to the cool Carneros district at the southern end. Winemaker Julianne Laks blends in small amounts of Merlot (12%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) to round out and add depth to this classic Cab. Benefiting from a sensational growing season, the 2006 is packed with complex layers of blackberry, wild cherry, blueberry, and roast coffee, along with toasty oak notes and supple tannins. Enjoyable now but will benefit with 5+ years in the cellar. My note: A phenomenal Cabernet with classic styling and aromas of blackberry, cassis, blackcurrant. Balanced with a lovely long finish. Is it worth $99? Only you and your wallet can decide that. 710426 14% D 750 mL  $136.95 Score: 94/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review