Alamos Malbec 2006, Argentina, Argentina: A terrific value wine. Full-bodied, smooth and supple. 467951 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 92/100. October 13, 2007 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Bodega Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: This incredibly concentrated wine has rich aromas of blackberry and plum. 677567 14.50% XD 750 mL  $16.25 Score: 90/100. February 16, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Crios Dominio Del Plata Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A pleasantly surprising attack on the entry awakens mind and palate and announces this wine. Rich aromas of black fruit and smoke, with a zingy acidity. Great structure and length. This wine was aged 13 months in French oak. 14% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 93/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Lynch Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Towering structure and elegance. Mocha and blackberry aromas. A wine for collectors. 14% D 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 94/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Limited Edition Syrah 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: My favorite wine in a terrific line-up from this producer. Generous, balanced and plush. Aged 12 months in French oak. Aromas of violets, cinnamon and blackberry. Superb. 14% D 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 96/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Marcus James Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Alluring black pepper and plums on the nose. Full-bodied richness on the palate. 518431 13.50%  750 mL  $9.90 Score: 88/100. March 24, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Dominio Del Plata Crios De Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: An absolutely incredible wine for the money! Juicy, savoury and delicious: full-bodied with rich layers of ripe plums, blackberry and other dark fruits. 640979 14% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Alfredo Roca Pinot Noir 2008, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina: Incredible Pinot for the money: you simply will not get a better tasting pinot at this price. Grab a case or five. Lovely fleshy ripe cherries. New World style. 32979 13.30% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

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

Greg Norman Australia Estates Chardonnay 2008, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Round and luscious with layers of peach and pear. Just enough oak to round out the edges. Terrific wine for many dishes. Drink: 2011-2014. 552083 12.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

5 Stones Kpm Beckett's Flat Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The entire Five Stones line from Beckett’s Flat is certified Kosher for Passover, and Mevushal. Showing a layered nose with grassy tones, peach and apples, with a lovely herbal note. The palate is medium bodied, bordering on off-dry, and deliciously fruity with some spice on the medium-long finish. My note: Citrus bright with lime and chives. Mouth-watering acidity. Drink: 2011-2013. 218065 13% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Boxhead Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Boxhead’s label is guaranteed to catch your eye. Fortunately, the wine inside is as compelling as the packaging. This is a solid, lush, ripe and full-bodied Shiraz with aromas of ripe raspberry, blackberry, plum and peppery spice for balance. This playful wine is the perfect choice for a backyard barbecue featuring plenty of meat. My note: A solid and delicious red that has a savoury, mouth-watering character I really like. Full-bodied with black plums and berries and some pepper. 166967 14.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Grant Burge Barossa Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Fifth-generation winemaker Grant Burge is a master of Shiraz. This fine version showcases classic Barossa character, with individual flair to boot. Opaque ruby red in the glass, it’s brimming with spicy fruit – think fully ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, with notions of menthol, cloves, dark chocolate and smoke. Dry, medium-full bodied and mouth-filling, with a silky texture, a ripe fruit core, and impressive tannic structure. Nice, lengthy finish. Hold for 1-2 years or savour it tonight. My note: Richly extracted with gorgeous depths of flavour. Aromas of black cherry liqueur, blackberry preserves and black raspberries. Full-bodied and sensual. Yum! Drink: 2010-2015. 738567 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. October 2, 2010 Favourite Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Water Wheel Memsie 2006, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia: A full-bodied blend of 87% shiraz, 7% cabernet sauvignon and 6% malbec. Rich aromatic notes of blackberries and mint. 656637 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. January 5, 2008 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate S.L.C. Merlot 2004, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Mission Hill carefully selects their fruit from designated vineyard lots, which is barrel-aged in French oak. Grown in semi-desert conditions with less than 300 millimeters of rainfall a year. This merlot is layered with satisfying deep red notes of black plums. 935857 14% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 90/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review

13th Street Winery Cabernet Rosé 2009, V.Q.A., Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright pink colour with aromas of strawberry, rosehip, blood orange, maple tree sap and roses. Very slightly off-dry wine with fruit surrounded by gentle acids. Plush texture to the finish. Try it with grilled chicken pizza or warm chicken salad. My note: Ripe cherry and cranberry notes with some spices. Dry and refreshing. 117846 12.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value Rosé. Full Review

Calamus Estate Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2010. My note: A pure expression of Chardonnay without oak. Lots of green apple and mouth-watering acidity. Very vibrant. 210062 12.80% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. February 19, 2011 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

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

Viu Manent Reserva Malbec 2006, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This Chilean version of Malbec is up to the challenge of its neighbors in Argentina and is a terrific value as well. It has loads of blackberry, raspberry, toast and mocha aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and concentrated. My note: Incredible balance and length. 16089 14% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. March 15, 2008 Full Review

Viu Manent Viu Manent Reserva Carménère 2005, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Fantastic value here. Full-bodied with rich aromas of chocolate and dark red fruit. Long finish. 45161 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 13, 2007 Full Review

Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: An absolutely phenomenal wine for the money! Rich, robust with black plums and comfort. 694208 14.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Diane de Puymorin, Prop.-Récolt. Château D’or Et De Gueules Les Cimels 2005, A.C. Costières de Nîmes, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2005 Les Cimels won a Coup de Coeur, the highest rating from France’s Guide Hachette 2007. Owner/winemaker Diane de Puymorin is part of the new wave of young French winemakers who have broken onto the scene in the last decade. She produces rich, concentrated wines resulting from low yields and careful vineyard management. My note: Lovely balance with lip-smacking delicious notes of ripe plums and berries. 597104 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 26, 2008 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

Domaine Lou Moural Grenache Noir Syrah Carignan 2007, A.C., Minervois, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the Concours Altides du Languedoc et du Roussillon 2008. Deep ruby-coloured blend of Grenache Noir and Syrah, with a tiny bit of Carignan. It showcases the bright fruit and spice typical of Languedoc reds: a nose of ripe currant, black cherry, and plum, with wisps of smoke, and lots of the same on the palate. Medium bodied and easy to enjoy, this is a great value and will delight with beef bourguignon. My note: Terrific value for this full-bodied tasty red that delivers ripe dark berries and some smoke. Great for barbecue or meaty pizzas. 175190 13% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 88/100. July 24, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Château Du Barry Château Roc De Bacudun Cabernet Blend 2006, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2006 Bordeaux are proving to be lovely early-enjoyment wines. Largely over-shadowed by the 2005 vintage, many of the class of 2006, like this Gold Medal winner (2007 Concours Général Agricole Paris), are nonetheless stellar wines that offer tremendous value. Filled with black cherry, spice and cranberry aromas and flavours, this dry, balanced wine is an attention-grabber. Enjoy it around the barbecue. My note: Staggeringly great price for Bordeaux. This one is straight-forward but does have those leanings toward Bordeaux with blackcurrant and cassis wrapped in cigar box. Full-bodied and balanced Drink: 2010-2014. 171165 13% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Domaine De La Madone Le Perréon, Jean Bérerd & Fils Gamay 2009, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Always a great value, this Gamay shows deep colour, with rich black cherry, juicy strawberry and earthy characteristics leading to a long, crisp finish. It’s simply perfect when served, slightly chilled, alongside planked salmon or barbecued chicken breast. My note: Lively cherry-berry flavour in this medium-bodied red. Offers straight-forward, lip-smacking delicious flavour. Great quaffer on a Friday night. 981175 13% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 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

Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Riesling 2007, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: In 1810, Nicolas Schlumberger bought his first vineyards, once cultivated by Monks in the middle ages (known as Les Princes Abbés). This distinctive Alsatian Riesling is a brilliant yellow, and teems with delicate apple, peach, citrus, caramel and vanilla bean notes with a lovely underlying minerality. A flavourful, off-dry white with crisp acidity and nice length. My note: Petrol (good thing), white peach, mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful vibrancy and concentration of flavour yet such balance and medium-bodied weight. Drink: 2011-2015. 981662 13.50% MD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Château De Puligny-Montrachet Les Poruzots Meursault 1Er Cru Chardonnay 2007, A.C., Burgundy, France: An absolutely lovely Burgundian Chardonnay with classic aromas of green apple, a little butter, peach and some vanilla. Is it worth the price? Only you can decide that. Drink: 2011-2018. 21675 13% XD 750 mL  $130.00 Score: 91/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Domaine Masson-Blondelet Villa Paulus Pouilly-Fumé 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Lovely juiciness with mouth-watering acidity. Aromas of green apple, lime and lemon zest. Bright and vibrant, not herbal. Drink: 2011-2015. 702878 12.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Foncalieu La Réserve De Crouzau St. Gervais 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, Rhône, France: Coffee-espresso warmth with black cherry goodness. Rich, deep and dark with a long satisfying finish. Full-bodied palate-whacker. An absolutely incredible price. Love it! Drink: 2010-2018. 142943 15.10% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010 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

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. 991562 12% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 19, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Santa Maria La Palma Villassunta Cannonau Di Sardegna Cannonau 2008, D.O.C., Sardinia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This red from Sardinia is 100% Cannonau, which is the local name for Grenache. Garnet coloured, it boasts pretty aromas of cassis and herbs with floral notes. Flavours of spicy blackcurrant, raspberry and strawberry, along with some floral highlights continue to surface right up to its tangy, cleansing finish. This is a refreshing red with ripe tannins and a medium body. My note: terrific value with rich, full-bodied goodness! Dark berries and smoke with a smooth texture. 180299 13% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Francesco Minini Corte Dei Mori Nero D'avola 2008, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of plums, violets and spiced black cherry entice you to savour its array blackberry, ripe plum and vanilla, with notes of spicy pepper and cloves. A crisp, medium-bodied red with a bright fruity centre. Open this approachable wine tonight. My note: Light whiff of mocha over some bacon fat: sounds weird but it works. Dark berries and some spice. Very mellow, smooth and medium- to full-bodied. 180281 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 86/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Michele Da Lisca Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Melon, floral, citrus and pear aromas and flavours. The finish is remarkably lengthy. This is a great summertime wine, and an extremely solid value. Will suit a wide range of summer salads or antipasto dishes. My note: A light, benign white with mild notes of grapefruit and white melon. 117267 12% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 85/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Leone De Castris Maiana Salice Salentino Rosso 2006, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This vintage of Maiana features aromas of blueberry, oak, plum and black pepper. My note: A delicious red that is terrific for the money. Ripe cherry and plum notes. 717959 13% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 90/100. August 16, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

L.A. Cetto Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Baja California, Mexico: Mouth-filling ripe blackberry, cassis and black plums infused with toasty oak. Full-bodied and smooth with terrific concentration and depth. A great price for this wine. Buy a case! 114066 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 6, 2010 Full Review

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, lime-citrus and still great at this price. Lively and zesty with mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful! Drink: 2011-2013. 686675 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, lime-citrus and still great at this price. Lively and zesty with mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful! Drink: 2011-2013. 199968 13% XD 375 mL  $10.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Kumeu River Wines Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand: Big smoky oak and then bright shining fruit and acidity. Lovely combo like spring rain piercing the clouds. Aromas of smoke and green apple. Needs food. Drink: 2011-2017. 204032 13.50% XD 750 mL  $43.95 Score: 92/100. February 19, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Porcupine Ridge Boekenhoutskloof Viognier Grenache Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Porcupine Ridge wines, with their charming and distinctive labels, continue to delight and impress across the board. Their intensely floral Viognier/ Grenache Blanc blend shows yet again that this winery is going from strength to strength. Ripe peach fruit and spicy notes on the nose are picked up again on the palate. Dry, creamy-textured, and spicy with a long finish. My note: Lovely floral, zesty white with notes of rose petal and spices. Mouth-watering and wonderful with Asian and curries. Drink: 2011-2015. 203893 14% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Brampton Rustenberg Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Herbal, zesty and simple with straight up refreshment. Lime and chives. That “ahhhhh” after you take a drink. Drink: 2011-2013. 203901 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Spier Wines Private Collection Pinotage 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa: This wine has spectacular dark fruit with great concentration. It was aged 18 months in French oak which gives it a toasty richness and smoky finish. Lovely! Drink: 2010-2014. 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 93/100. May 13, 2010 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

Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, D.O., Penedès, Spain: A stunningly delicious and balanced red with full-bodied notes of black fruit, vanilla smoke, dark spices and rich mocha goodness. Crack it open beside the barbecue. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Drink now. Right now. 626721 13.50% XD 375 mL  $9.95 Score: 91/100. June 26, 2010 Full Review

Piedra Tempranillo Azul 2005, D.O. Toro, Spain: Absolutely delicious! Tremendous value. Rich, ripe red fruit notes. Get out of your Merlot rut! Drink: 2008-2011. 82214 14.40% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. August 30, 2008 Full Review

Torres San Valentin Garnacha 2008, Catalunya DO, Spain: So dependable a producer: full-bodied, rich and deep with fleshy dark berries and some oak. Straight-forward, lip-smacking delicious flavour. Drink: 2008-2012. 426965 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: We’re in good hands here because, for more than 30 years, La Crema has specialized in producing exceptional Pinot Noirs from the cool Sonoma Coast. Look for soft cherry, spice and herbal flavours and aromas in this velvety Pinot courtesy of winemaker Melissa Stackhouse. Perfect for a cozy evening meal. My note: I adore this Pinot and often order it when I see it on a restaurant list. It delivers so much pleasure and really, asks so little of you other than to sit back and enjoy it. Supple, silky and medium-bodied. Fleshy ripe cherries and strawberries. Oh yes! Drink: 2010-2014. 732040 13.90% D 375 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 18, 2010 Full Review

Cline Cellars Syrah 2007, Sonoma County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Made with grapes sourced primarily from Cline’s Sonoma County vineyards, this well-priced, fleshy and full-bodied Syrah will have you singing its praises! Look for aromas and flavors of blackberry, cracked pepper, plum and leather with a hint of oak, and a medium-long, peppery finish. My note: One of the best values in the liquor store for when when you want a full-on, robust red with juicy berry flavors but not heavy oak. This is a superb wine: This producer is always consistently great at every price point in its range. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. 733758 14.30% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 90/100. April 21, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

E. & J. Gallo Winery Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, California, United States: A delicious, straight-forward, full-bodied red with a smooth texture and ripe dark plum notes. 326447 13%  750 mL  $15.35 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2007, Russian River Valley, California, United States: Classically made and structured with green apple and butter smoke aromas. Full-bodied, supple and generous with all the richness you want flavour-wise but none of the heaviness. Redolent of woodsmoke and hazelnut seduction with layers of generous pleasure. Drink: 2011-2015. 144260 14.90% XD 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011 Full Review