Catena Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Catena Zapata is one of the best-known Argentina wineries for producing top quality wines. A magnificently rich, concentrated and plush wine without a trace of heaviness. Redolent of fleshy blackberries, cherries, fig and cassis. Excellent structure and balance with an incredibly long, coffee-tinged finish. 959965 14% XD 750 mL  $56.00 Score: 94/100. February 28, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. 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

Chakana Yaguareté Collection Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A new vintage and a new label, but the same high-quality, value-priced Malbec from Chakana that we released on June 20, 2009. Made in what is quickly becoming the popular Argentine style, it is filled with berry and stone fruits (raspberry, blackberry and plum) and shows remarkable balance. There is a lot of pleasure to be had here. My note: Simple and tasty, but you can’t beat the price. Full-bodied with straight-forward notes of black plums and berries. Knock it back! 3509 14% XD 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 87/100. November 21, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Valle Las Acequias Correas Las Acequias Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Robust, rustic and full-bodied with big, hulking aromas of blackberries and black plums. Dark chocolate on the finish with some blackberry preserves. Vanilla spice gives it a kick. 138412 14% XD 750 mL  $15.25 Score: 89/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Alamos Selección, The Wines Of Catena Pinot Noir 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This lovely Pinot from Mendoza shows his pre-diction is truly bearing fruit. Aged for nine months in 100% French oak, it displays aromas of ripe red fruits interlaced with touches of spice and toast all of which are fluently articulated on the palate and pleasing finish. Food’s best friend. My note: A gorgeous Pinot with lovely aromas of ripe cherries and strawberries. Silky, seductive and so enticing. Love it! 143172 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Argento Reserva Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Argento’s Reserva Malbec offers unbelievable value. The purple-coloured 2008 features ripe raspberry, black cherry and sandalwood aromas, leading to a medium full body featuring more ripe berry fruit flavours and hints of cocoa, supported by mild tannins. Toasty oak notes are prominent on the medium-long finish. My note: Simple and full-bodied with black fruit. 135160 13% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 85/100. November 7, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Penley Estate Condor Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, round and tasty with rich aromas of fleshy black plums and blackberries. The blend is 77% Shiraz and 23% cabernet sauvignon. 731893 15% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Blackberry liqueur with black raspberry and spices. Mouth-watering, juicy and luscious. Supple and silky and full-bodied. 927533 15.20% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Peter Lehmann Wines Shiraz 2005, Barossa, Australia: Incredibly rich with dark, fleshy dark plum and berry notes. A kiss of oak that’s beautifully integrated with a smooth texture. Drink: 2008-2012. 572875 14.50%  750 mL  $19.90 Score: 90/100. March 24, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Peter Lehmann Wines The Mentor Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz Malbec 2002, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A towering wine of monumental flavors, depth and length. The wine was aged 18 months in new French oak barrels and is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Shiraz, and 8% Malbec. Fig, blackberry, blackcurrant, violets and dark spices offer a heady mix of aromas. Drink: 2009-2015. 481903 14% XD 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 94/100. June 6, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Grant Burge Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This terrific Cabernet is sourced from the 30+ year-old vines of Grant Burge’s Cameron Vale vineyard. The maturity of the vines is evident in this intensely flavored wine. It has complex layers of dark berries, cassis, earth, chocolate and mint notes. Aged in French oak (35% new), it’s an excellent value from one of the Barossa’s top producers. My note: A delicious, juicy, lip-smacking full-bodied wine. 937276 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. June 9, 2007 Favorite Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Torbreck Old Vines Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The fruit for this wine was hand-picked, gently pressed with a traditional basket press and aged for 12 months in seasoned hogsheads and French oak. The finished wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined to preserve its complex character. Rich and luxurious, it features flavors of red cherry, plum, spice and earth wrapped in supple tannins. A pleasing, easy-drinking wine. My note: I love those grenache-based reds. Gorgeous depth and suppleness. Beautiful red fruit flavors. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 10223 14.50% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. June 21, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Hungerford Hill Wines Fishcage Shiraz Viognier 2006, South Eastern, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The two most recent vintages of this wine have won numerous awards. And while this 2006 has yet to be reviewed, we expect it will do equally well. A blend of 93% Shiraz and 7% Viognier, it is made in a modern style for early drinking. Enjoy its peppery blackberry and slightly floral (from the Viognier) flavors and aromas. My note: This enticing red offers aromas of ripe sweet plums, blackberries, fig paste and ground pepper. It’s a plush and supple wine that will give lots of pleasure to full-bodied wine lovers. Incredible quality for the money. 77958 14.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. January 31, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Peter Lehmann Wines The Futures Shiraz 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: A classic and balanced Australian Shiraz; a benchmark of its kind. Lovely aromas of Blackberry, smoky oak, plums. This wine won a Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2008 in London. 606780 14.50% XD 750 mL  $31.95 Score: 94/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Zonte's Footstep Shiraz Viognier 2007, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: A big honkin' Shiraz with a warm embrace of dark red fruit. When you bang for your buck, go straight to the Aussie aisle of your liquor store. There’s 6% of the Viognier grape in this blend to give the wine a lovely lift and brightness on the mid-palate. The wine was also aged in 20% new oak. A sweet blackcurrant nose with notes of pepper, violets and plump plums on the follow-up. This multi-textured wine is a superb value. Perfect for casual weeknight meals at home or potluck get-togethers. 72975 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 23, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Evans & Tate Cabernet Merlot 2004, Margaret River, Australia: A juicy, generous red with lovely, heart-stopping aromas of blackberry and fleshy plum. Great finish. 721548 14.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 20, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Red Rooster Winery Reserve Meritage 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada  366187 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95. June 19, 2014 Full Review

Red Rooster Winery Reserve Meritage 2011, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada  366187 13.50% XD 750 mL  $27.75. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Mission Hill Family Estate Select Lot Collection Syrah 2006, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: BC’s Nichol Vineyards took a gamble in 1990 by planting the first Syrah vines in Canada. Since then, wineries such as Mission Hill have taken the ball and run with it, producing terrific wines, such as this SLC. The terroir in BC means the wines are closer in style to the Rhône than Australia, which explains the use of Syrah and not Shiraz on labels. This example features classic blackberry, pepper and vanilla aromas and flavours. Age it 3-5 years, or enjoy it with many of the rich meals over Christmas. My note: Plummy, round, full-bodied and tasty! A mocha-espresso nose followed by lovely layers of black fleshy berries. Serve it to friends for a dinner party. 68379 13% XD 750 mL  $36.95 Score: 89/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Syrah 2005, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This iconic winery of BC boasts a stable of award-winning and critically acclaimed wines. Their Syrah displays plentiful blackberry and pepper aromas with hints of underbrush and cedar. On the palate, it suggests a bit more New World than northern Rhône, but not to excess. This is the appeal of BC Syrah - New World fruit underpinned by Old World structure. My note: truly destined to become a cult classic. This wine is everything I could want: rich dark fruit flavor, subtle texture, and endless finish. Layers of complexity and intrigue. Perfect to pair with a literary thrilled like The Russia House. Drink: 2009-2020. 73072 14.50% XD 750 mL  $50.00 Score: 94/100. August 15, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Santa Carolina Selection Carmenère 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: A fantastic value, this full-bodied Carmenère is sourced from selected vineyard sites in the Rapel Valley and aged in French oak for 12 months. It’s packed with blackberry and black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco and spice. Savor this hearty and crowd-pleasing wine. My note: You can go wrong with this lovely, full-bodied red redolent of mint and blackberries. Savory and robust with layers and layers of supple flavor. Lick your lips and enjoy! 640888 14.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. October 10, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Carmenere Gran Reserva 2006, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This dry, full-bodied Carmenère is packed with blackberry and black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco and spice. Winemaker Sven Bruchfeld blends in 12% Cabernet Sauvignon for additional structure and complexity.My note: Spectacularly solid for the money. Great party wine. Notes of black fruit and full-on oak. Drink: 2008-2012. 640888 14.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review

Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Carmenère 2007, Rapel Valley, Chile: Somewhat herbaceous on the nose with lovely dark plums and blackberries to follow. Dense and concentrated with a warm finish. 34942 15% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Merlot Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: So darn tasty! Yum! Dark chocolate on the nose gives way to fleshy blackberries and plums. Full-bodied and rich with good depth and concentration. This blend is mostly Merlot with a dash of Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. An incredible value. 433920 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Valpantena Torre Del Falasco Valpolicella Ripasso 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: A simple, rustic, delicious, wine with mouth-watering red plums, cherries and berries. Full-bodied and smooth. 642421 13% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Rocca Delle Macìe Riserva Chianti 2005, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Yummy! Mocha and black plum followed by brambleberry and blueberry jam. Terrifically tasty with a bacon-savory finish. 111641 13.90% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. November 7, 2009 Full Review

Monte Antico Empson & Co. Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy: Flowing with flavors of mocha, peppered berries, plum, and violets. Fine, polished tannins with a lovely long finish. Incredible value for the money. 69377 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Torlesse Pinot Noir 2008, Waipara, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand: A lovely juicy pinot with fleshy cherries and a lively acidity. Terrific! 699330 13.50% XD 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 91/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Cuatro Pasos 2007, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: A dense and brooding wine with blueberry jam, smoke, dried herbs and kirsch. 39313 13.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Castillo Labastida Reserva Tempranillo 2004, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Spanish wines may just offer the best value-for-money in all of Europe. This Reserva from Rioja, the heart of Spain’s winemaking culture, is mellowed enough by its extended ageing to enjoy now, but it will also reward cellaring for another decade. My note: This wine is made from the Tempranillo grape and was matured for 16 months in French and American oak. Lovely notes of black cherry, leather, violets and cigar box. More than flavor, this wine excels in texture: supple, soft and caressing: it’s spectacular. Long finish. Drink: 2009-2012. 95125 14% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 90/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Atalaya Almansa Monastrell Garnacha Tintorera 2007, D.O., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The relatively recent modernization of Spain’s wine industry has resulted in an explosion of thrilling and stylish wines from established regions as well as previously undiscovered ones such as Almansa. My note: A wine that makes you stop talking and look down at your glass and say, oh. Gorgeous layers of blackberry, violets galore, truffles (not the chocolate kind), and smoke. This wine is a blend of Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, and other red grapes, and was matured for eight months in French and American oak. Drink: 2009-2014. 132605 14% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Castilla Y Leon Tempranillo - Triton Tridente 2009 2012, -, Castille Léon, Spain  15%  750 mL  $23.45. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Rodney Strong Wine Estates Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2005, Sonoma Country, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold medal with a score of 95 from the judging panel at the California State Fair Wine Competition 2007. An elegant, well-structured Zin, it features ripe blackberry fruit balanced by a seam of acidity and gentle tannins with spicy white pepper and herb notes. My note: A concentrated red of brambleberry and blackberry. 363358 15% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. July 19, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review