Layer Cake Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Layer Cake is, in part, a tribute to winemaker Jayson Woodbridge’s grandfather who said that when it’s properly made, wine “is like a great layer cake.” Granddad would certainly have approved of this complex and layered offering. Coffee, blackberry, plum and spice aromas abound. Dry, with black fruit, spice, mocha and raspberry tones, nicely integrated medium tannins, a creamy mid-palate and good fruit on the medium-long finish. Offer your guests a slice. My note: Mocha dark chocolate melts into plush plums and fleshy blackberries. Some espresso and vanilla smoke on the finish. Drink: 2009-2014. 219287 14.90% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 28, 2011 Full Review

Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Superb craftsmanship that weaves together seductive black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Love the incredible depth and concentration of flavour. Celebrate cashing out your Google stock, then buy some in Facebook when you can. Drink: 2011-2015. 660043 14.50% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 93/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Valletta Sellick's Hill Wines Grenache Shiraz 2005, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: This wine doesn’t stop: it’ll conquer all your senses. Resist to make the pleasure last longer, but it will win you over. Long lines of dark fruit, savoury juiciness and smoke rush into touch your tastebuds and pleasure center. So mouth-filling, satin smooth and satisfying. One word: more. Drink: 2011-2018. 225136 15% XD 750 mL  $38.55 Score: 95/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Louis Jadot Clos Des Couchereaux 1Er Cru Pinot Noir 2007, A.C., Beaune, Burgundy, France: Sophisticated seduction! Gorgeous cherries and spices with an exotic underlay of violets and truffles to tickle your senses. This is a spectacular pinot noir, worth every penny. Drink: 2008-2018. 77578 12.50% XD 750 mL  $42.95 Score: 91/100. May 28, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Pol Roger Blanc De Blancs 2000, Champagne, France: Crispy green apple with toasty goodness. Robust and crisp with incredible complexity and elegance. Drink: 2009-2017. 12.50%  750 mL  $60.00 Score: 94/100. June 11, 2011 Top-Rated Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Château Filhot 2E Cru Meritage 2007, A.C., Sauternes, Bordeaux, France: Beautiful concentrated sunshine after a spring rainstorm. Sweet peach preserves and honeyed goodness. Layers of pleasure. Drink: 2011-2020. 97907 13% S 375 mL  $22.00 Score: 94/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Full Review

Château Larrivet-Haut-Brion Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2007, A.C., Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France: Why do I have to adore the expensive wines? Why can’t I have cheap, easily satisfied taste? Such is my curse. This is an extraordinary wine. I challenge you to try it even if you don’t love Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes wrapped in a rich blanket of butterscotch warmth. Drink: 2011-2018. 98350 13% XD 750 mL  $55.00 Score: 94/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

R De Rieussec Société Du Château Rieussec, Prop. Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2007, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from non-botrytised Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, this fine dry wine from the great Sauternes house, Rieussec, must always be designated as AC Bordeaux. Although not reviewed en primeur, this wine will be as exciting as many of the other white Bordeaux in the 2007 vintage. My note: Absolutely perfect! Apricot ideal with honey blanket and peach preserves. Love it! Drink: 2011-2013. 100891 13% XD 750 mL  $22.00 Score: 93/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Worth every penny! Juicy, fleshy black cherries will wrap themselves around your sensual core. There’s woodsmoke and a velvet texture. Depth without heaviness. This is an extraordinary wine that you can drink now or age for more than a decade. Drink: 2011-2022. 983650 14.50% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Old leather and band-aids: that’s a compliment believe it or not. Gorgeous and exotic and other worldly. Full-bodied with a tannic grip, but nothing that 2 hours’ decanting can’t handle. Could use more cellar time, if you can stand to wait. Drink: 2011-2016. 660746 14.50% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 93/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: I love this wine! Yes, I have a soft spot for the fact it helped mitigate the screaming children at a Disney restaurant the first time I tasted it, but it’s more than that. Lovely ripe peach and pear aromas with nicely tapped butterscotch and vanilla spoke. So yum. But give that kid a soother please. Drink: 2011-2017. 958975 14.50% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre 2009, Contra Costa County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This Mourvèdre is sourced from some of Cline’s, in their words, “oldest, most historic and shyest-bearing vineyard blocks.” These natural low-yielders help create wine with more fruit concentration. The naturally low yields, and the cooling breezes off the Sacramento River, give the wine a wonderful balance between fruit and acid. The wine is filled with aromas of dark plum, cocoa powder, raspberry and earth. The dry and flavourful wine is given structure by the velvety tannins. Enjoy tonight. It will also reward 2-3 years in a cellar. My note: A beautifully textured, full-bodied red with brambleberry, garrigue, dried herbs and blackberry preserves. Lovely long finish. The ultimate barbecue wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 66084 15% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Full Review

Souverain Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Gorgeous depth and concentration with a finish as long as Sunset Boulevard. Classic dark fruit, smoke and mocha. Incredible craftsmanship. Drink: 2011-2016. 718197 14.70% XD 750 mL  $41.95 Score: 92/100. July 9, 2011 Full Review