Cat Amongst The Pigeons Nine Lives Rosedale Wines Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Lip-smacking delicious with juicy purple and black plums that any cat would love. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Nice price. Drink: 2011-2015.  93138  14.90%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100. November 12, 2011 Full Review

The Little Penguin Chardonnay 2009, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Terrific buttery and peachy Chardonnay. Round, full-bodied and absolutely delicious. Nice toasty vanilla smoke on the finish.  598904  13%    750 mL  $10.95  Score: 86/100. January 14, 2011 Full Review

Featherstone Winery & Vineyard Black Sheep Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: So beautiful! This riesling has it all: juicy, peach and lime aromas, balance, complexity, length and lambs. (That was a baaaaah-d joke, I know.) Medium-bodied and packed with flavour. These folks are Riesling Masters: Ka-pow! Drink: 2011-2016.  80234  11%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 92/100. April 16, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2010, Q.B.A., Pfalz, Germany: Drink: 2012-2016.  568634  11.50%  M  750 mL  $13.95. June 9, 2012 Full Review

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Drink: 2012-2014.  677450  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $20.95. September 29, 2012 Full Review

Monkey Bay Pinot Grigio 2008, New Zealand: Vibrant and refreshing with notes of white melon, grapefruit, granny smith apple and lime. Closed with a screwcap.  93666  13%  D  750 mL  $14.95  Score: 87/100. July 11, 2009 Full Review

Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap Syrah Cinsaut Grenache 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of 59% Syrah, 21% Cinsaut and 20% Grenache is clearly influenced by the blends made famous in the Rhône. Made using the superior saignée (free-run juice) method, this wine exhibits aromas of sweet cherry, strawberry and citrus. Dry and fresh with good fruit tones playing beneath. Enjoy this wine. My note: Bone-dry with notes of cranberries and raspberries. Refreshing.  169409  13%  D  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 86/100. July 24, 2010 Full Review

Leopard's Leap Family Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Riveting and intense with aromas of green grass, gooseberry, asparagus and fresh herbs. Dry and racy with excellent aroma replays on the palate. Vibrant, full-throttled New World style of Sauvignon Blanc for your backyard barbecue. My note: Grassy and herbal with terrific refreshment! Needs food.  146886  13.50%  D  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

Porcupine Ridge Collection Limited Release Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Viognier 2008, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby-purple colour with aromas of raspberry, blueberry pie, hot tar, woodsmoke, cinnamon spice and tomato paste. Dry, ripely fruity with fresh acids and light, youthful tannins. Very approachable wine that finishes very well. Cellar it 1-3 years or enjoy it tonight. My note: The white grape Viognier is just what’s needed in this blend to lift and brighten such a full-bodied red. Gorgeously fleshy rip blackberry and black raspberry. So delicious. Top me up! Drink: 2011-2014.  79442  14%  XD  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 89/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: A full-bodied Cal chard, with classic aromas of toasted almond, hazelnut, green and toasty oak. Drink: 2012-2016.  54585  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $37.95  Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Frog's Leap Merlot 2008, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, United States: A terrific, juicy merlot with give-me-more aromas and flavours of dark plums and a little smoke. Balanced and delicious. Drink: 2012-2016.  707489  12.90%  D  750 mL  $49.95  Score: 91/100. March 17, 2012 Full Review