Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Carmenère 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Mmm...a plush, satisfying Chilean Carmenère. Deep ruby with purple highlights in the glass, it gushes forth with expressive aromas of black cherry, black plum, licorice spice, gentle bramble, and freshly tilled earth. These characters make a delightful encore on the palate, which is dry, with an impressive core of ripe fruit, and ample structure-lending tannins. Nice concentration, and good length. Drink now or over the next 2-3 years. My note: Starts out like Cabernet Sauvignon with cedary, cassis notes on the notes and good structure but delivers those fleshy plums on the palate that make you say, “Please top me up!” Full-bodied and supple. Excellent value. Drink: 2010-2014. 34942 15% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 89/100. October 16, 2010 Full Review

Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Pfalz, Germany: A slightly more full-bodied Riesling than the Dr. L Riesling and drier with more white melon than peach. Terrific at an amazing price. Perfect party wine. A wonderful aperitif Riesling sourced from fine vineyards throughout Germany. Drink: 2011-2014. 568634 10.50% MD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. October 29, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review