[yellow tail] Reserve, Casella Wines Chardonnay 2009, Southeast Australia, Australia: Wow! Welcome to the new [yellow tail]! Balanced, rich, full-bodied and lip-smackin' delicious. Mouth-filling but not heavy with lovely aromas of green apple, peach and toasty oak. Bring it on! Drink: 2010-2014. 366203 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 14, 2011 Full Review

Chilensis Reserva Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The once-forgotten Bordeaux grape, Carmenère, is thriving in Chile’s winemaking valleys and is proving to be as important to Chile as Malbec is to neighboring Argentina. This is a fresh and fruity mouth-filling red with aromas and flavors of juicy ripe cherries, chocolate, gentle herbal notes and toasty oak. My note: Redolent of smoked herbs, jammy cassis, and gamey notes. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Tremendous value. 657981 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Viña Maipo Reserva Merlot 2009, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromatic Merlot with tons of red fruit, spice box and blackberry aromas. Dry with lots of fruit and oak but in perfect balance as both elements are strong enough to completely complement each other. Medium-bodied with a substantial fruit/oak finish. My note: Loaded with blackberry goodness, blackcurrant and peppered plums. Absolutely terrific! 135236 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Beauvignac Picpoul De Pinet 2009, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Does the onset of summer make you daydream of refreshing white wines? If you are a fan of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris and have been wanting to expand your wine-tasting repertoire, Picpoul de Pinet may be the answer. This crisp, fresh, light-bodied wine features fresh citrus and apple flavors, and its racy acidity makes it truly ‘magnifique’ for sipping on the patio. My note: A joyously happy wine; bright sunshine on a summer’s day. Redolent of daisies, melon, tangerine zest and lime. Perfect aperitif or as an accompaniment to many dishes. 350124 12.50% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Nino Franco Brut Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Toasty with lovely notes of green apples and orange zest. Bright and vibrant. Terrific for the price. 349662 11% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Stunningly delicious Sauvignon Blanc with vibrant notes of fresh grass, lime, chives and green apple. Not too herbal. Refreshing and mercifully free of oak. A zesty aperitif or a companion to a wide range of dishes. Superb effort! 141499 13% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. January 22, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium-deep ruby colour. Impressive array of aromas, including blackberry, sweet black cherry, bumbleberry pie, freshly turned earth, and masala spice. Dry and quite flavourful, and very nicely balanced by a racy freshness and velvety tannins. This is a hefty but vibrant wine. It will also reward 1-3 years in a cellar. My note: A rich, dark Zinfandel: love it! Complexity and layers are growing yet it holds true to the traditional signature of blackberries, brambleberries and a lick of dark spices. Jammy cherries and raspberries. 942599 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 22, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review