Wynns Coonawarra Estate Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia,, Australia: Luscious and rich with cassis, fleshy blackberry and blackcurrant. Absolutely classic with a long finish. Tremendous quality for the price. Drink: 2012-2016. 84996 14% XD 750 mL  $47.95 Score: 94/100. December 8, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Luscious and rich with cassis, fleshy blackberry and blackcurrant. Absolutely classic with a long finish. Tremendous quality for the price. There's some seductive anise and dark spice on the long finish. The bold wine has longevity, not only for this vintage in your cellar, but also this particular wine has been made now for 54 years. It's matured in French oak and the grapes are selected from Wynns' top vineyards. Liquid velvet. Drink: 2013-2017. 84996 14% XD 750 mL  $47.95 Score: 95/100. October 12, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

McWilliams Wines Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Cellar Aged Semillon 2006, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: There's nothing like Australian Semillon grape-based wines: you must try this one if you haven't sampled their delights previously. Semillon from Australia also differs vastly from Semillon in other regions of the world: here it has a complex beeswax, dry honey and lanolin bouquet and mouth-filling texture. Terrific balancing acidity for a wide range of dishes and a long finish to make you return to this bottle again and again. Drink: 2014-2020. 724492 10.50% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Yalumba The Strapper Gsm Named Varietal Blends-Red 2011, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This is an incredible robust red wine for the price! Full-bodied, lusciously rich and deep with a terrific long finish. Aromas of fleshy sweet dark fruit, a hint of pepper and savoury goodness. Mouth-watering and delicious. terrific with grilled pork shops, beef or lamb with rosemary. The Grenache in the blend gives this wine an extra richness, while the Mataro lends rustic tannins and the Shiraz, fleshy fruit. It's a terrific combo! Drink: 2013-2020. 295873 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. March 29, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

John Duval Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Voluptuous, mouth-filling and gorgeous. Balanced and rich and deep. John Duval used to be the winemaker at Penfolds and that elegance of style shows here. Drink: 2013-2020. 73049 14.50% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 94/100. September 27, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

McWilliams Wines Semillon 2007, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: The Semillon grapes for this spectacular white wine are sourced from the Mount Pleasant Elizabeth vineyard. There's nothing like Australian Semillon grape-based wines: you must try this one if you haven't sampled their delights previously. Semillon from Australia also differs vastly from Semillon in other regions of the world: here it has a complex beeswax, dry honey and lanolin bouquet and mouth-filling texture. Terrific balancing acidity for a wide range of dishes and a long finish to make you return to this bottle again and again. Pair with pork chops. Drink: 2014-2020. 724492 10.50% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Josef Chromy Pepik Pinot Noir 2012, Tasmania, Australia: This bottling from Josef Chromy is juicy, racy and mouth-watering as red cherries dance across your mouth, waking up on your senses in a pure Aussie fruit sensation. This isn’t earthy or spicy: it’s sunny and tasty and complex. Finishes long and smooth with black cherry and pepper. Great concentration and focus of flavour. Try this Pinot Noir with roast turkey. Drink: 2013-2018. 162990 13.50% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. November 22, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Mountadam Chardonnay 2009, High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Beautiful Chardonnay: the Platonic essence of full-bodied, buttery, hazelnut-rich Chardonnay. In a blind tasting, you'd easily mistake this for a top Burgundian Chardonnay. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2013-2017. 333211 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 94/100. December 6, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Wolf Blass Black Label 2010, South Australia, Australia: A spectacular red wine in every dimension: complexity, concentration of flavour, layering, and length of finish. The power and intensity is here but not any heaviness or extraction of harsh flavour or tannin. This robust red wine Australian blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grapes. The 1998 vintage of this wine won Australia's most coveted wine award, Jimmy Watson Trophy. This is a cellar-worthy wine, but it will also drink well now. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2019. 960468 14% XD 750 mL  $99.95 Score: 95/100. March 4, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

De Bortoli Wines - Yarra Valley Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2013, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: A gorgeous, silky pinot noir with layers of fleshy black cherries and a satin-rich texture. The grapes for this wine come from the Brookland Vineyard in Australia's Yarra Valley and provide great balance of fruit ripeness and some zingy acidity. Finishes with great vibrancy and refreshment. This balanced red wine shows attractive intensity in the glass. Try this vibrant red wine with cheese pizza. Excellent value. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2019. 15511 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 4, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Mclaren Vale Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This full-bodied red wine has lip-smacking delicious aromas and flavours of black and purple fruit. Smooth and supple. Love the fact that this big shiraz is not filtered, giving us the full-on flavour experience. The grapes for this robust red wine come from vines 100 years old. The wine is open-fermented with wild yeast, then aged 18 months in French oak barrels, and is not fined nor filtered. This robust Australian Shiraz sources grapes from heirloom vineyards. Try this with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2013-2018. 358127 14.50% XD 375 mL  $11.95 Score: 92/100. April 4, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2002, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia Drink: 2013-2017. 936971 14.50% D 750 mL  $29.95. October 26, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Rufus Stone Tyrell's Shiraz 2012, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia: Classic blackberry richness touched by a mint fresh breeze on this Australian red wine. Full-bodied and mouth-watering, juicy fun. The 2012 growing season provided excellent conditions and the Tyrrell family make the most of the Heathcote region's soil and climate in their wines. Polish tannins, long finish. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2013-2017. 91488 14% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. May 16, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Willow Bridge Estate Dragonfly Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014, Geographe, Western Australia, Australia: Lemon zest and smoke -- so seductive. Amazing price. Zesty with mouth-watering juiciness for seafood and smoked fish. Oh yeah. Drink: 2014-2017. 418368 12.30% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 93/100. August 22, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2013, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: This is what elegance and restraint tastes like from Australia: French grammar school, Australian graduate studies by the consummate gentleman winemaker Peter Gago. Lovely aromas of mint, cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry with just enough toasty warmth from the oak. The 2013 vintage of Bin 128 is terrific, but don't expect a fruit bomb. Terrific layering, depth and complexity with a long finish. Pair with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2015-2019. 509919 14% XD 750 mL  $61.00 Score: 93/100. September 5, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Lenz Moser Prestige Trockenbeerenauslese 2012, Prädikatswein, Burgenland, Austria: A lovely dessert wine that’s complex and endless on the finish. Aromas of apricot and peach preserves with that distinctive note that botrytis adds. Gorgeous rich golden hue in the glass. Finishes with notes of marmalade and honey blossom. Pair with fruit flans and cobblers. Drink: 2013-2022. 729657 11% MS 375 mL  $20.95 Score: 96/100. January 31, 2016 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review

Flat Rock Riesling 2014, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: The winery sent me the 2014 vintage of this lovely riesling to taste and evaluate, which is fortunate since it was the 2013 vintage at the LCBO tasting. Green apple and white pear. Love it. Building an inukskuk is now a ritual at the end of harvest for this winery: lifting the heavy stones requires a team effort. Pair with roast turkey and fun. The winery does whole cluster pressing to extract pure flavour, and only of the first 600 litres per tonne of fruit. Ed allows the juice to settle during a long, slow fermentation. The 2014 vintage is a blend of two distinct blocks of 21B clone vines nowin their early teens as the winery describes them. Finishes with fresh pink grapefruit notes. Drink: 2014-2019. 43281 11% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. September 17, 2016 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2013, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This lovely off-dry Niagara Riesling is bursting with aromas of fresh citrus, lime and green apple. two weeks later than the parcel below the winery. Although the 2013 vintage in Niagara was a cool one, which benefited white wines, especially Riesling. Remarkable, even though there are 18 grams of sugar in this wine, the acidity balances it perfectly, yielding only a slight impression of sweetness. Terrific mouth-watering acidity for seafood and salads. Drink: 2013-2018. 578625 10.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 21, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review

Neige Première Ice Cider 2011, Quebec, Canada: Fun! Essence of apple in the glass. A delicious cider of mingled and various types of apples that go into the blend, and finishing with fresh, crisp green apples. Think homemade apple pie with a pleasing and refreshing bite. Pair with fruit cobbler. (Natalie MacLean, nataliemaclean.com, Sept. 2, 2014) 12.50% MS 200 mL  $18.95 Score: 93/100. April 4, 2015 Divine Dessert Wine Full Review

Featherstone Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: This is one of my favourite Niagara Rieslings: delightful every vintage. The 2013 vintage is no exceptional with lovely bright notes of lime blossom, lemon zest and flint. It's also my pick to pair with Canadian creamy cheeses like Little Qualicum Cheeseworks Island Brie, a small producer tucked into the base of Mt. Arrowsmith on Vancouver Island, BC. The wine has the zesty acidity to cut right through the creaminess of the cheese. Also pair with fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2013-2018. 80234 10% M 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. January 24, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Riesling 2012, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: I am in love! Pure petrol-peach siren call on the nose of this stunning Ontario Riesling. I almost don't believe how low the alcohol is at 10% for the staggering amount of flavour packed in here. Have mercy, it's fantastic. Lime acidity perfect for so many dishes, almost anything except steak. Drink: 2013-2019. 131169 10.20% D 750 mL  $21.00 Score: 94/100. June 21, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Vital Vegetarian Pizza Wine Full Review

Cave Spring Csv Riesling 2011, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Adoration! Petrol, lime, with big acidity but you will embrace it just as it embraces you and all your senses. Liquid gorgeous. Drink: 2014-2022. 566026 11.50% M 750 mL  $31.95 Score: 94/100. July 19, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Happy Hawaiian Pizza Wine Full Review

Thirty Bench Wine Makers Triangle Riesling 2008, Beamsville Bench, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Thirty Bench is one of Niagara's best Riesling producers, and it's hard to get your hands on a bottle. Clean, crisp and vibrant with an intensity of white peach flavour and laser-like focus. Ultimately refreshing. Dry long finish. Pair with fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes. - Community Wine Reviews Drink: 2013-2020. 25031 11.50% D 750 mL  $35.00 Score: 92/100. August 16, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2011, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Full-bodied with just enough butter and fresh baked bread from the oak again that wraps itself seductively around green apple and white pear. Perfectly balanced. Drink: 2013-2017. 208694 13.70% D 750 mL  $38.35 Score: 92/100. August 16, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Love the toasted almond and clementine on the nose! Juicy and mouth-watering a gorgeous mouth-filling texture on weight. Some smoke and spice on a terrifically long finish. Superb craftsmanship from one of Ontario's best producers. Drink: 2012-2017. 56929 14% XD 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 94/100. March 30, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Flat Rock Riesling 2012, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Soooooo lovely! Apricot and honeysuckle aromas give this wine a lovely, natural fruit fleshiness and sweetness, but this wine is never cloying as it's beautifully balanced with mouth-watering acidity for a wide range of dishes. Luscious and seductive with a medium body and long finish. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2017. 43281 11% MD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. January 4, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2006, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: I love this style of Riesling: ripe lime, white peach and green apples with a whiff of lovely flint. Great minerality and depth with an incredibly long finish. One of Canada’s best. Drink: 2009-2017. 566026 11.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. July 4, 2009 Favorite White Wine. 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

Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2006, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A concentrated wine of lovely finesse and delicate flavors: white flowers, citrus. 286377 12% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. July 15, 2008 Favorite White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Featherstone Winery 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 10% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. April 16, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Rosé 2011, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Full-bodied for rose but medium in the grand wine scheme of things. Delightfully flavourful with aromas of field raspberries and some nutmeg. The most un-boring rose I've tasted. I'm getting a case. Drink: 2012-2014. 275842 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. June 23, 2012 Top Rated Rosé. Full Review

2027 Cellars Falls Vineyard Riesling 2011, V.Q.A., Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Superb! Juicy lime-lemon happiness with a gusher of mouth-watering pleasure. Medium-bodied and food-ultimate friendly. Drink: 2012-2016. 294041 11% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. September 15, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Stratus White 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Beautiful! Full-bodied, mouth-filling and voluptuous. Gorgeous and exotic aromas and flavours with honeysuckle, lime blossom and lilies. Drink: 2012-2017. 660704 13.50% D 750 mL  $44.20 Score: 95/100. November 24, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Cave Spring Cellars Indian Summer Select Late Harvest Riesling 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario Vqa, Canada: Liquid gorgeous year after year, Cave Spring delivers this late harvest Riesling for our drinking pleasure. Apricot peach blossom. Perfect for angel food cake and fruit-based desserts. The Riesling grapes for this dessert wine are picked later in the fall, well after those from the dry style table wine. The result is much more concentrated flavours and fruit sweetness like apricot preserves. Pair this terrific wine with blue cheeses and toasted almonds. Drink: 2015-2020. 415901 12.50% S 375 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. March 18, 2017 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review

Charles Baker Wines Picone Vineyard Riesling 2012, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Superb craftsmanship in this benchmark Niagara Riesling. You simply won't find better than this. Incredible depth and concentration of flavour yet ephemerally light in alcohol. The best of all worlds: pure hedonism without the headache. Pair with happiness. Drink: 2013-2020. 241182 11% M 750 mL  $35.20 Score: 96/100. March 19, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Errázuriz Single Vineyard Syrah 2013, Aconcagua Costa, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: This Chilean Syrah shows its coastal origin as in both the balance and elegance as well as its focus. The vines for this wine grow just 12 kilometres or 7.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. They grow in the clay-black slate-schist soils of the Manzanares Vineyard which lends deep minerality to the wine. They were planted back in 2005. The grapes were picked early in the morning during harvest, then cold-soaked and fermented at 24-28 degrees Celsius (75-82 degree Fahrenheit) in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. A gorgeous, opulent Chilean Syrah of the best pedigree. Structure, density, concentration and complexity all play roles in this wine, with intense replay of fleshy dark plums and berries across the palate (and mind). Perfect for grilled pork chops or game dishes. Drink: 2016-2021. 387910 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 95/100. October 29, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Canepa Finísimo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Colchagua Valley, Chile, Chile: A beautifully structured Chilean Cabernet with an impressively long finish. There is a splash of Syrah in this wine. Rich and savoury on the palate, with nuances of cassis, black plum, violets and cigar box. A distinctive coffee-espresso finish with some baking spice. Full-bodied and smooth, with polished tannins. Will cellar well. Pair with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2016-2022. 211920 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 94/100. January 8, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Montes Alpha Carmenère 2012, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Can they do no wrong? Let's not jinx it. This Carmenere (aka Merlot) is incredibly concentrated rich and deep with fleshy black plums that you can dive head first into. Wow. This wine is aged for 12 months n French oak barrels. Another phenomenal wine from Montes ... Drink: 2014-2018. 143230 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. June 27, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A superb, full-bodied red wine with layers of hedonistic pleasure! The best of New World power, energy and black fruit concentration in great balance, depth and length on the finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. Amazing price for this quality. Drink: 2013-2017. 322586 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Syrah 2012, Aconcagua Costa, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A gorgeous, opulent Chilean Syrah of the best pedigree. Structure, density, concentration and complexity all play roles in this wine, with intense replay of fleshy dark plums and berries across the palate (and mind). Perfect for grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2019. 387910 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 95/100. September 27, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Errázuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: A gloriously rich and robust Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet France grapes in the blend from one of Chile's best-known and most-respected wineries. Classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and blackcurrant are wrapped luxuriously n vanilla smoke. Savoury, meaty and juicy with full-bodied weight and layers of dark fruit flavour. Concentrated, rich and deep. Long finish, great structure. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2018. 203364 14% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 92/100. May 30, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Calcaire Gewürztraminer 2009, Ac Alsace, France: A spice cloud of pleasure on the nose featuring nutmeg, cinnamon, rose, lychee and white daisies. Unctuous and mouth-filling on the palate: a wine to fill and please every crevice. A tangerine, spice dusted extra long finish. Superb with Asian and curries. Drink: 2013-2019. 320481 13.50% S 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 95/100. May 25, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

Cave De Ribeauvillé Collection Pinot Gris 2013, Alsace A.C., France  390633 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95. November 20, 2014 Full Review

Château Clarke 2009, Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: A spectacular red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that's a third the price of comparable quality Bordeaux. Complex, rich and deep. The 2009 vintage was overshadowed by 2010, but when you find a gem like this one, snatch it up by the case. Great cellar candidate. Pair with fine cuts of beef. Drink: 2015-2022. 503904 14% XD 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 94/100. April 16, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Wolfberger Signature Pinot Gris 2013, Alsace A.C., France: Clean and crisp with just a touch of sweetness. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Pair with seafood or crabs legs. Drink: 2013-2017. 398172 12.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. March 21, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Chateau de Beaucastel 2008, Cotes du Rhone, France Drink: 2010-2018.   $29.95. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2013, Languedoc, Midi A.P., France: Pretty, fresh and light with faint fleeting notes of summer fresh wild strawberries, the tiny kind. This wine sold out almost immediately last year with its gorgeous bottle design and label: perfect Valentine's Day gift paired with roses. Drink: 2013-2016. 373985 13% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 7, 2015 Best Value Rosé Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

12 Riesling Brandluft Aoc Alsace (Boeckel S.A.) 2012, Alsace, France  392928 13% D 750 mL  $17.95. January 1, 2014 Full Review

E. Guigal 2011, Côtes Du Rhône A.C., France: Robust, black and brooding southern French red wine, with incredible concentration and depth. Toasty oak and lots of rich, tarry notes. Needs cellar time and decant 2 hours. Classic Old World styling, balance and finesse. Finishes with black olive, anise, and dried herbs. Pair with lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2014-2019. 413252 13% XD 375 mL  $10.95 Score: 92/100. May 16, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Vign. Diffonty Cuvée Du Vatican Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Reserve Sixtine 2010, Rhône, France: A blockbuster, big wine with cherry liqueur notes wrapped in smoke. This is classic Rhone red in all it's mouth-filling glory. This wine has immense cellaring potential, though you can also try it now. Decant for 2 hours for maximum pleasure and try it with prime rib. Yum! Drink: 2014-2022. 740639 14% D 750 mL  $52.00 Score: 95/100. February 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Perrin & Fils Tavel Rosé 2013, Rhône A.C., France: Gorgeously rich, full-flavoured rose with field raspberry aromas. Bone-dry and expressive. So satisfying. More deeply hued and experiential than a Mediterranean sunset. Tavel is a tiny appellation that lies on the west bank of the Rhone within the Gard department. Drink: 2013-2015. 680801 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 10, 2014 Top Rated Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Château de Beaucastel Vign. Pierre Perrin 2011, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Beautifully made with superb craftsmanship! Full-bodied, concentrated and complex with layers of rich black fruit flavour and smoke. Great cellar potential, but why wait? This comes from one of the most iconic producers in the Rhone Valley, and in all of France. Vivre la France! Drink: 2013-2020. 968750 14.50% XD 375 mL  $46.95 Score: 96/100. November 23, 2013 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Gustave Lorentz Réserve Riesling 2010, A.C., Alsace, France: Intense with lime purity and lemon lift. Gorgeous, dry and mouth-watering. Medium-bodied and perfect for turkey dinner. Drink: 2012-2018. 641639 12.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. December 8, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Perrin & Fils CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL 2009 2009, Rhone, France  48884 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet De Beaucastel Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Wildly delicious! This wine has it all: juicy, black cherry fruit, mouth-watering acidity, full-bodied weight yet it’s not heavy or hot. Fabulous balance and structure and so versatile with food. If you’re coming over, please bring a bottle of this with you please. Drink: 2010-2018. 48884 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 94/100. October 30, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied. Full Review

Le Ferme Du Mont Le Ponnant 2012, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages A.C., France: Winemaker Stéphane Vedeau lovingly brings forward luscious fruit flavours that Syrah adds to this red wine blend from the Rhone Valley. Full-bodied and smooth yet it has terrific heft and concentration. Savoury with satisfying aromas and flavours of black cherry and cedar forest floor. Decant for 1 hour for maximum pleasure. Attractive notes of black raspberry, violets and wild brush on the finish. A powerful red wine from the Rhone Valley, with seriously rich and fleshy ripe brandied cherry aromas and flavours. Polished tannins with anise and blackberry on the finish. Although Grenache leads in the blend at 80%, there's also 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre grapes in this cuvee. This is a tremendous value for wine of this quality: perfect for parties and potluck gatherings. Drink: 2013-2018. 171371 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. July 11, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Domaine Des Carteresses Tavel Rosé 2014, Cotes Du Rhône A.C., France: Field fresh raspberries greet you on the nose followed by some watermelon and red grapefruit. This is truly liquid refreshment, with a lovely sunset thrown into the glass as extra. This is a wide-ranging and all-embracing rose that will please many people, but especially you. Drink: 2014-2016. 739474 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. August 8, 2015 Best Value Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Domaine Durieu Lucile Avril 2012, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Wow, this Rhone red is both robust and elegant. So supple, it feels like liquid velvet on the tongue. Richly concentrated with fleshy black fruit and some smoke. Superb craftsmanship. Drink: 2015-2022. 295147 15% XD 750 mL  $47.95 Score: 92/100. August 22, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Le Gravillas Gigondas 2013, Rhône A.C., France: A robust, smoky southern French red wine blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Savoury and lip-smacking juicy with great depth and length. Aromas of charred black fruit, smoke and spice. Very smooth as is common in the Gigondas region of the Rhone Valley. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015-2019. 78808 14.50% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. September 5, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Tessellae Old Vines Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2013, Côtes Du Roussillon, Midi A.P, France: The 2013 vintage of Tessellae Old Vines Cotes du Roussillon is fresh and intriguing on the nose with fleshy purple plums, black fruit and some toast. Perfect for grilled meats. Finishes with pepper and dark spice. Highly recommended. Drink: 2015-2019. 343517 14% XD 750 mL  $17.00 Score: 93/100. September 5, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

St. Urbans-Hof Riesling 2007, Q.B.A. Mosel, Estare Btld., Germany: An absolutely delightful wine with vibrantly ripe pears, peaches, lime peel and green apples. Incredible intensity of flavor for such a light- to medium-bodied wine. Great minerality and length. A superb effort from this winery. 995746 9.50% MD 750 mL  $19.75 Score: 92/100. January 31, 2009 Favorite White Wine. Full Review

Max Ferd. Richter Kabinett Riesling 2007, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel Prädikatswein, Germany: This German Riesling will dazzle your senses: it's almost blinding in its intensity of fruit and balancing acidity, like waking out from a dark cave into mid-afternoon sunshine. This QMP-designated wine has depths of apricot, peach and honeysuckle flavour. Medium-bodied, no oak, long finish. Try it with Indian chicken dishes. Drink: 2013-2019. 998120 8.50% M 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 94/100. May 10, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review

Max Ferd. Richter Kabinett Riesling 2013, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel Prädikatswein, Germany: This German Riesling will dazzle your senses: it's almost blinding in its intensity of fruit and balancing acidity, like waking out from a dark cave into mid-afternoon sunshine. This QMP-designated wine has depths of apricot, peach and honeysuckle flavour. Medium-bodied, no oak, long finish. This vineyard is one of the most renowned in the Mosel region of Germany. The is delicate yet packed in flavour and low in alcohol at just 8.5%. Try it with Indian chicken dishes. Drink: 2013-2019. 998120 8.50% MS 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 94/100. June 13, 2015 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review

Masi Costasera Riserva Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Lovely, rich and dark with toasty, smoky goodness. Black fruit and cigar box with some coffee notes. So delicious. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2020. 324137 15.50% D 750 mL  $79.95 Score: 95/100. January 8, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Le Ragose Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Rustic, dry and terrific with distinctive aromas of maturity: think tanned leather, violets, dried herbs and wild black cherry though not fruity. Nice mouth-watering acidity for a variety of dishes. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2018. 991984 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. June 21, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Jermann Pinot Grigio 2012, Venezia Giulia, Friuli I.G.T., Italy: This is one of the best, if not the best, Italian Pinot Grigios I've tasted. Sure, the price reflects that but it's worth seeing how vibrant and full of character Pinot Grigio can be with this benchmark wine. Zesty, refreshing and alive in the glass. Aromas of white peach, lime and white grapefruit. Incredibly refreshing and mouth-watering. Great as an aperitif or with many dishes, from seafood to salad. Great structure and finish. Says winemaker Silvio Jermann: "Wines should move us, prompt our emotions and have a sense of authenticity." Amen. Drink: 2013-2016. 117093 12.50% D 750 mL  $37.95 Score: 93/100. March 15, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, D.O.C.G., Vigneto di Campolungo, Italy: Luxurious dark fruit wrap around a pleasingly juicy, mouth-watering core. Full-bodied and smooth. The wine walks a lovely red line between nervy energy and voluptuous richness. You can skip that trip to Tuscany this year: just close your eyes and sip this wine. Drink: 2011-2016. 231241 14% XD 750 mL  $37.95 Score: 94/100. June 25, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Dry, mouth-watering with puckering tannins on the palate. Black, charred fruit and toasty oak. Needs cellar time, then decant 2 hours. Pair with wild boar with black truffle. Drink: 2018-2025. 378257 14% D 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 91/100. May 28, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Tenuta Degli Dei Cavalli 2010, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Full-bodied, complex with great detailing and lines. This is a classic that will do well in the cellar or on the runway to your dinner table. Winemaker Tommaso Cavalli is masterful in his blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Great cellar candidate, like vintage clothing, it'll wear well for a decade. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2015-2022. 350405 13.50% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 94/100. September 5, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Jermann Pinot Grigio 2014, Venezia Giulia, Friuli I.G.T., Italy: The price tag on this Pinot Grigio may surprise given it's well above average prices for this northern Italian white wine, but it is a benchmark of its class. Crisp, clean and zesty with aromas of lemon and lime. Pair with Dover sole. Drink: 2014-2017. 117093 12.50% XD 750 mL  $37.95 Score: 92/100. July 25, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review

Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2016, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Smoky and dark yet elegant in a muscular way. This brooding Italian red wine offers black fruit aromas and smoke on the nose. Underneath and on the palate there's a sensual layer of black fleshy ripe fruit and dark spices. Oh yes! Classic Amarone with some nuances of wild violets and black cherry liqueur on the finish. Best consumed with hearty meat dishes and robust conversation. Drink: 2019-2026. 356220 15% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 95/100. November 26, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Poggio Verrano Dromos 2007, Maremma, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: What a beautiful and artistic expression of the Maremma region in the heart of Tuscany! This red wine blend is extraordinary on length, depth, complexity and flavour. This will do well in the cellar, but it's also drinking nicely now. I know that I can't wait ;) Pair with hearty meat dishes and sauces. Drink: 2017-2020. 107383 14% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 94/100. March 18, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Fuligni Brunello Di Montalcino 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Full-bodied, towering, tannic and black as night. This has at least a decade ahead of it, why rush the matter? Supple and a velvet mouth-filling texture. Pair with truffle-accented dishes. Drink: 2016-2021. 245225 13.80% XD 750 mL  $84.00 Score: 93/100. December 30, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Sartori Montegradella Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: An extraordinary wine for the price! Wowsers. Mocha and smoke wrap around fleshy black plums. Voluptuous and luxurious, with full-bodied weight and a rich texture. The Sartori 2012 Valpolicella Classico Superiore offers lots of pleasure in the glass. Full-bodied with attractive aromas of dark fruit, spice and smoke. Perfect for tomato and meat sauces or hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2016-2020. 473157 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. December 30, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This is the half bottle format of this wine (375 ml): perfect for nights on your own, or when you and your dining companion want to share a glass and half each before trying another wine from the estate. Simply gorgeous! Aromas of black truffle, wild violets and dark, smoky berries. This savoury and juicy Italian red wine with a racy acidity on the palate that's perfect for pasta in tomato sauce, spicy sausages, pizza and lasagna. Aromas of tart black cherry, spices and everything good in a Tuscan kitchen when it's cookin'. Great concentration and depth of flavour on the palate. This blockbuster is in serious need of cellar time. This full-bodied red wine features aromas of blackberry, black plums, smoky oak and tar. It's fairly smooth, though this will improve with aging. Decant for 1-2 hours when you open it. A powerful and classic Italian red wine. Pair with prime rib. The Frescobaldi name is one of the best known in the Tuscany region, and this wine delivers on the promise. Great structure, balance and length. It's produced from severe selection, low yield Sangiovese grapes grown on the winery's estate vineyard in the heart of Tuscany. The wine is aged for three years in large oak casks and then another 6 months in bottle before being released from the winery. The Frescobaldi family have been winegrowers since 1300. Drink: 2016-2022. 35295 14.50% XD 375 mL  $29.95 Score: 94/100. January 12, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Te Awa Winery Single Estate Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: A flagship wine in every sense: for the winery, for the region. The Gimblett Gravels district within Hawkes Bay is a special piece of earth producing extraordinary wines like this wine. Rich depth and concentration yet great finesse and elegance. Aromas of savoury fleshy ripe dark fruit, smoke and dark spice. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2015-2022. 14% D 750 mL  $35.00 Score: 95/100. May 3, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Gooseberry goodness on the nose of this zesty New Zealand wine made from the country's iconic white grape Sauvignon Blanc. This is a gusher of mouth-watering acidity on the palate: perfect for fresh seafood. Herbal and bright. Medium-bodied. Drink: 2015-2017. 224428 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 3, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Dog Point Chardonnay 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lovely hazelnut richness yet perfectly balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Peach and pear yet not heavy… this is my kind of chardonnay! Drink: 2011-2016. 238568 14.50% XD 750 mL  $77.00 Score: 93/100. September 17, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal and grassy fresh! Very vibrant and live. Mouth-watering notes of lime and grapefruit. I like it. Drink: 2011-2014. 10421 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: The folks at Cloudy Bay are known as gurus with Sauvignon Blanc, yet their skill with Chardonnay cannot be denied. Nice intensity here, with a wide variety of concentrated citrus, peach and mango aromas and flavours to enjoy. Beautifully structured, with a mouth-wateringly refreshing acidity, lush texture, and impressive finish. Perfect with buttery lobster. My note: Supremely crafted Chardonnay! Amazing balance between fresh green apple fruit and creamy richness from oak. Buttery with a long finish. Try this wine at least once in your life. Drink: 2011-2016. 359513 14% XD 750 mL  $40.95 Score: 94/100. April 2, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is worth a try, especially if you want to get out of your white wine rut. This rendition for Cooper's Creek has a terrific and refreshing lemon zest finish. Drink: 2012-2014. 957407 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 2, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Villa Maria Estate Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Wow, what a stunner! A profusion of lime and lemongrass mingles with bright nuances of grapefruit and chives. Even though this lovely New Zealand white wine is laser-focused in its crisp cleanness, there's also depth and richness here. Perfect for such a wide range of dishes from fresh seafood to herbed chicken. Lip-smacking delicious! Drink: 2014-2017. 974527 13% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 94/100. February 15, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Momo Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal and refreshing with lots of mouth-watering, lime zest acidity for a range of dishes. There's some lemon zest on the finish. Intense, vibrant and clean. Bring it! Drink: 2013-2015. 9167 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. April 12, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Gorgeous aromas of lime blossom, gooseberry, pink grapefruit and a delicate hint and finesse of white flowers. Lovely citrus lift throughout: this is not a grassy sauvignon blanc. Lots of elegance and refinement yet also beautifully refreshing. Try it with seafood, salads, spinach quiche and vegetarian dishes. Also a min-blowing aperitif. Drink: 2013-2015. 324228 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 94/100. May 24, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A vibrant and terrific Sauvignon Blanc from a master of the genre! Lively aromas of lime and citrus and just the right amount of herbal refreshment. Mouth-watering and juicy. It's medium-bodied and packed with flavour. Some guava and grapefruit on the clean, crisp finish. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2016. 677450 13.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 94/100. April 13, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Momo Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: The Momo Sauvignon Blanc is produced by New Zealand's Seresin Estate of Michael Seresin, the producer and film director. (Think Harry Potter, Midnight Express, Angela's Ashes.). The kiwi savvy is herbal and refreshing with lots of mouth-watering, lime zest acidity for a range of dishes. There's some lemon zest on the finish. Intense, vibrant and clean. Bring it, especially for movie night with fried chicken! Drink: 2013-2016. 9167 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. November 8, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Villa Maria Estate Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc that shows the extra richness and layering of about four months aging on the lees. Still, there's no oak here, just stainless steel to preserve fruit purity. The Autri Valley where the fruit is grown for this wine is cooler on average than other regions in New Zealand. This Sauvignon has more intensity and more seriousness in both flavour and weight. You can almost sense the vibrancy of New Zealand light in the glass with this wine. Enjoy with salads and vegetarian dishes, sushi or dishes with fresh herbs. Drink: 2014-2017. 974527 13% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. June 27, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2011, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: The 2011 vintage was a spectacular one for this winery. In particular, the Faithful Hound red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc grapes is greatly benefiting from Mulderbosch's new, dynamic winemaker, Adam Mason. As well, there's a new owner, American Charles Banks, and together they are creating a tremendous amount of energy, vision and great wine together. The Faithful Hound offers enticing aromas of black, smoky fruit and a savoury, mouth-watering core. Some cedar notes in the background and on the finish. Perfect for prime rib or a rare steak. Decant for 1 hour. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2019. 922443 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2012, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: Clean and fresh like an early spring breeze. Mouth-watering, medium-bodied and crisp. Terrific white peach and floral notes. I continue to be impressed with South African Chenin blanc: it's a lovely change from other whites. Great for after an evening dip in the pool. Quince and orange zest on the finish. Terrific! Drink: 2014-2018. 231282 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 24, 2017 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: You MUST try this! Rock your world with apple blossom, peach forgetfulness and pleasure beyond limits. Full-bodied. Dive into it. Drink: 2012-2016. 282772 14% D 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 95/100. September 29, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Finca La Emperatriz Reserva Old Vines 2007, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Love this style of Rioja! Old leather, juicy, almost tart cherry, and lots of layered satisfaction with a contemplatively long finish. Mouth-filling, mouth-watering and subtle with some spice on the finish and cigar box. One for the cellar -- if you can wait. Drink: 2014-2021. 359927 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. March 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2011, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: Founded in 1998 by Alvaro Palacios, one of the most respected winemakers in Spain. A rich, meaty wine of great balance and length. Savory with blackberries and pepper. Full-bodied with an attractive subtle herbal note mid-palate. This wine is made from the Mencia grape, which is called Jaen in Portugal. Lovely dark spices and pepper on the finish. Great for the cellar or enjoy now after decanting for an hour. Top me up! Drink: 2013-2016. 446484 15% D 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 92/100. August 2, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Luis Cañas Reserva 2009, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: This Spanish red wine is made mostly (95%) from the classic Rioja grape Tempranillo and well as a splash (5%) of Graciano. The vines are an average age of 40 years old. The wine spent 18 months in French and American oak. This is an elegant wine with a long life ahead of this. Gorgeous aromas of dark red fruit and leather on the palate. There's still a firm tannic grip here mid-palate so be sure to decant for an hour, or better yet, give this baby some cellar time. Drink: 2015-2021. 334094 14% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 92/100. October 25, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Balbás Reserva 2005, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: This full-bodied Spanish red wine has a good grip on the palate is offers more earthy, smoky, dusty aromas and flavours than fruit-forward ones. Decant for 2 hours and pair with lamb and rosemary. Complex, elegant and mature. Drink: 2015-2018. 85183 14% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 91/100. June 11, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Buena Vista Chardonnay 2013, Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United States: Buttery, round, balanced and amazing for the price! This full-bodied, classic Californian Chardonnay features aromas of green apple and butterscotch yet it's not heavy. Jean-Charles Boisset, of the famous French winemaking family (and married to Gina Gallo), now guides operations. Pair with roasted chicken. Drink: 2015-2018. 67405 14.50% XD 750 mL  $28.00 Score: 92/100. August 22, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Blissful Blue Cheese Wine Full Review

Rutherford Ranch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States  670835 14% XD 750 mL  $65.75. September 19, 2015 Full Review

J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: Lots of dark chocolate and espresso on this robust Californian Cabernet that has been oak aged. Pair this Californian Cabernet Sauvignon with meat lovers' pizza. This is the half sized bottle. Drink: 2015-2018. 313817 13.50% D 375 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. May 14, 2016 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Incredibly intense and concentrated with enticing aromas of blackberries and plums. Great finesse and structure. This is benchmark Californian zinfandel. Serve with pepperoni pizza and a great movie. This winery is a leader not just in its first-class wines, but also in in eco-progressive viticulture as one the largest biodynamic grape growers in the United States. Almost all of the winery’s power is derived from solar energy. Let's raise a glass to them tonight. Drink: 2015-2020. 903237 15.50% XD 750 mL  $58.95 Score: 93/100. September 5, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: This complex, subtle and full-bodied cabernet sauvignon has great elegance and a long finish. Dark fruit and smoke notes on this red wine, with lots of layers and great cellar potential. Superb craftsmanship. Highly recommended. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this benchmark wine are grown in one of Napa Valley's greatest vineyards. The wine is aged for about 18 months in custom-toasted new French oak barrels. Pair with rare filet mignon. The 2012 vintage of this Californian Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is made from grapes grown in only two winery estate vineyards, the Steinhauer Vineyard on Howell Mountain (about 70%) and St. Helena Home Vineyard (about 30%). The wine has a high pH of 3.9 as the grapes were able to ripen fully, yet it remains balanced with great structure. This Cabernet was matured for 17 months in new French oak barrels, then another 12 months in the bottle before being released from the winery. Great cellar wine. Winemaker Laurie Hook's superb craftsmanship is evident. Drink: 2016-2023. 149955 14% XD 750 mL  $45.00 Score: 95/100. November 12, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review

Lone Birch Pinot Gris 2014, Yakima Valley, Washington, United States: A terrific Washington state white wine made from zesty Pinot Gris grapes. Vibrant ripe pear and almond aromas. Gentle acidity, mouth-filling lusciousness and balance. Medium-bodied with a touch of sweetness that's perfect for medium curries and glazed ham. Unique: this will get you out of your white wine rut. Lone Birch wines are named in honour of a single birch tree that grows in the middle of their vineyards. The tree gives shade to the vines, even during the hottest summer days. Pair with fresh fish. Drink: 2016-2018. 324905 13.20% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 92/100. November 26, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars Pinot Gris 2015, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: This light-bodied and pleasing Oregon Pinot Gris features lovely notes of green and white melon. Produced by the Fries Family, this Oregonian wine hails from the region of the Dundee Hills. Lots of fresh orchard fruit aromas and flavours. Great aperitif. Finishes with tropical fruit and lime. Pair with fresh seafood. Drink: 2016-2018. 333286 13% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 26, 2016 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Oaked 2012, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, United States: Mer Soliel translates to sea and sun in Californian surfer dud speak (I'm fluent). A rich and full-bodied white wine with lovely layers of golden apple and butterscotch from oak aging. Drink: 2013-2018. 958975 14.50% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. October 16, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Napa Cellars Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Love it! Full-bodied and loaded with flavour yet vibrant and nimble and never heavy. Black fruit and spice with such a velvet smooth palate. Very complex and balanced. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2018. 126607 14.90% D 750 mL  $25.25 Score: 92/100. September 5, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Alexander Mountain Estates, Alexander Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied, rich and complex with classic aromas of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant wrapped in a judicious weave of smoky oak. Great for the cellar. A wine that almost jumps out of the glass with its vibrant character. The mountain terroir of the vineyards shows through in the depth and complexity of this wine. Superb craftsmanship. Try it with rare filet mignon for an exquisite sensory experience. Drink: 2013-2018. 435099 14.50% XD 750 mL  $79.95 Score: 95/100. January 18, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Barefoot Pinot Grigio, California, United States: Light and crisp with juicy mouth-watering acidity for fresh seafood. Just a touch of ripe white peach notes. Lovely aperitif. Awesome price. Serve chilled. Drink: 2015-2017. 53983 12% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 86/100. May 20, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Stags' Leap Winery Viognier 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Perfect Viognier! Floral, lime blossom, zippy lime zest. Medium-bodied and thoroughly delicious. Get out of your white wine rut. Drink: 2012-2015. 597369 14.10% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. June 23, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review