Château de Beaucastel Pierre Perrin 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône, France: Incredible concentration yet still elegant and balanced, not heavy. This is the flagship wine for Châteauneuf-du-Pape: consistently glorious year after year. Will keep in your cellar very well. Drink: 2013-2020. 711317 14.50% XD 750 mL  $89.95 Score: 95/100. March 17, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Etude Carneros Estate Pinot Noir 2006, Carneros, United States: One of my favorite Pinot Noirs from California and one that I order frequently when I'm dining for pleasure rather than work. Succulently ripe cherries and black raspberries with some dark spices and a gorgeous smoky finish. Drink: 2009-2016. 71654 14.40% XD 750 mL  $70.00 Score: 93/100. October 24, 2009 Full Review

Patz & Hall Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Liquid satin! This is a wine for diehard hedonists. Seductive aromas of black cherry and raspberry wrap themselves around dark spices and a kiss of oak. Medium- to full-bodied with a finish that doesn't end. About 40% of the wine was fermented and aged in new French Oak barrels where the staves were aged/air dried for three years prior to coopering. Most barrels are air-dried for two years but the winery makes the extra investment in an additional year to leach any residual “green” tannins from the wood. That way, the wines get exposure to new wood without it overpowering it with too much smokiness. Both the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs spend no more than 10 months in barrel. This wine will age well for another 7+ years, but I'll bet you can't wait that long. Drink: 2011-2019. 38091 14.20% XD 750 mL  $42.00 Score: 94/100. April 22, 2011 Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Oh yum! What a luscious, beautiful pinot, packed with fleshy cherry notes. It's satin smooth and feels like liquid lingerie ... seductive. Perfect for dinner parties and romantic dinners when you want the answer to be yes. Drink: 2012-2016. 687970 14.20% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 95/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review