Sandalford Estate Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Margaret River, Western Australian, Australia: Won the Gold Medal at the Western Australia Wine Show in 2008. Another superb effort from this producer! Displays lively notes of cranberry, black plum, cherry and fig against a deeper backdrop of violets, cedar underbrush, smoky oak and dried herbs. Full-bodied with fine tannins and length. Drink: 2009-2015. 22293 14.50% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 95/100. April 11, 2009 Full Review

St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2006, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Winner of a Gold Medal at the Royal Perth Wine Show in 2008. I’ve long loved this wine, packed with generous notes of fleshy blackberries and black raspberries. Some pepper and spice give it a lick and kick. Gorgeous! 535104 14.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 95/100. October 10, 2009 Full Review

Le Clos Jordanne La Petite Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2007 vintage of this single-vineyard Pinot is another brilliant achievement for Ontario Wine Awards Winemaker of the Year (2009), Thomas Bachelder. A stylish Pinot that’s all about expression and finesse. Ruby red with aromatics that paint a landscape of rustic charms — field berries, freshly tilled earth, and floral notes abound. Medium-bodied, with a silky texture. Bachelder’s nod to the classic Burgundian style is a success. My note: Alluring notes of violets, bing cherries, smoky raspberries and red plums interwoven with dried tobacco leaves. This plush wine keeps on giving to end of its truffled finish. 33944 13.50% XD 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 95/100. January 23, 2010 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Château de Beaucastel Pierre Perrin Mourvèdre Grenache 2007, A.C., Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Southern Rhône is known for many outstanding wines, but the undisputed king of the castle is Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The legendary Château Beaucastel is the jewel in the crown of the Perrin family. Mourvèdre and Grenache grapes are 65% of the blend. Towering and massively complex and flavourful. This is the wine to crack open for anniversaries and big deal signings. Loaded with aromas of black cherry liqueur, cedar smoke, dried herbs, tobacco, black raspberry jam. Stunning. Drink: 2009-2025. 968750 14.50% XD 375 mL  $46.95 Score: 95/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review