Alamos The Wines Of Catena Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Loads of ripe dark plums up front, with cassis at the mid-palate and a violet-infused finish. Some pepper and rose petal notes in the background. This wine was aged for 9 months in American and French oak. Terrific quaffer! 467951 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Kaiken Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This bold Malbec features attractive aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, mocha, cinnamon and sandalwood. It’s dry and medium-full bodied, with ripe mixed berry fruit and good concentration on the palate. A lively ribbon of acidity dances against a backdrop of smooth, ripe tannins and a creamy texture, culminating in a lingering finish. An outstanding value and a great match for a. My note: Mind-blowingly great for the money! Bring it on: maybe a case please? Deep, rich, full-bodied, supple, blackberry ripe, fleshy, rolls on forever. Drop me off at home and good night. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. 58339 14.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Santa Julia Magna Familia Zuccardi Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the 2008 Magna displays a cavalcade of aromas: ripe raspberries, vanilla, peppery spice, cherries, cinnamon and mocha notes all make appearances. It’s dry with a medium to full body. Flavours of crushed berries, spices and smoky oak are balanced by a good core of acidity and medium tannins, all leading to a long spicy finish. My note: Gorgeous depth and length of flavor in this luxuriously rich and delicious red. This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec and 10% Syrah. 93799 13.80% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Alamos The Wines Of Catena Torrontés 2008, Salta, Argentina: Torrontes is Argentina’s iconic dry white wine grape. Lovely lifted notes of peach blossom, orange zest and magnolias. A fantastic bone-dry aperitif or food companion. 81539 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 23, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Zonte's Footstep Shiraz Viognier 2007, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia: A big honkin' Shiraz with a warm embrace of dark red fruit. When you bang for your buck, go straight to the Aussie aisle of your liquor store. There’s 6% of the Viognier grape in this blend to give the wine a lovely lift and brightness on the mid-palate. The wine was also aged in 20% new oak. A sweet blackcurrant nose with notes of pepper, violets and plump plums on the follow-up. This multi-textured wine is a superb value. Perfect for casual weeknight meals at home or potluck get-togethers. 72975 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 23, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Jackson-Triggs Delaine Vineyard Cabernet Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A terrific, full-bodied red with accented red and dark berries, plums and richly ripe cassis and currants. Beautifully structured with excellent balance, weight, depth and length on the finish. Take a taste of what Canada can do. 989269 13.70% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. January 23, 2010 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

Saint Clair Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A taut, vibrant wine of quivering delight. Aromas of crushed limes and lemons, chives and kiwi. A lovely note of orange zest on the finish. Saint Clair Family Estate Marlborough is celebrating 15 vintages with the release of this 2009 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Drink: 2008-2010. 554196 13% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 23, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review