Alzamora Grand Reserve Syrah 2005, San Juan, Argentina: This wine has it all: elegance, depth, length and terrific fruit concentration. It's a captivating wine with many layers of flavor to discover and dive into. Notes of black raspberry, blackberry, clove, rose and violet. Aged in French oak for 12 months. Fleshy and full-bodied and ultimately satisfying. 14% XD 750 mL  $19.00 Score: 94/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Kaiken Icon Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: This as yet unnamed flagship wine for Kaiken is breath-taking in it's scope and depth. It's made by blending Malbec grapes from different vineyards that the estate owns. Classic, deep, rich and redolent of dark fruit and smoke. A wine for collectors. 14% XD 750 mL Score: 95/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Alamos Seleccion Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: A robust red with great depth and complexity at an excellent price point. The grapes for this red are grown in the San Carlos region in the Uco Valley. Syrah add so much character to this blend with fleshy blackberries and cherries. It's full-bodied, balanced and smooth. Perfect for grilled meats and hard cheeses. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2017. 322800 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Pirramimma Katunga Gts 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and vibrant with black and purple liqueur aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Deeply concentrated and rich with layered complexity through the palate. Lots of toasty, smoky oak that's in balance with the luscious fruit. This wine cries out for hearty meat dishes, and for you to top up your glass. Stunning complexity, depth and finish in this towering Australian red wine. Drink: 2013-2018. 203174 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Heartland Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Love the nose of black cherry liqueur and mysterious dark spices that draw you head first into the glass of this robust Australian Shiraz. The palate opens up with fleshy ripe black fruit and smoke. This is such a lively, full-bodied red that's smooth and ready to drink now. Try it with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2017. 661934 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Watershed Senses Shiraz 2004, Margaret River, Australia: In 2007, this Shiraz was awarded Gold by the prestigious Mundus Vini International Wine Academy. This wine exhibits lots of fruit concentration and intensity with robust aromas of ripe black raspberries, tar, kirsch and smoke. Not overdone but offers lots of flavor for the buck. Drink: 2008-2015. 73767 14% D 750 mL  $20.25 Score: 93/100. January 10, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2013, South Australia, Australia: Liquid gorgeous! Lovely honeysuckle, lemon-lime, nettle and lychee and baking spice. Perfect for curries and medium-spicy dishes. Drink: 2013-2018. 470062 14.10% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

Henry of Pelham Gamay 2008, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Light, carefree, simple wine with lovely notes of field strawberries. Medium-bodied and a smooth texture. Drink: 2010-2013. 291112 12.70% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 87/100. May 1, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, V.Q.A., Canada: This vibrant, well-priced Ontario Riesling offers seductive aromas of peach blossom, lemon zest and wet stone. A complex core of minerality runs through the heart of this wine. Tawse is a family-owned Niagara winery that farms sustainably. Drink: 2013-2017. 89029 10.50% M 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Great Goat Cheese Wine Full Review

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2006, British Columbia, Canada: A lovely, rich and deeply textured Cabernet Merlot. Notes of black raspberries with vanilla and smoky oak. Closed with a screwcap. Drink: 2008-2012. 530725 14% XD 750 mL  $17.99 Score: 90/100. December 4, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Coyote's Run Estate Winery Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Love the hazelnut Granny Smith apple nose! Luscious with a judicious use of oak. Balanced with great length. Love it! 49775 12.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Castillo De Molina Reserva Viña San Pedro Carmenère 2007, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The nose of this Carmenère entices with notes of blueberry, blackberry, roasted coffee bean and a whiff of incense. It’s dry, medium-bodied and supple with ripe black fruit flavours along with nuances of chocolate and tobacco leaf. Great value. My note: A lovely, rich, round plummy number with a velvet texture and a dark chocolate-infused finish. Terrific party wine. 960807 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Merlot Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: So darn tasty! Yum! Dark chocolate on the nose gives way to fleshy blackberries and plums. Full-bodied and rich with good depth and concentration. This blend is mostly Merlot with a dash of Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. An incredible value. 433920 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. February 6, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Viña La Rosa La Capitana Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This is a big, crowd-pleasing Cab that offers terrific value for money. The nose has sweet caramel, brown sugar and coffee bean aromas with black fruit notes taking a back seat to the oak. On the palate it’s dry, full bodied with concentrated fruit flavours coming to the fore, particularly cassis and blueberry as well as some chocolate notes. It’s soft textured with mild acidity. My note: Absolutely terrific! Double wow! Juicy, generous, fleshy plums and blackberries are followed by lovely smoke and dark spices on the finish. Sit back, close your eyes and take another sip. 68429 14.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. February 20, 2010 Full Review

Caliterra Tributo Single Vineyard Carmenère 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile: A toasty, oaky, full-bodied red wine with big black fruit and juicy mouth-filling flavours that's bound to stand out in any comparison tasting. However, on its own it's wanting for a little more nuance. Nonetheless, it's a great don't-analyze-it-just-quaff-it kind of wine. Pair with hamburgers. Drink: 2013-2016. 56630 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 87/100. November 15, 2014 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Montes Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Grassy great!! Want lawnmower satisfaction ... cut the lawn without cutting the lawn. Love it! OTHER: The 2013 Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Aconcagua Valley from the coastal and northern zone of Zapallar, seven kilometers from the sea, which provides freshness. It's a powerful wine, with pungent aromas extracted from the skin for some seven months contact, with a mineral feeling, akin to a Sancerre, serious and austere, with gooseberries, tomato leaves, ending again mineral and saline. This is a superb Sauvignon Blanc. The vines were planted in 2006 and the first harvest bottled was 2011. Experiment with iodine-rich seafood, like sea urchin. Uhhhmmm! Drink now-2017. Score - 91 (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, June 2014) Drink: 2013-2016. 389643 12.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Viña Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2012, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Lots of oak, violets and fresh earth on the nose of this Chilean red wine. It opens up with cherry berry notes on the palate. Medium-bodied and smooth. Try with veal. Drink: 2013-2017. 389213 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review

Santa Ema Amplus Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Chile: Minty and savoury blackberry and cassis on the nose and palate of this vibrant, meaty Chilean red wine. Loaded with fleshy black plums, blueberries and nutmeg. Some smoke on the finish. Juicy, mouth-watering and smooth. Drink: 2013-2028. 76307 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. October 25, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Été Indien 2013, Brouilly, Beaujolais A.C., France: Made from 100% Gamay grapes, this vibrant French red wine is very dark pepper and spice on the nose. Then it opens to fleshy red cherries on the palate with a medium-bodied weight. Excellent quality and depth for Beaujolais. Drink: 2013-2016. 356964 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. October 25, 2014 Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Louis Jadot Combe Aux Jacques Gamay 2008, A.C., Beaujolais, France: A delightful Beaujolais with bright, happy notes of dancing cherries and tart field berries. Good grip and balance. Medium-bodied and imminently quaffable. Perfect for movie night. 5918 12.50% D 375 mL  $9.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Darting Kabinett Dürkheimer Nonnengarten Gewürztraminer 2012, Deutscher Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany: Green and white melon spring sweetness, absolutely lovely! Layers of viscous richness and apricot preserves. Drink: 2013-2019. 789628 10.50% S 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 93/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review

Giavi Conegliano Valdobbiadene Brut Superiore Prosecco, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Toasty and mouth-filling with freshly baked bread cooling on a country kitchen window. Perfect for shellfish. Drink: 2016-2019. 209569 11% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 8, 2017 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Zenato Chiaretto Bardolino 2008, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Always a pleasure, this light pink rosé is a delightful and easygoing wine that’s perfect for sharing over a casual meal or conversation. Using the same grape varieties as nearby Valpolicella, it’s bright and fruity with strawberry, raspberry and subtle floral notes. Dry, light and refreshing, it’s delicious. Incidentally, the term Chiaretto means “neither red nor white”, referring, of course, to the wine’s lovely pink hue. My note: A very pretty pink! Lovely aromas of field strawberries warming themselves on a summer’s day. Light yet packed with flavour. Very versatile with food. 45203 12% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 88/100. February 6, 2010 Best Value Rosé. Full Review

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese 2006, D.O.C. Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy: A generously ripe and flavorful wine with aromas of dark red fruit, smoke, and plums. Polished tannins with a layered texture. Decant for 1-2 hours. This is the half bottle size. I have also reviewed the full 750 ml size. Drink: 2008-2012. 9423 13% XD 375 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 31, 2009 Full Review

Terredora Lacryma Christi Del Vesuvio Rosso 2005, Campania, Italy: This wine is made from the Piedirosso grape and is named according to this story: God cried when he found that the Gulf of Naples, a corner of heaven, had been claimed by Lucifer. Where his tears fell, vines grew to produce this Lacryma Christi (tears of Christ) wine. I love a good story! Fortunately, the wine is good too. The vines grew in the volcanic soils of Vesuvio and as a result, the wine displays intense black raspberry, pepper, clove and graphite notes. A good tannic grip feels like a firm moral backbone. Praise be for this wine! Drink: 2008-2014. 93088 13% XD 750 mL  $22.75 Score: 90/100. February 14, 2009 Full Review

Morgante Nero D’Avola 2006, I.G.T. Sicilia, Estate Btld., Sicily, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Without a doubt, Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s best-known and most widely planted native black grape. Nero d’Avola takes well to barrel maturation, and expresses wild plum and dark chocolate aromas, with firm tannins and lively acidity surrounding the fruit. It is also valued in blends (especially with international varieties) for contributing intense color, full body, fresh acidity and good tannins. My note: What a vibrantly beautiful wine. Rushes out to meet you from the glass with fleshy ripe cherries, spice and plum. Gorgeous palate with rich layers, silky tannins and a warm blackberry-infused finish. Terrific value. Drink: 2008-2015. 40816 14% XD 750 mL  $18.35 Score: 91/100. March 14, 2009 Full Review

Roggiano Morellino Di Scansano 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Rustic, robust, juicy and delicious! Amazing for the price. Perfect for pizza or lasagna. Bring it (to my house). Drink: 2014-2018. 946954 13.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Kim Crawford Merlot 2013, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: A robust, smooth New Zealand red wine, with fleshy black plums and some dark spice on the finish. Kim Crawford has that rare combination of being both popular with a wide swath of wine drinkers, and respected by even the pickiest connoisseurs. Finishes with black plum and a lick of spiced oak. Wonderful! Try it with grilled lamb or pork chops. Drink: 2014-2019. 680967 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 10, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Kim Crawford Merlot 2007, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium ruby, the nose offers blueberry, black cherry and earthy tones. It shows ripe and rich fruit flavors, but also some spicy and earthy nuances that are well-complemented by bright acidity. My note: A gorgeous Merlot to fall into - wrap yourself in it. Full-bodied with notes of plums, berries and vanilla. Drink: 2008-2012. 680967 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review

Wither Hills Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand: The grapes are also sourced from New Zealand's South Island. Grassy and herbal kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, with quivering lime vibrancy. Pure, fresh, with no oak. Bring me a mega big salad or a spinach quiche ... quickly! A racy finish with a lick of citrus zest. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2015. 919514 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Quinta De Cabriz Seleccionada Colheita 2011, Dão D.O.C., Portugal: This robust Portuguese red wine is smoky with black fruit aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and delicious. Perfect for parties and hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2013-2017. 247973 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Santa Vitória Versátil Branco Btld. By Herdade Da Malhada Chardonnay Arinto 2008, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal: Vintages Wine Panel: Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2009 Wine Masters Challenge. This unique wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Arinto (an indigenous Portuguese grape known for its zippy acidity and citrus notes). Aromas of green pear, lemon and honeydew melon jump from the glass, then spring to life again as flavours on the palate. The balance of Chardonnay’s creamy roundness with Arinto’s acidic tang is intriguing. My note: A full-bodied, buttery, oaky white with rich notes of apples, peaches and tree fruit. Lovely! 146142 13% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

KWV Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz Triptych 2006, W.O., South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: A fantastic value, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz is aged extensively in French oak barrels. Packed with blueberry, black cherry, mint and cedar aromas and flavors. My note: Gorgeous! I need to visit this winery and shake the winemaker's hand. Luxurious layers of black fruit and smoke. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 53124 14.40% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 25, 2008 Full Review

Graham Beck Brut Sparkling Wine Méthode Cap Classique, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: This South African sparkling wine is one of the best in the country and is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Graham Beck is known for superb technique and finesse when it comes to sparkling wines. Great value. Drink: 2016-2019. 593483 12% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. September 18, 2019 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Fairview Shiraz 2011, Coastal Region, Paarl W.O., South Africa: Smoky and savoury with cigar box and dried tobacco leaves along with blackcurrant and cassis. Robust, smooth and complex. Very well made. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013-2017. 626358 14% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

The Charge Tempranillo Garnacha 2006, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Robust, supple wine with black fruit highlights and a superbly dry finish. 166546 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. May 1, 2010 Full Review

Ramirez De La Piscina Crianza 2009, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Big-on black berries and wild tart woodland fruit with savoury cedar brush and garrigue and mystery. Meaty, and chompy. Drink with a fork. Great price. Steak please. Drink: 2013-2017. 383018 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Taja Reserva Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo Merlot 2003, D.O. Jumilla, Spain: This wine is made by the owners of the coveted Château Palmer in Bordeaux. It’s a blend of Monastrell (Mourvèdre), Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot. Terrific richness and depth. Aromas of juicy black plums, kirsch, pepper and dusty cigar box. Full-bodied with a good finish. Drink: 2008-2016. 243329 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. January 10, 2009 Full Review

Torres Penedes Cabernet Sauvignon/Gran Coronas 2006, Catalunya, Spain: A rich and deeply layered red with gorgeous notes of black plum, blackberry and mocha. Some dark pepper and spices with a coffee-infused finish. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Superb! Drink: 2009-2016. 36483 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. October 2, 2009 Full Review

Atalaya Almansa Monastrell Garnacha Tintorera 2007, D.O., Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: The relatively recent modernization of Spain’s wine industry has resulted in an explosion of thrilling and stylish wines from established regions as well as previously undiscovered ones such as Almansa. My note: A wine that makes you stop talking and look down at your glass and say, oh. Gorgeous layers of blackberry, violets galore, truffles (not the chocolate kind), and smoke. This wine is a blend of Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, and other red grapes, and was matured for eight months in French and American oak. Drink: 2009-2014. 132605 14% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Columbia Crest Winery Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: Lots of mocha, dark chocolate, coffee and espresso from very generous oak aging of this towering Washington red wine. Black plum and dark berry flavours emerge on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth. Polished tannins. Finishes with mocha and vanilla smoke. Pair with brisket. Drink: 2013-2017. 460154 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 20, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review