Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Yalumba always delivers! I love how they achieve brightness in even a dark full-bodied red. This one is simple gorgeous with layer after lapping layer of fleshy, round plums and berries. Perfect for movie night. 165811 14% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. May 15, 2010 Full Review

Pirramimma Shiraz 2006, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Honkin’ big! Packs a punch of black fruit flavour, smoke and oak. Very tasty! Spicy black plums, dried fruit and vanilla smoke on the finish. Well done Mr. Pirramimma Winemaker. Drink: 2011-2015. 987784 14% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Meaty core that touches deep pleasure centres. Dark berries and fleshy blackcurrants dive down into great depths of flavour. Perfect for the power Australian crowd… many of them are my friends. Drink: 2011-2018. 984021 14.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Gorgeous aromas of fleshy cherries with a luxuriously silky texture. This is Canadian Pinot Noir at its very best. Some dark spices and black raspberry on the finish. Outstanding effort. Serve it to friends and then reveal it's from BC. Drink: 2010-2016. 585760 14% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. May 15, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review

Road 13 Vineyards Rockpile 2008, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada: Mocha-dark nose with rich layers of fleshy blackberries and blackcurrants. An espresso-infused finish. Lovely! Drink: 2010-2015. 78915 14.20% D 750 mL  $35.70 Score: 92/100. April 26, 2010 Full Review

Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: Incredible texture that unfolds like velvet in your mouth. Lovely dark berry and plum notes with some dark spices. Old World balance and structure with New World fruit and concentration. A classic, benchmark wine. Drink: 2012-2028. 315176 14.50% D 750 mL  $69.95 Score: 96/100. February 19, 2011 Favourite Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Concha Y Toro Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007, Limarí Valley, Chile: Stunning! Hazelnut, green apple and a little butter and toast. So seductive. This is my kind of chardonnay. Full-bodied but supremely balanced. Drink: 2011-2015. 162040 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

Domaine De La Colline Saint-Jean Vieilles Vignes, Alazard Père Et Fils Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France: Vibrant, fleshy black cherries on the nose followed by a deeper, richer black cherry liqueur in the mouth. Rich, full-bodied and glorious. This wine comes from a 37-acre vineyard of 80-year-old Grenache and Syrah vines. It’s aged in cement tanks to preserve fruit freshness. Seduction in a glass. Drink: 2011-2020. 155499 14.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

Domaine Puig-Parahy Georges Carignan Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Côtes De Roussillon, Midi, France: A blend of Carignan, Grenache and a little Syrah. Fantastic peppery, blackberry nose! Supple and full-bodied with a deep, dark concentration of flavour. Chewy tannins and a long, satisfying finish. I can’t believe how low the price is for this one. Drink: 2010-2015. 171025 14.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. May 1, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Laurus Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Giogondas, Rhône, France: Concentrated black cherry liqueur with a heart of blackberry jam. Powerful and deep. Can’t image a better barbecue wine … you’ll be talking past midnight as the embers fade. Drink: 2010-2016. 25880 14.50% XD 750 mL  $43.00 Score: 92/100. May 1, 2010 Favourite Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Domaine De Saint Siffrein Syrah Blend 2007, A.C.,Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Pure black cherry liqueur: dark, concentrated, supple and rich. A river of flavour flows over your mouth as you (somewhat wobbling) hold out your glass for a top up. It’s strong stuff but terrific. Drink: 2010-2022. 169771 14.50% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 95/100. June 12, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Le Vieux Donjon Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Big and bold with enticing and dazzling aromas of black cherry and cedar forest. A wine to draw you in and never let you go. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2010-2020. 700922 14% XD 750 mL  $80.00 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied. Full Review

Perrin & Fils Les Sinards Syrah 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: Come hither nose, with a warm embrace once you do hither over to the glass. Full-bodied, smooth and savoury with dark red fruit and a long finish. Superbly crafted, as are most wines from this producer who cares about every step. Terrific half bottles are hard to come by so stock for those nights when you’re on your own or when you and what’s his name just want a glass and a bit each. This is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection so you’re likely to find it in stock Drink: 2011-2020. 5975 14% XD 375 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

Laurence Féraud Selection Syrah 2007, A.C., Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhône, France: Rich, savoury and delicious with big dark red fruit aromas. There’s some band aid here (positive thing) and a long finish. A dark spice infused finish that lingers and lingers. Drink: 2011-2020. 211474 14.30% XD 750 mL  $42.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

Pierre Gaillard St. Joseph Syrah 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: Savoury, delicious and superbly balanced… in fact, fine-tuned for your drinking pleasure. Full-bodied and smooth with seductive black raspberries and cedar. This is a wine that slips onto your radar and then you find yourself buying it again and again until the store runs out of stock. Drink: 2011-2016. 194928 13% XD 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 91/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

Domaine La Croix Belle Cuvée Syrah 2008, Côtes De Thongue, Midi, France: A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Syrah du Monde wine competition. Stunningly great value for this ultra-delicious, full-bodied red! Gorgeous notes of black plums and mocha. Round and supple: wow. Perfect party wine. 160150 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Ascheri Moscato D'asti 2008, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: So, so lovely! Orange blossom, tangerine and fleshy peach preserves. Slight effervesce. Perfect after-dinner drink on a hot summer evening. 576768 5.10% M 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Quintarelli Primofiore Corvina Rondinella Molinara 2006, I.G.T., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: An exceptional blend of the Veneto trio: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Primofiore is packed with complex rich flavours of cherry, olives, exotic spices, and oak. Giuseppe Quintarelli designs this wine to be enjoyed much younger than most of his wines. There is a touch of Amarone added to this fresh blend for additional complexity before the wine begins its maturation in oak. My note: Stunning seduction! Fleshy cherry liqueur aromas followed up by mixed spices and ripe dark red fruit. Full-bodied and as smooth a velvet dress with a satin petticoat. I am undone. But before I faint top me up will you please? Drink: 2011-2018. 20867 13.50% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 95/100. March 5, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Meerlust Rubicon Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Stellenbosch, South Africa: A layered wine with Old World elegance and New World fruit. This red possesses aromas of black fruit and smoke. A towering structure holds peppered blackberry, cassis, cedar box and herbal notes. Classic styling. Incredible length and depth and aging potential. Truly one of South Africa's icon wines. Drink: 2010-2010. 64329 14% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 95/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Rustenberg Syrah 2008, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Mocha-rich, blackberry-smoke nose with mouth-watering flavours of clove, bacon and violets on the palate. Wow! This is a meaty, savoury wine but doesn't come off as heavy: terrific balance. Deep concentration of flavour with a lovely long finish. Make it a special occasion by opening this bottle tonight. This wine will be part of the Vintages October 2010 release. Drink: 2010-2016. 14.50% XD 750 mL  $25.00 Score: 91/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

De Toren Private Cellar Fusion V Cabernet Blend 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Cabernet sauvignon leads in this exquisite blend (55%) with classic Bordeaux styling. A satisfyingly chewy depth of flavour reveals blackberry, nougat, licorice and cigar box. This wine has it all in a sensory fusion: elegance, power, length and concentration. The wine was aged for 12 months in 50% new oak and 50% second fill, mostly French in a climatized barrel room at 16 degrees Celsius and 80% humidity. Polished tannins with a massive structure will give this red many years in the cellar. Drink: 2010-2010. 14.50% XD 750 mL  $45.00 Score: 93/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

De Toren Private Cellar Fusion V Cabernet Blend 2005, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Gorgeous Bordeaux-like structure and maturity. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and the traditional Bordeaux grapes. Tertiary aromas emerge such as violets, dried tobacco, herbs, leather and cigar box. Superb! Drink: 2010-2018. 14.50% XD 750 mL  $45.00 Score: 93/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

De Toren Private Cellar Fusion Z Merlot Cabernet 2006, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Wow! Richly layered with Bordeaux structure and balance. The power and vitality of South African fruit. Merlot is 47% of the blend, with Cabernet France 27% and Cabernet Sauvignon 10%. Lushly ripe blackberries and black raspberries tumble across your mouth wrapped in a smoky finish. A wine to remember. Drink: 2010-2016. 14.50% XD 750 mL  $30.00 Score: 93/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Delheim Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Elegant and balanced with lots of delicious blackberry and cassis aromas. Full-bodied yet supple. Superb effort! Drink: 2010-2016. 35394 14% XD 750 mL  $30.00 Score: 92/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Made from grapes on trellised old vines. A classic style with blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant. Full-bodied, complex, deep and long. Some cigar box and violets on the finish. Drink: 2010-2018. 14% XD 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 92/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Spier Wines Private Collection Pinotage 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa: This wine has spectacular dark fruit with great concentration. It was aged 18 months in French oak which gives it a toasty richness and smoky finish. Lovely! Drink: 2010-2014. 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 93/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Spier Wines Private Collection Shiraz 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Spicy and racy with exciting aromas of rich dark plums and a cinnamon finish. Full-bodied and supple. Exotic and bewitching. A modern European style with more savoury than sweet fruit. Drink: 2010-2015. 15% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 92/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Amani Vineyards Pinotage 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa: This wine has a luxurious palate weight, loaded with peppered raspberries, black cherry, licorice and mocha spice. A smoky, velvet plum heart slowly emerges. Drink: 2010-2018. 14% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 94/100. May 13, 2010 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Amani Vineyards Cabernet Franc Merlot 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa: This wine is a blend of cabernet franc and merlot that’s a savoury mix of blueberries, coffee and graphite. The nose is on the move, changing now from blackberries to darker, tarry notes. Cabernet franc gives tannin weight and structure; merlot imparts plushness and fleshiness to the wine. 14.50% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 93/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Kleinood Syrah Viognier Mourvèdre 2006, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Classic styling and lovely balance in this full-bodied red with aromas of dark berries and other fruit. Terrific long finish. Drink: 2010-2016. 14% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 92/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Rust En Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Classic Cabernet styling with dark berry and cassis aromas. Stunning depth, length and power. This is a wine that will keep well in the cellar. Drink: 2010-2020. 14% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 93/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009, Hemel-En-Aarde, Hermanus, South Africa: Decadently rich, ripe cherries with velvet wrap-around tannins. A sumptuous wine to dive into head first. Drink: 2010-2018. 13.85% XD 750 mL  $44.00 Score: 95/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Newton Johnson Syrah 2007, Walker Bay, Hermanus, South Africa: A luxurious wine of liquid black plums that roll down a velvet carpet of violets. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple with a long finish. Drink: 2010-2018. 14% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 93/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir 2008, Hemel-En-Aarde, Hermanus, South Africa: Silky and seductive with fleshy ripe cherries, violets, fresh earth. Power and elegance meet in this wine with great length. Drink: 2010-2016. 983031 14% D 750 mL  $63.00 Score: 94/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Boschendal 1685 Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Stellenbosch, South Africa: A fresh herbal character from a cooler vintage than 2008. Lots of lime, lemon and chives here. Terrific! 13% XD 750 mL  $16.00 Score: 90/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Reyneke Wines Reserve White Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Stellenbosch, South Africa: This wine spent 16 months in barrel and offers lovely floral, citrus and stone fruit aromas. Perfectly balanced with incredible depth and intensity and a long quince-infused finish. Drink: 2010-2016. 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 94/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Fairview Viognier 2010, Stellenbosch, South Africa: Fairview Wine Estate was the first in South Africa to plant Viognier about ten years ago. This lovely white was partially aged in oak barrels, which gives the wine added creaminess and texture along with aromas of passion fruit, white peach, Asian pear and smoke. It has a gorgeous full-bodied weight that ends in a satisfying long finish. Drink: 2010-2016. 906487 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.00 Score: 92/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Juicy, perfect Cal Zin. This family has Zinfandel in their veins. This Zin has lovely blackberry-rich layers with dark spices. 942151 14.80% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. May 1, 2010 Full Review

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2008, California, United States: Classic, textbook Cal Zin in all its glory! Drop-to-your-knees ripe brambleberry, blackberry and blueberry with coffee-dark chocolate weave. Supple and full-bodied. Someone fire up the barbecue … now! 719211 15% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 1, 2010 Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Some wines you adopt as your own perhaps because you recall where you were (and who you were with) when you first tried them and they knocked your socks off. This is such a wine for me: I really have a soft spot for it. It’s supple, satin with gorgeous ripe cherries and berries. Extraordinary length: almost as long as my memory of that first bottle seven years ago. Drink: 2011-2015. 719435 13.90% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review