Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Vignobles Jérôme Quiot Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Syrah Blend 2006, A.C., Rhône, Estate Btld., France: Seductive blend of black cherries in silky night-dress… slip right over your mouth and down the hatch. (Must be a more romantic word than hatch?) Gorgeous wine with full-bodied goodness and generosity. Terrific fruit extraction as they say in the wine snob circles. Use that phrase whenever you’re stuck. 983650 14.50% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 94/100. August 19, 2008 Favorite Red Wine. 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

Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet De Beaucastel Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Wildly delicious! This wine has it all: juicy, black cherry fruit, mouth-watering acidity, full-bodied weight yet it’s not heavy or hot. Fabulous balance and structure and so versatile with food. If you’re coming over, please bring a bottle of this with you please. Drink: 2010-2018. 48884 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 94/100. October 30, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied. Full Review

Pétalos Mencia 2007, D.O., Bierzo, Spain: A gorgeous wine that’s got it all: tasty, satisfying fruit, terrific structure, balance and length on the finish. Made 100% from the Mencia grape grown on vines that are 40 to 90 years old. Lovely aromas of blackberries, violets, bacon fat, hickory smoke. Silky, seductive, wonderful. 446484 15% D 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 93/100. October 24, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review