Graffigna Centenario Grand Reserve Malbec 2008, San Juan, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A more restrained, refreshing style of Malbec from Argentina’s San Juan province. Deep ruby, with spicy plum, menthol, sour cherry, a hint of vanilla and coffee bean on the nose. Despite its elegance and fine tannins, it’s nonetheless substantial on the palate, with a medium-full body and good acidity, leading to a spicy, finessed finish. This intriguing style of Malbec still makes a fine partner for full-flavoured steaks and other red meat dishes, though it will also show nicely with somewhat lighter fare, such as grilled eggplant or sliced roast beef. My note: Juicy and generous with lovely aromas and flavours of rich fleshy black plums and berries. Love the texture on this wine! Drink: 2008-2013. 162149 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 6, 2011 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Susana Balbo Signature Dominio Del Plata Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Susana Balbo is one of Argentina’s best winemakers. She is talented and has great taste. Full-bodied, savory, rich and deep: this wine has it all. Fleshy dark fruit but something more exotic. Love it! Drink: 2011-2015. 79798 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Superb craftsmanship that weaves together seductive black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Love the incredible depth and concentration of flavour. Celebrate cashing out your Google stock, then buy some in Facebook when you can. Drink: 2011-2015. 660043 14.50% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 93/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

20 Bees Vidal Icewine 2005, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada  149757 10% S 375 mL  $27.95. November 21, 2008 Full Review

Painted Rock Estate Winery Red Icon Named Varietal Blends-Red 2009, Okanagan Valley, B.C. V.Q.A., Canada: This is a spectacular blend of Bordeaux grapes: 30% merlot, 29% cabernet franc, 25% cabernet sauvignon, 15% petit sirah, 1% syrah. A heavy-hitter that gets more refined every year. This vintage has the caged power of a tiger stalking back and forth behind bars... decant it and you'll taste that gorgeously savage energy and concentration. Loaded with dark fruit and toasty oak. This wine spent 18 months in 95% new French oak. Unleash your inner tiger and slake more than your thirst with this wine. Drink: 2012-2022. 284190 14.30% XD 750 mL  $85.00 Score: 97/100. October 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Old leather and band-aids: that’s a compliment believe it or not. Gorgeous and exotic and other worldly. Full-bodied with a tannic grip, but nothing that 2 hours’ decanting can’t handle. Could use more cellar time, if you can stand to wait. Drink: 2011-2016. 660746 14.50% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 93/100. May 14, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

KWV Kwv Chardonnay 2008, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: This is a big ol’ oaky chardonnay that I’ve come to love year after year. White and vanilla smoke in a comforting package. Like wearing your favourite jeans. Great price. Drink: 2009-2014. 328559 14.70% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Predator Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Yum, yum! Big fleshy blueberries and blackberries roll across your tongue. You want more. I’ll top you up. Full-bodied and so supple. It’s ready to go with you are. Bring it on with the barbecue. Drink: 2009-2015. 322957 15% XD 750 mL  $26.90 Score: 92/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review