Minervois 2010, A.C., Midi, France: Black as night and just as mysteriously exciting. Full-bodied with layers of black velvet to caress your senses and imagination. Pair with hearty meat dishes and hearty love affairs. Drink: 2012-2016. 17764 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 27, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Louis Bernard Gigondas 2010, A.C., Rhône, France: Yum! Juicy and loaded with purple and black plums and fleshy blackberries. Yet there's structure, finesse and a long finish. Some kind of wonderful. Drink: 2012-2017. 222596 14% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. October 27, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Château Bonnin Pichon 2008, A.C., Lussac St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: Bargain Bordeaux at this price. Black fruit, smoke with full-body. Short finish: for immediate pleasure. Drink: 2012-2014. 280008 13.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 87/100. October 13, 2012 Full Review

Château Teyssier Meritage 2009, A.C., Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France: This is a savoury and rich blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc grapes. Deep and complex with concentrated dark red berry and cassis flavour, smoke, dried herbs and violets. A staggeringly great price for Bordeaux of this quality. Decant 2 hours. Cellar keeper. Drink: 2013-2019. 226035 13.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 93/100. February 16, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

La Vendimia Palacios Remondo Tempranillo 2011, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Hauntingly savoury and delicious. Must be a typo on the price for such quality. Full-bodied and smooth with incredible texture. From the hands of a master. Drink: 2012-2016. 674564 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 27, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review