Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich and fleshy black and purple plum aromas and flavours. Round, full-bodied and luscious. Very accessible, great party wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 17111 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. December 8, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Barossa Valley Estate Moculta Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A gorgeous red, especially for fans of the cult favourite E&E Black Pepper Shiraz, its parent. Love the layers of dark fruit flavour here. Savoury, juicy goodness through and through. Drink: 2012-2016. 263707 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz 2007, Australia, Australia: Rich and luscious with terrific intensity. A core of black cherry runs through the heart of this dark wine. Ultra-satisfying and hedonistic. Drink: 2012-2016. 719575 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied with big black fruit... A smoky, dried fruit finish. Luscious layers of flavour. Drink: 2012-2015. 98392 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 88/100. February 18, 2012 Full Review

Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Vineayard Selection Block 27 Carmenère 2008, Peumo Vineyard, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile: Superb! Full-bodied with layers of black fruit, toasty oak, violets and a lick of dark spices. Very complex and satisfying. Drink: 2012-2018. 562892 14.50% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. March 3, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec Champagne, Champagne, Reims, France: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was just 27 when her husband died of a malignant fever leaving her with the winery and an eight-year-old daughter in 1805. Her aggressive export strategy to Russia during the Napoleonic wars earned her the top spot in that market for decades. This particular bubbly has a touch of white peach and tangerine sweetness that makes it perfect for glazed ham and chocolate-dipped strawberries. 38307 12.50% M 750 mL  $70.00 Score: 92/100. February 18, 2012 Full Review

Chateau De Sancerre Cuvee Du Coonectable, Marnier Lapostolle Sancerre 2008, A.C., Loire, France: Love this! Halzelnuts and almonds on the nose followed by some of the juciest, most mouth-watering flavours of white peach, green apple and Asian pear I've tasted. Get a case! Drink: 2012-2017. 3018300017298 13.50% XD 750 mL  $25.00 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2012 Full Review

Réserve Du Crouzau St. Gervais Foncalieu 2010, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Stunning for the price! Full-bodied and richly layered and smooth with lots of fleshy black fruit and some smoke on the finish. Awesome party wine. Drink: 2012-2016. 142943 15.10% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. December 8, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Perrin & Fils Réserve Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2010, Côtes du Rhône A.C., France: Lovely! Not too oaky or fruity... Just a delicious blend of earth and sunshine. Full-bodied with layers of Asian pear and a hint of smoke. Drink: 2012-2015. 499509 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 18, 2012 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Masseria Felicia Ariapetrina 2009, Italy Drink: 2016-2018.  13% D 750 mL  $29.99. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Tenuta Di Sesta Tenuta Di Sesta Brunello Di Montalcino Sangiovese 2010, Montalcino, Italy Drink: 2017-2019.  13% D 750 mL  $58.00. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2002, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Lots of oak balanced by fleshy ripe black fruit. Full-bodied, mouth-watering juicy with a great finish. Smoky and toasty. Yum! Drink: 2004-2010. 590414 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 24, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand: Stunning! Smoky cherries open up to a sensory world of berries and spices. So lovely. Medium-bodied and silky smooth. Drink: 2012-2016. 55228 13.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Quinta Do Infantado Ruby Port, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: Smokin! Especially for this price. Rich and layered with lots of pleasure. Dark berry jam and happiness. Drink: 2012-2018. 979898 19.50% MS 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012 Best Value Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review

Landmark Grand Detour Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Incredibly plush and cherry-soaked wine with layers of lovely come-back-to-me longing. Full-bodied but not heavy. Ultra-satisfying and seductive. Drink: 2012-2016. 737890 14.50% D 750 mL  $41.95 Score: 93/100. February 18, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Opus One Meritage 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Just a baby: give this one cellar time. Classic, robust, complex and deep with black fruit and toasty oak. Drink: 2014-2020. 158063 14.50% XD 750 mL  $399.95 Score: 95/100. March 17, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Dark chocolate and coffee lead on the nose. There's dark fruit and smoke on the finish. Full-bodied and supple. Drink: 2012-2015. 222877 14.50% D 750 mL  $175.10 Score: 90/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: This wine makes me wonder why I don't drink more zinfandel. Its juicy and meaty with seductive black cherry and berry fruit yet not over the top. I'd even call this wine elegant... Not an adjective usually associated with zinfandel, generally characterized as pure exuberance in a glass. A superb effort. Drink: 2012-2016. 942599 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 4, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Hitching Post Hometown Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Incredible freshness and vibrancy for a pinot with such high alcohol. Lovely cherries and spices and a long, satisfying finish. This was the winery featured in the movie Sideways ... No wonder Miles was a pinot fan! Drink: 2012-2015. 256644 14.10% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012 Full Review