Ghost Pines Winemakers Blend Merlot 2011, California, United States: Mocha, dark chocolate and espresso on the nose from generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth with lots of layers of fleshy black plums. Try it tonight with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2016. 454876 13.90% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 90/100. September 12, 2013 Full Review

Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, California, United States: This is a long-time favourite wine of mine, and the bonus is that it's organic. Well-crafted with terrific structure and balance. Attractive aromas of cassis, blackberry and vanilla smoke. Terrific! Drink: 2010-2015. 342428 12.09% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 89/100. June 6, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Outstanding Organic Wine Full Review

Apothic Wine Apothic Red California 2009, California, United States: A round, plummy, medium-bodied blend of zinfandel, merlot and syrah grapes that delivers plenty of pleasure. Some mocha notes and a generous, mouth-filling smooth texture. Yum! Drink: 2011-2013. 234369 13% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. March 7, 2013 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Fumé Blanc 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States: Stunning lemon brightness pierces through the rich voluptuous texture of this wine like sunlight through a cloud. Gorgeous notes of Asian pear and green apples are wrapped in toasty oak for a long, satisfying finish. Fall-for-it smokiness gets you right into the glass, then your engulfed in lemon and lime essence that is supported by an underlying richness. Full-bodied and balanced. I terrific wine for the money. Drink: 2009-2015. 537639 13.60% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 92/100. June 25, 2011 Top-Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

J.Lohr Painter Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, California, United States: A terrific and full-bodied red... great price! Big, bold flavours of blackberry and black cherry. This wine was aged in French and American oak. Some toasted coffee aromas on the finish. Drink: 2009-2013. 219113 13% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 88/100. January 3, 2012 Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates 14 Hands Hot to Trot Red Blend Hot to Trot 14 Hands Vineyards Columbia Valley 2009, Washington, United States: Dynamite for the price! Simply wow. Smooth, full-bodied and packed with luscious dark plum and blackberry aromas. This wine takes its name from the time when wild mustang horses ran freely around the hills of eastern Washington State where this wine is made. Drink: 2010-2014. 226522 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 3, 2012 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Ravenswood Vinters Blend Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Juicy and generous with bright purple plum and black plum aromas. Blackberry on the finish. Smooth, not tannic, and full-bodied. Delightful. Drink: 2011-2014. 359257 13.60% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Beringer Stone Cellars Merlot 2009, California, United States: Plummy and juicy with loads of dark fruit flavour and character. Forget boring merlot, try this one. Perfect for pizza night. Drink: 2012-2015. 462473 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. June 22, 2012 Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Sledgehammmer Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, California, North Coast, United States: Lovely richness and texture with mocha-cappuccino on the nose. This followed by mouth-filling black plum, clove and black cherry that spans out on the palate like a peacock tail. Full-bodied and satisfying: nothing at all like getting hit over the head with sledgehammer. Drink: 2012-2015. 238733 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 22, 2012 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Foxglove Chardonnay 2010, Central Coast, United States: Lovely toasted hazelnut aromas wrap around vibrant green apple notes at the core of this terrific white. Full-bodied and generous yet refreshing and ultra-food-friendly. Highly recommended. Aging in stainless steel on its lees gives a richness and depth without heaviness. Drink with lobster in butter and melt into your senses. Drink: 2012-2017. 262022 13.90% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. January 5, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Liberty School Zinfandel 2009, Pasa Robles, California, United States: Glorious purple plums and blueberry notes. Succulent, smooth and full-bodied. Don't analyze, just drink it! Drink: 2012-2015. 41095 13.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 89/100. August 4, 2012 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Smoking Loon Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Lots of mocha and on the dark chocolate nose and finish from generous oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth with fleshy ripe black plums on the palate. Drink: 2012-2015. 272393 14% D 750 mL  $17.05 Score: 87/100. October 27, 2012 Full Review

Bold Vine Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, Lodi, United States: Like! If I were on Facebook, I would have hit that thumbs up button about 17 times now. Juicy and generous with black and purple plum aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and smooth. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2016. 281600 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. May 11, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, California, United States: Terrific wine for the money! Smoky with mocha and dark chocolate from lots of oak aging. Full-bodied and smooth with fleshy black plum aromas and flavours. Perfect with meaty pizzas. Drink: 2012-2014. 272393 14% D 750 mL  $17.05 Score: 88/100. September 12, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Lone Birch Pinot Gris 2012, Yakima Valley, Washington State, United States: A terrific taste experience for the money! Vibrant ripe pear and almond aromas. Gentle acidity, mouth-filling lusciousness and balance. Medium-bodied with a touch of sweetness that's perfect for medium curries and glazed ham. Unique: this will get you out of your white wine rut. Drink: 2013-2015. 324905 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. June 22, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

MacMurray Estate Vineyard Pinot Gris 2011, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Refreshing and dry: perfect for the deck or dock as an aperitif. Very food friendly for a range of dishes from salad to seafood. Aromas of melon, lemon and lime lift and refresh. There's a lovely Asian pear and hint of spice on the finish. The winemaker, Tasmanian native Susan Doyle, first made wine in the Yarra Valley, Australia where she also created fruit-forward, aromatic wines. This would be terrific with roast chicken. Drink: 2012-2014. 47787 14.40% D 750 mL  $20.75 Score: 90/100. August 3, 2013 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review