Catena Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Catena Zapata is one of the best-known Argentina wineries for producing top quality wines. A magnificently rich, concentrated and plush wine without a trace of heaviness. Redolent of fleshy blackberries, cherries, fig and cassis. Excellent structure and balance with an incredibly long, coffee-tinged finish. 959965 14% XD 750 mL  $56.00 Score: 94/100. February 28, 2009 Favorite 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

Giacosa Fratelli Basarin Vigna Gianmaté Barbaresco 2007, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: One of the prettiest Barbarescos I've tasted in a long time, maybe ever. Red floral notes, spice and tart red fruit on the nose and palate. Juicy and mouth-watering, with full-bodied layers of pleasure. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2016. 291401 13.50% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Marziano Abbona Cerviano Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Amarone-like on the nose with concentrated black cherry liqueur and smoke. The palate unfolds with gorgeous layers of dark fruit flavour and complexity. This big beauty needs cellar time. Drink: 2014-2018. 295915 14% XD 750 mL  $47.95 Score: 94/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

The Chocolate Block Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Shiraz 2010, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Savoury, complex and delicious: wow! Cassis, blackberry and cedar forest. Meaty and enticing, full-bodied wonderful. Drink: 2012-2016. 129353 14.50% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Kistler Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma Mountain, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: One of Sonoma’s brightest stars, Kistler is a Chard specialist of the highest order. Expect this complex, robust, finely balanced wine to deliver great pleasure over the next 5+ years. My note: Superbly crafted Chardonnay with a generous dose of oak that makes this wine toasty warm. Wrapped in its core are green apple, peach and pear aromas. Truly outstanding. Drink: 2010-2016. 183921 14.10% D 750 mL  $69.95 Score: 94/100. November 27, 2010 Full Review