Susana Balbo Signature Dominio Del Plata Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: Blueberry-blackberry pie aromas on the nose with enticing dark spices and smoke. Full-bodied, supple and smooth. Pair with roast beef or prime rib. Great price. Highly recommended. A terrific wine for the holidays, whether to give or to get. Drink: 2013-2018. 79798 14.50% XD 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 92/100. June 27, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Clos de los Siete 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Black pepper and fleshy black plum aromas on the nose of this blockbuster Argentine red wine, with some cassis and dark spice on a long finish. Layered, complex and deep, like math, but without the work. This red hails from one of Argentina's top producers. This wine benefits from the guidance of the famous consulting winemaker Michele Rolland. Pair this wine with asada (Argentine-style barbecued meats). Wow. Drink: 2013-2018. 622571 14.50% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Pirramimma Katunga Gts 2012, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Juicy and vibrant with black and purple liqueur aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth. Deeply concentrated and rich with layered complexity through the palate. Lots of toasty, smoky oak that's in balance with the luscious fruit. This wine cries out for hearty meat dishes, and for you to top up your glass. Stunning complexity, depth and finish in this towering Australian red wine. Drink: 2013-2018. 203174 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Heartland Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia: Love the nose of black cherry liqueur and mysterious dark spices that draw you head first into the glass of this robust Australian Shiraz. The palate opens up with fleshy ripe black fruit and smoke. This is such a lively, full-bodied red that's smooth and ready to drink now. Try it with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2017. 661934 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 25, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

The Funk Wagon Gsm 2011, Barossa, Australia: Produced by Keller Meister, this smoky, savoury, toasty, delicious Australian red wine is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre) at an amazingly great price. Notes of black fruit and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2013-2017. 400465 14.50% XD 750 mL  $16.30 Score: 89/100. June 5, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada Drink: 2017-2019. 145094 13% XD 750 mL  $13.95. March 3, 2017 Full Review

Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is grassy-good with refreshing herbals aromas. Oak-free and pure, fresh Chilean white wine. Crisp aromas of lime and grapefruit merge on the palate followed by a clean finish. Solid craftsmanship here. Try it with spinach quiche or shellfish. Drink: 2013-2015. 974717 12.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. November 22, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Maipo Valley, Chile: This Chilean red wine has an intense and aromatic nose of mint and blackberry with plush fleshy plums on the palate. Nicely balanced with full-bodied goodness. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine are sourced from Santa Rita’s estate vineyard in Alto Jahuel. Great structure and a good grip on the palate. Decant 1-2 hours. Finishes with dark spices. Pair with meat lamb and rosemary. Drink: 2012-2018. 460170 14% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 2, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Casas del Bosque Reserva Carmenère 2012, Rapel Valley, Chile: Extraordinary for the money! Wow. Aromas of fleshy back fruit, toasty oak and plush, plush berries. So good. Drink: 2013-2018. 205872 14.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. November 8, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

San Pedro 1865 Carmenere 2011, Maule Valley, Chile: Wow, this single vineyard Carmenere rocks! Carmenere is arguably the flagship red wine of Chile. It has it all: concentrated, rich black fruit flavours and depth, yet it's supple and smooth with a long finish. Velvet on the palate, lingering in the mind. This robust red wine finishes with notes of cassis and dried tobacco. Great balance and depth. Try it with a rack of lamb tonight. Highly recommended. Drink: 2012-2017. 249201 14.50% D 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 93/100. October 11, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Domaine De Vieille Fontaine Vidal-Fleury 2012, Côtes Du Rhône Villages A.C., France: Terrific value for the price! Peppery and robust with layers of forest blackberries and black raspberry. Great party wine for those on any budget. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2014-2018. 393215 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. November 8, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Château La Bourrée Meritage 2009, A.C., Côtes De Bordeaux, Castillon, France: Exceptional for the price! Full-bodied with black fruit and some toasty oak. Fairly smooth but decant for 1 hour. Great with steak. Drink: 2013-2015. 138800 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. November 22, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2012, Côtes De Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.C., France: Complex, mysterious and spectacular! Full-bodied, juicy, layered and smooth. Endless finish. I love the Braille label, plus the name includes a nice dose of Latin: perfect teacher's pet gift for end of the year (or perhaps now to lock in those 90s). Aromas of baked black fruit yet dry. So very delicious. Wish I knew the Latin phrase for that ... ultimum delici vinum! Taut, robust and ready to rock when you are! This full-on, take-me-on red wine has it all. Black fruit, smoke, mocha and dark spice on the finish, which is loooooooong. Drink: 2014-2020. 643239 14% XD 750 mL  $25.45 Score: 95/100. December 6, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Château De Pierreux Brouilly 2013, Beaujolais A.C., France: Liquid gorgeous! Full-bodied, rich and complex -- so let's just get over that stereotype now of Beaujolais being light and simple, shall we? Glorious rich black cherry flavours, dark spices and yet this is super satin, sexy in texture. Pair with grilled pork chops. Yum! Drink: 2013-2016. 5496 12.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Château De La Grave Caractère 2009, Côtes De Bourg, Bordeaux A.C., France: Very sexy Merlot on the nose and palate. Seductive aromas of fleshy black plums and blackberries with some clove dust mingling in between. Pleasingly grip yet it's velvet smooth. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with veal chops. Exceptional for the price. Note the vintage is 2009. Drink: 2014-2020. 224683 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. September 13, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Perrin & Fils L'andéol Rasteau 2011, Côtes Du Rhône-Villages A.C., France: Classic Rhone Valley red wine with signature aromas of black fruit, pepper, cedar smoke and dried herbs. Savoury and delicious with earthy rather than overtly fruity nuances. Decant 2 hours or cellar it.  Your choice; your aptitude for delayed gratification -- or not! Drink: 2013-2017. 976845 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. November 22, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Domaine De Grand Garant Le Vivier Fleurie 2013, Beaujolais A.C., France: Robust Beaujolais that has nothing to do style-wise with nouveau. Dark cherry and a core of sensuality in this medium-bodied, smooth, supple French red wine made from the Gamay grape. Drink: 2013-2017. 398404 12.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Château Floréal Laguens 2010, Premières Côtes De Bordeaux A.C., France  388314 13% XD 750 mL  $16.95. December 4, 2014 Full Review

Caprili Brunello Di Montalcino 2009, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This Italian red wine is slow to age, but as this is the 2009 vintage, it has come into its own. Seductive aromas of black fruit, wild violets, truffles and smoke. Full-bodied, very smooth and just the perfect amount of acidity for roast beef. Drink: 2014-2018. 14962 15% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 91/100. December 6, 2014 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Delightful! Full-bodied, juicy and tasty with attractive dark red berries and cedar smoke. Perfect for so many dishes with robust flavours. Drink: 2014-2018. 995704 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. August 30, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Folonari Valpolicella 2013, Veneto, Italy Drink: 2015-2019. 828 12% D 750 mL  $14.45. March 1, 2012 Full Review

The Grinder Pinotage 2013, Swartland W.O., South Africa: Love that coffee, espresso, mocha nose! You'll never forget it, or confuse it with anything. This full-bodied, delicious red wine is made from South Africa's signature (and quite distinctive) Pinotage grape, a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir. This wine is dry, but it finishes with delicious flavours of dark chocolate. Pair it with grilled meats, especially chary pork chops. Yum! Drink: 2014-2017. 572107 14% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 89/100. August 15, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2011, Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa: The 2011 vintage was a spectacular one for this winery. In particular, the Faithful Hound red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc grapes is greatly benefiting from Mulderbosch's new, dynamic winemaker, Adam Mason. As well, there's a new owner, American Charles Banks, and together they are creating a tremendous amount of energy, vision and great wine together. The Faithful Hound offers enticing aromas of black, smoky fruit and a savoury, mouth-watering core. Some cedar notes in the background and on the finish. Perfect for prime rib or a rare steak. Decant for 1 hour. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2019. 922443 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. December 6, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvée Brut Cava, Penedès D.O., Spain: A delightful, flavourful Spanish sparkling wine from one of the country's best producers. This is a fraction of the price of Champagne, and yet performs at that level. Crisp with lime lift and a long fresh finish. Drink: 2022-2024. 392548 12% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 94/100. November 4, 2023 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Seven Falls Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Wahluke Slope, Washington, United States: This is a terrific Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, especially for the price point! Mocha and dark chocolate aromas with black fruit. Chalky dry and full-bodied. Some black plum and berries on the finish. Great balance, with a deep red-garnet colour. Finishes with vanilla smoke. Drink: 2014-2018. 360222 14.50% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 90/100. May 30, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel 2011, Paso Robles, California, United States: Full-bodied with rich dark fruit and a complex structure. Not as sweet as many zins: more concentrated and complex. This muscular Zinfandel reflects the warmth and richness of Paso Robles in southern California. Lots of bold black cherry, pepper and spice. Sourced from grapes grown in the warm foothills of the arid vineyards studded with oak trees. Drink: 2013-2016. 31781 14.90% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 6, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: A luscious, medium-bodied, satin-smooth Oregonian Pinot Noir with classic aromas of fleshy ripe cherry and berry and some mocha. Racy acidity on the palate from this cool climate. Pair with grilled salmon. Drink: 2015-2020. 385757 13.50% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2015 Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Paso Creek Zinfandel 2012, Paso Robles, California, United States: Dark and brooding with Cab leanings in his plush Zinfandel. Black plums and dark berries. Smooth and supple, and delicious. Drink: 2013-2017. 279810 14.60% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 8, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review