Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2010, South Australia, Australia: A vibrant, plummy red with a floral lift in the mid-palate from the viognier. Full-bodied, smooth and very berry-ripe. Drink: 2012-2017. 624494 13% XD 750 mL  $14.80 Score: 88/100. October 27, 2012 Full Review

Longview Yakka Shiraz 2010, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia  378539 14% XD 750 mL  $22.95. August 14, 2014 Full Review

Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2012, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Crisp and clean with notes of grapefruit and white melon. Medium-bodied and refreshing. Works as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2013-2015. 145094 12% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 3, 2014 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Benjamin Bridge Méthode Classique Brut 2008, Nova Scotia, Canada: The 2008 vintage of the Benjamin Bridge Brut is the best I've tasted yet from this winery, which is among Canada's best producers of sparkling wine. You're drinking the stars here. This bubbly is made using the traditional method of the second fermentation in the bottle, just as they do in the Champagne region of France. They also use two of the grapes, Pinot Noir (10%) and Chardonnay (8%), used in France in their blend, together with L'Acadie (42%) and Seyval (40%) to give a decidedly (and deliciously) Nova Scotia signature to the cuvee. All grapes are estate grown and hand-harvested in October 2008 at 17.9 brix and bottled in June 2009 after spending 5 years on the lees to add richness, creaminess and depth. The 2008 vintage had the ideal conditions of sustained cool weather moderated by the Bay of Fundy which allowed for slow and complex ripening of the grapes. Lovely aromas of lime citrus, fresh mint, and lemon brightness on the nose and palate with great replays of flavour. A long, toasty finish leaves you at the shoreline of this Atlantic bubbly longing for more. This wine dances in the glass like sunlight on the ocean, with just as much refreshing sea spray on the palate and senses. Pair with Atlantic lobster in melted butter and dockside daydreams. 415983 11.50% XD 750 mL  $45.00 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2015 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Benjamin Bridge Brut 2011, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: This Nova Scotia sparkling sets the trend for Canadian bubblies in style and elegance. The 2011 vintage of the Benjamin Bridge Brut is stunning. You're drinking the stars here. This bubbly is made using the traditional method (Methode Classique) of the second fermentation in the bottle, just as they do in the Champagne region of France. They also use two of the grapes, Pinot Noir (10%) and Chardonnay (8%), used in France in their blend, together with L'Acadie (42%) and Seyval (40%) to give a decidedly (and deliciously) Nova Scotia signature to the cuvee. All grapes are estate grown and hand-harvested in October and bottled in June after spending 5 years on the lees to add richness, creaminess and depth. The 2011 vintage had the ideal conditions of sustained cool weather moderated by the Bay of Fundy which allowed for slow and complex ripening of the grapes. Lovely aromas of lime citrus, fresh mint, and lemon brightness on the nose and palate with great replays of flavour. A long, toasty finish leaves you at the shoreline of this Atlantic bubbly longing for more. This wine dances in the glass like sunlight on the ocean, with just as much refreshing sea spray on the palate and senses. Pair with Atlantic lobster in melted butter and dockside daydreams. Drink: 2012-2020. 415983 11% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 93/100. July 8, 2017 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Benjamin Bridge Brut 2012, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: This Nova Scotia sparkling sets the trend for Canadian bubblies in style and elegance. The 2012 vintage of the Benjamin Bridge Brut is stunning. You're drinking the stars here. This bubbly is made using the traditional method (Methode Classique) of the second fermentation in the bottle, just as they do in the Champagne region of France. They also use two of the grapes, Pinot Noir (10%) and Chardonnay (8%), used in France in their blend, together with L'Acadie (42%) and Seyval (40%) to give a decidedly (and deliciously) Nova Scotia signature to the cuvee. All grapes are estate grown and hand-harvested in October and bottled in June after spending 5 years on the lees to add richness, creaminess and depth. The 2012 vintage had the ideal conditions of sustained cool weather moderated by the Bay of Fundy which allowed for slow and complex ripening of the grapes. Lovely aromas of lime citrus, fresh mint, and lemon brightness on the nose and palate with great replays of flavour. A long, toasty finish leaves you at the shoreline of this Atlantic bubbly longing for more. This wine dances in the glass like sunlight on the ocean, with just as much refreshing sea spray on the palate and senses. Pair with Atlantic lobster in melted butter or fresh seafood. Drink: 2013-2023. 415983 11% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 96/100. November 25, 2017 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Quinta Da Romaneira Touriga Nacional 2010, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: A medium-bodied, supple Portuguese red wine with nice length and elegance. I had expected more heft here. Aromas of small dark berries and a touch of smoke. Drink: 2014-2018. 385831 13% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 89/100. November 8, 2014 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Breca Old Vines Garnacha 2012, Calatayud D.O., Spain  122779 15% D 750 mL  $22.95. June 27, 2015 Full Review

Bodegas San Prudencio Depadre 2009, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain  379917 13.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95. November 15, 2014 Full Review

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: A stunning Californian Cabernet of incredible depth. A trophy wine that you should actually drink not just look at longingly as it gathers dust in your cellar. Dark red fruit, smoke, violet and cassis fill the glass. The winery that produces this blockbuster is gorgeous. The tannins are exceptionally well-integrated with the other elements of the wine, which will allow it to age gracefully for a long time. Decant 1-2 hours and enjoy with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2014-2025. 709881 14.50% XD 750 mL  $147.95 Score: 95/100. December 6, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review