Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut Sparkling White, South East Australia, Australia: Green apple fresh with zesty lime. Terrific bubbly for this price. Perfect for any large festive gathering. Drink: 2015-2017. 708290 11% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. April 15, 2015 Full Review

Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: This spectacular red wine manages to be both rich and deeply flavoured yet fresh and vibrant. How do they do that? Well, I'm not going to spend a lot of time trying to figure it out: let's just enjoy the fruits of their labour, shall we? A corridor of cool mint blackberry happiness breezes up from the glass. Full-bodied, supple and gulpable. You will want more so don't just buy one bottle. Great with hearty meat dishes. Love that this is a mature Shiraz: hard to find those on the market these days: offers an intriguing look at just how well superbly crafted Australian Shiraz can age. Drink: 2012-2017. 971705 13.50% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 94/100. December 12, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, Australia: Wow, what an aromatic nose on this Australian red wine! This Shiraz features toasty oak, fleshy blackberry and plum and mocha on the nose and palate. It's full-bodied, ultra-smooth and mouth-filling. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2013-2019. 477801 14% D 750 mL  $23.05 Score: 92/100. April 18, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Heartland Stickleback Red 2012, South Australia, Australia: This Ben Glaetzer wine delivers amazing quality and taste for the money. Redolent of big black plums and lots of mouth-watering acidity on the palate. Great wine for hearty meat dishes. Finishes with black pepper and smoke. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2017. 116574 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 1, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

McWilliams Hanwood Estate Shiraz 2013, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Excellent value for this Australian Shiraz! Toasty oak and black fruit on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and smooth. Pair with meat lovers' pizza tonight. Drink: 2013-2016. 610683 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. February 1, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Benjamin Bridge Méthode Classique Brut Reserve 2008, Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: I dare you to take the blind bubbly test with this wine and a top cuvee from Champagne. You'll be hard-pressed to tell the difference in quality; only the Nova Scotia zest and signature might give away Benjamin Bridge. Truly this wine is a remarkable achievement from one of Canada's best producers of the genre, in a terrific vintage. Winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers crafts this sparkling wine using the traditional method of the second fermentation in the bottle, just as they do in the Champagne region of France. They also use the same grapes in their blend: Pinot Noir (39%) and Chardonnay (61%). The grapes for this Nova Scotia cuvee are all estate grown and hand-harvested in October 2008 at 18.2 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, which are cropped at severely low levels to create great depth and complexity in flavour and phenolic ripeness. Seductive aromas of complex notions of toasted bread (bannock) cooling in on a NS seaside kitchen window with fresh apples rolling across the palate from a nearby sun-dappled Annapolis Valley orchard. There's a crisp snap and tang on the finish, like dipping your sun-warmed senses into the Atlantic Ocean. Close your eyes an enjoy this with a lazy afternoon. 275396 11.50% XD 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 95/100. February 1, 2015 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood 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

Southbrook Vineyards Connect Red 2013, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario VQA, Canada: This Niagara red wine blend is made from 100% organically grown grapes by Southbrook Vineyards. It's the budget brand for the winery, but still delivers at its price point. Aromas of tart cherries and new earth. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2013-2016. 249565 12.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. February 1, 2015 Full Review

Vieni Estates Aglianico 2011, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada  368233 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95. February 1, 2015 Full Review

Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2012, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Henry of Pelham does Baco Noir right: this is best of class. Brooding aromas of black and purple plum, blackberries and blueberries wrapped in smoke. Supple and full-bodied. The 2012 vintage was another strong one for Ontario producers, and especially this winery. Well-structured with a solid finish. Try it tonight. The vines for this Baco Noir wine were planted in 1984, have very low yields and then the wine is matured for 18 months in oak. Could this be the ultimate hamburger wine? I think so as this wine won the beef category for The Great Canadian Wine Match people's choice awards last year. Drink: 2014-2018. 461699 13.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. July 11, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Syrah 2012, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Very seductive Chilean red wine that pulls you head first into the glass. Made from the sexy supple Syrah grapes with savoury edge, this wine has everything. Drink: 2014-2018. 995092 14.50% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. February 1, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Savoury, mouth-watering and complex: this Italian red wine delivers. Made from the classic Tuscan grape of the Chianti region, Sangiovese, this wine offers aromas of sun-dried tomato, dark, tart cherry and earth. Perfect for meaty pasta dishes. Drink: 2014-2018. 45195 13.50% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 91/100. October 31, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Oyster Bay Brut Cuvée Sparkling, Marlborough, New Zealand: Toasty and vibrant with green apple. Zesty refreshment. The winery sources the grapes for this fine Chardonnay-based sparkler throughout New Zealand and they use the Charmat method to preserve its vibrant fruit freshness. Clink! Drink: 2013-2015. 238195 12% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 90/100. February 1, 2015 Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

Durbanville Hills Shiraz 2011, South Africa, South Africa  22269 14% XD 750 mL  $11.95. February 1, 2015 Full Review

Beronia Reserva Tempranillo 2009, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Smoky with dark fruit, toasty oak and cigar box. Full-bodied and earthy. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2013-17. 50203 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 1, 2015 Full Review

Alceño 12 Meses Monastrell 2011, Jumilla D.O., Spain: Terrific for the price: full-bodied, smooth and supple. Aromas of black toasted fruit, smoky oak from generous oak aging. Pair with pepperoni pizza. Drink: 2013-2018. 398925 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 87/100. May 15, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Fifty Shades Of Grey Red Satin 2011, California, United States: No mention of the book that inspired this wine, but no matter. This wine stands on its own without being propped up (or loosely bound). Lots of black fruit, dark spice and leather on the nose. Pairs with ... juicy, fleshy red meats of course. Drink: 2013-2016. 00086828305008 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. February 1, 2015 Full Review

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: This blockbuster Californian red wine needs more cellar time: it's just a baby, but a bruiser. Full-bodied, complex and layered with aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, dried herbs, tobacco leaves and cigar box. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with rare filet mignon. Wow. Drink: 2016-2023. 232371 14.40% D 750 mL  $67.95 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California, United States: Smoky campfire goodness with mocha from the oak agings. Warm and satisfying, full-bodied with coffee, espresso and black fruit. Pair with a juicy steak. Drink: 2013-2015. 392647 14% D 750 mL  $19.00 Score: 88/100. February 1, 2015 Full Review

Apothic Wine Apothic Red California 2013, California, United States: Mocha and dark chocolate on the nose and palate of this smooth, full-bodied Californian red wine. Generous and toasty oak with fleshy black plums. Finishes with a kick of chocolate and smoke. Pair with grilled hamburgers. Drink: 2013-2016. 234369 13% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 87/100. February 1, 2015 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Sonoma County, United States: Mocha and cedar brush on the nose of this attractive, full-bodied, supple Californian red wine. The palate continues on a savoury note, with some smoke and wild blackberry. Beautifully balanced. Great value for this price. Drink: 2013-2018. 292151 13.50% XD 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 90/100. February 1, 2015 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: A balanced, elegant Californian Cabernet at a reasonable price. Classic aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Pair with hamburgers or steak. Mocha and savoury, meaty note with blackcurrant and cassis. Very dry, deep and long. Drink: 2014-2018. 135145 14% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 90/100. August 8, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Franciscan Chardonnay 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Loaded with butter, butterscotch, caramel, and toffee-vanilla from generous oak aging. Full-bodied and luscious with fleshy peach emerging on the palate. Finishes smoky. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2014-2017. 496125 13.50% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 88/100. September 5, 2015 Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review

Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: A full-bodied Californian Cabernet with a long life ahead of it. Give this one some more cellar time, then decant 1-2 hours when you open it. Aromas of black fruit, violets, cigar box and smoke. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2020. 39388 13.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. April 15, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Simi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States Drink: 2013-2018. 25221 13.50% XD 750 mL  $31.95. March 5, 2011 Full Review