Ampakama Casa Montes Syrah 2008, San Juan, Argentina: Deep, rich and plush with amazing depth of flavor. Syrah is a specialty of the San Juan Valley and it shows in this wine. Some spicy notes with roses and black fruit. Good grip with the tannins so decant 1-2 hours. 14% XD 750 mL  $10.00 Score: 90/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Kaiken Icon Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: This as yet unnamed flagship wine for Kaiken is breath-taking in it's scope and depth. It's made by blending Malbec grapes from different vineyards that the estate owns. Classic, deep, rich and redolent of dark fruit and smoke. A wine for collectors. 14% XD 750 mL Score: 95/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Painted Rock Estate Winery Ltd. Syrah 2007, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Dark spices and pepper give way to a black plummy heart and dark berries. Very intriguing core to this wine. A peppered finish. Drink: 2009-2030. 673285 14.50% D 750 mL Score: 90/100. December 1, 2009 Full Review

Como Sur Single Varietal Merlot 2007, Chile, Chile: Made from a blend of merlot 85%, cabernet sauvignon 10%, syrah 3%, malbec 2% grapes. A full-bodied, purple plummy wine with lip-smacking ripe goodness. Closed with a screwcap. 457176 13.50% D 750 mL  $9.90 Score: 85/100. April 22, 2008 Full Review

Carmen Reserva Pinot Noir 2010, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Stunningly great for the price and for pinot noir. I haven't tasted a pinot at this price this good. Silky texture with a medium body. Fleshy ripe and some tart cherries. Lovely! Drink: 2012-2013. 570648 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.00 Score: 89/100. June 22, 2012 Full Review

Chateau De Pressac 2003, Grand Cru, France: A full-bodied wine with big oaky and plum notes. Drink: 2012-2020. 0 13% XD 750 mL Score: 92/100. March 15, 2008 Full Review

Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Stellenbosch, South Africa: A pleasant, simple and robust cabernet sauvignon with notes of cassis and black fruit. 665323 13% D 750 mL  $9.65 Score: 85/100. December 4, 2007 Full Review

Ubuntu Shiraz 2006, South Africa, South Africa: A simple and delicious red with ripe plums and blackberries. Smooth and full-bodied. 665281 13.70% XD 750 mL  $9.95 Score: 85/100. December 4, 2008 Full Review

Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Western Cape, South Africa: Big oak and mocha on the nose followed by simple, full-bodied black fruit on the palate. Could be your new best friend. Closed with a screwcap. 665323 13%  750 mL  $8.95 Score: 85/100. March 24, 2009 Full Review

Tapena Tempranillo 2008, Spain, Spain: Rustic but delicious with cedar-spiked blackberries. Brooding and dark. 72942 12.80% XD 750 mL  $9.95 Score: 85/100. December 1, 2009 Full Review

Gallo Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, California, United States: Exceptional value for the money! Rich, full-bodied and smooth with terrific aromas of cassis and blackberry. Velvet smooth. Yum! 223552 13.10%  750 mL  $7.95 Score: 87/100. December 1, 2009 Full Review