The Black Chook Shiraz Viognier 2019, South Australia, Australia: Love this full-bodied Shiraz and Viognier red wine blend. The Black Chook 2019 is floral on the nose with dark cherry, earthy, savoury herb, pepper and toasty oak spice flavours generous on the palate. Great food-friendly acidity to pair with BBQ beef ribs. Drink: 2023-2024. 66738 14.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. January 7, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Peter Lehmann Layers Shiraz Tempranillo Mourvèdre Grenache 2020, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: From the Peter Lehmann group, Layers 2020 is a unique blend of Shiraz, Tempranillo, Mourvèdre and Grenache, plushy and juicy with ripe red berry jam, plum, black cherry, cinnamon and black pepper spice long and vibrant on the palate. Pour with BBQ pork ribs and well-marbled ribeye steaks from the grill. The late Peter Lehmann, a.k.a. the Baron of the Barossa, was the first Australian wine industry figure to be appointed to the Order of Australia. Drink: 2022-2026. 138883 14.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. January 7, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 Sparkling 2020, Nova Scotia, Canada: Benjamin Bridge Nova NV sparkling wine is produced in the Charmat method. This is a crisp, medium-bodied and wild-ferment bubble produced from Muscat varietals, Vidal, Seyval and Geisenheim wine grapes, fresh and aromatic with floral and ripe apricot, orange zest and mineral aromas on the nose; the wine is off-dry with lime-lemon zest, mango, apricot, ripe apple on a soft and persistent mousse. Chill and enjoy with spicy sushi or fish tacos. The "Nova" is in reference to Nova Scotia where the wine is made and "7" is for it inaugural vintage in 2007. Drink: 2021-2023. 256289 6.50% M 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 92/100. January 7, 2022 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Featherstone Four Feathers 2020, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Featherstone Four Feathers 2020 is a great value, off-dry, medium-bodied Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc white wine blend under $15. An easy-to-enjoy-anytime white wine creamy with tropical fruit, ripe apple, lemongrass, ginger, fine herbs and citrus zest flavours finishing on a flinty mineral note. Nicely done and great value. Drink: 2021-2024. 341586 12% M 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. January 7, 2022 Best Value White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review

Benjamin Bridge Méthode Classique Brut Sparkling Rosé, Nova Scotia, Canada: A plushy, persistent sparkler with red berry, blanched almond, citrus zest and spicy flavours on the palate. Nicely done, versatile and fun to sip anytime. Drink: 2023-2025. 15688 12% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. November 18, 2023 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review

Château Bellevue La Forêt 2018, Fronton, Southwest A.P., France: From the southwest of France, a well-crafted blend of 55% Négrette, 20% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The Négrette wine grape appeared in the 12th century and was named "Mavro" (black) originally brought in from Cyprus by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Grapes are vinified separately and aged in large oak vats two years prior to bottling. This vintage is spicy and concentrated with dark plum, smoky earthy dried herbs and vibrant acidity for food. Drink: 2020-2025. 354134 12.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. January 7, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Château Saint-Roch Chimères Grenache Syrah Carignan 2018, Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.P., France: Produced by winemaker Jean-Marc Lafage, Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2018 is a dry, rich and full-bodied 40% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 30% Syrah red blend aged 14 months in a combination of concrete tanks and 600-litre oak barrels. On the palate the wine is juicy and supple with a mouthful of blueberry, cherry, olive and spicy flavours concentrated on the palate. Absolutely excellent value and overdelivers for the price. Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2024. 119354 15% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. January 7, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2019, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Remo Farina Superiore 2019 Ripasso Valpolicella is a crowd-pleaser Classico and great value under $20. Rich, juicy and smooth on the palate, this medium-plus-bodied Veneto red is produced from 50% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, 5% Molinara and 10% Oseleta. Look for dark cherry, sweet dried tobacco leaf, cracked pepper and baking spice flavours on the palate. Pour with grilled eggplant, roasted red pepper and buffalo mozzarella paninis. Drink: 2021-2027. 999946 13% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. April 1, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Sandeman Tawny Port, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: This 20-year-old tawny port is absolutely glorious. Santa's not getting cookies and milk this year ;) Aromas of toasted almond, toffee and smoke. So lovely. This wine is aged in the winery's centuries' old cellars for an average of twenty (different vintages in the blend). Finishes with hints of dry honey, nuts and spices. Drink: 2017-2021. 116178 20% S 750 mL  $61.95 Score: 93/100. January 7, 2022 Top Rated Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review

Lyme Bay Winery Moniack Mead, England, United Kingdom: Pure honey essence…I can hear the bumble bees on a sun-dappled day. Pair with angel food cake. Drink: 2024-2028. 987263 13% S 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 88/100. October 5, 2024 Best Value Mead. Calm Curry Wine Full Review