Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvèdre 2012, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: A full-bodied Australian red wine blend of Shiraz (about 90%) and Mourvèdre (about 10%) grapes with terrific structure and depth. Judicious use of oak wraps around blackberries and some dark spice notes. A pleasantly long, dry finish. Another classic red from Australia. Perfect for grilled meats: smooth yet robust. finishes with dark fruits, pepper and spice. Drink: 2013-2018. 468629 14% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. November 15, 2014 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Plentiful aromas here, such as cantaloupe, toast, tropical fruit (banana, pineapple and coconut), spice and lemon meringue pie. Dry with lots of everything going on, but it all works extremely well. Full bodied, with ripe fruit, toasty oak and bright acidity in almost perfect harmony. Long finish. Cellar 3-5 years or enjoy tonight with rich seafood dishes. My note: Love it! Rich and layered with hazelnuts, smoke and almonds. Green apple notes shine through then there’s a lime zest finish. Drink: 2011-2017. 208694 13.70% XD 750 mL  $38.35 Score: 93/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

René Muré Signature Gewurztraminer 2009, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: The Muré family have been growing grapes in Alsace since 1648. Their wines always express the classic characteristics of each grape variety they use. This Gewurztraminer is sourced from 29-year-old vines and displays aromas of intense lychee and rose petals. It’s dry, full bodied and spicy. It will delight as an aperitif or pair it with exotic foods. My note: The Platonic ideal of Gewurztraminer. Lychee, rose petal and light baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Love, love it! Asian dishes find their soul mate in the wine. Drink: 2011-2017. 61218 13% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 93/100. August 20, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand: A lovely, balanced New Zealand Chardonnay with attractive aromas of green apple and smoke. Medium- to almost full-bodied with nice acidity for roast chicken or turkey. Drink: 2013-2017. 326728 13.70% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. February 1, 2015 Best Value White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand: Toasty oak on the nose wraps around fleshy ripe black cherries. Full-bodied, mouth-watering juicy and smooth with a great finish. Smoky and toasty. New Zealand Pinot Noir offers that unique combination of fleshy fruit and zingy juiciness. Terrific with a wide range of dishes. Yum! Long finish. Drink: 2013-2018. 590414 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 15, 2014 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Alexander Valley Vineyards Redemption Zinfandel 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Whoa! Big, galloping flavours here: blackberry liqueur, brambleberry and blueberry with velvet texture. Perfect for barbecues and meat lovers’ pizza. Drink: 2011-2015. 224147 14.50% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011 Full Review

The Hess Collection Select Chardonnay 2009, Monterey, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The Hess wines are wonderfully artful. This ready-to-drink wine is made extra lipsmacking by six months’ ageing on the lees. My note: Lovely roundness and lusciousness yet not heavy. This is exactly how beautifully balanced, affordable Chardonnay should taste. Drink: 2011-2015. 986778 13.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. December 10, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Briar patch underbrush with cedar, wild blackberries and brambleberries. Full-bodied, smooth and supple. Surprising juicy acidity on the palate makes it very food friendly. Drink: 2012-2015. 590216 14% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 90/100. February 18, 2012 Full Review

Villa Mt. Eden Antique Vines Grand Reserve, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Zinfandel 2007, Amador County, Napa County, California, United States: Some kind of juicy wonderful! Full-bodied and almost cabernet-like in its complexity and depth. However, this wine also delivers pure zinfandel pleasure: smooth and tasty. Drink: 2011-2015. 256719 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. March 17, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Simi Winery Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Balanced and full-bodied and lovely. Not heavy-handed but rich and layered with green apple vibrancy wrapped in buttery toast. Drink: 2012-2016. 200881 14.50% D 750 mL  $31.95 Score: 91/100. June 9, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California, United States: Cherry-berry festival for your mouth. Lively, medium- to full-bodied and silky. Bring it -- to my house pls. Drink: 2012-2016. 317221 14.50% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 92/100. September 29, 2012 Full Review

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Sparkling Wine, Sonoma County, California, United States: One of my favourite Californian bubblies! Toasty and fresh at a great price. Drink: 2012-2015. 192898 12.50% D 750 mL  $36.35 Score: 91/100. October 27, 2012 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Cakebread Cellars Zinfandel 2009, Red Hills Lake County, California, United States: Rich, glorious and complex with a superb balance and depth that I haven't tasted in most other California zinfandels. This is a flagship for the varietal and the region. Drink: 2012-2016. 214031 14% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 92/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Blackberry liqueur and fleshy ripe purple and black plums. Incredible richness and depth from a master. Drink: 2012-2016. 942151 14.80% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Sonoma County, California, United States  597237 14.50% XD 750 mL  $29.95. January 29, 2014 Full Review