Peter Lehmann Wines Portrait Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The Barossa Valley’s reputation for producing some of Australia’s greatest red wines was built on the back of producers like Peter Lehmann, who took a chance on the region. The Queen of Clubs, or “Gambler’s card” that appears on the Art Series wines, represents the gamble Peter took when he founded the winery in 1979. You can expect a well-structured, balanced wine with rich and complex fruit complemented by spice and chocolate notes. It will reward 3+ years in the cellar or can be enjoyed tonight. My note: A classically structured Australian Cabernet: it rises so far beyond the ranks of the simple fruit sweet cousins. We’ve got power and depth here from the Australian sun, yet the balance and elegance of a master winemaker. Love it, especially at this price! Drink: 2011-2017. 605741 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Yalumba Viognier 2010, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia: Love it: beautiful and exotic with white floral notes. Drink: 2012-2015. 233220 13.50% XD 750 mL  $25.20 Score: 91/100. March 31, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Bellingham Merlot Malbec 2009, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Amazing especially at this price! Full-bodied with some spicy oak and damson plums. So beautifully balanced. My eyes keep drifting back to that price, wow. Drink: 2012-2015. 129718 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. June 9, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Van Ruiten Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Love it! Concentrated and complex from the old vine intensity on the grapes. Balanced and juicy yet a lot more dimension than most zins. Try this and you'll love zin. Superb! Drink: 2012-2016. 58685 14% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 93/100. June 9, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Classic, elegant Californian cabernet: cassis, blackberry and cedar smoke. Balanced, complex and full-bodied, but not heavy. Superb craftsmanship. Mouth-watering for food with a long finish for conversation. Drink: 2011-2016. 232371 14.20% D 750 mL  $67.95 Score: 91/100. May 26, 2012 Best Beef 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