Cono Sur Visión, Single Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2010, Las Colmenas, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Pale straw colour leads to a very attractive, youthful, varietally classic nose: red grapefruit, sweet peach, rosewater, white pepper and a touch of lychee. Dry, plenty of acidity to go with the robust flavours and bring exceptional balance. The finish is long and relatively intense. My note: I honestly don’t know how this winery produces wines this tasty and distinctive at these prices. Here’s another they’ve batted out of the park. Classic gewurz with rose petal, spices, lychee and lovely goodness. The ultimate wine for Asian, curries and Indian take-out. I’m hungry now. Drink: 2011-2015. 912949 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 5, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Château Le Grand Moulin Premiëres-Côtes-De-Blaye Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, A.C., Premières Côtes De Blaye, Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. This winery was founded by Gabriel Bruneteau in 1904, and is now run by his great-grandson. 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this red boasts an attractive coffee nose, and creamy flavours of raspberry, blackberry, smoky caramel, toffee and earth. A toasty, complex, medium-full-bodied wine with good length. My note: An extraordinary wine for the price! Nicely balanced with classic Bordeaux styling. Aromas of smoke, blackberries and cassis. This wine is ready to drink but will keep for a while. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 198994 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

Le Secret Des Capitelles Saint-Chinian Cave Des Vignerons De Saint-Chinian 2009, A.C., Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Saint-Chinian is considered to be the oldest winemaking area in the Midi region, going back to Roman times. This wine sports a fresh raspberry nose, with flavours of black plum, berry, dried herbs, cola and tar spinning on the palate with a bit of spritz – all leading to a spicy finish. A medium-bodied red with nice harmony and length. Très bon. My note: A full-bodied with a soft velvet texture. Love the enticing cherry notes and dark fruits. Supple and slippery good. Terrific price! Drink: 2011-2014. 156299 14.40% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

La Madonnina Riserva Fratelli Triacca Chianti Classico 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Savoury and mouth-watering with dark chocolate, blackberry, cassis, leather and happiness. Good acidity: terrific in wine if you actually want to drink it with food. Terrific craftsmanship here. This would make a memorable dinner party wine or hostess gift. Tastes twice the price. Drink: 2011-2018. 191361 13.40% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

L.A. Cetto Winery Petite Sirah 2006, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: Vintages Wine Panel: Widely produced in California and usually blended with Zinfandel to add structure, Petite Sirah does very well as a stand-alone variety in Mexico; L.A. Cetto, in particular, has been extremely successful with the variety. Dense purple in colour, it offers black pepper and tea notes leading to an impressive, well-rounded finish. My note: Blackberry liqueur-like concentration of wonderful flavour. This is a staggeringly good wine for the money. Got parties or weddings coming up? Here’s your wine. 983742 14% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 88/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

The Crossings Pinot Noir 2009, Atatere, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: New Zealand has made huge strides in its Pinot Noir production in the past 15 years. This Pinot abounds with earthy red fruit, ripe cherry, rhubarb, currant, mocha, oak and spice. An excellent value! Pour yourself a glass. My note: Love it! Black cherries, silk river of pleasure. Medium- to full-body. Incredible price. 694471 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

Kleine Zalze Barrel Fermented Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This dry, creamy-textured Chardonnay is a born extrovert, showing off lovely citrus and tree fruit aromas and flavours that blend nicely with the oak elements. My note: Nicely balanced and tasty Chardonnay without being heavy or too oaky. Aromas of green apples and some butter. You just can’t beat this price for this quality of wine. Get a case! Drink: 2011-2015. 96495 14% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

Finca Del Marquesado Gran Reserva 2004, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain  384248 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95. January 8, 2015 Full Review