Gabriel Meffre Laurus Gigondas 2007, A.C., Rhône, France: Tall, dark and handsome… just the kind of wine I’d like to meet at a party. Full-bodied, rich and loaded with big, black fruit and smoke. Savoury enough for any hearty meat dish, yet ready to dance with meat lovers’ pizza too. Great date wine. Drink: 2011-2018. 25880 14.50% XD 750 mL  $43.00 Score: 92/100. March 19, 2011 Full Review

Cellier De Monterail 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages Séguret, Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromas of raspberry, blueberry, licorice, plum, and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and dry, with beautifully layered, complex fruit and finely incorporated and textured tannins. The finish is full, rich and scrumptiously long. My note: A rustic, country wine that reminds me of a strapping young farm hand in soiled overhauls. Robust with dark fruit. Don’t sip it, knock it back and enjoy the sunshine on your shoulders. Drink: 2011-2014. 195065 14% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. March 19, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Château Saint-Roch Chimères Syrah Mourvèdre Grenache 2007, A.C., Midi, France  223685 13% D 750 mL  $18.95. June 25, 2010 Full Review

Ojai Bien Nacido Syrah 2005, Santa Barbara, California, United States: Blackberry and purple plum liqueur dives down into depth of flavour and pleasure. Full-bodied and rich, it almost overwhelms your senses. Smooth and endless with blueberries and dark spices on the finish. Drink: 2011-2016. 104315 14.50% XD 750 mL  $47.95 Score: 94/100. March 19, 2011 Full Review

The Paring Red Meritage 2006, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Opaque ruby colour, but still displaying youthful purple glints. Lush and seductive with aromas of raspberry, blackberry, black licorice, spice cupboard and smoked meat. Dry, with gobs of spicy fruit surrounded by fairly firm tannins. Medium-full bodied with a long finish. Cellar 3-5+ years, or decant it. My note: Big, hulking wine with blackberry liqueur and tarry notes. Absolutely huge and concentrated. Drink: 2011-2015. 218909 15.20% XD 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 88/100. March 19, 2011 Full Review

Jonata El Corazón De Jonata Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A new venture by the makers of California’s much sought-after Screaming Eagle. My note: This wine is a blend of 41% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Sauvignon Blanc. Huge! Big and black with tar and pleasantly bitter black fruit. Smoke wraps around the whole package. Pair it with watching The Godfather. Drink: 2011-2015. 218917 14.90% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 92/100. March 19, 2011 Full Review

Jonata Todos Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Santa Ynez Valley, California, United States: This wine is a blend of 39% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Sangiovese, and the balance, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier. Gorgeous black fruit between violets. Plush and luxurious with full-bodied goodness. Although it’s big, it’s still in balance. Wow. Drink: 2011-2018. 218941 14.70% XD 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 96/100. March 19, 2011 Full Review