d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Big black bruiser with dark fruit, savoury bacon, dark spices and mint. Full-bodied and smooth. Big “bang” for your buck. 981183 14.50% XD 750 mL  $70.00 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010 Full Review

Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Plunkett Fowles Shiraz 2008, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia: Rich, deep and dark. This is a don’t mess with me wine. Black fruit, mouth-watering and full, smooth layers. Pepper and dark spices. Drink: 2011-2015. 243592 14% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 90/100. November 26, 2011 Full Review

Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Complex, full-bodied and delicious! Loaded with black fruit flavours yet it's very dry and balanced, with a lovely long finish. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2012-2016. 660043 14.50% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. April 28, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio Cabernet Blend 2006, Okanagan Valley, B.C., V.Q.A., Canada: Chewy dark cherries and berries with a lovely smoky weave throughout. A stunning, spectacular wine of incredible depth and length. The 2006 vintage is a blend of 61% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. This gorgeous red combines Old World structure and New World power. 71464 14% D 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 91/100. April 22, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Fat Bastard Shiraz 2012, Languedoc, Roussilon, France  156190 13% D 250 mL  $14.99. January 1, 2011 Full Review

Cesarini Sartori Rossobastardo 2008, I.G.T., Umbria, Italy: Chocolate and mocha otes with some dark fruit. Tannic so decant for 2 hours. You'll enjoy this red bastard. Drink: 2012-2014. 270587 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 87/100. February 4, 2012 Full Review

Crazy By Nature Dry Flint, Millton Chenin Blanc 2009, Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand: Clean and crisp with lemon brightness. Very balanced. A lovely aperitif or terrific and empathetic companion to salads and seafood. Drink: 2012-2015. 214429 12.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Dog Point Chardonnay 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Full-bodied with hazelnut richness on the nose plus green apple, white peach and pear on the palate. Complex and layered but not heavy. Terrific balance and finish. Drink: 2012-2016. 238568 14.50% XD 750 mL  $77.00 Score: 91/100. April 28, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Sledgehammer Zinfandel 2009, North Coast California, United States: Gorgeous dark dark chocolate and black plum aromas on the nose, followed by a rich, smooth, full-bodied texture on the tongue: yum! There's some dark berries and dried tobacco notes on the finish. Superb quality for this price point. Drink: 2010-2014. 230466 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. March 1, 2012 Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Lodi, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Proprietors Steve and Lori Felton’s vine-growing roots run deep, going back five generations in Lodi. This rich and ultra-ripe Zinfandel is full-bodied with intense cherry, raspberry and dried-fruit flavours. Soft and easy-drinking. My note: A generous, full-bodied zinfandel with ripe berry notes. 336064 15% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008 Full Review