Water Wheel Memsie Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Petit Verdot 2007, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This proprietary blend is consistently one of Australia’s best quality values. The newly released 2007 is comprised of 70% Shiraz, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, and 6% Petit Verdot and again overachieves with loads of dark fruit flavors, peppery spice and refined tannins on a solidly built frame. My note: A bold, forward wine that exhibits aromas of blackberry, black plum, black raspberry, coffee and minerals. Some feral, gamey notes underneath. Good tannic grip and a lovely bright acidity. Big and delicious: bring it on! Screwcap. 656637 14% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. February 14, 2009 Full Review

St. Hallett Shiraz Grenache 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Known in Australia as Gamekeeper’s Reserve, this Shiraz/Grenache blend also contains a small amount of the revered Portuguese variety Touriga Nacional which adds a lovely touch of floral spice to the wine. Earthy with red-berry fruit on the nose, the palate is big, rich and peppery with raspberry and strawberry flavours and the telltale spicy finish. My note: Baked cherries and kirsch on the nose with a warm, peppery finish. Full-bodied and tasty. Great value. 24117 13.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 9, 2010 Full Review

Painted Rock Estate Winery Ltd. Syrah 2007, Okanagan Valley, Canada: Dark spices and pepper give way to a black plummy heart and dark berries. Very intriguing core to this wine. A peppered finish. Drink: 2009-2030. 673285 14.50% D 750 mL Score: 90/100. December 1, 2009 Full Review

Cousino-Macul Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas Reservas 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile  . March 1, 2012 Full Review

Farnese Montepulciano Dabruzzo 2007, Abruzzo, Italy: An incredible wine for the money! Holy smokes Batman. Lovely bitter cherries and tarry notes give this full-bodied delicious red a mouth-watering savory taste. 621912 13%  750 mL  $7.55 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009 Full Review

Jardin Bradgate Syrah 2005, W.O. Stellenbosch, South Africa: A lovely medium- to full-bodied red with notes of raspberries, black cherries, hickory smoke, cedar and some dark spices. A concentrated wine for Shiraz lovers. Drink now. 80176 14% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 17, 2009 Full Review

Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, United States: An incredible price for this tasty, plummy, supple red! Layers of flavor and goodness make you come back for more. A sure-fire party pleaser. 113001 13.50% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 87/100. July 11, 2009 Full Review