Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich and fleshy black and purple plum aromas and flavours. Round, full-bodied and luscious. Very accessible, great party wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 17111 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. December 8, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec 2010, San Juan, Argentina: Smoky with dark fruit: perfect for barbecues! Lots of rich flavour here with a satisfying full-bodied texture. Fire up the grill and crack open a bottle! This is one of Argentina’s best malbecs at this price point and previous vintages of the wine have won numerous awards in competition. Stock up now for your early spring and summer gatherings, especially though on the patio with the grill as this wine will drink beautifully. Drink: 2012-2016. 162149 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. June 8, 2013 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Wakefield Shiraz 2010, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Blackberry liqueur richness with a hint of mint. Full-bodied and ultra-smooth with excellent replays of dark fruit flavours across the palate. This is an incredible wine for the price. The grapes for this wine come from vines that were planted in 1969, and that concentration shows in the wine. Some spice and vanilla oak on a long finish. Drink: 2012-2015. 943787 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 4, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Enchanting Feta Cheese Wine Full Review

The Black Chook Woop Woop Wines Shiraz Viognier 2009, South Australia, Australia: Surprisingly excellent for the price, wow. This wine is a blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier from McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. Blackberry jam lusciousness with some mint. Layers and layers and layers of pleasure. Eyes closed kinda wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 66738 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 3, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Kilikanoon Wines The Lackey Shiraz 2010, South Australia, Australia: Rich and full-bodied with classic Aussie Shiraz character. Big black fruit, a hint of mint and a savoury depth. Incredibly great price. Drink: 2012-2015. 5199 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. November 10, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Flat Rock Chardonnay 2008, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario VQA, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won Judges’ Choice honours for Oaked Chardonnay at the Wine Access 2011 International Value Wine Awards. Try this impressive Chardonnay. My note: Toasted almonds and hazelnuts wrap around a core of green apple vibrancy. Luscious and lively: could you ask for a better combination? I think not. Drink: 2011-2015. 681247 11.90% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. September 3, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rose 2008, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Superb! Savoury and juicy with lovely notes of field strawberries. Zippy with sunlit-infused happiness. Perfect for a picnic, even indoors. Drink: 2009-2011. 172643 12% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. July 11, 2009 Best Value Rose. Full Review

Henry of Pelham Off-Dry Reserve Riesling 2006, V.Q.A., Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Divine wine that will go do notes. This will go down a storm with Asian and spices. Balanced with fresh peach and pear notes. Lovely! 557165 11.50% MD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Open Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, VQA, Canada: A lovely, subtly flavoured Sauvignon Blanc with white melon and lime notes. Not grassy and there's no aggressive acidity here. Very pleasant aperitif. Top me up! Drink: 2009-2013. 178681 11.90% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. June 6, 2011 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Methode Classique Sparkling Wine 2005, V.Q.A., Niagara, Canada: A terrific blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this toasty, tasty bubbly! It has a gorgeous and persistent mousse followed by enticing aroms of lime zest, green apples and white flowers. A clean finish leaves you longing for more. Pair it with oysters, suishi, fried chicken, potato chips and good friends. 587691 12%  750 mL  $34.95 Score: 89/100. September 18, 2010 Full Review

Fresh Wines Gewurztraminer Riesling 2008, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Lovely sweet peach and field daisy aromas. Straight-up pleasure in a glass. Drink: 2010-2011. 572156 11% M 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 85/100. August 17, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Late Autumn Riesling 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Yes! Apricot and honeysuckle aromas waft from the glass in a lovely profusion for the senses. There's a touch of sweetness but not too much and it's in balance with the backbone of refreshing acidity, making it an ideal companion for many dishes. Drink: 2010-2013. 219543 10.50% MD 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010 Full Review

Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Barrel Aged Chardonnay 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Kitchen comforting aromas of butterscotch, baking spices and apple pie. Lovely layers and richness. This winery is making great strides back to quality. Drink: 2013-2016. 211490 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. November 23, 2013 Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review

Koyle Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alto Colchagua, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Lovely blackberry, mint on the nose! You can't go wrong with this full-bodied red, especially at this price point. It has the power of Chilean fruit but is also well-sculpted and balanced with a satisfying long finish. Perfect for the holidays when you want to put your feet up after rigorous shopping expeditions. Drink: 2013-2015. 256073 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. November 23, 2013 Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009, Maipo Valley, Chile: Savoury and dark with meaty black fruit flavours and smoke. Love the barest hint of mint that lifts and brightens the black fruit flavours. Full-bodied, layered and lovely. Bold and friendly: just what you want in a wine. Drink: 2013-2016. 57513 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. November 23, 2013 Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine Lirac 2011, Rhône A.P., France: Aromas of freshly picked wild raspberries in a basket sitting in a cool, breezy barn with both doors open at the front and back. You betcha this wine takes me there. Full-bodied, smooth and tasty. Love the effortless concentration and generosity of flavour. Drink: 2014-2018. 128660 14.80% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Ruhlmann Vieilles Vignes Gewürztraminer 2011, A.C., Alsace, France: Soft and luxurious with overflowing aromas and character of white flowers, honeysuckle, clementine and exotic lychee. Drink: 2013-2018. 982082 12.80% MD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 23, 2013 Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

Château Roquefort Vignobles Bellanger Sauvignon Sémillon 2011, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Lime green intensity and a white grapefruit finish. No heavy oak. Good aperitif or seafood companion. Drink: 2013-2015. 313346 13% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 87/100. November 23, 2013 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Patriarche Pinot Noir 2006, V.D.P., Languedoc, Roussilon, France: A fantastic value for this lovely, medium-bodied Pinot with tart cherries and some spice. Supple and mouth-watering. 522649 12% D 750 mL  $9.90 Score: 87/100. July 11, 2009 Full Review

Georges Duboeuf La Trinquée Juliénas Gamay 2008, A.C., Beaujolais, France: Lovely tart cherries, pepper and dried herbs on the nose with a silky, smooth texture. Medium-bodied with a long, satisfying finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 177543 12.80% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010 Full Review

Cave Talmard Mâcon-Uchizy Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Prop.-Récolt. Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Though not indicated on the label, a portion of this wine is very likely made with the aromatic clone of Chardonnay called Chardonnay Musqué. The wine exhibits expressive aromas of mandarin orange, mango and peach. Medium bodied, fruit-forward and expressive on the palate with balanced acidity, this wine would match well with your favourite shellfish. My note: Lemon-zip refreshment. Clean and straight-forward. Perfect served chilled as an aperitif. Drink: 2011-2014. 733956 13% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. August 20, 2011 Full Review

Josef Kollmann Vinum Germania Number One Riesling 2008, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: This pretty, lively wine is a good example of a regional Mosel wine. A brilliant straw colour leads to aromas of fresh apple, apricot, mineral (from the slate soil) and citrus. Many of the aromas echo nicely on the palate. This medium-dry wine is balanced by a nice seam of acidity. A delicious refresher that’s a terrific value! Treat yourself tonight. My note: So pretty! Floral, peach preserves and pear jam. Light-bodied. Love it! 161745 9.50% MD 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010 Full Review

Ricossa Moscato D'asti 2007, D.O.C.G., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Few wines smell and taste like spring as the lovely, slightly sweet, low alcohol, highly aromatic and frizzante Moscato d’Asti does. Its aromas are reminiscent of spring meadow flowers, grapefruit, table grapes and sweet herbs. Medium sweet, it is nicely balanced out by a seam of youthful acidity. My note: Try this beautiful slightly sweet, slightly bubbly wine as an aperitif or with fruit desserts. 72272 5.50% MS 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 24, 2008 Full Review

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2007, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Barbera may be the best value to come out of Piedmont. Its full-bodied with a plush texture leading to a lengthy finish. My note: A pleasing, chocolately wine (dry though) with black fruit. Smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2015. 72348 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. October 11, 2008 Full Review

Villa Giada Suri Barbera Rosso D'asti 2007, D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Ruby red in color and full of the fine intensity typical of Barbera, this wine presents aromas of floral, sour cherry and leather. It’s full-bodied and fruity on the palate, with a nice finish. High quality at a bargain price. My note: A terrific wine for the money. Meaty and full-bodied with blackberries and plums. 577718 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 87/100. July 4, 2009 Full Review

Masottina Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco, D.O.C.G., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Masottina has been producing wines since 1946. Aromas of apples, peach, and floral. The palate is very dry, with a racy acidity and fantastic fruit throughout. Very well structured and expertly made. This lively and delicious bubbly is the ideal aperitif for casual or formal affairs. My note: Love the generous fruit with peach and pear. Incredible price. 216317 10.70% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Roccamora Schola Sarmenti Nardò Rosso Negroamaro 2009, D.O.C., Puglia, Italy: Full-bodied red wine with black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours, black fruit and smoke aromas. Dark spices on the finish. Very good price for the quality. Make this your house wine, and you may never leave the house. Drink: 2012-2016. 245654 13.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. November 23, 2013 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Craggy Range Te Muna Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Grassy great with crisp refreshing herbal, lime and lemon zest notes. Mouth-watering and medium-bodied. Extremely food-friendly. Drink: 2011-2015. 466011 13.50% XD 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Kato Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand: Refreshment in a glass! Zippy notes of chives, lime, grass and grapefruit. Terrific mouth-watering juiciness for a variety of dishes. The grapes come from vineyards in the Awatere Valley of New Zealand where they're protected from frost by the moderating influence of the coast. Kato means harvest in Maori: the label shows three stylized whale tails in a circle. Dive in and enjoy! 184598 13% XD 750 mL  $16.90 Score: 90/100. April 22, 2011 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand: Love it! Vibrant, ripe cherries dance across your palate. Lovely silky texture with medium body, yet juicy and mouth-watering for food. Doesn't get much better than this, especially at this price point. Drink: 2012-2015. 54353 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 12, 2012 Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review

Passion Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Pinot Noir 2008, Alentejo, Portugal: Big, bold and black with fleshy dark plums abd berries. Good acidity with savory cedar notes. A Phenominal value for this price. 146449 13% XD 750 mL  $7.65 Score: 86/100. May 14, 2010 Full Review

KWV Kwv Merlot 2009, W.O., Western Cape, Coastal Region, South Africa: Rich, full-bodied, smooth and mouth-watering with fleshy ripe black plums. Awesome price for this quality. Great party wine. Drink: 2012-2015. 522219 14.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. December 8, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Barista Pinotage 2011, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Pure coffee espresso on the nose and palate here. Not dark chocolate but coffee. Lovely the smoky richness. Drink for breakfast... Why not? Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2013-2015. 172585 13.90% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. February 16, 2013 Enchanting Feta Cheese Wine Full Review

Señorio De Sarría Rosado 2009, D.O., Navarra, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: This dry Spanish rosé is a lovely rose-red colour. Intensely fruity aromas are suggestive of candied fruit, cranberry and raspberry, and are accented by appealing nutty and herbal notes. Dry, full and round on the palate leaving a very good impression. A refreshing rosé. My note: Cranberry and raspberry with bone-dry refreshment. 168260 13.50% v 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 87/100. July 24, 2010 Full Review

Ontañón Crianza Tempranillo Garnacha 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Try this Spanish beauty. My note: Grilled meat aromas and savory notes of bacon and blackberries. Full-bodied and rich with mocha and vanilla-spice. Some leather and cigar box give this wine an intriguingly mature aroma. 976910 12.80% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. July 4, 2009 Full Review

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava 2008, Penedes, Spain: Deep and toasty with delicious notes of ripe pears. Creamy layers of flavor and zippy finish make this bubbly perfect for a cocktail party. 88591 12%  750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 11, 2009 Full Review

Freixenet Brut Nature Vintage Reserva Cava Macabeo Parellada 2007, Spain, Método Tradicional, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Freixenet used the indigenous Macabeo and Parellada grapes for this vintage-dated, traditional-method fizz. The earlier ripening Macabeo gives the wine a bright freshness, while the Parellada brings the fruit and the structure. The resulting bubbly is both quite flavourful and refreshingly crisp. My note: Stunning for the price! Crisp, toasty and tasty. Aromas of green apples and lime. Terrific! Drink: 2010-2013. 180844 12% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. October 2, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Roederer Estate Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: One of my favourite California sparkling wines that's consistently great year after year. The price of this zesty and refreshing sparkling wine is incredibly reasonable, especially for the quality. Terrific toasty aromas with full-bodied weight and lift on the finish. Keep some in stock throughout the summer. Pair with shellfish. 294181 12% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 90/100. October 30, 2010 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige Sparkling White, Napa Valley, California, United States: Bright green apple aromas wake up the senses in this bubbly that blends primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. There's a lifted white peach note in the middle and then a crisp, refreshing finish. Perfect for all your celebrations, especially at such a great price. Drink: 2010-2014. 265678 12.90% XD 750 mL  $28.25 Score: 89/100. May 8, 2011 Full Review

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium-deep ruby colour. Impressive array of aromas, including blackberry, sweet black cherry, bumbleberry pie, freshly turned earth, and masala spice. Dry and quite flavourful, and very nicely balanced by a racy freshness and velvety tannins. This is a hefty but vibrant wine. It will also reward 1-3 years in a cellar. My note: A rich, dark Zinfandel: love it! Complexity and layers are growing yet it holds true to the traditional signature of blackberries, brambleberries and a lick of dark spices. Jammy cherries and raspberries. 942599 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 22, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Folie À Deux Ménage À Trois Rosé 2009, California, United States: Fleshy ripe strawberries and raspberry jam. Lovely and fairly rich for a rosé. 120220 13.50% MD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010 Full Review

Gallo Family Frei Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel 2010, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Very juicy with generous aromas and flavours of mouth-watering fleshy black plums and succulently rich blueberries. Full-bodied with a smooth roundness. Perfect for hamburgers and BBQ. Pure Californian fruit and sunshine. Yum! Drink: 2012-2016. 555599 15% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. June 8, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review