Layer Cake Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: The winery is named Layer Cake in honour of winemaker Jayson Woodbridge’s grandfather who observed that well-made wine is, "like a great layer cake." Lots of layers of pleasure in the glass here. Mocha dark chocolate melts into plush plums and fleshy blackberries on the palate of this luscious Argentine red wine made from Malbec grapes. Some espresso and vanilla smoke on the finish. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2020. 219287 14.90% XD 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 1, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

La Mascota Malbec 2020, Mendoza, Argentina: La Mascota 2020 Malbec is produced from sustainably-grown grapes and is a great value Argentinean Malbec at $17. Love the texture and layers of juicy, ripe plum, blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, roasted herbs, smoky vanilla and toasty oak spice flavours on this fresh, smooth and medium-plus-bodied Malbec. Finishes with a mouthful of dark berry fruit and on a citrus note. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2025. 555805 14% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. April 29, 2023 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot 2019, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Wirra Wirra Church Block is always a crowd pleaser and the 2019 vintage is a vibrant and full-bodied red wine blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Shiraz and 12% Merlot does not disappoint. Great value below $22, this food-friendly and versatile fruity red is generous with dark fruits, blueberry, cinnamon, anise spice, red plum and red berry flavours plushy on the palate. The finished wine matured for 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Drink or hold. Drink: 2022-2037. 24034 14.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. August 13, 2022 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Domaine Lafage Bastide Miraflors Syrah Vieilles Vignes Grenache 2019, Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon A.P., France: Bastide Miraflors 2019 is a juicy Old Vines red wine blend of Grenache and Syrah sourced from the Côtes du Roussillon wine region. Full-bodied, plushy and vibrant on the palate with ripe dark berry, toasty oak spice, wild herbs and meaty flavours with a vibrant finish. Tannins are structured and pleasantly grippy. Very approachable now, but can easily hold in cellar for three years. Drink: 2022-2025. 320499 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 10, 2022 Best Value Red Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Mud House Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, New Zealand: Stunning, especially for the price! Aromas of fleshy ripe black cherries and raspberries. Medium- to full-bodied with a satin smooth texture. Some dark spice on the finish. Yum! Drink: 2013-2016. 12630 14% XD 750 mL  $17.90 Score: 90/100. March 7, 2013 Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

The Grinder Pinotage 2015, Western Cape W.O., South Africa: Roasted coffee beans dipped in dark chocolate on the nose, espresso on the palate with smoky notes. This full-bodied, delicious red wine is made from South Africa's signature (and quite distinctive) Pinotage grape, a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir. This wine is dry, but it finishes with delicious flavours of dark chocolate. Pair it with grilled meats, especially grilled lamb. Drink: 2015-2018. 572107 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. May 23, 2018 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Viña Real Crianza 2019, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: From Compania Vinicola Norte De Espana (CVNE) Viña Real Crianza 2019 is a vegan-friendly, vibrant and fruity blend of mostly Tempranillo with a splash of Garnacha. Dry, medium-bodied, juicy and intense with bright cherry, blackberry, savoury herbs, baking and cedar brush spice flavours finishing long on a flinty note. Tannins are polished and pleasantly chewy. Grapes were fermented in stainless steel tank, then matured in a mix of French and American oak barrels for up to 14 months. Drink: 2023-2027. 657411 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 4, 2023 Best Value Red Wine. Delightful Duck Wine Full Review