Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: A blend of 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignan, 5% Grenache. Ridge is famous for its Zinfandels: some would call these benchmark wines for California and the world. Opulent blackberries, plums, currants, spice, meat and smoke. 652875 14.20% XD 750 mL  $65.95 Score: 94/100. December 6, 2008 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Lovely cherry-laden Pinot with baking spices and a lick of pepper. A wine for romance and first dates… these should be the same thing, but perhaps not necessarily. 687970 14.20% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. August 1, 2009 Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Some wines you adopt as your own perhaps because you recall where you were (and who you were with) when you first tried them and they knocked your socks off. This is such a wine for me: I really have a soft spot for it. It’s supple, satin with gorgeous ripe cherries and berries. Extraordinary length: almost as long as my memory of that first bottle seven years ago. Drink: 2011-2015. 719435 13.90% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Seghesio Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, United States: Very complex with a great balance of acidity and fruit. Layers of delicious flavour and a long finish. One of the most elegant zinfandels I've ever tasted. Drink: 2012-2016. 942151 14.80% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. May 12, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2010, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Whenever I see La Crema pinot noir on a restaurant list, I know it's going to be a great meal, no matter what we're having food-wise. This subtle red is silky smooth enough not to clash with seafood yet it's loaded with fleshy cherry flavours for meatier dishes. Perfection though is roast chicken or planked salmon. Absolutely phenomenal for this price. Drink: 2012-2016. 719435 13.90% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. May 26, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Redemption Zin Alexander Valley Vineyards Zinfandel 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Intensely flavoured and concentrated. Great acidity runs through the heart of lusciously ripe purple plums and blueberries. Yum! Drink: 2012-2016. 224147 14.50% XD 750 mL  $26.95 Score: 92/100. June 23, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Sonoma-Cutrer Grower Vintner Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Spicy cherry pie aromas in this complex, layers and hedonistic dry red. Medium- to full-bodied and velvet smooth. One of the best pinot producers in California. Drink: 2012-2017. 140723 14.50% D 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 92/100. July 21, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Stonestreet Alexander Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A hairy tannic cab that will get more friendly with cellar time. Honkin big black fruit and tannins. Potential here with maturity. Drink: 2014-2018. 4002 14.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. September 15, 2012 Full Review

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Blackberry liqueur and fleshy ripe purple and black plums. Incredible richness and depth from a master. Drink: 2012-2016. 942151 14.80% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. 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

Decoy Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Luscious, juicy and generous with rich aromas and flavours of black and purple plums and blueberries. Supple and smooth and full-bodied. Perfect for BBQ meats. Drink: 2013-2016. 327502 14.50% D 750 mL  $37.95 Score: 92/100. August 3, 2013 Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Gallo Family Laguna Vineyard Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A rich, creamy chardonnay that was 100% barrel fermented with about 10,000 cases produced of this wine. Loaded with toasted oak, green apple, butterscotch and toasted almond. Balanced and luscious. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2013-2017. 544981 14.40% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. August 31, 2013 Top Rated White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Great balance! Vibrant aromas and flavours of black and purple plums, and dark raspberries. Great value. Drink: 2013-2017. 574491 13.50% XD 750 mL  $36.95 Score: 92/100. September 28, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Grove Street Pinot Noir 2011, Sonoma County, California, United States: Juicy cherry berry aromas with some mocha. Round and mouth-filling and smooth. Lovely sunset wine. Drink: 2013-2017. 231613 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 26, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied red wine is lovely with great balance. Smoky, mocha notes intermingle with fleshy blackberries and blueberries. Deep and complex. The winery is situated in Geyserville and produced its first wines in 1974. Sonoma cabernet always has a terrific blend of fruit richness and spicy depth. Supple tannins with a long finish. Try it tonight with pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013-2016. 54080 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 9, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Bold aromas of black fruit and tar on the nose, with full-bodied layers of blackberries and dark spices on the palate. Nicely crafted, but not for the timid. This Cabernet also has a dash of Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot in the blend for extra dimension and nuance. Juicy and mouthwatering. Great balance and nice finish. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2013-2016. 640573 13.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. November 9, 2013 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: This robust Californian cabernet has that classic signature of black fruit, smoke and toasty oak all wrapped into a supremely satisfying package. The winery, in Geyserville, first made wine in 1974. Sonoma cabernet always has a terrific blend of fruit richness and spicy depth. Drink: 2013-2016. 54080 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. January 4, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: You can taste the old vine character in the complexity of this wine. Gorgeously complex with layers of dark red fruit and some smoke. Terrific finish.  This should be your go-to party wine as it'll please so many palates with its berry vibrancy yet no heavy-handed oak treatment. One of California's flagship producers of zinfandel, and it shows in the glass. Drink: 2012-2017. 673798 14.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. February 1, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Lovely balance with classic cassis and blackberry aromas in this California Cabernet. Plush, mouth-watering and celebratory. Great dinner party wine as it's subtle not in your face. While this wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, there's also a dash of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec in the blend. Great balance and finish. Drink: 2014-2018. 642207 14.50% XD 750 mL  $37.95 Score: 92/100. March 1, 2014 Best Beef Wine Full Review

St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Purple and black plum aromas with some blueberry compote on the side. Full-bodied, heart warming and layered on the palate. Very comforting finish. Meat lovers' pizza please! Drink: 2014-2020. 671164 14.60% D 750 mL  $37.95 Score: 93/100. April 12, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Decoy Zinfandel 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States: Luscious, juicy and generous with rich aromas and flavours of black and purple plums and blueberries. Supple and smooth and full-bodied. Perfect for BBQ meats.  Finishes with black raspberry and some pepper. This is a blockbuster wine but it doesn't overwhelm your palate, senses or food. Try it with roast beef. Drink: 2013-2017. 327502 13.50% D 750 mL  $37.95 Score: 93/100. July 5, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, Sonoma County, California, United States: One of my favourite Californian bubblies! Toasty and fresh at a great price. Don't limit yourself to pre-dinner toasts and New Year's Eve with this terrific bubbly: drink it throughout the meal and throughout the year. In fact, why not make a resolution to do so now? Pair with fried chicken, oysters and other shellfish. Drink: 2014-2017. 192898 12.50% XD 750 mL  $36.35 Score: 92/100. December 6, 2014 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2012, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: This is the half bottle (375 ml) format of this wine. The full sized 750-ml is also in this release. Fleshy cherry and dark spice with a long, naughty finish. Medium-bodied and satin smooth like lingerie. A supple, smooth red wine with cherry-berry mouth-filling wonder and flavours. Just enough oak for hedonists. Layered yet not heavy. A consistently great producer of classic Californian pinot noir year after year. Love this silky Pinot Noir! It seems to get better every year. Beautiful cherries and field raspberry notes roll in first, then there's fresh earth aromas after a spring rain followed by some baking spices and a long finish. This pinot has been one of my favourites for years. Satin seduction in a glass. Drink: 2013-2017. 732040 13.90% XD 375 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 13, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2011, Sonoma County, California, United States: Savoury, meaty, juicy and mouth-watering. A surprisingly great Californian Zinfandel that borrows some Cab-like majesty, elegance and complexity. Ravenswood is your go-to Zin. Pair with inviting me over to dinner please. Drink: 2013-2018. 673798 14.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Folie à Deux Zinfandel 2012, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Big aromas and flavours of boysenberry, blueberry and blackberry on this classic Californian red wine made from the flagship Zinfandel grape. Vibrant, round and full-bodied. Bursting with flavour and vibrancy. Finishes with dark spices. Perfect for BBQ meats. Drink: 2013-2017. 147231 14.50% D 750 mL  $36.95 Score: 92/100. October 31, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2011, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Buttery-rich and mouth-filling with aromas of ripe peach, pear and apple. Perfect for dinner parties. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2015-2018. 421941 13.80% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. August 8, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Buena Vista Chardonnay 2013, Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United States: Buttery, round, balanced and amazing for the price! This full-bodied, classic Californian Chardonnay features aromas of green apple and butterscotch yet it's not heavy. Jean-Charles Boisset, of the famous French winemaking family (and married to Gina Gallo), now guides operations. Pair with roasted chicken. Drink: 2015-2018. 67405 14.50% XD 750 mL  $28.00 Score: 92/100. August 22, 2015 Top Rated White Wine. Blissful Blue Cheese Wine Full Review

Sebastiani Zinfandel 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States: Juicy and mouth-watering with gorgeous aromas and flavours of fleshy ripe black plums and blackberries. More balanced than many Californian Zins, with a great degree of elegance and length on the finish. Pair with grilled meats or roast beef. Drink: 2015-2018. 672667 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 19, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2013, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Fleshy cherry and dark spice with a long, naughty finish on this California Pinot Noir. Medium-bodied and satin smooth like lingerie. A supple red wine with cherry-berry mouth-filling wonder and flavours. Just enough oak for hedonists. Layered yet not heavy. This pinot has been one of my favourites for years. Satin seduction in a glass. This wine is actually made by a Canadian, the Niagara Falls native Elizabeth Grant-Douglas who as a child helped her father with his backyard vineyard. She then became a member of the first graduating class of Brock University's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture program. Pair with roasted turkey or chicken. Drink: 2015-2018. 732040 13.90% XD 375 mL  $21.95 Score: 93/100. March 19, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Meiomi Monterey, Santa Barbara, Sonoma Pinot Noir 2013, California, United States: Lovely fleshy ripe cherries and black raspberry on the nose and palate of this luscious red wine. Nice balancing acidity with fleshy black cherry. Supple, smooth, silky, seductive come hither Californian Pinot Noir. Pair with hamburgers and sweet relish or salsa. Drink: 2015-2019. 429977 13% D 1500 mL  $57.95 Score: 92/100. November 14, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Sonoma County, California, United States: Flavours of blackberry, cedar brush, blackcurrant, and vanilla oak on the nose of this classic Californian red wine, with a full-bodied weight on the palate. Firm tannins. Full-bodied and balanced cool-climate Californian Cabernet, with aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. Nicely integrated oak. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with a pepper steak or gourmet hamburgers. Finishes with notes of cocoa and wood spice. Drink: 2016-2021. 226944 13.80% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. December 30, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2012, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: What a rich, round, luscious buttery Californian Chardonnay! Layers of pleasure and sensory enjoyment. Aromas of pineapple, butterscotch and toasty oak. Pair with roasted chicken. Drink: 2014-2019. 441071 14.20% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 92/100. February 8, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Lake Sonoma Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A spectacular Californian Cabernet that tastes like a cult classic but without the price tag. Aromas of fleshy black plum, blackberry and cigar box. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Highly recommended. Drink: 2016-2022. 252824 14.30% D 750 mL  $26.99 Score: 93/100. April 20, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, United States: This robust Californian cabernet has that classic signature of black fruit, smoke and toasty oak all wrapped into a supremely satisfying package. Drink: 2013-2016. 54080 14.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. June 11, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2014, Sonoma County, California, United States: Spicy, peppery but not heavy. Mouth-watering juicy lovely. The Seghesio Zinfandel is one of Californian's best Zins. It packed with jammy black fruit. Drink: 2016-2022. 942151 14.80% D 750 mL  $30.95 Score: 93/100. October 15, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Buena Vista Chardonnay 2014, Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United States: This Californian winery is part of the Boisset Collection. Jean-Charles Boisset, of the famous French winemaking family (and married to Gina Gallo), now guides operations. Buttery, round, balanced and amazing for the price! This full-bodied, classic Californian Chardonnay features aromas of green apple and butterscotch yet it's not heavy. Pair with roasted chicken or turkey. Drink: 2016-2020. 67405 13.50% XD 750 mL  $28.00 Score: 93/100. October 15, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

MacMurray Estate Vineyards Chardonnay 2014, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A full-bodied, luscious Californian Chardonnay with notes of butterscotch, golden apple and pear. Finishes with baking spice. Pair with roasted turkey. Classic! Drink: 2016-2021. 262063 13% D 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 93/100. November 26, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Lake Sonoma Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A spectacular Californian Cabernet that tastes like a cult classic but without the price tag. Aromas of fleshy black plum, blackberry and cigar box. Decant 1-2 hours and pair with a rare steak. Highly recommended. Drink: 2017-2022. 380188 14.80% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. March 31, 2018 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review