Small Talk Faux Pas Riesling Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Ontario, Canada  343384 11.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95. January 1, 2013 Full Review

M. Chapoutier Marius Grenache Syrah 2015, Pays D'oc IGP, France: A terrific wine, especially at this price! Full-bodied with aromas of cedar brush, black fruit and smoke. Beautifully balanced and complex. Just what you'd expect from a Chapoutier wine. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2015-2019. 470096 13.50% XD 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 90/100. August 4, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Nederburg Shiraz 2007, South Africa: Juicy and lip-smacking delicious with a full-bodied character. Lovely earthy balance to the ripe plums and blackberries with some a spicy, racy finish. Aged for 12 months in oak but not too oaky at all. Just lovely! 527457 14.50% D 750 mL  $10.95 Score: 87/100. September 18, 2015 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Columbia Crest Winery Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States: The soils aren't heavy and rich in this wine region of Washington state; rather they're more like sand traps on a golf course so they don't retain water and make the vines work hard. That's a good thing and results in smaller, more flavourful grapes and wine. Also eastern Washington where these vineyards are located is the driest part of the state. It can be 19 degrees C and raining in Seattle (on the other side of the Cascade Mountains) but 35 degrees and dry here. As well it rains mostly in the winter when moisture doesn't bloat the grapes, which aren't growing at that time. Therefore the winemaker can control the amount of wine during the dry growing season so the wines develop the same intensity of flavour as warm climate wines but the cool nights preserve balance and freshness. This Cabernet features Old World flare and styling with New World fruit and power. Aromas of black fruit, mocha and vanilla spice. Pair this with prime rib. Drink: 2014-2020. 460154 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. August 4, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review