Susana Balbo Signature Dominio Del Plata Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Susana Balbo is one of Argentina’s best winemakers. She is talented and has great taste. Full-bodied, savory, rich and deep: this wine has it all. Fleshy dark fruit but something more exotic. Love it! Drink: 2011-2015. 79798 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Anakena Single Vineyard C , A.F. Arco Iris Armenère 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: To further emphasize that their wines are distinctively Chilean, Anakena uses specific ancestral petroglyphs and engravings to cement the wines’ connection with history and the land. This single-vineyard Carmenère carries the image of the Condor, called the king of the skies; very appropriate for Chile’s flagship variety. Dry, medium-full bodied with red berry fruit, mint and earth notes and a lingering finish. Smooth and versatile. My note: A terrific, full-bodied sipper with simple, straight-up tasty pleasure. Loaded with dark fruit and smooth. Perfect party wine. Drink: 2011-2013. 59519 13.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. June 25, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review

Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2007, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This is an absolute blockbuster of a Chianti. Intense, wonderful aromas of blueberry pie, black cherry, damson plum, cinnamon rolls, mocha/chocolate and pipe tobacco. The palate handsomely repays these wonderful aromas. Dry, ripe, spicy. Quite lovely and impressive for the price. On the mid-palate, a fine wave of tannins come in to bring a just-right balance. Medium bodied with a very complex and lengthy finish. Enjoy with a fine steak, simply seasoned and grilled. My note: Loving it! A terrific, classic Italian chianti and mama mia, the price, benne! Bring on the lasagna, pizza and pasta. This wine is so ready for it all. Aromas of dark cherries, sun-dried tomatoes and smoke. Drink: 2009-2014. 969469 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. May 28, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine Full Review

Torres Gran Sangre De Toro Reserva Garnacha Cariñena 2007, D.O., Catalunya, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Throughout the wine world Miguel Torres is known as the “King of Spain,” and his name is synonymous with quality. Intense, ripe and delicious, this velvety and full-bodied Reserva is a blend of Garnacha (aka Grenache), Cariñena and Syrah and offers aromas and flavours of blackberry and spice, with a long finish. Quite versatile, this wine will pair well with stuffed peppers. My note: An absolutely terrific red, especially at this price point! Rich and savoury and juicy with dark plums, berries, smoke and dark spice. This wine would be amazing with a variety of hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2011-2015. 315648 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. June 25, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2009, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: The 2009 Ancient Vines Zinfandel is awash in raspberry, blackberry, white pepper and spice notes, along with complexity-building coffee and chocolate characteristics. Aged in new and seasoned American oak, imbuing this wine with a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the focused fruit notes. My note: Zinmasters! These folks know how to make zinfandel blind-folded. Classic aromas of blackberry and blueberry. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2011-2016. 719211 15% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 2, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review