Viña Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: Grapes are grown in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo appellation of the Mendoza wine region. Golden-yellow highlights in the glass. Just 20% of the fermenting juice gets oak contact. Great balance and elegance in this Argentine Chardonnay, with pleasant green apple and toasted almond finish. Full-bodied and luscious. Pair with crab cakes. This winery is co-owned by the esteemed California producer Paul Hobbs, Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud. Drink: 2016-2019. 191915 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 27, 2017 Best Value White Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Maycas De Limari Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2014, Limari Valley, Chile: Heavy in the toasty oak and smoke on the nose, but still attractive. The burnt wood envelopes this Chilean Pinot Noir. Flavours of blackened cherry on the palate. pair with grilled chicken. Maycas means arable lands in Quechua, where the foundation of the South American empire of the Incas once ruled. The vines are planted in mineral-rich soils with the cooling breezes of the Pacific Ocean to moderate temperatures. Drink: 2016-2020. 469213 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. November 12, 2016 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Concha y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Pinot Noir 2013, Limarí Valley, Chile: Smooth, supple and seductive Chilean Pinot Noir with bright cherry-berry aromas and flavours. Sweet fleshy ripe fruit on the palate and finish along with baking spices. Pair with grilled salmon. Drink: 2015-2018. 301424 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 31, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Maison Roche de Bellene Cuvee Reserve Pinot Noir 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: This Nicolas Potel wine is medium-bodied, and smooth: Classic Old World pinot noir that offers aromas and flavours of tart cherries, earth and some herbal notes. Good acidity for food. Awesome price for Burgundy, especially for the quality designation of AC. Finishes with lovely spice and coffee notes. Pair with smoke salmon. There are 4,620 hectares planted for this Pinot Noir and the vines are 35 to 70 years old. They're planted at a density of 10,000 per hectare with a southwest exposure in clay and limestone soils at 234 metres above sea level. The grapes were picked by hand with fermentation via native yeast and 100% malolactic fermentation, no fining. Pair with game dishes. Drink: 2016-2020. 299859 13% D 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 89/100. July 22, 2017 Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Toasted almond and hazelnut on the nose, with green apple vibrancy, gorgeous balance. I thought I loved this winery's Sauvignon Blanc best but now it's a toss up. Try this with pork tenderloin. Drink: 2016-2020. 359513 14% XD 750 mL  $40.95 Score: 93/100. November 11, 2017 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Spy valley Envoy Outpost Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012, Omaka Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Candied cherry and baking spices on the nose and palate of this almost full-bodied New Zealand red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes. Pair with grilled lamb. Drink: 2016-2018. 465872 14% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 88/100. January 27, 2017 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Spy Valley Envoy Johnson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A grassy, herbal Sauvignon Blanc that's been generously fermented and aged in oak barrels. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2014-2018. 429308 13.50% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 88/100. March 18, 2017 Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This medium-bodied New Zealand red wine is satin smooth and tickles the senses. Juicy, fleshy bright cherries and dark chocolate dance across your senses with this pinot noir. Ultra-supple and sensuous. Amazingly great price for a flagship wine. Cloudy Bay put New Zealand on the wine map for its Sauvignon Blanc, but this Pinot Noir holds its own and deserves its own shining place in the wine world. Please make me some seared tuna and top up my glass. Pinot noir is New Zealand's benchmark red wine and it shows why in this wine. Highly recommended. Drink: 2016-2019. 598813 13% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 93/100. December 30, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Another delicious, mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc from Villa Maria! This is classic Marlborough SB, with aromas of freshly cut grass and herbs. The 2015 was one of the strongest in history for the region and it shows in this wine. Pair pan-friesh white fish. Drink: 2015-2017. 974527 13% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. February 18, 2017 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Spy Valley Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A strong acidic attack on the palate followed by pure grassy aromas, not citrus. Herbal and green. Demands food like shellfish. The 2015 vintage of this Sauvignon Blanc continues to display refreshing herbal aromas on the nose and palate. Lively and zesty with gooseberry and lime zest on the finish. Perfect for salads and vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2016-2018. 686675 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. October 29, 2016 Best Value White Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

Spy Valley Chardonnay 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A reliable and robust Chardonnay with notes of green apple, butter, vanilla spice and peach. Matured 10 months in French oak barrels. Good balance and length. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2016-2019. 57737 13% D 750 mL  $23.00 Score: 90/100. January 27, 2017 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Alambre Moscatel De Setubal Muscat 2010, Setubal D.O.C., Portugal: Love this clementine rich, peach bright dessert wine! Lovely orange peel and baking spices. Perfect for fruit cobbler. This is a fortfied wine from a denominated appellation and the grape variety Moscatel de Setubal and is aged in oak barrels. OTHER: A fresh-tasting sweetie, with tightly wound flavors of butterscotch, dried apricot and mango. Offers a spicy finish, showing hints of dried pineapple and mocha. Drink now through 2025. - Community Wine Reviews Drink: 2011-2022. 357996 17.50% S 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. August 27, 2017 Best Value Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2015, Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, South Africa: A chardonnay lover's chardonnay. One of South Africa's benchmark producers of Chardonnay in a cool climate region of the country of Hermanus. Rich, concentrated and hedonistic, yet with a nervy edge in this South African Chardonnay. A concentrated vein of tree fruit and minerality. Perfectly balanced between luscious ripe peach and green apple, toasty oak and a nervy seam of acidity for a range of dishes, from roast chicken to seafood. Highly recommended. Drink: 2016-2022. 931006 13% XD 750 mL  $42.95 Score: 95/100. October 15, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2015, Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay W.O., South Africa: Breathing this in is like walking into an opium den for wine lovers. Satin pillows of fleshy black cherry invite you to lie back, close your eyes and let your senses roam. Surely one of South Africa's finest Pinot Noir producers! Hamilton-Russell leads the way in the country for cool-climate viticulture and racy, exciting wines. Sophisticated and complex, but extremely easy to drink. Lavish fleshy ripe cherry aromas and flavours yet not simple or sweet. Complex, elegant and layered South African Pinot Noir from a master producer. Some dark spice on the finish. Silk texture. Chapter three of my second book (Unquenchable) includes a visit to this winery and dinner with the brilliant Anthony Hamilton Russell. This is easy to mistake for a top shelf Burgundian Pinot. Pair with your holiday dinners, especially those featuring roast turkey or chicken. Drink: 2016-2022. 999516 14% XD 750 mL  $57.95 Score: 95/100. January 11, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro Moscatel Alejandría, Penedes, Spain: A gorgeously rich and luscious dessert wine that stands alone as dessert in a glass after a great meal. Apricot spiced preserves, clementine dust, honey dipped peach. Perfect for crème brûlée and hard cheeses. Drink: 2016-2022. 642173 15% S 500 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. March 16, 2019 Best Value Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine Full Review

Acrobat Pinot Noir 2014, Oregon, United States: A full-bodied Pinot from Oregon, which is a rarity. Not as acidic either in style: richer and rounder with black cherry and some mocha from oak aging. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2016-2021. 421149 13.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 90/100. September 17, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Dierberg Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Rita Hills, California, United States: Intense and full-bodied, surprisingly so for this region. The vines are planted in the chilly western reaches of the Sta. Rita Hills in the winery's new Drum Canyon vineyard. Low rigour rootstocks and steep hillsides add extra concentration and intensity of flavour. Unfiltered and frankly, unfettered. Drink: 2013-2018. 363903 14.50% XD 750 mL  $47.95 Score: 90/100. April 26, 2014 Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review

La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2013, Monterey, California, United States: Stunning Californian Pinot with the richness and depth that's rarely paralleled i this state. The cool-climate of Monterey is definitely an influence here. Fleshy wild berry notes, some spice. Pair with many chicken and seafood dishes. Drink: 2014-2018. 367896 13.50% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. August 22, 2015 Top Rated Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California, United States: Mocha and sweet dark chocolate on the nose and palate of this Californian Pinot Noir from generous oak aging. This is followed by sweet cherry flavours and a supple almost full-bodied weight. Finishes with flavours of raspberry pie and clove and cinnamon spices. Pair with ham or Mexican mole. Drink: 2017-2019. 652883 14.70% D 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 90/100. March 18, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Frei Brothers Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2012, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Medium-bodied Californian Pinot Noir with dark red fruit, black cherry, spice and toasty oak. Pair with meaty fish dishes like salmon and tuna. Drink: 2014-2018. 91025 13.50% D 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 88/100. October 29, 2016 Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

River's Edge Barrel Select Pinot Noir 2012, Umpqua Valley, Oregon, United States Drink: 2014-2019. 456764 14.50% XD 750 mL  $34.95. June 25, 2016 Full Review

Marimar Estate Acero Chardonnay 2014, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Divinely delightful with supreme balance and length. Chardonnay for royalty. Notes of toasted almond, green apple and white peach. Pair with coronations. Drink: 2015-2019. 383943 13.80% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 94/100. August 4, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Sanford Chardonnay 2012, Santa Rita Hills, California, United States: Fresh baked bread wafts out of the glass followed by vibrant green apple notes. This is a hedonist's chardonnay. Full-bodied and rich with lots of length. Highly recommended. Pair with roast chicken and a comfy sweater. Drink: 2013-2017. 956003 14.50% D 750 mL  $30.95 Score: 91/100. August 6, 2016 Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Bonny Doon Le Cigare Blanc Roussanne Grenache Blanc 2013, Arroyo Seco, Central Coast, California, United States: This gorgeous Californian white blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc grapes, traditionally grown in the Rhone Valley, but in this wine achieve a Californian signature. The vineyard from which these grapes are sourced is named Beeswax, and is certified biodynamic by Demeter. This wine offers attractive notes of honey, beeswax (naturally), guava and lemongrass. Just slightly off-dry. Drink it as an aperitif throughout the holiday season or pair with shellfish. Drink: 2016-2019. 95331 14.30% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. October 1, 2016 Calm Curry Wine Full Review

Soléna Hyland Pinot Noir 2012, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States Drink: 2014-2018. 462986 14% D 750 mL  $35.95. October 15, 2016 Full Review

Buena Vista Pinot Noir 2012, Carneros, California, United States: This smooth, supple Californian red wine is produced by Buena Vista winery which is housed in an historic building in the heart of Sonoma. The French company Boisset now owns this winery. The pinot noir grapes grow in the cool climate of Carneros, with cooling breezes from the San Francisco Bay. Lovely layers of liquid satin, black cherries and some dark spice. Packed with flavour yet not heavy. Aromas of mocha and smoke. Medium- to full-bodied and very supple. Pair with pork chops. Drink: 2016-2020. 304105 14.50% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 92/100. October 15, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Smart Buy Wine Full Review

La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: La Crema is well-known for its Californian Pinot Noir, and here we are with their Oregonian version from the Willamette Valley that savoury and mouth-watering. A luscious, medium-bodied, satin-smooth Oregonian Pinot Noir with classic aromas of fleshy ripe cherry and berry and some mocha. Racy acidity on the palate from this cool climate. Pair with grilled salmon or seared tuna. Drink: 2016-2022. 385757 13.50% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 90/100. October 29, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Pinot Noir 2014, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A juicy, smooth, almost full-bodied Californian Pinot Noir with sweet cherry aromas and flavours. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2015-2019. 208314 14.20% XD 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 88/100. March 18, 2017 Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Stonehedge Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: Robust with lots of toasty oak and cigar box with some golden apple on the palate. Smoky with campfire and hickory smoke on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth with more smoke from toasty oak aging on the palate. Baked apple on the finish. Pair with smoked turkey. Drink: 2017-2020. 311548 14.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 89/100. April 24, 2017 Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2013, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Love this southern Californian red wine made from the heartbreak grape Pinot Noir. Luscious with a satin texture and a medium body. Fleshy ripe cherry and sexy dark spice. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2014-2020. 660597 14.20% XD 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 92/100. March 18, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir 2019, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Tart cherries and berries with lots of acidity. This smooth, supple, juicy Oregon Pinot Noir is medium-bodied. A little stemmy and herbal. Pair with a juicy roast chicken. Drink: 2021-2026. 229781 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 88/100. July 22, 2017 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

J Lohr Winery Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir 2014, Monterey County, California, United States: Sweet chocolate on the nose and palate with fleshy blackberries and lots of toasty oak. Full-bodied and supple. The Valdiguié grape adds plushness to this blend. Pair this wine with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2016-2020. 361717 13.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 89/100. December 30, 2016 Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, United States: Sweet cherry-berry aromas and flavours on the palate. Vanilla oak spice, smoke and raspberry compote and preserves on the finish. Full-bodied Californian Pinot Noir. This is one of four single vineyard wines from this winery and considered the most robust of all four. Gotta love that red melted wax seal: makes a great gift package. Pair with grilled chicken. Lots of mocha and dark chocolate and caramel on the finish from oak aging. Drink: 2016-2019. 212076 14.50% D 750 mL  $59.95 Score: 92/100. November 25, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Jekel Pinot Noir 2014, Monterey, California, United States: Lovely cherry berry ripeness on the nose yet perfectly balanced with racy acidity on the palate. Monterey makes spectacular Pinot Noir at great prices, like this one. Pair with pasta primavera. Finishes with exotic notes of wild violets and hickory smoke. The Pinot Noir grapes for this silky Californian red wine grow in vineyards that benefit from the tempering influence of the Pacific Ocean. The vines are planted in ancient alluvial soils that were deposited by rivers and floods. Drink: 2016-2020. 27268 13.60% XD 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 90/100. January 26, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Foxen Block 43 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013, Santa Maria Valley, California, United States: Stunningly great Californian Pinot Noir from one of the state's most famous vineyards, Bien Nacido. Plush, juicy and gorgeously flavours. Satin cushions for the senses. Caresses the palate. Fleshy ripe cherry. Pair with more of this wine, don't let food interrupt the experience. Drink: 2016-2020. 462770 14.50% XD 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 96/100. November 12, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Calera Pinot Noir 2014, Central Coast, California, United States: Elegant, refined pinot noir from a master! Earthy with violets and some fleshy black cherry. Medium-bodied, almost full. Gorgeous. Pair with grilled seafood or roast turkey. Drink: 2016-2022. 933044 15% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 94/100. November 26, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2014, Russian River , United States: The grapes for this full-bodied red wine are grown in Sonoma's Russian River Valley appellation, a cool climate that adds a racy, nervy edge to the wine. This classic Californian red wine is pure liquid satin in the glass! Black cherry seduction with mouth-watering yearning for more. Complex with layered of dark berries that intermingle with a judicious use of oak. Cherry and raspberry jam on the midpalate: rich and delicious. Only about 12,000 cases were produced of the 2014 vintage of this Californian Pinot Noir from the Russian River. Drink now or save for a few years: you have the luxury of that choice with this wine. Pair with holiday turkey. Highly recommended. Drink: 2016-2022. 906404 14.50% D 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 93/100. November 26, 2016 Top Rated Red Wine. Venerated Vegetarian Wine Full Review