Sonoma Junction Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Sonoma, California, United States: Elegant and balanced yet packed with dark fruit aromas and flavours. Medium- to full-bodied. Great dinner party wine! Drink: 2013-2017. 218867 13.80% D 750 mL  $19.00 Score: 88/100. June 22, 2012 Best Beef Wine Full Review

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2009, Lodi, California, United States: Purple and black plum liqueur richness with smooth, full-bodied layers of pleasure. The ultimate barbecue and hamburger wine. I challenge you to find a better one. Drink: 2011-2016. 678698 14.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Quady Elysium Black Muscat 2010, California, United States: Gorgeous flavours of blackberries and black raspberries. Terrific dessert wine on its own, with fruit or Black Forest Cake. Drink: 2011-2016. 276840 15% S 375 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. March 31, 2012 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review

Raymond Field Blend Lot No. 7 Named Varietal Blends-Red 2009, California, United States: A terrific wine for the money! Full-bodied, juicy and mouth-watering. Luscious layers of dark fruit and berries that finishes long, smoky and satisfying. Drink: 2012-2015. 265959 13.80% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. March 31, 2012 Full Review

Rodney Strong Merlot 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Alluring aromas of mocha-coffee on the nose along with rich black fruit. Pleasantly surprising vibrant acidity for food. Plush black plums and coffee on the finish. Drink: 2011-2015. 497933 13.80% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 90/100. February 2, 2013 Full Review

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2010, California, United States: Classic California with hazelnut and green apple notes. Full-bodied, rich and generous: exactly what you want in a life partner. 369686 13.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. May 12, 2012 Full Review

Liberty School Rosé 2011, California, United States: A pretty rose with aromas of rose petal and field strawberries. Dry and refreshing. This is a blend of 76% syrah, 15% grenache and 10% chardonnay grapes. Only 800 cases were produced of this wine. Drink: 2012-2014. 276667 13.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 88/100. May 26, 2012 Best Value Rosé. Full Review

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, California, United States: Ravenswood is one of California's zinfandel pioneers, and remains one of its best producers today. This terrific Vintners Blend Zin offers enticing aromas of spice, black raspberry, brambleberry and blueberry and raspberry. It's terrifically vibrant with layers of textured flavor. Smooth with polished tannins and a warm finish are perfect for the barbecue because it has the flavours to stand up to grilled meats but a juiciness that is a terrific complement to the smoky flavours. This is also a great wines for pizza and movie night and is available year-round in the Vintages Essentials Collection. Drink: 2012-2015. 359257 13.60% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 22, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review