d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Big black bruiser with dark fruit, savoury bacon, dark spices and mint. Full-bodied and smooth. Big “bang” for your buck. 981183 14.50% XD 750 mL  $70.00 Score: 91/100. November 27, 2010 Full Review

Dark Side Of The Moon Claymore Wines Shiraz 2009, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Mint and blackberry on the nose, with a laser-like focus and cleanness on the palate similar to cabernet: well-structured and balanced, not flabby. Terrific winemaking here. Drink: 2011-2015. 72652 15% D 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 92/100. September 3, 2011 Full Review

Monster Vineyards Poplar Grove Cabernet Savignon Cabernet Franc 2009, VQA, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada: Juicy and full-bodied with aromas and flavours of dark red fruit and black plums. Smooth texture. Goes down scary fast. Drink: 2012-2015. 187492 14.60% D 750 mL  $19.90 Score: 88/100. June 22, 2012 Full Review

Château La Grave Tristan & Julien 2008, A.C., Minervois, Midi, France: Simple and tasty and full-bodied. Big black fruit and smoky oak with a smooth texture. Great party wine. Drink: 2010-2012. 178467 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 85/100. August 21, 2010 Full Review

Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap Syrah Cinsaut Grenache 2009, W.O., Western Cape, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: This blend of 59% Syrah, 21% Cinsaut and 20% Grenache is clearly influenced by the blends made famous in the Rhône. Made using the superior saignée (free-run juice) method, this wine exhibits aromas of sweet cherry, strawberry and citrus. Dry and fresh with good fruit tones playing beneath. Enjoy this wine. My note: Bone-dry with notes of cranberries and raspberries. Refreshing. 169409 13% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 86/100. July 24, 2010 Full Review

Spellbound Old Vine Zinfandel 2005, Lodi, California, United States: Juicy brambleberry, blueberry goodness. Don’t think about it, just drink it. Terrific for beachside and dockside dining 104216 14% D 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 89/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review

Howling Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Few things capture the imagination as intensely as does the moon. Sourced from vines averaging 50 years old, the juicy and full-bodied Howling Moon Old Vine Zin certainly taps into something elemental. With a sweet blackberry core and plenty of intriguing spices, this delicious wine will trigger howls of delight. My note: Purple plums and blueberry pie with a smooth, full-bodied texture. Luscious and satisfying. Yum! Drink: 2011-2014. 57356 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.25 Score: 89/100. June 25, 2011 Full Review

Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend Louis M. Martini Winery Chardonnay 2011, Sonoma, Monterey, Napa Counties, California, United States: Classic California chardonnay: butterscotch, toffee, apple and peach. Full-bodied and layered with a long finish. Drink: 2012-2015. 136408 14% D 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 90/100. July 7, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

7 Deadly Old Vine Michael & David Phillips Zinfandel 2004, Lodi, California, United States: Smoky black fruit goodness, like a campfire with your best friend under a crisp moonlit October night. Love it! Juicy berries: black, blue and purple. Yum! Drink: 2007-2012. 59311 14.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 92/100. October 15, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review