Santa Carolina Specialies Dry Farming Carignan 2012, Cauquenes Valley, Maule Valley, Chile: The Carignan grapes are dry farmed, which adds richness, depth and character to the wine. Dry farming means that the grapes are not irrigated and must rely on the rain water that nature provides, however little that is in dry climates like this one. It also has the effect of producing smaller grapes or berries with more concentrated flavours. Complex, dry and savoury Chilean red wine with gorgeously rich black fruit aromas and flavours. Pleasant tarry-tart black cranberry on the finish. Full-bodied with a velvet smooth texture Drink: 2014-2020. 213520 15% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 18, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir La Clape Syrah Carignan Mourvèdre 2014, Coteaux De Languedoc La Clape, South Of France A.P., France: Very savoury and juicy with dried herbs on the nose and palate. The grapes for this French red wine blend are planted closer to the Mediterranean sea and therefore there are more spice accents in the finished wine along with red fruits, lavender and pepper. The vines are planted at an altitude of 200 metres above sea level, which preserves their freshness with cool nights. The soils consist of limestone plateau that's thousands of years old. The finish has moorland accents. Pair with rosemary lamb. Although the Languedoc is the world's largest wine region with 235,000 acres, it is not one homogenous mass or style wine-wise. There are actually 5 sub-climates and more than 50 different grapes used in varying blends. Compare that to the 5 grapes used in Bordeaux. There are also 8 different and distinctive winds that blow through the vines here as compared to one in the Rhone, the Mistral. Drink: 2016-2021. 370262 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. August 19, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Glorious Game Wine Full Review

Château de Beaucastel 2012, Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône A.C., France: Beautifully made with superb craftsmanship! Full-bodied, concentrated and complex with layers of rich black fruit flavour and smoke. Great cellar potential but why wait? Drink: 2012-2020. 711317 14.50% XD 750 mL  $89.95 Score: 95/100. November 22, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Wander + Found Sparkling Cuveé Blanc, Germany: A terrific, zesty, vegan friendly, alcohol-free blend of dealcoholized wine, grape must, rectified concentrated grape must. Aromas of lime zest, lemon and gooseberry on the nose. Pair with shellfish. Contains 25 calories per serving. 0.50% MD 750 mL  $22.29 Score: 93/100. October 11, 2024 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Cool Creamy Cheese Wine Full Review

Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2005, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Superb! Big tannic grip but gorgeous flavours flow in and around that dry feeling with juicy dried cherries and leather and smoke. Full-bodied with an incredibly long finish. 185025 14% D 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 95/100. June 23, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Cascina Dardi Bussia Riserva, Fantino Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy: Lovely, mature old leather and cigar box. Not fruity at all. Full-bodied and complex and contemplative. Drink: 2012-2016. 268524 14% XD 750 mL  $48.95 Score: 92/100. July 21, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review