Dandelion Vineyards Sister's Run God's Hill Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The Sister’s Run label is an inspired salute to winemaker Elena Brooks’ ready-for-anything approach to her work. Apparently on (at least) one occasion, upon returning from an event, while changing from high heels to work boots Elena was required to run into the winery and deal with a crisis while wearing one of each. Expect this wine to be full bodied with concentrated dark fruits and spice, and fun but serious enough for either a formal or informal barbecue. My note: A perky, full-bodied red that delivers lots of pleasure and no offense. Black plums berries roll across your mouth: no stops or starts, all liquid pleasure. Perfect for the barbecue. Drink: 2011-2014. 222018 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Uby Colombard Ugni Blanc 2009, Côtes De Gascogne , Southwest, France: A simple, but delightful white with fresh notes of white peach and pink grapefruit. Terrific aperitif. No oaky aromas. Clean and fresh 151019 11.50% XD 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010 Full Review

Le Gravillas Sablet Caves Des Vignerons À Sablet Syrah Blend 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: A black plum and cedar red with full-bodied goodness. One to drink and enjoy, not to analyze. 78790 14.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 87/100. April 17, 2010 Full Review

Perrin & Fils Réserve Rosé 2009, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: This is also the producer that owns the famous Château de Beaucastel. This wine offers cranberry and dark raspberry aromas, very full-bodied flavour for rosé but still beautifully balanced and refreshing. This is a biodynamic wine. 719062 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. May 15, 2010 Full Review

Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Touraine, Loire Valley, France: Zippy and refreshing with lovely lime and grapefruit notes. Great mouth-watering acidity. Simple and tasty! 68676 12% XD 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 85/100. May 14, 2010 Full Review

Willm Reserve Riesling 2008, Alsace, France: Lovely light Riesling with aromas of white flowers, whote peach and lime. Perfect aperitif and friendly food companion. 11452 12% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. May 14, 2010 Full Review

Perrin & Fils Syrah Grenache 2009, A.C., Rhône, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine has plenty of enjoyment to offer tonight with gourmet hamburgers and all the trimmings. My note: This price has to be a typo: buy a case before they discover the mistake! Juicy, savoury, chewy and satisfying, this full-bodied red has ripe cherries and meaty notes. Smooth and full-bodied. This 50/50 blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes is the Ultimate Barbecue Wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 241604 14% D 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 90/100. June 25, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Complete Cheese Pizza Wine Full Review

Cantine Paololeo Riserva Salice Salentino 2006, Puglia D.O.C., Italy: Another typo with price! Grab up a case while you can for your parties. Full-bodied and smooth with an incredible elegance and finesse. Dark fruit and a long finish to contemplate just how much you saved buying this wine. Bonus: the label looks expensive so it also makes a great gift wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 214700 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Muga Barrel Fermented White 2010, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: A blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, this wine is given a slow fermentation in new French oak barrels, plus a further three months resting on its lees. The resulting wine is rich, impeccably balanced and concentrated. Cellar it 2-3 years or enjoy it tonight. My note: A joyous, zippy blend of white grapes that result in mouth-watering juiciness and ultra-food-friendliness. White peach and lime lead with a terrific long finish. Drink: 2011-2014. 958736 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 20, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Beronia Elaboración Especial Tempranillo 2009, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Fantastic! Juicy and savoury with lovely rich flavours of black cherry and cedar. Wow, this blows me away for the price. Drink: 2011-2015. 723643 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. August 20, 2011 Full Review

Lan Reserva Tempranillo Mazuelo 2005, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Mature and classic with subtle notes of dried herbs, leather and dark fruits. I love it because it’s packed with flavour yet so elegant and balanced. I could drink this all night, and in fact, I think I will. Drink: 2011-2015. 42929 13.50% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011 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