Catena Nicasia Vineyard La Consulta Malbec 2008, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Cigar box borne on a river of black plum pleasure. Full-bodied with lapping layers of liquid velvet. This is the one to pour if you want to celebrate anything, including just opening this bottle. Drink: 2012-2018. 132357 14.70% D 750 mL  $96.00 Score: 95/100. September 29, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Red Hill Estate Chardonnay 2009, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: Holy smokes! Vibrant and mouth-watering, loaded with lime acidity that cuts like a silver knife through the butter richness. You truly can have it all in one glass ... Right here. Drink: 2012-2017. 280248 13% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 95/100. July 21, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Louis Latour Pinot Noir 2009, A.C., Marsannay, Burgundy, France: Splendid pinot noir, especially for the price! Superb layers of mouth-watering black cherry and dark spice. Silky texture and a finish that almost doesn't end. Hedonists: line up for this one and save some for me. Drink: 2012-2017. 279018 13% XD 750 mL  $41.95 Score: 93/100. July 21, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Château de Beaucastel Pierre Perrin 2009, A.C., Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône, France: Incredible concentration yet still elegant and balanced, not heavy. This is the flagship wine for Châteauneuf-du-Pape: consistently glorious year after year. Will keep in your cellar very well. Drink: 2013-2020. 711317 14.50% XD 750 mL  $89.95 Score: 95/100. March 17, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Montirius Le Clos Famille Christine Et Eric Saurel À Sarrians 2007, A.C., Vacqueyras, Rhône, France  76547 14% XD 750 mL  $28.95. June 9, 2011 Full Review

Terre Di Rubinoro Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Vecchia Cantina Di Montelpulciano Sangiovese 2006, D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy: Earthy and mature with leather and cigar box. A fantastic price for such an evolved wine. Smooth and full-bodied. Almost makes me want to read a long novel, but I think I’d rather have another glass and then a nap. Drink: 2011-2016. 206862 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 5, 2011 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

Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: You MUST try this! Rock your world with apple blossom, peach forgetfulness and pleasure beyond limits. Full-bodied. Dive into it. Drink: 2012-2016. 282772 14% D 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 95/100. September 29, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Barón de Ley Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2001, Rioja, DOC, Spain: This is a remarkable wine -- please save me some as I intend to get a couple of cases. Matures aromas of leather, cigar box, dried herbs and black plums. It's rare to get a mature wine like this on a release, snap it up but not too much. Drink: 2012-2022. 642496 13% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 94/100. December 3, 2020 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2010, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Whenever I see La Crema pinot noir on a restaurant list, I know it's going to be a great meal, no matter what we're having food-wise. This subtle red is silky smooth enough not to clash with seafood yet it's loaded with fleshy cherry flavours for meatier dishes. Perfection though is roast chicken or planked salmon. Absolutely phenomenal for this price. Drink: 2012-2016. 719435 13.90% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. May 26, 2012 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Pricey but worth it. How do you cost elegance? Finesse, layers of dark-fruited pleasure and the premium satisfaction of knowing you can afford such a bottle. Drink: 2012-2017. 189795 14% D 750 mL  $127.00 Score: 92/100. September 15, 2012 Full Review

Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California, United States: Cherry-berry festival for your mouth. Lively, medium- to full-bodied and silky. Bring it -- to my house pls. Drink: 2012-2016. 317221 14.50% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 92/100. September 29, 2012 Full Review