Trapiche Broquel Bonarda 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A juicy-ripe red with rich black fruit, licorice, blueberry, coconut, dark spices and vanilla smoke. The vines for this wine were 20 years old, and the wine was aged in oak barrels for 12 months. Good firm tannins. Decant for 1-2 hours. 55558 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. October 10, 2009 Full Review

Dominio Del Plata Crios De Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: An absolutely incredible wine for the money! Juicy, savoury and delicious: full-bodied with rich layers of ripe plums, blackberry and other dark fruits. 640979 14% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Love it! Rich and deep with dive-into-it depths of fleshy black berries and plums, some mint. Fantastic price for this quality. 142034 14.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. July 10, 2010 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Temple Bruer Enoomah Bore Shiraz Cabernet 2007, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This organic wine contains only 7 mg/L of free sulphur. A rich and vibrant, classic Aussie blend of Shiraz and Cabernet featuring aromas of blackberry, plum, cassis and vanilla. The tannins perfectly frame the bright fruit, bringing a solid structure to this wine. My note: this is the first wine I’ve seen that’s labelled as “vegan friendly.” (So I guess it's perverse that I paired it with back ribs and sausages.) Nonetheless, it’s a fantastically delicious wine with fleshy black plums and berries. Full-bodied, round and supple. Try it at your next potluck dinner. 165894 14% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. July 10, 2010 Full Review

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, South Australia, Australia: Classic Cab flavors: cassis, blackcurrant and blackberry with a lovely smoky blanket. Terrific balance, depth, length and mouth-watering wonder. 414987 14% XD 750 mL  $109.00 Score: 92/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Barossa Valley Estate E Minor Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Known the world over for its legendary E&E Black Pepper Shiraz and Ebenezer Shiraz, Barossa Valley Estate is proud to announce this new addition to the family. Deep ruby in color, this Shiraz exhibits intense aromas of blueberry, raspberry, plum, cocoa and spicy oak. It’s dry, medium to full-bodied with its juicy fruit flavors kept in harmony with lively acidity and user-friendly tannins, culminating in a lingering, lip-smacking finish. My note: Wow! A second label for an incredible price. This shiraz is loaded with black fruit notes. 71043 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. June 21, 2008 Full Review

Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2005, Adelaide, Australia: This wine gets better every year, the result of years of experience. Classically structured with Bordeaux-like balance and elegance, but the power of New World fruit and vitality. 611210 14.50% D 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 90/100. October 7, 2008 Full Review

Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, South Estern Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Deep ruby purple color; dry and full-bodied with medium tannins, ripe blackberry and oaky vanilla aromas and flavors; long finish. My note: Vanilla-cherry and cool mint on the nose, followed by lovely ripe blackberries and plums on the palate, rich, smooth and inviting. 311795 13% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. May 7, 2009 Full Review

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila-Haut 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Roussillon-Villages, Midi, France: Love it! This wine has it all: balance, length, great extraction of rich black cherry and spice flavour. Drown me in this and don’t bother with a rescue please. Incredible price: must be an accounting error. Drink: 2010-2016. 168716 14% D 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 91/100. June 26, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Spadina Una Viola Signature Syrah 2006, I.G.T., Sicily, Italy: Rich and deep with gorgeous layers of smoky black raspberries, mocha-dark chocolate and black cherries galore. Velvet texture with a pleasingly long finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 171629 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. June 26, 2010 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review