Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Decanter magazine named Nicolás Catena as ‘Man of the Year’ for 2009, crediting the visionary with changing the direction of Argentina’s wine industry. Catena’s Alamos range consistently offers superb quality and value. A berry-cherry nose with soft, supple layers of cassis and blackberry on the palate. Full-bodied with good acidity, judicious use of oak and satisfying flavors. Great value for this quality. 467944 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. August 21, 2010 Full Review

Manos Negras Malbec 2012, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Rich, dark and deep with brooding, fleshy ripe black berries, black plums and purple plums. Supple and smooth. Malbec is the reigning red wine grape of Argentina and it plays the leading role in this terrific wine. Drink: 2014-2018. 271205 13.90% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 2, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Angove Family Winemakers Long Row Chardonnay 2008, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Bright medium-yellow. Aromas of yellow apple, apricot and pie crust emerge on the nose along with notes of spice and vanilla candle. Dry, fruity, ripe and round. It’s bright and fresh with lively acidity and a beautiful marriage of fruit and oak. This is a medium-full-bodied Chard. Great value. My note: Terrific buttery Chardonnay with green apple and hazelnut notes. Round, rich and lovely, especially for the price. Could easily be $20. 641779 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010 Full Review

Woop Woop Shiraz 2008, South Eastern Australia, Australia: Fleshy, plum, full-bodied and delicious! What a terrific wine for the price. Aromas of big fat blackberries 180174 14.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. August 21, 2010 Best Value Red Tied. Full Review

Castillo De Molina Reserva Viña San Pedro Carmenère 2007, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The nose of this Carmenère entices with notes of blueberry, blackberry, roasted coffee bean and a whiff of incense. It’s dry, medium-bodied and supple with ripe black fruit flavours along with nuances of chocolate and tobacco leaf. Great value. My note: A lovely, rich, round plummy number with a velvet texture and a dark chocolate-infused finish. Terrific party wine. 960807 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Domaine La Croix Belle Cuvée Syrah 2008, Côtes De Thongue, Midi, France: A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Syrah du Monde wine competition. Stunningly great value for this ultra-delicious, full-bodied red! Gorgeous notes of black plums and mocha. Round and supple: wow. Perfect party wine. 160150 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. May 15, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Anselmann Huxelrebe Auslese 2007, Q.M.P., Pfalz, Germany: Vintages Wine Panel: Huxelrebe is a cross of the Chasselas and Courtillier Musqué grapes. This intriguing grape is little known outside of Germany. It is an early-ripener that makes very elegant sweet wines such as this example from Anselmann. Look for rich and fruity aromas and flavours of apricots and passion flower, nicely balanced by racy acidity. This multi-award-winner has very good ageing potential, but can also be enjoyed tonight with an apricot tart or blue cheese. My note: Gorgeous concentration of apricot ad pear preserve yet it doesn’t come off as sweet. Such divinely lovely deep flavours. Get over your hang-ups about wines with a touch of sweetness. Imagine this with glazed ham or sweet potatoes: holy lardy liftin! 681445 11% M 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 92/100. August 21, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Salice Salentino Candido Riserva Negroamaro Malvasia Nera 2005, D.O.C., Lacarta, Puglia, Italy: Blockbuster great wine especially for the price! It’s got it all: ripe dark fruit, mouth-watering acidity, generous layers and food versatility. Love it! 529487 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. May 1, 2010 Full Review

Leopard's Leap Shiraz 2007, Franschhoek, South Africa: A full-bodied, supple red with enticing notes of dark plums, violets, mulberry and smoke. Absolutely phenominal for the money. Stock up on this one for all your summer barbecues and parties. 148213 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. May 14, 2010 Full Review

Bodegas Agnusdei Terra Firme Albariño 2008, D.O. ,Rías Baixas, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Albarino is the most popular source of dry white wines in the Rías Baixas region. This version from Terra Firme has lively aromas of white peach, apricot, citrus, apple, orange blossom and camomile; apple, lemon and floral characters shine on the palate upon entry. It all leads to a concentrated burst of citrus fruit mid-palate, which lasts through the finish. This has crisp, pleasing acidity and a medium body, and is ready to drink now. My note: refreshing, herbal and classically typical of the region and grape. Great aperitif. 166751 12.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. June 26, 2010 Full Review