Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet De Beaucastel Syrah Blend 2008, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Wildly delicious! This wine has it all: juicy, black cherry fruit, mouth-watering acidity, full-bodied weight yet it’s not heavy or hot. Fabulous balance and structure and so versatile with food. If you’re coming over, please bring a bottle of this with you please. Drink: 2010-2018. 48884 14% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 94/100. October 30, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied. Full Review

Sanford Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Sanford was the first producer to plant Pinot Noir in the Santa Rita Hills area. That was 1971, and today we are truly fortunate to be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Lovely and bright with cherry and strawberry eau-du-vie notes on the nose. Medium bodied and dry, this Pinot is beautifully balanced with complex smoky fruit and gentle tannins. My note: Stunning with gorgeous depth of satin cherry flavour. Not heavy but packed with flavour. A hedonist’s dream. 206680 14.50% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. October 30, 2010 Full Review

Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: You smell this wine and you say, “Oh that’s nice. The evening may turn out well, after all.” Lovely cherry spice notes with an absolutely seductive satin texture. Good this is good juice. The Wagner family (of Caymus fame) is responsible for the Belle Glos label. While Chuck Wagner wows wine lovers with his Caymus Cabernets, his son Joseph continues to win fans with his Pinots Drink: 2010-2016. 652883 14.50% XD 750 mL  $48.95 Score: 93/100. October 30, 2010 Full Review

Belle Glos Meomi Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Dark spices and black cherries with a supple texture and medium- to full-body. The wine is name after the 90-year old mother of the Wagner family and co-founder of Caymus Vineyards. Superb effort! 130138 14.50% D 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 91/100. October 24, 2009 Full Review

Barra Of Mendocino Pinot Noir 2006, Redwood Valley, Mendocino, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: This award-winning wine features aromas of cherry, citrus, raspberry and hints of earth. Dry with good fruit at first enlivened by racy acidity. This wine has a well-focused, fairly long finish. It will reward cellar time (3-5 years). This organic wine has only 6 mg/L of free sulphur. My note: A sweet cherry infused red with mouth-watering notes of field berries. Smooth and medium-bodied. 191890 13.50% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010 Full Review

Paul Dolan Zinfandel 2007, Mendocino County, Amador County, California, United States: This organic wine has just 14 mg/L of free sulphur. This lively zinfandel has ripe blackberry and blueberry notes with a supple, full-bodied weight. Great for barbecue. Drink: 2010-2014. 46342 14.50% D 750 mL  $24.75 Score: 88/100. October 16, 2010 Full Review

Carabella Pinot Noir 2006, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Packed with sweetly ripe cherries and raspberries: like running through a field on a summer day with your senses soaking in the sun. Medium-bodied and satin smooth. Love this wine. Drink: 2010-2015. 180125 14.50% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 92/100. October 30, 2010 Full Review