Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: We were wowed by this deeply delicious wine. Classic black fruit aromas and flavours give this an extreme depth of flavour from beginning to end. It is not jammy or overdone, and everything is perfectly in place, especially the exceptional use of oak. My note: Gorgeous depths of black fruit. Full-bodied. Drink: 2008-2012. 89599 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 11, 2008 Full Review

Watershed Senses Shiraz 2004, Margaret River, Australia: In 2007, this Shiraz was awarded Gold by the prestigious Mundus Vini International Wine Academy. This wine exhibits lots of fruit concentration and intensity with robust aromas of ripe black raspberries, tar, kirsch and smoke. Not overdone but offers lots of flavor for the buck. Drink: 2008-2015. 73767 14% D 750 mL  $20.25 Score: 93/100. January 10, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia: A corpulent wine with ripe, fleshy blackberries, black plum and kirsch, rounded off with dark spices and pepper. This full-bodied Shiraz also has 5% of the Grenache grape, which adds roundness and suppleness. Drink: 2008-2016. 94078 14% D 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 92/100. January 31, 2009 Full Review

Ferngrove Shiraz 2007, Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia: Deep, dark and brooding with aromas of blackberry, cassis and cedar box. Great gift or dinner party bottle. 90282 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. May 23, 2009 Full Review

Tyrrell's Wines Rufus Stone Shiraz 2007, Heathcote, Australia: Towering flavours with incredible depth. Deep black plums, mocha, black raspberry jam and vanilla smoke. 91488 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 17, 2010 Full Review

Katnook Chardonnay 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Hazelnut melted butter goodness! Green apples perk up the mid-palate and then the wine finishes you off with a lovely sunset of peach and pear. 734830 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. February 6, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Hollick Wines Bond Road Chardonnay 2007, Coonawarra, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia: Voluptuously rich and velvet-textured. Aromas of green apples, peach and pear. Seep your senses in it, lovely! Drink: 2007-2011. 941922 14% D 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 91/100. July 24, 2010 Full Review

Grant Burge Barossa Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Fifth-generation winemaker Grant Burge is a master of Shiraz. This fine version showcases classic Barossa character, with individual flair to boot. Opaque ruby red in the glass, it’s brimming with spicy fruit – think fully ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, with notions of menthol, cloves, dark chocolate and smoke. Dry, medium-full bodied and mouth-filling, with a silky texture, a ripe fruit core, and impressive tannic structure. Nice, lengthy finish. Hold for 1-2 years or savour it tonight. My note: Richly extracted with gorgeous depths of flavour. Aromas of black cherry liqueur, blackberry preserves and black raspberries. Full-bodied and sensual. Yum! Drink: 2010-2015. 738567 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. October 2, 2010 Favourite Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Paringa Estate Shiraz 2008, Riverland, South Australia, Australia: An amazing wine for the money! Rich and concentrated with black cherry liqueur and fleshy ripe blackberries. Full-bodied and smooth. Drink: 2010-2015. 776146 15% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. September 18, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: A wonderful, vibrant Shiraz with nicely balanced fleshy fruit and acidity for food. Lots of layers of flavours and ultra-satisfying. Perfect for potluck get-togethers and movie night. Nice to have a great half-bottle selection. Drink: 2010-2014. 180430 14.50% D 375 mL  $11.95 Score: 91/100. September 18, 2010 Full Review

Cat Amongst The Pigeons Nine Lives Barossa Earth Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Big purple plums and blueberries dance across your palate like a cat on a hot tin roof. Full-bodied, juicy and supple. Great for catty discussions. I amuse myself if no one else. Drink: 2010-2015. 93138 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. October 16, 2010 Full Review

Coriole Redstone Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia 59915 14.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. December 11, 2010 Full Review

Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: From a historic single vineyard at the southern end of the Barossa, this deep purple Shiraz is bursting with ripe berry, lifted floral and coconut aromas. This is a rich and opulent wine with a chewy texture and ripe, juicy, mixed-berry and vanilla flavours balanced by firm, grainy tannins leading to a lengthy finish. It’s a “wow” wine that always impresses. Decant and serve, or cellar this big boy for up to 6 years. My note: Lovely rich and round with dark plums that cushion new heights and depths of pleasure. 725127 13.50% XD 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 90/100. January 8, 2011 Full Review

Gemtree Vineyards 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  $17.95 Score: 91/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Kilikanoon Wines The Lackey Shiraz 2007, South Australia, Australia: A real bunny-slipper wine: snuggly comfort for casual book club gatherings or après ski. This Shiraz was aged for 15 months in American oak and not filtered or fined, which leaves lots of robust stuffing and flavor in the bottle. Aromas of black pepper, raspberry liqueur, spice and cherry-scented leather. An unctuous texture with a long, warm finish. Pair it with good friends and boisterous conversation. 5199 14% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

George Wyndham Founder's Reserve Shiraz 2007, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Perth Royal Wine Show, and just gazing into the depths of this opaque purple Shiraz gives you a sense of the quality within. Lively black fruit, coffee and minty notes on the nose are all enthusiastically revisited on the palate. The firm tannins and delicious spiciness add complexity to an already wonderful wine. Try this gold medalist. My note: Menthol cool with blackberry richness. Black cherry and mulberry notes with some mocha and dark spices. Pair it with great conversation. Drink: 2011-2015. 107904 14.90% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. February 5, 2011 Full Review

Grant Burge Barossa Vines S Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Fifth-generation winemaker Grant Burge is a master of Shiraz. The 2009 is classic Burge Barossa with layers of blackberry, plum and black cherry with smoky cloves and dark chocolate. Dry and delectably mouth-filling, with impressive tannins and a ripe fruit core. Enjoy tonight. My note: Flashy blackberries that have been rolled in mocha … savoury and dark with rich, full-bodied layers of pleasure. What intensity, concentration and power on the palate… very hedonistic. Long finish. Drink: 2011-2016. 738567 13.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. March 19, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Penfolds Chardonnay 2008, Thomas Hyland, Australia: Lots of buttery smoky goodness. So generous with green apples and peach. Layers of white peach: loaded with richness and a voluptuous mouth-feel.Yum! Drink: 2011-2015. 611228 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. March 28, 2011 Full Review

Oscar's Estate Vineyard Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A wonderfully robust and intriguing nose of blackberry jam, caramel, cocoa and a touch of toasted coconut. The palate is dry, with nice fruit and a plush texture. This is a real crowd-pleaser of a wine. A nice addition to a casual gathering. My note: Jammy-lovely: blackberry pie in a glass! Dry but packed with flavour. Full-bodied with layers of pleasure that lap over your senses. Drink: 2011-2016. 225631 15.20% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 91/100. April 16, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Angus The Bull Shiraz 2009, South Australia, Australia: Superb! Rich and fleshy and full-bodied, with gorgeous aromas of juicy, savoury dark plums and berries. A hedonitically dense core of black fruit followed by a spice-infused finish. Pour it on! 132936 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 22, 2011 Full Review

Mount Pleasant Shiraz 2008, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia: Long, smooth and full-bodied with lovely dark red berries and fruits. Well-constructed with great balance. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2011-2015. 82396 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 30, 2011 Full Review

Chapel Hill Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Savory and gorgeously delicious. Give your tastebuds a real treat with this wine. Full-bodied with fleshy dark berries and plums. Perfect for movie night. Drink: 2011-2015. 743989 14.50% XD 750 mL  $23.25 Score: 92/100. May 14, 2011 Full Review

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia, Australia: Classic Aussie Shiraz: big black fruit, meaty with some dark spices on the finish. Full-bodied and supple. Knock it back! Drink: 2011-2015. 167189 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. May 14, 2011 Full Review

Peter Lehmann Wines Portrait Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The Barossa Valley’s reputation for producing some of Australia’s greatest red wines was built on the back of producers like Peter Lehmann, who took a chance on the region. The Queen of Clubs, or “Gambler’s card” that appears on the Art Series wines, represents the gamble Peter took when he founded the winery in 1979. You can expect a well-structured, balanced wine with rich and complex fruit complemented by spice and chocolate notes. It will reward 3+ years in the cellar or can be enjoyed tonight. My note: A classically structured Australian Cabernet: it rises so far beyond the ranks of the simple fruit sweet cousins. We’ve got power and depth here from the Australian sun, yet the balance and elegance of a master winemaker. Love it, especially at this price! Drink: 2011-2017. 605741 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Coyote's Run Estate Winery Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, V.Q.A., Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Love the hazelnut Granny Smith apple nose! Luscious with a judicious use of oak. Balanced with great length. Love it! 49775 12.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Tawse Winery Inc. Sketches Of Niagara Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Love this style of Chard! Rich, full-bodied but not heavy. Infused with gorgeous hazelnut and toast almond with green apple and peach notes. Truly one of our best Canadian producers. Drink: 2010-2015. 89037 13% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 18, 2010 Full Review

Niagara College Teaching Winery Barrel Fermented, Donald Ziraldo Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Hazelnut gorgeousness on the nose drenches the senses followed by fleshy peaches and pears. Full-bodied, rich and luxurious with a toasty oak finish. Dive, what are you waiting for? Drink: 2010-2014. 4273200007 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 91/100. August 17, 2010 Full Review

Arboleda Viña Seña Chardonnay 2007, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Stunningly lovely for the money! Hazelnut butter goodness wrapped in toasted almonds and melon notes. Full-bodied and rich. 208842 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. November 7, 2009 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Acongagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Founded by Chilean superstar Eduardo Chadwick of Viña Errazuriz fame and California’s Robert Mondavi (Chadwick now owns solely the winery), Arboleda is dedicated to producing premium and super-premium quality wines. This intensely aromatic Sauvignon Blanc features aromas of typical fresh-cut grass, gooseberry, green peas and citrus fruit characteristics. This crisp and fresh wine is a fine choice as an aperitif. My note: Grassy-great! Refreshing and zippy with tasty notes of lemon, lime and chives. Please top me up! Drink: 2010-2013. 223007 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. June 11, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Splendid Salad Wine Full Review

Concha y Toro Marqués De Casa Concha Syrah 2008, Buin, Maipo Valley, Chile: Lip-smacking sensuous with full-bodied, roll-on flavour. Dark field berries that squeeze their precious juice and concentrated flavour onto your palate as you swallow. Drink: 2011-2015. 19042 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. July 9, 2011 Full Review

Concha y Toro Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007, Limarí Valley, Chile: Stunning! Hazelnut, green apple and a little butter and toast. So seductive. This is my kind of chardonnay. Full-bodied but supremely balanced. Drink: 2011-2015. 162040 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2011 Full Review

Amaral Cool Climate Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Leyda Valley, Chile: Herbal and dry with mouth-watering flavours of chives, green apple and lime. Medium-bodied. Needs food. Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2010 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon. Drink: 2011-2014. 48025 14.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. March 5, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Domaine Gueugnon-Remond Grande Réserve Mâcon-Charnay Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Mâcon-Charnay-Lès-Mâcon, Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Apple, hazelnut and citrus on the nose. Dry, with creamy texture, and mouthwatering echoes of apple, citrus and oak. Zesty acidity rounds out a thoroughly satisfying experience. My note : A stunning chardonnay for the money! Lovely aromas of green apple, peach, oak and butter. Rich but balanced. Glorious change of pace for anyone who’d like to try the French style of chardonnay. Drink: 2011-2016. 220889 12.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 91/100. April 2, 2011 Full Review

La Chablisienne Sauvignon Blanc 2008, A.C., France: Vintages Wine Panel: Bet you didn't know they make Sauvignon Blanc in Burgundy. Now you can impress your guests with this unique Burgundian wine. And you'll only find them in the Saint-Bris appellation. My note: Vibrant, lemongrass and lime aromas leap out of the glass. Mouth-watering and juicy with terrific minerality and length. Medium-bodied and refreshing. 641753 12.50% XD 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Lovely aromas of tropical fruit, herbs and goose-berry on the nose. The palate is dry and medium-bodied with strong fruit replays built around a ray of bright citrus and a vibrant acidity. This is an impeccably balanced Sauvignon Blanc that delivers across the board. Enjoy as an aperitif. My note: Lime zest and herbal notes with a zingy acidity for food. Bright and refreshing. Awesome food companion. 662882 12.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 8, 2011 Full Review

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: This is the half-bottle size of the popular Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc wine (35386) It's grassy great! Love the pure herbal refreshment in this wine with a streak of zippy lime running through it. Mouth-watering and terrific. Citrus notes lead with some herbal as a backdrop. Expertly made to deliver maximum pleasure. No heavy oak or alcohol: you’re free to enjoy pure fruit flavours of gooseberry.  Great house wine. 160085 13% XD 375 mL  $9.95 Score: 89/100. January 8, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Giesen Sauvignon Blanc 2009, The Brothers Land, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A come-alive nose with fresh notes of lime, grass and chives. Wake-up your senses. Good mouth-watering acidity. Drink: 2011-2014. 223180 12.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 90/100. April 16, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review

Coopers Creek Vineyard Silver Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009, New Zealand, New Zealand: Lovely, zesty Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of lime, chives and fresh herbs. Not grassy. Lovely bite, incredible price. Terrific, mouth-watering aperitif. Drink: 2011-2013. 187013 13%  750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2011 Full Review

Mud House Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, New Zealand Drink: 2011-2013. 190454 13% D 750 mL  $19.25 Score: 89/100. April 22, 2011 Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review

Te Kairanga Chardonnay 2007, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand: Perfect chardonnay, in my opinion. Hazelnut richness bathed in aromas of green apple, peach and pear and a little lime. Rich, voluptuous and never-ending: just as life and hedonism should be. 727024 13.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 92/100. June 26, 2010 Full Review

Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2006, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Love it! Balanced with gorgeous notes of hazelnut, butter, green apples and white peach. If you’re a Chardonnay fan, this will please you deeply. 717090 13.20% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 91/100. March 6, 2010 FAVOURITE WHITE WINE. Full Review

Springfield Estate Special Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Robertson, South Africa: Lovely vibrant lime notes with some tropical aromas and great minerality and flintiness. The grapes for this refreshing wine were picked at night to preserve their mouth-watering acidity. Fantastic! Drink: 2010-2015. 13% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 90/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Newton Johnson Chardonnay 2008, Walker Bay, Hermanus, South Africa: A savoury tension holds this wine together. There's lovely green apple notes on a wine that's been sun-kissed with a touch of toasty oak. A hazelnut-infused finish. Superb effort! Drink: 2010-2015. 13% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 91/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Flagstone Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Coastal Region, South Africa: Mineral richness and depth with refreshing notes of lime, lemongrass, and chives. Superb effort! Drink: 2010-2015. 96537 13.70% D 750 mL  $16.00 Score: 89/100. May 13, 2010 Full Review

Sea Glass Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Santa Barbara, United States: Unctuous and rich for Sauvignon Blanc, which is simply delightful because it still delivers terrific refreshment! Lovely aromas of gooseberry and fresh-cut grass. Perfect for many dishes from seafood to salads. Amazing price. Drink: 2010-2014. 173575 13.50% XD 750 mL  $16.75 Score: 89/100. July 20, 2010 Full Review

Sterling Chardonnay 2007, Napa Valley, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: An excellent value from Napa, Sterling barrel ferments and ages this medium-full bodied Chard, giving it toasty and smoky notes balanced with aromas and flavours of ripe apple, peach, pear and tropical fruit. My note: Big, round and butter with buxomly ripe peach and pear aromas. Drink: 2010-2015. 330233 13.50% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. November 13, 2010 Full Review

SeaGlass Sauvignon Blanc 2010, California, United States: Zesty, grassy and herbal with incredible refreshment in every gulp! This white is mouth-watering and as cool as an iceberg glinting in the summer sun. It's a great companion to many dishes, from seafood to salads. Priced for parties (large quantities). Drink: 2011-2012. 173575 13.50% XD 750 mL  $16.75 Score: 89/100. March 28, 2011 Full Review