Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Dominated by plum, raspberry, spring flowers and beetroot/earth aromas. Dry, tannic and tight with good, youthful fruit waiting patiently to come to the front. Will reward 3-5+ years in a cellar, or enjoy tonight, decanted. My note: Canada’s leader in Pinot Noir: classic Old World lines and balance with New World fruit and power. Floods the senses with ripe cherry fruit and raspberries, some spice on the finish for intrigue. Medium-bodied and silky, seductive. 143545 13.50% XD 750 mL  $40.00 Score: 90/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Domaine D'ardhuy Aux Clous Pinot Noir 2006, A.C., Burgundy, Savigny-Lés-Beaune 1er Cru, France: Lovely bouquet of cherry liqueur, violets and fresh-turned earth. Very full-bodied and rich for Burgundy but it’s terrific! Gorgeous velvety layers of seduction on the palate with a lovely long finish. Drink: 2009-2016. 122515 13.10% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 91/100. June 6, 2009 Full Review

Tenuta Sant'Antonio Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Crafted from 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 5% apiece of the lesser-known Croatina and Oseleta varieties. This big, chunky Amarone combines dried red fruit notions with plenty of rich licorice, black pepper and dark chocolate. My note: Soooo tasty! Wow: full-bodied, juicy with ripe blackberries, plums and blackcurrant and a lovely underlay of mocha. Long and rich and satisfying. Leave me with the bottle, will you? Drink: 2011-2020. 435222 15.50% D 750 mL  $50.75 Score: 93/100. December 11, 2010 Favourite Red Wine Tied. Full Review

Babich Individual Vineyards Headwaters Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: I love this wine! I’ve had this winery’s more inexpensive Sauvignon and recommended it, but this is quite a revelation. It’s more lime-citrus than herbal with refreshing acidity and a clean line right through to the finish. This organic wine has just 14 mg/L of free sulphur. 183160 13% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 16, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review