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

Linden Bay Winery Pinot Grigio, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada: Dry and refreshing with lemon-lime notes and white grapefruit. No heavy oak or alcohol. Perfect for the deck or dock. 212134 12% MD 750 mL  $10.95 Score: 85/100. March 28, 2011 Full Review

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winemaker's Series Barrel Aged Pinot Gris 2009, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A terrific pinot gris and a benchmark for the genre/category. Crisp white melon, grapefruit and lemon burst. Refreshing and dry. Winner of the only Gold Medal awarded in the Pinot Gris/Grigio category at the 2010 Canadian Wine Awards. Drink: 2011-2014. 177766 13% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 3, 2011 Full Review

Vinicole De Hunawihr Vieilles Vignes Gewurztraminer 2008, A.C., Alsace, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Vibrant, award-winning Gewurz with aromas of candied citrus, rosewater, lanolin, Turkish delight and spice box. Dry, but quite intense on the palate, with excellent aroma replays. Fairly vibrant acidity for balance from a generally low-acid variety. Medium bodied with a solid finish. My note: Beautifully made (and consumed!) Bursting with aromas of exotic rose petal, lychee and baking spices. I adore it! Perfect with curries, Asian dishes and a get-you-out-of-your-rut aperitif. Drink: 2010-2014. 169474 13.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 4, 2010 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

Black Tower Rivaner, Rhine Rheinhessen, Germany  215012 9.50%  1000 mL  $13.45. January 1, 2011 Full Review