Chakana Yaguareté Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Sauvignon Blanc is more of a Chilean specialty in the South American context, but this exceptional Argentine version from Chakana shows they can do it just as well. Classic grass, passion fruit and gooseberry aromas are all on display here. This dry and fresh wine is a good sipper, or even better with grilled shrimp or calamari. My note: refreshing, zesty with notes of grass, grapefruit and lime. Good mouth-watering acidity. 178111 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 86/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Finca Sophenia Reserve Malbec 2009, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Finca Sophenia’s Reserve Malbec has earned high praise over the last several years from members of the wine press. With Michel Rolland as consultant winemaker here, more accolades are sure to follow with the latest vintage. Cultivated in the foothills of the Andes and aged in French oak for 8 months, this complex, deeply concentrated wine exhibits aromas of plums, cherries and violets along with notes of mint and dried fruits. Especially good with carnivorous feasts. My note: A savory, meaty, mouth-watering red with full-bodied notes of black cherry, blackberry, cassis and smoke. Supple and smooth. 66837 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 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

Camelback Galli Estate Pinot Grigio 2009, Sunbury, Victoria, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: This clean, crisp, fresh white features grapefruit, green apple and citrus flavours, and a long, refreshing finish. A great match for stronger-flavoured fish dishes such as pan-seared mackerel with fresh tomato and bay leaves. My note: Zippy, come-alive aromas of grapefruit, white peach and lime. Mouth-watering green apple notes make this a wonderful aperitif and food companion. 108134 13.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 87/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Cave Spring Chardonnay Musqué 2008, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from the aromatic Chardonnay Musqué grape, this wine is a refreshing alternative to conventional Chardonnay. Unoaked, it retains pure and lively aromas and flavours of field flowers, pear drop, limeade, jasmine and sweet apples. Medium bodied and richly flavoured, it’s balanced by a gentle crispness and sports a lengthy finish. My note: Super refreshing and different: I really like it. Notes of melon, grapefruit, Granny Smith apples. Zesty and summery. Drink: 2009-2012. 246579 13% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Henry of Pelham Reserve Off-Dry Riesling 2008, V.Q.A., Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Divine wine with terrific ripe pach and pear notes. This will go down a storm with Asian and spices. Balanced with fresh peach and pear notes. Lovely! 557165 11.50% MD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Malivoire Wine Company Chardonnay 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada: Some kind of wonderful! Balanced Chardonnay with loads of flavour but not heavy. And who doesn’t love the small format? Full-bodied with notes of hazelnuts, apples and peach. Drink: 2011-2015. 960765 12.50% XD 375 mL  $10.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011 Full Review

Ninquén Antu Syrah 2008, Mountain Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Viña Ninquén is amongst a number of Chilean producers now realizing the potential of planting at higher elevations. Ninquén’s mountain vineyards have produced a Syrah that is rich with layers of plush blackberry, plum and black cherry fruit flavors and aromas along with notes of mocha, earth and smoke. My note: A lip-smacking delicious red with dark red fruit notes. 675371 14.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Syrah 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: This Syrah is bursting with eucalyptus aromas, adding a layer of complexity to the blackberry and dark chocolate, all supported by plush tannins and good length. An excellent choice for smoked meats, and priced to be kind to your pocketbook. My note: Terrific value. Possesses a terrific texture with rich layers of blackcurrant, anise, plum and hickory smoke. A terrific wine for casual meals and movie watching. 34959 14.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Emiliana Natura Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Central Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Emiliana is the largest organic grower in Chile with more than 1700 acres of vineyards certified organic and biodynamic. Made from organic grapes and contains only 18 mg/L of sulphur. Fresh herbs, cassis and brooding smoke aromas lead to a dry, medium-full body with cassis, tar and herbal flavors supported by chalky tannins and leading to a medium-long finish. My note: A plush wine with dark fruit notes and a smoky finish. 61069 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Errázuriz Single Vineyard Don Maximiano Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Aconcagua Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Chile’s climate varies widely, with the Aconcagua Valley being one of the hottest of its growing regions. Cabernet Sauvignon is the variety of choice for this region, where the warm, dry weather coaxes the best out of the grapes. This single-vineyard Cab is a rich and charming creation, packed with red fruit, blackcurrant, blackberry and a hint of cedar. A big, ripe red with lovely balance and length. My note: A terrific, full-bodied Cabernet with classic aromas of blackberries, cassis and blackcurrant. Beautifully structured with a satisfyingly long finish. Great wine for dinner parties and steak dinners. 203364 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. December 10, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Voluptuous Veal Wine Full Review

Viña Maipo Reserva Merlot 2009, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Aromatic Merlot with tons of red fruit, spice box and blackberry aromas. Dry with lots of fruit and oak but in perfect balance as both elements are strong enough to completely complement each other. Medium-bodied with a substantial fruit/oak finish. My note: Loaded with blackberry goodness, blackcurrant and peppered plums. Absolutely terrific! 135236 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Chilensis Reserva Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: The once-forgotten Bordeaux grape, Carmenère, is thriving in Chile’s winemaking valleys and is proving to be as important to Chile as Malbec is to neighboring Argentina. This is a fresh and fruity mouth-filling red with aromas and flavors of juicy ripe cherries, chocolate, gentle herbal notes and toasty oak. My note: Redolent of smoked herbs, jammy cassis, and gamey notes. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious. Tremendous value. 657981 14% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value Red Wine (Tied). Full Review

Montes Alpha Carmenère 2008, Colchagua, Chile: A succulent, savoury red with aromas of black fruit, smoke and dark spices. Supple and enticing. Terrific price. 143230 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Terra Andina Reserva Carmenère 2008, Rapel Valley, Chile: Vintages Wine Panel: Chilean growers once believed that the Carmenère grape was a clone of Merlot, but the country officially recognized it as a distinct variety in 1994. This delicious crowd-pleaser is an excellent example of why Carmenère deserves recognition. Ripe, smoky aromas and flavours of black plum, currant, chocolate, leather and spice bathe the senses with good balance and length. My note: A deep, tasty, satisfying red with full-bodied notes of dark chocolate, black cherry liqueur, coffee and blueberry. Supple and lip-smacking delicious. An incredible value. 128637 14% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Emiliana Limited Selection Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This organic Chardonnay is balanced, full-bodied and tasty. Aromas of green apple, smoke, butterscotch and almond. Full-bodied and delicious. 4515 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Chardonnay 2009, Casablanca Valley, Chile: This organic wine contains only 16 mg/L of free sulphur. This Chardonnay is balanced, full-bodied and tasty. Aromas of green apple, smoke, butterscotch and almond. Full-bodied and delicious. 4515 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Beauvignac Picpoul De Pinet 2009, Midi, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Does the onset of summer make you daydream of refreshing white wines? If you are a fan of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris and have been wanting to expand your wine-tasting repertoire, Picpoul de Pinet may be the answer. This crisp, fresh, light-bodied wine features fresh citrus and apple flavors, and its racy acidity makes it truly ‘magnifique’ for sipping on the patio. My note: A joyously happy wine; bright sunshine on a summer’s day. Redolent of daisies, melon, tangerine zest and lime. Perfect aperitif or as an accompaniment to many dishes. 350124 12.50% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Terres Blanches Sec Muscat 2009, Vin De Pays D’Oc, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Don’t know much about Muscat? Well, here’s a perfect place to start. This dry wine is an exceptional value, and it also shows many of the aromatic qualities that make Muscat so attractive: orange blossom, table grapes, red grapefruit and peach. My note: orange blossom and zest all the way! Lovely and exotically enticing with white peach and spices. 653188 13% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Croft Port Late Bottled Vintage Port 2004, D.O.C., Douro, France: Vintages Wine Panel: One of the benefits of LBV is that you can enjoy the blessings of a declared vintage almost right away, without the need to cellar it. Made in a modern style, this opaque ruby-black Port is rich and delicious. Entices the nose and palate with notes of smoke, tar, chocolate, toffee, and intense dark berry fruit. Medium bodied, very smooth and long-finishing, this is ready-to-drink LBV. My note: Is there anything more comforting than port? (I mean aside from human contact.) I think of port as the Diana Krall of wines: sultry, seductive and smooth. This is a warm, rich after-dinner drink with layers of black plums and blackberries. A long, satisfying finish. 87601 20% S 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value Dessert Wine. Full Review

Château De Nages Réserve (R. Gassier, Prop.-Récolt.) Syrah Belnd 2009, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhone, France: A cedary, blackberry packed red. Full-bodied. 427617 14% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Château De Gaudou Tradition Malbec 2008, A.C., Cahors, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This wine is mostly Malbec, with splashes of Tannat and Merlot. Ripe and rich, it exudes delicious notes of blueberry, black-berry, chocolate and raisin. Dry and medium-full bodied, with ample acidity and powerful tannic structure balancing all that sweet fruit character. Opaque, almost black in color. This wine is filled with sour cherry, anise, cocoa powder, raspberry and cinnamon. This one will reward serious cellar time. Give it four years and then keep looking at it for another six after that. My note: This wine is a blend of 15% Merlot, 80% Malbec and 5% Tannat. Lip-smacking delicious with aromas of black cherry, fig, red currant, coffee and cigar box. Terrific acidity for food. It’s full-bodied but not heavy. 104935 13% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

R De Rieussec Société Du Château Rieussec, Prop. Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2007, A.C., Bordeaux, France: Vintages Wine Panel: Made from non-botrytised Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, this fine dry wine from the great Sauternes house, Rieussec, must always be designated as AC Bordeaux. Although not reviewed en primeur, this wine will be as exciting as many of the other white Bordeaux in the 2007 vintage. My note: Absolutely perfect! Apricot ideal with honey blanket and peach preserves. Love it! Drink: 2011-2013. 100891 13% XD 750 mL  $22.00 Score: 93/100. July 9, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. 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

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2009, Q.B.A., Mosel, Germany: Glorious pleasure that could be three times the price! Ripe peach, apricot and pear with some zingy moth-watering action. Light and fresh… float away on its flavours. Drink: 2011-2015. 596601 10% MD 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011 Best Value White Wine. Full Review

Domdechant Werner'sches Riesling Spätlese 2008, Hochheimer Domdechaney, Rheingau, Germany: A Gold Medal winner at the International Wine Challenge London 2010. Lovely summer sunshine with a touch of peach sweetness. Perfect balance for so many dishes. Drink: 2011-2015. 129510 10% M 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011 Full Review

Pinot Grigio 2010, D.O.C., Valdadige, Alto Adige, Trentino, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: The half-bottle size of our hugely popular Essentials product (+106450). It has a lovely minerality, fresh green apple, lime and peach aromas and flavours and a refreshing, cleansing finish. It makes the perfect backyard summer sipper for two. My note: Super convenient size for evenings on the deck when you’re on your own or just one glass each is all you want. White melon and lime zestiness. This wine is incredibly versatile. Drink: 2011-2014. 687558 12.50% XD 375 mL  $10.45 Score: 89/100. July 9, 2011 Full Review

Nino Franco Brut Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Toasty with lovely notes of green apples and orange zest. Bright and vibrant. Terrific for the price. 349662 11% XD 750 mL  $23.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Best Value Sparkling Wine. Full Review

Michele Da Lisca Pinot Grigio 2009, I.G.T., Delle Venezie, Friuli, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Melon, floral, citrus and pear aromas and flavours. The finish is remarkably lengthy. This is a great summertime wine, and an extremely solid value. Will suit a wide range of summer salads or antipasto dishes. My note: A light, benign white with mild notes of grapefruit and white melon. 117267 12% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 85/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Sportoletti Assisi Rosso 2008, D.O.C., Umbria, Italy: Gorgeous haunting aromas of black cherries and smoke. Full-bodied but not heavy. 926857 13% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 90/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Corte Majoli Ripasso Superiore Valpolicella 2007, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Vanio Tezza represents a new generation of Veneto winemakers. While still in his 20s, he took over the family estate 10 years ago after the death of his father. Respecting the traditions required to make Ripasso, he also brings a modern flair to every wine the property produces. Check out the ripe plum, raspberry and cocoa aromas in this medium full-bodied, round, rich and fruity wine. My note: A solid, pleasant and robust wine with notes of black raspberries, mocha and dark spices. A casual quaffer to sip in front of the evening fire. 84061 14% XD 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Monte Zovo Ripasso Valpolicella 2008, D.O.C., Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: Year after year, this fabulous Ripasso is a major hit with customers. It’s fruit-forward with layers of cranberry, cherry, herb, peppery spice and meaty notes. Dry with a medium-full body and a lingering finish, it has the structure to match flavourful dishes. Its upfront fruit-forward style also makes it a pleasant sipping wine. My note: Very purple and tasty! Bring on the blueberries, blackberries and purple berries. Full-bodied, juicy and somewhat like zinfandel. Smooth and fun. 650713 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Cantine Manimurci Impeto Greco Di Tufo 2009, D.O.C.G., Campania, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: From the Campania region of Italy comes this refreshing white made from 100% Greco di Tufo. Intriguing aromas of ripe lemon, apple, pear and mineral. The palate showcases pretty flavours of yellow plum, lemon-lime and pear, enlivened by floral notes. A lovely, soft texture to this wine, with good balance and length. Ready for enjoyment tonight. My note: Grapefruit and acidic lime: refreshing and biting. 180752 12.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 85/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Caruso & Minini Terre Di Giumara Terre Di Giumara Inzolia 2009, I.G.T., Sicilia, Italy: Vintages Wine Panel: This Sicilian white is made entirely of the Inzolia (or Insolia) grape, and exhibits aromas of field flowers, gooseberry, and yellow plum. Light flavours of fresh apple, pear, and pleasing citrus brighten the palate, which culminates in a dry finish. A crisp, medium-bodied white with good length. Open this bottle up tonight. My note: Mesmerizing and addictive aromas of field flowers, lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Get out of your white wine rut today: try it! 180760 12.50% D 750 mL  $11.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Best Value White Wine Tied. Full Review

Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Very grassy and herbal with terrific refreshment and made from organically grown grapes. Mouth-watering acidity: this wine cries out for shellfish, vegetarian pizza or quiche. Drink: 2011-2013. 214437 12% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 88/100. July 9, 2011 Full Review

Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Stunningly delicious Sauvignon Blanc with vibrant notes of fresh grass, lime, chives and green apple. Not too herbal. Refreshing and mercifully free of oak. A zesty aperitif or a companion to a wide range of dishes. Superb effort! 141499 13% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 91/100. January 22, 2011 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Blackstone Winery Winesmaker’S Select Merlot 2008, California, United States: A full-bodied, generous red with fleshy plums, ripe blackberries, mocha, cigar box and some toasty oak. Layers of richess. A treat to drink. Consistently great year after year. Drink: 2010-2015. 606327 13.50% D 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. January 22, 2011 Full Review

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Medium-deep ruby colour. Impressive array of aromas, including blackberry, sweet black cherry, bumbleberry pie, freshly turned earth, and masala spice. Dry and quite flavourful, and very nicely balanced by a racy freshness and velvety tannins. This is a hefty but vibrant wine. It will also reward 1-3 years in a cellar. My note: A rich, dark Zinfandel: love it! Complexity and layers are growing yet it holds true to the traditional signature of blackberries, brambleberries and a lick of dark spices. Jammy cherries and raspberries. 942599 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. January 22, 2011 Favourite Red Wine. Full Review

Beringer Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Ultra-classic California Chardonnay: white peach, green apple, toasted almond, butterscotch a whiff of smoke. Lovely balance and full-bodied richness. Bring it on! 84988 14.10% D 750 mL  $32.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Chappellet Winery Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, California, United States: Unctuous in every sense of that wonderful word: full-bodied, rich, luxurious. Redolent of fleshy peach, pear, apple and baking spices. Pair with great conversation. Drink: 2010-2016. 186577 14.80% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 92/100. August 7, 2010 Favourite White Wine. Full Review

Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Geyser Peak’s winemakers select grapes from the best cool vineyard sites throughout California and use only stainless steel tanks to preserve the youthful zip. The result is a racy wine bursting with concentrated ripe citrus flavours and zingy acidity. A fantastic wine. My note: Very pleasing, very balanced Sauvignon Blanc with refreshing notes of lemon, lime, chives and lemongrass. No heavy oak or smoke. Completely, utterly refreshing. 340208 13% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Tandem Porter Sangiacomo Chardonnay 2007, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Toasted almond goodness and baking spices on the nose followed by green apple and white peach. Full-bodied, voluptuous and delicious. Oh yes! 173344 14.10% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California, United States: Rich, buttery and full-bodied with delightful aromas of toasted almond, green apples and a lime-infused finish. Terrific value at this price. Yum! 421644 13.40% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. August 7, 2010 Full Review