Pâtisserie du vin 2012, Aude, France   750 mL  $16.95. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Cheval Noir 2012, Bordeaux AOC, France: This value-priced Merlot comes from the heart of the Bordeaux region. It's savoury with aromas of tart blackcurrant and cassis. The Mahler-Besse family has been producing wines here since 1895. The name derives from a powerful black horse that worked in the vineyards in the 19th century. Firm tannic grip on the palate so decant for 1-2 hours. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2013-2016. 361006 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2014 Full Review

Santa Christina 2010, Tuscany, Italy  . March 1, 2012 Full Review

Donnafugata Lighea 2013, Italy   750 mL  $29.99. January 1, 2014 Full Review

L.A. Cetto Winery Petite Sirah 2012, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: A favourite of wine cheapskates everywhere: you can't get much better in decent taste for this price point in wine. Straight-forward pleasure with dark fruit and some oak. Fairly smooth and full-bodied. Drink: 2012-2015. 983742 13.50% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 86/100. October 16, 2014 Best Value Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review

Vinarte SRL Castel Starmina Negru de Dragasani Other/Autre 2013, Romania   750 mL  $14.29. January 1, 2014 Full Review

Miguel Torres S.A. Jean Leon 3055 Merlot 2013, Penedes, Spain  437699 14% XD 750 mL  $22.29. January 1, 2014 Full Review

Tempranillo Tridente Bodegas Triton 2010, Castille Léon, Spain   750 mL  $21.90. March 1, 2012 Full Review

François Lurton Hermanos Tempranillo 2011, Toro D.O., Spain: This towering big Spanish red needs to be decanted at least an hour, but two is better. It completely transformed in the glass after this amount of time as it almost mute at the beginning. Gorgeous aromas of cedary black fruit support the high alcoholic content. Layered and satisfying. Great price. Drink: 2014-2019. 372342 15% XD 750 mL  $16.15 Score: 88/100. October 11, 2014 Full Review

Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah 2011, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: Full-bodied with lots of mocha, espresso and dark chocolate on the nose from oak aging. Dark fruit on the palate then mocha smoke on the finish. Drink: 2014-2018. 949651 14% XD 750 mL  $17.00 Score: 90/100. August 15, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Oaked 2012, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, United States: Mer Soliel translates to sea and sun in Californian surfer dud speak (I'm fluent). A rich and full-bodied white wine with lovely layers of golden apple and butterscotch from oak aging. Drink: 2013-2018. 958975 14.50% D 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. October 16, 2014 Top Rated White Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review

Francis Ford Coppola, Zinfandel Director's Cut 2011, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California, United States Drink: 2014-2022. 14% XD 750 mL  $30.00. March 1, 2012 Full Review