Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2006, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia: Strong minty aromas wrapped in fleshy blackberries. Full-bodied and supple. Powerful, whack! 935890 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.25 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

Hugh Hamilton The Ratbag Merlot 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Ratbag is Aussie slang for a rogue, a cunning person, a non-conformist – in short, a real character. Quite a character himself, winemaker Hugh Hamilton lets his vineyards speak for themselves and tries to interfere as little as possible with the naturally ebullient and fruity character of this Merlot. We’re sure you’ll agree that this Ratbag is a charmer! Enjoy this winning wine. My note: Juicy, generous and it keeps on delivering on the palate! Fleshy ripe plums and berries. Supple and full-bodied, very purple plum and blueberry. 59972 15% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

Domaine Du Séminaire Valréas Grenache Syrah 2007, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône-Villages, France: Aromas of black cherry liqueur, cedar, dark spices and smoke. Lovely fleshy black raspberry notes. Full-bodied and supple. 173237 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Michel Gassier Les Piliers Syrah 2007, A.C., Costières De Nîmes, Rhône, France: Black as night, dark as pitch. This big brooder will deliver a mouthful of blackberries, black cherry liqueur and black fleshy plums. Some smoke on the finish. Superb effort! 678086 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

Hunter's Wines Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Vintages Wine Panel: Jane Hunter, owner and viticulturalist of Hunter’s Wines, is in esteemed company. Her wines have gone on to win over 100 international prizes, and her Pinot Noirs are treasured by those who know and love this challenging grape. Enjoy this one now, or cellar for 2-4 years. My note: Chocolate and dark spice on the nose then it lifts on the palate to fleshy cherries and other berries. Silky texture with a medium- to full-bodied weight. Lovely! 586115 13.50% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

Spier Wines Vintage Selection Pinotage 2006, W.O., Coastal Region, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Supple, beautifully structured Pinotage featuring clean aromas of blackberry, vanilla and mint. Dry and quite fruity, with gentle acids and tannins bringing balance. Medium bodied with a lingering finish. My note: Intriguing notes of blueberries and purple plums. Full-bodied and satiny supple on the palate. Loads of satisfying flavour. Perfect for pizza and a movie. 146928 14.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

Vergelegen Mill Race Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vintages Wine Panel: Lots of plum and cassis as well as hints of oak adorn this well-made blend. Dry and fruity with impeccable balance coming from the ripe tannins and fresh acidity. This is a medium-bodied, long-finishing wine. My note: Love it! Meaty, robust aromas of dark fruit and savoury bacon fat. Supple and long-lasting (on your palate not in the bottle). Drink: 2010-2015. 146530 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

Torres Gran Sangre De Toro Reserva Grenache Cariñena Syrah 2005, D.O., Catalunya, Spain: Mature and at its peak, drink now. Leather, cigar box and dark berries. Full-bodied, supple and intriguing. 315648 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

De Loach Pinot Noir 2008, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: A rich, deep California Pinot full of slightly chewy dark berry and cherry fruit, with hints of cola, Asian spices and forest floor adding complexity. My note: Ripe, fleshy cherry-berry flavours with purple plums in the background. Supple and full-bodied. Packed with flavour. 25171 13.50% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

Beringer Third Century Pinot Noir 2007, Central Coast, California, United States: Vintages Wine Panel: Beringer’s Third Century line marks the beginning of their third century in business (they were established in 1876). For this elegant Pinot Noir, they use fruit sourced from Central Coast vineyards because they feel this region mirrors the cool climate of Burgundy. This wine exhibits aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, earth and oak spice. It is fruity, but ably balanced by fine-grained tannins. Cellar it for 2+ years. My note: Tart cherries with a silky-satin texture. Medium-bodied and rich in ripe berry flavour. Very balanced. 43786 13.90% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review

La Crema Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, California, United States: Decidedly delicious! Pure cherry flavour with an ethereal lift that only Pinot Noir (the good kind) can give you. Satin texture and medium- to full-bodied weight. Stunning! 154442 14.50% XD 750 mL  $54.95 Score: 92/100. June 12, 2010 Full Review