TASTING NOTE: This less-well-known brand is an affordable Cognac that emphasizes the terroir or taste the soil imparts to the grapes ... As the name says, reflects the "lands of the great field" (a small subappellation considered to produce the finest-quality spirit). The colour is amber, the smell of butterscotch, vanilla and toasted almonds. The surprise is on the tastebuds, where the Cognac is very dry and herbaceous, with a distinct earthy quality. An elegant and sophisticated drink. (Dan Kislenko, Hamilton Spectator, June 14, 2008)

TASTING NOTE: Talbott's celebrated Chard, now in its 20th vintage, helped make Monterey's reputation. This year it's vigorous and masculine, with strong acids and a streak of mineral. But the tropical fruit flavors are ripe and opulent, and oak adds layers of cream, toast and vanilla. Compelling, and it has the structure for aging through the decade. Score - 93. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 1, 2003)

TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Sauvignon Blanc "Lenswood Coralinga" was tank fermented and aged. It is a straightforward wine with aromas of citrus, lemon-lime, and fresh herbs. This leads to a medium-bodied, Loire Valley-like Sauvignon with a crisp, dry mid-palate and good length. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. Score - 88. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)

TASTING NOTE: A superbly balanced and composed wine; has all the depth and richness of Margaret River at its best, with succulent nectarine and melon fruit; balanced acidity and oak on the long palate and finish. Screwcap. Drink [until] 2020. Score - 96. (James Halliday, www.winecompanion.com.au, Oct. 2007)

TASTING NOTE: Interesting 2006 has heaps of tropical flavours and touch of oak. Extended lees contact gives smooth softness. Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (John Platter, South African Wines, 2008)

Gewurz is so often presented as a varietal for immediate enjoyment, that it's always a pleasant reminder to find one with true lasting power - and few do it better than Beyer. This incredibly aromatic, robust wine is awash in vibrant floral, dried apricot, grapefruit peel, mincemeat and cinnamon. A brilliant seam of acidity keeps the roundness nicely in balance. Though it's lovely now, expect this to last for easily another 10+ years.

TASTING NOTE: Medium bright yellow. Complex nose melds spicy stone fruits, mirabelle, white truffle and vanilla. Fat and sweet on entry, then more gripping in the middle palate ... with terrific intensity to the vibrant fruit flavors. This boasts terrific aromatic lift in the mouth. The finish is quite powerful and gripping. A big success for the year. Score - 93. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2008)

TASTING NOTE: Exotic, tense nose crammed with citrus and minerals. Extremely introvert, the way young Soula Blanc tends to taste, and at this stage actually tighter than its red counterpart. Score - 17.5 (out of 20). (Jancis Robinson, MW, www.jancisrobinson.com, Feb. 12, 2008)

TASTING NOTE: Smells of green pepper, black currant, cinnamon, cedar, sweet tobacco and a touch of earthy-leatheryness. On the palate there are spices, sweet oak, blackberries, tobacco, black cherry and bittersweet chocolate. While the finish is full of chalky-earthy tannins. ... an excellent wine, ready for now or to be consumed over the next 3-4 years. (Michael Pinkus, www.ontariowinereview.com, Aug. 25, 2008)

Aged 18 months in new French Oak, this Bordeaux-inspired Merlot offers fleshy black cherry and blackberry fruit complemented by subtle cinnamon and mocha nuances. It's well-structured, with ripe tannins and a lengthy, slightly spicy finish. A lovely wine to pair with flavourful cuts of red meat, or try it with gnocchi topped with freshly grated cheese.

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon's attractive bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, cherries, licorice, smoke, and earth is followed by a medium-bodied, elegant wine that is ideal for drinking now and over the next decade. Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007)

TASTING NOTE: ... Dense ruby/purple in color with notes of graphite, black currant, coffee bean, crushed rock, chocolate, and spice, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied, powerful, tannic, and seems to combine the best of both a top Bordeaux and a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030. Score - 94+. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007)

TASTING NOTE: It seems everyone loves cabernet and the Paso Robles-based Hope family have done a terrific job with their delicious stylish Liberty School brand. The '05 is the product of a longer, cooler growing season whose extra added hang-time has resulted in a red wine packed full of peppery, sweet black fruit and soft tannins. It's a real crowd pleaser. Score - 88. (Anthony Gismondi, www.gismondionwine.com, Dec. 18, 2007)

Australian wine expert, Jeremy Oliver, rated this wine an 89 but did not publish a written review. Now in the 'sweet spot' of its optimum drinking time, this is an excellent candidate for grilled Angus beef steaks.

TASTING NOTE: Soft, fragile and appealing for its smoky blueberry and plum fruit, which mingles harmoniously with fine tannins on the gentle finish. Drink now through 2011. Score - 88. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2007)

TASTING NOTE: Crisp in texture, with juicy blackberry and lemon peel flavors against a smoky background, with firm tannins supporting the finish. Best from 2009 through 2013. Score - 88. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)

TASTING NOTE: Supple and beautifully focused, with a spicy, slightly chocolate edge to the ripe currant, blackberry and black pepper flavors, lingering gently against refined tannins. A harmonious wine that's tightly wound now but will develop wonderfully. Best from 2010 through 2020. Score - 93. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2007)

TASTING NOTE: Fragrant, berry-driven aromas, but with oak in attendance; a fine, silky medium-bodied palate with cassis, blackcurrant and fine tannins; long finish. Drink [until] 2020. Score - 94. (James Halliday, www.winecompanion.com.au, Jan. 2007)

Nevis Bluff is a Pinot specialist, making only two wines: a Pinot Gris and a Pinot Noir. They mature their Pinot Noir for ten months in oak (25% new). This wine won a Silver Medal at the 2006 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. It's rounding out nicely and will drink exceptionally well now with veal tenderloin, or age it another 1-2 years.

TASTING NOTE: And the ultra-premium Shiraz, Perold 2003 hails from a high mountainside vineyard - powerful and smooth with plenty of fresh fruit and ripe tannins. Not overpowering mind you, but elegant with layers of dark fruit, peppery spice and chocolate. (Daenna Van Mulligen, www.winescores.ca, Oct. 15, 2008)

TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon 20 Barrel is more deeply colored and more expressive aromatically. It offers up notes of earth, tobacco, plum, cassis, and blackberry. On the palate it shows an elegant personality, several years of aging potential, and a lengthy finish. This outstanding value will be at its best from 2009 to 2018. Score - 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2008)

TASTING NOTE: (68% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 6% carignan, 4% merlot and 3% carmenere) Dark red color. Smoky, pungent scents of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, blackcurrant and cherry preserves. Lush and round on the palate, with sweet cherry flavors given grip and focus by fine, dusty tannins. The smoky, long finish features a hint of cured meat. Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, March/April 2006)

A Gold Medal winner at the Challenge International du Vin 2008. TASTING NOTE: Lots of grapey character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Very well-crafted. New winery and very well done. Score - 89-91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2006)

TASTING NOTE: Black currant and violet notes on the nose, with a good dose of slightly charred oak, follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a long, vanilla-colored finish. There's lots of oak, but also lots of fruit. Needs time. This is very chewy. Best after 2011. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2008)

TASTING NOTE: Impressive depth of fruit and character on the nose the minute you give it a whiff. Blackberries, light vanilla, flowers, spices. Full-bodied, with excellent tannins that caress your palate. Best after 2007. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2004)

TASTING NOTE: Gorgeous, clean and focused aromas of crushed blackberry and raspberry. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a vanilla, chocolate and berry aftertaste. Best after 2011. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007)

TASTING NOTE: A sleeper of the vintage as well as the finest wine I have yet tasted from this estate, Lalande-Borie is made by Ducru Beaucaillou's proprietor, Bruno Borie. He has turned out a graceful, charming, seductive St.-Julien possessing a dense purple color and sweet cassis fruit intermixed with forest floor, spice box, and earth characteristics. This is a beauty to drink over the next decade. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2008)

TASTING NOTE: There's lots of grapey character, with blackberry and hints of smoky oak. Full-bodied, with lovely soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. Best after 2011. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2008)

TASTING NOTE: A more complex, serious and brooding nose of ripe and earthy dark berry fruit complements perfectly the concentrated, powerful and intense big-bodied flavors that are classic Clos du Roy in both structure and character, all wrapped in a wonderfully long and moderately austere finish. Excellent potential here but note that it's a wine for the patient. Drink: 2016+. Score - (91-93). (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, April 2008)

TASTING NOTE: ... one of the most elegant Morey 1ers with high-toned red pinot, cranberry and raspberry fruit with hints of stone and earth that can also be found on the round, pure and detailed medium full flavors that possess fine detail and vibrancy on the delicious, balanced and admirably long finish. Lovely stuff. Drink: 2014+. Score - 90. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 2009)

TASTING NOTE: ... enveloping nose of spicy and earthy dark berry fruit liberally laced with Nuits animale notes where the latter is picked up by the rich, full, sweet and mouth coating flavors that are ripe and blessed with ample dry extract on the admirably lengthy finish. Recommended. Drink: 2014+. Score - 91. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 2009)

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Les Cailloux Chateauneuf du Pape is a ripe, heady wine, dense ruby-colored, with plenty of garrigue, pepper, and kirsch notes intermixed with plenty of earthy undertones and underbrush. The wine is tannic, medium to full-bodied, and will probably benefit from 1-3 years of bottle age and keep for 12-15 years. Score - 90.
(Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Taurasi Macchia dei Goti shows a very refined, elegant side of Aglianico. It offers superb purity as well as delineation in its dark fruit, spices and toasted oak, with outstanding persistence on the palate and terrific balance. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008)

TASTING NOTE: Abbona's 2004 Barolo Pressenda, from a vineyard in Monforte, reveals greater freshness and delineation in its aromatics, qualities that are also found on the palate, where the wine offers plenty of perfumed red fruit, spices, minerals and menthol with notable vibrancy. This Barolo comes together beautifully as it sits in the glass. There is an energy and vitality here that I find especially appealing. ... Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2008)

TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Majora possesses a deep, powerful personality imbued with the essence of black cherries, spices, cola, smoke and tar. Brooding and closed at first, the wine gradually turns more refined with air. ... This blend of Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Tannat and Petit Verdot spent 18 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008)

From the crafters of the eminently popular Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio comes this ripe-and-ready, crowd-pleasing Nero d'Avola. Bursting with dense black fruit, licorice spice and scorched earth flavours, this wine is easy to love. An incredible value from sunny Sicily.

TASTING NOTE: Focused aromas of chocolate, currants and berries follow through to a medium-bodied palate with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Not a big wine, but very fine and enjoyable. This gets better every year. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best after 2006. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2004)

TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Eneo is a mid-weight effort with floral notes of smoke, tobacco, red cherries and sweet herbs. There is lovely balance here as the wine possesses well-integrated tannins and outstanding length ... In 2005 Eneo is mostly Sangiovese with Colorino, Montepulciano and Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, June 2008)

Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this wine contains 10 mg/L of free sulphur. TASTING NOTE: Offers pretty aromas of iris, damson and mineral. Full-bodied, with lots of bright fruit and mineral character, fine tannins and a tight, clean mineral finish. Very long and stylish. Best after 2008. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2007)

TASTING NOTE: Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 10% Merlot create a vibrant wine with beautiful intensity and underlying tones of milk chocolate, prune, blueberry and spice. In the mouth, the wine is still a bit chunky and the tannins raw - you'd best wait to drink it after 2010. Score - 93. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, April 2008)

TASTING NOTE: Beautiful nose of currant and raspberry. Almost jammy. Full and silky, with lovely fruit and a long finish. Good texture to this. Sangiovese. Best after 2009. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2007)

Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this wine contains 8 mg/L of free sulphur.

TASTING NOTE: An intriguing nose, with raisin, five-spice, coffee and vanilla aromas. Full-bodied and very chewy, but there's promising fruit and mineral pushing through the finish. Needs time to flesh out. Score - 90. (Jo Cooke, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2007)

TASTING NOTE: This vibrant red shows both concentration and focus. Blackberry and black cherry flavors mingle with smoke, cocoa and mineral notes, backed by firm tannins. A chiseled and polished wine. Best from 2008 through 2015.
Score - 91. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008)