The Analyst

Thirty Bench Red 2006, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Oak Aged

Mike Weir Estate Cabernet/Shiraz 2005, VQA Niagara Peninsula

I tasted this wine at the winery and thought the shiraz added a much better spicy edge than the Cab-Merlot version.

Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Gran Reserva Carmenère 2006, Rapel Valley

I tasted this wine at the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo (2008) and thought it was great. Very fruity, but with peppery spices and a hint of oak.

Mcmanis Family Vineyards Syrah 2006, California

I drank a bottle of the 2005 last year and it was great (Wine Current rated it 4.5 stars). Full-bodied, spicy, chocolate and fruit. Just drank the 2006 and thought that while still very good, it was slightly less impressive than the 2005.

Nederburg Manor House Shiraz 2006, Wo Coastal Region

Goats Do Roam 2006, Coastal Region

Gérard Bertrand Terroir Syrah/Carignan 2005, Ac Minervois

J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Paso Robles, California

Chateau Haut Colombier 2005, Ac 1er Cotes De Blaye Vign. Jean Chety & Fils, Expl.