Alice White Shiraz 2005
South Eastern Australia $12.85 (550517)
Soft and approachable, this medium-bodied red offers a lot of good - fruit, balance and value. Nothing pretentious or grand, look for ripe, fruit-forward cherry flavour and a wine that delivers deft balance and a clean finish. Pair with grilled red meat. (VH)


Banrock Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Australia $14.00 (668970) 1L Tetra Pack
Environmentally-friendly plus ease in opening, storing and transporting equals Tetra pack. This has aromas and flavours of red currants and cranberries, is light-bodied and dry with absolutely no rough edges. Great for picnics, by the pool, festivals and camping. These folks sponsor the re-stocking of native Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario. Each purchase adds to the fund. (VH)



Kendall-Jackson Dog House "Checker's" Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California $14.95 (619478)
Kendall-Jackson might well re-name themselves "Kennel-Jackson" now that they've entered the "critter-brand" category. But don't be put off by this, because the wine is really very good. Everything is in place here-the fruit, the texture, the acidity-and Dog House falls right into the K-J food-friendly style. Lap up a bowl of this while you gnaw on a hunk of red meat. (RP)


Kendall-Jackson Dog House "Moxie's" Merlot 2002
California $14.95 (614156)
A well-made Merlot that's food friendly. Look for solid dark fruit throughout, with soft tannins and a good dose of acidity to keep it clean and attractive to food. It's medium bodied and smooth textured, and it goes well with red meat dishes and hamburgers. (RP)



Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2005
Rapel Valley $10.05 (341602)
Bramble berry aromas and flavours emanate from this medium-bodied, value red. The sweet flavours carry through to the lengthy, dry and tangy finish, well balanced by dollops of acidity. Tough to find a nice Pinot, which this is, for around ten dollars. Chill slightly and enjoy over the next 2 years with grilled salmon steaks. (VH)



Robert's Rock Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2004
WO Western Cape $9.05 (544668)
Just a touch of oak in this medium-bodied red from the super-sized Western Cape region. Straightforward and honest, expect berry fruit, good balance and a surprisingly lengthy and delicious finish on this light to medium-bodied red. This is, upon reflection, a lot more than you get from many wines twice this price. Great with vegetarian pizza. Four bonus Air Miles until September 9. (VH)



Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2003
DO Catalunya $12.55 (29728)
A gorgeous 86% Tempranillo - 14% Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Spain's premiere producer of Penedes reds. Lots going on here; 14% alcohol, excellent grip from ripe tannin, lively and spicy tang, ripe juicy fruit (cherry and currants) plus medium to full-bodied texture. Pour this with spiced meatballs in a tomato-based sauce and pasta. (VH)