Lindemans 'Bin 85' Pinot Grigio 2007
South Eastern Australia $11.45 (668947)
This is a refreshing white with decently-concentrated flavours of white peach, apricot pit and citrus, partnered with good acidity. It's refreshing and crisp, and can be drunk on its own or with fish and seafood dishes. (RP)


Wolf Blass ‘Yellow Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
South Australia $16.85 (251876)
This has become so familiar one tends to pass it by—don’t. Aromas of mint, mulberry and cedar waft from the glass while the flavours are a delicious mélange of red and black berry fruit infused with licorice and juicy black Bing cherry. Smooth as silk, medium bodied and deftly balanced, it’s not overdone—the second glass is as delicious as the first. This is perfectly matched with grilled rack of lamb. (VH)

Chile

Santa Carolina Reserva Merlot 2006
DO Valle De Colchagua, Chile $12.85 (324590)
Certainly one of the better buys in the General List, the price to quality ratio is skewed heavily in your favour. Rich and concentrated aromas and flavours ooze from this medium-bodied well balanced red. Dark chocolate, cherry and hints of espresso roast are clearly evident and they glide along on ultra smooth and ripe tannins right through the fruit-forward finish, illustrating why Chile is a go-to country for value wine. (VH)

Pillitteri 'Fusion' Gewürztraminer/Riesling 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (349126)
It's called 'Fusion' partly to get around the difficulty many people have with 'Gewürztraminer'. It's a crisp, off-dry white with flavours of musky peach and tropical fruit. It's refreshing, makes a pleasant aperitif, and also goes very well with spicy fish, seafood or chicken dishes. (RP)