Australia

Grant Burge Merlot 2002
Barossa Valley, Australia $17.75 (627182)
Seductive aromas of eucalyptus, ripe raspberries and dark rich plums slink from the glass. It’s earthy, full-bodied and the silky smooth tannins wrap themselves around the full-throttle ripe fruit flavours. Not for the faint of heart, this finishes long and gutsy. Rack of pepper-encrusted lamb or Rognon de Veau à l'Armagnac would match beautifully. (VH)

Peter Lehmann “Barossa” Shiraz 2002
Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (572875)
Explosive aromatics of pepper, tar, spice and black ripe fruit lead the way to a smoky and eucalyptus concentrated gob of tarry, black licorice, high octane (14.5% alcohol) fruit bomb. Very mellow and ripe tannins provide a smooth finish with good grip, but no rough edges. This crowd pleaser would pair with N’awlins Jambalaya or pepper steak. (VH)

Peter Lehmann “Clancy’s Red” 2002
Barossa Valley, Australia $17.95 (611467)
This perennial favourite does not disappoint with floral, and cassis aromatic notes that give way to a concentrated, but smooth mouthful of black cherries and ripe tannins. However, it saves its best for the lengthy and powerful finish of fruit cake spice and fresh blackberries. It is a 54% Shiraz, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon blend with small amounts of Merlot and Cab Franc. (VH)

Mildara Blass “Eaglehawk” Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern, Australia $11.95 (606392)
Surprisingly vibrant ripe melon, pear, vanilla and nectarine aromatics from this value-priced Chard. Pronounced and cleansing acidity balances off the full ripe fruit flavours providing a well balanced finish. Veal Piccata or sweetbreads in a cream sauce would showcase this wine well. (VH)

Rosemount Estate Grenache Shiraz 2003
South Eastern Australia $12.95 (476838)
No wonder the French get a little irritated sometimes. Here are two perfectly good varieties from the south of their country, and the Australians have grabbed them and made a medium-bodied, fruity wine, with pleasant spicy notes and good balance. It might be just the affordable wine you want for turkey dinner in a week or so. (RP)

The Little Penguin Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia 598904 $10.95
Pleasant light nose of tropical fruit, citrus and persimmon. A light- to medium-bodied white that is enhanced by flavours of pears and apples. It finishes with a tangy acidity laced with a lovely touch of cinnamon and spice. Try this as a welcoming wine when guests arrive or paired with light appetizers of chicken or veal. (VH)

Yalumba “Y Series” Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Australia $14.95 (635839)
Full-fruit on the nose with cherry and blackberry to the fore, speckled with spice, pepper and mint. It flows through to spicy cherry, with pepper notes, lifted by good acidity that tames the fruit. Medium bodied with light tannins, this makes a great partner with spicy beef dishes or hamburgers. (RP)

Canada

Eastdell Black Cab 2003
VQA Ontario $12.95 (609875)
It’s not at all black and it’s not all Cab, but it is delicious and great value. With a nose of plums, spice, currants and wisps of smoke, you might guess Baco Noir and you would be correct. A blend of 45% Cab Franc, 36% Baco and 19% Cab Sauvignon fashion this into a taste treat of red berry fruit with good acidity. Drink now to ‘07 with steaks, chops and hearty stews. (VH)

Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve 2002
VQA Lake Erie North Shore $13.95 (458521)
An attractive violet, earthy and spicy nose is the harbinger to this medium- bodied new world styled red that has much to offer. It has a nice blend of strawberry and light cherry flavours with enough acidity to hold it all together. Difficult to find better Pinot at this price point. (VH)

Mission Hill “Five Vineyards” Cabernet/Merlot 2002
VQA Okanagan Valley $14.95 (257816)
50% Cabernet Sauvignon+30% Cabernet Franc+20% Merlot=100% spectacular! Black plum, chocolate and licorice aromatics surge from the glass. Opaque in appearance, classy in structure, this medium-bodied red has extremely smooth tannins and finishes clean with black, ripe fruit flavours. Served to Pres. Bush and PM Martin at their recent dinner in Ottawa. (VH)

Strewn Icewine Vidal 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $28.95 (467746) 200 mL
Not cloying, not overpowering and not “just another icewine”. This international gold medal winner has panache. The honey, pineapple and mango aromas lead to a medium-viscosity treasure trove of raisins, caramel and fresh fig flavours that are balanced off with perfect acidity. A stunning gift for that special oenophile. Try with crème brulee. (VH)

France

Calvet Reserve 2001
AOC Bordeaux $14.45 (44032)
It opens with freshly-picked cherries and blueberry notes coupled with an earnest and interesting underpinning of dried fruit and tobacco. The colour suggests a lighter style as does the palate. Very smooth and mellow, this predominantly Merlot red is easy drinking. The finish is warm and clean. Difficult to find Bordeaux of this calibre at such a wonderful price. (VH)

Jeanjean Lodez 2003
AOC Coteaux du Languedoc $10.95 (353698)
A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan from the south of France, this is medium-full bodied and rich in fruit flavours with attractive spicy notes. Fresh (it’s screwcap-sealed) and lightly tannic, it’s very good value and a good match for spicy chicken or beef dishes. (RP)

Italy

Citra Montelpulciano D'Abruzzo 2003
DOC Abruzzo $6.95 (446633)
Price alone draws one to this internationally-acclaimed value wine. Hailing from a cooperative of 10 000 growers, the grape is Montelpulciano and the region, Abruzzo, is in the heel of the boot of Italy. Aromas of cherries and licorice waft from a glass that is brimming with ripe black fruit. Clean acidity will match tomato-based sauces. A superb ‘drinking now’ party red. (VH)

Mezzacorona Merlot 2003
DOC Trentino $11.15 (302372)
Better known for their Pinot Grigio, this Mezzacorona is making Merlots that are gaining attention. Old world styled and pleasingly rustic, the aromas of plums and cranberries are charming. This has good grip and ample mouthfeel coupled with flavours of crushed raspberries and cassis. It is well structured and balanced nicely with cleansing acidity. (VH)

Velletri Centurio 2003
DOC Velletri, Italy $7.20 (602474)
A dry, quite weighty red from Velletri, a small DOC to the south of Rome, where the main varieties are Sangiovese and Montepulciano. This is very well-priced. It’s quite complex, with dried fruit, spice, cherry, plum and earthy flavours, and has good acidity. It goes well with quite substantial dishes from lasagna to osso bucco. (RP)

United States

Beringer Proprietor Chardonnay 2001
Napa Valley, U.S.A. $28.05 (348342)
The distinctive nose of red licorice, citrus and smoky cedar leads the parade to a full-bodied, well-balanced and beautifully-structured wine. Tropical fruit, ripe pears, luscious white peach flavours and a creamy texture are pleasant reminders of just how good Napa Chard can be. The crisp finish provides balance and a perfect foil to the heartiest of cuisine, including red meat. (VH)

Talus Collection Pinot Grigio 2003
California, U.S.A. $11.40 (611863)
A honeysuckle and pink grapefruit nose is a pleasant portend to this delicious quaffing wine. This medium bodied white tastes of citrus, pistachio nuts and Bosc pear. The wonderful acidity in the San Joaquin Valley-sourced fruit provides a tangy, sharp finish and a wine that is clean and refreshing. Drink on its own or with lighter fare as in chicken or cream-sauced pasta. (VH)