Familia Zuccardi ‘Fuzion’ Shiraz - Malbec 2007
Mendoza $7.45 (83188)
This bistro-styled blend, 70% Shiraz, 30% Malbec, has caused quite a splash in the wine press and amongst those seeking an inexpensive red. It’s been available in the SAQ for some time and since its recent arrival in the LCBO, it’s out of stock more than in. It’s a crowd-pleasing red with gobs of rich jammy fruit—black currant, sweet black plum and sweet black cherry. It sports a creamy texture and a lengthy fruit-forward finish—what’s not to like? Now, to find some. (VH)


Santa Carolina ‘Brut Reserve’ N/V
Valle de Casablanca $12.95 (94656)
This is a classy blend of 90% Chardonnay—stainless steel fermented—and 10% Chenin Blanc—picked very ripe and barrel fermented. Steely, mineral and ripe tree fruit aromas burst from the endless froth while the tropical fruit and crisp citrus flavours are deliciously delivered on a plush and velvet-smooth texture. It finishes clean and crisp with solid fruit flavours. This earned it’s final half star on the terrific value it offers. Should be in stores the first week of November. (VH)



Jindalee Shiraz 2007
South East Australia $10.95 (591818)
This is a great crowd-pleaser with a nose of crushed, dried dark berry fruit and a generous wave of ripe sweet (14% alcohol) fruit flavours on the palate. Look for cassis, black currant and Bing cherry flavours that stream right through the lengthy finish. There’s good weight, it’s nicely textured and has enough zest and tang for reasonable balance. It earned its final half star on value; give it a go with burgers, lasagna or pizza. (VH)




Forest Ville Merlot 2006
California $9.95 (487736)
Smoky notes and black licorice aromas waft off the nose of this medium-bodied, generously textured and exceptionally good-value red. There are oodles of rich and concentrated flavours with black cherry and mixed spice discernible. The balance is near perfect with a firm structure and good zest and tang throughout. There’s perceptible tannin on the finish; a two-hour aeration / decant is in order. Drink with comfort food—pizza, burgers or lasagna. (VH)



Fontanafredda Barolo 2004
DOCG Barolo $30.20 (020214)
Swirl and enjoy the gorgeous aromas of dark berry fruit and rich sweet cassis from this value-packed beauty. It’s medium to full bodied and delivers a mouthful of fruit flavours with sweet dark cherry to the fore, along with hints of spice. It’s underpinned by ripe supple tannin while the nicely balanced lingering finish delivers another hit of sweet ripe dark berry fruit. It’s more approachable than most four-year-old Barolos and pairs well with osso bucco. (VH)



Colio Estates CEV Late Harvest Vidal 2006
VQA Ontario $12.85 (470369) 375 mL
This has the ideal size and the perfect flavours to match up to pumpkin pie or simple fruit flans. Perfumed aromas of nectarine, apricot and fig waft from the glass of this truly delightful dessert wine. It’s pure ambrosia on the palate with flavours of honeyed spiced tropical fruit including sweet and ripe mango. It’s well balanced, generously textured and finishes lengthy and clean, leaving room for one more very thin piece of that pie. This will serve four people; it’s very good value. (VH)


Coyote's Run Cabernet 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.70 (26757)
This 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc delivers a complex and juicy mouthful of sweet dark fruit with black currant and spicy black Damson plum that’s underpinned by ripe supple tannin. The enticing aromas include toasty notes, tobacco and cherry. It's medium bodied, generously textured and finishes the way it begins—complex and well balanced with flavours and aromas of rich dark spicy fruit with subtle hints of oak—both American and French were used. This offers a world of value with the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. (VH)



Cat’s Pee on a Gooseberry Bush Sauvignon Blanc 2007
New Zealand $13.95 (606384)
A pungent aspect of some Sauvignon Blanc—from a volatile compound known as MMP—is an aroma sometimes described as cat urine. Another aroma often found is gooseberry, hence the name of this wine. There are pleasant aromas of citrus and apple, plus gooseberry and herbaceous nuances on the nose while the palate is treated to a steady stream of white grapefruit and lemon-lime flavours. It’s medium in weight, texture and finish. Fish and virtually any type of seafood are good partners. A portion of the purchase price will be donated to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (VH)