Argentina

Familia Zuccardi ‘Fuzion’ Syrah Rosé 2008
Mendoza $7.45 (122424) 13% alcohol
There are aromas of gently spiced red cherry and floral notes on the nose of this light- to medium-bodied nicely balanced spicy Rosé. Pie cherry and freshly picked strawberry flavours glide easily along the palate making this tangy, refreshing and a pleasing summer sipper. Good quaffing on its own—chill as you would a white—it also pairs well with lightly herbed and spiced veal or chicken. (VH)

Australia

Banrock Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
South Eastern Australia $13.75 (668970) 1 Litre Tetra Prisma 13.5% alcohol
Packaged in enviro-friendly Tetra providing easy packing for picnics and safety around the pool. Freshly pressed grapes, floral notes and hints of earthiness comprise the aromatic profile of this value-driven Cabernet—approximately $10 per 750 mL. Look for bright red cherry flavour along with perceptible chalky tannin and hints of espresso roast on the finish. Best served with spaghetti Bolognaise or Swiss steak. (VH)


Banrock Station Unwooded Chardonnay 2007
South Eastern Australia $12.95 (668954) 1 Litre Tetra Prisma 13.5% alcohol
Banrock contributes over one million dollars to Lake Ontario’s ‘Bring Back the Salmon’ conservation project and provides support to various other conservation initiatives in Ontario. Tangy lemon drop candy, binned apple and sweet tropical fruit flavour abound in this light-bodied value-packed pleasant quaffer. Perfect for patio or deck sipping, it also pairs well with summer fare like grilled chicken strips over a garden fresh salad. (VH)


Banrock Station Shiraz 2007
South Eastern Australia $13.75 (668962) 1 Litre Tetra Prisma 13.5% alcohol
Banrock is seriously committed to improving the environment around the world having contributed over five million dollars world-wide to various water-conservation projects, many in Canada. Red berry fruit and cherry cordial aromas provide segue to flavours of cherry and red currant laced with earthy and spicy notes. It’s medium bodied with a warm ripe fruity finish. (VH)


Hardys ‘Stamp of Australia’ Chardonnay-Semillon 2007
South Eastern Australia (129825) 250 mL $4.25 13% alcohol
This single-serve shuttle conveniently combines a plastic bottle, acrylic wine glass—both recyclable—and a good blend of Aussie white. Aromas of green apple, honey and pear lead to a zesty surge of crisp apple, ripe pineapple and mixed spice flavours. It’s medium in body and texture with a refreshing finish. Perfect for around the pool or other areas and venues where glass isn’t welcomed. (VH)


Hardys ‘Stamp of Australia’ Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
South Eastern Australia (129833) 250 mL $4.25 14% alcohol
This offers very good value, earning its final half star because of it. Look for fresh red berry fruit and black currant on the nose and palate. There’s also a gusher of pie cherry and pomegranate on the finish making this a delicious wine sipped on its own or a perfect pairing with chicken, veal or red meat. This handy serving format—a single-serve bottle and a glass—contains the same quality wine you find in the 750 ml glass bottle. (VH)


Shingleback ‘Red Knot’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
McLaren Vale, Australia $16.80 (619395) 14% alcohol
The Davey family goes from strength to strength vinfying wines with character and gusto at every price point. Aromas and flavours of ripe juicy Bing cherry, black currant and minty tar are ably supported by a ripe, but perceptible tannin underpinning and a lovely spine of balancing tangy acidity. This is full bodied, generously textured and delivers a fruity and lingering finish. Pour this alongside pepper steak. (VH)


Wolf Blass ‘Red Label’ Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
South Eastern Australia $14.95 (311795) 13.5 % alcohol
Exotic incense, spiced mulberry and eucalyptus rip off the expressive nose of this medium- to full-bodied blend. The palate is treated to a round and fleshy mouthful of fruit flavours—black currant, ripe Damson plum and black raspberry—along with the zesty tang of Montmorency cherry. Impeccably balanced with a lengthy finish, the soft ripe tannin is barely perceptible. This crowd pleaser is well priced. (VH)


Wolf Blass ‘Yellow Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
South Australia $16.45 (251876) 13.5 % alcohol
This perennial go-to Cab from one of Australia’s most-recognized wineries hasn’t lost a step in value or drinking pleasure over the years. If you’ve drifted away, you’ll want to return for this vintage. It’s chockfull of aromas and flavours in the succulent cherry, dark berry and juicy black plum zones along with hints of vanilla and mocha. It’s full bodied, generously textured with a lip-smacking lingering finish. Barbequed steak or grilled spicy back ribs pair perfectly. (VH)


Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Shiraz Viognier 2007
South Australia $15.95 (624494) 13.5% alcohol
This is a terrific blend—94% Shiraz, 6% Viognier—from a top notch winery. Earthy, dusty and black currant aromas segue into concentrated rich dark fruit flavours—cassis, mulberry and Bing cherry among them. It’s medium to full bodied, generously textured with spot-on balance. The spicy finish lingers and it’s mouth-watering delicious. Lovely on its own, rack of lamb makes it even better. There’s good value here. (VH)

California

Francis Ford Coppola ‘Bianco’ Pinot Grigio 2008
California $17.60 (56424) 13.5% alcohol
This rich fruity blend—89% Pinot Grigio, 6% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Chardonnay—delivers an aromatic nose of citrus and floral notes. It’s light on its feet and nicely textured with crisp flavours of apple and zesty citrus followed by sweet yellow peach and pineapple. There’s good complexity and balance here. Versatile and food friendly; serve as an aperitif, with lighter fare such as cold cuts and appetizers or with a main of chicken, veal or seafood. (VH)


Francis Ford Coppola Presents ‘Rosso’ Shiraz 2007
California $16.00 (57034) 13.6% alcohol
Sourced from both dry-farmed vines in Lodi and fruit from Paso Robles, this delivers a juicy mouthful of sweet dark fruit. Aromas of freshly pressed grapes and cherry cordial waft from the glass while the flavours are in the sweet cherry cola and dark berry fruit zones. It finishes well balanced with a stream of zesty lip-smacking tang. Pair this with smoked and grilled back ribs slathered in spicy barbeque sauce. (VH)


Robert Mondavi ‘Woodbridge’ Merlot 2007
California $13.45 (494492) 13.5% alcohol
This is a rock-solid red blend—small parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Sangiovese blended in—that delivers a smooth and mellow mouthful of fruit-forward flavour. The aromas and flavours meld perfectly—spiced black plum, ripe black bramble berry and nuances of coffee and toast—it was aged in small French and American oak. It’s beautifully framed by ripe supple tannin and moderating acidity that provides good balance and a dry refreshing finish. Lovely on its own, burgers and gourmet sausage pair perfectly. (VH)


Robert Mondavi ‘Private Selection’ Sauvignon Blanc 2008
California $15.75 (405753) 13.5% alcohol
Gooseberry, ripe tropical fruit and herbaceous aromas roll easily off the nose of this medium-bodied generously textured gem from one of California’s most-recognizable labels. Flavours wash over the palate—gooseberry, pineapple and white peach—finishing with a lingering and generous dollop of white grapefruit tang. Crisp and refreshing, this is looking for pan-seared scallops over a green salad drizzled with light vinaigrette. (VH)

Canada

Colio Estate Cabernet/Merlot 2007
VQA Ontario (432054) $11.95 12.5% alcohol
An expressive nose of dark berry fruit, anise and aromatic bitters opens up this medium-bodied red blend. There are crushed berry fruit flavours—red and black currant—along with mouth-watering pie cherry, hints of mixed spice and herbal notes. This is nicely textured and sports a lengthy balanced finish. Pair this with burgers or gourmet sausage. (VH)


Colio Estate Cabernet Franc 2007
VQA Lake Erie North Shore (297184) $11.95 12.8% alcohol
Floral notes mingle with intriguing aromas of oriental spice and mint. It delivers a fine mouthful of mulberry fruit, spiced black plum and herbal nuances. Medium bodied, nicely textured and delivering a lengthy balanced finish, this is the perfect foil to chicken cacciatore. (VH)


Colio Estate Chardonnay 2008
VQA Lake Erie North Shore (432062) $11.75 12.7% alcohol
Soft and pleasant aromas of ripe pear, peach and green apple set up this light- to medium-bodied, nicely textured summer sipper. There are clean and zippy flavours on the palate with crisp green apple and ripe peach among them. It’s well balanced and finishes very refreshing. Pair it with roast chicken strips over a garden fresh salad and light vinaigrette. (VH)


Colio Estate Wines ‘CEV Lily’ Sparkling 2007
VQA Ontario $14.85 (509083) 12% alcohol
One of the best-value sparkling wines in the LCBO, put it on your shopping list. It’s leesy (a fresh yeast aroma) and floral on the nose while the frothy mousse attack on the palate is delightfully full of ripe fruit flavours—peach and nectarine—and crisp lemon-lime. It finishes lip-smacking good making it the perfect aperitif. This splendid blend—77% Riesling and 23% Chardonnay—was a huge hit at a recent dinner served with prawn, chicken and veal canapés. (VH)


Colio Estate Shiraz/Cabernet 2007
VQA Ontario (53652) $12.75 12% alcohol
Earthy, spice box with cherry/grapey notes on the nose, this medium-bodied well-textured red delivers a good mouthful of flavour. Expect tangy pie cherry, cranberry and hints of herbal notes on the palate and the lengthy balanced finish. This is looking for a meat loaf or meat-laden pizza. Not overly complex, but delivering fair value. (VH)


Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (13904) 13% alcohol
Rich and elegant, this top drawer Pinot from the fabulous ’07 vintage opens with complex aromas of wild berry, exotic spice and earthy tones. The palate is treated to wave after wave of well-balanced fruit flavour with ripe pomegranate, tangy cranberry and juicy black raspberry to the fore. Medium bodied and silky smooth, the finish is lengthy and luxurious. Gorgeous sipped on its own, it pairs perfectly with marinated grilled flank steak. (VH)


Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.75 (53678) 13% alcohol
Aromas of tropical fruit—pineapple and honeydew melon—with subtle hints of herbaceous herbs showcase the ripe ‘07vintage in this light- to medium-bodied sipper. There are ripe yellow peach and sweet pear flavours that are nicely balanced with the zippy zesty tang of white grapefruit. This is well balanced nicely textured and delivers a crisp dry finish. Pan-seared fresh water fish under a squirt of lemon pairs perfectly. (VH)


Peninsula Ridge ‘Inox’ Chardonnay 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.75 (594200) 13% alcohol
Spiced Granny Smith apple and yellow plum aromas provide segue to this value-driven gem—always expect it to be under priced and to over deliver in character and flavour—it earned its final half star on value. Winemaker J. P. Colas hails from Chablis as this unwooded crisp and clean Chardonnay testifies. A persistent and focused stream of green apple and ripe pear with hints of spice bathe the palate while the laser-like finish is full of citrus tang and is mouth-watering good. Sip on its own or pair with lighter appetizers, it’s a winecurrent.com exceptional value pick. (VH)


Peninsula Ridge Merlot 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.75 (61101) 13% alcohol
Plummy, earthy and spicy on the nose, this blossoms on the palate with a lip-smacking surge of flavour—dark ripe cherry, ripe cranberry and crushed dried dark berry fruit. It’s medium bodied, plushly textured and delivers a lingering fruity finish that’s balanced with good acidy and perceptible tannin. Aerate / decant for a couple of hours and serve with the kind of comfort food you serve around your house—chili, pizza, meat loaf or burgers hot off the Weber. (VH)

France

french Tom Merlot 2006
Vin de Pays d’Oc $13.95 (114082) 13.5% alcohol
Aromatic and expressive on the nose—dark spiced berry fruit and toasty oak—this medium-bodied gem showers the palate with succulent flavours of cassis, pie cherry and nuances of mocha. It’s silky smooth on the delivery with a ripe tannin underpinning and nicely integrated oak—12 months in new French and American. The lengthy well-balanced finish portends versatile food-pairing with grilled red meat and spicy vegetarian included. (VH)


french Tom Shiraz 2005
Vin de Pays d’Oc $13.95 (11567) 13% alcohol
This begins with a quiet nose of mixed field berry and peppery notes. There’s a ton of fruit flavours on the palate with black juicy cherry and Damson plum mingling with hints of espresso roast and black pepper. It’s medium bodied, nicely textured and wrapped in a firm tannin structure—aerate / decant for three hours before serving to smooth them out or serve with red meat, grilled rare to medium rare. It finishes lengthy with good flavour. (VH)


Château de Gourgazaud 2007
AOC Minervois (22384) $12.55 13% alcohol
Here’s a good-value blend—Syrah and Mourvèdre—that’s medium bodied, silky smooth and full of flavour with dark berry fruit, some earthiness and mixed spice all present. On the lengthy and well-balanced finish you’ll find cassis and mulberry with a nice sprig of mint. There’s enough tannin for structure and zingy tang for good balance making this a versatile partner for grilled burgers and steak or a meat-laden pizza. (VH)


Maison Louis Latour ‘Ardèche’ Chardonnay 2006
Vin de Pays des Coteaux des l’Ardèche (132498) $12.00 13.5% alcohol
Vanilla, tropical fruit and distinctive almond aromas provide segue to expressive and tangy flavours of spiced green apple and pear along with zesty citrus peel throughout, especially on the mouth-watering finish. This is medium bodied, nicely textured—full malolactic fermentation—and matches up well to roast chicken or turkey. (VH)


Maison Louis Latour Chardonnay 2007
AOC Burgundy (55533) $15.95 13% alcohol
Pleasing aromas of Granny Smith apple, floral and mineral notes open up Latour’s medium-bodied entry-level white Burgundy. The generous flavours include green apple, ripe pear and nuances of white peach that are nicely supported by a very agreeable spine of citrussy tang. This is well priced and delivers a well-balanced mouthful of Chardonnay when drunk on its own or when paired with all manner of light appetizers or with a main course of roast chicken. (VH)


Maison Louis Latour Pinot Noir 2007
AOC Burgundy (69914) $18.45 13% alcohol
Look for red cherry and spice with underlying notes of forest floor aromas. Pie cherry, spiced red cranberry and hints of red raspberry form the tangy zesty flavour profile. This has plenty of verve from focused acidity pairing extremely well with cuisine that includes tomato-based sauce—pair with veal parmigiano or spaghetti bolognese. (VH)


Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve Particulière Non Vintage
AOC Champagne $50.60 (537605) 12% alcohol
This medium-bodied nicely textured bubbly opens with an expressive nose of leesy, floral and pit fruit aromas. Complex flavours of spiced Granny Smith apple, ripe lemon citrus tang and sweet yellow peach are carried along with a zesty mousse that’s clean and refreshing on the palate. Versatile and approachable, this sips beautifully on its own with the body and character to pair well with a variety of foods—spicy Asian and all manner of fowl and sea food. (VH)

Italy

Italia Montepulciano 2007
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $10.40 (35154) 14% alcohol
There’s a distinctive silver circle with a lower case ‘i’ on the label marking the path to this medium-bodied nicely textured value-driven red. It opens with a rich and complex nose of dark berry fruit and black plum then coats the palate with a persistent stream of red raspberry, cranberry and pie cherry flavours. It finishes dry with perceptible tannin, making it the perfect partner to pizza and spaghetti Bolognaise. (VH)


Italia Pinot Grigio 2007
IGT Provincia de Pavia $10.35 (35147) 12% alcohol
There’s a lifted nose of apricot, honeyed pear and floral notes in this well-priced light- to medium-bodied summer sipper. Look for binned apple, tropical fruit and nectarine flavours throughout with a hint of spice on the medium-length finish. Definitely built for deck and patio sipping, it also matches up well to light appetizers—chicken, veal or seafood. (VH)


Luna di Luna Shiraz Merlot 2006
IGT Sicilia $12.25 (621714) 13% alcohol
This 50/50 blend is easily recognizable in its fluorescent orange bottle. There are black pepper, ripe mulberry and plum aromas on this medium-bodied plush-textured beauty. The palate is treated to a lovely wave of fruit flavours with red cherry, plum and sweet red berry fruit to the fore. It’s well balanced with perceptible tannin and a finish that layers on hints of roasted herbs. Pour it alongside meat-laden pizza or beefsteak grilled medium rare. (VH)


Pasqua Pinot Grigio-Chardonnay 2007
IGT Delle Venezie $9.95 (530451) 12% alcohol
The subdued nose of apple and spiced tree fruit introduces this light on its feet, nicely textured citrussy blend. There’s a stream of fruit flavours with lemony citrus and yellow plum predominant. Excellent as a sipping aperitif, this also pairs well with sea food starters such as prawns or scallops under a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon. (VH)

South Africa

Nederberg ‘The Winemaster’s Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc 2008
WO Western Cape (382713) $10.90 13% alcohol
This delivers a delicious mouthful of zesty Sauvignon Blanc for a pittance—stock up for summer-time sipping. Gooseberry, nettles and canned pea aromas set up this medium-bodied, nicely textured fruity and value-driven white. Look for zingy flavours of ripe lemon-lime and gooseberry as well as binned apple and pear. It cleans up with mouth-watering citrus tang, making it a natural partner with all manner of grilled white fish under a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon. This earned its final half star on value. (VH)