Lindemans 'Bin 50' Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia $11.95 (614776)
Offers up a fresh nose of sweet plums, spice and cherries as an entry to a good quaffing wine offering excellent value. This medium-bodied red is nicely balanced from the black ripe fruit on the palate to the fresh fruity finish. Try it with lasagna or pasta with a spicy tomato sauce. (VH)
Rosemount Estate 'Diamond' Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia $14.45 (265132)
Apricot, citrus and tropical melon aromas provide a nice entry to this medium-bodied perennial favourite of Aussies and Canucks. Only a hint of oak wafting from the short (old) barrique ageing. Beautifully textured and well balanced with the sweet peach flavour and citrussy finishing notes in perfect harmony. (VH)
Wyndham Estate 'Bin 777' Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2004
South Australia $11.05 (342035)
Fresh and fruity, this delightful easy drinking white offers citrus and apple aromas. It is light to medium body and has a well balanced fruit / acidity ratio that leaves the palate clean and refreshed. Predominantly Semillon, it offers very good value. As with most wise producers, these ready to drink wines are now under Stelvin cap. (VH)
Angove's Bear Crossing Chardonnay 2003
South Australia $11.95 (592758)
A well-made, well-priced, medium-bodied Chardonnay that's fruity (tropical, peach), well balanced and very versatile with food. Try it with herbed roast chicken. (RP)
Wyndham Estate 'Bin 222' Chardonnay 2004
South Eastern Australia $ 11.95 (93401)
Tropical fruit and leesy aromatics start the show of this extremely well-priced perennial favourite. The creamy texture is well complimented by apricot and peach flavours with a curtain call of a clean citrussy finish. Difficult to find better wine with this profile at this price point. A winecurrent.com exceptional value pick. (VH)
Wyndham Estate 'Bin 333' Pinot Noir 2003
South Eastern Australia $13.75 (179242)
The nose has confectionary and blueberry nuances and is coupled with a palate that is all fresh fruit (sour cherries, cranberries) driven. A light to medium textured red with a nice clean finish of cleansing acidity and plums. It is well priced, fresh, fruity and ready to drink. (VH)
Wyndham Estate 'Bin 444' Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
South Eastern Australia $ 14.95 (110486)
A lifted nose of smoky black currants and a hint of cassis greet the taster, promising more in the glass and this one delivers. Almost full-bodied, the silky smooth tannins are partnered with a creamy texture (French and American oak), heaps of dense black fruit characteristics and a lengthy fruit driven finish that showcases careful and deft handling of the fruit and the oak. Well made and well priced. (VH)
Wyndham Estate 'Bin 999' Merlot 2002
South Eastern Australia $ 14.95 (336347)
Spicy, heavily extracted plum aromatics coupled with oak vanillin blast from the glass. The soft palate is like heavy cream laced with rich black crushed cherries and plums. This red has it all including a lengthy finish and beautiful balance. Stock up when you see it. A clutch of show medals and awards from around the world may put even this (lots produced) in short supply. (VH)
France
Noémie Vernaux Pisse-Dru Brouilly 2003
AOC Brouilly, Beaujolais $14.55 (614024)
Beaujolais too often gets a bad rap, and sometimes I think the Nouveau strategy has not only had its day, but is starting to be counterproductive. Sell the wine as Gamay, and it might do much better. This example has juicy red fruit (cherry, plum, berries) with a good dose of acidity and light tannins. Really, it's very good drinking with a dish like veal in a tomato-based sauce. (RP)
Jeanjean Arabesque Chardonnay 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc, France $9.05 (630681)
From the south of France, a nicely-made and well-priced Chardonnay with flavours of apple, pear, mineral, and a touch of tropical fruit. Light and crisp, it's a good partner for seafood and simple white fish. Look for the funky bottle. (RP)
Gustave Lorentz Pinot Gris 2003
AOC Alsace, France $14.95 (649780)
From Alsace, home of notable Pinot Gris, this is very good value. It shows quite luscious fruit (peach, apricot) and has good balancing acidity. It's mouth-filling and pairs very well with spicy chicken and pork dishes. If the only Pinot Gris you know is Italian Pinot Grigio, try this for an utterly different experience. (RP)
Italy
Villa Ginnetti Velletri Superiore 2003
DOC Velletri, Italy $7.95 (69809)
A crisp, refreshing white blend (Trebbiano, Malvasia) from the hills south of Rome. Look for lighter fruit flavours (apple, pear, citrus) and good acidity that pair up well with seafood and simple white fish dishes. (RP)
Spain
Castillo de Almansa Reserva 2001
DO Almansa, Spain $9.90 (270363)
This is one of the great bargains at the LCBO, and the latest vintage has just arrived. Castillo de Almansa is a blend of Tempranillo, Mourvèdre/Monastrell and Grenache/Garnacha that makes for a fruit-forward red with spicy notes and a juicy, generous texture. Medium weight and lightly tannic, it pairs well with rich red meat dishes like lamb stew. (RP)