Australia
Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Victoria $9.95 (560839) 11.0% alcohol
Ripe fruit aromas—gooseberry and melon—segue a rich and lip-smacking mouthful of tangy flavour with lemongrass, white grapefruit and white peach to the fore. This is exactly what you need for spring and summertime sipping or to pour with pan-seared fish and seafood. Good value, as well. (Vic Harradine)
Deakin Estate Shiraz 2008
Victoria $12.95 (560821) 13.5% alcohol
The quality price balance tips well in your favour; it’s value-packed deserving attention. Complex and involved aromas of camphor, black berry and spiced Damson plum segue a well-paced palate-coating wash of flavour with ripe mulberry, mocha and succulent cherry to the fore. It’s smooth and mellow, mid weight with a lovely fruity and balanced aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
Penfolds ‘Koonunga Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
South Australia $16.95 (45625) 13.5% alcohol
Very expressive aromas of black currant, eucalyptus and mixed spice segue rich and luscious flavours of tangy cherry and blood plum. This is well balanced, mid weight and nicely textured sporting a lingering aftertaste with added hints of mulberry and mint. Lovely sipped on its own, it’s perfectly paired with grilled strip loin or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)
Penfolds ‘Koonunga Hill’ Chardonnay 2007
South Australia $14.95 (321943) 13.5% alcohol
Koonunga Hill is known for producing value-for-money quality wine. Floral, apple, whiffs of toasty oak and nuances of citrus aromas precede a well-balanced wash of pleasing pit fruit and ripe yellow peach flavour extending through the lengthy finish. It’s medium bodied, nicely textured and sports a pleasing refreshing aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
California
Trinchero Family Estates ‘Sea Glass’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Santa Barbara County $13.95 13.7% alcohol
Enticing aromas of tropical fruit and hints of grassy savoury spice roll easily from this value-packed refreshing white wine. It delivers the whole package—delectable flavours of lime sherbet and tropical fruit, excellent balance via moderating acidity and a refreshing lip-smacking finish. It’s mid weight, nicely textured and very well priced—could easily be your ‘catch of the day’. Watch for it; it’s slated to be in stores July 2010. (Vic Harradine)
Italy
Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2008
IGT Delle Venezie $12.95 (77990) 12.5% alcohol
Pretty aromas of ripe pear and apple—there’s a splash of Chardonnay in this—waft from this mid-weight nicely textured spring and summer sipper. Look for flavours of binned apple and citrus ending with a nice bite on the clean finish. Good to go on its own sipped on the patio/deck/balcony, it also pours well with crab cakes or pan-seared prawns. (Vic Harradine)
Portugal
Quinta de Azevedo ‘Gazela’ Vinho Verde Non-Vintage
DOC Vinho Verde $8.95 (141432) 9.0% alcohol
Frizzanté—a lovely tingle from small bubbles—and lightly hued, this delivers aromas of floral, apple with mineral undertones. The crisp and refreshing flavours—ripe lemon and key lime pie—are carried along on a bed of delightful tingly spritz and a solid underpinning of wonderful acidity. Dancing lightly, it finishes clean and zippy, just the dance partner with lightly spiced appetizers, white meat or fish. (Vic Harradine)
Vinha do Monte Alentejano 2007
Vinho Regional Alentejano $9.95 (621813) 14% alcohol
What a great nose; it’s alive with earthy, tarry, licorice and spice aromas. Rustic and ready to drink, complex flavours abound with sweet warm, minty dark cherry, ripe cranberry and handfuls of spice. It’s mid weight with an earthy chalky mouth feel and a lovely mouth-watering finish. Blended from local red grape varieties, close your eyes while sipping and you’re in Portugal. This is full value and ratchets up a notch or two with food, especially chouriço, a Portuguese smoky spicy sausage. (Vic Harradine)
Sogrape ‘Mateus’ Rosé Non-Vintage
Portugal $7.95 (166) 11% alcohol
To everyone over 50, this might be more recognizable with a candle in the opening of the uniquely shaped bottle. The Mateus bottle and label haven’t changed much, the wine’s less sweet and it still tastes great at a fabulous price; what’s not to like? It’s spritzy with pleasant flavours of red currant and mixed dark berry fruit. If you need a retro fix or a fun value-driven summer sipper, look no further. Bonus, the bottle still doubles as a candle holder. (Vic Harradine)