Bertani Soave 2010
DOC Soave, Italy $11.80 (231860) 12.0% alcohol
The yellow hue alerts you this may be special—it’s a lovely Soave that’s value-packed; brimming with flavour, balance and a long, crisp, refreshing finish. Floral, spice and nutty nuances on the nose, a palate-washing river treats the palate—ripe pineapple, nectarine and racy citrus. It’s mid-weight and nicely textured with a price-quality ratio skewed well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)


Viña Caliterra ‘Reserva’ 2011
DO Valle de Casablanca, Chile $8.95 (275909) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of sweet herbs and floral notes introduce a sweet, ripe mouthful of fruit—white peach, pear and hints of citrus. It’s medium bodied with good texture sporting a finish that tends toward sweet. Good to pour as an aperitif or pair with spicy Asian cuisine like pad Thai or spicy Asian noodles and chicken. (Vic Harradine)


Casal Thaulero Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
IGP Terre di Chieti, Italy $6.95 (621953) 13.0% alcohol
Funky aromas of cedar, earthy leaves and cherry cordial introduce this long-on-value red blend. There’s a very pleasant splash of tangy, juicy, red berry and red cherry fruit flavour with notes of sweet strawberry along for the ride. It’s well balanced, nicely textured and finishes with tangy, savoury notes. Versatile at the table, pour with pasta, burgers, pizza or a deli-meat platter. (Vic Harradine)


Casal Thaulero Sangiovese 2010
IGP Terre di Chieti, Italy $6.95 (588996) 13.0% alcohol
This is pretty amazing—it’s under $7 and tastes like it’s at least $12.—easily earning a half star on value. Ripe cherry, sandalwood and mixed spice on the nose it spills over the palate with a balanced wash of spice-laden ripe cherry and dark berry flavour. It’s food friendly, mid weight with good mouth feel and a lengthy finish; what are you waiting for? (Vic Harradine)


Chivite ‘Gran Fuedo Edición’ Tempranillo 2009
DO Navarra, Spain $11.95 (255877) 13.0% alcohol
Dark berry fruit and savoury herb aromas flow easily from this light-on-its-feet bistro-styled red. It washes the palate with dark, red cherry and dark berry fruit garnished with handfuls of savoury herbs. It sports a fruity mid-length aftertaste. Pours well with meat-laden pizza, pasta in tomato sauce and mac and cheese with hot salsa. (Vic Harradine)


Kato Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $14.95 (184598) 13.0% alcohol
Here’s a beauty that’s just hit its stride with powerful, heady aromas of passion fruit, citrus and grassy notes galore. There’s ripe fruit on the palate with oodles of melon, ripe pineapple interlaced with lip-smacking citrus. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel and a lingering mouth-watering finish. It’s one of those wines that’s well balanced and delicious delivering more than its fair share of value. (Vic Harradine)


Silver Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009
New Zealand $14.95 (226605) 13.0% alcohol
This light-on-its-feet Pinot is just as light and easy on your wallet, delivering good value. Red currant and pomegranate mingle with spice and strawberry washing over the palate with good acidity and texture for balance and interest. It’s mid weight with a tangy finish that’s looking for food—spaghetti in spicy Bolognese sauce or meat-laden pizza pair well. (Vic Harradine)


Vidal-Fleury Côtes du Rhône 2007
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $14.95 (263897) 14% alcohol
Dark berry fruit, cola and savoury herbs and spice aromas intro this medium-bodied, nicely textured, well-balanced blend. Tangy juicy flavours bathe the palate with black berry, red cherry and spice-laden black plum persisting through the extended aftertaste. Showcasing good Rhône characteristics, it’s a natural with grilled steak, burgers, stews or gourmet sausage. The ’07 Rhône vintage is rated top notch and Vidal-Fleury has seen a few—they’ve been around since 1781. (Vic Harradine)


Wente ‘Southern Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Livermore Valley, California $16.95 (301507) 13.5% alcohol
This is silky smooth and value-packed. Earthy, toasty notes and red cherry aromas spill from the glass while the palate’s treated to waves of red and black currant, milk chocolate and vanilla flavours. This is medium bodied with good mouth feel, deft balance and well-integrated oak. The lingering juicy aftertaste layers on black cherry interlaced with dark coffee and roasted herbs. (Vic Harradine)


Yellow Tail ‘Reserve’ Shiraz 2010
South Eastern Australia $15.95 (234609) 14.0% alcohol
Dark cherry, espresso roast and toasty notes on the nose, this delivers a smooth mellow wash of juicy Bing cherry and kirsch liqueur that’s persistent on the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and a fruit-forward aftertaste laced with ripe black currant and black plum compote. Great sipped on its own and versatile with food—pizza, burgers, gourmet sausage and pasta in meat and tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Yellow Tail ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2010
South Eastern Australia $14.95 (234591) 13.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of tropical fruit, floral and sweet vanilla presage awash of of ripe apple, sweet yellow plum and hints of ripe citrus. It’s medium-weight with good mouth feel and a brief finish of apple and pear. Good to pour alone or paired with lighter-styled chicken or veal dishes. (Vic Harradine)