Château Ducla 2009
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur $14.95 (255067) 13.5% alcohol
Great value here with a rich, juicy, nicely balanced red blend from Bordeaux, one of the most expensive, sought-after wine regions in France. Spiced black plum, black liquorice and dark berry fruit on the nose, it washes over the palate in streams of black berry, spiced cherry and nuances of kirsch liqueur. It’s medium bodied with good texture, a supple tannin structure and a lengthy, balanced finish. What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate ‘White Conception’ 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (203737) 12.5% alcohol
Perfumed aromas of orange blossom, lemon pie filling, piquant spice and wisps of anise roll from this medium-bodied, gorgeously textured bend—Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Gewürztraminer. Winemaker Richie Roberts hits the bulls-eye with a balanced, structured, persistent wash of mouth-watering flavour with crisp, refreshing grapefruit, succulent white peach and a blaze of lip-smacking tang on the aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate Riesling 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (146761) 10.5% alcohol
Spring flowers, pear and honeyed orchard fruit aromas open this value-packed, flavour-laden, just off-dry Riesling. It’s well balanced with good texture dishing up a stream of lime cordial, sweet nectarine and a delightful, ripe pit fruit and tangy finish. It’s good quaffing on its own, pouring particularly well with spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)
James Oatley ‘Tic Tok’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Mudgee & Frankland River, Australia $15.95 (187179) 13.5% alcohol
Savoury dill weed, roasted nuts and berry fruit aromas herald a mid-weight wash of sour cherry and spice-infused cranberry interlaced with pomegranate underpinned by grippy tannin. The dry, savoury aftertaste layers on tangy red currant and charry notes. Pair with smoked, grilled back ribs. (Vic Harradine)
James Oatley ‘Tic Tok’ Chardonnay 2009
Mudgee & Pemberton, Australia $14.95 (187104) 12.8% alcohol
Vanilla, hazelnut and ripe apple aromas abound in this mid-weight, flavour-laden Chardonnay. Textured flavours of tropical fruit, succulent peach and moderating lemon citrus bathe the palate persisting though the nicely balanced, lingering finish. Great sipping on its own, terrific with vegetarian caramelized onion quiche. (Vic Harradine)
Yvon Mau Colombard/Chardonnay 2011
Vin de Pays Côtes de Gascogne, France $8.95 (627265) 11.5% alcohol
Honeyed orchard fruit and floral notes dominate the aromas in this inexpensive, patio sipper. It hits the sweet spot in flavour and price delivering a wash of sweet, tropical fruit, ripe plum and poached pear that coats the palate persisting through the lingering aftertaste. It has good texture and pours well with spicy Asian cuisine or green salad under crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
Yvon Mau Merlot 2010
Vin de Pays de l’Aude, France $8.95 (336743) 13.0% alcohol
Lively and fresh, brimming with flavour and value, this over-delivers on the nose and palate with aromas of berry fruit and spice presaging a medium-bodied, well-textured river of sweet ripe, cherry and blueberry mingling with spice box. Mid weight with good mouth feel and a balanced aftertaste, give it a go with meat-laden pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, spicy wings. (Vic Harradine)