d’Arenberg ‘d’Arry’s Original’ Shiraz/Grenache 2009
McLaren Vale, Australia $19.95 (942904) 14.4% alcohol
Eucalyptus, berry fruit and toasty notes herald a spirited, lively wash of lip-smacking flavour—red currant and cranberry mingling with nuances of espresso roast and dark chocolate. Medium bodied and tangy throughout, look for racy red cherry and toasty notes on the lingering aftertaste. Good to go now, poured perfectly with grilled, smoked ribs brushed with spicy BBQ sauce. Always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)
Perrin & Fils ‘Les Sinards’ 2010
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France $34.95 (926626) 14.0% alcohol
From one of the world’s iconic wine-making families - Primum Familiae Vini, this dishes up warm aromas of dark cherry, black plum compote and espresso roast. It’s complex and interesting on the palate with red and black currant interwoven with hints of cassis and toasty notes. Medium-full bodied, nicely textured with a juicy, tangy lengthy aftertaste and supple tannin underpinning, you won’t be disappointed with this—ideal for drinking and gifting. (Vic Harradine)