Bidgeebong Wines ‘Triangle’ Chardonnay 2008
Tumbarumba and Gundagai, Australia $17.95 13.5% alcohol
This is rock-solid 4 stars, brimming with rich, ripe, fruit-laden aromas and flavours. From lesser-known, cool-climate regions near Canberra this opens with lifted, perfumed aromas of peach, apple and tropical fruit. It washes over the palate with fresh and lively, crisp, green apple, ripe, juicy pineapple and lemon citrus. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a balanced lip-smacking finish—good value, as well. Order by the case for home or office delivery from agent Dave Coutts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Vic Harradine)


Bodegas Forcado ‘Flor de Baco’ Crianza 2008
DOCa Rioja, Spain $18.50 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of mixed spice and dark berry fruit set up this delicious young red. It’s med-full weight with generous mouth feel and persistent river of juicy, rich flavour—ripe mulberry, spiced black plum and dark briary berry adorned with nuances of licorice. The dry, fruity aftertaste lingers lip-smacking good. Versatile and food friendly pour with paella, pasta in tomato sauce or gourmet burgers. Order by the case for home or office delivery from The Small Winemakers Collection or Rob Elvy at 613.530.0575. (Vic Harradine)


Greenpiper ‘Night Harvest – Red Label’ Shiraz-Cabernet 2010
Western Australia $17.50 14.0% alcohol
This light-on-its-feet red blend dishes up aromas of cherry cordial and earthy tones presaging a balanced wash of sweet cherry and spice on the palate. The dry, tangy finish is redolent of red currant and red cherry interlaced with savoury spice providing a clean, refreshing aftertaste. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza. Order by the case delivered to your home or office from Nokhrin Wines. (Vic Harradine)


Maior de Mendoza ‘Argos’ Albariño 2010
DO Rias Baixis, Spain $19.25 13.0% alcohol
An alluring nose of ripe peach, orange blossom and tropical fruit herald an outstanding river of fully-flavoured, gorgeously textured white nectarine, lively lemon pie filling and key lime. This coats the palate and senses—it’s medium bodied with good texture and a crisp, mouth-watering finish. Good to go on its own, divine with shrimp kebabs or pan-seared scallops or fish. Order by the case for home or office delivery from The Small Winemakers Collection or Rob Elvy at 613.530.0575. (Vic Harradine)


Majolini Franciacorta Brut Non-vintage
DOCG Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy $28.95 12.5% alcohol
Made in the style of the very best Champagne, this sparkling wine rings up at less than half the price. A Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meuniere blend, it was kept on its lees 36 months. It’s deep-yellow hued in the glass with leesy, biscuit aromas and washes with an energetic mousse of tiny bubbles. Flavours of shortbread, tangy lemon citrus and pit fruit persist through the zesty, refreshing finish. Order by the case for home or office delivery fromThe Small Winemakers Collection or Rob Elvy at 613.530.0575. (Vic Harradine)


Rutherglen Estates ‘Red’ Shiraz – Petit Sirah 2008
Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia $16.45 14.5% alcohol
Rich and robust aromas—currants, anise and savoury-infused red cherry—herald spirited, complex flavours of black berry, tangy red cherry and black plum compote. It’s balanced and medium bodied sporting a lengthy, mouth-watering aftertaste. Extremely versatile, it drinks well on its own and with food, especially spicy wings, pasta in tomato sauce, meat-laden pizza. Order by the case for home or office delivery from agent Dave Coutts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Vic Harradine)