Chateau Canteloup Médoc 2012
AOC Médoc, France $19.65 (420000) 13.5% alcohol
This left bank, 55% Merlot/45% Cabernet Sauvignon blend is a bit of an anomaly—left bank wines are usually Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, we’ll mark this ambidextrous. There’s a world of value in this Bordeaux beauty; aromas of charred toast and exotic incense open the floodgates to a creamy smooth mid-weight river of black currant and black raspberry entwined with dark bittersweet chocolate and bits of tar. It finishes balanced and lengthy. (Vic Harradine)

   
Tini Romagna Sangiovese 2013

DOC Romagna, Italy $7.75 (179432) 12.0% alcohol

Here’s a nifty number punching well above its price—it’s light on its feet with red fruit flavour and plenty of tang. Aromas of red berry fruit and wisps of tobacco dominate the nose on this northern-Italian red. It races over the palate with red currant and cranberry flavour mingling with pie cherry and ripe red plum infusing the mid-lengthy, dry, aftertaste. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce, pizza or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)