De Bartoli Deen Vat 7 Chardonnay 2004
Australia $14.95 (598896)
Sweet, ripe tropical fruit, honeydew melon, peaches, plus leesy aromas drift from the lovely nose of this medium-bodied white. There is a mélange of flavours including spiced orange, green apples and citrus and it all cleans up with more fruit and zest on the tangy finish. Deftly handled oak help make this a delicious and well-priced wine. (VH)



Mad Fish Shiraz 2003
Western Australia $15.95 (588855)
A rich, intense, full-fruit Shiraz with that luscious flavour that's a blend of concentrated black berry, cherry, and plum. Look for notes of black pepper, spice, coffee, and a hint of eucalyptus. It's a stand-out among Shirazes at this price, and a winner with barbecued lamb and grilled root vegetables. (RP)



Hillebrand Trius Brut
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (451641)
Made by the "Classical Method" (I think they mean "Classic Method," but I'm probably a pedantic snob), this is very well made and represents very good value for a quality sparkling wine. It has solid fruit flavours (apple, peach, pear), good structure, and an attractive mousse. Sip it as a pre-dinner appetite-whetter or pair it with spicy dishes or appetizers. (RP)



Château Bonnet Réserve 2001
AOC Bordeaux $16.85 (99044)
This is very solid Bordeaux at a really very good price. It's not overly complex, but it offers a nice range of red fruit and berry flavours with notes of spice and vanilla. It's dry, well balanced, and has a good tannic edge that adds interest. It goes well with a range of red meat dishes, and it's versatile enough to serve with a substantial party buffet. (RP)


Château Canet 2001
AOC Minervois $12.90 (320598)
If you like your red wine with intensely-flavoured ripe fruit with complex spicy, gamey notes, perceptible tannins and a bit of edginess, here's one for you. It's really excellent value. Buy it by the armful for those wintery days and nights you're trapped inside and need reassurance that memories of sun and warmth aren't delusions brought on by extended confinement. It's a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsaut, and it radiates the southern French sun that ripened the grapes. Just grill a slab of red meat and some simple vegetables and uncork on this. Delicious. (RP)


Fat Bastard Chardonnay 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc $14.95 (563130)
Another from the Fat Bastard portfolio, and again (like the Shiraz and the Merlot) it has almost enough substance to justify its name. This is a pretty nice Chardonnay, with good tropical fruit flavours with hints of peach and vanilla. It's well balanced for a clean texture that lets you pair with roast poultry or roast pork tenderloin with fruit salsa. (RP)



Cantina Sociale Prosecco di Valdobbiadene 2004
DOC Prosecco di Valdobbiadene $14.15 (340570)
A medium-bodied sparkling wine that delivers quite rich, fruity flavours in the tropical-peach zones. It's dry, well balanced, and ends with a clean, crisp finish. It's not a hard-edged, astringent sparkling wine, but it might be a little too fruity for sipping alone. It goes very well with quite spicy Thai food. (RP)


Cesari Amarone 2001
DOC Amarone della Valpolicella Classico $32.95 (426718)
Smoke, black currants and nutty aromas form the lifted nose of this medium to full-bodied gem. It is a textbook expression of this style of wine - rich concentrated black fruit flavours wound around silky smooth tannins with a glorious sweet/sour tang on the lengthy finish. An explosion of flavours delivered in a style that is wrapped in cotton batten. As Amarones go, this is extremely well priced. (VH)


Collavini Pinot Grigio 2004
DOC Isonzo del Friuli $13.95 (33340)
You will be drawn to the passion fruit, mineral and honeyed nose. The gorgeous texture of this medium-bodied white is almost creamy, complemented by full-bore white peach and citrus fruit flavours. The intriguingly lengthy finish has ladles of peach, pear flavours that would pair up well with pork tenderloin stuffed with a dried fruit dressing. (VH)


F. Giordano "Borgo Reale" Primitivo 2002
DOC Primitivo di Manduria $15.70 (698886)
From the lifted nose of smoky cherries to the lovely finish, this Kosher offering has verve and lots of appeal. The assertive flavour profile includes cassis, sweet (14.5% alc.) black plums and spice while the overall expression of this crowd pleaser is gutsy and full of life. Perfect during High Holidays with garlicky grilled back ribs of beef. (VH)


Vitae Sangiovese 2003
IGT Puglia $10.45 (621029)
Oak and smoke blow from the glass of this aggressive red. This has guts and verve in reserve and is not for the faint of heart. Black currant and raspberry flavours abound while the tannins add grip and structure. There is a spine of pleasing acidity that gives it balance while the finish is lengthy and a bit rustic. Can't imagine how it delivers all this for the price, but it does! Tame it down with pasta puttenesca. (VH)



DFJ Vinhos "Pedras Do Monte" Cabernet Sauvignon / Tinta Roriz 2001
DO Estramadura $9.95 (620658)
This has a funky nose of forest floor, rose petals and leather and really puts it to the floor on the palate with great dollops of black, ripe juicy fruit (cherries and raspberries) flavours and ripe, but perceptible tannin. The finish is lengthy, luxurious and fruit-driven. Big on the Wow! factor at a very reasonable price. Try with chourico - spicy Portuguese sausage now to 2009. (VH)



Warre's Warrior Special Reserve Port
DOC Porto $15.95 (170928)
You have to have a bottle of Port on hand during the holidays for emergency use in case of an attack of rich blue cheese or mixed roasted nuts. This is a very good value that does the trick very well. It delivers quite luxurious texture with a warm mouthfeel, and flavours of red fruit and berries and dark grapes, with notes of spice and licorice. It's just what you need as you sit and reflect on the year past and the election to come. (RP)



Bodegas Campo Viejo Savin Crianza 2001
DO Rioja $13.95 (620997)
Sweet dried coconut and hints of spiced black plums form the aromatic profile of this medium-bodied red. The drying tannins are well balanced against the sweet core of Bing cherry and red currant flavours that showcase this Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo blend. More of the same on the finish make this a well priced offering that has structure and a touch of elegance. Try with paella now to 2009. (VH)



Beringer "Founders' Estate" Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California $19.95 (534263)
A Cab from one of the best recent vintages in California for the variety. It delivers a core of concentrated dark fruit and berries from front to back, along with a range of spice and pepper notes. The tannins are ripe and sweet, firm enough to allow for moderate cellaring, easily manageable enough to let you drink it now. Pair it up with grilled or roasted (medium-rare) red meat. (RP)