Bodegas Lurton Pinot Gris 2005
Valle de Uco $10.15 (556746)
Wow! This starts off with apple and floral notes then kicks into high gear with a flavour explosion in the mouth of gorgeously textured tropical fruit. This is beautifully balanced with a citrus zest to keep it clean and lively. The finish is lengthy, the price is terrific, what are you waiting for? (VH)



Wakefield "Promised Land" Shiraz/Cabernet 2003
South Australia $14.25 (625343)
This is one gutsy, full bore red at a great price. Spiced black cherries whoosh from the glass of this opaque teeth-staining beauty. Huge flavours of cassis, black pepper and licorice form the sweet (14.5% alc.) mid palate whilst wrapped around perceptible, ripe tannins. All in all, well balanced with a clean fruity finish. Try now to 2009 with rare grilled lamb tenderloin slathered with butter, garlic and rosemary. (VH)



Strewn "Semi-Dry" Riesling 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula $10.95 (616599)
Baked apple pie and lanolin aromas waft from the involved nose of this Germanic-styled gem. Only slightly off dry, the viscous palate provides beautiful honeyed tropical fruit flavours that are deftly balanced with citrussy notes. The finish is lengthy, tangy and begs for spicy Asian fare. Try pork pot stickers in a spicy Thai sauce. Tremendous value. (VH)



Errazuriz Estate Merlot 2004
Valle de Curicó $13.40 (297887)
A lovely Merlot with a smooth texture and medium body, this delivers aromas and flavours of ripe plums, along with some spiciness for interest. With good balance and easy-going tannins, it's great with red meat dishes. (RP)



Château Canada Bordeaux Supérieur 2003
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur $13.95 (559468)
The 2003 vintage of this wine has reached the LCBO, and it reflects the very warm growing season that year, when harvests across France took place weeks earlier than usual. This blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon is rich in dark fruit (plum to the fore) with good complexity. It's well made, has soft ripe tannins, and shows again that Bordeaux can turn out very good quality, value-priced wines. (RP)


Père Patriarche Chardonnay 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc $9.95 (621805)
This has all the elements of well made Chard at much less than what you would expect to pay. The nose is fragrant with light floral and green apple aromas and the flavours are more of that Granny Smith apple with a touch of pit fruit thrown in the mix. It is medium-bodied, well balanced and offers a nice fruity finish. (VH)



Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough $15.60 (554444)
A hole in one again with its zesty tang and lively finish. It possesses a quintessential nose of gooseberry and nettles while the zippy and refreshing flavours include passion fruit, tropical fruit and citrussy notes. Lots of texture on the palate and the finish is full of verve and flavour. This would match up well to grilled fish with a spicy salsa. (VH)



Quinta de Cabriz 2003
DO Dão $11.95 (949974)
A very well-paced blend of three varieties, all vinified separately before being blended and aged six months in French oak. It delivers a juicy texture with bright red fruit, good complexity and nice balance. It's well made and something different for mid-week pasta and lighter stews. (RP)