Peter Lehmann Shiraz-Grenache 2004
South Australia $14.95 (610725)
Australia's Lehmann does it again, with a quite elegant blend that delivers focused fruit flavours (cherry, sweet plum) with notes of spice and pepper. It's medium-plus in weight, has soft tannins, and pairs perfectly with lamb, grilled medium-rare. (RP)

Tarapaca Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Maipo Valley $9.55 (249599)
Look for concentrated dark fruit flavours (plum, cherry, blackberries) in this bargain-priced Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. It's quite complex with medium-full body, and finishes well. Drink it now (with grilled red meat), but you can cellar it three or four years. (RP)


Baron Phlippe de Rothschild "Escudo Rojo" 2002
Maipo Valley $16.95 (613224)
Escudo Rojo is Spanish for "Red Shield," which is the meaning of Rothschild. This wine has been floating around for a while, and I'm really glad it's landed on the General List. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chile's signature variety, Carmenère, it's a big, dark, teeth-staining saturated red with loads of complexity and ripe dark fruit flavours. It's eell balanced, has medium tannins, and it's great with rich red meat dishes. (RP)

Strewn Barrel-Aged Chardonnay 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula $11.95 (522730)
A good price for a well-paced Niagara Chardonnay with flavours of ripe peach and tropical fruit with toasty oak accents. It's well balanced and goes well with roast or grilled herbed chicken. (RP)