Amberton Shiraz 2004
South Australia $14.95 (619189)
One of those 'feel good' stories of a group of wine and food-loving friends (doctors) who talked about starting a winery - haven't we all? - then did it. Dried currant and spice waft from the glass of this medium-bodied and well-balanced drop. You will find up front fruit flavours of tangy black currant and red berries with a lingering warm (14% alcohol) finish of rich and concentrated ripe, black fruit. Pair to rack of lamb. (VH)


De Bartoli 'Vat 8' Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia $15.00 (621649)
This is an outstanding Shiraz that punches far beyond its price point. A beguiling nose of spice, incense and black, juicy berry aromas curl from the glass of this medium-weight red. You will find nuances of oak, a ripe tannin underpinning, deft balance, rich and concentrated cherry, dark chocolate and berry flavours and a luxurious finish of moderating tang with a replay of the aforementioned flavours. What's not to love? (VH)

Barton & Guestier 'French Tom' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc $14.95 (619254)
Smoke and spiced red berry aromas waft from the glass of this light-bodied red. Pleasant and clean fruit flavours - cranberry, red currant and red cherry - form the mid-palate profile while the finish layers on a generous spoonful of tang. This would pour well alongside a baked macaroni casserole in a cheese and white sauce. (VH)


Bouchard Pere et Fils Petit Chablis 2004
AOC Petit Chablis $19.05 (51466)
The ultimate match for freshly-shucked briny oysters on the half shell. Mineral and citrussy aromas open up this light-bodied white. Flavours of minerality, lemon and white peach on the palate with more of the same on the cleansing and zingy finish. Splash a bit of freshly-squeezed lemon on the oyster to give the fruit flavours in the wine a lift. (VH)

Moselland 'Divinum' Riesling 2004
Qba Mosel-Saar-Ruwer $11.95 (619676)
One of those yin and yang, sweet and tang whites that match up so well to spicy Asian dishes such as spicy Thai noodles or spicy chicken done in a tandoor oven. This is light to medium-bodied with dollops of cleansing zest and touches of tropical fruit throughout. It is also fairly low alcohol (11%), making it a wise choice to serve guests at parties. (VH)

Vineland Estates Winery Semi-dry Riesling 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (232033)
A delicious white that starts off with slate and mineral notes on the nose and fills the senses with gorgeously textured and well-balanced flavours of lemon zest, green apple and Anjou pear. The finish is lengthy and luxurious. Pair with a dried fruit-stuffed pork tenderloin with apple sauce on the side, (VH)

Fleur de Cap Shiraz 2004
WO Coastal $13.00 (340422)
Prepare yourself for a lifted nose black, ripe cherry aromas. The flavours are an appealing mélange of currant, spice and more black, ripe and juicy Bing cherry. This offers much more than the price would suggest including a well-balanced and warm (14% alcohol) finish that layers on dark chocolate and coffee flavours. Excellent value here. (VH)


Frisky Zebras Sauvignon Blanc 2005
WO Western Cape $12.95 (27805) 1 Litre Tetra
Floral, grassy and honeyed tropical fruit aromatics form the beguiling nose of this tangy light-bodied quaffer. Expect flavours in the peach and red apple zones with good balance from moderating acidity plus a lovely textured finish. Good to go on its own this would also be lovely with a mesculan salad with crumbled chèvre chaud. Fifty cents from each sale goes to help the Toronto Zoo Foundation. (VH)


Frisky Zebras Shiraz 2005
WO Western Cape $12.95 (27805) 1 Litre Tetra
Dark, almost purple-blue, this has sweet, candied cherry cordial aromas emanating from the glass. Expect a medium-bodied red with lovely texture and more sweet fruit on the palate and finish, which is warm (14.5% alcohol) and moderate in length. Fifty cents from each sale goes to help the Toronto Zoo Foundation. Very well-priced and extremely food-friendly, try with smoked and bar b qued ribs. (VH)


Golden Kaan Merlot 2004
WO Western Cape $10.95 (649988)
The price to quality ratio is skewed very heavily in your favour, making this an affordable everyday wine. A quiet nose of dusty cherries and earthy notes form the segue to this medium-bodied beauty. The palate is treated to spicy plum and bramble berry flavours and ripe tannins that provide grip and structure. (VH)


Ubuntu Shiraz 2004
WO Western Cape $10.95 (675281)
Another value brand from KWV that offers honest wine at a reasonable price. Blueberry and spice aromas are followed by a tangy and flavourful offering of cherry and currant on a medium-bodied frame. This has good balance with a touch of oak and moderating acidity. The finish is lengthy. Try with spiced beef. (VH)

Osborne 'Ducal' Shiraz / Tempranillo 2004
DO Tierra de Castillo $12.95 (11783) 1 Litre Tetra
Dark, almost opaque in the glass, this opens with lovely aromatics of spice and dark berry. Fruit flavours of crushed black currant and sweet black berry are interestingly entwined with nuances of creosote and tangy Montmorency cherry. The lengthy finish begs for pasta or pizza with a tomato-based sauce. Very well-priced. (VH)


Osborne 'Ducal' Merlot / Tempranillo 2004
DO Tierra de Castillo $12.95 (11767) 1 Litre Tetra
Aromas of dried and crushed herbs, spice and berry form the segue to this medium-bodied blend. There are gobs of sweet (14% alcohol) dark fruit throughout this well-balanced and mellow red that also offers good grip and a fruity finish. Will pair well to red meat dishes. (VH)