Rosemount 'Diamond' Chardonnay 2006
South Eastern Australia $13.95 (265132)
Nifty new packaging coupled with a bright, clean refreshing fruit attack. Expect spice and toasty notes off the lifted nose then a gusher of lemon/lime, pear and apple flavours on the medium-bodied palate. This has good texture and a well-balanced lingering finish. Would pair well with lightly herbed and spiced chicken dishes. (VH)


Rosemount 'Diamond' Merlot 2005
South Eastern Australia $13.95 (542431)
Lovely aromatics of red berry and exotic spice waft from the glass of this round and ready red. Fruit-forward - plum, bramble berry and earthy cranberry - it also offers deftly integrated oak, a dollop of moderating zest and good structure. Extremely well-priced, it is good to go on its own or pair with grilled red meat. (VH)


Rosemount 'Diamond' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
South Eastern Australia $15.95 (334870)
Bright cherry red in the glass, lovely aromatics of spice, savoury and currant drift from the glass of this medium to full-bodied Cab. Look for stunning fruit in the brambleberry and rich, black cherry zone with good grip from a firm tannic structure. The lovely finish adds a hint of mint and lively nuances of toast and vanilla. Price to quality balance is tipped in your favour. (VH)


Rosemount Diamond Shiraz 2005
South Eastern Australia $15.95 (302349)
Many of us were switched on to Aussie reds with previous vintages of this and it still commands respect. Black pepper and dark plum aromas form the warm (14% alcohol) and lifted nose while the flavours simply gush over the palate - dense dark berry and cassis. The lengthy finish is beautifully balanced and structured with smooth tannins and moderating tang. Pair it to grilled lamb tenderloin or a strip loin of beef. (VH)

Concha y Toro "Trio" Merlot-Carmenère-Cabernet Sauvignon
Rapel Valley $15.25 (433920)
This blend delivers all the intensity and fruit-forward character we've come to expect from Chilean reds. It has a tangy texture, good balance and rich fruitiness tempered by complex spiciness. Overall, a terrific wine to pair with full-favoured grilled red meat dishes. (RP)

Henriques Banyuls
AOC Banyuls $12.45 for 500ml (026922)
This is one of a new LCBO selection of sweet wines from the south of France. Banyuls is a fortified wine that's predominantly Grenache. Look for rich red fruit flavours of raspberries and plums here, with notes of dried fruit and nuts. It's dry and quite sweet with an attractive texture, and it pairs very nicely with chocolate and nuts. (RP)

Croix-Milhas Banyuls
AOC Banyuls $12.45 for 500ml (022814)
Banyuls is my pick for a wine that goes with chocolate. This one is intensely flavoured, dry and quite tannic, and it delivers really lovely rich flavours of dried red fruit and berries, spices and roasted nuts. It pairs very well with all kinds of chocolates and chocolate-dominant desserts. (RP)