Look for these new wines, or new vintages of continuing wines, in the General List of the LCBO.

California

**** drink now
Black Box Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Paso Robles $13.95 (38331) 1 Litre Tetra Prisma
This is ultra-smooth, ready to drink, warm and quite a bargain-it's less than $10.50 per standard 750 ml bottle-earning its final half star on value. It delivers black cherry, mint and black olive aromas while on the palate it's spicy, earthy with pleasant flavours of sweet (13.5% alcohol) red cherry and coffee notes. Look for deft balance, a zesty, fruity finish plus ripe tannins for structure. It's a step above most at this price. (VH)

Italy

**** drink now
Villa Antinori 2003
IGT Toscana $24.10 (53876)
This Sangiovese from Tuscany is notable for aromas and flavours of dark fruit and a lot of spicy complexity. It has good tannic grip and a lengthy finish. It's quite stylish and goes well with grilled lamb and other flavourful red meat dishes. (RP)

Portugal

***1/2 drink now
Aliança Foral Reserva 2005
DO Douro $8.25 (239046)
A blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca, this well-priced Portuguese red is a bit short on aromas but offers solid flavours of sweet red cherries and spice. It's lightly tannic and goes well with foods such as pizza, burgers and not-too-spicy grilled sausages. (RP)

Spain
***1/2 drink now
Finca Antigua Tempranillo 2004
DO La Mancha $12.95 (613042)
This is a quite complex Spanish red that delivers a wide range of aromas and flavours. Look for sweet cherry and berry with spicy and earthy notes. It goes well with well-herbed grilled chicken and with grilled lamb chops. (RP)