Angove's 'Red Belly Black' Shiraz 2006
South Australia $16.95 (58669)
Eucalyptus, spicy oak and boysenberry jam aromas waft from the glass of this fleshy and full-flavoured red. The up-front fruit flavours, consisting of briary berry and spicy black plum, are ripe juicy and warm (14.5% alcohol). There's also a spine of moderating acidity that's introduced through a tangy red cherry flavour. The texture is silky smooth while the finish is medium length and beautifully balanced. (VH)


De Bortoli 'Deen Vat 9' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
South Eastern Australia $15.95 (17467)
Spice, mint and ripe dark berry aromas segue to a rich and robust burst of sweet fruit flavours (14.5% alcohol)—predominantly dark ripe cherry and briary berry. There's a generous ladle of moderating zest and perceptible tannins (good drinking 2010 to 2015). The finish is quite dry and will benefit from a three-hour aeration/decant. This is good value wine to start or augment a cellar. (VH)


De Bortoli 'Deen Vat 10' Pinot Noir 2006
South Eastern Australia $15.95 (61622)
A lovely magenta in the glass, this gives off enticing aromas of clove and aromatic bitters. It's very soft and fruit forward; expect strawberry, red cherry and cranberry flavours. The tannins are ripe and barely perceptible while the oak has been judiciously utilized and well integrated. Good balance and a fruity finish make this an enjoyable quaffing wine. (VH)


De Bortoli 'Deen Vat 8' Shiraz 2006
South Eastern Australia $15.95 (621649)
If you're an Aussie Shiraz fan, you'll love this. It has plenty of muscle providing black pepper and dark berry fruit aromas and a generous wave of juicy dark cherry and bramble berry fruit flavours. It's full bodied and fully textured with a lengthy tangy finish - lip-smacking good. Pair this with lamb tenderloins or beef strip loin hot off the barbie. (VH)


De Bortoli 'Noble One' Botrytis Semillon 2004
Riverina, New South Wales $28.95 (917252) 375 mL
This is succulent and unctuous—nectar of the Gods. Steve Webber, 'Gourmet Traveller's 2007 Wine Maker of the Year', made the first 'Noble One' in 1982. Fig, raisin and honeyed tree fruit aromas abound in this glorious dessert wine. Full throttle flavours include marmalade, citrus, honey and spice gliding along on a buttery texture. One of Australia's most decorated wines; it rates 'Outstanding' in Langton's Classification. Pair with pan-seared foie gras or crème brûlée. (VH)


De Bortoli 'Black Noble' Non Vintage
Riverina, New South Wales $36.95 (677104) 375 mL
Unique and delicious, it's fashioned from botrytis-affected (a.k.a. noble rot) Semillon grapes, fermented and fortified (add brandy, bring to 17.5% alcohol) then aged in very old barrels—average age of the wine is eight years. With a portion drawn from each barrel, it resembles the Solera system used for some Sherries. The appearance is dark amber and the aromas and flavours are a delightful cornucopia of dates, prunes, caramel and sweet molasses. Fully textured and silky smooth, serve very well chilled alongside spiced nut loaf or Christmas cake and espresso roast coffee. (VH)


Shingleback 'Red Knot' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
McLaren Vale, Australia $16.80 (619395)
Here's a round n' ready, go for the gusto Cab from the Davey family who fashioned the Cabernet that won the prestigious 2006 Jimmy Watson Trophy. Copious amounts of briary and dark berry fruit drench the palate while the superb finish layers on spice box and black licorice flavours. It's warm (14% alcohol) with a supple tannin structure and moderating zest throughout. Pair this with grilled bison steaks or rack of lamb. The quality price balance is tipped in your favour. (VH)



Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California $16.95 (68924)
This over-delivers on expectations with its rich and robust surge of flavour—sweet black cherry, cassis and spice—that persists in layers and waves. No monochromatic fruit bomb, it offers moderating zest, supple texture and a firm tannin structure, especially on the fruity, warm (14.5% alcohol) and lingering finish. Pair with gourmet burgers or BBQd bratwurst. (VH)


Gnarly Head Chardonnay 2006
California $16.95 (68932)
Look for an expressive nose of vanilla and tropical fruit aromas. These follow through to the delectable ripe pineapple, citrus and melon flavours delivered on a velvet smooth texture. Full bodied and simply delicious; it finishes lengthy and clean. Fruit sourced from Lodi, Monterey and Mendocino provide balance, structure and the perfect pairing with clay-baked chicken or breaded and pan-fried calamari rings. (VH)



Viña Tarapaca 'Reserva' Carmenère 2006
Maipo Valley $12.80 (64436)
Spice and earthy aromas introduce this Bistro-style red. Tangy red berry, cranberry and pomegranate flavours are in abundant supply throughout. It's medium to full bodied, with a nice finish that offers warm and ripe black raspberry, spice and a slight herbaceous note. Pair this with deep dish pizza laden with cheese. (VH)



Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough $17.30 (620054)
Grassy and herbaceous on the nose, this is fully textured on the palate with oodles of flavour—passion fruit, gooseberry and white grapefruit predominant. Family-owned and run for over ninety years, they've produced a softer-styled wine this vintage with a classic crisp and clean mouth-watering finish. Pair this with shellfish, calamari or a prawn cocktail. (VH)



Colio Estate Chardonnay 2007
VQA Ontario $10.85 (50383)
Crisp and refreshing, look for musky aromas that are nicely intermingled with nuances of fig and melon. This is light to medium bodied, well paced and very well priced. Expect loads of zesty citrus flavours that are nicely supported by a supple texture and a medium length finish that leaves you wanting another glass. A perfect aperitif to get those gastric juices flowing, it also pairs well with mussels in a light cream sauce. (VH)


Colio Estate 'CEV' Pinot Grigio 2007
VQA Lake Erie North Shore $14.85 (503391)
Sporting a bright and zippy new label, you can also expect a bright and zippy wine inside the bottle. There's lots going on here with aromas that are in the peach and tropical fruit zones with hints of mineral and leesy notes. It's medium bodied and well balanced sporting full fruit flavours and a lengthy finish. Sip on its own or pair with Coquille St. Jacques. (VH)


Colio Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007
VQA Lake Erie North Shore $10.90 (489872)
Very well focused, look for racy acidity and mouth-watering crispness. Mineral and citrus on the nose, this light-bodied white is very clean and refreshing with its white grapefruit and lemon-lime flavours. Perfect for sipping on the patio or poured alongside pan-seared freshwater fish under a squish of lemon. (VH)


Henry of Pelham Cabernet - Merlot 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.25 (504241)
This carefully bended red totals more than the sum of its parts. The 50% Merlot contributes a lovely fleshy mouth feel and rich dark fruit flavours—the 20% Cabernet Franc and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon add structure, longevity and backbone. You'll discover cherry and herbaceous aromas plus flavours of red cherry and pomegranate that are supported by still-perceptible tannin and a dry lengthy finish. Drink now to 2014 after a two hour aeration/decant. (VH)