Beringer 'Founders' Estate' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
California $19.80 (534263)
Dark cherry and cherry cola aromas waft from the glass of this medium-bodied and nicely textured Cab. Look for sweet and juicy fruit flavours on the palate that linger on the finish, as well; there's cassis, Bing cherry and boysenberry. Pair this with a rack of lamb rubbed with rosemary and grilled medium rare. This offers very good value. (VH)


Beringer 'Founders' Estate' Chardonnay 2006
California $18.80 (534230)
This is a wonderful expression of top-notch warm climate Chardonnay—full flavoured, deftly balanced, crisp and refreshing. Vanilla and honeydew melon on the nose, there's an abundance of luscious pit fruit and tropical fruit flavours—pineapple, melon, apple and yellow peach—along with a lovely stream of ripe citrus and hints of oak. It's plush in texture and crispy and refreshing on the aftertaste. Pair this with chicken or veal, lobster or crab. (VH)


Beringer 'Napa Valley' Chardonnay 2005
Napa Valley $27.90 (348342)
Expressive and involved, this is an elegant wine. Lots going on in the nose with aromas of smoke, oak, melon and tropical fruit delivered on a medium- to full-bodied frame with medium texture. There are layers and waves of endless juicy flavours that coat the palate with sweet pineapple, zesty citrus, melon and nutty nuances among them. The finish is well balanced. This wine is beautifully paired with chicken or turkey à la king. (VH)


Beringer 'Founders' Estate' Merlot 2004
California $19.80 (534255)
Assorted spice, red berry fruit and cranberry aromas drift off the glass of this medium-bodied and medium-textured red. The fruit flavours are all about tang and zest; look for red currant, red plum and cranberry infused with a generous dollop of spice. It finishes with sour cherry and imperceptible tannin. Match with pasta in a tomato-based sauce, try spaghetti Bolognese or Swiss steak. They'd both work well. (VH)


Beringer Founders' Estate Pinot Grigio 2006
California $17.95 (45641)
In a wine world awash in mediocre Pinot Grigio, this is welcomed relief. All floral and ripe sweet melon on the nose, this medium-bodied beauty delivers a delicious mouthful of racy juice with a fully textured mouth feel. The flavours are expressive and heady; expect ripe zesty citrus flavours infused with hints of candied ginger. The finish is lengthy, clean and refreshing. Seafood, especially shell fish, pairs well. (VH)



Viña Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Maipo Valley $16.85 (358309)
This is a classy drop with much in its favour—deftly balanced, seamless oak integration, a supple tannin structure and gobs of delicious fruit flavours. Oh yes, it's well priced, earning its final half star on terrific value. Chocolate, cassis, minty and toasty on the nose; there's a cornucopia of flavours including zesty red currant, cranberry and chocolate-covered cherries. The finish echoes the palate along with wisps of espresso roast. Pair with AAA strip loin grilled medium rare. (VH)


Viña Carmen Reserva Carmènere Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Maipo Valley $16.85 (439166)
Exotic spice, cedar and ripe dark berry fruit aromas roll off this medium- to full-bodied blend (60% Carmenère, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon). The flavours are a rich gusher of tar, licorice and bitter sweet chocolate-covered Bing cherry. This is nicely balanced, fully textured and delivers a zesty and racy finish that's quite dry and markedly herbaceous. Pair with mint-rubbed rack of lamb. (VH)


Viña Carmen 'Classic' Chardonnay 2006
Valle de Casablanca $9.90 (235663)
Expressive and racy on the nose, look for citrus, mineral and alluring floral notes. The flavours are in the apple compote zone, complete with cinnamon and a touch of lemon zest. It's warm (13.5% alcohol), well balanced with a lengthy finish.. The quality-price ratio is skewed quite heavily in your favour and it earned its final half star on value. (VH)



Château de Montguéret 'Crémant de la Loire' Brut Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant de la Loire $19.60 (621896)
Leesy, floral and notes of mineral on the nose, this delivers a light and tingly stream of bubbles with racy flavours of Granny Smith apple, white peach and key lime. Made from a different grape blend than sparkling wine from Champagne, it's made in the same meticulous manner. This is light bodied and well suited to be served as a welcoming wine or as an accompaniment to appetizers of chicken, veal or seafood. (VH)