Hardy's 'Nottage Hill' Shiraz 2006
South Australia $13.85 (375964)
From a respected, iconic Aussie producer, this delivers the goods, and then some. A perfumed nose of spiced black berry and ripe sweet cherry is precursor to flavours of rich Bing cherry and black Damson plum that are underpinned by supple tannin and seamlessly integrated oak. It's medium bodied with a medium-length finish that shows deft balance. Pair this with grilled red meat, steak or gourmet burgers. (VH)


Hardy's 'Nottage Hill' Chardonnay 2007
South Eastern Australia $11.45 (283457)
Medium-gold coloured in the glass with a slight green hue, this opens with delightful tropical fruit aromas—ripe pineapple and honeydew melon. It's light bodied, but showers the palate with delicate flavours of white peach and ripe citrus. There's good texture, imperceptible oak and a clean refreshing finish. This is terrific value and built for easy drinking. (VH)



Robert Mondavi 'Woodbridge' Pinot Grigio 2007
California $10.95 (523431)
Floral and mineral notes are nicely intertwined with the predominant citrus aromas. Light textured and very focused, this delivers good strong citrus flavours on the palate and throughout the crisp and clean finish. It's light on its feet throughout while the finish delivers the kind of lip-smacking citrus flavours that demand a seafood match; pair with pan seared scallops under a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon. (VH)


Robert Mondavi 'Woodbridge' Chardonnay 2006
California $13.45 (99408)
There are involved aromas of tropical fruit, vanilla and hints of oak on the nose of this value-packed Chard. It's medium bodied generously textured and sports a salad bowl of ripe fruit flavours—yellow peach, Bosc pear and zesty lemon. The finish is crisp and clean making it an ideal partner with freshwater fish, try trout or bass, pan-seared in a patty of butter then drizzled with a squirt of fresh lemon. (VH)



Chateau de Gourgazaud 2006
AOC Minervois $13.20 (22384)
Earthy, minty and dark berry fruit form the lifted nose of this lusciously textured medium-bodied blend—Syrah and Mourvèdre. The flavours stream onto the palate in delectable waves, with rich cherry, dark chocolate plus hints of zesty cranberry predominant. It's well balanced, sports a lengthy finish and punches well above its price. (VH)



Hillebrand 'Trius' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (587956)
There are minty, earthy and dark berry fruit aromas on the nose while the flavours are cranberry, ripe pomegranate and pie cherries. This is medium bodied and tightly focused with reasonable texture and a dry clean finish. This is perfectly paired with pasta in a Bolognese sauce or spicy lasagna. (VH)



Danzante Merlot 2006
IGT Della Sicilia $11.95 (73833)
Dusty notes and sweet ripe cherry aromas drift off the glass. It's very smooth on the palate and extremely well balanced with bright and crisp flavours of cassis and dark Bing cherry. What I liked most was the medium-length dry finish as it added solid structure and charm. This easy-drinking bistro-styled wine delivers well above its price, offering more than most reds under $12; it earned its final half-star on value. Pair with pizza, burgers and lasagna. (VH)


Danzante Pinot Grigio 2007
IGT Della Venezie $13.85 (26906)
Mineral, floral and spice aromas lead the way for expressive flavours of green apple, spiced pear and a gusher of zesty citrus. This is light to medium bodied and nicely textured while the medium-length finish delivers a spicy stream of lemony flavours. Pair this with steamed mussels in a garlic and cream sauce. (VH)