Australia
Peter Lehmann Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Barossa Valley $19.95 (91686) 14.0% alcohol
There are expressive and expansive aromas galore—dark spiced berry fruit, toast, mint and hints of tar. Medium to full bodied and nicely textured, it rolls over the palate in waves with succulent chocolate-covered cherry and spiced-infused cassis flavours. It’s deftly balanced with well-integrated oak, ripe tannin and a lip-smacking long aftertaste. King Peter of the Barossa does it again—give it a go with grilled and garlicky lamb chops. (Vic Harradine)
California
Robert Mondavi ‘Woodbridge’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
California $13.95 (48611) 13.0% alcohol
It’s been 3 decades since Mondavi first launched the now-popular Woodbridge banner. This opens with complex aromas of black berry fruit, cola and mixed spice aromas. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured. The flavours are an amalgam of cassis, mocha and dark berry fruit that ride a solid underpinning of firm tannin framed with very good moderating acidity. It finishes fruit forward and well balanced making this value-packed red an easy pairing with grilled red meat from burgers to steak. (Vic Harradine)
Robert Mondavi ‘Woodbridge’ Sauvignon Blanc 2008
California $11.95 750 mL (40501) $20.95 1500 mL (258665) 13.0% alcohol
There’s good value here, earning its final ½ star because of it. You’ll be treated to floral and tropical fruit aromas on the nose and ripe fruit flavours of pineapple, yellow peach and lemon pie filling on the palate. It’s medium weight and generously textured sporting a crisp clean finish of citrus and nuances of yellow plum. This is just the wine to pair up with herbed and roasted chicken or pan-seared trout. (Vic Harradine)
Chile
Quick! What do bicycles, gaggles of geese and burritos have in common? Read more...
Viña Cono Sur Merlot 2008
DO Central Valley $9.95 (457176) 13.5% alcohol
Toasted oak, black currant and dark chocolate on the nose, there’s a tangy wash of racy pie cherry and black Damson plum on the palate. It’s medium in body and texture and delivers a finish with herbaceous hints and slightly grainy tannin. Pour alongside spaghetti Bolognese sprinkled with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. (Vic Harradine)
Viña Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2008
DO Central Valley $10.95 (341602) 13.5% alcohol
Sourced, equally, from 3 valleys—Casablanca, Colchagua, Bio Bio—this punches well above the price. Aromas of black currant, spiced black Damson plum and freshly sliced strawberry abound. It delivers a generous mouth feel and incredible balance throughout. Look for bramble berry fruit, cherry and kirsch liqueur flavours on the palate with hints of chocolate interwoven in the fruit-packed lengthy finish. There’s just enough tannin for structure and interest, making it the perfect dance partner with veal medallions or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
Viña Cono Sur Shiraz 2007
DO Colchagua Valley $9.95 (64295) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of mixed spice, cherry and black pepper express themselves freely on the expansive nose of this flavourful red. It’s mid weight nicely textured and well balanced. Ripe cranberry, mulberry and red cherry flavours stream through the drying, firm-tannin finish. Had mine with spicy meat-laden pizza and it worked well. (Vic Harradine)
Italy
Lungarotti ‘Rubesco’ 2006
DOC Umbria $13.95 (41947) 13% alcohol
Three decades a staple at the LCBO, this Sangiovese-based blend showcases spice box and pencil-shaving aromas and a well-balanced array of delectable flavours. There’s a wash of ripe succulent cherry and blueberry that bathes the palate and extends through the spice-driven lengthy finish. Mid weight and fairly textured, it’s a lovely aperitif or when matched with traditional Italian bistro fare—pizza, pasta in a tomato-based sauce or veal scallopini. (Vic Harradine)
Spain
Bodegas Castaño ‘La Casona’ Monastrell 2007
DO Yecla $8.95 (143743) 13.5% alcohol
Oozing with old world charm and breeding—dry-farmed 60- to 80-year-old vines—and punching well above the price; this is very good value. Heady spice-infused berry and mocha aromas roll off the glass of this medium-bodied nicely textured Monastrell a.k.a. Mourvèdre. Racy red cherry, blueberry and succulent dark berry fruit coat the palate transitioning to pie cherry and spiced black plum flavours on the lengthy well-balanced finish. Delicious sipped on its own, with each succeeding glass as good or better than the one before, this is also food-friendly. Try pasta in a tomato-based sauce or a soft creamy cheese. (Vic Harradine)