Australia

Yering Station ‘Little Yering’ Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 2005
Victoria $14.95 (145326) 14.5 % alcohol
This is value packed and lip-smacking delicious. The lifted aromas of dark berry fruit mingle with nuances of black licorice and tarry notes. Mouth-filling flavours wash over the palate in complex waves with ripe mulberry and succulent minty bramble berry to the fore. It’s beautifully balanced, generously textured and sports a polished tannin underpinning. The lengthy finish layers on delightful racy red cherry. The price-quality ratio swings crazily in your favour—toss a few in the cart. (Vic Harradine)

California

Ironstone Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Lodi, $14.95 (692395) 13.5% alcohol
Ironstone is a fourth generation family-owned vineyard whose goal is to over deliver on quality for price—and they do! This lovely white wine, produced from a Sauvignon Blanc Musqué clone, has layers of ripe fruit aromas and flavours—gooseberry, lemon, melon, some tropical nuances and a touch of grassiness. It’s light-medium bodied with fresh acidity and a lingering finish. Approachable and easy to drink, it’s a keeper. (Susan Desjardins)

France

Chanson Pere & Fils ‘Le Bourgogne’ Pinot Noir 2007
AOC Burgundy, $19.95 (50575) 12.5% alcohol
A semi-transparent ruby red in the glass, this refined Pinot offers a vivid nose of sweet red fruit and spice along with a whiff of oak. Consistent throughout, its refreshing texture is accompanied by vibrant flavours of cranberry and red currant, light toasty oak and a hint of minerality. The lingering finish is bright and flavourful. Great value for this style, it’s well matched with herbed roast chicken. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy

Fontanafredda Barolo 2005
DOCG Barolo $29.95 (20214) 13.5% alcohol
A somewhat transparent garnet colour, this wine of Piemonte offers restrained aromas of plummy raisined fruit, leather and violets. Dry on the palate, subtle spices mingle with flavours of plum and dried fruit, persisting on the finish. It’s full bodied and challenges the taste buds with subtle acidity and chalky tannin. This robust wine is best paired with food; try it with mushroom risotto or meat-based pasta. (Susan Desjardins)


Marchesi de Frescobaldi ‘Nipozzano Riserva’ 2006
DOCG Chianti Rufina $21.75 (107276) 13.5% alcohol
Dense and inky, this wine captivates with complex aromas and flavours. On the nose there are plum, berries, pencil shavings, leather and spice while the flavours on the palate showcase earthy notes and mixed berry along with a slight spicy peppery nuance. It’s full bodied, dry and balanced with moderate tannin and good fruity acidity. The finish is persistent with notes of toast and char. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario

Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Riesling 2008
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $12.45 (61499) 12.5% alcohol
Citrusy lemon-lime and stone fruit aromas characterize the subtle nose of this bright pale-gold wine. Medium bodied, it’s just off-dry with a slightly spritzy minerality, fine acidity and a smooth but refreshing texture. The aromas carry through to a zesty and satisfying mid-length finish. A fine value for the price, it’s a good match for roast pork with garlic and herbs. (Susan Desjardins)


Henry of Pelham Riesling 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (268375) 11.5% alcohol
Riesling is certainly one of the hallmark varietals of Niagara, and this one is a lovely example from the great 2007 vintage. It’s consistent and true to the varietal with delightful aromas and flavours of citrus, stone fruits and petrol. Light-medium bodied, it displays crisp acidity and delightful mineral notes on the mid-length finish. An extra ½ star for value. Enjoy it on its own or with veal al limone. (Susan Desjardins)


Palatine Hills Riesling Traminer 2008
VQA Niagara Lakeshore $ 13.05 (58602) 12.5% alcohol
Rich, intense floral and tree fruit aromas practically leap from the glass of this Riesling Gewürztraminer blend. It has consistent, round flavours of ripe tree fruit and sweet spice. It’s balanced with a fresh texture, a pleasant mineral note and an enduring zippy, fruity finish. A great wine to serve chilled on its own or with soft cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa

Graham Beck Chardonnay/Viognier 2009
WO Western Cape $11.95 (140608) 14.0% alcohol
This delightful blend has great aromas and flavours of sweet citrus and ripe tree fruits—pears, peaches and green apple. Medium bodied, it’s fruity and juicy with a refreshing acidity and a hint of white pepper. It’s a nicely composed and well-priced wine that’s a good match for smoked salmon or roast pork tenderloin with sautéed apples. (Susan Desjardins)