Australia
Yering Station ‘Little Yering’ Chardonnay 2008
Yarra Valley $14.95 (145318) 13.5% alcohol
There’s great value here as the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Vanilla, mineral and tropical fruit aromas segue a balanced refreshing wash of flavour with crisp green apple, persimmon and ripe lemon-lime predominant. It’s mid weight, nicely textured with those well-developed fruit flavours shining throughout the lingering zesty finish. The perfect deck-sipping white, it pours well with chicken, veal and pork dishes. (Vic Harradine)
Chile
Caliterra ‘Bio-Sur Reserva Especial’ Carmenère 2008
Valle de Colchagua $12.90 (142711) 13.5% alcohol
Produced with organic estate-grown fruit, this carmine red wine has an attractive violet hue. An approachable wine, consistent throughout, it is laden with aromas and flavours of ripe dark fruit—blueberry, black cherry and blackberry—tobacco, spice and dark chocolate. It’s dry, full bodied and nicely balanced with a mid-length finish. (Susan Desjardins)
France
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2005
AOC Côtes du Rhône $17.15 (259721) 13.5% alcohol
This blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre was aged for 18 months in oak. The deep inky color of this ample wine foreshadows the intense aromas of dark berry fruit, plums, tobacco leaf and spice. Full bodied with good structure and integration, it has warm and complex flavours of dark fruit, pepper and menthol. The finish is persistent and satisfying, with a lingering savour of dark chocolate and dried fruit. Great value! (Susan Desjardins)
Italy
Cesari Amarone della Valpolicella 2006
DOC Valpolicella $34.85 (426718) 14.0% alcohol
Deeply and vibrantly coloured, this expressive Italian blend has complex aromas and flavours—dried fruit, plum, fig, spice and licorice. It’s plush, rich and full bodied with some alluring undertones of caramel and dark chocolate. The finish is warm, extensive and balanced. Enjoy it now with dark chocolate and nuts or hard Italian cheese or consider cellaring it for a few years. (Susan Desjardins)
Ontario
East Dell Pinot Noir 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $12.95 (613095) 12.5% alcohol
Consistent in aromas and flavours, the fresh cherry berry and spicy aromas of this bright wine lead in to a crisp wash of spicy red berries—cranberries, raspberries and strawberries—underlaid with an earthy character. Light-medium bodied, the fresh fruity finish lingers. Well priced and a good match to rainbow trout or roast pork. (Susan Desjardins)
Portugal
Flor de Crasto 2007
DOC Douro $10.95 (89870) 12.5% alcohol
A lightly-hued ruby red, this is a refreshing blend of the great red grapes used in the production of Port. Ripe berry fruit, sweet spice and vanilla replay on the palate along with fresh acidity and moderate tannin. An approachable medium-bodied wine, it has a pleasant spicy fruit finish. This is well priced to enjoy with friends at a barbeque. (Susan Desjardins)
South Africa
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
WO Paarl $10.95 (111526) 14.0% alcohol
Aged in French oak for 14 months, this wine was produced from fruit grown in a dry inland region that consistently delivers small ripe grapes. It’s a food wine with a crisp texture along with aromas and flavours of red berry fruit, bell pepper, licorice and herbs. Medium bodied, it offers a warm, fruit-filled and peppery finish. Good value, try it with pizza or burgers. (Susan Desjardins)