Bodegas Callia ‘Alta’ Malbec 2009
Valle de Tulum - San Juan, Argentina $11.00 (160978) 13.8% alcohol
Bright, fresh and lively, this showers the palate with a gusher of flavour—cranberry, savoury spice and black plum galore. It delivers a smooth, mellow texture and a mid-length nicely balanced aftertaste showing good acidity and juicy black currant with a hint of sweet vanilla. Give it a go, ever-so-slightly chilled, on its own or with burgers or pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula’ Monastrell 2008
DO Yecla $13.95 (718999) 14.0% alcohol
A Vintages Essentials red wine, it’s always available in select stores. This particular Monastrell, a.k.a. Mourvèdre, is a winecurrent perennial favourite. Alluring aromas of spice box, forest floor and minty cherry introduce lip-smacking flavours of cassis, savoury herb and spice and a moderating stream of acidity. It’s well balanced sporting a long-lasting fruity finish. Good value and versatile with grilled red meat, or roast chicken or turkey with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
Castillo de Moncéran Garnacha 2009
DO Cariñena, Spain $8.95 (73395) 12.5% alcohol
This is rich with good balance and loads of flavour—mostly dark juicy berry mingling with spice and mocha. It has a lovely mouth feel, round and full of texture, while the finish layers on even more fruit with cherry and spiced black currant predominant. This delivers a cartload of value, earning its final ½ star because of it. Put a couple in your cart for grilled steak, burgers or gourmet sausage. Did I mention pizza? (Vic Harradine)
Montes ‘Classic Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Curico Valley, Chile $13.00 (15994) 13.5% alcohol
It’s a juicy crisp wine, from a top notch producer, at a great price—do you need more? Loads of grassy, savoury and citrus aromas waft from this well-balanced gem while the palate’s treated to wash of refreshing flavour—tangy limeade, gooseberry and racy lemon. It’s refreshing with a lengthy mouth-watering finish. This is perfectly paired with fish and shellfish. (Vic Harradine)
Zenato ‘Ripasso’ 2007
DOC Superiore Ripasso, Italy $24.95 (479766) 14.0% alcohol
Leftover grape skins and seeds (pomace) from Amarone and recioto wine are added to the crushed and fermenting grapes of this wine, with the potential of adding colour, tannin, alcohol, texture, flavour and complexity. This is medium-full bodied, overflowing with rich flavour—sweet dried currant, spiced pie cherry, fig and mocha—sporting a well-balanced long succulent aftertaste. This has the oomph and structure to pair well with grilled steak or the heartiest of stews, like osso bucco. It’s a step up in price and quality. (Vic Harradine)
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Trumpour’s Mill ‘Estate Bottled’ Gamay Noir 2008
VQA Prince Edward County $15.10 (615062) 12.5% alcohol
Intriguing aromas of mixed spice and red cherry mix it up with hints of spice and cocoa on this lively tang-laden red. Red currant, sour cherry and cranberry flavours dominate the medium-bodied palate and racy lip-smacking finish, This is a great patio-sipping wine—chill 20 minutes before serving—quite versatile with food. Pizza, pasta in tomato sauce and barbecued spicy ribs all pair well. (Vic Harradine)
Trumpour’s Mill ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Gris 2008
VQA Prince Edward County $15.05 (69336) 11.5% alcohol
Coloured a light-bronze hue, the lifted aromas jump from the glass with baked apple and honeyed pear predominant. Sweet flavours of poached pear and ripe apple mingle with hints of spiced lemon tart. It’s mid weight with a good mouth feel and medium-length finish. This is a summer quaffer that also matches well with light appetizers. (Vic Harradine)