Etchart "Privado" Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Cafayate $9.95 (362186)
A young, unoaked Cabernet with a slightly perfumed, red fruit aromas and flavours (red cherry, plum are dominant) with some spicy notes. It's fairly one-dimensional at first, but picks up complexity through the palate. Slightly rustic texture, light tannins, and a good partner for grilled read meat dishes. This should be a popular barbecue wine. (RP)




De Bortoli "Deen" Vat 7 Chardonnay 2003
South Eastern Australia $14.95 (598896)
A luscious Chardonnay that's big and fruit-forward and carefully oaked to retain the integrity of the fruit. There's a lot of complexity here, with classic peach and citrus flavours accented with caramel, vanilla and sweet spice. The texture is smooth and elgant and the finish is long. Pair this with fairly flavourful chicken or pork, perhaps with a not-too-sweet fruit compote. (RP)


Rosemount Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2003
South Eastern Australia $14.45 (329573)
At this price, this Sauvignon Blanc will give many of its trans-Tasman rivals a run for their money. It has very attractive fruit flavours (passion fruit, green melon, tropical notes) and very good, well-balanced acidity. Medium bodied and with great typicity, it's a natural for the usual suggestions (oysters, goat cheese) and for seafood generally. (RP)



Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (270926)
Nearly 350 Ottawa Citizen readers tasted and rated this wine, and gave it an average score of 3.8 stars. 60% of them rated it 4 stars or higher. That's a pretty good result for a funky, intensely-flavoured red with gamey, beetroot notes. It's juicy, full-bodied and teeth-staining, and it needs well-flavoured food, and Citizen readers loved it with spicy lamb and beef dishes. I go along with these results. (RP)