Cuesta del Parral Syrah 2004
San Juan $8.95 (620484)

A straightforward, uncomplicated Syrah that's ideal for mid-week barbecues as summer draws to an end. Then bring it inside for mid-week meals. Look for solid red and dark fruit, spicy notes, and light tannins. (RP)



Thorn-Clarke "Terra Barossa" Eden Valley Pinot Grigio 2003
Eden Valley $14.95 (296996)

Eden Valley is a sub-appellation of the Barossa Valley. It has higher altitude and a cooler growing-season. This is a delicious Pinot Grigio with intense, ripe fruit (apricot, peach, sweet pear) and perfectly-balanced acidity. This is delicious sipped as a pre-dinner aperitif and partners well with spicy chicken and seafood dishes. (RP)


The Little Penguin Shiraz
South Eastern Australia $11.95 (621870)

Excellent value for people who love fruity, spicy Australian Shiraz. This has all the dark plum and cherry you want, along with notes of spice and mint and hints of smoke. It's a natural for early fall barbecues, when you want the wine, as well as the food, to ward off the cooling air. (RP)



Château des Charmes Cuvée d'Andrée Rosé 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (333260)

Bring this out on a warm fall day because it's perfect for the weather, or on a cooler day to remind you of the summer just past. This is a lovely rosé with good complexity, as you'd expect of a blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Dry with ripe berry flavours, this goes well with pasta in a rosé cream sauce or with spicy beef salads. (RP)


Colio Estate Pinot Grigio 2004
VQA Lake Erie North Shore $14.95 (503391)

This earned a gold medal at the recent All Canada wine championships. Honey, floral and tropical fruit aromatics portend a rich full-bodied white and it delivers. There is gorgeous balance and structure as the lemon zesty notes play off the tropical fruit forward flavours. The lengthy finish begs for pasta in a creamy sauce or a mesculan salad drizzled with olive oil and slathered with chèvre. (VH)



Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Valle Central $9.95 (275909)

A brisk, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc at a very good price. Look for lemon, lime and green apple flavours. It pairs very well with a green salad topped with gobs of goat cheese. (RP)



Château Saint-Thibeaud Bordeaux Clairet 2004
AOC Bordeaux Clairet $9.95 (589366)

A really lovely rosé from Bordeaux, with fresh berry flavours, and a crisp, dry texture. It's very well priced and makes an excellent partner for salads, grilled salmon, and gourmet sandwiches. (RP)




Ravenswood 'Vintner's Blend' Zinfandel 2003
California $19.95 (359257)

As the name suggests, this full-bodied red is a blend (78% Zin, 9% Carignan, 5% Petite Syrah, 3% mixed grapes) and as Ravenswood's motto declares, "No wimpy wines". Two weeks of skin contact and 12 months in French oak (1/4 new) bolsters their claim as this is the antithesis of wimpy. Full fledged fruit (raspberry compote), perceptible (but acceptable) tannin and a gorgeous core of crispness make this a classy crowd pleaser. Impress your guests by pairing with ground sirloin burgers, hot off the grill. (VH)


Vendange Chardonnay 2004
California $ 6.95 (621565) 500 ml

A muted and perfumed nose of sweet vanilla and lime is distinctive and quite pleasant. There are pleasant floral and fruit cocktail flavours in this light-bodied easy drinking quaffer. Oh, yes, did I mention it was attractively packaged in a tetra pack, similar to the carton of milk you opened this morning? It is re-cyclable (blue box - Ontario), relief for those of you corkscrew-challenged (twist off, tamper evident, closure) and very handy for poolside, travel and the cottage. Very trendy, indeed. (VH)


Vendange Shiraz 2003
California $ 6.95 (621540) 500 ml

The nose has sour cherry and strawberry notes with a little spice for interest. There are lovely currant and spiced cherry flavours on the palate and the finish is dry, fruity and clean. Would do well paired with lighter fare e.g. cold cuts, veal and chicken. Packaged in tetra pack for convenience. (VH)