Domaine de Hegarty Chamans ‘No. 2’ Grenache Mourvèdre Cinsault 2009
AOC Minervois, France $21.95 (277061) 15% alcohol
This unfiltered red blend sports a juicy, fruit-filled river of flavour with sweet, succulent, briary berry and ripe and juicy Bing cherry to the fore along with notes of cedar, aromatic bitters and black plum compote. It’s mid-full weight with generous mouth feel and a lingering ripe, dark berry fruit aftertaste. Good to go now and pours particularly well with smoked, grilled ribs liberally brushed with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Château de l’Ille ‘Cuvée Andréas’ 2008
AOC Corbières, France $16.95 (276311) 13.5% alcohol
This red blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Grenache shows subtle aromas of espresso roast, mixed field berry and sandalwood. There’s a balanced, gentle wash of red and black currant interlaced with red cherry and blueberry on the mid weight, nicely textured palate with flavours replaying on the lengthy, delectable finish. Good to go now on its own, even better with rotisserie chicken or slow-roasted pork. (Vic Harradine)