An explanation of the scoring system and icons is included at the end of this newsletter.

This release begins with a feature on Portuguese wines, then goes to the usual country-by-country listings.

Don't forget to make a note of wines being released by Vintages later in 2007 ("Upstream in Winecurrent") and take a look at new wines and vintages on the LCBO General List. You will find these following the reviews of the May 12 release.

Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde 2006
DOC Vinho Verde $11.95 (727115)
Light bodied and slightly spritzy, this makes an excellent wine to sip on the patio during summer or to serve as an aperitif. Or you could carry on to pair it with appetizers of grilled shrimps. It has delicate flavours of white peach, apricot pit and pear, with some notes of musk and white pepper. Straightforward and honest, and reasonably priced. (RP)

Altano Reserva Vinho Tinto 2004
DOC Douro $25.95 (684696)
This was blended using two of the same grapes that are included in Port - Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. It starts off with a delicate nose of spice and red cherry aromas then settles into a medium-bodied, smoothly-textured red. Look for lovely balance between spicy cherry and currant fruit flavours, moderating acidity and ripe tannins. Would be particularly delicious served alongside Bacalao (Cod fish) in a tomato sauce. (VH)


Crasto Douro Tinto Vinho 2005
DOC Douro $19.95 (998286)
Another blend using the premium grapes normally associated with Port, as are most wines from the Port grape growing region of Douro. Wonderful bramble berry, cranberry and sour cherry aromas and flavours abound in this medium-textured effort. This has fairly grippy tannins and would benefit from a two hour decant or two years in the cellar. Give this a go with grilled steak done medium rare. (VH)


Monte Da Cal Reserva 2003
Vinho Regional Alentéjano $21.95 (030452)
A premium offering here - both producer and wine region - even though it has the less prestigious 'Vinho Regional' designation. Look for sweet cassis and plum flavours along with notes of tar and black currant. You get deft balance with good tang and soft tannins that add interest and structure. The finish is medium in length and spicy. Lovely on its own, you wouldn't go wrong pouring with bar b qued lamb or beef kebabs. (VH)


Quinta Do Vallado Vinho Tinto 2004
DOC Douro $17.95 (694992)
Smoke and leathery notes waft off the glass of this uniquely flavoured red. There is a mélange of flavours including black raspberry, minty cherry, creosote and gamey notes that can be gained from this medium-bodied red. Pure fruit flavours, cherry and currant, come streaming back on the medium-length finish. It is ready to drink and longing for devils on horseback - dates wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese and grilled. (VH)


Sogrape Reserva Douro Vinho Tinto 2001
DOC Douro $17.95 (335208)
Sogrape is the largest wine enterprise in Portugal, making Sandeman Port plus fine table wines. This is ready to drink, smooth and delicious. Smoke and earthy notes form the aromatics while the flavours include sweet, juicy black cherry and bramble berry. It finishes with a moderating note of spicy tang making it the perfect candidate to pair with pizza or pasta in a spicy tomato sauce. (VH)


Sogrape Herdade De Peso Aragónes 2004
DOC Alentejo $29.95 (728170)
Alentejo is the English version of the Portuguese wine region, Alentéjano. Expect a lifted nose of spiced black currant and licorice then oodles of sweet black berry fruit and grainy tannins that flood over the palate. It finishes pleasant and rustic with gamey and smoked bacon notes that are ably supported by sweet Bing cherry flavours. Lots going on here and could easily be enjoyed on its own or with a chunk of aged cheddar and toasts. (VH)


Finagra Esporao Reserva 2004
DOC Alentejo, Reguengos $25.95 (606590)
Earthy and toasty notes emanate from the nose of this rustic and robust red. Lots going on in the flavour department with spicy currant, espresso, gamey and red berry flavours all clamouring for your attention. This is pretty gutsy and would be well served after a two hour decant and beside a grilled rare to medium-rare hunk of beef. This hails from a sub appellation of one of the premium Portuguese wine regions. (VH)


Quinta De Pancas Vinho Tinto 2004
Vinho Regional Estremadura $12.95 (680439)
Rod and I were both struck with the incredible value here and recommend a multiple purchase. The nose provides a perfect segue as the aromas of spicy black cherry and dark field berry follow through to the flavours and medium-textured mouth feel. The finish layers on a lick of sweet cassis and finely grained tannins. All in all, a great wine, beautifully balanced, ideal for parties and the bar b que, punching well above its price point. (VH)

Quinta de la Rosa Finest Reserve Port
Portugal $22.95 (715540)
This is a quite lovely non-vintage Port that's drinking beautifully now and will hold for a few years. It has bold flavours with plenty of complexity, and you'll find rich plum and cherry with notes of dried fruit, chocolate and coffee, along with good, balancing acidity. Perfect with the usual suspects: blue cheese or roasted nuts. (RP)


Quinta do Estanho LBV Port 2000
Portugal $28.95 (687350)
An elegant Port with rich, full-on, dark fruit (notably plum) flavours, accented with spice, chocolate, and dried figs and prunes. Medium weight, attractively viscous and well balanced, it's a pleasure to sip alone, or with Stilton cheese. (RP)

Cossart Gordon Fine Dry Madeira
Sercial 5 Years Old, Madeira $24.95 (72297)
The very first thing that strikes you is the viscous amber-coloured liquid that pours from the bottle. The aromas are redolent of almonds, raisins and dates and the flavours are a dazzling array of orange rind, nuttiness and bone dry zest. The grape, Sercial, and in this instance a style of Madeira (dry) is known as Esgana Cão (dog strangler) in Portugal due to its racy acidity. A wonderful aperitif, serve chilled with roasted almonds. (VH)

M. Chapoutier Banyuls 2004
AOC Banyuls $21.95/500ml bottle (709436)
Buy a couple of these now and hold one for next Valentines Day, because it's the perfect wine for chocolate. As usual (not a lot of vintage variation here), this delivers rich, sweet fruit (plums, cherries, berries) with chocolate and spicy notes. The texture is warm, full, and tangy. (RP)

Domaine Chandon Chardonnay 2004
Carneros $24.95 (031765)
Domaine Chandon s best known for sparkling wine, but this Chardonnay sparkles in its own way. It's a rich, mouth-filling wine with smooth texture and an edgy bite that adds to its appeal. The flavours are dominated by peach and ripe apple with some notes of white pepper. Pair it with herbed roast chicken. (RP)

Clos du Bois Merlot 2003
Sonoma County, California $19.95 (124883)
This is a well-priced, easy-drinking Merlot that's full of complex fruit. Look for loads of ripe plum with accents of vanilla and a hint of peppery spice. The texture is supple and the tannins are light. It's a great match for ribs and other tangy red meat dishes. (RP)


Robert Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Paso Robles, California $29.95 (025205)
A Paso Cab that delivers full fruit flavours of black cherry and berries, nicely complex with notes of spice, pepper and coffee. It has a generous texture, medium-full weight, and good tannins. Enjoy this with well-seasoned barbecued steak or lamb. (RP)

Cavas Y Almas Del Amancay Malbec 2002
Tupungato, Mendoza $21.95 (661439)
Look for a smoky and gamey nose followed up by stewed berry fruit and plum flavours. There is a ripe tannin structure with moderating acidity. The result is a pleasant red with good balance. Drink this as they would in Argentina, alongside a hunk of red meat from cattle that roam the Pampas, or choose one from your local butcher's shop. Tupungato is a sub-region of Mendoza. (VH)

Errazuriz "Wild Ferment" Pinot Noir 2005
Casablanca Valley $17.95 (510396)
From the cool Casablanca Valley, this is a gorgeous example of New World Pinot, with concentrated flavours of ripe, dark cherries and herbal/spicy notes. It has a tangy texture, is medium bodied, and goes well with a grilled rack of lamb. (RP)


Viña Carmen Reserve Syrah 2004
Maipo Valley $19.95 (590737)
A terrific, rich Syrah that delivers concentrated and complex fruit with a plush but edgy texture. Look for flavours of dark/black cherry, with accents of spice, smoke and tar. This is a great partner for rich red meat and game. (RP)

Margan Semillon 2004
Hunter Valley, New South Wales $17.95 (961516)
Look soon for Hunter Valley wineries to aggressively market Semillon and here is a preview to discover why. This is racy, fresh and zippy (Sauvignon Blanc-like) with lovely peach and nectarine flavours entwined. The effect is a clean summer sipper with flavour and texture. As it ages, it will lose some of the acidity developing into a more substantial and fleshy white. Drink it now or drink it later, you win either way. (VH)


Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2004
Adelaide Hills $22.95 (606186)
(Previously reviewed in Winecurrent) Great stuff rolls out of the Adelaide Hills, where the grapes for this Chardonnay were sourced. The wine is on the restrained, complex and even elegant side, rather than in the intense fruity style you might expect. It's still rich, nicely textured almost to the point of creaminess, and well balanced. Open a bottle with grilled pork tenderloin and apple sauce. (RP)

Jim Barry "The Cover Drive" Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Clare Valley/Coonawarra $24.95 (677476)
Another in the Jim Barry cricket themes, "The Cover Drive" is another successful stroke. It's rich in complex, dark fruit and quite tannic, and if you're planning to drink it now, make sure your steak or lamb is on the rare side. Otherwise, put it away (the wine, not the meat) for two or three years, when the tannins will have softened. (RP)


d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2003
McLaren Vale $27.95 (907584)
(Previously reviewed in Winecurrent) A Cabernet Sauvignon-predominant Bordeaux blend of mammoth proportions that begins with a perfumed nose of minty and spiced black plum aromas. Vanilla, toasty notes and black, juicy, ripe berry fruit characteristics wash over the palate in delectable waves before you realize the oak has been perfectly integrated; the tang in perfect balance and the lengthy fruit-forward finish is a seamless replay of all the previous flavours. Ripe, rich and rewarding. (VH)


Eldredge Blue Chip Shiraz 2004
Clare Valley, South Australia $29.95 (963678)
Currant and smoky/toasty notes waft from this medium to full-bodied red that hails from the cooler climate of Clare Valley. It's flavourful, sporting sweet Bing cherry and dark Belgian chocolate along with slightly grainy tannins and a spoon full of moderating acidity. The finish is medium in length and supported by tangy fruit flavours. Well balanced, well priced and well... delicious. (VH)


Gemtree Vineyards Bloodstone Shiraz 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia $17.95 (022111)
This is lovely wine with a sense of place - the McLaren Vale is temperate and there are no jammy notes in this wine. The flavours, rich and robust, are in the black cherry and black currant zones, but include moderating acidity to keep them clean and fresh. It is well balanced and spicy with good grip from ripe tannins adding structure and interest. A two hour decant will set this up for enjoyable sipping. Exceptional value here. (VH)

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (734095)
This is full-bore, no holds barred, Sauvignon Blanc. The pungent nose bristles with cut grass, asparagus and nettles. The flavours explode on the palate - citrus, peach and gooseberry - while the finish layers on more of the same in its tangy and zesty attack. This is just the ticket for drinking with all those summer-time treats on the balcony, patio or deck - goat's cheese salad, smoked salmon, sipping on its own in the warm sun. (VH)

Baron de Hoen Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz 2004
AOC Alsace Grand Cru $26.95 (021345)
View this as a tropical island in a sea of indifferent Pinot Gris. The delicate nose offers honey and pit fruit aromas while the creamy texture of this wine is absolutely divine. The flavours are prominent; look for peach, nectarine and a touch of honeycomb. There is a refreshing zing on the finish with a bite of lime. Gorgeous sipped on its own. (VH)


Dopff Riesling Schoenenbourg de Riquewihr 2003
AOC Alsace Grand Cru $25.95 (021261)
Just what you would expect from Grand Cru designated vines - a top drop. This is sharp and citrussy with gorgeous tropical fruit flavours supplying texture and flavour in the background. I wrote 'elegant' twice, and it is. The lengthy finish is clean and refreshing. This is pure terroir with very little wine maker influence, other than to provide minimal interference. Excellent now and on into 2011. (VH)


Bouchard Père et Fils "Les Coteaux des Moines" Bourgogne 2005
AOC Bourgogne $18.95 (029769)
The 2005 vintage in Burgundy has produced some delicious whites, this among them. It's crisp textured and full of complex fruit, dominated by peach and sweet pear. The texture is mouth filling and this goes well with flavoursome chicken or pork dishes. (RP)


Domaine des Grandes Vignes "Le Pont Martin" Coteaux du Layon 2004
AOC Coteaux du Layon $24.95 (700286)
This is a lovely, rich, lusciously textured, off-dry white. Look for flavours of peach, sweet pear and apricot, with notes of honey. It's quite luxurious and a real treat to sip, but you can also pair it with rich, medium-spiced, Thai food. (RP)

Domaine des Brès Caseneuve 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc $14.95 (017723)
Right now, this is nearly all tannins, but there are rich dark fruit flavours cowering underneath. Give it a year or so and the flavours will burst out. This is ideal for summer 2008, and at this price you can tuck a few bottles away. Then drink with richly-seasoned red meats. (RP)


Château Pesquié "Les Terrasses" 2004
AOC Côtes-du-Ventoux $14.95 (652313)
If you're looking for a great red for your great barbecued red meats, here's the one you need to load up on now. Mainly Grenache, it's all sweet, ripe, dark fruit with lashings of spice, tar and earthy flavours. Rich and complex, nicely tannic and grippy, and just excellent value. Get your supplies early, because this one won't last long on the shelves. (RP)


Cave de Rasteau "Tradition" 2005
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages $16.95 (998716)
This is a quite lovely, bone-dry Rasteau that delivers very attractive fruit and balance. Look for rich cherry and dark berry flavours with a scattering of spice and pepper, medium weight, and a good, slightly tangy texture. The tannins are very nicely integrated now. Pair it with a broiled veal chop with a red wine reduction. (RP)

Dr. Fischer Riesling Kabinett 2005
QmP Mosel-Saar-Ruwer $19.95 (030122)
A hint of diesel on the nose leads you to aromas rich in apricot, tropical fruit and lime. They all replay in the flavours, and you'll discover a fine seam of acidity that balances everything off very well. You could enjoy this as an aperitif or enjoy it with slightly spicy seafood appetizers. (RP)


Gunderloch Jean-Baptiste Riesling Kabinett 2005
QmP Rheinhessen $15.95 (480517)
This is just off-dry on the sweetness scale, and with the lovely seam of acidity it goes beautifully with sushi or slightly spicy seafood. The soft peach and apricot fruit and lime acidity are really compelling. They make for a wine that is what a Burgundy winemaker recently described as "salivant"-it gets you salivating. (RP)

Rivetto Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2004
DOC Barbera d'Alba Superiore $18.95 (026096)
This is a big, juicy, medium-weight Barbera that delivers quite luscious flavours of berries, red plum and cherries. It has a terrific complementary seam of lively acid that makes for a stunning food wine. Pair it with sliced rare roast beef or with grilled lamb chops. (RP)


Zeni Vigne Alte Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2004
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore $16.95 (023176)
It's the texture that gets you first here. It's zesty and crisp, with bright red cherry, plum and berry flavours. But a moment's reflection reveals hidden depths of flavour and dimensions of complexity. Medium-bodied and dry, this goes very well with roast and grilled chicken. (RP)

Martín Códax Albariño 2005
DO Rias Baixas $16.95 (984906)
This is from a co-op that has the formula for success. Growers are paid according to the quality of their grapes and only the best make it to the Martin Códax label. This may improve over the next few months, but I rate them as I taste them. The nose and flavours are sharp and pungent with mineral and slate to the fore. It is light bodied with citrus and green apple flavours predominant. Certainly a good partner to freshly-shucked oysters under a drizzle of freshly-squeezed lemon. (VH)

Peter Lehmann Rosé 2006
Barossa Valley, Australia $14.95 (34298)
Old vine Grenache was used to fashion this dry rosé and the result is a tangy mouthful of strawberry, raspberry and fun in the sun. Wisely sealed under screwcap to keep it that way, this wine needs to be lightly chilled and served with appetizers, such as antipasta, smoked salmon or prawns. If you haven't discovered how food-friendly these can be, it's about time. (VH)


Peter Lehmann GSM 2003
Barossa Valley, Australia $17.95 (655028)
This is an equal parts blend of Grenache/Mourvèdre/Shiraz that was aged in large, old French and American oak to give you a silky smooth, drink-now red. Look for a wonderful mélange of flavours - spicy plum, zesty cherry and sweet black currant that coalesce into a beautifully textured wine. It is medium bodied, with a lengthy, warm, fruit-forward finish. Perfect with pasta in a puttenesca sauce. (VH)

Boutari Moschofilero Boutari 2006
AO Mantinia, Greece $12.95 (650671)
This is a really attractive light-medium white that kicks in with delicate off-dry flavours of peach and apricot, then dries out through the palate. It's well balanced with a decent finish and makes a really pleasant summer sipping wine or partners with seared scallops. (RP)

Kechribari Retsina 2006
Retsina $6.95/500ml (581942)
Retsina belongs on the table when you're serving Greek (or Mediterranean-style) seafood, fish and olives. This has a bit more weight and viscosity than many Retsinas, and captures the fresh fruitiness of the wine (50% Roditis, 50% Savatiano) as a complement to the aromas and flavours of the resin. Well balanced and integrated, it goes well with pungent, acidic dishes that feature olives. (RP)

X & Y Shiraz 2004
Margaret River, Australia $17.95 (41194)
This punches well above its price and earned the final half star based on value. Plum and black pepper form the lifted aromas while the warm fleshy (almost creamy) texture and flavours offer spicy red berry fruit. The finish layers on rich and sweet (not jammy) Bing cherry and a dollop of moderating zest. This shows balance and class. The label is aimed at the hip and happening generation - regardless of yours, get an armful of this. (VH)

Evans and Tate Shiraz 2003
Margaret River $19.95
The perfumed nose of spice, pepper and boysenberry is divine. This is a richly textured, deftly-balanced red that is just outstanding. Judicious use of oak allows it to be fully integrated and there is just enough moderating acidity to keep it refreshing. The expressive flavours are in the red cherry and red currant zones. It's hi-octane at 15% alcohol, but no sign of heat. This is quite elegant and a great value wine. (VH)

Estate Papaioannou Agiorgitiko 2003
Nemea, Greece $19.95 (047977)
Made from 20+-year-old Agiorgitiko grapes, this is a medium-bodied red with dominant flavours of bright red fruit (cherry, plum, berries) with well-defined notes of spice and herbs. It's tangy and has an attractive rusticity in its texture, and pairs well with grilled lamb steaks. Drink now and over the next two years. (RP)

Yalumba Barossa Shiraz + Viognier 2004
Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (524926
Deep, dark and brooding in the glass, look for violets and spice box on the nose then a gusher of rich and concentrated flavours - black juicy cherry, creosote and black licorice. It is medium bodied and quite full textured with some edgy tannins still hanging around. The finish is layered, lengthy and luxurious. A couple of years in the cellar will help it knit together. Can't wait? A three hour decant and a steak grilled rare should do it. (VH)

Tedeschi "Capitel dei Nicalò" Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2004
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore $16.95 (984997)
A blend of eight different grape varieties (mainly Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella), this is a delicious Valpolicella with a quite juicy texture. Look for a combination of bright red fruit and berries with undertones of dried fruit, spice and pepper. The brisk acidity leads you to food, and I'd suggest rich tomato-based Mediterranean dishes for a perfect match. (RP)

ring.bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Margaret River $19.95 (606624)
This is one delicious Cab, and it shows all the class that Margaret River reds are winning accolades for. There's none of the big, sticky, jammy texture and flavour too-often found in Australian reds at this price point. Instead, you get good structure, nicely-modulated fruit and a quite elegant texture. The 14.5% alcohol makes no impact on the texture or the flavour, which is a real achievement. With complex red and dark fruit and berry flavours and accents of spice, earth and coffee, this is a must for a well-seasoned rack of lamb. (RP)

Astica Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2006
Mendoza $7.95 (359083)
This is a quite delicious, medium-bodied white that lives up to Argentina's reputation for good value wines. It'll be popular poured as a sipping wine before a meal or to drink with grilled white fish and seafood, especially shrimps and scallops)-and especially if you're adding a squeezing of lemon. It's got zesty citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit) and grassy flavours from the Sauvignon Blanc and a slightly creamy texture from the Semillon. (RP)


Funky Llama Shiraz 2005
Mendoza $10.15 (614685)
Quite a few Chilean wineries keep llamas around, and while the crias (as baby llamas are called) are pretty cute, adults are not the most attractive animals. Appropriately, this Shiraz is best drunk young. It's medium bodied, with bright, fresh, red fruit flavours of cherry and plum, along with some notes of black pepper and spice. It's dry with light tannins, and it has a tangy texture. It's just made for barbecued or broiled red meats. (RP)

Banrock Station Unwooded Chardonnay 2006
South Eastern Australia $11.25 (455022)
You will experience pure fruit-driven aromas and flavours with nary a hint of oak influence in this light to medium-textured, excellent value white. You will enjoy nectarine and ripe pear flavours, great balance and a medium-length finish. Lovely to relax with after the kids are in bed or paired to a late night snack - tortilla chips topped with chicken and cheese. (VH)


Cookoothama Chardonnay 2005
Victoria $14.00 (619403)
One of those 'outside the square' wines that was lovely. It has a gorgeous, almost creamy, texture, vibrant flavours of spice, desiccated coconut and ripe, sweet tropical fruit. The finish is smooth as satin and full of fruit. Don't know how they managed this from cooler climate Victoria, but they did and they did it well. You could match it to chicken, but it's very good on its own. (VH)


Hardys 'Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Australia $14.15 (24612) 1 Litre Tetra
This is what they have been doing in Australia for years, putting decent wine in Tetra pak or 'casks'. How difficult a concept is that? Light to medium bodied, this offers rich dark berry fruit with a warm finish. Straight forward and easy drinking, it offers sensible packaging for taking on a trip and for folks concerned with the environment, hopefully that includes everyone. At a very good price, given this is 1 Litre. (VH)


Lindemans Shiraz 2006
South Eastern Australia $12.15 (145367)
Light and refreshing, it delivers extremely pleasant flavours of ripe strawberries, blueberry jelly and cherry. The mouth feel is smooth and flavours on the finish are aided by a delightful touch of sweetness. This is people and food friendly as it is perfectly balanced without any perceptible tannins or acidity, making it possible to pair to myriad of cuisine types. I suggest roast chicken or a vegetarian stir fry. (VH)


Long Flat Cabernet/Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia $10.15 (212373)
This stands up proudly against wines that are half again the price. Use as the wine for your wedding, shower, neighbourhood barbie or any large gathering, especially when you foot the bill. Tangy and fruity, it delivers the full Monty with fruit-forward flavours of field berries and spicy black cherry on a medium-bodied frame with good balance and a long dry finish. Pair it to spicy meat loaf. (VH)


Wolf Blass 'Eaglehawk' Chardonnay 2006
South Eastern Australia $12.05 (686392)
As with most wine from Wolf Blass, this is easy to recommend. The first mouthful is quite an experience as it fills your senses with sweet, yet tangy tropical fruit and citrus flavours that burst upon you. You will enjoy the long fruity finish that offers more of the same along with a generous spicy flavour. Certainly a lot going on here as it punches well beyond its price point. (VH)

Beringer 'Founders' Estate' Chardonnay 2005
California $20.10 (534255)
Oozing the class of fine wine, expect a smoky oaky nose then a huge mouthful of spicy (ginger and cinnamon) tropical fruit flavours that give a medium-bodied and silky smooth texture to this wine. The finish is medium in length and the balance is spot on. Not one of those over-oaked, unfocussed California Chards, but rather one with restraint and sense of elegance. Provides very good value at this price. (VH)


Gallo 'Turning Leaf' Pinot Noir 2005
California $12.15 (669101)
This packs quite a punch for the money. Apparently, the movie 'Sideways' increased the consumption of Pinot Noir considerably. This doesn't need 'Sideways', it's delicious. Expect lovely black plum and rich dark berry fruit flavours plus a hint of earthiness (think of mushrooms) and long sweet cherry flavour on the finish. This matches well to roast chicken or turkey and drinks well on its own. (VH)


Three Thieves 'Bandit' Merlot 2004
California $12.15 (668939) 1 Litre Tetra
You would have to rob the store to get a better deal than this; it works out to around $9.00 per 750 ml bottle. Look for a smooth and silky texture and sweet red berry fruit flavours. A crowd-pleasing wine, it is a simple and straightforward drink-me-now red with no harsh flavours. The Tetra pack is environmentally friendly, light weight, packs easily for trips, is safe for time around the pool and doesn't need a corkscrew. (VH)


Wente Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Livermore $17.15 (301507)
Livermore is a little known wine region that was first planted in the 1760s by Spanish missionaries. The Wente family followed in the 1840s. Powerful, intense and richly extracted, this full-bodied Cab offers sweet cassis and juicy currant flavours galore. It finishes with mint and mocha for good measure. There are considerable tannins, best to decant for two hours then serve with a T-bone, grilled medium rare. (VH)

Cheers, Vic and Rod

We use the following symbols when rating wines:

	Wines achieving nirvana
	Wines of excellence
	Wines well worth trying
	Wines below average, but drinkable
	Wines better avoided, unless desperate
	Represents a half star
	We both agree —a brilliant wine!
	Drink now and over the next 2 years
	Drink now and over the next 5 years
	Place in cellar