Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado 2010 $17

This has got to be one of the best Rose’s I’ve tried in awhile.  A beautiful dark salmon colour, the aromas are very intense with vibrant red cherry, plum and ripe strawberry aromas with hints of sweet red licorice, grapefruit, violets and orange blossoms.  The texture is soft, lush and juicy with the delicate fruit flavour of the better quality roses that can be found on the market.  Excellent as an aperitif, with simply appetizers or Christmas ham.

Velletri Centurio 2008 $13

A steal of a deal, this wine is produced from the native Cesanese (45%), Montepulciano (25%) and Merlot (30%), this is a fantastic wine chock full of characteristic aromas of sweet black cherries, black raspberries, figs, prunes, licorice, roasted meat, and baked earth with cedar and dried bay leaves. The palate is full and lush with flavours of creamy black cherry, raspberry-jam, chocolate pudding, leather, vanilla and spice. Serve with your favourite Italian meal, hopefully a big piece of something rich and flavourful. An undiscovered treasure, this is one of the best Italian reds on the market.

Herdade Paco do Conde $12

A blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet (Garnacha Tintorera) and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine displays a rich ruby colour with juicy aromas and flavours of red currant, black cherry, strawberry and leather.  The palate is soft and lush with juicy black and red fruit flavours and a medium finish.  A superb bargain and a great match with roast beef (including hamburgers), roast pork, poultry and vegetable stews.

Alamos Chardonnay 2010 $18

An aromatic wine showing fresh apple, grapefruit, white peach skin with hints of creamery butter, toast and vanilla.  An easy-drinking, introductory style of Chardonnay, the palate is full of fresh citrus and tropical fruit with honeydew melon and crisp, vibrant acidity on the finish.  Excellent with shellfish, grilled lobster, roast chicken.

Three Winds Grenache 2009 $19

Situated South East of Carcassonne in the Languedoc region of South West France, this delicious wine is loaded with youthful, fresh aromas of jammy black cherry, black raspberry, sweet licorice and creamy vanilla-scented oak with hints of baked earth, dried herbs and forest floor.  The soft, juicy black and red fruit flavours coats the palate with a lush, full-bodied texture followed by soft acidity, firm, lip-smacking tannins and a long, deep finish.  Excellent with a mild Manchego.

Viña Chocalán Syrah 2009 $17

From Chile, the Viña Chocalán Syrah offers up a deep purple-red wine with hints of violet followed by complex aromas of blackberry, crème de cassis, licorice and smoke with traces of dried herbs, vanilla and cream.  The palate is silky-smooth with rich fruity characteristics wrapped up with soft acidity and firm tannins on the deliciously long finish.  Dynamite wine!!  Buy a case and enjoy.

Viña Chocalán Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 $17

An intense, full-bodied Cabernet, the Viña Chocalán Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits concentrated aromas and flavours of blackberry, cassis, licorice, black olive, menthol and cigar box.  The soft acidity and firm tannins on the finish make this a wine that has some aging potential.  Ready to enjoy now for the sheer intensity or it can be cellared for another 1-2 years.  Excellent value and a perfect candidate for a Christmas Standing Rib roast.

Torre Mora Primitivo 2010 $15

This hot southern region used to produce high-alcohol wines with an over-ripe character of stewed prunes but modern winemaking methods have resulted in wines with good balance and intense flavours.  This one is full of juicy black cherry and blackberry aromas with violets, roses, plum/raspberry, toasty oak and chocolate.  Rich, soft and round with firm acidity and tannins, this is the quintessential Italian bargain wine.  Smashing wine, especially with pasta or pizza.

Falesco Est Est Est 2010 $18

This is a classic, dry crisp Italian white, made from a blend of 50% Trebbiano, 30% Malvasia and 20% Roscetto grown in various estate vineyards in Montefiascone, in the region of Lazio. It is a straw-gold coloured wine with aromas of white flower, pear, honeydew melon and pineapple.  A citrus flavour on the palate delivers complex characteristics of green apple, orange and hints of lemon-lime.  The palate is lively and full created by the excellent harmony of fruit and acid.  A light-bodied, with a long finish that reveals hints of citrus and almonds, it is best to be enjoyed with pasta primavera, or with grilled seafood.  This wine also has a very interesting story. Click here to read it.

Concha Y Toro Frontera Chardonnay 2010 $10.50

A delicious, well-made wine, the Frontera Chardonnay displays a brilliant straw-gold colour with aromas of peach, nectarine, pineapple, melon and citrus fruit.  The palate is medium bodied with a banana-cream texture, flavours of ripe tropical fruit, melon, spice, citrus and vanilla-scented oak.  With the soft acidity, a lush, juicy finish and the screwcap closure, this is the ultimate bargain white

Blue Mountain Brut $30

This is a house favourite of mine.  A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay with a small percentage of Pinot Gris, it is a fantastic wine with delicate fine, soft bubbles fresh on the palate with mouth filling fruit flavour of apricots, pears and figs. With refreshing acidity and a long fruit-filled finish, this is perfect on its own or with salmon, prawns, spicy Thai rolls or goat cheese appetizers.

Sumac Ridge Stellar’s Jay 2007 $25

A perfect choice is the Sumac Ridge ‘Stellar’s Jay.   A combination of Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay and aged for a minimum of three years in the bottle, this delicious wine is full of baked apple, pear, and citrus with a hint of toast and bread dough. Soft and creamy on the palate with crisp acidity, it’s perfect as a celebratory drink with oysters or Ceviche.