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Each month we spend a great deal of time tasting imported wine and interviewing the people involved in growing and making the wines.
Our picks Under $15 is our salute to the best value import wines we have tasted iont he last 90 days or so, available in Canada and many other markets worldwide. Anthnoy Gismondi
FIZZ
85 Seaview Brut Sparkling Wine N/V Chardonnay - Pinot Noir
South Eastern Australia, Australia
AB $12.50 private wine shops; BC $13.56 general listing; MB $13.99; NF $13.48; ON $11.60; SK $12.99
Floral, baked apple, peach, earthy aromas. Fresh mousse, crisp entry in a somewhat sweeter brut style. Peach, candied apple, citrus, mineral flavours with a crisp, green apple skin finish. Solid, affordable fizz for large gatherings.
WHITES
88 Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
BC $12.99 specialty listing
Wow. This is a delicious style sauvignon boasting blanced citrus notes on the nose and on the palate. The entry is fresh with lemon and melon fruit and just a hint of lime rind and bell pepper to keep it mouth watering but not bitter. Very agreeable style that just screams for a plate of seafood or grilled citrus chicken. Very impressive for the price.
88 Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
AB $12.80 private wine shops; BC $13.99 general listing; MB $11.92; ON $12.45
The screw capped finished version of the '06 reserva sauvignon is a touch more intense and seems to magnify the bell pepper and lemon aspects. The style is crisp and tight with plenty of grassy gooseberry fruit. Intense fruit flavours coat your palate mixing bell pepper, gooseberry dried herbs and lemony grapefruit. There's no malolactic fermentation and two month lees contact makes for a creamy, passion fruit finish. Bring on the shellfish, again.
88 Sauvignon Republic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
AB $24.95 private wine shop; US $18.00 Retail
Intense canned asparagus with smoky, mineral, minty notes. On the palate the wine is dry and fresh with a bit of the old-style canned jalapeno, asparagus flavours mixed with lemon-lime and grapefruit. Intense full-blown, peppery sauvignon with a touch of sweet and sour juicy lime rind. Green lipped mussels anyone.
88 Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
AB $24.95 private wine shop; US $18.00 estimated price
Wow almost riesling, in sauvignon clothing. Brisk minerality, fresh lemon-lime but not overpowering as Marlborough version cam is. Vibrant chalky mid-palate mixing limes, herbs and grass in the finish. Not as intense as some but that probably contributes to its food friendly styling. Sip all summer on the patio with a wide range of appetizers.
87 Bisquertt Casa La Joya Reserve Gewurztraminer 2006
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
BC $14.05 estimated price
Open spicy honeyed notes on the nose with floral undertones. Quite spicy and warm on the palate with typical litchi nut tropical fruit flavours with a pinch of rose water. Clean and fresh is served well chilled. Try with curry dishes.
87 Carmen Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, Chile
AB $13.50 private wine shops; BC $13.95 specialty listing; NB $12.99; NF $11.98; NS $10.99; PEI $12.98
Carmen winemaker María del Pilar González is doing an excellent job of fine tuning the Carmen varietal range. Sauvignon blanc is the varietal Carmen built a huge following with and after some recent so-so efforts the 2006 is all over the mark. Fresh, clean mineral nose with citrus and melon fruit and now finally closed with a screwcap. It simply doesn't get any better for the money. Ridiculous value here. Drink all spring and summer.
87 Fleur du Cap Chardonnay 2005
Coastal Region, South Africa
BC $11.99 specialty listing
A perennial bargain the 2005 is in a perfect spot in its life right now. The nose is attractive showing nutty toasted notes and citrus fruit that carry through on the palate. Fresh melon nutty flavours with flecks of butterscotch finish clean and vibrant. Fine intensity. Well done. Great value.
87 Paul Mas Viognier 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
BC $13.99 speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs
The Paul Mas Viognier comes off seven and fifteen year-old vines with relatively low yields of some 52hl/ha. Only 15 per cent of the wine is barrel fermented in new oak the rest is aged only in stainless steel tanks. Look for a rich floral nose that mixes dried fruits and with honey lees aromas. Much like the previous edition it has a wealth of peachy apricot, ginger fruit with a mineral honey butter finish. A very versatile food wine not to mention a fabulous bargain.
87 Red Bicyclette Chardonnay 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
BC $14.99 specialty listing
Flinty, butter, honey, garlic, melon aromas. Fairly dry entry with red apple skin, melon, honey, garlic lees, and citrus flavours. Solid, fresh, well balanced.
87 Rocca delle Macìe Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2006
Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
QC $14.80
A 100 per cent Vernaccia white that sees only stainless steel. Look for a clean, fresh style from thin skinned grapes that must be handles with care. The nose is fresh and floral with hints of melon and quince. On the palate it is crisp, clean and dry. A wonderful wine for shellfish or light seafood or pork or chicken sandwiches. The finish is bright and lean with citrus highlights. Well done.
87 Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
AB $12.80 private wine shops; BC $13.99 general listing; MB $11.92; ON $12.45
Bottled under natural cork it's a carbon copy of the '05 with its crisp tight nose of gooseberry and grapefruit rind. Intense fruit flavours coat your palate mixing bell pepper, gooseberry dried herbs and grapefruit. There's no malolactic fermentation and two month lees contact to and a creamy, passion fruit finish. Bring on the shellfish, again. Good value.
87 St. Hallett Poacher's Blend Semillon Sauvignon 2006 Sémillon - Sauvignon Blanc
Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
AB $11.95 private wine shops; BC $12.99 specialty listing; MB $11.95; NS $15.00; ON $14.15; QC $15.10
Grassy, canned grapefruit, mineral, floral nose. Fresh, round, zesty palate with grapefruit, honey, mineral, butter flavours with a rind-y, slightly sour finish. Good value.
87 Vina Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc Coleccion Privada 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
BC $14.06 specialty listing
Edition two is as solid as the previous year and it's great value for $14. The nose is clean and fresh with plenty of lifted gooseberry, green apple and lime rind aromas. It's New Zealand for $5 less. Love the balance and freshness here. Perfect seafood/shellfish wine. Drink all summer.
87 X and Y Chardonnay Margaret River 2006
Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
ON $17.99 speculative listing - Authentic Wine and Spirits
Fresh open bread crumbs nose with nutty, buttered popcorn, honey, citrus aromas. Soft, round, dry palate with a touch of oiliness and chalk. Grassy, buttery, leesy, spicy flavours with a slightly bitter citrus rind finish and a touch of vanilla. Solid, stylish chardonnay for the price.
86 Arrogant Frog Ribet White 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
BC $13.99 speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs; ON $13.00 consignment - The Yorkville Wine Company
Paul Mas has the pulse of the public wine taste and he's not from Australia. That's right the former Domaine Virginie winemaker is making wine far more serious than his Arrogant Frog moniker. This is a crisp, light, mineral, citrus, grassy white with freshness in the mouth that cries out for oysters or shellfish. This is killer value and will reward any who choose to pour a cool glass on a hot patio. Only in private wine shops in B.C.....go figure.
86 Bouchard Aîné & Fils Chardonnella Chardonnay 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
AB $11.99 private wine shops; BC $13.99 specialty listing
A new listing from the Boisset folks who own Bouchard Aîné & Fils, Chardonnella is a simple straight-up chardonnay from the Pays d'Oc. The wine is fresh with citrus, melon, red apple notes and a clean, dry finish. It is a very serviceable luncheon style/picnic white that will work with most dishes as opposed to against them. Solid value.
86 Carmen Chardonnay 2005
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
AB $13.00 private wine shop; BC $13.95; MB $10.99; NF $11.98; ON $9.95; QC $12.15
Another super fresh, floral, green apple scented chardonnay from Carmen. You can taste the cool Casablanca style here mixing green melon, lime rind, mineral and a touch of caramel. Perfect patio wine and the price is hard to beat.
86 Casal Thaulero Pinot Grigio Osco 2005
Abruzzo, Italy
BC $10.99 specialty listing; ON $6.95 LCBO; QC $10.10
Typically Northern Italian on the nose with its almond, mineral overtones and bits citrus, grassy, green apple aromas. The entry is soft and almost sweet mixing honey, mineral, nutty, lees flavours. Simple, easy sipping grigio.
86 Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Victoria, Australia
BC $12.49 speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs; NF $13.50; PEI $13.50; QC $12.99
Tart limey floral racy nose with gooseberry minerals and citrus rind. A mix of tropical fruit and herbal Loire notes all in one with a firm, dry rind-y finish. An oyster wine for sure but would easily work with prawns and or shellfish. Simple straight-up, un-wooded sauvignon from the Victoria region.
86 Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay 2005
South Africa
AB $10.95 private wine shop; BC $9.99 specialty listing; PEI $10.85
Mature grapes from Stellenbosch, Malmesbury and Robertson, planted at 100 to 250 metres deliver a bright, fruity citrus version of chardonnay with a nutty tropical fruit undertone. Fresh and lively. Everything you want in a $10 wine and more. Well done.
86 Echeverria Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, Chile
AB $10.00; BC $14.95 speculative listing - Vino Allegro
A bit older style here. It's clean and fresh but soft, with the emphasis on tropical fruit flavours of peaches, passion fruit and pineapple. Not a lot of minerality or acidity but there is a touch of dried herbs. Soft, simple, easy-sipping, sauvignon that needs drinking.
86 La Chamiza Chardonnay 2006
Mendoza, Argentina
AB $8.75; BC $7.98 general listing
Surprisingly fresh and fruity with mineral, pear and a splash of honey. Fresh and clean attack on the palate with green apple, melon and grapefruit flavours. Sweet but balanced and will have mass appeal at this price point. A super patio sipper.
86 Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
CDN $15.00
Light, fresh, aromatic style sauvignon with grassy aromas. On the palate it is similarly dry with gooseberry lemon-lime flavours and more dry grassy tones in the finish. Simple straight -up sauvignon that needs a California roll to set off its best aspects. Well made.
86 Oroya Special for Sushi 2005 Airén - Macabeo - Muscat
Castilla-Leon, Spain
ON $13.95 LCBO
Oroya " Special for Sushi" is made by Japanese winemaker Yoko Sato, from a blend of aromatic white grapes from Spain. Airen, macabeo and muscat have been blended here in a strong tasting aromatic white with a fair bit of acidity and sweetness. I supposed you could easily see how it might stand up to wasabi and pickled ginger although I'm not sure it's any more effective than an aromatic New Zealand or B.C. white. I do like the idea of tying a food theme to the wine I believe this is extremely useful tool for the public who can be easily overwhelmed when it comes to matching food and wine. Good value.
86 Stone Cellars Chardonnay 2005
California, United States
AB $14.00 private wine shops; BC $13.99 specialty listing; MB $13.49 private wine shops; NF $14.95; ON $14.15; PEI $15.95; QC $14.95; SK $14.95
Stone Cellars has made the effort to modernise its chardonnay and the 2005 is the best yet. The entry is soft and is California approachable but the fruit is fresh. Its creamy lees textures mix well with the acidity in essence making this a much wine for food. Good value in useful, mid-week, chardonnay.
86 Thirsty Lizard Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Sémillon - Sauvignon Blanc
South Eastern Australia, Australia
BC $13.99 specialty listing
Box wine with flavour and style. I know that sounds odd but why not. Tetra paks, or in this case Prisma paks, are not going to go anywhere unless they wine that is put inside the box gets better. The Thirsty Lizard Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is just that. Fresh floral fruity with hints of lemon and lime rind. Just chill and serve it. If you do not finish the box, simply take off the plastic screwcap and squeeze box until the remaining comes to the top of the box removing all the air and reseal. It should keep for days.
86 Villa Teresa Pinot Grigio (Organic) 2006
Veneto, Italy
BC $14.95 specialty listing
Clean, if slightly cooked, nose of bruised apple and melon. Quite full and round in the mouth with more sweet red apple and pear fruit flavours with mineral and lime rind. Simple straight-up, affordable grigio made from organic grapes.
85 Andrew Peace Mighty Murray Chardonnay (Tetra Prisma) 2006
Australia
BC $0.00 (1000 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines
Floral, peach, melon aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with baked apple, melon, peach skin flavours. Fresh, easy sipping summer chardonnay. Impressive value for 1000 ml.
85 Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, Chile
BC $12.10 specialty listing; QC $11.75
Fresh nervy notes mark the nose of this simple white that hails form a cool year in Chile. Tropical fruits with an herbaceous undertone and a touch of passion fruit. Fairly smooth on the palate with lime rind and sweaty, mineral notes on the finish.
85 Finca Flichman Misterio Chardonnay 2005
Mendoza, Argentina
BC $12.99 speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs
A new label from Finca Flichman that explores the mid/entry level chardonnay. A splash of oak adds a vanilla sheen to its floral, nutty fruit flavours. Round soft and very easy sipping. Sip solo or serve with white meats and pasta.
85 Juno Chardonnay 2006
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South Africa
BC $12.95 speculative listing - Next Beverage
Fresh melon oaky style chardonnay with butter and orange flecks on the nose. Round entry with more mineral orange and lime rind flavours rind. It's alcoholic for the structure but otherwise sound. An easy sipping chardonnay you should chill down on hot summer day and serve liberally on the patio.
85 Round Hill Chardonnay 2004
California, United States
AB $13.95 private wine shops; BC $14.99 specialty
Very approachable soft round easy sipping style of California chardonnay. The colour looks a bit tired but the wine is still fresh offering citrus green apple with a touch or orange blossom. The finish is even smoother with caramel butter highlights. Simple but attractive style. Needs drinking.
85 Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
AB $11.75 private wine shop; BC $12.99 specialty listing; MB $11.26; NF $11.11; ON $11.95
Open canned grapefruit nose with flecks of asparagus, lime rind and passion fruit. The palate is a touch soapy but otherwise fresh with more lime rind and grapefruit in the finish. Solid entry level sauvignon.
85 Torres Mas Rabell 2005 Parellada - Garnacha Blanca
Catalunya, Spain
BC $12.99 speculative listing - Pacific Wines & Spirits
Bone dry nose with grassy nutty undertones. This mainly parellada with a touch of garnacha is fresh and crisp with citrus and almond flavours. Very clean and begging for simple tapas-style appetizers or light uncomplicated summer menu items. Good value in an everyday summer sipper or luncheon white.
ROSÉ
87 Arrowleaf Red Feather 2006 Pinot Noir - Chardonnay
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $12.99 Winery, VQA Wine Stores and Private Retailers
Bingo. The latest Red Feather hits all the right notes for the patio. The grapes are mostly pinot noir with a dash of chardonnay to lift the nose. The aroma is an earthy mix of strawberry and minerals. On the palate it is fresh and clean with a candied, strawberry fruit flavours and as is their style, there is just add enough sugar and acidity to keep your interest. A perfect summer patio wine again. Love the price.
87 Talamonti Rose Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cerasuolo 2003
Abruzzo, Italy
BC $13.99 specialty listing
This cherry red "Cerasuolo" wine sets up dry and earthy in the classic Euro/Italian style. On the palate the acidity is vibrant in essence highlighting the earthy, black fruit flavours. Perfectly styled for food and likely a wide variety. Think hamburgers and grilled sausages to pasta salads. Great value
87 Torres De Casta Rosé 2006 Garnacha - Cariñena
Catalunya, Spain
BC $12.99 specialty listing; US $10.00 retail
The Torres pink is masterful blend of garnacha tinta and cariñena begun in 1941. The nose is clean and fresh, bursting with black raspberry and cherry scents. On the palate it is agreeably round and crisp with the perfect touch of sweetness. Floral raspberry fruit flavours hold your interest throughout. Perfect with a salade niçoise or corn on the cob.
86 Cremaschi Furlotti Carmenère Rose 2006
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, Chile
BC $13.50 speculative listing - AnaRona Wines
Pink carmenère, who would have thought. Expect a soft, easy- sipping style with the trademark leafy tobacco aromas and flavours and a liberal dose of residual sugar to balance off the finish. This is a weightier style pink that is best chilled down and served with food. Good value.
REDS
88 Southern Most Red 2006 Merlot - Malbec - Cabernet Sauvignon
Patagonia, Southern Region, Mendoza, Argentina2
BC $13.03 specialty listing
I really like this Argentine blend from Bodega Del Fin de Mundo. The end of the earth winery has employed global wine consultant Michel Rolland and he's paying early dividends. The mix is merlot, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon. It has the smoky savoury Argentine notes on the nose and the earthy peppery fruity mid-palate with just enough acidity to keep it interesting. This is a serous contender for the barbecue red of the summer. The price is incredibly sensible for a simple red that over delivers and is so natural it is all but certified organic. Hamburgers, grilled beef, casseroles and stews will all fit the bill.
88 Chat-en-Oeuf Côtes du Ventoux 2005 Grenache - Syrah
Côtes-du-Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
BC $13.99 specialty listing
I'm a fan of clever labels, especially the originals. In the case of Chat-en-Oeuf, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape sounding label, that actually comes from the less endowed Cotes de Ventoux region I have mixed emotions. I like the wine but the play on words, well; it's been done and done well by the Goats du Roam folks. But back to the wine a juicy, sweet fruit affair that revels in the magic of the 2005 harvest and some delicious tasting grenache and syrah. You shouldn't confuse its soft demeanour with bigger much more robust Châteauneuf-du-Pape but it's well worth buying and drinking. Good value. Look for it at street parties around the province.
88 Trivento Cabernet Malbec Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina
AB $11.25; BC $12.98 specialty listing; MB $10.95; NF $14.68
As in previous editions, this wine delivers from its white pepper nose to its black berry jam and meaty aromas. On the palate the entry is fat with savoury, coffee, black cherry jam flavours flecked with licorice. Love the flavour intensity for the price. Another great barbecue red.
87 Carmen Pinot Noir 2005
Region de Aconcagua, Chile
AB $13.50 private wine shops; BC $13.95 speculative listing - Calibrium
Just like the '04 the '05 over delivers in flavour and mouthfeel. Look for spicy licorice black fruit nose with some celery salt, compost and black cherry fruit. Intense fruity nose, yet dry and elegant on the palate with plenty of black cherry, smoky, spicy flavours. Fine finesse in the finish with a touch of that rootsy, strawberry compost flavour. Incredible pinot value.
87 Casillero del Diablo Merlot 2005
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
AB $11.95; BC $13.33 specialty listing; MB $11.39; NB $12.49; NF $11.64; NS $12.95; ON $11.85; SK $13.10
The merlot comes out of Chile's Central valley about 70 per cent is aged in small American oak barrels for 8 months. The style is ripe, sweet, juicy red wine with savoury spiced fruitcake and olive notes. Fine quality for the price.
87 Chateau Paul Mas Clos des Mures 2005 Shiraz - Grenache
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, South of France, France
BC $13.99 speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs
Château Paul Mas, part of the Domaines Paul Mas estates, is set on the Mediterranean coast, near the villages of Montagnac and Sète. Clos des Mûres is an 11 hectare site and the wine mixes 83 per cent syrah with 12/5 grenache mourvèdre split. This is a rough and ready red for wine drinkers. Not as silky as most would like but smoky meaty fruit flavours and a pinch of tannin let you know it's alive.
87 Espelt Sauló Garnacha Cariñena 2005 Garnacha - Cariñena
Ampurdain-Costa Brava, Catalunya, Spain
BC $14.99
Empordà sits within the Costa Brava region at the north-eastern extremity of Spain. Close to the French border and the Mediterranean, the area was a favourite of Salvador Dali and seems a perfect fit for this modern Catalan winery. The Sauló (the name of the region's decomposed granite) is a blend of garnacha and cariñena and it's a winner in the mouth. The nose is slightly reduced no doubt hindered by its synthetic plug-like stopper. With time the garnacha open up offering that fragrant raspberry fruit nose and flavours before finishing clean and dry. Light almost breezy 13.5 per cent red that is tailor made for small plates and tapas.
87 Michel Torino Ciclos Malbec - Merlot 2004 Malbec - Merlot
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, Northern Region, Argentina2
MB $19.05
Spicy, chocolate, peppery, floral, cherry, slightly meaty nose with a touch of licorice root. Dry, round, slightly tannic palate but full bodied. Cedar, tobacco, cherry, cassis, leather, licorice, vanilla flavours. Good intensity if a bit rustic and tannic on the finish.
87 Michel Torino Altimus 2003 Malbec - Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, Northern Region, Argentina2
US $50.00 retail
Smoky, saddle leather, tobacco, peppery, savoury, chocolate, vanilla aromas with a bit of cedar bark and cherry jam. Dry, somewhat tight palate with some young, cedar-y tannins. Lots of vanilla, savoury, tobacco, soy, peppery, floral, cedar, cherry, chocolate flavours. A bit dry and austere on the finish with tight tannins. High altitude red malbec blend.
87 Trivento Amado Sur Malbec Bonarda Syrah 2005 Malbec - Shiraz
Mendoza, Argentina
BC $15.00 specialty listing
A new listing form Trivento now well established as a quality for money producer. This is a big rich savoury malbec, further bolster by a 30 per cent mix of bonarda and syrah. The entry is sweet and spicy with peppery mid-palate tones and ripe plummy dark fruit flavours. Lots of smoke and vanilla. Good if a bit-like an Australia wannabe.
87 Vina Casablanca Syrah Coleccion Privada 2005
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
BC $13.99 specialty listing
The VC syrah is a touch better than last year's which was good. Love the peppery, spicy, blackberry fruit nose with smoky roasted pepper notes. The entry is soft and mouth-filling, perhaps not elegant but full of plummy smoky, peppery, earthy, meaty flavours. A fine effort at a very fair price. If you are an Argentine wine fan, buy this one by the case.
87 Vista TR 2003
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
BC $11.99 specialty listing
This first Vista TR is a success and surely won't be the last. The TR stands for tinta roriz, the dark brooding Portuguese grape used in port and dry Douro reds. In this case it's migrated to Beiras in Central Portugal where it produces a tasty, fat, lush tasting red with spicy, licorice, black fruit flavours. A solid, summer, barbecue red.
86 Black Box Tetra Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United States
BC $14.99 specialty listing
Black Box cabernet meets the crucial standard of being soft and sippable or smooth and easy drinking as they say. The nose reflects its Central Coast origins with more mint and olives than black fruit and chocolate but it's otherwise fruity and fine. It's perfectly acceptable with most grilled meat dishes. A hamburger red that doesn't quit, at an affordable price.
86 Casillero del Diablo Carmenère 2005
Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
AB $11.95; BC $13.98 general listing; MB $11.30; NS $11.54; ON $12.55
Typically spicy with that smoky resin, black olive nose but in the case of Casillero always with brighter, fruit, vanilla aromas. This is fun smoky, spicy, cherry flavoured red with tobacco, cedar and coffee notes. Raw but easily tamed by grilled beef.
86 Cecchi Chianti Natio 2006
Tuscany, Italy
BC $14.99 specialty listing
Natio an organic or agricoltura biologica blends 90 per cent sangiovese with 10 per cent canaiolo and colorino all bottled in the month of April following the harvest. The nose is floral and fragrant, in the sangiovese style. On the palate the wine is soft and with a dry hints of dried fruits and mushrooms and a dry earthy finish. Lean Euro-style Chianti sangiovese that needs grilled meat to tame the edges.
86 Fleur du Cap Merlot 2003
Coastal Region, South Africa
BC $13.99
One of the better inexpensive SA merlot that appears to be made without any mass production thoughts. The nose is clean with bright black fruit notes and a moderate amount of oak. Similar flavours show raspberry/cherry, oak and spice in pleasing amounts. Simple straight up merlot you can pour liberally around the barbecue. Excellent value.
86 Finca Flichman Misterio Shiraz 2005
Mendoza, Argentina
BC $12.99 speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs
Tight, slightly reductive aromas of garlic and rubber overlaying dark fruits and savoury earthy elements. Smooth and soft on the palate with cleaner more savoury, black fruit and gritty tannins. A rustic red that will find a comfortable home around the barbecue pit.
86 Finca Flichman Misterio Malbec Shiraz Rose 2006 Malbec - Shiraz
Mendoza, Argentina
BC $12.99 speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs
Fun pink soft wine with simple strawberry, earthy, fruit flavours with a touch of caramel in the finish. Simply chill it down and serve with cold chicken pieces for best results - preferably on the beach.
86 La Chamiza Cabernet Merlot 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot
Mendoza, Argentina
AB $7.50; BC $8.95 general listing; ON $7.55
Another fine edition for this dirt cheap red. Love the savoury gamey chocolate notes with the requisite black fruit. Liable supple palate with more mocha, tobacco, spicy, black cherry meaty flavours. An attractive, inexpensive red wine bargain.
86 Long Flat Red Cabernet Shiraz 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz
South Eastern Australia, Australia
AB $9.99 private wine shops; BC $11.99; MB $10.15
Open earthy, spicy, rootsy nose with bits of blueberry fruit and compost aromas. The entry is soft and sweet, with plenty of ripe peppery, cassis, blueberry, tobacco flavours. A warm, friendly red with no pretensions. Pour liberally around the barbecue.
86 Man Vintners Shiraz 2005
Western Cape, South Africa
AB $10.99 private wine shop; BC $11.99 specialty listing
Like its predecessors the '05 shiraz remains well made and consistent value. Smoky, cedar bark mixed with summer sausage and peppery blackberry fruit. The texture is soft with savoury licorice, smoky black fruit. Clean fresh round and should be perfect around the backyard Cue. Good value here.
86 Montresor Nero del Nago 2004 Corvina - Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon
Veneto, Italy
BC $13.99 speculative listing - The Seacove Group
Floral, spicy, smoky, gamey, rubbery, lifted cherry nose. Round, dry, slightly tannic palate with earthy, tobacco, cherry, cedar, mocha, cassis flavours. Simple, easy, slightly chunky style.
86 Straccali Chianti 2005 Sangiovese - Canaiolo Nero - Merlot.
Tuscany, Italy
AB $11.99 private wine shop; BC $13.99 speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli; ON $10.58 general listing
Meaty, floral, cherry, leather aromas. Round, ripe, supple, balanced palate with cherry, chocolate, tobacco, earth and meaty flavours. Simple, ripe, forward-style Chianti at a fair price.
86 Talamonti Moda Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003
Abruzzo, Italy
BC $14.99 specialty listing
I was hoping for a bit more richness from such a warm year but the Moda remains a bit tight and dry on entry with simple, grapey, earthy fruit flavours. More of a tumbler red for a rustic, mid-week meal. Best at a place like Salt in Gastown where the rich, cured meats will tame the acidity and dryness.
86 X and Y Shiraz Margaret River 2004
Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
