Holiday Reds That Blend In

The short answer is there isn't enough wine in the system to cope with the flood of requests.

Just keep in mind the wine is generally "stocked out," not sold out, by Saturday afternoon. A new delivery will arrive in two or three days, at which time you can probably pick up a few bottles. So clip the column and keep checking back.

Three weeks ago, we began reviewing our holiday wine selections to help you avoid the disappointment of not being able to locate our most popular picks for holiday entertaining.

Those of you keeping track probably already have a small stash of the Errazuriz 2004 Merlot ($13.40) from Chile, or last week's hot pick from Spain, the Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2003 ($15.95), set aside. If not, you can check stores this weekend for both wines.

Today, I want to concentrate on versatility, price and value and all six red blends should grab your attention.

We begin with a fun wine from Australian superstar winemaker Ben Glaetzer, who has quickly made a name for himself turning out several high-end shirazes and shiraz blends from Barossa. While I have no problem recommending the Glaetzer Amon Ra or the Glaetzer Godolphin, it's the oddly named Heartland Stickleback Red 2004, made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and grenache from South Australia, that delivers big value.

There are many reasons to buy this wine, beginning with its quirky name or the easy-to-open, cork-taint free screw-cap closure. The wine has that fresh savoury, fruity edge without the saddle leather and sour acidity that plagues so much inexpensive Oz red. Black fruit flavours mark its smooth mid-plate and peppery finish. Buy this one by the case.

Next up also from Australia is Bottle Tree Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. This, too, is fun stuff made by Shane McLaughlin, the man behind Canonbah Bridge wines, grown in the middle of a sheep station in deep New South Wales. Under a screw-cap closure you'll find hints of tobacco, black cherry and blueberry aromas mixed with savoury, saddle leather and gamy notes. It is dry with light tannins and peppery, black cherry, gamy fruit. A solid, if somewhat rustic-style red.

Several northern Italian producers have gone south in search of warmer climes and rounder wines and that includes the king of Soave, Bolla. The new Bolla IGT Sicilia Rosso 2003 is a friendly blend of shiraz and nero d'Avola that is big on spicy, gamy, chocolate, black cherry, smoky aromas. It's dry and slightly tannic with just enough black cherry jam, licorice, chocolate and spicy, cardamom flavours to grab your interest. A solid, everyday red.

The latest incarnation of the Trio brand features Trio Merlot Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003. The Trio is 65-per-cent merlot and 20-per-cent carmenere from Rapel, with 15-per-cent Maipo cabernet sauvignon. The nose is an intoxicating mix of vanilla, pepper, black fruit and herbs, the textures are super-silky, and the finish is long and persistent. It's an impressive bottle of juice for the price.

Back to Australia for a much improved Rosemount Shiraz Cabernet 2004. Love the open spicy, blueberry, blackberry, licorice-root nose and the soft, round, plush palate. This is fruity stuff with spicy, licorice undertones and a light vanilla finish. A fine, fresh, affordable red.

We conclude in South America with the up-and-coming Viu Manent Malbec 2004, from Colchagua (COLE-CHOW-WAH), Chile. Look for intense white pepper, licorice root, black cherry jam and tobacco aromas intertwined throughout its smooth smoky, peppery, minty, cassis-chocolate flavours. There is a touch of acidity and warmth on the finish but otherwise it has fine intensity of fruit. Another fine effort and wonderful value.

HEARTLAND STICKLEBACK RED 2004, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Price: $14.99
UPC: 833152000136
Score: 88/100
Remarks: Fresh savoury black fruit flavours. Buy this one by the case.

BOTTLE TREE SHIRAZ / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA
Price: $12.95
UPC: 9326949004017
Score: 86/100
Remarks: Screwcap red with black cherry, chocolate, meaty flavours.

BOLLA IGT SICILIA ROSSO 2003, SICILY, ITALY
Price: $11.99
UPC: 8008960896025
Score: 86/100
Remarks: Licorice, spicy cardamom flavours. A solid red for every day.

TRIO MERLOT CARMENERE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003, VALLE DEL RAPEL, CHILE
Price: $15.95
UPC: 7804320143958
Score: 88/100
Remarks: Intoxicating mix of vanilla, black fruit, herbs and pepper.

ROSEMOUNT SHIRAZ CABERNET 2004, SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA
Price: $13.99
UPC: 012894868017
Score: 87/100
Remarks: Fresh blueberry, spicy cassis and licorice-flavoured red.

VIU MANENT MALBEC 2004, VALLE DEL COLCHAGUA, CHILE
Price: $12.99
UPC: 7804314945094
Score: 87/100
Remarks: Smooth smoky, peppery red for tapas or grilled meats.