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

This release begins with a special section on wines from Tuscany and is arranged by wine region.

Antinori "Guado al Tasso" 2001
DOC Bolgheri Superiore $81.95 (986380)
From the über iconic Italian wine family, this single vineyard red is both elegant in style and rich in flavour. The blend-60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Syrah "and others"-(stunning wine, questionable math) tips its hand with a brooding and opaque purple-blue colour. Distinctive black cherry aromatics give way to a layered attack on the palate of chocolate, tar and licorice flavours. The tannins are perceptible, but quite ripe and fine-grained. The finish is lengthy and luxurious, adding additional bramble berry flavours. Drinking beautifully now (after 3 - 4 hours decanting) and easily to 2015. (VH)


Ornellaia "Le Serre Nuove" Rosso 2003
DOC Bolgheri $54.95 (606194)
This "second label" of the famed Ornellaia is a blend of four Bordeaux varieties. The 2003 vintage offers rich, dense, layered flavours of black fruit and berries with distinct notes of dark chocolate, coffee and spices. It's well structured with a long finish and has soft, ripe tannins that have enough grip that you can profitably cellar it another two or three years before drinking. Then pair it with richly-flavoured red meat dishes. (RP)



Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2000
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino $39.95 (928028)
Look for a host of interesting and rich flavours in this delicious wine, among them dried fruit, black plum, coffee, spices and pepper. It's very well made with complex structure, great balance and a long finish. Open and decant it, then enjoy it with richly-seasoned red meat. (RP)


Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino 2000
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino $56.95 (988808)
With a juicy texture and loads of sweet dark fruit (plums to the fore) this makes a great partner to dishes featuring game. There's a very attractive freshness to the fruit that's enhanced by the food-friendly acidity. Look for easy-going tannins and a long finish to end a very enjoyable experience. (RP)



Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2003
DOCG Chianti Classico $25.95 (994608)
A stylish, attractive Chianti Classico that's very well priced. It delivers lovely fruit that feature strawberries and blackberries along with spicy and herbal notes. The tannins are very well integrated right now and it's drinking beautifully now and over the next year or two. Drink it with a grilled veal chop in a red wine reduction. (RP)


Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Riserva 2000
DOCG Chianti Classico Riserva $25.95 (909234)
A very classy and classic Chianti Classico from an excellent vintage. It delivers solid fruit (cherry, plum, spice) from front to back with the acidity in perfect balance. With nicely-meshed tannins and a lengthy finish, this partners very well with veal in a tomato-based sauce. (RP)



Frescobaldi Montesodi "Castello di Nipozzano" Chianti Rufina 2003
DOCG Chianti Rufina $58.95 (304501)
From the hot 2003 vintage, this is a huge, dense red that's chock-full of dark fruit and an array of accents that includes vanilla, herbs, spice and coffee. The tannins are integrating nicely but still deliver enough grip that you'd be better cellaring this a year or two rather than tackling it now. When you do open it, have a big, flavourful red meat dish to hand. (RP)



Moris Morellino di Scansano 2004
DOC Morellino di Scansano $19.95 (992560)
Blueberry aromatics and smoky notes drift from the nose of this medium-bodied red. Sweet ripe cherry flavours dance on the palate underpinned by a lovely tang (typical of Morellino aka Sangiovese) that carries through to the dry finish. Nicely balanced, it would be a lovely match to pasta in a bolognaise sauce from now until 2012. (VH)



Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano "Asinone" 2001
DOCG Vino Nobile di Montepulciano $39.95 (952473)
A gorgeous complex flavour profile here, with black berries, plums and notes of coffee and spice. It's well structured with a long finish, and the sweet tannins are firm but manageable. Drink it now and over the next five-six years, pairing it with richly-seasoned meat dishes. (RP)



S. Niccolò Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 1998
DOC Vin Santo del Chianti Classico $24.95 (000869)
It opens with a gloriously fragrant nutty and fig nose then explodes on the palate with sweet caramel followed by wondrous toffee, raisin apple pie flavours. There is great balancing acidity to prevent it from becoming cloying and the finish delivers more of the same, lasting 30 or more seconds. Drink chilled. Stunning on its own or pair with roasted almonds, aged cheddar, parmigianno reggiano or, if your mother isn't around and you don't mind a few crumbs in your glass, dip biscotti into the wine. (VH)



Luce "La Vite Lucente" 2003
IGT Toscana $39.95 (747030)
Big, black and juicy, with dense flavours of crushed berries, black plum and cherry, with notes of coffee, spice and tar. This is a wine that expresses the 2003 vintage in spades, but the tannins are still tough-going, and you should tuck this away for another five years. Then drink it with a well-seasoned slab of beef. (RP)


Mazzei Tenuta Belguardo 2002
IGT Maremma Toscana $56.95 (678326)
The lifted nose of rich black currant and spice wafts from the glass of this dark brooding monster. Fruit flavours fairly rocket off this with layer upon layer of Bing cherry, more black currant with dark Belgian chocolate in the background. The finish is lengthy, luxurious and fruit-forward. Lots going on here with wonderfully balancing tannin and tang. Drink now to 2012 with curried and cubed venison and a rice pilaf. (VH)



Lustau "Solera Reserva" Dry Amontillado "Los Arcos" Sherry
DO Jerez, Spain $17.95 (671115)
Think of yourself as a wine lover? This is a must buy and try. It beguiles the eye with an amber-green hue then caresses the palate with nutty nuances that mingle perfectly with the toffee and caramel aromatics. This scintillating gem is medium in texture and long on a perfectly balanced finish that offers a magical sweet/dry tang. Serve chilled as an aperitif. It is also a versatile food match; pour alongside consommé or rabbit stew. (VH)


Warre's Quinta de Cavadinha Vintage Port 1987
DO Douro $26.95/375ml (686212)
It's such a small price to pay for such a delicious wine! This is a luscious beauty that delivers complex flavours of dried fruits (prunes, raisins) with hints of orange peel and zest. It's drinking beautifully now and you can pair it confidently with the usual Port suspects. (RP)



Unity Chardonnay 2003
Canada $19.95 (606608)
Unity is a wine that falls between wine laws: a blend of Niagara and Okanagan grapes, it doesn't qualify for Ontario or British Columbia VQA status. It's a well made, medium-oaked Chardonnay that delivers quite intense flavours of tropical fruit and peach in a soft texture. It's ideal for roast pork and turkey. (RP)



Henry of Pelham Cabernet Franc Icewine 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula $39.65/200ml (672402)
Cabernet Franc can make delicious icewine, as this example attests. It delivers luscious flavours of strawberry and malt with hints of stewed rhubarb and a spicy dimension, and it manages to escape the sweetness trap with notes of herbs and spice. Sip it alone or pair it with berry-based desserts. (RP)


Peller Estates "Private Reserve" Cabernet Franc 2003
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (598078)
This is a light-medium-bodied Cab Franc with a juicy texture and quite solid fruit. Look for red plum and berry flavours with some cedar and spicy notes. It's dry and goes well with not-too-heavily-seasoned red meat dishes. (RP)


Nk'Mip Cellars Merlot 2003
VQA Okanagan Valley $17.95 (626416)
The aromas here are full-throttle dense plum, but the palate is more complex, with notes of dried fruit, berries, herbs and spices. The tannins are ripe and forward, and you might want to hold this a couple of years. Then enjoy it with well-seasoned steak. (RP)


Unity Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2003
Canada $24.95 (606616)
A blend of fruit from Ontario and British Columbia, this is quite stylish. It delivers concentrated dark fruit (cherry, black berry) with a range of secondary notes. The tannins could do with a little more time, though, and I'd suggest cellaring this three or four years, and then enjoying it with grilled red meat. (RP)




Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Napa Valley $36.95 (707224)
This is one of those Sauvignon Blancs that improves with a little age, unlike most of them that are best drunk while they're in their first year. There's acidity a-plenty here, and the dominant flavours are lemon-lime, but there are also good structure and some more developed flavours of white peach and apricot pit. Pair it with seared scallops with fresh ginger. (RP)


Raymond "Reserve" Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Napa Valley $17.95 (686683)
Crisp and bracing in a familiar Sauvignon Blanc style, this delivers flavours of lemon, lime, grass and green apple. It's zesty, refreshing and well balanced and pairs well with fresh oysters. (RP)



Morgan "Twelve Clones" Pinot Noir 2004
Santa Lucia Highlands $32.95 (642249)
A quite lovely Pinot Noir that manages to deliver solid fruit and high alcohol (a declared 14.2%) while maintaining varietal typicity. Look for rich cherry and strawberry jam flavours with lively, balanced acidity and a tangy but smooth texture. It's drinking very well now and pairs nicely with a rack of lamb. (RP)



Cavas Pedro Domecq "XA" Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Valle de Calafia, Baja California $11.95 (640441)
This is not too complicated but it's a well-priced tasty Cab that delivers sweet, ripe black tree fruit and berry flavours. The tannins are easy-going and this makes a fine partner to barbecued ribs. (RP)



Araucano Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Valle Central $11.95 (687681)
Those Lurton brothers have done it again; not complicated or complex, but excellent value and worthy of a multiple purchase. Sweet aromas of bramble berry fruit lead to a fruit-forward palate of cassis, black licorice and juicy Bing cherry. A surprisingly long finish and all nicely balanced. Drink over the next 2 years with whatever red meats you serve around your house during the week or with grilled meat at your next barbie. (VH)


Cono Sur "Visión" Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
Rapel Valley $16.95 (689992)
Spiced plum and deep rich berry fruit abound in this medium-textured red. This fabulous winery goes from strength to strength with no exception here. There is deft balance as ripe tannins and reasonable acidity coalesce with generous dollops of fruit on the palate and finish to fashion a monumental Pinot, especially at this price point. Buy an armful for drinking now to 2010 with smoked duck breasts or grilled salmon steaks. Rod and I loved this! (VH)



Alkoomi "Blackbutt" 2002
Frankland River, Western Australia $45.95 (963876)
Opening with a gorgeous nose of spice box, red berry fruit and eucalyptus, this is elegant and refined. Frankland, a newly designated sub region in 2000, is a bit off the path even for hardy WA folk, but Alkoomi began there in 1971. The wine is hedonistic without being jammy. Layers of black ripe berry fruit, peppery notes and spicy cherries wash the palate in wave upon wave in this medium-textured, perfectly balanced stunning red. A long involved finish and ripe tannin structure portend excellent drinking to 2012. (VH)


Anvers "Brabo" Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Adelaide Hills $13.95 (686857)
This is very good value and earns a half-star for its price-quality ratio. You get a well-made red with solid, attractive fruit flavours, tangy texture and very good fruit-acid balance. This is an excellent ad versatile food wine that you can serve with hamburgers, steaks, and meat-based pasta dishes. (RP)


Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2002
South Australia $29.95 (422782)
Smooth and elegant, this is characterized by rich, dense, dark fruit, notably sweet cherry, plum and berries. Look for added complexity in spice, pepper and coffee notes. It's full bodied with firm tannins and can be drunk now and over the next ten years. Pair it with well-seasoned, grilled lamb chops. (RP)


Wakefield Shiraz 2004
Clare Valley $14.95 (943787)
Dense, intense-but by no means jammy-black fruit with sweet, ripe tannins and an inky texture make this a very attractive Shiraz. It's nicely pitched and goes well with roasted and grilled red meat dishes. (RP)


Ring Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Margaret River $19.95 (606624)
Delicious, stylish, and well-paced, here's a Cab that over-delivers on fruit and complexity for its price. It's got food-friendly balance and manageable tannins, and overall makes an excellent buy and a great partner for grilled red meats. (RP)



Fairhall Downs Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough $17.95 (990580)
Zesty acidity and rich, pungent fruit making a winning combination in this bottle. Sniff and taste lemon-lime, white grapefruit and gooseberry, with a seam of minerality. Pair it with the classic matches, like freshly-shucked oysters or goat cheese. (RP)



Blason de Bourgogne "Cuvée" Pouilly-Fuissé 2004
AOC Pouilly-Fuissé $25.95 (525030)
Even die-hard advocates of ABC (anything but Chardonnay) should enjoy this. Flavours of tropical fruit, especially peach and nectarine abound in this clean and refreshing dry white. Also oodles of lemon and grapefruit on the palate that juxtapose the sweet fruit and provide balance. A light to medium-bodied charmer that exudes class and elegance. Try alongside a lemon chicken or lemon veal dish. (VH)


Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorents 2004
AOC Chablis 1er Cru $31.95 (581710)
Smoke, floral notes and pit fruit aromatics waft from the involved nose of this bigger-than-life Chablis. Lots going on in the flavour department with green apple and citrussy bits galore. In spite of its heft (medium to full-bodied), it is refreshing, tangy and would be the perfect foil to seared scallops or freshly shucked Malpec oysters, both drizzled with freshly squeezed lemon, now to 2012. (VH)



Domaine d'Orfeuilles "Les Coudraies" Vouvray 2003
AOC Vouvray $16.95 (655076)
An unusual, but pleasing nose of quince, spice and beeswax form the segue to this medium-dry (aka off-dry, aka sweet-ish, but not sweet) white from the heart of Chenin Blanc country. Tropical fruit with lemon lime nuances form the flavour profile of this light to medium-bodied white. Would be gorgeous, well chilled, alongside a fruit flan dessert. If the descriptors sound like something you might enjoy, I highly recommend a purchase of this well balanced wine with its lengthy and luxurious finish. (VH)



Château Tour Haut-Caussan 2003
AOC Médoc, Cru Bourgeois-Supérieur $25.95 (579284)
Oh, my! An extremely well-priced number (earned its final half star on price) that is worthy of your close attention. The lifted nose of spice box, tar and cherry, opens on the palate with a melange of deep, rich flavours. Those flavours include black currant, plum and sweet black cherry. There are perceptible, but smooth tannins and a hint of tang to provide good balance and cellaring potential. Overall, it's medium to full-bodied, exhibits a well balanced finish and will drink exquisitely 2008 to 2015. Stock up. (VH)



Château Maucoil Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2004
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $29.95 (681726)
This is a potential cellar dweller that needs considerable time to tame its chewy tannic structure. Quintessential floral and spice notes emanate from this hand picked, hand sorted multi-blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault et al). You will find sweet black fruit and dollops of acidity wrapped up in those tannins while the finish exhibits more of the same. Drink 2012 to 2018. (VH)


Château Val Joanis "Réserve les Griottes" 2003
AOC Côtes du Luberon $24.95 (938282)
A beguiling and lifted nose of pepper, prunes and earthy spice blast from the glass of this medium to full-bodied ripper. While the deep and rich flavours (currant and cherry) are concentrated, they are balanced off perfectly with ripe and perceptible tannin plus enough acidity to keep it far from jammy. The lengthy and fruit forward finish cries out for a cuisine match of lamb daube. Drink 2008 to 2015 (VH)




Grandes Serres "La Rose d'Aimée" Tavel 2005
AOC Tavel $17.95 (684951)
Gobs of lively spice and strawberry notes on the nose with no surprise on the palate as these follow through to the flavour profile - what you see and smell is what you get. A medium-bodied rosé that has enough body, flavour and tang to make it a flexible food wine. Serve well chilled, over the next 12 months, with lightly herbed and spiced chicken and veal dishes or with a grilled chicken and mesculan salad in a light vinaigrette. (VH)



Vaeni Naoussa "Grande Réserve" 2000
AO Naoussa $13.95 (743658)
And now for something completely different - if you are stuck in a wine buying rut, take a punt on this. This is showing age with an orange outer rim. It begins with a nose of tar and spice then opens on the palate with a dry and lean, but pleasant, flavour profile of cranberry and red plum. There is enough tang to match it with pasta in a tomato-based sauce while you are drinking over the next 18 months. Can't beat the price. (VH)



KWV Cathedral Cellar Merlot 2002
WO Coastal, South Africa $16.95 (522219)
Toasty, spiced black plums blow off the glass while the palate is dazzled with a huge attack of sweet (14.5% alcohol) and concentrated black Bing cherry and currant flavours. This medium to full-bodied gem offers layers of flavours, balancing tang and a memorable, luxurious, fruit-driven finish. Would marry well to pork tenderloin with a dried nectarine and raisin stuffing. Serious wine at a sensible price, stock up. (VH)


Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs 2003
Carneros $25.25
An excellent sparkling wine for the holiday season, from California's premium sparkling wine producer. This has fine bubbles and a delicate mousse, and delivers a mélange of flavours that include pineapple, apple, pear and lemon. It's complex, refreshing and delicious, and makes an excellent aperitif or partner to spicy seafood. (RP)



Schug Pinot Noir 2005
Carneros $TBA
Owner Walter Schug attributes some of the complexity in this wine to the fact that the grapes grow thicker skins as a response to the buffeting winds they're subjected to. Certainly, rich pepper and spicy notes complement the concentrated flavours of raspberry, strawberry and cherry. This Pinot has very good structure and great balance, and it pairs well with grilled lamb. (RP)


Schug Chardonnay 2005
Carneros $TBA
This delivers rich fruit flavours in the peach-tropical-apricot zones, accented with notes of caramel and spice. It has added complexity from having been barrel-fermented and aged nine months sur lie. Add a silky texture and you have a very attractive wine that goes very well with stuffed pork tenderloin. (RP)


Schug Merlot 2003
Sonoma Valley $TBA
I'm more and more impressed by Merlots from cool regions, and here's another. As owner Walter Schug says, "this smells like fruit instead of jam." That's what makes this Merlot so attractive: the fresh fruit aromas and flavours, with red plum to the fore. The tannins are firm and in keeping with the texture of the wine. (RP)
Vintages Release December 2006/early 2007


Schug Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Sonoma Valley $TBA
This contains 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot. It's quite big and elegant with dominant flavours of dark fruit and a subtle, attractive green note. The acidity is spot-on and the tannins are ripe and firm. (RP)




Alice White Shiraz 2005
South Eastern Australia $12.85 (550517)
Soft and approachable, this medium-bodied red offers a lot of good - fruit, balance and value. Nothing pretentious or grand, look for ripe, fruit-forward cherry flavour and a wine that delivers deft balance and a clean finish. Pair with grilled red meat. (VH)


Banrock Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Australia $14.00 (668970) 1L Tetra Pack
Environmentally-friendly plus ease in opening, storing and transporting equals Tetra pack. This has aromas and flavours of red currants and cranberries, is light-bodied and dry with absolutely no rough edges. Great for picnics, by the pool, festivals and camping. These folks sponsor the re-stocking of native Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario. Each purchase adds to the fund. (VH)



Kendall-Jackson Dog House "Checker's" Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
California $14.95 (619478)
Kendall-Jackson might well re-name themselves "Kennel-Jackson" now that they've entered the "critter-brand" category. But don't be put off by this, because the wine is really very good. Everything is in place here-the fruit, the texture, the acidity-and Dog House falls right into the K-J food-friendly style. Lap up a bowl of this while you gnaw on a hunk of red meat. (RP)


Kendall-Jackson Dog House "Moxie's" Merlot 2002
California $14.95 (614156)
A well-made Merlot that's food friendly. Look for solid dark fruit throughout, with soft tannins and a good dose of acidity to keep it clean and attractive to food. It's medium bodied and smooth textured, and it goes well with red meat dishes and hamburgers. (RP)



Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2005
Rapel Valley $10.05 (341602)
Bramble berry aromas and flavours emanate from this medium-bodied, value red. The sweet flavours carry through to the lengthy, dry and tangy finish, well balanced by dollops of acidity. Tough to find a nice Pinot, which this is, for around ten dollars. Chill slightly and enjoy over the next 2 years with grilled salmon steaks. (VH)



Robert's Rock Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2004
WO Western Cape $9.05 (544668)
Just a touch of oak in this medium-bodied red from the super-sized Western Cape region. Straightforward and honest, expect berry fruit, good balance and a surprisingly lengthy and delicious finish on this light to medium-bodied red. This is, upon reflection, a lot more than you get from many wines twice this price. Great with vegetarian pizza. Four bonus Air Miles until September 9. (VH)



Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2003
DO Catalunya $12.55 (29728)
A gorgeous 86% Tempranillo - 14% Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Spain's premiere producer of Penedes reds. Lots going on here; 14% alcohol, excellent grip from ripe tannin, lively and spicy tang, ripe juicy fruit (cherry and currants) plus medium to full-bodied texture. Pour this with spiced meatballs in a tomato-based sauce and pasta. (VH)



Masi 'Grandarella' 2002
IGT Rosso delle Venezie, Italy $28.95 (606921)
Made in the Appassimento method - partially dried grapes, Refosco and Carmenère, were used in the production of this outstanding Amarone-like wine. Smoke, spice and gamey notes form the nose while the glorious flavours include spicy black berry fruit and licorice. This is medium-bodied, high octane (15.4% alcohol) clean, dry, and not at all jammy. Pour proudly alongside osso bucco with Portobello mushroom risotto. (VH)

Jeanneret Grenache / Shiraz 2003
Clare Valley, South Australia $22.46
Rich, concentrated and hedonistic, this is a near-religious wine experience! It was fashioned from single vineyard, unirrigated, gnarled, old Grenache bush vines and dry-grown Shiraz. A fabulously stunning drop offering verve, grip and mouth-watering flavours. The aromatics are rich black berry fruit, tar and licorice. Flavours include black currant, spice and black plum. It is medium-bodied, deftly balanced and finishes with oodles of fruit, tang, ripe tannin and warmth (15% alcohol). Drink now to 2010. Minimum purchase is 12 bottles, order via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (VH)


Jeanneret Riesling 2005
Clare Valley, South Australia $24.73
From the grape that made Clare Valley famous, this stylish white offers up aromatics of mineral, slate and citrus. Medium-bodied and pleasingly fleshy in the mouth, the flavours are a mélange of ripe tropical fruit (grapefruit, peach and nectarine) underpinned by more citrus that keeps it all clean and fresh. Lovely verve on the finish makes it a candidate for pouring with seared scallops. Minimum purchase is 12 bottles, order via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (VH)


Penley "Phoenix" Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Coonawarra, South Australia $29.69
Cabernet Sauvignon is the Coonawarra's flagship grape despite being classified as a cool climate area. An earthy, smoky (almost funky) nose also combines lovely notes of cassis and mint. It gets into rhythm on the palate with a huge hit of black bramble berry fruit that is in wonderful synch with soft tannin and barely noticeable acidity. Approachable now, will repay cellaring to 2012. This offers good bang for your buck and has garnered a swag of medals. Minimum purchase is 12 bottles, order via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (VH)

Cheers!

Rod and Vic

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