Château Graves de Rabion 2011
AOC Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France $19.80 (420992) 13.0% alcohol
This 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc red blend was sourced from 40-year-old vines. It delivers aromas of spice box and earthy notes before coating the palate with a medium-weight, generously textured river of dark berry fruit with notions of dark-chocolate-covered black cherry. It’s well balanced with good structure from soft tannin and framed with good acidity. It finishes with a fruity flourish, lengthy and delicious. (Vic Harradine)
Les Trois Couronnes Crozes-Hermitage 2011
AOC Crozes-Hermitage, France $17.95 (421065) 12.5% alcohol
This punches well above the price—quite elegant and charming. This 100% Syrah jumps from the glass with smoke, oak and toast aromas. Black currant, sweet vanilla and black juicy Bing cherry mingle with spice and mocha on the palate infusing the long aftertaste. It’s medium-full weight with good texture and great structure from a solid tannin underpinning and framed with delectable red berry tang. Aerate/decant two hours before serving with grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)
Domaine de la Presidente Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Cairanne 2013
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Cairanne, France $16.65 (425074) 13.5% alcohol
This value-packed, 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah red blend offers aromas of red berry fruit and floral notes. It flows over the palate with a crowd-pleasing river of red raspberry, black currant and peppery spice robed in a juicy wash of red fruit tang. It’s dry and long on the finish. Pour with meat-lovers pizza or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)
Mauro Chardonnay 2013
IGT Puglia, Italy $11.75 (404491) 13.0% alcohol
This 100% Chardonnay was partially aged in oak, though there’s barely a wisp of it now. Aromas of crisp green apple and nutty notes introduce a gorgeous, medium-bodied generously textured stream of white peach, racy lemon curd and Granny Smith apple interlaced with baking spice and notions of hazelnuts. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; keep a few on hand for when friends drop in. (Vic Harradine)