Henri Bourgeois ‘Les Baronnes – Sancerre’ 2008
AOC Sancerre $24.95 (542548) 12.5% alcohol
This is a bone dry well-paced Sauvignon Blanc with great purity of fruit that’s driven by 20-40 year-old vines and almost a century of regional dedication. Alluring aromas of candied lemon and floral notes segue a persistent stream of focused flavour with key lime, white peach and tang-laden pineapple to the fore. Mid weight and fairly textured, it finishes crisp, refreshing and lip-smacking good. Pair with all manner of food from the sea—briny oysters or pan-seared scallops, for example. A Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)


Quinta dos Carvalhais ‘Duque de Viseu’ 2006
DOC Dão $12.95 (546309) 13% alcohol
My first tasting of this; I’ve got to get out more! Smoky, dark berry fruit and black licorice on the nose, there’s a concentrated and rich stream of fruit flavour on the palate—cherry, black currant liqueur and mulberry. Mid weight, plush in texture and well balanced, the finish is redolent of racy pie cherry and dried crushed berries. Earning its final ½ star on value; how can they possibly make wine this good for so little? A Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)