Viljoensdrift Wines 'Serenity' 2004
WO Robertson, South Africa $26.60 (37523)
This Bordeaux blend reflects the hot dry region of Robertson and the deft wine making principles that kept this far from jammy, yet fully flavoured. It has the rich flavours of South Australia—black plum, cassis and cherry—plus the gorgeous nuances of well-made Bordeaux—spice, chocolate and black cherry, with an added dash of smoky and gamey notes. It's well structured with beautifully integrated oak (24 months in French oak) and provides a very dry, racy and clean finish. (VH)
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Château Rouge 2005
AOC Beaune Premier Cru $41.95 (901199)
Red licorice and earthy aromas open up this gorgeous red Burgundy. It's medium bodied with a firm structure provided by perceptible tannins and a glorious hit of full-flavoured fruit in the sweet and ripe dark berry zone. Quite powerful, it's also well balanced with a lengthy dry finish. It's good to drink now—pairing well with roast turkey, cranberry sauce and savoury stuffing (an up-scale option for Christmas dinner)—or tuck it away until 2010 for smooth and silky drinking until 2014. (VH)
Bouchard Père et Fils Meursault 'Genevrières' 2004
AOC Meursault Premier Cru $82.00 (46532)
Luc Bouchard, ninth-generation member of the Bouchard family, says, "For me, this is a very interesting Premier Cru—it has wonderful balance and complexity." No argument with that. Under a lovely veneer of toasty oak, which it wears lightly, this Meursault delivers a mélange of pure fruit—peach, apple and pear—with lifting minerality. It's both powerful and classy and makes a delicious complement to richly-flavoured, grain-fed chicken. (RP)