Allison Vidug

Korta Barrel Selection Reserve Petit Verdot 2010, Lontué Valley

Medium plus intense ruby colour. Moderate expression of dried berries, smoke and tea. Medium minus body, not in relation to the 14% alcohol. Good balance and length.

Not exactly what I expected from a Petit Verdot, but a good wine nonetheless.

Cardeal Reserva Touriga Nacional 2007, Doc Dão

Deep ruby colour. Intense aromas of bramble berries, blueberry pie filling, blackberries, baking spice, black and red licorice. Medium acidity. Light, fine grained tannins. Medium body. Medium short length.

This wine over delivers on the aromas. Lacks the same intensity on the palate. But for $14 it's great value.

El Arte De Vivir 2009, Do Ribera Del Duero

Bright ruby colour. Well balanced intensity of aromas; from balanced polished fruits, such as red and black cherries matched with aromas of good quality red and black licorice and rose petals. Pleasant acidity, body and alcohol balance on the palate. Light fine tannins. Moderate length. Enjoyable.

Lailey Vineyard Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2009, VQA Niagara River

Clear light gold colour. Medium expression. Aromas of oak, butter, caramel, Bartlett pears. Highlighted by nuances of baby breath and flint. Bold flavours of spice, lemon rind, melted butter and stone are supported by ample alcohol and acidity. It's delicious. I'll decant it to get the most out of this bottle.

Castellare Di Castellina Chianti Classico 2008, Docg

Clear deep hued ruby. Highly complex aromatic nose. Pure aromas of dark cherries, cedar, ripe raspberries, earth, fresh thyme. Firm yet supple tannins. High acidity. Velvety texture. Warming alcohol. Medium length. Execellent food wine. Suggestion: braised lamb.

Clare Hills Shiraz Cabernet 2008, Adelaide Hills

This wine is all about the depth and value. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is prominent in alcohol, black olive, black cherry, chocolate and coffee, xmas spice and plum spiked with brandy notes. On the palate the tannins are tame but still provide soft structure. Medium acidity. High alcohol. Medium length. Juicy flavours on the palate refined with structure. Surprisingly more delicious than expected.

Chavet & Fils La Dame De Jacques Coeur Menetou Salon Blanc 2011, Ac

Pale lemon colour. Delicate aromas of chalk and soft herbs such as lemon thyme and chervil. Similar flavours to the wine. The light flavours aren't swayed by the moderate (+) body and alcohol of the wine. The acidity is bright.

This wine would be well suited as an aperitif or with light fish dishes.

Brooks Amycas 2008, Oregon

A highly aromatic and fresh white. Not much more to say other than, more please.

Masi Campofiorin 2007, Venetia

Loads of blueberry and black cherry, with hints of cedar and cocoa on the nose. A light herbal note that ties into a bitter finish on the palate. Medium bodied. Mild tannins. Medium length.

Domaine De Ménard Cuvée Marine 2011, Côtes De Gascogne

A very enjoyable aromatic blend for under $15 made from a mix of some less familiar grapes in the south west of France. Expect aromas of goose berry, honeysuckle and hints of ripe tropical fruit. Moderate alcohol and crisp clean acidity make the wine easy to sip. Drink now as an aperitif, or with oysters on the half shell.