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San Alejandro Evodia 2022, D.O. Calatayud

Supple, juicy, and delicious, this garnacha is full of character and sure to please widely. That it is so inexpensive only adds to its appeal. It is subtly smoky and almost woolly, with delicious flavours of tender red berries, red plums, violets, and roasted herbs. The rounded, medium-bodied palate has a pleasing impression of sweetness (though it is in fact dry), fine tannins, and succulent acidity. The finish is cheerful and engaging.

Colomba Bianca Vitese Nero D'Avola 2023, Doc Sicilia

Another great buy in very drinkable, robust but rounded nero d'avola with its deep colour and very ripe exotic red and black fruits - cranberry, pomegranate, cherry. This also presents florals and pepper. It is fairly full bodied, smooth, warm and dense - even a bit sweet-edged - but not pasty. The length is very good to excellent. Chill a little.
Wow, great value - big cherry, cranberry. Smooth and drinkable, long finish. Double thumbs up.

Litorale Val Delle Rose Vermentino 2023, D.O.C. Maremma Toscana

Rémy Ferbras Terre De Mistral Plan De Dieu Côtes Du Rhône-villages 2023, Ap

Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2022, P.D.O. Naoussa, Macedonia

Domaine Gioulis Agiorgitiko 2023, Pgi Korinthos

I like the balance between sweet ripe fruit and more savoury, herbal notes. Red and dark cherries and berries are joined by flavours of thyme and oregano, vanilla and nutmeg here. The palate feels medium bodied, with grainy tannins and bright, balanced acidity, while the finish is long, integrated, and flavourful.

Château Monplaisir Fût De Chêne Bergerac 2019, Aop, Southwest, France

This punches above its price. It is merlot-based Bordeaux-styled wine, with the Bergerac appellation lying adjacent to the east. It has a fairly generous nose of raspberry, tobacco, cedar, nuttiness and stems. It is medium bodied, even and well balanced - still lively and warming, with very good length.

Musita Organicus Nero D'Avola 2023, D.O.C. Sicilia

Creekside Undercurrent Sparkling Shiraz 2024, VQA Ontario, Charmat Method

To my knowledge, this is the first sparkling shiraz made in Canada or at least Ontario, and the natural acidity achieved here makes it instantly appealing. I was immediately taken to Italian lambrusco. The nose shows lively ripe sweet black cherry/blueberry jam, heady peony and a touch of pepper.

Zacharias Assyrtiko 2024, P.G.I. Peloponnese

Here's a very zesty, spry and refreshing white made from Greece's most important, acid-driven white grape. The nose shows fairly generous yellow pear, apricot, with dried flowers, caraway and lemon. It is medium bodied, crisp and tart-edged with some CO2.