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Chateau De Gourgazaud 2009, Minervois

This gem from the south of France is certainly my one of my go-to table wines for everyday drinking. It is regularly available and a great value buy for sure.

Dark fruit mostly of blackberry and cassis with healthy amount of earth, spice and leather notes. Medium to full bodied wine. Drink now.

Tasted 2012.

Petra Zingari 2008, Igt Toscana

A palate of black ripe fruit, earth, licorice and spice. While tuscan, this portrays qualities typical of a bordeaux - particularly the licorice notes. While it opened up after decanting, the tannic and acidic structure of this wine means that it will likely see great value in short-term aging.

Great value.

Tasted April, 2012.

Baldes & Fils Château Labrande 2008, Ac Cahors

Rich purple colour. Very supple and smooth on the palate with balance fruit. The finish is a little unbalanced with spice and tannins that don't quite round out.

Gricos Aglianico Del Vulture 2008, Doc Basilicata

I can see why the tannins and oak would be overwhelming for some, however after a couple of hours of decanting it showed character and depth with notes of aged leather and dried fruit with a fantastic, long finish.

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009, Padthaway, South Australia

While there was some nice berry flavours here, it is not what I would come to expect from a typical Aussie shiraz. I would have expected some pepper, spice, chocolate or something. I appreciated the subtle approach, but I feel that it fell flat. The flavours didn't seem to come together very well, nor can I speak of a rather great finish. A decent wine, but nothing special. One thing that didn't appreciate was the black tongue after drinking. We can all expect some degree of colour when drinking red wine, but this needs to be filtered before drinking.

Château Saint Roch Chimères 2009, Ac Côtes Du Roussillon Villages

Deep purple, inky colour. Black licorice, dark plum, cassis, white pepper and mature black fruit. A hot wine with medium tannins, with a long smooth finish. Solid 89.

Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Being a 2011, this is understandably a very green wine and exhibits minimal fruit notes. It is instead dominated by mineral, lime stone, grass clippings and acidity.

Château La Brie Prestige 2009, Ac Bergerac

This wine is a testament to the 2009 Bordeaux vintage. I have to agree with everyone here, but I give it a little more credit. Not just for the price. While it is an exceptional value, it presents well-balanced fruit, supple tannins and a soft finish. Medium to full body, with notes of cassis, black berry, menthol, espresso and pencil shavings. Although I am not sure it will age much longer than two years. Value buy 4/5.

As always, the vintage panel recommends a pairing with lamb...big surprise!

Tasted March/2012

Chateau De Gourgazaud 2010, Minervois

Great value wine. Offers surprising balance and nice finish. LCBO tasting notes are pretty spot on.

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Sonoma County

Rich, red / brownish brick colour. Delicious harmony of dried fruit and dried flowers with nice hints of herbs and wood. The tannins and fine and soft with nice length and body.

Great value!

Tasted June 2012.