Purple Moose

Domaine Saint Pierre Vacqueyras 2010

Delightfully floral nose. Firm but fine tannic structure, with enjoyable complexity on the palate and certainly no paucity of fruit. This may be best after a few years in the dark.

Pérez Cruz Reserva Limited Edition Carmenère 2012

Big and bold, with a silky texture and considerable complexity on the nose and palate. Notes of cocoa, leafy herbs, black fruit and citrus. However, the palate fatigues quickly from the bombast -- one glass is enough, thanks.

Château Vincens Cuvée Prestige 2011, Ac Cahors

You would be excused for thinking that this powerhouse was from Mendoza rather than from the Garonne river basin. That's because this French Malbec is distinctly new world in character. Ripe and smoky on the nose, with subtle tannins and a distinctly Argentinian licorice tang on the palate. Good balance overall and highly drinkable.

Gaia Thalassitis Assyrtiko 2013, Pdo Santorini, Aegean Islands

This is undoubtedly an unusual, interesting wine. However, I found it somewhat acrid on the palate and unpleasantly flinty on the nose (although it may be that the wine is simply too young).

Henry Of Pelham Family Estate Winery Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nice, but lacking in depth and complexity. Loads of concentrated red fruit, and a little pinot-driven bitterness, but not much else. No substitute for the real thing (or, at this price point, a nice cremant).

Cono Sur Syrah Reserva 2010, Colchagua Valley

Tasted the 2011.

It is a little bit one-note (the note being black currant or blackberry), and is somewhat syrupy. That said, it's tasty and definitely represents a good value.

Bodegas Castaño Hécula Monastrell 2009, Do Yecla

This is full bodied and tannic. It's a great value.

D'angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2009, Doc Basilicata

Don't even think about drinking this as a cocktail wine. The tannins and acid are both dialed to eleven. This is a brash, rustic red that's lacking in finesse.

Campo Viejo Reserva 2007, Rioja

Elegant and complex. Strong spice and tobacco notes.

Hecht & Bannier Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2010

Stellar value. Impressive complexity and texture.