Nancy

Robert Oatley Shiraz 2013, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

Blueberry! Blue robe, blueberry nose, and hot, alcoholic blueberry palate...too alcoholic, too hot, and as David said, too dry and salty on the finish, emphasis on the salty part. Yet, there's something about it....

Catedral Dao Reserva Red 2010, Dao

Typical, unmistakable Dao nose of earthy mocha and dried pine needles. Rusticity at a price to match.

Kwv Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Refined, fruit forward with nicely balanced acidity underlayed by new oak. Remarkable at this price point.

João Portugal Ramos Loios Red 2013, Vinho Regional Alentejano

I find the nose tempranillo-forward, with that leathery wet tobacco scent; on the palate it's dry, oaky, with mocha notes. Not much spice to it, but there are herbal facets at play, enough to give it complexity. Even though it went up a quarter it's still great value as an accompaniment to stuffed vine leaves or roast lamb with mint.

Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2013, Single Site, Langhorne Creek, South Australia

Castillo De Almansa Reserva 2009

I liked this aromatic, fruity, oaky, dry, lively, tight-tannin delight. Good with BBQ steak, good on its own. Great value.

Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc 2014

It has the minerality and green pepper aromas I like to find in a Sauvignon Blanc, with a sweet nose that isn't present in the acidic, dry mouth. Lively and drinkable.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014

Fruit-forward nose, juicy citrus on the palate, it's easy to understand the popularity of this wine. Fruitier than other Marlboroughs such as the decidedly greener Oyster Bay.

Ventisquero Grey Glacier Single Block Carmenère 2012, Trinidad Vineyard, Maipo Valley

Meets carmenere characteristic requirements: green hot pepper on the nose, but too much astringency on the palate. As John says, correct, but not special.

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2017, Barossa Valley

Great with tomato-based goat curry.