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89 Points

Heartland 2009 Pinot Grigio

An interesting take on Aussie pinot grigio, this has more in common with Alsace pinot gris. It has an attractive pear and wet stone nose, with some complexity that could be mistaken for oak, but it is unoaked. Medium-bodied, with an underlying richness and dry finish. A lovely pairing with pork or chicken cooked in oil or broth, with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $15-$25

88 Points

JM Fonseca 2009 Domingos

This dark red blend of mostly touriga nacional and touriga francesa has forward earthy, leathery, phenolic notes, implying big tannins. Indeed, on the palate, it is rather brooding and tight, with lots of dark cherry fruit marked by firm tannins. A gutsy, great value red that needs either time, decanting, or some rare meat to tame it. This would pair nicely with beef or lamb cooked rare in herbed-broth fondue.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $15-$25

89 Points

Guigal 2009 Côtes-du-Rhône

Guigal is a huge producer of Rhône wines, both in volume and reputation and this is arguably their flagship wine. Impressive in its consistent quality from vintage to vintage, this wine has more weight and structure than most Côtes-du-Rhône. Anchored mainly on syrah and backed with grenache and mourvèdre, this has dark fruit, spice and firm tannins that allow it is age very well. Try it with pepper-crusted steak or lamb stew. Keeps coming back for: its firm structure at a great price.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $15-$25

86 Points

Santa Julia 2009 Reserva Bonarda

While this grape has Italian origins, it has been adopted/grown by a number of Argentine producers, especially for secondary use in malbec-driven red blends. Dark violet in colour, the primary aromas are ripe cherry, milk chocolate, perfume, white pepper and vanilla. It is a full-bodied, fairly plush red, with ripe chocolate-coated cherry and raspberry flavours dominating, with lighter plum, white pepper, mocha and vanilla notes in the mix, too. The tannins are soft and almost sweet — drink now.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $15-$25

86 Points

Tahora 2009 Medeiros

Grapes both common and not-so-familiar make up this deep red Portuguese blend: aragonez, syrah, touriga nacional and cabernet sauvignon. Mint, earth, mocha, cassis and blackberry aromas add to the vanilla notes from 12 months in French oak. This is dense, very full-bodied and rich, with cassis, ripe cherry, anise and vanilla flavours. There is some heat on the medium finish thanks to medium tannins and 15% alcohol. It is also highly extracted, meaning this definitely needs some hearty meat to be drunk now. Alternately, put it away for a few years and let it mellow out a bit.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $15-$25

90 Points

Bodega Sierra Norte 2009 Pasión de Bobal

Here’s a great example of a Spanish red made using an indigenous grape variety — in this case, bobal. Blackberry, perfume, plum, raisin and savoury spice are alluring on the nose. It is a full-bodied red that brings some earthiness to the dark fruit notes — plum and blackberry especially — with mild tannins and acidity. This is an extremely food-friendly red that's complemented by modest oak and good structure.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $15-$25

87 Points

Summerhill Estate Winery 2009 Cabernets

This wine is a blend of primarily cabernet sauvignon, with about 30% cabernet franc. The nose exhibits plenty of chocolate and cocoa powder notes, with cherry, cassis, herb, licorice and olive. In the mouth, it has a pleasant spiciness and consistent fruit notes. I love the plump plumminess and the just-right tannins that finish on a slightly herbal note. Pair it with grilled meat or big beefy dishes.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $15-$25

87 Points

CedarCreek 2009 Merlot-Cabernet

This blend is predominantly merlot, with around 17% cabernet sauvignon. The nose is slightly smokey and sweaty, with plum, licorice, graphite, olive, prune juice and spice aromas. In the mouth, this wine is well-balanced, with plenty of red fruit, coffee-like tannins and vibrant acidity. It is drinking well now.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $15-$25

87 Points

CedarCreek 2009 Pinot Noir

This wine is showing dried cherry, strawberry and rhubarb on the nose, with earth, spice, licorice root and a clean tomato stalk character. It has similar flavours on the palate, with tart fruit, food-friendly acids and slightly grippy tannins. It would be a good pair against beef stews or roast beef.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $25-$40

88 Points

Ghost Hill Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir

Lighter coloured in the glass, the rim of this wine is already bricking indicating some budding maturity. The nose has tea and tobacco aromas, with dried cherry, blackberry, menthol and vegetable leaf notes. The palate opens up, with intense dried fruit and a long spicy, earthy finish. It is showing well now, so consuming within the next two to three years rather than cellaring it for the long-term.

Vintage: 2009

Price Range: $40-$60

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