Domaine Soumade Merlot 2004
This smooth Merlot is from France’s Rhone region, which is better known for its Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault than its Merlot. But it’s got plenty of red fruit and oakiness in the bouquet and on the palate which comes from half the fruit spending 18 month

Las Lomas Equality Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
If you’re a conscientious wine drinker (or rather a wine drinker with a conscience) then this Chilean Cab Sav is for you. The co-operative that produces this wine receive a guaranteed fair and stable price plus a premium that goes towards projects in the local community. The wine itself is powerful and fruity with a plummy flavour on the palate.

Agaliu 2004
The highly distinctive blue bottle and labeling is an indication that this white from the Costers Del Segre wine region in Catalonia is something a little different. It’s 100% Macabeo and similar to Chardonnay in style, although that doesn’t really do this wine justice. It’s produced by the L’Olivera Co-operative with a production of just 7,000 bottles and exceptionally low sugar content.

Ermita De San Felices 2003
This Rioja Crianza from the Santiago Ijalba bodega near Haro is midway in style between classic old-school Rioja and the more modern new wave. Aged in American oak for 14 months, it’s fruity, full-bodied and easy to drink. Concentrated red fruits and vanilla on the nose, it’s a good match with red meats and risotto.

Cape Heights Chenin Blanc 2005
This Chenin Blanc is a dry and aromatic white from South Africa’s Western Cape region. It exhibits fresh citrus and tropical fruit flavours, balanced by a crisp, rich finish. It goes well with grilled chicken or roast pork dishes.

Bleasdale Langhorne Creek Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Winemakers the Potts family are Australia’s second oldest and this offering is a classic Australian blend of 55% Shiraz and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Shiraz fills the palate with spice and berry flavours while the Cab Sav delivers herb and mint tones and tannins to lengthen the palate. The wine is matured in French and American oak barrels to add to the complexity.

Borie de Maurel Esprit d'Automne 2004
This is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan from the Minervois region of southern France that goes well with casseroles, hotpots, roast meats and cheeses. Expect incredibly concentrated black olive, blackcurrant and meat flavours. The palate is rich and opulent with a huge finish. A well-balanced and complex wine.

Virginie Marsanne 2005
This white works well as an aperitif or with grilled fish. Marsanne is not the most common wine on the shelves but it is worth the hunt as it is a wonderfully expressive varietal, heavily textured and dripping in flavours of marmalade, dried fruits and orange blossom. Perfect for those hot summer days.

La Chablisienne Chablis 2004
The La Chablisienne cooperative was founded in 1923 and despite its size remains one of the most consistent producers of quality Chablis. This entry-level wine is pale lemon in colour and the nose has the classic Chablis flinty aroma. There are hints of v

Mud House Wines Pinot Noir 2005
Finding a half-decent Pinot Noir that doesn’t break the bank is not easy – so this offering from family-run Mud House Wines in New Zealand’s Marlborough region is a welcome proposition. Cherry, redcurrant and plumy notes in both the bouquet and on the palate. Mud House’s Sauvignon Blanc has been voted best in the world so you can be sure this wine is from a quality operation.

Stella Blanco Dry Muscat 2004
Now here’s a surprise – a wine that actually smells of grapes. This easy drinking white is 100% Muscat from Portugal’s Terras Do Sado region. It’s got a soft, fruity palate and a clean, fresh finish. Try is with Chicken Veronique.

Fox Creek Verdelho 2004
Australia seems more and more these days to be the laboratory for experiments with unusual blends and grape varieties. This offering from McLaren Vale takes Madeira’s native grape – Verdelho – and instead of the expected sweet wine, produces a intense lime-flavoured white with a creamy texture.