Web-exclusive picks:
• 2003 Ashbrook Chardonnay (Margaret River, Western Australia, $22): Big, oaky and buttery. Perfect for lobster in butter or corn dishes. Score: 88/100
• 2004 Deakin Estate Shiraz (Victoria, Australia, $12): A round, ripe dark berry. Plum flavours with a little spice and warm oak. Full-bodied. Drink with lamb, sausage or barbecue fare. Score: 85/100.
• 2002 Palandri Merlot (West Australia, $19): Supple, simple and full-bodied red with aromas of black fruit and plums. Aged in oak for 12 months. Score: 86/100.
• 2004 The Little Penguin Merlot (South East Australia, $13): A juicy, innocuous wine with sweet, plummy fruit. The wine equivalent of the sitcom Friends: everybody’s happy, no major issues probed. Drink with hamburgers and steak. Score: 84/100.
Natalie MacLean was recently named the Worldâs Best Drink Writer for the articles in her free wine newsletter, available at nataliemaclean.com. Look for her column in every issue of Chatelaine!
FILED UNDER: Natalie MacLean