2015 ‘Le Fils des Gras Moutons’ Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AC Sur Lie, Domaine La Haute Févrie, Loire, France 12% $14.95 (363150)
A fresh nose with lemon zest, grapefruit pith, delicious apple, fennel and hints of bread dough. Dry and lean with taut acidity and saline undertones. Use this wine like a spritz of lemon to complement seafood dishes; this would be heavenly with oven roasted halibut on a bed of grilled fennel and spring onion. (88)
 
2015 ‘Cuvée Genèse’ Sancerre AC, Jean-Max Roger, Loire, Franc 13% $27.95 (189126)
An elegant and punchy Sancerre with vibrant citrus, fresh cut flowers, yellow plum and quince. Dry and medium bodied with crunchy acidity and clean, minerally finish. Beautifully balanced, this works brilliantly as an apératif, or would be tasty with oysters or Italian seafood salad (calamari, shrimp, mussels, scallops with fresh herbs and fennel). (89)
 
2014 006 Riverside Estate Merlot, Bodega Aniello, Patagonia, Argentina 14.5% $17.95 (480731)
30% oak aged for 12 months. Full bodied and plush with jammy black fruit notes of blackberry, cassis, blueberry preserves, black cherry and sweet spice, cigar, vanilla and liquorice. Velvety tannin structure and well balanced acidity make this wine very approachable and instantly likeable. (87)
 
NV ‘Le Moulin’ Brut Méthode Traditionnelle, Blanquette de Limoux AC, Domaine J. Laurens Languedoc-Roussillon, France 12% $19.95 (180323)
A blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay. A great value sparkling that has plenty to offer, with delicious apple, nectarine, citrus zest, honeysuckle and bread dough/brioche notes. Dry and fresh with a creamy mousse and rounded texture. Try it with smoked salmon blinis with crème fraiche and capers. (89)