2013 Gigondas AC, Lavau, Rhône, France 14% (234955) $29.95
A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Just under half the wine is aged in 450L previously used barrels for 12 months. Deep ruby with an exuberant nose of candied black fruit; blackberry, black cherry, raspberry preserves and hints of underbrush, sweet spice and graphite. Full bodied and sumptuously textured with firm, ripe tannins and linear acidity. Juicy with impressive intensity, this is drinking beautifully now but will continue to develop in bottle over the midterm. Generous and flavourful, this is the perfect partner for rack of lamb or bison steaks. 88

2014 Chablis Premier Cru Beauroy AC, Domaine Hamelin, Burgundy, France 12.5% (391805) $32.95
This is what I always hope to get when I shell out for a decent Chablis. This is beautiful and poised with classic nose of melted butter, lemon meringue, floral and green apple notes. Impressive intensity that  seagues onto the palate, with focused acidity, lean bodied and persistent finish of cream and citrus. Pure, minerally and gorgeous. One heck of a catch in today's thin selection of Burgundies. 90

2013 Fitou AOP, Domaine Galaman, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 14% (395467) $14.95
A traditional blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. Deep ruby colour with brooding black fruit aromas of blackberry, cassis, black cherry preserves, hints of pepper, underbrush, sweet spice and savoury/meatiness. Generous, flavourful and wonderfully constructed with ripe, firm tannins and lingering sweet spice finish. Don’t miss out on this gem, especially as the weather starts turning cooler this is the perfect accompaniment to a good book and a cozy spot. 88

2014 ‘Estay’ Prieto Picudo, Castilla y Léon DO, Dominio Dos Tares, Castilla y Léon, Spain 13.5% (393140) $15.95
100% Prieto Picudo, aged for six months in a combination of French and American oak. Until I tried this, I had not heard of the Prieto Picudo grape. This producer, Dominio Dos Tares, produces product solely from this local grape.  Blackberry fruit, sweet spice. 89
 
2015 Cuvée ‘Les Caillottes’ Sancerre AC, Jean-Max Roger, Loire, France 13% $26.95 (65573) $26.95
Lemon zest, white flowers, gooseberry, melon. Medium bodied with a lovely texture and broad, crisp acidity. Impressive depth of flavour and lingering lemon finish. Try it with a Thai mango salad and spring rolls. 89