2012 Vacqueyras AC, Lavau, Rhône, France 14% $24.95 (104927)
An ultra tasty blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, this wine is packed full of flavour. Dusty blackberry, garrigue, baked earth, vanilla and liquorice nose. Full bodied with velvety smooth texture and balanced acidity. Lots of blueberry preserves and sweet spice mid palate. Great value and drinking well now. 88

2013 Chianti DOCG, Fattoria di Piazzano, Tuscany, Italy 13.5% $14.95 (393199)
80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo, Colorino and other indigenous red varieties. 
This is a wonderfully dirty, rustic, old school Sangiovese. Classic cherry, violet and earthy/savoury notes with bright acidity and approachable structure. This is good value for the price, and an awesome food wine that would pair well with almost anything - from antipasti to ziti. 88

2014 'Le Domaine' Muscadet Sèvre-&-Maine AC Sur Lie, Domaine La Haute Fevrie, Loire, France 12% $13.95 (390625)
Tangy and lean with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, saline notes and some faint bread dough notes in the background. Refreshing and clean, the only problem I have is that I need some oysters to go with it. 87

2012 'Galets Blonds' Chateauneuf-du-Pape AC, Patrick Lesec, Rhône, France 14.5% $56.95 (78089)
Hedonistic, concentrated and fruit forward with stewed plum, blackberry preserves, black cherry and exotic spice and wood notes (sandalwood). Full and broad on the palate with firm structure and lasting finish. Go big or go home with the food pairings - ribeye, roasted lamb or a bison steak would do the trick. 90