Eden Road Hilltops Shiraz 2010

Sourced from a single vineyard (Kingsvale) in the Australian Hilltops wine region northwest of Canberra, Eden Road Hilltops Shiraz (actually there is a tiny 1% Viognier blended in) is open-fermented for 2 weeks before 16 months aging in French oak barriques.

Shows deep purple/ruby colors, with juicy earthy/barbecue/smoked meat aromas, displays an intriguing palate of ripe cherry, white pepper and red fruit and slight vegetal and metallic notes on the long finish.

Received a Silver Medal in the 2012 Southern Highlands Wine Show.

Cline Viognier 2007 California

Summer fruits, like ripe peaches, juicy pineapple and honeysuckle all contribute to the nose on this white wine made with the delicate Viognier grape.

Floral notes dominate the palate and finish with a refreshing kind of ginger ale sparkle.

I can recommend pairing this with a spicy Thai dish, shrimp or even lobster, and a bottle retails for about $16.

Chamarré Grand Reserve Viognier 2005 (Vin de Pays Vignobles de France)

Another new French wine from the Chamarré brand is this white which is made from 100% Viognier grapes, half from the northern Rhone and half from the Languedoc appellation. It is aged 6 months in oak. The grapes from the northern Rhone come from the AOC Condrieu where Viognier may have originated. Straw colored with floral aromas, a hint of oak and summer fruits, the palate is a big citrus and apple butter burst of color. This is in the $12 range at The Wine Room of Forest Hills.

Note: Chamarré is the first brand to take advantage of the new French wine appellation, "Vin de Pays Vignobles de France" which allows blending across regions. Founder Pascal Renaudat and winemaker Renaud Rosari have access to sources from cooperatives across the country and now can blend the best of each.