Hidden Hills Estate McLaren Vale Shiraz, 2021

Inexpensive Australian Shiraz, whether from Trader Joe's or elsewhere, is difficult to find these days. And any such wines that are available are commercially made from high-yield, low quality vineyard fruit from southeast Australia. Hidden Hills Estate, available at my local Trader Joe's store for $5.99, is a notable exception. The grapes come from one of the best appellations for Shiraz, the Fleurieu coast of McLaren Vale. And the wine is very good.

Medium deep ruby/violet. Red as well as black fruit. Rich, ripe Shiraz with a nice acidic edge. Oak that enhances the fruit rather than overwhelming it. And a finish that leaves me ready to come back for more. Tastes to me like a Shiraz that might sell for $15 or more.
 

Elio Sandri (Cascina Disa) Barbera d'Alba Superiore, 2012

I have had several bottles of this Barbera d'Alba since buying it in 2017. This one is by far the best. But, alas, it's the last of the lot.

Medium beet red. Bright with minimal signs of age. In fact, it is just coming into its own. Nebbiolo-like bouquet of rose petals and dark cherry. Same on the palate, and also some Nebbiolo-like black licorice. Tannins that braced earlier bottles have faded away, leaving delectable fruit and mouth watering acidity. An excellent Barbera; reminds me of the Nizza Barbera I had last week.
 

Trader Joe's Grower's Reserve California Chardonnay, 2023

I bought this wine ($5.99 at Trader Joe's) for cooking over the holidays, and it served its purpose. With one bottle left over, I brought it tonight to the dinner table, and it was equally at home in that context.

Medium yellow. Red Haven peaches and canteloupe. Good balance of sweet fruit and bright acidity. Subtle oak. According to the label, the wine is made by ASV Wines from organic fruit. The winery is located in Monterey's Arroyo Seco region, and I suspect at least some of the grapes come from there. For $5.99, it will grace my dinner table again.
 

Mildara Barossa Valley Cabernet Shiraz, 2O21

After a long absence, good value Australian wines are now to be found on the shelves of my local Trader Joe store. This one, selling for $5.99 is a good choice for every day drinking.

Medium dark ruby. Black berries, black currants, coffee and vanilla. Tannins are soft and there is enough acidity to add freshness. 71% Cab, 29% Shiraz. The Shiraz fills doughnut hole in the middle. A great value.
 

Le Piane La Maggiorani Colline Novaresi Rosso, 2015

This amazing wine is from Boca in the mountainous far north of Italy. From 80 to 100 year old vines, it is 40% Nebbiolo, 40% Croatina and 20% miscellaneous indigenous grapes. The soil is very acidic, iron rather than limestone, and is a major feature in the wine.

In the center, the color is quite saturated--bright red with bluish tints. The garnet/orangeish tones of Nebbiolo are noticeable around the rim. With aeration, I get beautiful floral scents--violets and roses--mixed with red and purple fruits. Firm, grippy trannins and concentrated fruit that clings to the palate. Iron and spices, white pepper on the finish. Savory rather than sweet, almost tart in its acidity. Delicious.

This is the entry level red from Le Piane. I paid $17for it in November, 2018 at Eataly in Chicago. Other Boca wines from Le Piane are usually priced at $40 and up. I'm sure they are even more spectacular.

Chateau Feuillet Valle d'Aostra Torrette, 2016

This wine, a Kermit Lynch selection, comes from Valle d'Aosta, a mountainous area in the extreme northwest of Italy, near the border with France. It's a cool climate that gets abundant sunshines. The grapes are Petit Rouge (90%) and Mayolot (10%), and the wine after malolactic fermentation is aged in stainless steel and a small amount of wood for eight monrhs.

Bright red, medium dark. Fresh, fresh, fresh aromas of violets and red fruit. Fruity but very dry on the palate. Essence of red raspberries, red plums, spice and black pepper. Intense flavors that seem to hit all the taste buds. Hard to quit sniffing and sipping.

G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso, 2020

If you have trouble getting used to the big tannic wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, this wine may give you an entry point. It gives you the beautiful aromas and flavors of these wines in a fresh, approachable, early drinking style. The estate calls it a "hug from Piedmont." And what a hug it is. Vajra's Langhe Rosso is a blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto with small quantities of Albarossa, Freisa and Pinot Noir.

Bright ruby/violet color. Every bit as fresh and expressive as the Nizza Barbera (see below) plus riper, richer fruit. Red berries, plums, black pepper and Asian spices. Concentrated flavors. Already complex. At abouit $15 a bottle, this wine is always a good addition to your dinner table.