At under $15 this is a bargain wine that should, by all rights, cost a little more thanks to the 2012 vintage it hails from. Only 10 months in a mix of new (20%), 1 year (40%) and 2 year old oak (40%) – all of it French. The nose comes across as simple with raspberry and smoke being the most prominent, but it’s the palate that likes to show off here: vanilla and black cherry with raspberry backing … this is a highly drinkable wine that’s pleasant for all occasions and carries with it a lovely long red berry finish. This is what I like to call a “stock up” wine and you might want to do so because BBQ season is upon us. Price: $19.95 – Rating: ****