Wines of the week
Otu Wines 2025 Pinot Gris
Otu Wines 2025 Pinot Gris (Marlborough, New Zealand — $18.89, Liquor Marts and beyond)
From the Marlborough subregion of the Awatere Valley comes this Pinot Gris, pale straw in appearance and offering fresh pear, peach, red apple, candied pineapple and floral notes on the nose. It's light-plus-bodied and dry, with ripe tree fruit (peach, pear and apple) making a big splash alongside a hint of spice and a touch of that candied pineapple note. No oak to speak of here — drink this fun fruit salad of a white now, especially while it's on sale (regular $20.99). 4/5
La Colombette 2024 Cuvée Océan d'Azur red
La Colombette 2024 Cuvée Océan d'Azur red (France — 21.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)
An organic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from southern France, there's a lovely core of ripe raspberry, cherry, plum and bubble gum on the nose of this fruit-driven red. It's dry, light-plus-bodied and juicy, with loads of red berry and cherry flavours coming with a splash of acidity, virtually no tannins and a modest 12.5 per cent alcohol on the finish. The bubble gum-ish note is reminiscent of red Beaujolais — chill for 20 minutes and enjoy. 4/5
Le Grand Noir 2024 Pinot Noir (France — $17.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)
Le Grand Noir 2024 Pinot Noir
Pale ruby in appearance, this bestselling southern French Pinot Noir offers lovely ripe cherry, plum and blueberry aromas, with subtle earthy and violet notes as well. It's light-plus-bodied and dry but quite juicy, delivering lush cherry, blueberry and plum flavours with soft tannins, light acidity and, at 13 per cent alcohol, a touch of warmth on the finish. A fruit-forward crowd pleaser and a solid value, particularly while it's on sale (regular $19.99). 3.5/5
Mojo 2024 Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia — $23-28, private wine stores)
Inky purple in appearance, this Aussie Shiraz brings black cherry, iron, earthy, plum and herbal notes aromatically. It's full-bodied and dry, with white pepper and dark chocolate notes coming with black cherry, raspberry and baking spice flavours. Acidity is modest, tannins aren't overpowering and there's some decent length on the finish (it's 14.5 per cent alcohol); it's drinking well now, but could be set aside for two to four years. Available at the Pourium and De Nardi Wines. 4/5
Mojo 2024 Shiraz