At £20, the Carignan/Syrah 2002 Observatory Swartland (13%) from South Africa ain’t cheap. It also isn’t ready. It needs two more years — at least — of cellaring. So purchase it as part of a case, perhaps InterWined’sTotally Awesome Christmas Cracker Wine Case, and lay it to rest as a Cellar Secret (our code words for cellaring & wine storage).

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The white 2005 Parducci Sauvignon Blanc. Grassy and crassy, with a citrus nose. Simple and zippy. A fun, fun wine. Could be aged in oak for awhile, though, to soften those edges: 8.5 alone; 8.7 points as part of a mixed case.

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Is it a Shiraz or is it a Cabernet? Well, the 2005 Sleeping Dog Lies Shiraz-Cabernet (13.5%) is both. And be thankful!

Australia is in the throes of some pretty crazy trends, like blending Shiraz with Viognier. This blend is not only completely nuts but also everywhere, leaving InterWined to try and reject more than a few Shiraz/Viognier bottlings…

Anyway the Sleeping Dog Lies is filled with ripe cherry and tastes of dry branches being smoked. This is true Aussie gold. Fun and enjoyable: 8.6 alone; 8.8 as part of a mixed case.

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The 2005 Domaine Saint Antonin ‘Les Jardins’ ((14.5%), from the South of France, has the sad distinction of being the worst rated of the InterWined’s Twelve Wines of Christmas. But it makes it into its Totally Awesome Christmas Cracker Wine Case (available year round – — hurray!), because it is extremely food friendly.

This can go with pea soup, turkey crown, and even that crazy Christmas pudding that so many old-fashioned Brits like to set on fire before shovelling down their gobs. It is soft and fruity, with very little on the nose.

And, sure, It’s approachable, but some may find it too overripe: 8.2 alone, 8.4 with Christmas vittles or in a mixed case.

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Sadly, the aroma of this 2003 Les Ailes de Paloumey Haut Medoc (13.5%) is a little flat, which seems to be the norm these days for mid-priced Bordeaux, with a little liquorice.

The wine is nice and soft, but 2003 was a weak year for the region. In fact, you can taste all the rain. There is some tannin, though not enough for a good grip. This is the most understated of the wines and perfect for an easy drink by the Christmas tree on Boxing Day: 8.3 alone; 8.5 by the Christmas tree or in a mixed case.

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The 2005 Katnook Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon (12.5%) is straight Aussie Cab Sav with flavours of raspberries and violets.

What’s more fun, however, is the taste of powdered hot cocoa mix.

We know it’s Christmas, but don’t add marshmallows; it will clash with the oak: 8.4 alone; 8.7 in discounted mixed case.

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Short review, this: the 2004 Jean-Luc Colombo Les Forots Côtes du Rhône (13%) is a blockbuster. Made of 100% Syrah, this is a wine that tastes of heavy vine fruits smashed up — strong, strong stuff. Wonderful balance: 8.5 alone, 8.6 in a discounted mixed case.

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The 2004 Quinta Generación is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Shiraz, and a touch of Petite Verdot.

With so many grapes, how could it taste bad?

Well it does — at first.

So decant or leave open a least an hour, or, better yet, one day. Then you’ll be getting somewhere. A deep ruby colour, it gives that tell-tale ‘Cabernet from Chile’ smell that is kinda dusty and untidy. But, the blackberry throughout is great; and the body is peppered with…pepper.

Also, the roasted beef on the finish is kinda wacky. The finish is both long and harmonious: 8.8 points, 8.9 in a discounted mixed case.

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The grape is Lacrima di Morro and it tastes like Turkish Delight. That’s right, this red wine smack of rosewater. The Marotti Rubico (13%) is a little funky at first, but unusual and daring enough to earn a righteous spot into InterWined’s awesome Christmas cracker. Oh yeah, there is also some thin raspberry and medium tannin…and it finishes too hot: 8.6 on its own; 8.7 in a discounted mixed case.

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Who knows what’s in this white wine blend? But who cares really as The 2005 Finn ‘Off the Leash’ (13%) is a great wine to start the festivities. It’s crisp and somewhat crassy, so there is some Chardonnay lurking (60% — ed.).
Medium-bodied and fresh, it pair well with appetizers. But, as with most table wines, it suffers under the weight of its own basic structure: 8.4 alone and as a mixed case.

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