Wines of the week: Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009; Jean Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône Bonne Ruche 2009; Zalze Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2010
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009
The first of three reds to warm our souls in bleak February is part of a small range of New World bottles on the list of a small and discerning retailer which previously specialised entirely in European wines. From Chile's Maule Valley, this is juicy and fulsome, with a great combination of forward fruit and decent structure that makes for a drinkable, food-friendly wine to partner a roast chicken or joint of pork. £11.45, fromvineyardsdirect.com (minimum order 12 bottles)
Midweek meal
Jean Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône Bonne Ruche 2009
This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre is from a rapidly expanding producer based in the village of Cornas in the Rhône valley. Characteristically peppery and spicy, there are balancing brambly fruit flavours as well, together with some tannins to give it a bit of lean, medium-bodied firmness, which altogether works in harmony. Goes well with simple winter casseroles or Merguez sausages. £9.99, yourfavouritewines.com
Bargain basement
Zalze Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2010
Fantastic value here on another Rhône blend, but this time from Stellenbosch in South Africa, where the Mourvèdre and Viognier grapes lift, structure and, very slightly, perfume the spicy, wilder Shiraz to give a surprisingly powerful, complex wine for the price. Lovely blackberry and dark-red fruits, together with a little touch of oak make this perfect for any grilled steak or lamb cutlets. £5.99 (until 21 February; normally £7.49), Waitrose
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