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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

Terry Kirby
Sunday 05 February 2012 01:00 GMT
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Sunday lunch

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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