90

2013 Le Grand Cros, L'Esprit de Provence, Côtes de Provence, Provence

( £11.49, 13.5%, Noel Young Wines )

A pale coloured Provençal blend of Syrah and Grenache that’s just the thing for summer, this has more weight and concentration than many examples of an increasingly popular style. Raspberry fruit, bright acidity and a whiff of Mediterranean herbs all add to the sense of balance here. 

Drinking window: 2014-16Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, France, Rose, Grenache, Syrah/Shiraz
91

2012 Cullerot, Celler del Roure, Valencia

( £12.99, 13%, Davis Bell McCraith, Tivoli Wines )

A highly unusual (possibly unique?) blend of Macabeo, Verdil, Pedro Ximénez and Chardonnay from Valencia of all places, this stylishly packaged, leesy white was made with very little suplhur, but it’s cleaner and fresher than many “natural” wines. Ageing takes place in clay amphorae, rather than oak and the result is all about fruit: apple, pear and a hint of stone fruit with subtle spices.

Drinking window: 2014-17Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Spain, White, Chardonnay, Macabeo
90

2013 Thistledown, Thorny Devil, Grenache, Barossa Valley, South Australia

( £15.99, 15% )

Juicy, easy drinking Barossa Grenache that carries its alcohol lightly. The oak is well handled here on this wine overseen by Masters of Wine, Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan. Raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, a touch of oak and a ripe, satisfying finish. Try it chilled for maximum pleasure. 

Drinking window: 2014-16Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Australia, Red, Syrah/Shiraz
90

2010 McGuigan, No 3471 The Shortlist Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia

( £15, 13%, Tesco Wine Online )

Grassy, elegant and perfumed, this is a lighter style of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, showing notes of graphite, mint and green pepper and refreshing acidity supported by fine tannins. Not a wine to keep, but enjoyable to drink over the next couple of years. 

Drinking window: 2014-16Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Australia, Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
91

2012 McGuigan, No 1081 The Shortlist Riesling, Eden Valley, South Australia

( £15, 11.5%, Tesco Wine Online )

Lime blossom-scented, toasty Eden Valley Riesling showing some enticing bottle development. Like the rest of The Shortlist range, this provides excellent value for money. Tangy and long on the palate, it’s a very pure, almost transparent expression of the grape. 

Drinking window: 2014-18Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Australia, White, Riesling