OLD Barbecue Sampler Half Case

2 x 2008 Borgo Pretale Le Crete Chianti Classico
2 x 2008 Eagle Vale Estate Margaret River Shiraz
2 x 2008 Indalo South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon

Season some steaks, shuck some corn and load up the charcoal: it's grilling season! With two bottles each of a complex, plush Aussie Syrah, a brightly perfumed Chianti and a velvety, black-fruit-driven South African Cab in this half-case offer, there's enough to keep your guests happy at your next backyard barbecue. Or keep it all to yourself for some after-work sipping.

What makes these wines love any grill-marked food, from portobellos to porterhouses, is their bold fruit, body, spice and power. But each wine expresses these qualities differently, so there's plenty to ponder between gulps of wine and forkfuls of barbecue.

Tasting Notes
2008 Eagle Vale Estate Shiraz
The Eagle Vale's complex and plush nose strikes instantly with blackberry jam and dried Bing cherry, followed by herbal aromas of eucalyptus, menthol and dried sage. Chiseled and focused on the palate, this Shiraz carries undertones of red currant and cool blue fruit, with faint gamy and smoky notes on the finish. This is a medium- to full-bodied wine with smooth tannins that is very approachable now, and it will continue to develop through 2014. Pair this with Mediterranean dishes or spice-rubbed pork tenderloin. (14% ABV)

2008 Indalo South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon
Intensely dark purple-ruby, the 2008 Indalo Cabernet Sauvignon's inky color points toward its full body and ripe, fruit-driven style. Powerful aromas of black currant and plum dominate, but are well supported by the leafy tobacco notes that Cabernet drinkers expect. Velvety and lush, the Indalo's soft tannins enhance the lush fruit, and the balanced acidity makes the wine pleasingly refreshing for a muscular red wine. Pour this with thyme-roasted leg of lamb, braised beef-cheeks with buttered pasta or a marinated grilled steak. (14.43% ABV)

2008 Borgo Pretale Chianti Classico
Bright ruby-red in color, the 2008 bursts with aromas of ripe red cherry and plum accented with dried thyme and earth. More cherry and strawberry fruit emerge on the palate, which is medium-bodied and vibrant, with the bright acidity you expect from Chianti. The finish is relaxed and the tannins are refined, with notes of dried herbs that call out for roasted sage chicken, salumi, pasta with veal ragù or lasagna. Drink this now, or wait until 2015. (12.5% ABV)

—Lot18