Guerrieri Rizzardi Valpolicella Classico 2010, Veneto, Italy (£15.99 The Wine Alley)
The smoky vanilla oak sheen and the ripe berry fruit veering towards the slightly baked and overripe may appeal to some, but I want my Valpol to be fresher and perkier than this. C+

Tenuta I Collazzi ‘Collazzi’ Toscana 2009, Italy (N/A in the UK)
Can’t fault it for its fresh, ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and cherry flavours, but I’m not so keen on the slightly too-sweet vanilla oak influence, and I miss a backbone of tannin and acidity. Good, but feels like it’s been made for a certain style of US drinker. S-

Piccini Sasso al Poggio Toscana 2007, Italy (£12.99 Morrisons)
Think Chianti for Shiraz lovers, this has the classic aromas of Cola and sour cherry, with a warm, hearty finish. Not all that subtle, but soft, mature and tasty. S-

Zorah Karasi 2010, Armenia (£22.99 Philglas & Swiggot, Sipp London, The Old Bridge Wine Shop, Vin Neuf, Wined Up Here)
Refreshing open-hearted style of wine, generous and soft, but never too ripe, with notes of cola and wet clay to its violet-scented berry flavours, and a refreshing minerally finish. Good lunchtime glugging fare, could almost take a chill. S