Six recent and upcoming releases for you to consider this week, ranging from “wedding wine” to a fabulous sub-$25 value.

Wakefield 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon — Clare Valley, Australia ($19.95) (September 19 release)
Eucalyptus and cassis complement black currants and blackberries in this typically herbal Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-plus in body, that same black fruit and slightly medicinal herbs carry forward in the glass. Tannins are smooth. Pay attention to the temperature sensor/chart on the back label—Wakefield is a leader in reminding wine fans that we tend to drink reds too warm and white wines too cold. 88.5

Lealtanza Rioja Reserva 2015 — Rioja, Spain ($23.95)
Medium- to full-bodied, this Tempranillo spent 18 months in French oak barrels, then another three in French oak casks. But it has clearly also been evolving during its time in the bottle. The nose is like a late-night walk through a damp forest, crushing raspberries and red currants underfoot as you go, with some oak spice thrown into the mix. On the palate, the tannins are only slightly drying, with lush, deep, earthy fruit rolling off the tongue with a silky smoothness. An elegant, evocative wine and a great value. Serve it at 15C. 91

Wakefield 2018 Estate Chardonnay — Clare Valley, Australia ($16.95)
One of only two white wines in Wakefield’s Estate range (in wine lingo, “estate” means that the vineyards and winery are in the same location), this particular Chardonnay was harvested from a strong 2018 vintage from the Clare Valley in South Australia. Winner of a trio of gold medals last year (Japan Wine Challenge, Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition and Wine Showcase Magazine New Tastings). Although the region is probably most noted for its Rieslings, as white wines go, this Chardonnay seems to have inherited some of that same zesty acidity. It’s mostly aged in oak, but it’s a really well-measured, unobtrusive approach, with the oak putting some flesh on the bones of this juice, the aromas of which evoke lemon meringue, banana and peach. Expect tropical medley of flavours with assorted citrus, pineapple and pear, and a finish that hangs around to add further punch to this well-valued creation. 89

Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Reserva 2014 — Portugal ($14.95)
Blended from more than 10 different varieties, the end product is a dark garnet, with a robust initial nose of dark fruits and vanilla. Expect more dark red and black fruits on the palate, along with dark chocolate and slightly grippy tannins. Medium-bodied, this collage of fruit provides very good value, albeit not great depth. 87

Tavernello Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 — Emilia-Romagna, Italy ($8.95)

An intense dark ruby in the glass, this is a juicy, light to mid-weight, easy drinking red, featuring predominantly plum and prune and a little residual sugar on the palate. Light tannins. A possible wedding wine. Certainly can’t complain for the price. 85.5

Tavernello Pinot Bianco Famoso 2018 — Emilia-Romagna, Italy ($8.95)

A popular go-to house wine in Italy. Straw-yellow in colour, crisp with soft citrus fruits and melon, this is a light white that comes out of its shell when paired with food—think of seafood or a side dish like edamame beans drizzled with garlic and lemon juice. Pretty strong value for $8.95! 86