181 Merlot 2008
Lodi, California $16.95 (226530) 14.0% alcohol
181 refers to the Merlot clone—from Pomerol, Bordeaux—used in this. Aromas of spice-infused black plum and black berry compote waft from this crowd-pleasing, value-laden red. It brims with rich, ripe dark berry fruit and kitchen spice on the palate following through to the lengthy aftertaste. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a gorgeous layering of dark chocolate and espresso roast on the finish. (Vic Harradine)


Mionetto ‘Il Prosecco’ Non vintage
DOC Prosecco, Italy $11.95 (588053) 10.5% alcohol
Everything you’d want in a Prosecco—crisp, clean and refreshing, slightly fizzy, soft and mellow, ripe, fruit-filled flavour, rock-solid value and under twelve bucks! It’s incredibly versatile; serve with food, as an aperitif, a welcoming wine or sip on its own curled up with a good read. (Vic Harradine)


Antoine Moueix Merlot 2010
AOC Bordeaux, France $12.95 (245860) 13.5% alcohol
This opens with aromas of incense and tobacco leaf. A mid-weight, racy, tangy river of red currant, cranberry and red cherry runs throughout. There’s nerve and verve in the mid-length, dry finish adorned with savoury spice and a supple tannin underpinning. This offers good value pairing particularly well with pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)