Argento Bonarda 2011 

Mendoza, Argentina $9.95 (292458) 13.5% alcohol 

Although widely grown in Argentina—just behind Malbec—Bonarda is often consumed locally allowing this to fly under the radar. Be the first on your block to raise some eyebrows with this gorgeous red that tips the quality-price scale well in your favour. Intense aromas of dark, spiced berry fruit and toasty notes, it coats the palate with a rush of beautifully balanced, fruit-filled flavour—black currant, ripe mulberry and juicy, dark cherry. There’s good depth and the finish lingers, lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)


Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou 2011
AOC Anjou, France $13.95 (293514) 13.0% alcohol
Hailing from its French ancestral home in the Loire Valley, this Cabernet Franc delivers on all counts—it’s balanced, flavourful, and brimming with charm. Delicate aromas of lilac, black pepper and red berry fruit herald a light-medium bodied, nicely textured wash of red cherry, juicy, ripe mulberry and exotic spice on the palate and throughout the lingering, balanced and beautiful finish. There’s good structure and great value here. (Vic Harradine)


Concilio Merlot 2010
DOC Trentino, Italy $12.95 (293506) 12.5% alcohol
Rich and alluring on the nose with red licorice, dark, field-berry fruit and herbaceous notes, it delivers a mid-weight river of racy, red cherry, roasted herbs and tomato leaf. It’s dry and tangy on the mid-length finish garnished with a supple tannin underpinning and sprigs of savory herbs. Pours well with pizza or pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz Non-vintage
South Eastern Australia $16.90 (212472) 13.0% alcohol
This crowd pleaser drinks well as a party or conversation starter. Flavour-packed and bubbly-icious, it jumps from the glass with lively aromas of ripe, dark cherry/berry fruit, kitchen spice and minty notes. There are loads of bubbles jam-packed with sweet mulberry and black currant flavours adorned with enough acidity for pinpoint balance and a mouth-watering finish. (Vic Harradine)