• The following Montes Alpha 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.

  
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
DO Colchagua, Chile $17.95 (322586) 14.0% alcohol
Ripe, juicy, red cherry/berry fruit, exotic spice and grilled savory herb aromas abound. It cuts a broad, complex swath across the palate with a nicely textured, medium-plus bodied flow of bramble berry and juicy black cherry mingling with sweet vanilla, baking spice, cracked black pepper and a wisps of soft, ripe tannin. The balanced finish and aftertaste is robust, lengthy and mouth-watering good. (Vic Harradine)

   
Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2016
DO Leyda, Chile $13.95 (485516) 12.5% alcohol
Tropical fruit, honeydew melon and floral aromas introduce a tang-driven stream of gooseberry and lemon-lime streaking across the palate persisting through the lime-soaked, lip-smacking finish. It’s medium weight and nicely textured. Refreshing sipped on its own, it pours well with prawn ceviche or freshly shucked oysters dotted with hot sauce and freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)

  
Cloudline Pinot Noir 2014
Willamette Valley, Oregon $29.95 (159970) 13.9% alcohol
Grilled savory herbs and dark berry fruit mingle with wisps of black licorice on the nose of this balanced, complex and rich-tasting Pinot. It bathes the palate with a medium-weight, nicely textured stream of ripe bramble berry and red cherry decorated with piquant spice and flecks of soft tannin. It finishes fruit-forward with a balanced, lengthy finish and aftertaste, Pour with crispy pork bellies. (Vic Harradine)

  
Torres ‘Viña Esmeralda’ Rosé 2016
DO Catalunya, Spain $13.95 (490920) 12.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of red berry fruit, and floral notes open this light-on-its-feet, 100% Garnacha Rosé. It glides over the palate with wisps of spice, red currant and grapefruit pith. This is nicely framed with racy acidity persisting over the palate and through the finish and aftertaste. Pour with prawn ceviche or sushi. (Vic Harradine

  
Firestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Santa Ynez Valley, California $20.10 (292128) 14.8% alcohol
This is a well-priced California Cab with oodles of fruit, good acidity, depth and complexity. Palate-bathing flavours of black currant, black plum and juicy black cherry interweave with spice, figs and espresso roast persisting through the lengthy finish. This is medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel and dry, well-balanced finish while the aftertaste layers on baking spice and charm. (Vic Harradine)