Santa Digna ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Curicó Valley, Chile $14.95 (177451) 14.0% alcohol
Deep purple in the glass, this expresses aromas of toasty oak, black licorice and copious amounts of black cherry. Medium bodied and generously textured, expect a gusher of succulent flavour with dried black currant, black Damson plum and cassis that attacks in wave after delectable wave through the lingering finish. It’s well structured, well balanced and well... delicious. A Vintages Essentials wine, it’s always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)


Gran Coronas ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
DO Penedès, Spain $18.95 (36483) 13.5% alcohol
A Vintages Essentials wine, it’s always available in select stores. Aromas of camphor, cracked pepper and spiced mulberry drift easily from this well-paced complex gem. A glorious rush of flavour washes over the palate with pie cherry, ripe boysenberry and kirsch liqueur predominant. Medium bodied and silky smooth, the lingering well-balanced finish is redolent of blueberry, espresso roast and black currant. The 12 months in French oak has been seamlessly integrated. Pair with a slab of back ribs grilled and slathered in a spicy bar b que sauce. (Vic Harradine)