Chakana ‘Maipe’ ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2012
Argentina $14.95 (247320) 14.0% alcohol
This dishes up a lovely nose of red and black cherry mingling with earthy spicy bits. Palate-washing flavours of black bramble berry and dark juicy cherry ride a medium-bodied, nicely textured wave right through the balanced finish and aftertaste. There’s good concentration and plenty of fruit that’s nicely framed with good tang and lots of charm. The fruit’s hand harvested and the wine aged 12 months in French oak barrels—there’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)
Chakana Malbec 2013
Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (3509) 14.0% alcohol
Ripe, dark, juicy fruit aromas jump from the glass with wisps of spice and smoky notes. Palate-bathing flavours of black plum, bramble berry and red cherry wash in waves. This is mid-plus weight with good texture and a tang-laden, mouth-watering finish. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
Astrolabe ‘Province’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $22.95 (10421) 13.5% alcohol
This is a robust and rarin’ to go Sauvignon Blanc that jumps from the glass with heady aromas of grass, nettles and piquant spice. A gusher of gooseberry and passion fruit interweave with lemon grass and Key lime pie streaking across the palate, infusing the crisp lip-smacking finish. A mouth-watering aperitif, it has the balance and oomph to front up beautifully to mesclun greens under olive oil and crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner’s Reserve’ Chardonnay 2013
California $19.95 (369686) 13.5% alcohol
An involved nose of toasty, nutty notes and ripe orchard fruit aromas herald a spice-infused river of apple, pear and tangy citrus. This is nicely structured and balanced with purity of fruit throughout. It’s mid-full weight and nicely textured with a refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pour with lemon chicken or pan-seared white fish. (Vic Harradine)
Kim Crawford ‘East Coast’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2013
Marlborough/Hawkes Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (991950) 13.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of honeyed pit fruit mingle with wisps of toffee apple and nutty notes. Mid-full weight and nicely textured, it runs over the palate with flavours of pineapple yoghurt, lemon chiffon pie and lime cordial. It’s balanced and straightforward with a finish and aftertaste showcasing ripe peach and melon. Pour with chicken kebabs. (Vic Harradine)
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011
AOC Bourgogne, France $20.95 (162073) 12.5% alcohol
An attractive light-ruby hue in the glass, the quiet nose offers spice, floral and red berry fruit aromas. This is über-tangy throughout with a racy line of red currant and sour cherry mingling with beetroot and spice. It’s light on its feet with good texture. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Belle Glos ‘Meiomi’ Pinot Noir 2013
Monterey/Santa Barbara/Sonoma Counties, California $26.95 (130138) 13.8% alcohol
From three premium counties—37% Monterey, 34% Sonoma, 29% Santa Barbara, this dishes up an array of aromas—exotic spice, floral notes, cherry cordial and ripe dark berry fruit. A palate-coating wash of sweet ripe fruit—mulberry, black cherry and dark plum—interweaves with rosewater and ruby red grapefruit. Medium-full bodied with good mouth feel, the finish is lengthy and fruity. (Vic Harradine)
The Grinder Pinotage 2013
WO Western Cape, South Africa $13.95 (269076) 14.0% alcohol
Campfire smoke, espresso roast and dark chocolate aromas provide segue for a tangy stream of sour cherry and cranberry melding with baking spice and black currant. It’s mid-plus weight with creamy smooth texture and a lingering finish dominated by dark coffee and dark bittersweet chocolate. Give it a go with smoked, grilled back ribs slathered with a sweet and tang barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State $19.95 (210047) 14.0% alcohol
This is a lovely red with the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. A subdued nose of mixed spice and dark cherry/berry fruit unleashes a delectable wash of balanced and beautiful flavours with red and black currant and juicy black Bing cherry to the fore. It’s medium bodied with generous texture and long, balanced finish showcasing delicious ripe fruit. Each sip is as good or better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)