Wyndham Estate 'Bin 888' Cabernet Merlot
South Eastern Australia $14.45 (324574)

A 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot blend, this red has a beautiful nose of violets, toast and spiced dark fruit. On the palate there are cassis and currant flavours with wisps of an herbaceous note. It has good grip, even a grainy and rustic appeal, whilst the finish is lengthy and fruit-driven. This would be showcased well with a grilled rare strip loin steak, now to 2008. (VH)



Calama Merlot
Central Valley $9.40 (612440)

A pretty concentrated, fruit-forward Merlot, with some nice spicy notes and a tangy texture. Medium bodied, very dry, and with a little warmth from the 14% alcohol, it pairs well with rich red mat dishes. (RP)


Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Valle de Curicó $11.40 (263574)

Grown in some of Chile's coolest vine locations, cool-fermented to retain fruit freshness, this is crisp and clean with the fresh fruit flavours you want from a Sauvignon Blanc: lemon-lime, grass, gooseberry. Lighter in texture than the typically more pungent New Zealand SBs, this goes well with seafood appetizers like oysters and grilled shrimp. (RP)


Errazuriz Shiraz 2004
Valle Central $13.40 (604066)

Errazuriz was the first to plant Shiraz in Chile, and produced the first vintage as recently as 1996. It's now the third most planted red after Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, and can be found throughout the country, producing different styles from cooler and warmer locations. This example, from the warm Central Valley, offers rich dark fruit, spicy notes and a dash of pepper. With some complexity from the 8-10 months in American and French barrels, it's medium-plus in body, and makes a great match for well-seasoned red meat. (RP)


Errazuriz Max Reserva 2003
Aconcagua $17.95 (335174)

This is one of the great bargains in the General List. It's 100 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 12 months in (50% new) French barrels, and it gives full-fruit quality with marvelous richness and complexity. Look for a core of concentrated black fruit with notes that include spice, pepper, mint, and chocolate. The balance is fine, the tannins are sleek, the finish is long, and the price is compelling. Serve it with big food, like a medium-rare steak. (RP)



Nobilo 'Regional Selection' Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Marlborough $15.40 (554444)

Peach and grassy aromatics reach out to the taster in this fleshier-than-most white from the premier region in NZ. The flavour profile has all the usual suspects (citrus, passion fruit and gooseberry), but it is that plush mouth feel coupled with the clean zippy tang that makes this something special. Try with quickly grilled bass drizzled with lemon juice. (VH)


Sally Cat Pinot Noir 2004
New Zealand $14.95 (610667)

One of Coopers Creek's cat series, Sally has attractive and fairly typical Pinot aromas: it's earthy, spicy, edgy, with good sweet cherry fruit. The flavours are quite intense cherry and spice, with nice balance. Overall, it's well made and well priced, and makes a very good partner for grilled lamb. (RP)



Strewn Barrel Aged Chardonnay 2003
Cellared in Canada $11.95 (522730)

A lighter styled, quite elegant Chardonnay that's a blend of Ontario and foreign wines. It offers flavours in the apple, pear and white peach zones, with citrus and light oaky layers. The acidity adds crispness and food-friendliness, and you should drink this with grilled chicken and Atlantic salmon. (RP)


Strewn "TwoVines" Riesling Gewürztraminer 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula $10.95 (467662)

Fairly light in texture, this gives spicy aromatics of peach, citrus and tropical fruit that lead to a slightly off-dry replay. It makes a pleasant sipping wine as an aperitif and a nice companion to lighter spicy Thai dishes. (RP)



Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2004
WO Stellenbosch $9.95 (610907)

Quite aromatic, with floral and sweet citrus on the nose, leading to a crisp, fruity mouthful of red grapefruit and apple with slight honey notes. It's nicely done and excellent for sipping, as an aperitif, and as a partner for grilled seafood. (RP)



Felix Solis Los Molinos Gran Reserva 1997
DO Valdepeñas $13.95 (620971)

One of the bargains on the General List, this is a medium bodied, flavourful Tempranillo with terrific complexity and style. The wine's deceptive lightness conceals real depth of flavour, which include layers of red fruit and spice. The tannins are soft and it's ready for drinking now with hearty red meat dishes or aged cheeses. (RP)