Nederburg 'Manor House' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
WO Western Cape $16.95 (68767)
Hand picked and hand sorted, the fruit for this stunning red was sourced from two premium dryland, low-yield vineyards in the Paarl region. While in Ontario, Chief winemaker Linley Schultz predicted a further five years of optimum drinking. Wisps of toast mingling with cherry and minty notes form the aromas while the gusher of fruit flavour includes boysenberry, cassis and minty mocha. The tannins are perceptible, but acceptable, the balance perfect and the gorgeous texture is silky smooth. It was fermented in open-top fermenters, received 12 to 14 months French oak ageing and was egg-white fined. (VH)


Nederburg 'Manor House' Shiraz 2006
WO Western Cape $16.95 (68775)
Complex and classy, look for lifted aromas of black pepper, spice box and tar that segue an elegant stream of flavours with juicy black plum compote and succulent black raspberry to the fore. There's supple texture, moderating tang, deftly integrated oak and a lengthy spicy and fruity finish. Sourced from Paarl and Philadelphia sub-regions, the two lots were vinified separately then meticulously blended. Pair this with rosemary-rubbed gigot of lamb. (VH)



Santa Carolina 'Barrica Selection Gran Reserva' Petit Verdot 2006
DO Rapel Valley, Chile $14.95 (7484)
The mélange of aromas are a-typical—gravelly stones, exotic spice box and ripe fig. The rich and rustic flavours are quite expressive with dried crushed red and dark berry fruit, minerally notes and a good spine of moderating acidity. The finish is warm (14.5% alcohol) and lingering. This is a great food wine that will shine with meat-laden spicy pizza or pasta in a puttenesca sauce. (VH)



Santa Carolina 'Barrica Selection Gran Reserva' Merlot 2006
DO Rapel Valley, Chile $14.95 (27276)
Expressive aromas of black Damson plum and black cherry segue into flavours of approachable and warm black currant, spiced dark field berry and more plum. Round and ready for early consumption, this is medium bodied and nicely structured with ripe tannin and moderating acidity. The lingering finish layers on flavours of dark chocolate and hints of vanilla. This is very good value and is worthy of a multiple purchase. (VH)



Santa Carolina 'Reserva de Familia' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
DO Maipo Valley, Chile $19.95 (684597)
Look for mint, dark berry fruit and tarry aromas off this richly concentrated well-structured red. Scintillating layers of flavours caress the palate with dark, juicy cherry, zesty cranberry and black raspberry to the fore. It's beautifully balanced, has 12 months of perfectly integrated French oak and delivers a luxurious finish of lip-smacking ripe berry fruit, supple tannin and zesty tang. Pick up a half dozen; it's great value. (VH)



Château Clos de Merle 2005
AOC Côtes de Bourg, France $17.75 (86629)
Pleasing spice and dark plum aromas form the aromatic profile while the concentrated and warm flavours of cherry, black currant and spice box are still wrapped tightly in a rustic and grippy tannic structure. The drying finish in this red blend (60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec) is redolent of crushed red currant and dried cranberry. Drink this 2011 to 2014 with a hearty beef daube. (VH)


Santa Carolina 'Barrica Selection Gran Reserva' Carmenère 2006
DO Rapel Valley, Chile $14.95 (640888)
Subdued aromas of spice box and red berry fruit open this medium-bodied and medium-textured red. Fairly tight and well-focused, expect black berry fruit flavours infused with mint and spice. There's generous tang and acidity while finishing clean, refreshing and on an herbaceous note. Pair this with pasta in a tomato-based sauce. (VH)