Monterra Fleurieu Peninsula Nero d’Avola 2016
I never expected to find Sicily’s premier red grape growing in South Africa, but there you go. Monterra Nero d’Avola 2016 comes from South Africa’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Deep purple-ruby in colour, it has a spicy nose of black plums and new leather with a lavender note. Medium-bodied and dry, it’s fleshy but elegant and well-balanced with a caressing mouth-feel. It costs $18.95 at Vintages outlets and is a real find. Match it with red meat dishes. That’s Monterra Fleurieu Peninsula Nero d’Avola 2016 from South Africa. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($18.95, Vintages #534743) (91)

Bouchon Block Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Here’s a worthy Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile for your dinner table: J. Bouchon Block Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. Just released at Vintages outlets for $19.95, this flavourful wine is dense purple in colour with a cedary, spicy nose of plum and blackcurrant with vanilla oak top notes. Medium-bodied and dry, blackcurrant flavours fill the mouth and linger for a long time. Just the wine for roast lamb. That’s J. Bouchon Block Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 from Chile’s Maule Valley. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($19.95, Vintages #546481) (89)