Bodegas Navajas Crianza 2015
If you’re looking for a versatile red wine for meat dishes, pick up a bottle of the newly released Bodegas Navajas Crianza 2015. This Tempranillo and Mazuela blend from Spain’s Rioja region is deep ruby in colour with a spicy nose of sandalwood, strawberry and cherry compote with evident oak notes. It’s medium-bodied, dry, with cherry and red plum flavours, balancing acidity and a note of cloves on the finish. It’s got admirable length on the finish. It costs $14.95 at Vintages outlets. That’s Bodegas Navajas Crianza 2015 from Spain. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS.  ($14.95, Vintages #639823) (89)

The Raconteur Syrah 2017
Here’s a flavourful South African red that has a real story to tell. The Raconteur Syrah 2017 is grown in Swartland, a trending wine region 50 kilometres north of Cape Town. Deep ruby in colour, this bargain-priced Syrah, dense purple in colour, offers a savoury-herbal nose of black fruits; it’s full-bodied, dry, juicy and fruity with the flavour of black plums carried on lively acidity. It costs $14.95 at Vintages outlets and is just the job for spicy beef or pork ribs. That’s The Raconteur Syrah 2017 from South Africa. For Post City Magazine, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($14.95, Vintages #631515) (89)