KWV Jean Taillefert 2002
WO Paarl, South Africa $59.95 (2295)
An opaque and brooding dark red in the glass, this 100% Shiraz turns elegant, complex and memorable on the palate. The spice and coconut (from the American oak regimen) aromatics are joined by a sweet core of black plum flavours that carry seamlessly through the lengthy and luxurious finish. Well balanced, well structured and well? damn delicious. Drink now to 2014. (VH)

Tyrrell's Vat 47 Chardonnay 2003
Hunter Valley, Australia $39.95 (912287)
A world class Chardonnay that has garnered a swag of show medals. This has great verve and crispness with white peach, lime zest and green plum flavours to the fore. It has a tad of spice from deftly handled oak and the finish is a ripper with fruit (peach, quince) and acidity in perfect balance. Drinking extremely well now and good to go another 5 years.

Torres Mas La Plana 2001
DO Penedes, Spain $39.95 (617456)
Smoke, oak and spiced cherries blow off this satiny smooth Cabernet Sauvignon. Offering layers of ripe red berry fruit, caressed by soft ripe tannins, there is barely perceptible balancing tang. Mark this an easy and early drinking wine that is gorgeous now and will be over the next 4 to 5 years. Medium-bodied, fruit forward and softly textured, it would pour well alongside lamb daube. (VH)

Viña Santa Carolina "Barrica Selection" Petit Verdot 2004
DO Valle De Rapel $14.95 (7484)
Intriguing aromas of brioche and cherry set up this medium-bodied red. The addition of 15% Syrah gives it oomph as the palate is treated to structure and grip along with the rich sweet (14.5% alcohol) black fruit flavours. Deftly handled oak, fairly low acidity and the fruit forward flavours coalesce into another of wine maker, Sven Bruchfeld's trade mark gems. This offers good value and suggests a multiple purchase. (VH)