Montes ‘Twins’ White Blend’ 2015
DO Aconcagua Coast, Chile $11.95 (440156) 13.0% alcohol
This easy-drinking blend of Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay/Viognier leaps from the glass with heady, perfumed aromas of savory herbs and spice. Creamy smooth and chockful of flavour, you’ll be dazzled by the gorgeous array of tropical fruit—grilled pineapple, lemon curd, ripe honeydew melon and wisps of tangy lime. The finish is crisp, refreshing and mouth-watering. Sip on its own or with pan-seared seafood or lightly spiced Asian cuisine. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
Argento Malbec 2015
Mendoza, Argentina $9.95 (591693) 13.5% alcohol
This is value-packed, fruity and well balanced. Don’t hesitate to pick some up, Black plum and spice aromas lead to a crowd-friendly, medium-weight, nicely textured wash of ripe red cherry and boysenberry preserve bathing the palate and replaying on the balanced finish an aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
Argento ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Mendoza, Argentina $13.95 (164764) 14.0% alcohol
This spent nine months in oak, but you wouldn’t know it. It’s smooth and mellow from cork pop to last drop. Dark berry fruit and charred toast on the nose, it bathes the palate with a spice-laden river of black currant and cassis garnished with a sprig of mint and excellent tang, The finish is lengthy and lip-smacking good. Pour with all manner of grilled or roasted meat. (Vic Harradine)
Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula (291211) $14.95 13.0% alcohol
Fruit was sourced from a variety of estate vineyards, barrel fermented in 90% French oak then barrel-aged for eight months before bottling. Lovely aromas of caramel apple, baking spice and orchard fruit waft from this medium-plus bodied nicely textured beauty. It bathes the palate with a gentle stream of baked apple and ripe pear decorated with baking spice and excellent citrus acidity. It finishes up smooth and mellow, balanced and beautiful and the price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)