Some very drinkable, affordable reds from Chile turned up for this tasting of merlot, cabernet and other blends from New Zealand and Australia.
BEST UNDER $15
(about $12)
Juicy blackcurrant and berry fruit mingle with a hint of earthiness from the carmenère in this firm, spicy wine with a dry, slightly grippy finish.
3 stars (out of 5)
Good value
BEST UNDER $20
(about $19.95)
Go for the reserve rather than the regular version of this ubiquitous brand.
It's dense with juicy fruit and inky blackcurrants, lifted by a hint of preserved ginger.
It is spicy, flavoursome and finishes firmly.
3 stars (out of 5)
Good value
(about $13)
In a sack-covered bottle, this simple but flavoursome wine has earthy, savoury hints, a suggestion of strongly-brewed tea and a firm finish.
2 stars (out of 5)
Average value
(about $29)
Pegasus Bay is one of the few winemakers producing both good pinot and good merlot-cabernet blends.
At four years old, this is rich with concentrated fruit, hints of chocolate and mint, and a firm finish.
4 stars (out of 5)
Good value
(about $29)
Oodles of spicy oak, suggestions of mint, chocolate, coffee and generous fruit, this is a big young wine, and will benefit from mellowing bottle age.
3 stars (out of 5)
Average value
(about $65)
Here's a wine that cries out for another few years to allow it to integrate.
At present it's big, powerful and concentrated with huge fruit and a firm finish, almost uncomfortable to drink, but maturity will mellow it.
4 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
- Charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
