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SCMP Reporter

Under $100

Domaine de Beaurenard

$69

Infuriatingly, there's no hint of what grapes go into this bottle. I presume it's all the usual suspects that make Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines so wonderfully tasty. It's a good drop, but it's frustrating not being able to work out what makes it so nice. Still, the easy solution is to whip out the cork and drink it. That's worthwhile, as this number from the Rhone is fruity, pleasing and extremely good value for money. It's sufficiently light to enjoy with Cantonese food and at this price is also a good picnic bottle.

ParknShop: 2606 8833

Under $200

Torres

$111

Miguel Torres is one of the great figures in Spanish wine. The fourth generation of his family to make wine in Catalonia, he is branching out in new directions. This merlot is a complex delight of jams and spices; all plummy with savoury overtones. It's delicious with any meat but I had it with duck in a Beijing restaurant and it was a cross-cultural treat. This needs a little time in the refrigerator, to be consumed just gently chilled. A juicy red that is drinking well at a tender age, it can only improve with a couple of years in a cellar.

Oliver's: 2869 5119

Over $200

Warwick Three Cape Ladies

$299

The three women on the label of this brilliant red refer to the cabernet sauvignon, pinotage and merlot grapes that make up the blend. These are the 'daughters' of Norma Radcliffe, the Canadian-born icon of the Stellenbosch wine region. Her South African neighbours call her 'Stormin' Norma' and when you taste this burly bruiser with enormous character and power, you get the idea she's a powerful woman. This makes full use of pinotage, South Africa's scientifically designed native grape, to create a complex wine that's packed with flavour.

Watson's Wine Cellar: 2147 3641



Wine On