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SCMP Reporter

Less than $100

Miguel Torres $71

It's ridiculous, I know, to buy a wine because you like the label. But the watercolour of a farmer and his mule with the Andes in the background prompted me to try this. And I wasn't disappointed. That great Spanish winemaker Miguel Torres takes his skills worldwide (China is on the list, too) and this pure 2000 sauvignon blanc from Santa Digna in Chile is a wonderful addition. Like cool-climate sauvignon from New Zealand, it has a passion-fruit nose. The floral taste is subtle, crisply dry but fruity. Have this with a Cantonese meal or grilled fish.

Remy: 2523 5904

Less than $200

McGuigan $140

The McGuigans were making wine in the Hunter Valley when convicts still wore leg irons - not that I am suggesting there's a connection. The amiable clan of veteran winemakers is now turning out a mid-range selection. This 2000 semillon/sauvignon blanc blend is aptly labelled Night Harvest, because the grapes are picked after dark so the fruit has plenty of juicy intensity. The red (Rich Harvest) is innocent of a grapeidentity on the bottle, but is a typically burly Hunter, full of flavour and terrific with lamb chops and a steak. This is the old-fashioned, honest sort of wine that made Australia famous.

Everwise Trading: 2751 8568

More than $200

Galah $298

As you drive past the Clare Valley estate where this shiraz is grown, clouds of pink and grey birds flutter into the air. These birds - galahs - have a reputation for stupidity. 'Don't be a galah' means stop being an idiot. Well, there's nothing foolish about paying $239 for this wine. This 99 shiraz is a nicely balanced, well made, deliciously flavoursome wine. This premium hand-made vintage carries promise of getting even better with careful ageing in good conditions. It's hugely spicy with toast flavours from the oak.

Orient Pacific: 2791 6332



Wine on