WINE RECOMMENDATIONS

2013 Enigma Cabernet Sauvignon (California) LCBO 428847 $13.95

For $14 a bottle, the Enigma brand definitely delivers reliable value for money. This fine winter warmer teems with bushels of rich fruit laced with enticing complexity. Stewed blueberries and black cherries are infused with suggestions of toasted oak, charcoal, black peppercorn and grilled beef — all tightly wound into a smooth hit of flavour. At13.5 per cent alcohol, this medium- to full-bodied wine would be wonderful with a traditional meal of shepherd’s pie.

Score: 91+

2012 Xavier Cotes du Rhone, France, Vintages 297317 $16.95

Although it doesn’t state it on the label, this wine by esteemed maker Xavier Vignon is a Grenache-based blend typical of wines simply labelled Cotes-du-Rhone. This fullbodied wine with 14 per cent alcohol teems with flavour. Juicy mixed berries nuanced with notes of warm leather, red meat and black pepper, this sassy pour from Southern France tastes lifted and refreshing rather than dense and brawny. Fabulous with fried food such as pork schnitzel.

Score: 90

2013 Ontanon Vendimia Vetiver Viura (Rioja, Spain) Vintages 437707 $15.95

Bring on the cheese fondue and crack a bottle of this immediately captivating Spanish white from 100 per cent Viura, an indigenous grape of Rioja. Made by the reputable winery, Bodegas Ontanon, this delicious bottle tastes harmonious and vivid with aromas of ripe pear, Chantilly cream and orange zest, as well as roasted pecan and spice from barrel aging. This medium-bodied with 13 per cent alcohol offers stellar value.

Score: 89+

Monasterio de las Vinas Gran Reserva 2005, Spain, Vintages 82024 $16.95

The Monasterio de las Vinas brand tends to always be reliable, 2005 was an excellent year, however, and this wine from the Carinena region of North-Eastern Spain is still showing well a decade on. The medium-bodied blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Carinena with 13 per cent alcohol unfurls with delicate flavours of cherry, cola, tobacco and toasty oak. Works well with or without food. I like it best with nuts by the fire.

Score: 91

2013 Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Chile, Vintages 437947 $15.95

The large Chilean producer, Vinedos Emiliana S.A., makes a range of outstanding wines under the Novas name, and this bottle is a shining example. Complex and ripe from the warm, sunny Maipo Valley region, this robust red with14.2 per cent alcohol brims with fresh, clean, macerated berries — red and black — layered with melting milk chocolate and freshly roasted coffee bean with a long finish. Terrific with a hearty meal of roasted meat and potatoes.

Score: 93