WINE PICKS OF THE WEEK

Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna 2014, Sardinia, Italy

Costamolino comes off cool hillside vineyards that sit some 190 metres above sea level. A tough selection followed by a light pressing spawns this delicious bright white with a slight tinge of green in the colour. Floral ginger notes, fresh quince and yellow apple mix with creamy honey and orange blossom on a soft palate.

Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay 2013, California

The Avant fruit comes off of relatively cool Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino county sites, but still maintains its ripe California K.J. styling. Look for a tropical lime cordial nose with floral (rose) notes. The attack is similar with more tropical fruit, lime rind and just enough acidity to keep it interesting. The wine sees no oak.

Crios Malbec by Susana Balbo Dominio de Plata 2014, Mendoza, Argentina

The 2014 is a 95/5 mix of Malbec and Bonarda grown in the Uco Valley at an average of 1,140 metres above sea level. Nine months in older French oak gives the wine a richness and roundness in the mouth that draws you into its floral, black cherry fruit aromas and flavours and ripe savoury finish.

Feudo Maccari Nero d’Avola 2013, Sicily, Italy

A savoury, red-fruited nose springs from 12- to 34-yearold bush vines growing a little more than a kilometre from the sea. The attack is smooth, fresh and elegant with meaty, cherry, resin, licorice and dried herb flavours with perfect acidity. The finish is juicy and fresh. Best with some lamb stew or a favourite pork dish.

Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Chile

One of the better Marques de Casa Concha Cabernets, the 2014 blend is 92/6/1/1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah, all grown in the cool, high Maipo at Puente Alto. The wine spends six months in a mix of small French oak barrels and 5,000-litre foudres.