(2015) We don't often see the great red grape of the Loire Valley and Right Bank Bordeaux appearing as a stand-alone variety on New World wines. In this instance it has been fashioned into a juicy, up-front and easy-drinking red, this has a lightly bubblegummy, fresh and cherry-infused nose, with a little grass and pepper quality. In the mouth there's enough tannin to give it some structure, plenty of cherry-bright fruit, and a nicely balanced finish. Highly gluggable, and great with burgers or a bowl of chilli.

(2015) Aitken Wines of Dundee (and on the web) currently have a good price on this Fairtrade Carmenere from Torres in Chile. There's a keen, almost Rhône-like note of pepper and schist at first, certainly a touch of greenness about this, but I like the lively cherry and blackberry fruit that comes through. In the mouth it has a richness and chocolaty weight, beefed up with its 14% alcohol, but it does retain good freshness, a keen edge from that herbal and cherry-skin character, with a nicely roughening rasp of tannin too.

(2011) Creamy texture and finish with good balancing tannin and acidity. Impressive.

(2010) A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Syrah, half of which was barrel-aged for nine months. Tight black fruit, a touch of blackcurrant and herbal, earthy tones. The palate has beautiful sweetness and focus - a great seam of black fruit running through, edged with olive and savoury meaty notes, but lovely balance and style.