WINE

Yvon Mau Merlot 2002 ($7.95, product No. 336743). This medium-bodied winner from the south of France actually tastes like real merlot, which you don't often find for under $15. It boasts a ripe, smoky-plum and berry core, smooth texture and impressive balance.

Yvon Mau Colombard Chardonnay ($7.95, No. 627265) is another big surprise, light and bright, offering up refreshing flavours of green apple, citrus and pear and finishes crisp and clean.

Spinelli Quartana Montepulciano d'Abruzzo ($6.60, No. 454629) keeps going from strength to strength. The 2001 vintage, now on the shelves, was a marked improvement over the 2000 vintage, more modern, fresh and fruit-forward in style, with light-to-medium body, fairly smooth texture and a bright, dry finish.

Farnese Sangiovese Daunia 2002 ($6.95, No. 512327) is a surprisingly flavourful Chianti-like red, with hints of cherry, mushroom and spice.

Tribal Sauvignon Blanc Colombard 2002 from South Africa ($6.95, No. 623694), light, bright and citrusy with a moderately silky texture.