Bottles Of The Week

It's so rare to find a matching pair of wines from the same producer with equally commendable qualities at a knockdown price, that two bottles are in the spotlight this week. Santa Ines Sauvignon Blanc, Maipo Valley, 1998 (stockists below, £5.49£5.99) is heady with floral and tropical fruit aromas but light and zippy in the mouth - just the thing to perk up a Thai curry. Santa Ines Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, 1996 (same stockists, same price) isn't blackcurrant-jamsweet, like many a New World Cabernet in the bargain department, but succulent in a more restrained way with a firm, peppery finish. It should go with just about anything: stews; roasts; steak and kidney pie; vegetable lasagne; even cheese on toast. Defy what one wine merchant describes as the month of Scabuary and buy the two.