----=== Hess Select, California ===87 per cent Cab Sauv, 8 per cent Merlot, 5 per cent Syrah; 13.5abv; fruit harvested early August in Napa, Paso Robles, Sierra Foothills, Lake County and Mendocino; UK £10.99

Aroma: complex nose of red fruit jam with notes of oregano , rosemary, tobacco leaf and redcurrant

Palate: big and jammy with blueberry, plum, cinnamon and clove although mid-palate is overshadowed by hefty tannins, lacking freshening acidity. Surprisingly doesn't live up to the promise on the nose----=== Wolf Blass Presidents Selection, South Australia ===100 per cent Cab Sauv; 14 abv; includes fruit from McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley; vintage of "good to outstanding quality"; UK £12.99

Aroma: dense and brooding with fruits of the forest yogurt, smoky menthol hints and a mineral, pencil-lead streak

Palate: Big , open, plenty of black fruit with touches of strawberry jam, cherry. Vibrant acidity throughout signals a lengthy future ----=== Richard Hamilton Hut Block, McLaren Vale, South Australia ===94 per cent Cab Sauv, 6 per cent Cab Franc; 14 abv; grown on sand and black loam over clay; 18 months in 36 per cent new oak, 5 per cent one to two-year, 59 per cent older; vintage "fine, mild, free from rain"; UK £11.99

Aroma: leads in with pronounced menthol, backed by crème de cassis and fresh crushed berries, vanilla notes

Palate: opens up bright with blackcurrant, black cherry supported by clean acidity and a dusting of tannin. Juicy fruit on the finish too, but a distinct dip in the middle