Last updated 05:13, Friday, 31 October 2008

Like the footballer Jack Charlton, I have a little black book. Not, heaven forbid, listing foes I plan to poleaxe, but my tasting notes on wines.

Flicking through this week, it was striking how many South African wines figure.

It really is the place to find exciting wine at a keen price.

Take the grandly-named Boschendal 1685 Grande Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2008, £7.99 at Tesco and the Co-op.

This white makes a fine aperitif or easy drinking any time.

Not bone dry, nor as tart as many New Zealand sauvignons, there’s an explosion of lush, ripe asparagus flavours.

A tiny bit of oak-matured semillon adds an extra dimension and roundness.

Vergelegen Mill Race Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2005 is another Bordeaux-type blend.

It’s very much South African in style, however, with more than a hint of charred wood or burnt rubber on the nose.

The palate is voluptuous, minty cabernet to the fore with a long, dense, finish.

There’s enough tannin to stand up to food although this is softer than many cabernets.

It should work a treat with tomato-based pasta dishes.

Majestic has it at £8.69 or currently £6.95 if you get two.