Wines of the week

White: 1999 Villa Maria Marlborough Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, pounds 6.99, widely available

One of the best relatively affordable young Kiwi sauvignons in this fine vintage. A pungent, aromatic quality ties in with a hint of green bean and zingy gooseberry.

Red: 1998 Amberton Eden Valley Shiraz, pounds 5.99, Safeway

Reduced by pounds 1 for another week, this is a full-on, spicy Australian shiraz. Coming from the cool Eden Valley, the wine has minty, berry fruit flavours and an appealing smoothness of texture.