Our Year in Review: The Best of the Rest of the World

The wine world continues to expand with gifted producers making wines that deserve our attention. Certainly, our customers this year think so, judging by their broad-ranging purchases. To start with something familiar: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A classic category, but an expensive one. That's where Cade comes in. At around $100, the estate wine offers compelling value.

From the southern tip of Argentina, the Pinot Noir wines of Bodega Chacra go from strength to strength with their high-toned, pure-fruited style. From Chile, Almaviva is a joint venture between Mouton Rothschild and Chile's Concha y Toro. Epu is the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon second wine and displays all the finesse you would expect from this distinguished winemaking heritage.

Spain is one of the most exciting wine countries at present. The legend of Comando G is no longer a secret; many are the wine lovers who have discovered these translucent, scented Garnacha wines from the Gredos Hills outside Madrid. This 'new Spain' of freshness and brightness is also represented by Raúl Perez, whose Mencia-based reds from Bierzo in Castilla y León combine delicious red fruits with a savoury undertow. It's a winning combination.