Mendoza, Argentina An excellent representation of Argentina's signature varietal in this elegant and fullbodied Malbec. Opaque dark purple with lovely ripe damson plums, pepper and vanilla on the nose, followed by a rich palate that showcases the ripe fruit, spice and dark chocolate with soft, balanced tannins and a lingering elegant finish. This wine was aged in French oak casks for 12months. It has excellent structure and could cellar up to 10 years. Definitely a buy ag

Dalmatian Coast, CROATIA This ripe and luscious Plavac Mali was my favourite wine discovery of the year. It is crafted from hand-picked grapes grown on Croatia's beautiful island of Brac, along the Dalmatian coast. Bright garnet red and fragrant, it is known as the "King of Croatian Reds". Highly aromatic with notes of plum, dark fruit, regional herbs, dark chocolate and vanilla. Bursting with flavour, it opens up beautifully and becomes more fruit-forward mid-palate. Pol

Brač, Croatia I loved this Pošip from the first sip! It is an indigenous Croatian varietal, grown on the island of Brač, along the Dalmatian coast. Pale yellow with a green hue, it has pretty aromas of tart apricot and peach, melon, citrus and tarragon. The fullbodied palate echos these notes and adds ripe pineapple to these flavours along with a touch of salinity. There's a satiny rich mouthfeel and mouthwatering acidity. An intriguing bitterness on the finish suggests lim

My food and wine adventures continued last fall with a visit to Croatia.