Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Red Blend 2011, Coastal Region (£11.50 Swig, Oxford Wine Co, Harvey Nichols, Good Wine Shop, St Andrews Wine Shop, Woodwinters, Handford, Roberson, Stone Vine & Sun, Philglas & Swiggot)
Smells as if it’s going be a little jammy – remember Jammie Dodgers? – but it’s actually a lovely fresh lively wine, with herbal aromas adding interest to the friendly loganberry and plum flavours, and a long, earthy finish. S

Higgovale Heights Shiraz/Mourvèdre/Viognier 2011, Western Cape (£12 Tesco online)
Quite an intense, chewy style, with bold berry and plum flavours just veering towards the jammy, and a smoky, savoury edge reminiscent of sun-dried tomatoes. I like it but it could do with a little more wildness. B(+)

Zevenwacht ‘The Tin Mine’ Red 2011, Stellenbosch (£10-£12 Eurovines, J L Leisure, Hoults Wine Merchants)
Rather dumb to start with, but eventually opens up to show plummy berry fruit with just a touch of that baked Cape character and a voluptuous, chocolatey finish. S-