SOMETIMES you look at a bottle and read a little bit about it and, without opening, you get a feeling it'd be a wine for you.

Such was the case with a couple of contrasting South African Shiraz blends that are currently on discount offer at Waitrose.

Shiraz, or Syrah as it is also known, can sometimes be a bit too tart, overly aniseedy and power-jampacked for our liking, especially some of those lower-end New World examples which speed their way onto our supermarket shelves.

But it can also be wonderfully fruity and full-bodied with lovely little characterful hints of mint, earth or liquorice and anise, depending where the grapes are grown.

Furthermore when blended well with another grape, it can gain a new pleasantness, depth and complexity.

Such is the case with the Zalze Shiraz-Mourvèdre-Viognier (down from £9.49 to £6.99 until January 24), from South Africa's often under-rated wine-growing region around Western Cape.

We thought it might be an intriguing blend (especially for such an affordable post-Christmas budget price), with the addition of Mourvèdre (15%) and a little Viognier (5%) giving the predominant grape extra aromatics and complexity.

Indeed what you get is a plush red with ripe blackberry, raspberry and spicy cherry flavours, and subtle notes of French oak, plus a little touch of freshly turned earth and truffle. Some drinkers spot mocha and cigar notes too.

It'd go with all sorts of things especially for an easy January night in, including grilled meat, pizza and pasta. It's got a bit of oomph, mind, coming in at 14.5 per cent.

Down the aisle is another interesting South African Shiraz blend, although this one goes by the Syrah moniker, and more importantly, when it comes to taste, perhaps isn't quite as smooth as the above. That said, it's a bronze medal winner in last year's International Wine Challenge, and we won't argue with those guys.

It's the Dawn Patrol Syrah Grenache, likewise with 25 per cent currently off, down to £7.49 until January 24.

Apparently, the winemaker, Trizanne Barnard, is also a keen surfer (what a life some people lead!), and "dawn patrol" is a surfing term for checking out conditions just before sunrise in the hope of a perfect swell. As you would probably guess, the winemaker, according to the label, applies "similar dedication to the cause when it comes to sourcing grapes".

It hails from Swartland, which is traditionally a grain-producing area but has pockets of old vines.

There's sweet red and black fruit in the glass and hints of white pepper, roasted coffee and a little local vegetation. It's to pair with charcuterie or grilled meats.

It may be stupidly obvious to say this, but, if you like Grenache and if you like Syrah, there's a fair chance you will like this wine, the flavours of both coming through.