Guigal Cotes Du Rhone 2007 - Rhone Valley, France

Pale ruby with faded red brick on the edges. A subtle nose of cloves, stewed blueberry and smoky bacon. A mouthfilling medium bodied palate leads with charred oak, dried prunes and a long finish guided by acidity. Certainly a good vintage in the South of Rhone helps raise the bar for value on the Guigal 2007 offerings. Worth seeking out as a Friday night French special. 

Followers should note that this particular wine is the entry level blend from the E.Guigal and some flagship offerings made here represent the best Syrah/Shiraz wines in the world today. There is some serious history, passion and consistency that brings confidence buying this wine anywhere in the world.  

89+ points 

Elefante Tempranillo Shiraz 2009 - Non Regional, Spain

Crimson with violet edges. Smoke, vanilla and sweet chocolate with pencil shavings are forward on the nose. The palate, surprisingly is full bodied with dusty tannins to boot. Nice charred red fruit with enough character to hold interest. An incredible buy for followers that seek bang for buck under $15 Aussie Dollars. I recommend all creatures try this 2009. $14.99/bottle

89+ points

Sons of Eden Kennedy (Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre) 2009 - Eden Valley, Australia

Silky red, bright and flashy in the glass. A Very perfumed nose that exhibits prune, super ripe red fruits and cinnamon. The palate is earthy, incredibly luscious, savory and utterly delicious. The long finish with soft acidity leans towards a drink young style. A strong effort for this blend and certainly will be a great reference for followers as one of the better examples of GSM made in the New World at an absolute bargain price. $22/bottle. 

94points

Penfolds Grange (Shiraz) 2002 - South Australia regional, Australia

Inky red, any light swallowed. A nose of smoky bacon, pencil shavings and a mix of blueberry, prune and plum.
Full bodied, impeccable balance and length that rivals the worlds best. If money is no object than drink this amazing effort on days starting with "S". 

In my history of Grange tastings, this 2002 stands as an elegant, fine and youthfully drinkable Grange. At 9 years of age the wine is extremely approachable after decanting and shows a bright acidity that certainly will ensure longevity. Is it Australia's best Syrah? Followers that have enjoyed the 1990 and 1991 Grange should be excited by this 2002. $599/bottle.

97 points

Tua Rita Rosso di Notri (Sangiovese Blend) 2007 - Tuscany, Italy

Rose red with purple flashes. The nose leads with clove, charred oak and super ripe cherry. Medium to full bodied with spice, red fruits and a fleshy, luscious mid palate. Gentle tannins support a long finish guided by great acidity. A young wine with a strong future ahead and certainly an interesting and successful take on Sangiovese blended with Bordeaux varieties (Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon). A$44.99/bottle

93 Points

La Curio Reserve Shiraz 2007 - Mclaren Vale, Australia

Dense, deep blood red with little evolution around the edges. A lovely perfumed nose of stewed berries, vanillin and subtle oak. The seamless palate is extremely well balanced, medium to full bodied and shows off great concentration. A wonderful effort with no hard edges, silken mouthfeel and soft acidity that makes for incredibly pleasurable drinking. A superb example of Mclaren Vale Shiraz. A$39.99/bottle.

93 points

Henry's Drive Vignerons Pillar Box Red (Shiraz Cabernet Merlot) 2008 - Padthaway, Australia

Pours a dark garnet surrounded by deep blood red. The nose exhibits smoky, mature cigar with dried coconut. This rich, ripe and opulent wine offers a thick texture with an array of cassis, oak and gentle spice. Soft acidity to finish and supremely satisfying. This wine will certainly impress a broad range of consumers. $14.99/bottle. 

89+ Points

Domaine Lucci Rose (Pinot Noir) 2010 - Adelaide Hills, Australia 500ml Bottle

Pale salmon with shiny ruby flashes in the glass. Intriguing aromas of wild berry, toffee and Moroccan spice.  A pleasant creamy textured palate featuring Turkish delight and cinnamon that leads into zingy acidity on the finish. $21.99/bottle (500ml)

88 points

La Vieille Ferme Rouge 2009 - Rhone Valley, France

Dark ruby with pale edging. The nose exhibits ripe blue and red fruits with exotic spices.  A light to medium bodied effort with white pepper tracing on a core of mixed berries. Soft tannin and tight acidity form the backbone. Certainly charming but not overly complex.

89 Points

George Michael Shiraz Cabernet 2009 - Mclaren Vale, Australia

Brick red with lashings of vibrant purple colours fill the glass in this medium bodied effort. The nose leads with blueberry compote, smoked meats and a touch of dried cocoa. The palate follows through with nice intensity as Mclaren Shiraz leads the charge leaving some fine tannin and commendable length. Followers should consider this wine a superb purchase to drink over the next decade. Release price $100 per dozen. 

90 Points