Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose NV - Champagne, France

Pale salmon pink with blood orange tinges. Savoury, meaty nose with hints of maraschino liqueur and light brioche. The palate is surprisingly dry with pleasing acidity and lovely pink grapefruit and milk biscuit flavours. I would recommend followers enjoy this cuvee with food. Salmon or ocean trout would work well on a sunday afternoon.

91 points

Penfolds Grange Shiraz 1995, South Australian Regional, Australia

Impenetrable blood red with a core as dark as the night. The nose, where to start...chinese spice, unlit cigar,  plum and dark chocolate. The palate in thick, dense and filled with primary fruit and well managed oak. Although this is certainly not a blockbuster like the 96 or 98, there is signature power and grace. You could thoroughly enjoy drinking this now or hold for up to 10 years. A$499/bottle.

95 points

Gibson Barossa Vale Shiraz 2002 - Barossa Valley, Australia

Un-evolved burgundy/red in the glass. Explosive nose of mocha, licorice and wild berry compote. On second glance, dried nutmeg, vanilla bean and scorched coffee beans. The palate is sensual, silky and super complex. It looks amazingly youthful and still building weight as it ages gracefully. Tannin and acidity are in perfect check with the pristine fruit and American oak. Followers should stop what you are doing, track down a bottle and meet me in wine heaven. A$49.99/bottle.

98 points

Boarding Pass Shiraz 2006 - South Australia Regional, Australia

Very deep ruby red with purple flashes. French vanilla, smoke, earth, maraschino cherry and Chinese tea on the nose. Full bodied, opulent and youthful. The wine is driven by savory fine tannins and balanced acidity with tons of powerful fruit that drives incredible length. A$24.99/bottle.

93 points

Gilbert Picq Vosgros Premier Cru Chablis 2007 - Chablis, France

Slightly golden developing to thicker yellow. Lemon sorbet, musk and slight matchstick aromas lead the charge. The palate is wonderfully balanced with great drive, complexity and mineral compliments. There is some nice nuttiness and gentle oily/waxy texture to finish. A pristine Chablis with a great future. A$39.99/bottle. 

96 Points

Martinborough Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - Martinborough, New Zealand

Very pale yellow with apple green tinges. Pine nuts, passionfruit and granny smith apple on the nose. A little hint of sweetness on the palate works well and provides extra interest. Tangy acidity with the herbaceous spectrum and some nashi pear and cream make for an above average kiwi Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is made to absolute perfection giving the utmost respect to the fruit and style. Oysters, wakame salad and pickled ginger and you have yourself a world of satisfaction.

- 89 Points

Bitch Grenache 2007 - South Australian Regional, Australia

Classic Grenache appearance, pale red-stone slightly browning on the rim. Developed nose of cooked fig, creme caramel and forest fruits. The palate is fleshy and expansive with candied cherry, earth and vanilla. Although the finish is warm with 15% alcohol there is weight and intensity that makes for a good buy. Do not buy for your girlfriend, mother in-law or sister, enough said. A$16.99/bottle.

Followers should note, this is made by Chris Ringland, an ambassador of Australian wine to the North American public. Most wine buffs in Australia would recognise and have previously enjoyed his winemaking when he was number 2 at Rockford, number 1 at Greenock Creek Estate and somewhere between number 1 and 2 at Henrys Drive. There is no questioning the fact that he can manipulate an Australian Shiraz or Grenache to outer worldly heights. Chase down the R Wine labels such as Luchador, C.R., Suxx, Strong Arms, Chateau Chateau and anything else you can find. You will not regret paying the modest prices. 

- 89 Points

Thomas Individual Vineyard Braemore Semillon 2010 - Hunter Valley, Australia

A pale lemon with flesh of apple colour in the glass. The nose offers candied mandarin peel, lemon myrtle and grapefruit. The palate is driven by mouth-watering acidity and spreads across kaffir lime, almond and citrus sorbet. Often Semillon at such a young age is far to lean and tight but the Braemore has incredible balance that is approachable young. Followers can also be assured this is a long term cellaring option. A$24.99/bottle.

- 91 points

Mayhem & Co Big Barrels Small Berries Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - Adelaide Hills, Australia

Golden developed colour, the oak and exposure to air has certainly played a role. Superb aromas of pineapple, nutmeg and preserved lemon. This is a serious Sauvignon Blanc not for the Oyster Bay tragic. Great intensity and more complexity and depth than most Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills. Almost Chardonnay like with it's texture and length. A spectacular wine for the follower seeking to be reconnected with the Sauvignon Blanc grape after years of being slapped in the face with over acidic, simple and generally disappointing wines. The Hat is off. A$29.99/bottle

94 points

Killibinbin Shiraz 1997 - Langhorne Creek, Australia

The colour is primarily electric purple, with only slight fading on the edges considering the age.  New leather, mulberry and roast meat comes through on the perfumed nose. The palate is still lively with a mix of forest fruits dried spice and creamy acidity. Not to far from the M.Chapoutier Les Granits - St Joseph, a single vineyard Syrah at double the price of the Killibinbin. Release price was around A$20 which is an absolute bargain. This wine is hard to find in Australia but worth buying if you see it. 

91 Points