Woolundry Road Shiraz 2009, South Australian Regional, Australia

Deep dark inky blood red. Sweet cocoa, mixed berry and toasted oak. Richness and luscious ripe fruit takes the front seat with an array of coconut, stewed sweet raspberry and herbal waves. The structure comes across a touch awkward but a generous Shiraz. A$17.99 / bottle

88 points  

Hamilton Block by Leconfield Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - Coonawarra, Australia

Vibrant ruby with lashes of violet. The aromas head straight towards cedar, mulberry and savory smokiness. The flavors are in line with the nose with some added coffee/mocha tones. Still tannin present but quite accessible to drink now. Quite fleshy and ripe for a young Coonawarra Cabernet. No need to wait!

89 points

Burgans Albarino 2009 - Rias Baixas, Spain

Gold aged colour in the glass with pale green. An unusual nose of asparagus, candied orange and lemon Myrtle. The palate is more in check with the albarino grape variety. Slippery, sensual textures with green apple in the background. Bottle age has built weight and headed towards better balance against sharp acidity. For the leap from Sauvignon Blanc to real wine, use this as a stepping stone.

87 points   

Tandem ars Macula 2003 - Navarra, Spain

Dark ruby with brownish faded edges. The nose is very reminiscent of Bordeaux. Coffee, cigar and some light minty aromas lead. The palate is full bodied with rustic tannin, earth and ripe blueberry. A Bordeaux in a Spanish mask and superb value here. Well balanced, well made and well priced.

93 points

Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2008, Unspecified South Australia

Dark, thick inky colour laces the glass with only a coin thick rim of ruby. Coconut, melting chocolate and sweet prune roll into a complex weighty nose. A fat, rich texture runs long and proud with acidity keeping the line and balance in check. A "look at this fruit"extravaganza in the glass. Wow factor for the price. You won't influence people but you will win friends with this wine. A$19.99 / bottle

92 points

miles from nowhere Chardonnay 2010 - Margaret River, Australia

Surprisingly aromatic. A Very pale Chardonnay with slight gold edging. The nose leads with oriental mandarin, lemon pith and sweet vanilla. The mouthful expands well with buttery texture, juicy nectarine and some vanillin creaminess. The acidity is very gentle and the sweet milky characters control the palate and hold back purity of fruit. Fine for the price but certainly not a fine wine. A$15 / bottle.

86 points