Chateau De Francs "Les Cerisiers" 2008 - Medoc, France

Bright ruby/inky red in the glass. The nose is closed and oak dominant at this stage. Slight smokey/gamey aromas. The palate is still firm with tannin and sharp acidity. Some tart blueberry and coffee. A$30/bottle

83 points

Domaine les Ondines Vacqueyras 2007 - Rhone Valley, France

The colour is deep ruby red. The nose has aroma of damp soil, dried oregano and sour berry. The wine is medium bodied with nice richness and balanced tannin. A long finish on the palate of five spice, game meat and stewed red fruit. A nice rustic French wine that delivers on the price. A$29.99/bottle

91 points

Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Blue Top Brut NV - Champagne, France

Light golden yellow with good bead. The nose is absolutely classic, lemon rind, bakery aromas and some gentle chalkiness. The palate is very citrusy with mineral drive. Really tight and fresh. Great aperitif. A$69.99/bottle

89 points

Pommery Brut Royal NV - Champagne, France

Developed, golden colour in the glass. Lychee and floral aromas on the nose. Slightly yeasty. The palate has some sweet mandarin up front and finishes bone dry and chalky. Nice style. A$79.99/bottle

90 points

Cattier Brut Premium Cru NV - Champagne, France

The bubbles disappated quite quickly. The colour is gold shine. The nose shows lemon curd and bright citrus notes. The palate is soft and generous with chardonny shining through with melon and peach. Nice value to be had.

88 points 

L'Enclave des Papes Cotes du Rhone 2008 - Rhone Valley, France

Light brick, transparent slightly. The nose shows cloves, raspberry liquor and charred beef. Spice controls the palate with tart acidity to finish. Too much for me, balance is lost. A$14.99/bottle. 

78 points 

Rolf Binder Hales Shiraz 2009 - Barossa Valley

Bright vibrant purple in the glass. Melted chocolate, dark cherry and dried spice rise from the glass. The palate is full bodied with fleshy texture and a touch of spice. The highlight of this Shiraz is the structure bringing the wine together with balanced tannin and acidity. It goes away from the expected Jammy, syrupy style we see from Barossa. 

88 points