Heartland Stickleback Red 2009 - Langhorne Creek and Limestone Coast, Australia

Not as plump and rich as the 2008 but more structure for longevity.

Blood red with ruby edges. The nose shows coffee, cinnamon and cherry. Aromas follow through on palate with some added vanilla oak. This Cabernet, Shiraz, Dolcetto and Lagrein is fleshy, full bodied and soft around the edges. A touch warm on the back end but for $15, you can certainly look the other way. Amazing value. A$14.99/bottle

89 points 

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2010 - Marlborough, New Zealand

Very pale clear with only the slightest tinge of green.  Aromas take aim at the green spectrum with asparagus, sweet pea and green pepper. This has been, for many years what I consider a very good example in the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc line up. Villa Maria seems to achieve a smarter balance in the sea of competition and can be relied upon for quality to value ratio. Flavours of lemongrass and guava lead into some mouth watering acidity to finish. This 2010 is still super fresh. A$18/bottle

89 points

Frederic Magnien Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007 - Burgundy, France

Very faded ruby with brick/brown center. The nose is smokey and gamey with an under tone of cherry tart. The palate is very young, too young to drink now.  Tightly wound fruit including sour blueberry and strong acidity, driving length. Hold off 3-5 years for a better picture on this Bourgogne. A$55/bottle

88 Points

Domaine Laroche St Martin Chablis 2005 - Chablis, France

Shiny gold and pale yellow in the glass. The nose shows unripe stone fruit, chalk and honeycomb. The palate is fully developed with nectarines and creaminess on a bed of lemony acid that gives shape to this wine. Drink up if you have bottles! $A59.99/bottle


89 points 

Tandem ars Nova 2004 - Navarra, Spain

Brick brown with a red ruby center. Similar to the ars Macula in it's Bordeaux likeness in style. The nose shows cigar smoke, oyster shell and dried cocoa. This blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Merlot is now fully mature with silky tannin, ripe mixed berries and a dusty/earthy finish. Great value again from this producer. A$31.99/bottle


90 points 

Burge Family Winemakers Old Vines Grenache Shiraz 1998 - Barossa Valley, Australia

Faded brick red with ruby edging. The nose is wonderfully fragrant with rose petals and coffee bean. Considering the age, there is still syrupy, youthful texture with allot of primary fruits on display. This Grenache blend finishes long and fleshy with gentle tannin and acidity. Lovely Barossa Grenache. $Price Unknown.

94 points

Wild Duck Creek Estate Reserve Shiraz 2000 - Heathcote, Australia

The colour is beginning to brown but the center retains a maroon and purple hue. The nose shows liquorice, earth and tar with tones of savoury jam.  The palate is soft and developed complexities are front and centre with sweet tannin to finish. The wine builds more and more weight as exposure to air brings this Shiraz out of slumber. $Price Unknown.

92 Points