*Except Northern Territory

2006 HENTY ESTATE SHIRAZ - $21.95

A delicious cool-climate shiraz at a winning price from this tiny producer in Henty. Needs further time in bottle to show it's best, so if you must drink it now please give it a good decant.

"Intense crimson; while only medium-bodied in weight, is packed full of beautifully ripe, lip-smacking spicy black fruits, the tannins and new French oak seamlessly interwoven. What a wine. Screwcap. 14% alc. To 2026." James Halliday - 96 points

2004 HENNINGS SHIRAZ - $24.95

The best value Heathcote shiraz? I certainly think so - potent, powerful black fruit aromas; masses of rich blackberry and other black fruits, plum, licorice and spice on a powerful, full-bodied palate; all achieved with elegance and without excess tannins or extract; finishing long and harmonious, with very good tannin structure and mouthfeel. From the awesome 2004 vintage, an archetypal Heathcote shiraz without the associated price tag!

This exceptional vineyard is located on a historic site near Colbinabbin north of Heathcote town on the famed red Cambrian soil strip. Owner Darryl Rathjen's family have been farming this beautiful piece of land for 4 generations. The vineyard is planted predominantly to Shiraz clones pt23 and 1654. The best fruit from the vineyard is retained for the Hennings label. Other fruit is sourced by many other premium winemakers and labels.

"It's hard to go past the excellent '04 Hennings shiraz from that most blessed of shiraz regions, Heathcote. It is full, rich, balanced and very keenly priced." Bob Hart, Herald Sun

2006 CAT AMONGST THE PIDGEONS 'NINE LIVES' SHIRAZ - $14.95

This rich, opulent and luscious 100% estate grown Barossa Valley shiraz was handcrafted by winemaker Mark Jamieson and offers outstanding value for money. The name 'Cat Amongst The Pidgeons' refers to the vineyard's location amongst some of the giant names of the Barossa, as they are surrounded by Torbreck, Two hands, Penfolds, Kalleske and Rolf Binder. The ultra-high quality packaging only adds to the wine's appeal. Very highly recommended.

"The wines receive only modest oak treatment, 30% aging in a combination of new and second use barrels. The 2006 Shiraz is opaque purple with an alluring nose of spice box, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry. Opulent on the palate, this full-bodied wine has layers of flavor, ripe fruit, excellent balance, and enough structure to evolve for a few years. However, only masochists will want to defer their gratification for more than a few minutes after purchase." Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate - 92 points

"The 2006 Cat Amongst The Pigeons 'Nine Lives' Shiraz is opaque. Damn is it dark, with purple bubbles frothing at the meniscus as I pour a liberal glass. The 40% French oak input is hardly obtrusive (thanks to ageing in older barrels), in fact it's barely apparent, with aromas of star anise, mocha, kirsch and blackberry gaining a foothold. The silky mouthfeel gently ushers in soft berry palate fruit that maintains an elegant demeanour before snowballing to a rich, gobsmacking, sweet tannin finish. With structure to burn thanks to complementary acid and mouth-paint tannins, this tank sample is indicative of future grandeur." Max Marriot

2007 ASTROLABE MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS - $25.95

This was the first time I have tasted an Astrolabe pinot gris and I was simply blown away by the exceptional quality of the wine. It is a stunning pinot gris and truly world class. And certainly not a one-off, as my research discovered that it's predecessor, the 2006 Astrolabe Pinot Gris, won the Trophy for Champion Pinot Gris at the 2006 Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

The wine has a beautiful nose, lightly floral and deliciously perfumed. Classic Pinot Gris on the palate - spicy and exotic, pristine pear and peach fruit abound, wonderful fresh acidity and a long, lingering finish. This is an elegant pinot gris with great finesse and subtlety; one for the purists.

"I was surprised to find that as many as nine of my 45 favourite New Zealand wines from recent tastings were Pinot Gris. Again I liked the… Brightwater Pinot Gris 2006 Nelson seemed to have the balance between pure, bumptious fruit and refreshing acidity just right, and Astrolabe Pinot Gris 2007 Marlborough seems similarly sophisticated." Jancis Robinson, MW

2005 BREAM CREEK RESERVE PINOT NOIR - $32.50

The first release of a Reserve Pinot Noir from Fred Peacock's Sorrell vineyards; and what a delicious wine! From the outstanding 2005 vintage in Tasmania, it snared two trophies at the prestigious 2006 Royal Hobart International Wine Show - winning trophies for the Best Tasmanian Red Wine and Best Tasmanian Wine.

"This Tasmanian pinot is a multi-trophy winner and at about $39 a bottle is a great drink. You'll have to look very hard to find as good value in pinot noir from anywhere in the world. A delectable wine now and, I suspect, for another seven years at the very least." Huon Hooke, The Age Good Weekend - Wines he drinks for pleasure

"Bream Creek's 2005 Reserve pinot noir ($39), made from grapes grown on mature vines at bream Creek, won the 2005 and older class at the recent regional Tasmanian Wine Show. At nearly three years old, it's as fresh as the proverbial daisy and thouroughly delicious, showing a finesse and structure that many modern pinots lack, as well as the extra character that bottle-age contributes. Dark-coloured, opulent, super ripe 'fruit-bomb' pinots are fashinable, but are seldom satisfying beyond the first sip or two. But I could drink seversl glasses of Bream Creek and enjoy each sip more than the last. I suspect it will keep for many years and have stashed a few bottles in the cellar in expectation of future pleasure." Huon Hooke, The Age Good Weekend

"Medium to full purple-red; rich, complex, multi-layered plum and black cherry fruit on the round and smooth palate; lots of life and spark. 13.6º alc. Drink Now - 2013." James Halliday - 94 points

2007 HENTY ESTATE RIESLING - $19.95

A sensational riesling from this small producer in Henty. Wonderfully intense and spotlessly clean, the lime and citrus fruit is rich and piercing and lingers long on a really refreshing palate that is awash with crisp, clean acidity. Wonderful drinking now, but build for the long haul.

"I do like a bit of Western Victorian riesling and although I don't usually 'drink' many samples (that way alcoholism or madness lies..) I did knock this one off over a couple of days... and I was very sorry when the bottle was empty. It's a top wine.

Opens up exotic and aromatic with spicy citrus, peach and passionfruit - just so lively and attractive. On the palate it has good weight and an excellent lightly grippy texture with plenty of crisp clean acidity and intense flavours of spice, lime, orange, passionfruit and a musky perfume wafting a bout. Finishes long and dry. On the second day of tasting the aromatics settled down and the dominant flavours were of lime and spice. A great wine of style and character. Drink : 2008 - 2016." Gary Walsh, Winorama - 93 points

2005 DOG RIDGE THE PUP SHIRAZ - $13.95

Dog Ridge is one of my favourite boutique wineries in McLaren Vale. The newly released 2005 Dog Ridge 'The Pup' shiraz is simply outstanding value for a McLaren Vale shiraz and can not be recommended highly enough.

Bright and deep red-purple; clean, concentrated black fruit aromas have well integrated vanilla oak adding to the appeal; the medium-to-full-bodied palate has smooth blackberry and plum fruit, with supple, ripe tannins and vanilla oak on the finish. Like its sister wine, the cabernet merlot, the shiraz has a lovely texture and a juicy mouthfeel that has universal appeal.

"Dark purple clour; liquorice, blackberry, vanilla & toasty oak on the nose; on the palate: there is an explosion of spicy dark berry fruits followed by a juicy mouthfilling midpalate with a long toasty vanillin finish." Winery Notes

2007 SAINT CLAIR MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC - $17.95

"Light in colour, vibrantly aromatic and juicy in flavour with a purity and freshness to the lively tropical fruit that's tinged with gooseberry, herbs and citrus and layered with banana passionfruit. Tasty and long. Another superb wine from Saint Clair." New Zealand International Wine Show - Gold Medal

"I regard Saint Clair Wines as the country's top sauvignon blanc producer. The 2007 Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc is crammed with vibrantly aromatic passionfruit and gooseberry and lime on the nose, the aroma is reminiscent of last year's stunning Block 6. It's light lemon gold in colour and juicy and zesty in the palate with vibrant fruit, sweet pea, summer herbs and a powerful, pungent, tangy finish." Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com

"Saint Clair has now edged out Palliser and Cloudy Bay as this country's top sauvignon blanc maker, my database of tasting records shows… This wine ranks fifth in the pecking order according to price." Bob Campbell MW, Gourmet Traveller Wine

"Looks great in its youth... it is highly scented, with notably intense, vibrant flavours of melons, limes and gooseberries, racy, finely balanced and lingering." Michael Cooper, Winestate

Awards:
Gold Medal - 2007 New Zealand International Wine Show 2007

2006 CALULU PARK YARRA VALLEY PINOT NOIR - $16.95

For those of you out there seeking high quality pinot at well below $20, sit up and take note . The quality on offer here is unmistakable and the 2006 Calula Park Yarra Valley pinot offers quite astonishing value for money. And this is hardly surprising (and certainly no flash in the pan) when you consider that it is a single vineyard wine sourced from 30-year-old unirrigated vines and made at the Hoddles Creek winery under the watchful eye of Franco D'Anna - the man responsible for the beautiful 06 Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir (another wonderful sub $20 pinot).

Lovely ripe, strawberry and cherry aromas; oodles of sweet, generous fruit on the delicious medium-bodied palate; good length, finish, mouthfeel and balance. Beautifully varietal for the price. 100% hand picked dry grown Calulu Park fruit and made by a master craftsman; it certainly shows.

"This comes from a 25 year old dry grown vineyard at Woori Yallock in the Yarra Valley. It's a bloody good pinot and it's remarkable that it'll give you change from $20. It's meaty, stocky, and shot with rhubarb and dark cherry flavour. Its toasty oak support is subtle but effective, and there's quite a bit of punchy tannin. In truth, it needs another 18 months in bottle to start drinking well - it's a wine pinot lovers should buy in number, and keep stashed away for a while before tucking into. It'd be awesome with the right kind of pizza. Drink: 2009-2012." Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 90 points

"Dry grown and handpicked from a 30 year old vineyard located in the Woori Yallock sub-region of the Yarra Valley. It's an excellent wine, unbeatable value and I'm guessing you are getting a big discount for the ghastly label. Oh Canada..Oh Canada!

It smells and tastes of poached strawberry, cherry, fennel, new shoe leather and a bit of spice. On the palate it's medium bodied and offers gentle easy drinking with a touch of complexity and style. It has a kiss of spicy oak, fine soft tannins and flows through the mouth effortlessly. Finishes with decent length and closes with sweet spicy poached strawberry flavours. Lovely wine and a damned tasty drink. Drink : 2008 - 2010." Gary Walsh, Winorama - 90 points

2002 THE WILLOWS SHIRAZ - $22.95 (WAS $26.95)

Peter and Michael Scholz have produced a magnificent shiraz in 2002. Year-in-year-out they make arguably the best value Barossa shiraz going around, but in outstanding years like 1998 and 2002 they make something very special indeed. Rather than giving you my detailed tasting notes I refer you to Sue Courtney's notes below - which sum up my feelings exactly, but in more vivid prose than I could ever muster. Suffice to say that it has been a long while since the contents of a bottle disappeared as quickly.

"Here's a big, juicy wine that will make you weak at the knees and make you say words like 'Oh, yum' after you taste, savour, lick your lips and let this succulent wine take over your senses. Wonderful creamy oak aromas with an infusion of mocha, cherry and mint chocolate carry through to the beautifully structured meaty palate where sensational berry fruit combines with tobacco and cigar and builds to a fantastically long, spicy, savoury, toasty finish. Then that hallmark minty character of the Willows wines, lingers on and on." Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com

"The 2002 Shiraz (from 70-year-old vines) is a big, explosively rich effort offering an inky/ruby/purple color, loads of charcoal-infused cassis flavors, lush, concentrated opulence, abundant fruit, and surprisingly moderate alcohol (14%) for such a flavorful, rich Barossa Shiraz. It should drink well for a decade. Drink 2005-2015." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate - 93 points

"There's nothing difficult to understand about this Shiraz. It's just a great big beautiful brawny beast, dripping with ladelsful of chocolate sauce and toffee cream, plum syrup, vanilla and a bright flicker of mint. But there's also a savoury streak like beef tea running through the wine and some appetizing bitterness. It all makes for a smashing glassful!" Oz Clarke's Wine Buying Guide - 2007 Top 20