Tintara. 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

General: Something being shared by my sister. Fabulous.

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region/GI: Fleurieu, McLaren Vale, SA

Alcohol: 14%

Bouquet: Deep. Actually a little more plummy than blackcurrant although both present.

Flavour: Dense. Complex. The blackcurrant comes through in the taste as well as dark chocolate. While savouring these flavours which are lengthy, a very smooth, dry tannic finish completes the sensation. Great stuff.

Points: 87

Notes: The 2005 is no longer available in store. The 2007 retails for $27 (486 Kc). The funny thing is that my sister received this as a gift from a friend who took it from her boyfriend's wine collection. It seems he has good taste and we enjoyed it.

Campbells. 2008 Shiraz Durif

General: I'm tracking down various Durif blends at the moment as they seem to be well done here. This was a very enjoyable choice.

Varieties: Shiraz, Durif

Region/GI: North East Victoria, Rutherglen

Alcohol: 14.5%

Bouquet: Wonderfully balanced bouquet with equal measure raspberry, earthy spice and something like Christmas cake (stewed prunes, sultanas)

Flavour: Given the age, I expected something aggressive but this is surprisingly smooth. Medium length with a mild, tannic finish. The fruit flavours of ripe (black) cherry, hints of raspberry and prunes exist throughout the sip. Gentle and well done.

Points: 83

Notes: I opened the bottle yesterday and prefer the taste today. The complexity is much more apparent and I am tempted to rate it a little higher. I'll be buying more of this at the reasonable price of $14 (c. 250 Kc).

Buller. 2007 Durif

General: I have enjoyed Durif on previous occassions and found this bottle in a wine shop a couple of weekends ago

Variety: Durif (aka Petite Sirah)

Region/GI: Swan River, VIC

Alcohol: 15%

Bouquet: Thanks in part to the alcohol, the bouquet is intense. There is some blackcurrant but earthy spice and some old timber are also present in equal measure

Flavour: The first mouthful leaves one's tongue parched from the tannins. This is a very dry wine with a short rush of flavour which drops away quickly. The flavour itself is interesting - candy/raspberry cordial which is very different to what was expected from the nose.

Points: 80

Notes: Overall, this was a little harsh. It appears this is the entry level wine for the producer. I'd be keen to try others in the higher range. It complimented nicely our kangaroo meatloaf and kale dinner. Price was $14.00 (circa 251 Kc)

Evans and Tate. 2002 Classic White

General: My brother has a small collection of wine which is an accumulation of Christmas presents from clients. I commented on a couple of them and we were all rewarded with this gem this evening. (Note the seal used was a cork).

Varieties: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc

Region/GI: Margaret River, WA

Alcohol: I think it was 12-13%

Bouquet: "Aged bottleness"

Flavours: Impressive. Citrus flavours, with lime being the strongest to shine through. Surprisingly, wonderfully acidic given the age. Well balanced and long in length.

Points: 86

Notes: I was really impressed with how great this wine had developed. The producers went bankrupt in 2007 and the wine is now produced by the McWilliams Group. The 2009 "Classic Whites" retail for only $13.00 (234 Kc). Apparently these classic blends from the Margaret River region are a speciality and I am excited to try more. Enjoyed with salmon lasagne.

The Wine Point. 2006 Tempranillo

General: My as yet unsuccessful attempt to find a wine-buddy means that I am trying stuff at home. I don't mind working my way through The Wine Point's stuff as it is reasonably priced and I've enjoyed the range so far . . .

Variety: Tempranillo

Region/GI: McLaren Vale, SA

Alcohol: 13.5%

Bouquet: Excellent. Very ripe raspberry and a touch of wood. (I didn't get the blackcurrant and blueberry advertised on the label...)

Flavour: Medium in length with good tannins. The flavour did not reach the expectation set by the bouquet. Overall - good.

Points: 82

Notes: I was slightly disappointed by the flavour. This winter, I plan to work my way through the Tempranillo which is increasingly available here. This cost $14 (252 KC). I will have to try a blind tasting of local versus Spanish to make it interesting. Now to continue my search for a wine-buddy....

The Wine Point. 2006 "Barrel Monkey" Shiraz

General: Having enjoyed earlier purchases from The Wine Point, I returned to buy some Nebbiolo and grabbed a couple of new bottles to try as well.

Variety: Shiraz

Region/GI: Margaret River, WA

Alcohol: 13.5%

Bouquet: Plummy, some cedar and menthol

Flavour: Medium bodied and as expected, nice peppery tones with good tannins.

Points: 83

Notes: Enjoyable and a bargain at $10 (180 Kc - note the CZK continues to slide so comparisons are now distorted). This wine inspires me to see what else the folks at The Wine Points are selling...

Racers & Rascals. 2005 Shiraz

General: Here it's coming into the cooler seasons (although Aussies seem to enjoy drinking red wine all year round)

Variety: Shiraz

Region/GI: Yarra Valley, VIC

Alcohol: 14.5%

Bouquet: Lovely. Licorice in the main, with over-ripe (round) plums and vanilla in the background.

Flavour: Disappointing given the bouquet. Surprisingly light bodied and a little short in length. Pleasant dry flavour with some juicy fruit. Relatively simple. Aged nicely and an overall good, simple drink.

Points: 81

Notes: Possibly I am too harsh with scoring but I won't be buying this again. On the winery's website they sell this for $20 (340 Kc) which is standard but this line is discounted to $13 (221 Kc) at the national wine retailing chain. Not sure how anyone is making money!