31 May: If you are tempted by the Vintage Cellars $99 for 6 Penley Estate Shiraz-Cabernet and bonus Wynns Black Label 2001 "Coonawarra" offer, you might want to check the back label of the Penley wine carefully.  This line/label is now exclusive to VC and my recollection is that we were told the shiraz for this wine still comes from McLaren Vale as it did in the past.  The new Penley Condor Shiraz-Cabernet label is the one that is all Coonawarra fruit.  That doesn't mean that the VC wine is bad, it just may be more McLarenVale than Coonawarra, it wasn't in the tasting line-up at Penley last week.  They do have the excellent 2004 Reserve Cabernet at a good price though, $44.99 in mixed case buys.

30 May:  Tim Adams Aberfeldy Shiraz 2006 has bee released to mailing list customers, it is now $44pb+freight, a rise of $5pb on last year.  The new order form isn't on the site, so email them for a copy if you are not on their mailing list and want the latest releases.  The 2006 Reserve Tempranillo may be worthwhile including in your order too.  Update:  An amended order form has been sent out, the 2006 Aberfeldy will be $42 until the end of June, $44 after then.

The delayed Boccaccio newsletter arrived today, featuring Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 under screwcap for $44.99, with a bonus 99 vintage of the same wine with each 6-pack, Orlando Centenary Hill Shiraz 2004 @ $35.99 (we didn't get to try this on the trip), it is listed at $35.00 on site, plus a couple of 2005 Spanish reds from Ribera del Duero that I've already ordered 3-each of to try.

Winestar played it cool on orders for the new Penfolds releases a while back and avoided the bloodshed on pricing for the excellent  Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2005.  Bert is making up for it now with a whole newsletter devoted to Penfolds, including the Bin 389 under screwcap for $44.99.  Kemeny's have this wine for $39.99 (or $38.99 for RBG readers, see Kemeny's RBG Offers page), the picture on their site is of a screw capped bottle, but check if you order.

29 May:  It's good to be home, especially as the last couple of days of the trip were marred a bit by a nasty head/chest cold that Ric was getting over at the start of the trip, but managed to pass on to me before he got better. 

The major highlight today was about 3 hours with Sparky Marquis (and his mother Janet who is General Manager of the company) at their new winery, the former Classic McLaren establishment.  The changes they have made to the place already in 6 months are amazing.  It was a fascinating tour and tasting of all the soon to be released 2007 vintage of the Molly Dooker reds, unfortunately my palate was pretty "stuffed" and you'll have to wait for Ric's assessment of the wines.  The story of Sparky and Sarah has been told a few times before, but I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of interesting new angles when Ric works his way through the couple of hours of discussions.  In fact there is probably enough material there for a chapter of it's own.

1stChoice are trying hard this week with an 8-page lift out as well as the regular advertisement. Unfortunately the reds don't contain a huge number of real interest and sharp rices, except for St Hallett Old Block Shiraz (2004?) @ $55.79/$53 in ACT (it is variously $6-$10pb or more higher in other states, including NSW, ask them for a price match).  The Maglieri shiraz and beer offer might tempt some @ $120 for a case of each, but the wine has been fairly ordinary in recent vintages. Lanson Black Label NV is still $39.90 in cases.

I'm not feeling much like looking through all the specials and regular email offers right now, hopefully I'll be a little recovered tomorrow and normal service should gradually resume over the next few days.

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27 May:  Well, it's looking like Coonawarra 2006 will be a pretty safe buy, at least from the producers with reputations.  We tasted the Balnaves 2006 reds due for release real soon now and they are all good wines.  The bad news is that the Cabernet 2006 will be $35rrp (up from $30) and the Tally 2006 will be $90 (up from $80).  The Penley Estate 2006 $20 range (Merlot, Shiraz, Phoenix Cabernet and Condor Shiraz Cabernet (now all estate Coonawarra fruit, the prior McLarenVale Shiraz/Coonawarra Cabernet blend continues as a Vintage Cellars exclusive) are all good wines and good value at $17 street price.  The 2005 Reserve Cabernet is also worth a try and will cellar for many years.  Majella 2007 The Musician is a lovely fruit-sweet wine and the 2006 Shiraz and 2006 Cabernet are beautiful wines.  The 2005 Malleea is also a beauty for 20 years cellaring.  No price rises from Penley or Majella.  The 2006 reds are characterised by vibrant fruit and silky fine tannins compared to the riper, chunkier reds from the warm 2005 vintage.

It's a long drive from Tanunda to Penola and we only had time for a quick visit to Parker Estate (2005 Terra Rossa is good, the 2004 First Growth, very good, but nearly sold out) and Wynns.  At Wynns they showed us the new small-batch (24 x up to 10 tonne fermenters, they crushed 25,000 tonne this year!) fermenting facility used for the first time this vintage, very impressive engineering.  The new Wynns releases are due 1 June and they showed us the 2007 Shiraz, 2007 red-stripe CSM, 2006 Black Label, a new single vineyard Messenger Block Cabernet 2005 and the 2005 Michael Shiraz and 2005 John Riddoch.  All the wines looked pretty good, Black Label 2006 should be worth buying if you like the style and can keep your hands off it for a few years.  The Messenger Block at around $35 is a good wine and good value, the Michael is showing the richer riper 2005 characters, but still has enough cool-climate character for those that like the style.  The 2005 John Riddoch is very good, showing more density of fruit and colour and softer (but still massive) tannins than the 2004.  The bad news is the RRP on John Riddoch has gone up to match St Henri @ $79.95.

From Nicholas W for Sydney-siders: First Estate Figtree Lane Cove has Metala Original Plantings Shiraz 2004 Vintage on for 2 for $60 for the next two weeks.  It's a good wine and that is a very good price, it is $36 at Jims Cellars and $49.99 at Nicks.

26 May:  We had another fantastic day of good weather and good wine.  We started with barrel samples of 2008 shiraz with Wayne Dutschke and I have to say I've never seen anything quite like the colour and density of these baby wines.  The colour is so intense you can smell and taste it (or it seemed that way to me).  The fruit and tannins in these young wines are impeccable too, if they stay true to form there will be some really stunning buys in a couple of years time.  I can also safely recommend the current 2006 wines, they are all showing softer, finer tannins than the 2005 reds and are more approachable at this stage than the prior vintage.  They do though have the fruit, balance and structure to cellar well.  A safe buy if you have liked Wayne's past efforts.

Rockford was next and just after the Stonewall manager telling us they saw few cork problems we struck a mildly corked Rifle Range Cabernet 2005 and two bottles of Vintage Port 2001 that were tainted (1 was definitely) or not showing as expected.  TORB strikes again.  The 2001 Hoffmann's (not on tasting) and SVS Pressings are available, the SVS Pressings in singles @ $80 and the Hoffmanns at the same price, but only in 3-packs with 2 SVS Pressings.  The SVS Pressings is impressive and will cellar for as long as you want.

There is a new establishment in the main street of Angaston, Taste Eden Valley, where for a $5 fee (refundable on purchases) you can taste a wide range of Eden Valley wines.  Even if you didn't buy anything, this would be a very good way to spend a couple of hours.  Tell Karina the Red Bigots say Hi if you drop in.

Finally we got to taste all the new release premium reds at Yalumba plus some unreleased wines in their revamped range of hand-packed and single vineyard wines.  There is some exciting stuff to come out starting later this year and well-priced in the $18-$35 range.  The 2004 Signature is a ripper, but it's pretty tannic, so be prepared to hide it away for at least 5 years.  The first bottle of Octavius 2004 didn't show well, although there was no obvious fault, the second was as rich and complete as you would expect, the oak there but well handled by the fruit.  The Reserve 2002 is simply a stunner and well worth buying if you are shopping in the just-under $100 range for cellaring reds.  The Menzies 2005 shows the results of careful vineyard management practices gradually implemented over the past few years, including multiple picks of different parts of the vineyard to cater for ripening variations.  It is the first one I can remember that doesn't have that green/stalky streak that turned me off most vintages of Menzies in the past and now is a really credible Coonawarra Cabernet.

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25 May:  From Shane T: For all SA members, Mildara Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz 2004 e is available from selected sip 'n save shops for $19.99 per bottle per 6 bottles. This is about $5 less than W*.

We had another great day of tasting, starting with Shawn Kalleske of Laughing Jack, fairly new on the wine-making scene, but the family has been there since 1855.  The forthcoming 2005 Laughing Jack Shiraz looks like being a credible follow-on to the 2005 and there will be an entry-level second-label shiraz as well that will be food value around $20. 

After a bit of a detour so that Ric could replace the digital voice recorder he uses and which had failed the night before, we finally made it to Hentley Farm.  This winery has gone from 250 cases to 20,000 cases in about 5 years, so they must be doing something right.  Some of their Hentley Farm label wines are in the "ooze-monster" style as some would term it, but we found them to be well-balanced with good structures to go with the intense fruit and high alcohol levels, none were hot despite 16% a/v on some cases. The top-priced Clos Otto Shiraz has more grape in a bottle than you could believe and you might be surprised that it comes from 10 yo vines cropped at .5 a tonne to the acre.  Hedonistic wines to drink on their own or with hunks of meat.

We had time after a late lunch to drop into the new Murdock cellar door, but only enough time to try a few of their wines, a Barossa Shiraz 2004, the Coonawarra-Barossa Merger Cabernet Shiraz 2005 and Coonawarra Cabernet 2003.  We had drunk a 2000 Murdock Cabernet our first night in McLarenVale and it was showing magnificently, but both the Merger and Coonawarra Cabernet seemed quite lean and angular, with a herbaceous streak and sharp almost sour acid on the finish.  The cellar door and bistro setup is impressive, the wines were less so.

We finished the day with a big line-up at Rolf Binder Wines. The Magpie Estate Range, mixed 2005 and 2006 vintages to be released soon are nearly all looking strong and good value.  The 2006 Bulls Blood is another ripper and the Heysen label may be released in Australia for the first time as they have received permission from the holder of the copyright to that name.  The 2006 Hanisch is a ripper too.  We struck our first corked wine here and had another amongst the wines we too to dinner last night, so our good run with corks cam to an end, but it is still vastly better than the last trip.

Today we have appointments at Dutschke, Rockford and Yalumba and hopefully will visit a couple of others if Ric's technology doesn't melt down again.

24 May:  Internet access and mobile phone service has been pretty abysmal. We have had two fantastic tasting days, one in McLarenVale one in the Barossa, starting off with two hours with Drew Noon and finishing yesterday with a decent dollop of the Seppeltsfield 1908 Tawny.  It looks like allocations of 2007 noons wines will be 1 Reserve Cabernet, 2 Reserve Shiraz and 3 Eclipse.  Good wines in McLarenVale include the 2006 Gemtree range, all good wines and food value, the 2005 Pirramimma range to be released soon is looking quite strong and we got to taste the Lazy Ballerina range from 2004 up to the current (sold out) 2006, plus some other small makers who mostly export..  We finished up with Tony and Krystina De Lisio who are back in business with a strong range of wines, if perhaps a little over-priced at the top end.

Friday started strongly with probably the best line up of reds you will find at any Australian winery.  Ried Bosward at Kaesler doesn't make a bad red and all the wines are fairly priced for the quality, although the 2006 Old Bastard is looking a bit grumpy at the moment.  We even discussed last night how many of the CD-only Patel and Alte Reben (different expressions of old vine shiraz) we would buy at the $120 price point.  We dropped in at Langmeil and were lucky to find the full range of top-end shiraz open, including the $100 Freedom 1843 and Barossa Old Vine Company wines.  It was the very lovely The Orphan Bank 2005 Shiraz @ $50/$270 6-pack that got us to open our wallets.  After that it was off to see Kym Teusner who has now set up on his own full time and had a surprisingly large line-up open for us, include a magnum of a top-end Grenache of which only 120 were bottled and only 20 are left ($145) and a straight Mourvedre that has not yet been released, both excellent wines.  This guy is really getting into his stride and making very credible wines in a more restrained style than some others, I think the Albert 2006 to be released in a few months will be a standout of the mainstream releases.  We were again lucky at Seppeltsfield, where they had the full range of fortifieds open for trade tastings earlier in the day, most of them in new smart packaging, the old Para squat bottle has been replaced with a clear glass Bruichladdich-style (single malt whisky) heavy glass bottle, with different coloured labels to distinguish the range of Para Tawnys and DP90.  Words can't describe the sensations of the 1908 Para Tawny, but needless to say none was spat out and I tried to lick out the remainder clinging to the sides of the glass.  A truly amazing day of tasting, with amazing generosity from all the places we visited.  TORBS Tour Diary will be great reading with these days as opening chapters.

21 May:  The Winestar newsletter has Longhop Adelaide Plains Shiraz 2007 @ $14.99/$179.88.  There are a few positive reviews of this around already.  If you want a full dozen you can get it $5.88 cheaper direct from the Longhop web site.

Michael R asked me to try to include some Pinot listings.  Despite the can of worms that opens I responded that if I saw some consistently high ratings on an Australia Pinot and could see some good prices on wine-searcher I would list them.  Don't hold your breath though, I don't go out of my way to look at Pinot reviews, I do occasionally buy some of these much-praised local pinots and they seldom garner much interest.  Oh all right, the Stonier Reserve Pinot Noir 2006 (rrp $50) is $39.50 at Canterbury Wines, $39.99 at Boccaccio and WLA. And another, Rippon Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 is $59.99 @ Boccaccio and $67.45 (case price) at Prince Wine Store, or you could try getting it direct from NZ, it seems to be about $41AUD there, this site should be able to deliver it for about $51AUDpb ($135/case tax-inclusive inclusive shipping).

Andrew Kemeny sent me a while back some samples that include the three $11.99 Cusumano (Sicily) IGT Merlot 2005, Syrah 2006 and Nero d'Avola 2005.  As they appear in the new catalogue I though I had better try them before I went away for a week or so and opened them last night.  The Merlot and the Nero d'Avola are sealed with normacorc (plastic) and the Syrah 2006 has a VinLok glass stopper (with outer aluminium cover for security and plastic collar to seal), so much for these being for premium wines only.
The Merlot 2005 was showing a fair bit of unpleasant oxidised character that didn't blow off and went down the drain this morning. 
The Nero d'Avola 2005 has good if not dense colour, has some earthy, slightly tarry notes over the red plum bouquet, the palate is pleasant and fruity and is framed in quite firm tannins, slightly savoury, it finishes clean and dry.
Our favourite though  was the Syrah 2006, the colour is a trifle advanced for a 2006 (compared to most Aus shiraz), but the nose is recognisable and quite inviting.  The dark plums and black cherries on the palate are familiar even if the savoury overtones and overall flavour profile are different to any Australian $12 shiraz I've tried. Good drinking now with a T-bone like we did or with pasta or Italian-style dishes.

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20 May: Wine Culture have some sharp rices on Yalumba premiums in full/mixed cases.  The Signature 2004 and Menzies 2005 @ $37.99 (same as the pack) but Octavius 2004 and The Reserve 2001 @ $79.95, which is $7 and $10 better than the next best price on wine-searcher.  The newsletter isn't online yet and the prices are not on the site, so email or call them if you are interested.

I've mentioned this once before, but Mark C has given me a nudge to mention it again.  With the strong AUD being about 1.24NZD, buying wine from New Zealand is looking quite tempting, not only for NZ wines but for some Australian wines and European wines as well.  Caros Wine Merchants will ship a case of wine (to Sydney) for $120NZD including freight and Australian taxes.  Prices are also reduced by the NZ GST amount.  Using a spreadsheet Mark supplied, I replaced his mainly Pinots with some other wines more of interest to me, with the results below.  Email them for international shipping  details to your location.  Update:  Andew W has used this method/merchant a number of times now, he advises that the NZ GST refund is taken by the freight expeditor to help cover import costs into Australia.  Also the real exchange rate after exchange fees etc is less (I have a Wizard Mastercard that does not charge exchange fees).  So the amended table is now shown without this component.  It makes some wines marginally attractive, but some still worthwhile.

The$18.94 lots of HR Heathcote Shiraz 2002 disappeared quickly yesterday, I've confirmed that the $20.24 lot is 2002 also, there is plenty of that still on offer at Wine For Life.

Another ex-HFW pair of 2002 Shiraz that are at  good prices.  The Glaetzer Nefertiti/Nefertari 2002 pair are $21.50 and $19.50 at Cellarit, in good quantities.  These were originally also offered at retail for $50 or more and are good wines for around $20, for drinking now or over the next couple of years.  There is also some Nefertari on the current Grays ex-HFW auction, the last lots went for $169/12 = about $17pb delivered, one of the few where people didn't pay crazy prices.  Update: Glen B tells me the Nefertari has been going for $10-$11 ++ at Langtons auctions recently, or about $14 delivered.  He's had a little variation between lots, so there may be a storage issue with some of these.

Today is your last chance for $39.99 Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 under screwcap from Winestar.

The new May/June Kemeny's catalogue should be on their web site later today or early tomorrow and will be posted on Friday.  My picks are on the updated Kemeny's RBG Offer page, see left panel link.

Wine List Australia has just listed the Kalleske Old Vine Grenache 2006 @ $49.99 and Johann Georg Shiraz 2006 @ $99.99.

19 May: There were 69 bottles of ex-HFW Hanging Rock Heathcote Shiraz 2002 available at Wine For Life for $18.98pb + freight.  It is listed without vintage but Brad McPherson (Director of Marketing) assured me it is the 2002 vintage when I emailed to enquire.  This vintage scored 95 drink to 2022 from JH and 93 drink to 2014 from JO, most of the other remaining stock sells for $30+.  There are also about 12 dozen without vintage listed at $20.24, and although I asked about that lot in my email I'm not sure if the reply encompassed them as well, check yourself before ordering if you miss out on the $18.98 lots.

18 May: It escaped my attention as I'm not too interested in 2003 vintage wines as a rule, but if you like Grosset Gaia then the 2003 vintage for $39.99 might be a bargain, it's $45+freight at Winebizz and $47.99 at Boccaccio.  You have to buy a dozen though from Wine Market (free freight for RBG readers).  That makes it $479.88 and interestingly other Cellarmasters regular sites have it for $683.88 and $779.88 +freight etc.  I wonder if any of the members of the various versions of CM ever notice and ask for a refund of the difference as per the pricing guarantee?

There are only a couple of days left for you to get the scewcapped Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 for $39.99 from Winestar.

East End Cellars has a couple of good prices on Torzi Matthews Schist Rock Shiraz 2007 and Killibinbin Cellar Release Blend #2 Cabernet Shiraz 2004, both are $15pb.  A case comes in under the $200 free freight limit, so you would have to buy more or mix in some more expensive wines to get the free freight.  Or email them and ask nicely, saying you saw the wines listed here, it may just work - or it may not.  It didn't work for Ron G. :-(

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17 May: A nice Barossa Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro at a bargain price: Rolf Binder Heinrich SMG 2005 is $21.99 at Botanical Wine Store  (search for Heinrich, $26 Cloudwine, $35 at the winery, also $21.84/22.99 for 12 or 6 at Liquor Prince, but don't know if they have stock or are reliable since Barry left).  TORB TN here.

Last night we tried a bottle of Canard-Duchene Brut NV Champagne courtesy of Wine Market.  It went very well with the Oysters prior to our regular home-cooked flathead fillets and chips.  Quite delicately fruity on the nose, it has a fresh clean palate of good intensity and a fresh clean finish.  There isn't much in the way of toasty/yeasty complexity, but it is a very satisfying pre-dinner drink.  At $47.99 in 6-packs from Wine Market it seems fairly priced, but it's a hard call to say it's markedly better than the current batch of Piper Heidsieck NV still at $39.99 from Wine List Australia or Lanson NV @ $39.99 from 1stChoice, but then it's all up to personal preferences.  Worth a try if you want some variety in your NV Champagne choices and there is a bonus 6-pack of flutes as well.

Being red bigots we drank Taltarni Cephas Shiraz-Cabernet 2003 with the fish and chips and I can report it seems to be in the same class as the 2002, possibly better, it has a firmer structure and a fuller mid-palate. It is a very good buy at $150 for a 6-pack ($49.99pb buy-3-get-3) from Kemeny's.  John K also emailed to say he was very happy with the purchase after trying one with friends at lunchtime yesterday.

I've had a bit of a look through the extensive red wine list at Cellardor.com.au.  Their new site isn't really finished yet, but works very fast and there is a good amount of information on the wines.  Quite a number of the higher-priced wines, particularly imports are marked as "Limited Availability" meaning you have to email to see if they can get stock.  Of the mostly Australian wines and some imports I checked, the prices are often reasonably competitive, but can usually be bettered at some other independents in mixed case rather than full-case buys.  The "Cheap Champagne" section contains all the sparkling wines as well as Champagne and the prices are not particularly cheap, in fact many are easily bettered elsewhere by a big margin, the mainstream brands are much cheaper at the chains and elsewhere.  The following short list contains the ones that caught my eye as having sharp enough prices to perhaps be tempting buy a full case or buy to share with friends.  It is in descending price order, I found that the easiest way to browse for this purpose.  Limited Availability wines marked (L).

• Torbreck RunRig Shiraz/Viognier 2005 $195.66 (next best is Wine Empire @ $212.22 in 6-packs, elsewhere $215 and up)

• Mt Mary Quintet 2005 $107.86 (L) (Nicks $125, elsewhere $129 and up)

• Langmeil Freedom 1843 Shiraz 2005 $81.85 (L) (Discount Wines $84.25 in 6-packs)

• Rolf Binder Hanisch Shiraz 2005 $78.60 (L) (Nicks $89.99)

• Henschke Mt Edelstone Shiraz 2005 $74.70 ((L) Canterbury Wines $79.50, WLA $79.99 W* $89.99)

• Balnaves The Tally Cabernet 2005 $70.79 (L) ($78 and up elsewhere)

• Te Mata Coleraine 2006 $69.50 (Discount Wines $73.50, 2005 is $69.99 @ Boccaccio)

• Glaetzer Amon Ra 2006 $65.59 (L) (Canterbury Wines, Cloudwine $74, elsewhere $75 and up)

• Bethany GR9 Family Reserve Shiraz 2004 $64.93/$779.16 (Nicks $912/case)

• Dalwhinnie Southwest Rocks Shiraz 2005 $63.51 (L) (Prince Wine Store $71.95)

• Tapanappa Whalebone Cabernet merlot 2005 $61.43 (2004 listed at $69.99 and up)

• Brands Laira The Patron Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $60.38 (L) (Cabernet Trophy at the NWS 2007)

• SC Pannell Shiraz 2005 $54.95 (Cloudwine $63)

• Domaine A Cabernet 2001 $54.95 (L) (Wine Empire $58.50)

• Two Hands Garden series Shiraz 2006, all $45.43 (L) (some cheaper elsewhere, but often $46.99-$49.99 and up)

• Taltarni Cephas 2003 $46.10 (Get it at Kemeny's for $25 in 6-packs)

• Spinifex Indigene 2006 $44.55 (EEC $46, Cloudwine $48)

• Heritage Steve Hoff Rosscos Shiraz 2005 $36.03 (Nicks $39.99)

• Redheads Studio Viottolo range 2006, The Nebb, Viale and Shiraz all $33.19 (Wine Culture $31.95 for the shiraz)

• Evans & Tate Reserve Cabernet 2004 $26.09 (Margaret River Wine Centre $30.60 + freight)

16 May: Boccacio is first to list the Jacobs Creek Centenary Hill Shiraz 2004.  They seem to have kept the price down, it is $35.99 and the 2003 vintage is still being sold for $37.99-$46.  I can't find a TN for it, it scored a Bronze in a very strong class at the NWS last year, but I don't remember tasting it.

I am often amused reading all the claims on e-tailer sites and emails.  Get Wines Direct is now claiming to be "Australia's Leading Internet Wine Retailer" on the basis of selling 100,000 bottles every week, it might be true on that basis.  Winestar is claiming to be "Australia's #1 Wine E-tailer", Kemeny's is "Australia's No 1 Wine Merchant" and I've only now discovered Cellars.com.au, "Australia's best on-line wine store". 
They certainly have an impressive range of wines but only sell wines in 12 bottle lots, even if the wine is normally in a 6-pack.  I would guess they order in most stuff when you order. On a quick scan, their prices are all over the place, a few very good, many average, many a bit high, they don't list on wine-searcher.  They have free freight to Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Adelaide, and Brisbane. They also have a huge swag of Jeremy Oliver tasting notes (most dated 2006) on their site, including back vintages not on sale.  I wonder whether they have an arrangement with JO?  It also appears Barbaresco, Chablis and Chianti (and a few others) are grape varieties now, but it probably does help find things and the entries in the Grape Varieties list is too specific to be useful in some cases.  It seems their preferred site is now Cellardor.com.au, different look, same content.
They do respond quickly to emails, I've exchanged a few this morning on the topic of 6-packs.  They are willing to consider specific requests, but individual 6-packs would attract a $10 delivery fee.  Their business model does not allow for combining 6-packs from different suppliers and they don't seem interested in trying to change that model.  I'll work my way through their list and post any I think are sharply priced and worth considering as a dozen buy.

Last night I opened a bottle of the Boccaccio "The Black Sheep" Yarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.  It's from the Hoddles Creek area, so no prizes for guessing who made it. It has quite dense deep-red colour and a more serious nose than you would expect of an $8 wine, with some black berry fruit and oak overtones.  The palate is firm and the slightly chunky tannins slightly overpower the good cabernet fruit at present, it seems as though it might have a fair amount of pressings material.  The finish is moderate length with a very slight bitter edge from the prominent tannins.  A very good BBQ cabernet now, it could turn into something very nice in a year or two if those tannins settle.  Update:  Two days after opening and just sitting re-capped on the kitchen bench it has opened up and is drinking really well, pretty impressive for $8.

I've also had open a bottle of Zilzie Sangiovese 2005 sourced from Grays (just over $4pb delivered, current retail $12.22 -$17), it has a weird nose that seems to have a lot of sulphur dioxide character, not pleasant at all and the same character appears on the palate, still unpleasant.  It has breathed off a little after a day open, but the palate is still affected by a harsh chemical flavour.  A second bottle opened from the case has a little less of the character, but it is still there.  One to avoid I would say.

15 May: 1stChoice has Lanson NV Champagne @ $42.00/$39.90, that's all that grabbed my attention anyway.

Dan Murphy has a big double-page spread but no "super-special" section that I can see so far.  There are also catalogues online for Vic and NSW/ACT, for specific stores only in some cases.  There wasn't a lot that attracted me personally, but you might find something there.  They have Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2006 @ $16.70/$15.90 with a bonus magnum for a 6-bottle buy, just trumping the Wine List Australia $16.99 and two magnums per dozen buy.  Also Gemtree Uncut Shiraz (2006) @ $17.80/$16.90 and the Taylors Clare Estate Range @ $166/dozen with a box of Bitburger beer included in the price (if you don't want the beer the wines are cheaper at 1stChoice, Jims, Kemenys), Moet & Chandon NV is $57.40/$54.50, Mumm Cordon Rouge NV @ $52.30/$49.80 ($49.99 @ Kemenys, $49.99pb in 6-packs from Wine Market).

Better late than never, the much reviewer-praised Carlei Green Vineyards Heathcote Shiraz 2004 is $24.99 at W*.  It is $23.95+freight from Discount Wines, $24.95 at Canterbury Wines and it is $24.95/$23.95/$22.95 (single/6/12) + freight from Wine Snob.

North Sydney Cellars has joined the fray on Moss Wood MR Cabernet 2005, offering it for online orders @ $84.99, limit 6.

For Sydney-siders, Wine Culture is having a Viottolo (Redheads Studios, Justin Lane) tasting on Sunday 1300-1700, these wines are very scarce in Australia and are very interesting, as is Justin Lane. Wine Culture
23 Babbage Road Roseville Chase NSW 2069 Ph: 02 9882 1788  

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14 May:  My local Dan Murphy is down to their last dozen 6-packs of St Henri 2004, other stores reportedly have more, so the initial rush seems to have subsided  Also at DM, put Sunday 25th May in your diary and watch out for advertisements for details of their "Shiraz Expo" to be held on that day.  I've seen a draft of the wines to be generally on offer and they cover a wide range of regions and styles, topping out with the likes of Dalwhinnie, Hanging Rock Heathcote and Grant Burge Meshach.  Individual stores will also have a few local choices and there may even be a bottle of Grange 2003 open for the early birds.

There must be a story, but I don't know what it is.  A lot of Sandalford wine has been selling on Grays for some time now, from museum releases (sometimes as cleanskins), through the Element, Protégé and Estate Reserve ranges.  I've bought quite a few 6-packs of the excellent Reserve Chardonnay 2004 for WWD friends, it seems to have finished now.  The current Protégé Shiraz (2005, rrp about $19) is on sale and can be had for under $7pb delivered in 6-packs.  They are also selling the 2007 Protégé Cabernet-Merlot (2 vintages up from the winery list), some of the Element entry series wines and also now the 2006 MR Shiraz (2 vintages up from current, a tough vintage in MR and exclusive to Grays).  I've just popped the screwcap on a 2005 Protégé Shiraz and it looks like the real deal of $15-$18 value for $6.27pb delivered, nice medium-weight wine, quite balanced, nice touch of oak.  The Sandalford MR Cabernet 2005 is $33.95 ex-Sandalford CD and is widely available for under $25.  My 6 arrived from Kemenys today for $138 and with a bonus 500ml Sandalera selling at the winery for $95, that's a pretty good bonus.  Looks like they need to reduce stocks and generate some cash flow in a hurry, but selling at a third of RRP on Grays doesn't seem to be the way to get a good price.  Maybe they should let GWD flog some for them.

Wine List Australia is offering Gosset Brut Excellence NV Champagne @ $49.99/$588, Canterbury Wines has it @ $49.75, others from $53 to $60+

13 May:  My attempt last night to broaden the horizons of my Monday tasting group with some Italian reds (including two samples of Kemeny exclusives and one Aus Nebbiolo) wasn't as successful as I hoped.
Two wines showed badly, the Longview Adelaide Hills Black Crow Nebbiolo 2004 ($24) was pale and brown and very strange, ranked an easy last by nearly everyone. 
Also browning badly and quite unpleasant to start was the Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2004 ($35), it opened up a little, but was never going to get above second last in the rankings. 
Liked a bit more by the group, but marked down by me for a slight mustiness (cork) and a hard finish was the Leonardo da Vinci Chianti Riserva 2004 (Kemenys $21.99), one with a better cork may show better than this.  (There was no overt cork taint in any of these 3, although there were mutterings about the Isole being stripped and/or oxidised).
The group wasn't all that impressed by the slow-to-open-up Prunotto Barbaresco 2004 ($58). I thought it had some class but needs a few years yet in the cellar.  It only really hit it's straps at the restaurant after the tasting. 
The screwcap-sealed Batasiolo Sovrana Barbera d'Alba 2005 (Kemenys $28.99) showed enough fruit juiciness and brightness to be possibly considered an Australian-made wine, it's a nice wine and a good food wine, the remainder survived a bit of spicy Thai food. 
The easy preference of the group was the Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico 2004 ($35), the classy structure and exemplary flavour profile and complexity showed quite quickly and it just got better and better in the glass.

Last Friday night we tried the Bouvet Ladubay Saphir Brut 2005 ($19.99 @ Nicks).  It unfortunately didn't really live up to the promise of the 94 pt rating.  The bead is good, the palate certainly has a touch of creaminess and there are some nice confectionary, melon and apple notes, but the chenin blanc component seems to stick out a bit and it didn't show the freshness and crisp acid finish of the Nicks note.  Interesting but not exciting.  We actually enjoyed the Grant Burge Pinot Chardonnay NV bubbly I accidently opened thinking it was the sparkling Shiraz-Cabernet (similar label) quite a bit more than the Saphir.

Brad C emailed to tell that Village Cellars in North Adelaide (not Vintage Cellars as I mistakenly typed) is having a buy 2 get 1 free promotion, including premium wines, or a 30% off sale in other form.  I don't know how long it runs for.  Also Dan Murphy in SA is selling St Henri 2004 magnums for $148 in 6-pack buys, usually (and elsewhere) $165.  Thanks Brad.

If you follow Huon Hookes recommendations, Squashedgrape has the Euroa Creeks Early Harvest Shiraz 2006 that HH awarded 94 pts.  It is $22.81 in 6-packs or cases, free freight for dozens.  ($28 with 10% discount and + freight from the winery).  Also recommended by HH today, the Westend 3 Bridges Durif 2006 (95pts, drink for 10 years).  You can get it for $15.95 + freight from Discount Wines, $17.00 from the Wine Society, $18.99 at Kemeny's or $19.95/$210.57 direct from the winery.  For some reason Wine Empire has it @ $24.57, way off the mark.

Bert from Winestar emailed to confirm that anyone ordering the Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 from them will be charged only the $39.99 price.  But get in soon, that price won't last long.

Rosemount Show Reserve McLarenVale Shiraz 2004 has dropped to $12.99 at Jims Cellars, I haven't tried it and don't know if that would be a good buy, also a case of Stella Artois (locally brewed now) with a case of Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet 2005 @ $23.99pb and Veuve Clicquot NV Champagne @ $57.99 and the very drinkable Zilzie Shiraz 2006 @ $11.99.

Stuart at Wine Market has also obliged by making the Moss Wood MR Cabernet 2005 available in 6-packs at the same $85 price as the dozens and free freight if you type RBG in the voucher/coupon at checkout.  Also 8 6-packs of Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2004 @ $18.99 pb (despite the big red sticker saying $19.99).

Avalon Fine Wines have Mildara Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @ $19.99 (Nicks $26.99, appears on special at DM occasionally). Ph 02 9918 3207

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12 May:  Anthony at Boccaccio is on the ball again this week, the newsletter is up already (see left panel link).  It features the new Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz 2004 @ $37.99 (WLA priced dropped to match, Nicks $39.99).  Also the John Duval 2006 pair @ $39.99 for the Entity (elsewhere $43 and up) and $36.99 for the Plexus ($31.50+freight at winebizz, $34.99 at WLA).  I don't know the Bodegas Mauro Crianza 2004 (Tempranillo), but Anthony usually only promotes good Spanish wines.  Mix it up with the Tim Adams Tempranillo 2005 @ $29.99 and do your own comparison.

W* prices on Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 in screwcap are all over the place, it's back down to $39.99 in this week's newsletter (dated 14 May), which is now online (see left panel link).  The web site price is still $44.99, if you ordered it at that price ask for a credit for the difference.

Most of the Joseph Moda 2000 at Wine for Life @ $16.45 has gone already.  Just checked, 8 bottles left.

For fans of Hunter Shiraz, Thomas Kiss Shiraz 2006 is available from Wine Empire in 6-packs for $39.32pb ($45 Best Cellars, $49.50 Prince Wine Store).  Winorama TN here.

Prices on some wines seem to be hard to judge for some e-tailers, there have been a few instances when the data on wine-searcher from 1-3 days ago doesn't match the price on the e-tailers site, with differences both up and down as they eye off the competition.  So, my apologies if a price I list doesn't actually match the current price on the site, I don't always have time to click through on all the wine-searcher entries.

Get Wines Direct are offering a Bests Shiraz-Cabernet 2007 @ $9.95, playing up a (probably small) component of shiraz from the 100+yo Gt Western vineyards.  This wine wasn't mentioned or shown when we were there in February, so I have no idea how good it is, but I would expect an early-drinking wine released now to generate some cash flow.  Also GWD are offering Taylors Estate Range @ $14.95, it's regularly available at Dan's 1stChoice etc for $2 or more less than that and the range is currently $11.99-$12.99 at Kemeny's and Jims Cellars.

11 May:  Not quite as good as the $12 price a while back, but you can now get Primo Estate Joseph Moda Cabernet blend 2000 at Wine for Life for $16.45.  There are at least 10 dozen on offer when I checked by a tentative order.  Based on the previous lot I bought it is still in very good form and was originally $40 approx. and is now being offered at the winery as a museum release for $90pb.

Today is your last chance for the $39.99 Petaluma Coonawarra at Wine List Australia, 13 to the dozen. It's back up to $44.99 again, still 13 to the dozen though = $41.54pb.

Some small producers must be getting desperate, if the prices they are getting on Gray's daily auctions are any indication.  Hesperos (Margaret River) are still selling the 2002 vintage of their Shiraz for $20pb.  The 2004 vintage recently started appearing on Gray's in dozen lots.  So far I've scored 4 cases for myself and friends for $44 and $49 bids, or $5.05 - $5.53pb delivered.  Take off freight from WA and Gray's sellers commission and that leaves $40 or under per case (with taxes to pay?) to the winery, assuming it's a direct sale from there.  The wine itself is a perfectly drinkable medium weight shiraz that will cellar for a few years if you want to and it's even sealed with Diam cork.

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10 May:  Wine Market have just listed Moss Wood Cabernet 2005 @ $85, but only as full-dozens and they only have 5 available.  It probably doesn't matter in this price range, but you can save $5 getting free freight if you type RBG in the voucher/coupon at checkout.  Stuart is working hard on a Saturday adding new wines, they also have the excellent Elderton Command Shiraz 2004 @ $69.99 in dozens (same as Cellarmasters, Private Cellar and DJ Wine Club, but + freight etc there, mostly $80 at the better e-tailers).  I mentioned that I thought it was a pity it wasn't available in 6-packs and Stuart has obligingly added that option. (This isn't the wooden case.)  Also 5 6-packs of Penfolds St Henri 2004 @ $69.99 are available.

Question of the day:  Why don't more producers package their premium wines in 6-packs? Or even be like the innovative Domenic Torzi and offer some of the Longhop / Old Plains wines in 3-packs at freight-inclusive prices?

It is starting to look like this year will be "interesting times" for wine sellers and buyers.  There are conflicting signals all over the place. 
►There are substantial price rises from some producers, steady-as-she-goes from others and signs of heightened competition in the retail/e-tail sector.  This has resulted in some deals that are the same price as (or even less than) the prior vintage, despite producer increases in RRP for some wines.
►Some wines sell out very quickly, others (in theory just as good) have much of the prior vintage available when the new one is released, often at a higher price.
►There are also more wines that used to be mostly export appearing on the local market and many export-labelled wines appearing on Grays auctions. 
►The strong Australia dollar seems to have helped the independents increase the numbers of imported wines on offer at sometimes quite attractive prices.
►There is an interesting short article on Glug documenting the decline in market share of the Tier 1 (biggest) wine producers.  Will they bite back with discounts and price wars?  Or will they finally learn the lesson that good wines at reasonable prices will always sell?  Or work out that the good independent retailers/e-tailers don't want or need most of their wines anymore?

Wine Culture are offering the new 2007 Torzi Matthews Schist Rock Shiraz @ $15.95 in mixed/full dozens, + freight outside of Sydney. (Cloudwine $16.00, Boccaccio $16.99, direct $17)

After very quickly selling out the 2005 vintage, there seems to be a bit of the John Duval Entity Shiraz 2006 still around after the initial flurry died down.  Boccaccio has it for $39.99, a bunch of others have it at $43-$45 and few optimists are selling it for $55-$60.  Get in quick at the lower price, there is no second allocation of this.

If you dithered on the W* $39.99 offer on Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 under screwcap, it's too late now, it's back up to $44.99.  You still have a day or so at WLA to get an even cheaper deal on the cork-sealed version.

I was checking prices on the Groom Shiraz 2005 ($45 @ East End Cellars and Cloudwine, $49.99 @ W*) and noticed the 2006 is listed at 6J's Wine Merchants in Melbourne for $36.00, also the Zinfandel 2006 for $25.20.  This merchant is mainly an own-label merchant, it was odd to see these amongst the other offerings.  Freight $5/case Australia-wide.

09 May:  At the higher-price bracket of the wines usually listed here, Davo emailed to tell me that the standout wine on his last Barossa visit, the Langmeil Freedom Shiraz 2004 is $84.25+freight in 6-packs from Discount Wines.  It is $100 and up elsewhere.  Look in the Best Buys #1 list, it is $100pb in the Museum Cellared list.

Wine List Australia has responded to W* and is offering the cork-sealed Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 for $39.99 also, but with 13 to the dozen.  Don't wait too long it finishes Sunday 11 May.

Nicks have updated the availability of the large format Yalumba premium reds, both 1500ml and 3000ml sizes of Signature 2004, Menzies 2005 and Octavius 2004 will be available late May. The 3 litre Signature and Menzies are about $40 over the bottle multiple, but the 3 litre Octavius @ $350 is about $10 under the bottle multiple.  The magnums are all just over twice the price of the 750ml bottles.

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08 May:  Winestar has a few hundred cases of Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 under screwcap coming next week.  It is currently selling at $39.99pb.  Get in before they are all gone or Bert decides to make some money and increases the price. Update: It's back up to $44.99 now.

Sixty Darling St are not honouring (under E&OE provisions) the advertised $37 for the Voyager Cabernet Merlot 2004, claiming it should be $47.  Thanks Chris F for the info.

Tim Adams Reserve Tempranillo 2006 is starting to get the same sort of accolades as the 2005 vintage.  At $29/$174 6-pack from the winery it is also half the price of the Hewitson Private Cellar Tempranillo (see 02 May).  The 2005 is still available from Wine Empire for $31.17 in 6-packs or the Wine Society for $32.99.

Wine List Australia have the Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 (cork) @ $44.99/$539.88, with 13 to the dozen this week.

Wine Market prices on the Torbreck RunRig 2003, 2004, 2005 have jumped from $190pb to $215.  I wonder if someone "had a word" to them?  You can still get the 2005 for $195 at Bests Cellars, but maybe you need to be quick.

Nicks have the 2004 vintage Yalumba premiums in magnum a without the premium usual for the bigger bottles, the magnums are pretty close to a direct bottle-multiple price.  (Don't get excited about the 3l double-magnums, they are sold out). They've also listed the 2005 Woody Nook Gallaghers Choice MR Cabernet with an 88pt score and case-only purchase @ $414/12 = $34.50.  The 2004 scored 96 pts and is offered @ $46.99, looks like they couldn't reproduce the form of the 2004 in 2005, supposedly a very good red vintage in Margaret River.

Wine Market have the next vintage of the cutely named Stonehaven Rat & Bull Wrattonbully Cabernet Shiraz 2003 @ $9.99/$59.94 in 6-packs.  Many people seemed to enjoy the 2002 vintage of this so this one may be worth a try at an even cheaper price.  Free freight to RBG readers, type RBG in the voucher/coupon at checkout.

Cabernet is still hard to sell, Get Wines Direct have a Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 cleanskin @ $5.97 if you can cope with two cases at that price ($11.95, buy a case, get another case free).  I don't know which winery is the source, but it could be a Hardy's wine based on the 1853 clue.  If you are looking at the Mollydooker reds, the two cheaper ones are competitively priced, the Enchanted Path is $3pb cheaper at Nicks.

Andrew Kemeny has sent me a new RBG special and a couple of offers to RBG readers in advance of general release.  The RBG-only offer is for a mixed 6-pack with 3 each of the 2004 and 2005 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon for $510 or $85pb.  You must quote the code number shown for this offer on the Kemeny's RBG Offers page.  The 2005 Moss Wood has just been released (Winorama TN) and is so far listed @ $94.50/$567 for a 6-pack @ Wine Empire, $100 ex-winery, the 2004 is still around as low as $85 at winebizz, but mostly $90 and up elsewhere.  I would guess the two preview offers may be in the new catalogue coming soon or next week's adverts, but you can order them now along with any of the RBG specials by calling 13 8881.  (All prices + freight). The two preview offers are:

• Taltarni Cephas Shiraz-Cabernet 2003 @ $25pb in 6-packs (actually $49.99pb, but buy 3 get 3 free).  Taltarni are trying to catch up on vintages with this wine and sold off the 2002 @ $25 to staff and friends a while ago and now are moving the 2003 via Kemeny's.  I haven't tried the 2003, but the 2002 was a bargain buy at the $25 price-point.

• Sandalford Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 @ $22.99 with a bonus 500ml bottle of Sandalford Sandalera fortified with each 6 bottles.  Sixty Darling St has the wine @ $23, but without the bonus Sandalera.  The Sandalera is offered from the winery for $95pb.

1stChoice specials this week: Louis Roederer NV Champagne $63.05/$59.90, Piper Heidsieck NV $41.89/$39.80 (Dan is 20c cheaper), Taylors Clare Shiraz and Cabernet @ $12.42/$11.80 and Wirra Wirra Church Block $16.53/$15.70

Dan Murphy specials: Piper Heidsieck NV $41.70/$39.60, Taittinger NV $59.90/$56.90, Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz 2004 $15.60/$14.80, Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2005 $16.70/$15.90 (Jim's Cellars $16.99, WLA $17.99, W* $19.99), Penley Estate Phoenix Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 $16.70/$15.90 ($17.99 at WLA).  They also have the very nice Kirrihill Clare Shiraz 2005 @ $20.90/$19.90, but it is $18pb from Matt at Premium Wines Direct.

Speaking of Matt, his new Matt's Specials for May are up, see left panel link to the pdf.  The balance for Care Australia is $433.20, Matt sends it off when it gets to $1,000, every purchase you make and mention this site earns money for Care Australia.  There are new vintages (2006) of a couple of Gemtree Shiraz, a very gluggable 2005 red blend from Wise Wines for $12 (I scored some of this on Grays for less than that, but it hasn't appeared since) and a few higher-priced reds from Two Hands and Branson Coach Hose.  The BCH Greenock Shiraz 2005 is $36 ($39.99 at W*).  The Two Hands Bad Impersonator Shiraz 2006 is $38, but is listed at Discount Wines for $33.95. As ever, email Matt and mention this site so Care Australia benefits from each purchase.  Update:  If you ask nicely, Matt will match the Discount Wines price on the Bad Impersonator ($33.95).

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07 May:  The Sixty Darling St Rad's Choice snail-mail catalogue for May has a few new(ish) vintages and a couple of sharp prices.  New vintages of Serafino Shiraz and Cabernet 2006 still @ $20, 2004 Barwang Shiraz and Cabernet still @ $15.  The sharp prices are Sandalford MR Cabernet 2005 @ $23 (Kemeny's $24.99, but they'll probably price match) and Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 2004 @ $37 ($42.99 and up elsewhere).  All prices plus freight, extra discounts for 2 dozen or over $500 purchases, phone 1300 139 252 to order.

WLA has sold out of the Penfolds St Henri 2004, except for magnums @ $164.99.  Most Dan Murphy stores should still have stock.

A reminder about Gray's ex-Heritage Fine Wines auctions, there is no warranty on these wines, don't bid unless you are pretty sure about the wine.  I haven't mentioned the recent series as there are no bargains to be had, many punters are paying way too much for mediocre wines.

More on Gotham Shiraz 2007 from Get Wines Direct, Daz found it a bit sweet and porty with a noticeably warm finish.  It's very young, it might settle down or maybe it's meant to be drunk now, but usually a porty character soon comes to dominate if it's prominent in a young wine.  It seems to be selling pretty fast, who said their was a backlash against 15+% reds?

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06 May:  The new Boccaccio newsletter is up, see left panel link.  Featured are the Torzi Matthews Schist Rock Shiraz 2007 @ $16.99, Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 @ $44.99, a trio of Pinots, a couple of Spanish reds. and an Italian red from Puglia.  Also, they have just listed Yalumba Signature Cab-Shiraz 2004 @ $37.99 (Nicks, WLA $39.99).

Right on cue with the listing of the 2004 vintage of the Yalumba The Signature Cab-Shiraz for $37.99-$39.99, Wine Market has 6-packs of the 2003 vintage for $32.99pb ($36.99 @ W*, $42.95 @ Discount Wines).  Free freight if you type RBG in the Voucher/Coupon slot at checkout.

If you want some Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz 2005, get in quick.  It's "sold out" at the winery and gone on the back vintage list (1 bottle limit) @ $50pb.  W* has it @ $29.99, Cloudwine $30/$334.  W* are also offering the Rolf Binder / Veritas Bulls Blood Shiraz Mataro Pressings 2005 for $44.99 ($45.00+freight ex-winery).  The prior 2004 vintage is still listed for $35.99/$32.39 at Wine & Cheese Providore and $39.99 @ Canterbury Wines (look under Veritas).

For those of you that like Mt Pleasant Philip Shiraz (and/or Elizabeth Semillon), Sam B emailed to tell me Dan Murphy has these @ $8.50.  Vintages probably 2005 and 2001/2002 respectively.  Justin G emailed that he had heard this was a pricing mistake and would only be honoured for current stock, no rainchecks.  He also said 1stChoice were still matching the price where they had stock.

Vintage Cellars seems to be selling out of St Henri 2004, but Murray B emailed to say his local DM (Alexandria NSW) had 30+ 6-packs available and Belconnen ACT still has good stocks.  No word on 1stChoice stocks.

Nicks have the 2005 vintage of the Kilikanoon super-premium Shiraz: M Reserve, Greens Reserve both $74.99 and Attunga 1865 @ $250 ($225+freight @ Discount Wines).

05 May:  The new Longhop (Domenic Torzi) entry level reds from 2007 have been released, a 2007 Shiraz @ $15/$174 and an Old Vine  Grenache 2007 @ $20/$216, including freight on dozens and 3-packs.  Also a 4-way blended white @ $15/$174.  I've only seen a review of the white, but these wines are consistently good for early drinking or short-term cellaring.  Also still available are the Old Plains Power of One Shiraz 2005 and my favourite, the Longhop Old Vines Reserve Cabernet Shiraz 2005, both $25pb or $85 in 3-packs incl freight.  Take the 6-of-each option for $299 delivered.

For those with Vintage Cellars Cellar shares and who don't mind a bit of (well-hidden) Viognier in their Shiraz, you can get 2 bottles of Turners Crossing Bendigo Shiraz-Viognier 2005 for each Cellar Share, until May 18.  RRP about $25, street case price $20, TORB's TN here.  Thanks Roy N for the info.

An email from Ross H prompted me to have another look at Adelaide Cellar Door.  The list of wineries/wines here is still small, but gradually expanding, with some non-SA wines as well.  They suggest you are buying directly from the relevant wineries, but allow single bottle buys, so I don't know how that works.  I mixed up an order from three different wineries, 2 in SA and one in Vic and the freight was calculated @ $10.34, suggesting shipment from a single location, so their business model is a little different to some of the others with "winery direct" selling.  The wines that particularly interested me were Vincognita Nankita Shiraz 2005 @ $17.74/$207, Mt Cole Wineworks Shiraz 2004 and 2005 @ $22.74 (down the road from Mt Langi Ghiran, Cloudwine $24) and the Landhaus reds at prices well below Ultimo Cellars and The Ed show on wine-searcher.  Maybe also the Five Geese Blewitt Springs Shiraz 2004 (JH 94 pts, drink to 2024) @ $15.49/$180 (elsewhere $17.50 and up, $24+freight ex-winery)

Brad C emailed a whisper that the Leasingham CC Sparkling Shiraz 1998 is already getting low in stock at the winery.  I suspect there is plenty in the distribution channel, but demand should see it sell out leaving the 97 on the shelf, so buy early if you want some.  I've ordered a dozen and so has TORB.  There may be no subsequent releases of this for 2-3 years either.  There is a 2004 Leasingham Magnus Sp. Shiraz on the way, but it's not in the same class as the Classic Clare.

I've posted a new short article that outlines my perspective on the "great closure debate" - see Closures - My Perspective in the left panel.

I don't know who is responsible for entering the data on new wines at Wine List Australia, but they are playing some of the "Games" that are quite unnecessary for a good wine merchant.  The Tollana TR 222 Cabernet 2005 entry contains this (partially quoted) TN from Jeremy Oliver: "Honest and vibrant, aromas of cassis, violets and cedar reveal a hint of menthol, some pleasing blackberry fruit, cedar/vanilla oak and a suggestion of dark olives framed by rather bony tannins!" -Jeremyoliver.com.au"  This is the full TN: "An honest and vibrant, if rather simple wine. Its restrained aromas of cassis, violets and cedar reveal a hint of menthol, while its moderately generous palate delivers some pleasing blackberry fruit, cedar/vanilla oak and a suggestion of dark olives framed by rather bony tannins. (Adelaide Hills, $21 retail, approx., 15.8/86, drink 2006-2009)".  Negative bits neatly removed.  Unfortunately it's also for the 2004 vintage, not the 2005.  Now fixed, but this sort of thing is easily avoided by the simple principal of quoting the full TN or not at all.

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