31 October:   Gary Walsh has just given the ROC Max V 2005 a rave review on Wine Front, so the prices on Grays will probably go up now.  In fact someone has already bid $204 on one of the 3 6-packs in the auction today, previous highest sale price was around $164.

30 October:   1stChoice has gone back to the tempting NV Champagne offers: Piper Heidsieck NV $39.99/$37.99, Cattier $31.57/$29.99, Pommery $52.62/$49.99, Moet & Chandon $54.73/$51.99 (but already beaten by DM @ $49.90), Veuve Clicquot $62.84/$59.70, Lanson $52.62/$49.99, Taittinger $63.15/$59.99.

Dan Murphy has the Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2006 @ $17.80/$16.90, Gemtree Uncut Shiraz 2007 @ $17.80/$16.90, Annie's Lane range @ $9.80/$9.30.

Kemeny's have responded to the DM Moet&Chandon NV $49.99 price, offering a two-pack for $99.  Also 6 Spiegelau flutes with each 6-pack of Yarra Burn Sparkling White or Rose @ $16.99, they are $17.05 (full dozen buy) to $22 without the bonus elsewhere or $15.90/$14.60 at DM without the bonus.

GWD have the new 2006 vintages of the Normans Chais Clarendon Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon @ $15.95, but the old "save $360/dozen" line is getting abit tired as these have been nearly exclusive to GWD for a few years and offered at similar prices during that time frame.  I have no idea how good they are these days, but the last ones I tried weren't up to the good old days.  I just realised the Chais Clarendon Shiraz 2006 first appeared in February 2008, you can read the entry on 28 Feb in the archive page.  It was $18.95 back then, so the saving is $36 / case, not $360.  Also, David M emailed to say he and his friends have been enjoying the McLarenVale Cleanskin (Nashwauk) Shiraz 2006.  I wasn't surprised at that, but I'm surprised to see that GWD are still offering it, I thought it would disappear quickly.  See September 16 for the original entry.

A few that out-performed at a tasting last night:  Watershed Cabernet Merlot 2004 $17.25+freight  @ Discount Wines (may not have done as well, but the Pierro LTCf was slightly corked (2 bottles) and the Devils Lair Cab-Merlot 2004 under screwcap was showing far too much oxidative character.  Also Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz 2006 ($24.95 @ Canterbury Wines and Kemeny's) and Wirra Wirra Woodhenge Shiraz 2006 (Boccaccio, Winestar $23.99) saw off Chapel Hill Shiraz 2006 and Mr Riggs Shiraz 2006 quite convincingly.

Some people are turning to Gray's for bargain wines, but there are plenty who are paying far too much.  There are a sprinkling of ex-HFW wines in some recent auctions and today I saw a bid of $269++ for 12 Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz 2000 ($26.61 delivered) when better more recent vintages are selling elsewhere for about $24 and the 2000 is offered on Wine For Life @ $18.98+freight.  There were numerous other examples of some punters paying too much or double what a wine had gone for in previous auctions.  If you are shopping there, don't get carried away.  The ROC Max V 2005 has appeared again, I'm on the hunt for a couple more 6-packs too.

28 October:   Sixty Darling St have the Houghton Wisdom MR Cabernet 2004 @ $22+freight ($26.99 at W*), also the Houghton FR Shiraz 2004 @ $22+freight ($24.99 @ W*).  Ph 1300 139 252 to order.

Stuart at Wine Market is in clearance mode for stuff that's been hanging around too long.  The latest to go is Mt Rosa Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 @ $19.99 (it was listed @ $27.99), 13 dozen to go.

Wine List Australia has a dozen NV Champagne (6 Piper Heidsieck and 6 Delacoste) @ $449.88, although their email says $455.88.

Some of the trophy winners at the recent McLaren Vale Wine Show:

• Best Cabernet - Wirra Wirra Angelus 2006 $49.99 @ Winestar, $54.99 at WLA
• Best Shiraz <$25 RRP - Fox Creek Red Baron Shiraz 2007 - Wine Empire $15.11
• Dry Red Still Wine 2006 and older Varietal Shiraz (RRP <$25.00) – 2006 Vincognita McLaren Vale Shiraz - Adelaide Cellar Door $18.74
• Dry Red Still Wine 2006 and older Varietal Shiraz (RRP >=$25.00) – 2006 The Old Faithful 'Top of the Hill' Shiraz (Not released)
• Dry Red Still Wine Other Varieties and Blended Wines – 2006 The Old Faithful 'Almond Grove' Mourvedre (Not released yet)
• Dry Red Still Wine Blended Wine Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 'The Great Australian Blend' – 2006 Ulithorne Paternus Cabernet Shiraz - Cloudwine $33, Winery $35
• Dry Red Still Wine Blended Wine Grenache/Shiraz 'Rhone blends' - 'Eric Lacey Memorial Trophy' – 2006 Rosemount Show Reserve McLaren Vale GSM - Dan Murphy $13.60/$12.90
• Fortified Wine Any Style – NV Woodstock Very Old Fortified - Nicks $32.99
• Fleurieu Peninsula Dry Red Wine, Small Producer Dry Red Wine Any Style – 2006 Vincognita Nangkita Shiraz - Adelaide Cellar Door $18.91

Glaetzer Amon Ra Shiraz 2007 is out, seems to have jumped in price a bit, maybe because there won't be much of it from the small vintage.  Wine Empire $77.60, Cellardor $79.20 (full dozen, but on their limited list), W* $89.99,

The Boccaccio newsletter is out (see left panel link) featuring Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz 2006 @ $25.99 (same price as last vintage, 2005 still offered ex-winery @ $30/$27), plus a trio of new 2005 premium reds - Oliver's Taranga HJ Reserve Shiraz 2005 @ $46.99 (It's $48pb or $45 in 6-packs + freight ex-winery), Henschke Mt Edelstone Shiraz 2005 @ $89.99 (same as W* but it's listed @ $74.99 at Jims Cellars, $79.50 at Canterbury Wines and $82.50 at Winebizz) and Henschke Cyril EV Cabernet 2005 @ $99.99 (Winebizz $95+freight).

The Winestar email is up too, featuring St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2006 @ $27.99 (elsewhere $28.99 and up, around $26.99 on chain special), Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2007 @ $24.99 (it's mostly $26-$27 elsewhere, Discount Wines $24.50+freight, North Sydney Cellars $24.99), Vasse Felix MR Cabernet 2005 @ $27.99 (Boccaccio $26.50, WLA $27.99)

27 October:   D'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2006 has just scored 95pts from both GW and CM on Wine Front, it's $48.99 @ Boccaccio and $49.99 @ Nicks, WLA and Winestar.

To clear some stock that is just not moving, Stuart at Wine Market is offering an extra 5% off a few reds.  The Lindeman's Coonawarra Trio 2005 are $38.99 less 5%, Penfolds Bin 128 2005 is $23.99 less 5%, Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2006 is $16.99 less 5%.  The offer ends midnight 29 October and you can get the discount by typing RBG5 on the coupon code. (Note, free freight also applies to this offer.)

Mark C emailed to say the Elderton Command Shiraz 2002 was down to $51 at his local BWS as they clear deleted lines (see original post 15 October below).

Joos has Pyrenees Ridge Shiraz-Cabernet 2006 @ $14.80 this week and carefully left off the Cellardor price of $14.38 on the same full case deal, only listing the higher winery price.  Very selective research.  Plus Cellardor has free delivery to many state Capital cities too.

Get Wines Direct have the 2004 vintages of the Peter Howland single vineyard reds from WA at $19.95, the same price as they sold the 2005 vintages earlier this year.  Also 375 ml versions of a couple of them @ $9.95, I've ordered some of the Parsons in halves.

24 October:   The Wine Emporium in Brisbane has some very sharp prices on Spinifex reds in this weeks email.  About $16/case freight to Sydney, no online ordering, get in quick on these, they will go fast.  Thanks Ross for the nudge.
2006 Spinifex Indigene              $35        (Usually $56)
2006 Spinifex Esprit                    $20        (Usually $32)
2006 Spinifex Durif                      $38        (Usually $60)

1stChoice have tried a bit harder and have Lanson Black Label NV Champagne @ $39.99/$37.99 and St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz (2006) @ $27.89/$26.50, Dan weighs in with Dom Perignon 2000 @ $220/$209 (I think I read one review that indicated this wasn't as good as the 98 or 99 vintages).

Gray's have 10 separate wine auctions finishing today, but bidding seems to be strong, the ROC Max V is up to $159 already.

23 October:   Cloudwine have emailed a big selection of new Barossa reds (mostly 2006) in pdf format.  Prices look Ok with freight included and there is a Trevor Jones Wild Witch Shiraz 2006 @ $114, exactly twice the bottle price.  I've asked for a direct link (pdf download here).

If you liked the current style of the Normans Old Vine Shiraz last time GWD offered it, the 2007 vintage is now being offered, along with a 2007 Cabernet as well.  These are effectively exclusive to GWD and are at the same price as last time, $9.95 now the normal price, the $29.95 "Don't pay" price is just an advertising artifice.

Trentham Estate Heathcote Shiraz 2005 has won another gong - a trophy for best Shiraz/Syrah at the IWSC in London.  It's available for $18.99 from WLA or $19.95+freight from Wine Culture.  Leconfield 2006 scored top Gold in the 2006 Coonawarra class ($22 from PWD) and Woodside Valley Estate scored the Cabernet trophy for the 2005 Baudin MR Cabernet, $56 ex-winery.

The local newspaper wasn't delivered this morning, so I had to waste my time checking online, nothing of great interest at DM.

Three more 6-packs of ROC Max V today.

The multi-trophy-winning Evans and Tate Reserve Shiraz 2005 is listed by The Ed for $31+freight, Cellardor (full dozen) @ $33.19, elsewhere $40.

22 October:   I bought a case of West Cape Howe Tempranillo-Shiraz 2007 on Grays a while back.  I finally sampled a bottle a couple of days ago and it seemed OK, albeit a little thin on the mid-palate and very dry.  I took the 90% full bottle from the fridge earlier today to see how it was going and to drink a glass.  As it warmed up I swear it exhibits the definitive aromas and hard nasty palate / aftertaste of TCA taint.  I've seen occasional reports of tainted wines under screwcap, but this is the first one I've struck.  I'll open another one, but if that is the same it will be very interesting explaining to Gray's why I want to return it.  Anyone else tried this wine?  Update: The wine left in a glass had less of the character this morning, unusual for TCA taint, it usually gets worse.  A fresh pour revealed the character again and it's not just the dusty character you get with some Tempranillo wines.  I opened a 2006 WCH Tempranillo I had bought a while back for a tasting and it doesn't have the same character.  Very weird.  Scott V emailed that he detected a similar character in the bottle he tried last week.  Justin McG tried one of his and didn't find any TCA-like character.

Gray's are playing games with us, the ROC Max V is back, 3 6-packs today.  Don't go crazy.  Update: Well done Mel and John, two subscribers who scored a 6-pack each today @ $154 and $149 respectively.

Sevenhill has succumbed to the "icon" shiraz game and impressed Nicks enough to score 99pts for the new "Brother John May SJ Reserve Release" Shiraz 2004 @ $49.99.  A fair enough step to honour the former long-serving winemaker.  JH was slightly less impressed, awarding it 93 pts, drink to 2019.

W* have joined the $39.99 Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 bandwagon.

Cellarit have some price drops on ex-HFW wines, the Glaetzer Nefertiti/Nefertari Shiraz 2002 pair are down to $16pb +freight.  If you know what you are looking for, there may be some others as well.

21 October:   Boccaccio has a new newsletter out already, featuring the Majella Musician Cabernet-Shiraz 2007 @ $17.99 (but it's $16.50 + freight at Discount Wines, $16.50 at EEC, $16.99 from WLA, $17.00+freight from Majella). Also Clonakilla O'Riada Shiraz 2007 @ $36.99 (NSC $34.99) plus a raft of whites and bubblies.

Figtree Cellars in Lane Cove, Sydney are in the middle of a 30% off all red wine sale (for 12 or more bottles), it finishes cob Sunday 26th October.  If you can't get there, ph 02 9418 9666 or email Nick Wood to check on wines you are interested in.

No ROC Max V on Gray's again, as far as I could see, also looks like the Casas has finished.  I need to clear the current pile I have to friends before I start buying again, if you take a punt on any not on my list I'd be happy to hear how they turned out.

Maybe the last chance to get Wynns Michael Shiraz 2005 at a good price.  Nicks have just listed it @ $64.99 with a rave review and 99pts, Boccaccio have 10 bottles left @ $59.99 and Wine Market (under their new Fizz Market alter ego) have 5 6-packs @ $59.99pb.  Interestingly I could only get to it via the Wine Searcher link, searching on either site doesn't show it up and I don't know if the RBG free freight code works on Fizz market, it should, it's supposedly just a presentation of the same products in a fizz-oriented format.  Anyway, the Michael 2005 is $69.99 at W* and WLA and goes on up from there.  Update:  It's on Wine Market now too, the RBG code will be activated on Fizz Market too, so you can get free freight via either site.

20 October:   The Robertson of Clare Max V has only 1 6-pack on Gray's today, it's already up to a $174++ bid needed in the SA feature auction.  I've noticed that the same wines seem to attract higher prices when they are listed in Regional or Varietal them auctions than they do in the regular auctions, so don't get carried away in a bidding war and always check for the same wine in other auctions, the prices sometimes vary a fair bit across auctions on the same day.

There is a flood of Spring white releases and many of the new red releases seem a little unexciting or too expensive at least on initial listings.  The Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2006 @ $59.99 doesn't look good value when the 2005 was as low as $51 a few months ago, the Wirra Wirra Angelus 2006 @ $49.99 (Winestar) is still just under my $50 resistance point, but it is $54.99 elsewhere and was $47.42 for a while at Cellardor.  If there are any particular reds that catch your eye and you would like me to do a price search, please  email me the details.

19 October:   One reason I don't encourage or often accept offers of tasting samples is that I usually would put them into a tasting group line-up and it sometimes takes a while for the right theme to come around.  I finally got around to the Hahn Catharina Barossa Shiraz 2005 sent to me by Adelaide Cellar Door (quite some time ago) in a recent tasting of 3 each of Coonawarra Cabernet and Barossa Shiraz from 2005.  It performed very well, ranking first on my and the group vote, out-ranking the John Duval Entity Shiraz 2005 (a slightly subdued example) and Majella Cabernet 2005 with Viking Grand Shiraz, Balnaves Cabernet and Mildara White Label Cabernet filling the minor places in a flight where all of the wines were perfectly acceptable quality.  The Catharina stood out with vibrant fruit and obvious but classy oak treatment and got better in the glass as the tasting progressed.  It also scored a Silver in the recent Barossa Wine Show, in a very strong class.  It is made by Mark Jamieson winemaker for Haan Wines.  It is still available from Adelaide Cellar Door for $25.24+freight, it is listed @ $34 on the winery site.  The new vintage 2006 is also available from ACD for the same price, $28.95 from the winery.

Wine Market has the JM Gremiellet Reserve NV Champagne that Huon Hooke reviewed pre-Christmas last year.  I don't know if it is a new batch or not, but @ $39.99 in 6-packs it might be worth a try.  Update: The stock arrived in Aus within the last 6 months.  Free freight if you type RBG in the Coupon Code.  Nobody seems to want the Lindeman's trio of Coonawarra 2005 reds @ $38.99 ($7pb less than WLA), maybe we are all waiting to see if they will drop the price below $30 again.

18 October:   I check the Joos site occasionally, to see if there is anything interesting in the two wines they list for sale each week.  The Printhie Cabernet Merlot 2006 @ $13.89 + freight might be a good deal (JH 94, drink to 2016), but the price comparison information and review links are a bit dodgy.  Winorama never sold wine and didn't review this vintage of the wine as far as I can see, the Snooth (they don't sell wine either) entry for the wine is listed as not available (2007 released) and they left out Cellardor price of $180.84 (including freight to some places).  The review links to Torbwine and Ferment certainly mention Printhie, but not this particular wine and they don't mention the positive JH review.  You'd think with only two wines a week they might be able to do a proper job of "We've done the research for you".

The ROC Max V 2005 went for $159/$164++ again yesterday, there may be more in the Premium Wine auction on Monday.

For those of you who managed to get a bargain on Marius wines from Discount Wines / Candamber earlier this year (March 2008) I finally found out the reason for the exceedingly low prices.  The Excel spreadsheet they use for wine listings and pricing apparently had some errors in the formulas to calculate the prices for some wines, including the Marius wines and some others, maybe the others I noted at the time.  So don't expect them to offer those crazy prices again on the 2006 Simpatico.

17 October:   Dan Murphy has jumped on the Lanson 1996 Gold Label Champagne band wagon (just how much of that is there left) and is offering it at $64.90/$61.70.  Not as good as the 15% or 10% off $64.99 at Wine Market recently, but a real bargain in the vintage champagne stakes.

Boccaccio have an extra newsletter this week, featuring Italian reds from the stellar 2004 vintage, unfortunately out of my price range, but these could be pretty special wines if you have the funds to spare. (It won't be online, email Anthony if you want details, and/or join the mailing list.)

There are three more ROC Max V on Gray's again today, they went for $159++ and $164++ yesterday, up to $144++ already today, patience is the name of the game.

16 October:   I don't know anything of the Chain of Ponds wines at GWD this week, but the look like special/export labels to me and I've never been a fan of their Kangaroo Island reds, all I've tried have been a bit leafy/green or lacking in fruit generosity.

Three more 6-packs of ROC Max V on offer at Gray's today, see here.  Somebody loves the Rutherglen Estate Durif 2005, the same person picked up two lots of 6 x 6-packs today for about $6-$7pb, not bad for a $18 RRP wine, this one a cancelled UK order.  I scored a couple of 6-packs recently for $29++, previously I've paid up to $39++

If you are into Grenache, the d'Arenberg Derelict Vineyard 2006 should be worth a try according to Gary W on Wine Front.  It's offered at Discount Wines so far for $23.95+freight.  If Yarra Cabernet is more your thing, the Rochford Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 is $19.70 from Cellardor (full dozen buy).  It is $27 direct from the winery, or $23 if you are a Rochford Club member, but that entails an annual buying commitment.

1stChoice have St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz (2006) @ $27.89/$26.50 (W* $27.99, WLA $28.99, Kemeny's $32.99) and Moet & Chandon NV @ $54.73/$51.99.

Dan Murphy feature Brands Laira "The Blockers" Cabernet 2005 @ $17.80/$16.90, already a $1 less than advertised in their "Fine Wine Guide"

15 October:   I have bought one 6-pack on Gray's all for myself.  They had listed one 6-pack of Robertson Of Clare Max V 2005 Bordeaux blend each day for a week and I scored the first with a bid of $144++ or $29.27 delivered.  This wine was in last year's Wine Companion, 95pts, drink to 2020 and was offered ex-winery @ $65+freight.  I've tried one bottle and it is the real deal, with a USA back label, so I guess a cancelled export order (so much for the $100USD price).  It disappeared for a while and came back today with 3 6-packs which went for $154/$159++ (I got another @ $159++ for friends).  If interested, check the Premium Wine Auction tomorrow and see if there is more, there seems to be a fair bit around, I heard it has been offered to some e-tailers too, but you may get a better price on Gray's or you may not, just don't go mad and bid it up too high.

Mark C has discovered that BWS seem to hold a "Dutch Auction" on premium wines that are being deleted from future stocking.  He was told they reduce the price by 10% each fortnight, up to a total of 50%.  Plus they have a 20% off sale at present, so it may be worthwhile going in to your local.  Some examples he saw:   
Single Bottle - Price in 6 six incl 20% discount   
Moss Wood CS 2003    $96.80 - $77.44   
Elderton Command 2002    $73.60 - $58.88   
Wolf Blass Platinum 2000 & 2002    $140.00 - 112.00   
Torbreck The Factor 2005    $124.00 - $99.20   
Katnook Odyssey 2003    $87.00 -$69.60

14 October:   Sorry Duncan, but your advice to people on the snup email list isn't really good advice: "A good rule of thumb is to recall the last time you were pleased with the price at which you bought a particular bottle of wine. Don't bother shopping around to see if that price is available today, rather login to snup and place your bid in seconds. It really is that easy..."  Apart from the fact that it only applies to wines you've bought somewhere before, prices on many wines vary from week to week, even day to day and vary widely across a range of merchants and according to the quantity you buy.  The whole reason for this site is to help you find a very good price on many desirable wines.  If you don't have a Pro subscription to wine-searcher then ask me for the best price I can find (or know of recently) before you bid on snup.  Then either bid slightly below that on snup (allowing for freight) or just go with a reputable merchant who has a good price, there often isn't much in it and the deal might not be around in two days when your snup bid may be rejected.  Or your credit limit on the card may prevent you buying elsewhere as the hold on your card for the amount of the bid stays in place for up to 10 days for failed bids.

The Leasingham unlabelled Shiraz-Cabernet 2006 on Grays's presently is the Bastion (RRP about $17, case price around $13), a quick sip 'n' spit this morning indicates it's a good buy at around $39-$44++, maybe less if you are lucky.  I can't find any indication of alcohol level in the strip of coded text on the box, I don't know how Gray's get away with selling cases of cleanskins without the (I thought mandatory) basic box label.

Sign of the times, the Winestar offers this week include Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz 2005 @ $36.99, but you get 12 if you pay for 10 ($30.83pb).  You probably have to email on this one or at least wait until tomorrow, the ordering system hasn't been set to implement that offer yet. (Nicks $34.99, WLA $35.99).

13 October:   Wine Market has 5 6-packs each of the Lindeman's trio of Coonawarra reds, last stocks @ $38.99, free freight to RBG subscribers, type "RBG" in the coupon code.

The joys of blind tastings, tonight the Kassebaum Magdelena Barossa Shiraz 2006 ($9-$10 on Gray's) out-ranked the Turkey Flat Shiraz 2006 ($39.99), coming in not too far behind the excellent Kay's Hillside Shiraz 2006, and equal rank with the Kay's Amery (Basket Press) Shiraz 2006.  Bringing up the rear were the Henry Holmes Barossa Shiraz 2006 ($6-$8 from Gray's) and the J&J McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006 that never fully recovered from it's reductive start (under cork too).

The new Boccaccio Newsletter is up, featuring the Tar & Roses Heathcote Shiraz 2007 @ $14.95 (already mentioned on 5 October), Yalumba Scribbler Cabernet-Shiraz 2006 @ $17.99 (same as Nicks), far too many whites, even for Spring and a Rosso di Montalcino 2006 for $34.99.  The Petaluma Coonawarra 1999 and 2005 offer of $39.99 is also still available.

I've put up the first version of the Champagne and Sparkling wine page, I'll add some more wines and links as they catch my eye and I have time.  Let me know if you want any wines added to the list.

11 October:   If you still have any money left , Dan Murphy is trying to tempt you to spend it with them via a Summer Fine Wine "Buyers Guide" (ie sales catalogue).  The reds that caught my eye at sharp prices are: Kirrihill Single Vineyard Tulach Mor Shiraz 2006 @ $17.80/$16.90 ($18.99-$20 elsewhere), Hewitson Mad Hatter McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006 @ $62.90/$59.80 (Cellardor $57.12 if you want a full dozen), Ned & Henry's Barosa Shiraz 2006 @ $20.90/$19.90 (elsewhere $22 and up), Thorn-Clarke Quartage 2006 $17.80/$16.90 ($18 and up elsewhere), Brand's The Patron Cabernet 2004 $59.90/$56.90 (elsewhere $69), Turners Crossing Bendigo Cabernet 2005 @ $19.90/$18.90 (2004 is around at $21 and up), Red Claw Heathcote Shiraz 2007 $24.90/$23.70 ($27.90 to $29.99 (WLA) elsewhere), Giant Steps Harry's Monster Cab-Merlot 2005 @ $37.80/$35.90 (elsewhere $39-$40).

09 October:   The GWD cleanskin Grampians Shiraz 2004 may be this Montara wine, half-price in cleanskin format, or it may be another Montara Shiraz, they both have the same claimed labelled RRP of $22.95.  The quote given is from the James Halliday blurb on the Montara winery.

I tried the Jamabro Spiraz Sparkling Shiraz NV last night and I'm happy with the buy.  It has good fruit flavours in a mid-weight package, oak is well-judged and it finishes quite dry compared to many of the current crop of sparkling reds. Good value @ $20+freight direct from the winery. 

Nicks have some more new releases up, Bests Bin O Shiraz 2005 @ $49.99 is the best price so far (Discount Wines $53.50+freight, WLA $54.99 by the dozen only), d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2006 @ $49.99 (Boccaccio $48.99, WLA, W* $49.99), Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2006 @ $29.99 (seems a bit high, $3 more than the 2005) and Fire Block Old Vine Clare Shiraz 2005 @ $19.99 (but it's $15.99+freight at winebizz, $16.95+freight at Discount Wines).

A couple of people have had some success on snup, for $20 and under wines at just below the best price on wine-searcher.  They are looking at improving their listings of wines and the pre-authorisation process for credit cards.

Dan Murphy this week: Brands Blockers Cabernet 2005 $17.80/$16.90 ($17.99 at Boccaccio, Jims Cellar and Winepool, $18.99 at WLA, email Anthony at Boccaccio, he might match the price if you ask nicely, or he may already have cut it to the bone) and Mitolo GAM Shiraz 2005 @ $42.90/$40.80 (Kemeny's $44.99, WLA, W* $49.99), Veuve Cliquot NV $62.90/$59.80 (Wine Market $62.99, many others @ $69.99).

East End Cellars has the Viottolo "Viale" Sangiovese Cabernet 2005 @ $21 in 6-packs. (Thanks Ross, this was originally priced @ $36.99)

08 October:   Nicks have listed the Jim Barry McRae Wood Shiraz 2005 @ $44.99 (the 2004 is still $39.99 @ Boccaccio) and a couple of Ben Riggs 2007 reds, a Coonawarra Cabernet @ $19.99 and the Tatiarra Culled Barrel Heathcote Shiraz @ $24.99.

I've updated the Grays Wine Auctions page with my latest buys and created a Members version with all the latest info not available in the free area..

07 October:   Huon Hooke gave a thumbs-up to the Charles Ellner NV Champagne ($34.99 @ Kemeny's) in the SMH Good Living today.  Is it too early to stock up for Christmas parties?  I'll set up a special page for Champagne and Sparkling Red/White best prices shortly.

The new Winestar offers for this week are up, featuring Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz 2005 at the "new cost price" of $44.99.  There must be some "old cost price" stock around, or deals being done, Auscelladoor and Kemenys have it listed for $39.99.  Also the much-awarded (but not my favourite) Climbing Orange Shiraz 2006 @ $17.99 (Kemeny's and Jims Cellars $16.99+freight)

06 October:   I contacted snup about the hold still not released on funds from my failed bids on my credit card and they promptly replied that they had checked and found out the original advice to them was incorrect.  Rather than 2 days, the hold will stay in place for 4 to 7 days and depends entirely on the bank or card issuer procedures.  They will update the documentation on their site, but it is something to be wary of.  Update: I checked with my Card issuer (GE Capital Finance) and they allow 10 days before lapsing the hold, unless the merchant notifies otherwise. 

05 October:  The initial frenzy seems to have eased off now, I've picked up a few cases of the 2006 Kassebaum Magdalena Barossa Shiraz on Grays auctions at prices ranging from $79++ to $94++  ($8.40-$9.80 pb delivered) after initial demand saw prices of $124++ or more.  The 2005 vintage of this as a cleanskin was a good buy at $74-$79++ and I bought quite a few cases for friends as they came back for more.  I haven't tried the 2006 yet, but initial feedback from subscriber Leigh F is positive and it has a 90pt drink to 2014 rating from Halliday with an RRP of $30, it's made by very experienced Rod Chapman.  The 15.9% a/v may be of concern to some though.  Supposedly only 400 cases made, can't see how they are making any money selling it via Gray's.

For Wine Front subscribers (and you all should be), the Tar & Roses Heathcote Shiraz 2007 enjoyed by Campbell is available for $14.95/$14.99 from Discount Wines and Boccaccio, $15.99 from WLA.

Saturation marketing, viral marketing, Wine List Australia has the web covered.  Looking at the new listings on their site I found the Red Claw Heathcote Shiraz 2007 and saw two reviews attributed to other web sites I wasn't familiar with.  On looking at those sites there is a whole network of "review" sites with unattributed reviews (is there really a Frank behind Cabernet Frank?  One site has James Halliday prominently featured in the header, but the reviews listed don't seem to be his.) which all lead back to one or other of the many sales sites associated with WLA.  I don't know if this is just smart marketing using the technology to present the same information in many different ways or a tricky way to lure unsuspecting punters, but certainly quoting your own (or unattributed) reviews as if they were from an independent site looks a bit odd.  The effort hasn't done their pricing a lot of good, they've been edging up a dollar or two per bottle on many wines I've looked at recently.

04 October:   Last Monday my tasting group enjoyed a vertical of Marius Simpatico Single Vineyard Shiraz, from 2002 to 2006, with a 2004 Symphony to make up the 6.  The standout feature of the tasting was the consistency of the wines, with even the 2003 (tough vintage) having a lot of fans.  There were no bad wines in this mix, all well-made, very drinkable wines, all under screwcap too.  In colour, the youngest wines aren't quite the crimson/purple some makers aim for, more a deep dark red, but conversely the oldest wine was hardly any different in colour to the younger ones.  Preferences were mixed between older and younger wines, with the lovely, complex 2002 taking top ranking.  Who said reds under screwcap don't mature?   This one has developed nicely and I'll be drinking them over the next couple of years, but you could probably leave them longer if you like more mature flavours. 
It was followed by the 2006, then 2003 (also ready to start drinking), 2005, 2004 and the Symphony 2004 bringing up the rear only because it opened a little reductively and took a while to blow off.  I ranked the 2004 Symphony 3rd as I thought the reductive pong had pretty well disappeared after 45 minutes and the wine was very good at that stage.  The 2006 Simpatico has just been released, there is no Symphony from this small-cropping year.  Roger has sent out emails to mailing list customers, but said some bounced and I didn't receive mine.  There is still some 2005 Symphony and 2006 Symposium Shiraz-Mourvedre available too.  Mailing list customers get a nice discount and free freight, you can join and/or order here.

03 October:   Trentham Estate seems to have made a decent Heathcote Shiraz in 2005, if you believe IWSC and Cuisine magazine. It is available for $18.95 + freight from Wine Culture or $18.99 from WLA.

I haven't heard of any successful bids on snup yet, although the failed ones have been a bit under the best wine-searcher prices, so there aren't any super-bargains to be had so far.  One slightly annoying thing is the amount of time it takes to reverse the hold on credit card funds (banks, not snup I guess), the hold from my failed bids notified Tuesday haven't been released yet.  Update Sunday:  Still hasn't been released, something to be wary of.

A few more Gray's wines:  Henry Holmes Barossa Shiraz 2006 and Barossa Cabernet 2006 don't quite seem to have the quality of the 2005 versions, both are very fruit-sweet and mid-weight, but don't seem to have a lot of depth.  That being said, the sweet-fruited Cabernet worked quite well with a very spicy Szechuan Beef Hot Pot I made last night.  I wouldn't bid more than $64-$69 for the dozens.  Also, the Garlands Mt Barker Cabernet 2004 is probably a better buy at around the same price, a more typical cabernet (sort of Plantagenet in style) with a bit of structure.

02 October:   Over the years since I've been publishing this site I've heard a lot of stories about (illegal) pricing measures taken by some producers and distributors and many about the bullying tactics of the chains.  I can't really repeat any of them in detail, but I've heard enough this year that I believe to be true about the chain's tactics for me to make a small step.  I've decided not to purchase any wine at all from the chains (essentially Dan Murphy) and will only mention chain offers here when they are exceptional. I don't think they'll miss the money (around $1500/year), but it will save me a bit of time.  It does mean that those of you that like me to do the scanning of the chain adverts for you may have to do a bit of extra work, sorry. 

Dan Murphy this week: Cape Mentelle Shiraz 2005 $26.90/$25.60, Piper Heidsieck NV $41.90/$39.80.

Ben T emailed to say he has identified the GWD Gt Southern cleanskin Cabernet Franc / Merlot 2002 as the Frankland Estate Olmo's Reward, it is still on offer at Wine Empire for $28.55, the 2004 seems to be current vintage.  The omitted Halliday rating is "Expected development; distinctly earthy, savoury, tobacco, bitter chocolate flavours; has more length than generosity. Cabernet Franc/Merlot/Petit Verdot/Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5º alc. Rating 88 Drink 2009 Date Tasted Mar 06 ". Thanks Ben, I'm behind schedule today, been off at the Kathmandu sale. :-)  I haven't tried the JJ Hahn Reginald Shiraz-Cabernet 2004 ($14.95) but Cellardor has it listed @ $14.74 by the full case, the 2003 is $150/case plus freight from the winery.

01 October:   Wine Market has found 2 more 6-packs of Houghton Jack Mann Cabernet blend 1999 @ $64.99 less 10% (see above), also more 6-packs of the Lanson 1996 Champagne @ $64.99 less 10% but the Elderton Command Shiraz 2004 has jumped $5pb to $74.99.

Great Western isn't renowned for Cabernet, but Bests sometimes do a pretty good one and 2005 was one of those vintages for them.  Bests Gt Western Cabernet 2005 is $24.99 from Nicks or $23.95+freight from Discount Wines.

The super-premium 2004 Margaret River Cabernets are still hitting the shelves with prices to match, Cape Mentelle is $64.99 at Boccaccio, WLA and Winestar, Thomas Hardy should be out soon in the $85-$100 range, Brookland Valley Reserve around $55-$60 ($58.50+freight at the MR Regional Wine Centre), Voyager C-M is still around @ $44.99 (rrp $60), Pierro is $55-$60 at Wine Snob.

The Jacobs Ck Centenary Hill Shiraz 2004 features @ $34.99 in the W* email this week (down from $36.99).  It is $35.99 @ Boccaccio and $36.99 (with a bonus available) at Kemeny's, $38.99 @ WLA

If anyone has had any success (or not) buying wines on snup I'd be interested in any feedback on your experiences.  I've exchanged a couple of emails with the MD about listing wines that were never made or probably aren't available and I did a test on a couple of wines listed, knowing they were CD-only wines, with fairly predictable results and they have now been removed from the list.