RBG February 2009 Archive  
     
 

28 February:   Kemeny's advert in the SMH today claims they won't be beaten on Penfolds Bin red prices (or other advertised wine prices), so you may see Bin 389 @ $38.95 again.  There are some wine prices in their list that are clearly beaten elsewhere, like Elderton Command Shiraz 2004 offered at $79, it's been $74.95 in 6-packs from Wine Market for a long time now.  There are quite a few sharp rices though.  Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz seems to have dropped of peoples buying radar, the 2005 has been offered by Kemeny's @ $49.99 for a few months now and is offered at that price again today.  The Lake Breeze Bullant Shiraz 2007 @ $11.99 was previously offered by WLA for $13.99, Penfolds RWT Shiraz @ $89 matches the chains, Brands Patron Cabernet 2004 @ $59.99 is the best price around, Ringbolt MR Cabernet 2007 @ $16.99 might be worth a try (WLA $19.99).  There are plenty of other wines that might tempt, the advert is online here.

27 February:   Some early prices on the new Penfolds Bin Reds:

Wine Culture Bin 389 @ $39.95 + freight
1stChoice Bin 389 @ $40, Bin 407 @ $33, Bin 28/128 @ $23 in dozens.  Dan Murphy at least as good in 6's.

 East End Cellars (they've just become a subscriber too) have a new email out, offering some nice looking reds from McLaren Vale, Barossa, Italy and France.  If you like the Massena 11th Hour Shiraz, the 2007 @ $37.00 is $3 less than Wine Culture.  The Roberto Voerzio Langhe Nebbiolo (2006) @ $70 I gather is usually as good or better than some of the cheaper Barolos, the 2004 I tried was certainly impressive.  They also have Kalleske Pirathon Shiraz 2007 @ $19.00 (elsewhere $20-$24.50), but I don't have much info on how good it is. (Thanks Ross)

I had a quick browse of the Nicks New Releases, a lot of them haven't made the grade, with scores as low as 69 for 2005 Padthaway Estates Eliza sparkling.  A couple that did score well are the 2005 Fire Block Clare Shiraz (made by O'Leary Walker) @ $19.99 ($18+freight at Wine Culture, was selling below $17 at times last year, the 2006 is around as low as $16+freight at Winebizz) and the 2006 Eskadale Velvet Sledgehammer The Winner's Tank Limited Release Shiraz @ $24.99 (going for the longest name prize, may be made by Reid Bosward of Kaesler, 15.8% a/v)

26 February:   Nearly the end of Summer.  March 1 heralds a swag of new releases, including the Penfolds Bin reds.  Tastings should be on at the chains this weekend if you are interested, I can't muster a lot of enthusiasm for them.  CM on Wine Front has just praised the 2006 Bin 389, it should be available for around $42, maybe $39.99 if you are lucky, RRP is $58.  Auscellardoor have it listed for $44.99, The Wine Emporium in Brisbane is opening with $42 this weekend.

Another remainder / export wine at a reduced price.  Wine Market have the Adams Brothers Shiraz 2003 @ $19.95 in 6-packs.  This is a Clare/Barossa blend, a collaboration of brothers Tim and Simon Adams.  From the 2004 vintage it is labelled as The Family.  I don't know the wine and can't find any reliable reviews, but the pedigree of the makers is impeccable, so it might be worth a try.  Free freight with the "RBG" coupon code.

1stChoice has Penfolds tastings on at 1pm-4pm on Saturday in Canberra.  They have Lanson NV Champagne @ $37.99 this week, St Hugo Cabernet @ $27.90 and Elderton Shiraz @ $19.99.

Dan Murphy should have the same as 1stChoice, but in 6-packs, they have more of the $2pb cleanskins, Taylors Estate varieties with a case of Platinum Blonde beer for $165, Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz-Cabernet 2006 @ $17.90 and Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2007 @ $15.90, might be worth a try if you like prior vintages.  Also "R" de Ruinart NV Champagne @ $74.70 (W* $79.99, elsewhere $85 and up).  Penfolds tastings are Friday 3-8pm, Sat 12-6pm, somewhat more extensive than 1stChoice.

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25 February:   I've been off the air from yesterday pm and most of today, had a quick trip to Sydney to pick up a friend who had a minor operation and didn't feel up to a flight/bus back.  I stopped over with Ric (TORB) at Berrima and he had a tasting bottle of Elderton Command Shiraz 2005 open.  This is one serious wine, oak matched to the fruit, structure to die for, will live 20 years or more.  Now I just need to find it at a good price, $95 RRP is a bit rich, the 2004 could be had for about $65. The equally classy Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2005 at $89 looks pretty attractive too.  See below.

DM seems to have matched the Kemeny's price on the Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2005, reportedly $88.95 at one store. (Thanks Ben).

 Squashedgrape is helping Winter Creek clear the last of their 2004 Shiraz so they can release the 2005.  It's $15.50, free freight on dozens, usually $25-$30 (can't check wine-searcher, it's off the air for "essential maintenance"), the TORB TN is here.  Looks like a bargain to me.  Update:  Jennie C has found this wine offered at $165/dozen including freight, from what looks like a one-man band merchant based in Angaston.  Payment via PayPal adds to security.

The Wine Emporium in Brisbane is having a sale.  You need a login to see the list and order.

24 February:   More on delivery times. Barry from Sydney emailed to say two orders he placed with Wines for Life both took about two weeks to arrive.  I paid on 27 January for a 6-pack from a Langton's Melbourne auction and it hasn't arrived yet.  Checking last week they told me it should ship on Monday (yesterday).  I wonder when it would have shipped had I not checked.

23 February:   Tried a bottle of the Radford Eden Valley Shiraz 2006 tonight, pure sweet fruit to start then settles down to a good soft tannin frame for the fruit, great mid-palate and clean finish, not overly complex yet, but terribly seductive.  Good value at around $32 at Boccaccio, Cloudwine and Wine Culture.  Also on the table was the Onix Fusio 2006, a Grenache Shiraz blend from Priorat, Spain, exclusive to Nicks I think @ $34.99.  This was black/crimson, pretty rich and sweet-fruited, a little volatile lift, spicy, quite complex, fine firm tannins, delicious wine.

The Boccaccio newsletter (see left panel link) this week features Tar & Roses Shiraz 2007 @ $12.99, less than DM, a pretty nice wine at that price, for drinking now or short-term cellaring.  Also Jacobs Ck Centenary Hill Shiraz 2004 @ $35.99 (W* $34.99) and Jim Barry McRae Wood Shiraz 2004 @ $39.99 (Discount Wines $48).

The Winestar email features a $15 Wickhams Rd Yarra Pinot 2008 that is apparently pretty drinkable, Yalumba Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet 2004 and 2005 @ $39.99, I'd go for the 2005 ($38 + freight @ Wine Culture, $38.99 @ WLA, regularly on special at the chains).

22 February:   I hadn't checked Wines For Life for price drops on ex-HFW wines in quite a while.  There are some that may be worth looking at, although many of the wines on offer may be getting pretty tired by now.  These are the ones I thought might be OK:

21 February:   Penfolds must be doing deals and Kemeny's are offering the Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2005 @ $89.00 (limit 6), trumping the DM $99.90 price.  Also in The Age advertisement today: Piper Heidsieck NV @ $39.99 (more than DM, but in a "cool box" package) and Sydney Wine Show stars Reynella Basket Press Shiraz 2006 @ $39.99 and Paringa Estate Shiraz 2006 @ $46.99 (but it's $39.99 at WLA)

19 February:   If you are after some tasting glasses or everyday glasses, the Salt & Pepper (S&P) White and Red wine sets of 6 are $27 at Myer at present.  I use the white wine glasses for tasting sessions, the red ones for daily use.

1stChoice has Vasse Felix Cabernet  (2006?) @ $24.99, Petaluma Coonawarra Cab-Merlot (2006?) @ $44.99, Veuve Cliquot NV @ $54.90, Veuve Clicquot Vintage (2002?) @ $85.30 ($100 and up elsewhere).

Dan Murphy has Tar & Roses Heathcote Shiraz 2007 @ $13.90, Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2005 @ $99.90 and a big 8-page catalogue in-store and on-line.  From the Vic version, this includes Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet or Shiraz (2006?) @ $23.70, Mumm Cordon Rouge NV @ $48.90,  Piper Heidsieck NV @ $34.90, Veuve Clicquot 2002 @ $85.40, Elderton Command Shiraz (2005?) @ $64.90, Claymore Dark Side of the Moon Clare Shiraz @ $17.90, Leeuwin Art Series Cabernet 2004 @ $46.50, Barwang Cabernet (2006?) @ $13.90, some 2005 Bordeaux, a range of spirits including single malts from Hart Brothers and the usual beer offers.  Take that 1stChoice!  A quick check indicates some prices vary in other states, the eg Piper is $37.90 in ACT/NSW and QLD, so check your local version, there are heaps of other offers that might tempt.

The GWD $11.95 cleanskin WA Shiraz 2007 JH TN matches the Wise Wines 2007 Shiraz.  It's offered at Winestar for $17.99. 

A warning to check all deliveries as soon as they arrive, especially from Gray's.  A subscriber didn't notice a wrong delivery and Gray's conditions allow only 5 days to notify delivery of the wrong goods.  Not sure it would really stand up to a test via the NSW Office of Fair Trading, but that's about the only option left as they refuse to consider the situation.

Balgownie are apparently having to flog of the re-badged Gold label Shiraz 2006 as the Goldfields name is trademarked.  Cloudwine have offered it for $15.00 now $9.00 (after contacting the winery, buyers at $15.00 will be refunded the difference) and Wine Market has had it for $8.99 in dozens (now sold out), with free freight if you use the RBG coupon code.  Warning, this has a small amount of Viognier co-fermented. If you are a Wine Front subscriber (you should be) there is a TN there too.  Also plenty of stock of the same label Cabernet-Merlot 2006 at the same price at Wine market, with a more positive Wine Front review.

18 February:   Another damning assessment of the latest batch of Coonawarra Cabernet Cleanskin 2006 from GWD.  My regular Australia Post courier who delivers lots of wine asked me about GWD and whether I buy there and then mentioned he was disappointed with this wine from the latest batch, didn't live up to the hype etc.  I advised him to send it back.

Gray's seem to have lost the plot again on Customer Service, I submitted a return request on 1 February and despite a couple of emails assuring me it was being attended to nothing has happened to initiate the actual return process.  After an email to a real person there (Kate) rather than the generic email I'm assured this morning that it is in train and I will receive the documents shortly.

17 February:   Wine Market has picked up the entry-level Schulz Barossa wines to clear at $9.99 in dozens.  The pick looks like the Schulz Benjamin Shiraz 2005, Made at Torbreck, it has 92 pts from JH, the 2004 is still on sale at W* for $24.99.  Also a Zinfandel, Merlot and Semillon, they didn't impress JH as much.  Type "RBG" in the coupon code for free freight.

 WLA have some Sydney Show Trophy winners: The Paringa Estate Shiraz 2006 @ $39.99 ($41.95+freght from Wine Culture, see 14 Feb below), also Lake Breeze Bullant Shiraz 2007 @ $13.99 and Ringbolt MR Cabernet 2007 @ $19.99 ($17.95+freight from Discount Wines).

This weeks Boccaccio Newsletter is up (see left panel link) and features the St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2007 @ $28.99 (WLA $29.99, Cellardor $36.19), also the Story Orphan Grampians Shiraz 2007 @ $21.00 (Cloudwine $20), Duval Leroy 1996 Champagne @ $89.99 (same as W*, elsewhere $$100 and up) and a 2005 Fattoria Nittardi Chianti Classico @ $39.99.

I've had confirmation that the new (and better) batch Henry Martin Sparkling Shiraz NV is available from Squashedgrape, although the image hasn't been updated yet to match the new, more attractive, label, (it should be soon).  It's pretty good value for $11.25, free freight on a case buy and it hasn't been on Gray's for a long time now.

The new Winestar email is up (see left panel link), red offers include the 2007 Clonakilla O'Raida Shiraz @ $36.99 (Discount Wines $35.95+freight, Boccaccio $36.00, elsewhere $39.00 and up).  Also O'Leary Walker Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 @ $17.99 (Discount Wines $17.95+freight, elsewhere $19.99)

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16 February:   Mark J in Brisbane is sending back the 5 cases of the GWD cleanskin Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 he bought from the latest batch.  He tried one and found it clearly inferior to the prior batch(es).  See 12 February for more on this wine.

15 February:   Kemeny's are offering a mixed dozen of donated wines for $150, with all proceeds going to the Bushfire Appeal.  PDF advertisement here.

14 February:   Belated mention of a couple of reds from the Winestar newsletter this week (see left panel link).  The Bleasdale Bremerview Shiraz 2005 @ $14.99 (same as Nicks, WLA $15.99) used to be a regular buy of mine years ago, the Picardy Merlot Cabernets 2005 @ $22.99 is in my cellar, the Mattinson and Walsh reviews quoted are spot on.

They love Paringa Estate Shiraz at the Sydney Wine Show, the 2006 took Top Shiraz, Top Red Wine and Wine of the Show this year.  It's $41.95 + freight from Wine Culture ($44.50/$42.72/$40.94 + freight at Wine Snob, $48 @ Cloudwine and $50 ex-CD).

My Radford Eden Valley Shiraz 2006 arrived today, nicely sealed in the "Luxe" premium screwcap.  Interesting move, considering Ben Radford is winemaker at that cork stalwart, Rockford.

Also apparently offered in screwcap, the St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2007 is out, listed for $29.99 at WLA, much the same price as the 2006, although the 2006 has sporadically appeared around $26-$27.  The 2007 just scored a pretty good review from Gary Walsh on Wine Front.

13 February:   Friday the 13th, beware of black cats crossing your path. ;-)

1stChoice are trying hard this week, Bollinger NV down to $68.90, Zema Estate Cabernet $19.80, Leeuwin Art Series Cabernet down to $39.80 (was $40.75 in the other still current advert), but Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 2004 @ $46.80 is easily trumped by the independents (WLA, W*) at $44.99.  Update:  Josh from Sydney pointed out that in NSW the Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot is $42.60, SA has $42.73 by the bottle, $44.90 by the dozen (!), elsewhere including WA where it comes from is $46.80.  The full 4-page adverts are online for each state too if you didn't get one.

DM is focussing on the cheaper end of the Valentines Day buyers.

12 February:   Auscellardoor have an exclusive offer for RBG readers on Shadowfax One Eye Shiraz 2002 @ $39.90 (normally $49.99, W* $59.99).  I paid about $50 for the few I bought back in 2004 and it will be in their weekly email next week @ $45.  Also the Landscape Shiraz 2005 @ $16.90.

The 1stChoice 4-page advert was an insert in my local paper today (see 10th Feb below), they are definitely trying harder this week.  The Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2004 is there at $51.99, Wynns Black Label Cabernet @ $19.90, Lanson NV @ $37.99, Petaluma Coonawarra (maybe the new 2006) @ $44.99 (same price at WLA, $50-$60+ elsewhere).  Most of the listings are about the same or a little higher than the best independents, but there are a enough good prices to be worth getting a copy.  As ever, take it to DM for a price match if you don't want to mix up a full dozen, but stocks of 2004 St Henri must be running low by now.

DM have the Thorn Clarke Shotfire Quartage 2006 @ $16.90, Tim Adams Shiraz 2006 @ $16.90 and Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2006 @ $15.70, also Bollinger NV @ $69.90.

I tried the two GWD Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 cleanskins last night, the new batch is definitely a touch less red in colour and a softer more advanced wine, even compared to the first bottle that has been in the fridge for 5 days.  I'll try them again today, but to me the second batch looks different to the first, it might be worth checking yours if you have both, I'm curious to see what others think.  Update:  Trying them again, I'm convinced there are slight but significant differences in the two batches and the second batch is inferior.  Although the second batch is still obviously Coonawarra Cabernet in character and reasonable drinking, it's not up to the quality claimed and I've asked to return the wine for a refund.  Roy N didn't get the first lot, but is happy with the quality and value of the second batch.  Update 2:  David M googled the Vinmax address and found it matches to Casella Wines (Yellowtail etc.), very interesting.  I've emailed Tony Sells at GWD and his explanation is that it was a bulk lot bought by Vinmax (no indication of where from).  The latest batch has only been bottled two weeks or so (must have been held in tank a long time, it hasn't seen 30 months oak).

One of those US market left-overs, Wine Market has the Lost Wolf Barossa Shiraz 2003 @ $19.99, made at Torbreck. Supposedly was priced at around $60, I can't see any overseas listings for the 2003, but the 2002 is listed in a couple of NZ and US outlets at $40-$50AUD.  I'm a bit wary of vintage 2003 in the Barossa, but in 6-packs this might be worth a try.

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11 February:   Please note the update on the St Henri 2004 @ $51.99 (1stChoice section yesterday).  You may have more luck tomorrow, the advert indicates the big set of specials only starts from Feb 12th and Paul from Brisbane has confirmed the St Henri 2004 will be $51.99 up there too.  I'll check again tomorrow morning and post an update as soon as I have info.

From the Boccaccio newsletter, Radford Eden Valley Shiraz 2006 @ $31.99 (same price as the 2005, same price at Cloudwine, $32.95+freight at Wine Culture).

Canterbury Wines has the Claymore Dark Side of the Moon Shiraz 2006 @ $19.95, it scored the Top Shiraz trophy at the Clare Wine Show last year.  Cellardor $20.42 (full dozen), $25+freight ex-winery.

Something I didn't know, and another reason to be very careful with deliveries during hot weather.  A reader bought 5 bottles worth nearly $4k from a Melbourne-based auction house.  They were shipped via Aus Post and arrived very hot and some leaking.  When attempting to claim on the insurance, he was informed that "heat affect" is NOT COVERED, only breakage or loss.

If you like Croser Sparkling (I don't that much, it's too variable, some vintages are OK), WLA have the 2006 for $24.99 (until next Tuesday, down from $29.99, 1stChoice $28.99).

The Joos concept of two wines per week on sale seems to have failed, there have been no new deals listed this year, although the home page still displays.

I just noticed the Coonawarra "Grand Reserve" Cleanskin 2006 from GWD (see 5 Feb below) carries the company name Vinmax International based in Yenda NSW as the source.  Some interesting deals being done no doubt. I'll compare the new batch to the half-bottle from the first batch that's been sitting in the fridge for 4-5 days.

10 February:   If you haven't seen the chain specials this week, DM has Pol Roger Brut NV @ $56.90, Elderton Cabernet 2006 @ $18.90, Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2006 @ $22.70, Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @ $18.90, at least in some states, haven't checked them all. 

1stChoice has Moet & Chandon NV @ $53.99, St Hallett Faith Shiraz @ $13.80, Taylors Estate Cabernet or Shiraz @ $11.70, Lanson NV @ $37.99, Leconfield Cabernet @ $21.99, JC St Hugo @ $27.99, Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet @ $40.75, St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz @ $26.99, Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2004 @ $51.99, d'Arenberg Galvo Garage @ $22.99, again I haven't checked various states adverts.  Update: the St Henri 2004 is from a newspaper insert advert in Adelaide (I have the copy with me), valid until 18/2/2009, but it doesn't appear in any of the adverts online, so you will have problems doing a price match at DM.  I did notice Piper Heidsieck NV down to 35.80 in SA/Vic/NSW/ACT 1stChoice adverts.

The Barwang Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 reviewed positively on Wine Front recently is $14.99 @ Boccaccio and WLA, also $13.99 + freight at Jim's Cellars.

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05 February:   Luke in Sydney emailed to say his shipment from Wine Market that he asked to be held for cooler weather wasn't, it shipped yesterday.  They are currently holding some for me for despatch Monday 9th, so a bit of inconsistency here.  Update: Stuart was able to stop delivery and re-schedule for Monday, quick work!

1stChoice is playing catch-up, Piper Heidsieck NV @ $35.80, Wynns Black Label Cabernet (2006) @ $19.99, Dan Murphy is focussing on the under $10 bracket, with a few under $15 for the big spenders.  DM are also advertising a Stocktake sale, there may be details for your state here, but it could vary from store to store.  Cimicky Trumps Shiraz 2006 @ $13.90, Gemtree Tatty Rd Cabernets 2006 @ $16.90, Red Claw Heathcote Shiraz 20907 @ $23.70 caught my eye, there may be others that tempt you.

The GWD Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 cleanskin @ $9.95 is back.  We think this might be the St Hugo Cabernet, based on info in the first listing, now removed.  I had one bottle from a previous mixed-case buy, popped the cap just now and it very well could be, true to the style, pretty good fruit, quite firmly structured, just a little sappy around the edges.  One reader has ordered 5 more cases after trying one from his previous order side-by-side with the St Hugo 2004 and finding it similar enough.  I've ordered one case.  Update:  David from Melbourne tried a bottle from the new batch and found it more brick-red and advanced than the nicely crimson, youthful bottle I had from the first batch, I wonder if they are different batches or different wines.  The salesman at GWD store was describing it as a "good quaffer", seems he didn't believe the b/s they write in their advertisements: "Its excellent structure will ensure the development of further complexity with careful cellaring over the next ten years."  It's definitely not from the same bottling run as the real St Hugo, that has a different coloured, branded screwcap, so it may possibly be the barrels that didn't make the grade for the commercial bottling, ie, not the same as the real one.  I'm eager to try one from the new batch to see if it is the same as the first batch.

The new Matt's Specials are up, see left panel link.  I don't have time to go through it, I haven't packed and have a 6:40am flight tomorrow.  One that did catch my eye was the JJ Hahn 1928 Shiraz 2005 @ $30.  I prefer this to the slightly more expensive 1914 wine, it's $34.61 by the full dozen at Cellardor and $50 ex-winery.   As ever, email Matt and mention this site so Care Australia benefits from each purchase.

WLA have the 2005 Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz-Cabernet @ $16.99 (elsewhere mostly $17.99, but you can get a case for $180+freight from Jacks)

 04 February:   For Perth readers from Michael G: The Leederville RE Store is having a 20%-off sale, there may be some reasonable buys there, eg John Duval Entity Shiraz 2006 @ $38.  Thanks Michael.

It looks like you have to be more specific with some merchants about delivery in hot weather.  I ordered some wine from Get Wines Direct last week and instructed them to hold for cooler weather.  With forecast ACT temps in the 34-37C range this week they sent it on Monday.  I had it sent to my PO Box, so hopefully it didn't sit in a hot van too long.  I'd cross GWD off the list of those who cooperate on hot-weather deliveries.

Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz has sort of dropped off my buying radar, the last vintage I bought any of was 2002.  The price has jumped a bit to, RRP is around $40 and it's only occasionally on special at $26-$27.  Wine Market has dropped their price on the 2005 vintage to $28.99 in 6-packs (Winestar $32.99, the 2006 is $28.99 @ Kemeny's, $29.99 @ WLA).  The 2005 has a 94pt Halliday rating, the 2006 91pts.  One Stuart didn't tell me about was the Sorby-Adams Morticia Sparkling Shiraz NV, normally $20-$22, WM have it for $15.99, with free freight if you use the RBG coupon code.

03 February:   Sixty Darling St has Dalwhinnie Cabernet 2006 @ $40.00 and Shiraz 2006 @ $50.00 (+freight) if you haven't already stocked up on these.  I'm a bit wary of 60D storage and handling in hot weather though.  Ph 1300 139 252 to order.

Auscellardoor has the highly-rated Forest Hill Block 5 Cabernet 2005 on special @ $39.90.  I tried this at the NWS in 2007, I've been waiting for a good price on this and ordered 6, qualifying for free freight.  You have to order via the link above, it's still listed @ $42.90 if you go in via the normal site entry.  They informed me that my request to hold the wine for cooler weather was in line with their normal policy.

The new Boccaccio email is out but not online yet, featuring two Castello Monsanto Chiantis from 2006.  Also a couple of Hillcrest 2006 reds, but I refuse to consider buying them on principle, due to the bizarre ranting on StarForum of the cork-obsessed owner.  My Monday tasting group did some Montepulciano d'Abbruzzo last night, mostly bought from Boccaccio, the standouts were the two Cantina Zaccagnini wines @ $22.99 and $39.99 and they even went well with the Thai food after the tasting.  Well worth a try for something different, even the "shiraz-sluts" in the group enjoyed these.

02 February:   Wine Market still has some Metala Shiraz-Cabernet 2006 left @ $10.99, you won't see it cheaper than that I think.  Also Rosemount Traditional Cabernet blend 2005 @ $13.99, how far this has fallen from JWT for the 2001 to nearly half the price now.  Free freight with the RBG coupon code.

If the heat hasn't erased the thought of young reds from your consciousness, GWD have a 2008 cleanskin Barossa (Greenock) Shiraz @ $9.95, supposedly a cancelled export order.  I wonder whether it is a "before or after "the heat wine?  You can always send it back if you don't like it.

I know it's ******* hot, but will you people please stop sending me white wine bargains!

01 February:   I took a punt on Deep Woods Cabernet 2004 cleanskin from Grays, only $29++ for a dozen.  Unfortunately the wine seems to have excessive volatility (probably ethyl acetate) evident on the nose and palate and I can't drink it, I've asked to return it for a refund.  The first faulty wine from there in a while though.

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