31 March:   A few from the new Halliday 100 TN for April:  Cofield Rutherglen Durif 2007 (93pts, drink to 2022) is $20 or $18 for club members ex-winery, Eldridge Estate Euroa Creek Early Harvest Shiraz 2006 (94pts, drink to 2006) is $28 at Squashedgrape, $40 ex-CD, Heritage Wines Barossa Shiraz 2006 (94pts, drink to 2006) is $21.13 @ Cellardor, $25 CD, Possum's Vineyard Willunga Shiraz 2007 (93 pts drink to 2022) is $13.50pb or $180/12 = $15pb (plus expensive freight) via Wine Boss.  There are some others, but they don't appear at retail yet or not at a reasonable price yet.

I noticed the E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2005 offered @ $77 in the Sixty Darling St advert today, the 2004 is $79.99 @ Winestar and $89.99 at WLA.  Also at 60D, 2005 Bests Thomson Family Shiraz @ $110, 2006 Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz @ $25 ($25.69 at Wine Empire, $27.95 and up elsewhere), Houghton Wisdom Frankland Shiraz 2005 and MR Cabernet 2005 @ $24.00.  All prices plus freight, call 1300 139 252 to order.

East End Cellars has joined the list with John Duval Entity Shiraz 2007 @ $40.00 (WLA $39.99, Cellardor $44.11, Winestar $44.99), also the Plexus GSM 2007 @ $34 (W* $34.99, Cellardor $36.19).

The GWD Greenpoint Shiraz 2005 @ $12.95 offer yesterday was all gone by the time I got back from the Gym and saw the email.  Update:  Not sure what happened yesterday, it's available now.  (Thanks Mark J for informing me).  I've ordered a case, it will be interesting to see if the back label mentions Heathcote as the source rather than just "Victoria", the Halliday TN quoted refers to a Heathcote wine.  Update:  If you visit the non-Aus section of the Green Point site there is a TN for the wine that mentions the source being Yarra, Bendigo and Heathcote, along with the unattributed TN at the bottom of the GWD blurb (thanks Roy N).  It will be interesting to see if this matches the Halliday TN, caveat emptor on this one.

There is a bit of a flood starting of discounted wines from reasonably well-known wineries, but I think you need to be pretty careful in assessing the wines before buying.  Discount Wines and Wine List Australia both have a Bannockburn Cabernet Merlot 2001 on offer for $14.95 + freight/$14.99, but I can't find any info on it on Halliday or Oliver or Wine Front, so buy with caution.  Update:  Murray B has found a tasting note by Michael Glover on the distributors site, here.  Thanks Murray.

Wine Market has a Tallarook Victorian Shiraz 2005 @ $8.25, the only review I can find is Halliday with an 85pt score and no TN listed on the Wine Companion site.  Wine Market does have a biggish selection of under-$10pb wines, including some Clare Valley cleanskins with medical-themed names, could possibly be from Wilson Vineyard, founded by Dr John Wilson.  Don't forget to type "RBG" in the coupon code to get free freight.

30 March:   Squashedgrape has the Sylvan Springs Hard Yards Shiraz 2006 @ $13.99, freight free on cases.  TORB TN here.

28 March:   Kemeny's advertisement in the Age yesterday offers Barwang Shiraz 2007 and Cabernet 2006 @ $12.99 and Penfolds Bin 389 2006 @ $39.99.

A couple of readers have emailed me about a few bargains they scored at the Vintage Cellars 30% off sale.  The ones to go for are the wines that usually are not discounted much, eg Clonakilla S/V and O'Raida, some champagnes, other scarce reds.

I'm curious to know if Winepod honoured any orders at their cheap prices mentioned a few days ago, which quickly went up when the orders came in.  Let me know please if you had success or a knockback.

27 March:   Master sleuth Mark J has tracked down the GWD cleanskin cabernet 2007, the description exactly matches that of the previously offered 2006 Normans Bin C183 that they listed at $9.95 (Don't Pay $19.95) with a bonus beer offer.  Since GWD now own the Normans brand, it looks like the Don't Pay has inflated to $25.95 for the 2007.  He also reports that the "Greenock" cleanskin Shiraz looks like a re- offer of a wine that he thought was quite good value, albeit a little sweet.

My Personal Wine Merchant has some unlabelled Winter Creek Barossa Shiraz 2003 going at $135/dozen including freight.  I'd buy some but I still have enough of the labelled version which I paid $26 for.  TORB TN here.  There may be some of the labelled 2004 left as well, $165/dozen incl. freight.

26 March:   Dalwhinnie 2007 Shiraz and Cabernet are out, $55/$48 ex-CD+freight, The Shiraz is $57.85 @ Cellardor, the Cabernet $49.95, I hope there will be prices slightly below CD as it percolates out to e-tailers.  There are still plenty of 2006 vintage offers at lesser prices.

If you want to spend over $300 at Vintage Cellars you can get 30% off.  That may make a few wines good buying... 

I don't know anything about the GWD cleanskin offers today.  Coonawarra Cabernet 2007 @ $143.40 for 2 cases may be a great deal if the wine is as good as claimed.  The Barossa "Greenock" Shiraz 2008 @ $9.95 could be a good deal if it's not one of the over-ripe heat-affected reds picked late in the heat wave, at 14.5% a/v it might be OK.  The Chain of Ponds Pilot Block series have been on Gray's a bit recently, but not today.  I don't know how good they are, but the AH Shiraz 2007 might be worth a try @ $9.95.  The money-back guarantee is a safeguard, even if it does take a fair while to get the refund sometimes.

1stChoice: Nothing of interest that you can't get as cheap or cheaper at the independents or DM.  I think they made a mistake on the Billecart Salmon brut NV price of $89.99, it's offered at many independents for $75 and under, not that it's really worth that price.  It used to be a regular buy when it was in the mid $50's, but the price went up and the quality didn't, some say it went down.

Dan Murphy: Taylors Estate Range $10.90 (1stChoice $11.80), Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet 2007 @ $16.50, Barwang Hilltops Shiraz or Cabernet 2007 @ $13.90, Coriole Shiraz 2006 @ $21.80, Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2006 @ $24.90, Knappstein Cabernet Merlot 2006 @ $15.90, Laphroaig 10yo $74.90.

I haven't bought on Gray's for a while, there hasn't been anything much new that is exciting.  be careful of all the 2006 WA reds appearing, it was a tough red vintage in most of WA, resulting in various levels of green in many reds.

25 March:   The Domaine Chandon Barrel Selection Yarra Shiraz 2006 reviewed positively by GW on the Wine Front is available @ $38.95 + freight from Discount Wines and $40 by the dozen from Cellardor.  The cheaper Heathcote Shiraz 2006 scored the same points from CM and is available for $24.99 at Kemeny's, $26.99 from Auscellardoor and Nicks.

24 March:   Winestar specials this week are headed by Seppelt St Peters Grampians Shiraz 2006 @ $49.99 (down from $59.99, WLA $54.99).  The rest of the offerings are at fairly standard prices, Miss Harry GSM 2006 offered @ $19.99 is $17.60 @ Wine Empire and $18.99 + freight at Jims Cellars.  See left panel link for the full details.

A bold claim from Chambers Cellars, but patently untrue: "We have all the best wines at the best prices in Sydney".  But they do have some good wines offered at good prices in their SMH advert and Easter catalogue, plus freight.  You'll have to phone to order though, the good prices don't appear on their primitive web site.  From the advert: Ringbolt MR Cabernet @ $19.99 (with 13 to the dozen in the catalogue) look OK, but DM had it for $15.90 recently, Brookland Valley Cabernet Merlot Cab Franc (2002?) @ $34.99 looks like a sharp price, Penfolds St Henri 2004 is $62.99, Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz (2006) is $16.99 with a bonus magnum for a dozen buy, Starvedog Lane Shiraz-Viognier @ $16.99 is very sharp if it's the 2006 (WLA $21.99).  From the catalogue: Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz 2006 @ $16.99 (Nicks $23.99, CD $30).

23 March:   Update:  I take back the compliments, the prices have substantially increased, seems they made some mistakes, or were leaned on to increase them.  Offthevine (winepod) in Tasmania should do well.  They have some interesting wines on offer and offer freight-inclusive prices not just for Tasmania, but for the mainland as well, I assume for dozen buys.  I would guess that some of the wines offered with free freight are actually sent from a mainland distributor rather than having gone to Tasmania and back.  A few offers that caught my eye are Elderton Command Shiraz 2005 as a 6-pack for $510 $433.50 ($72.25pb, $77.20 by the dozen at Cellardor, $79.99 @ Auscellardoor, Boccaccio, Nicks, W*), Elderton Ashmead Cabernet 2006 @ $85 $72.25, Kilikanoon M Reserve Shiraz 2005 @ $55.25 (elsewhere $67.95-$69.99), Kilikanoon R Reserve Shiraz 2005 @ $84.15 (elsewhere $95 and up) and a Kilikanoon "Super 6-pack" for $590.75.  Also Teusner Albert Shiraz 2006 @ $33.15 (Cloudwine $43), Elderton Ode to Lorraine CSM 2005 @ $33.15 (Boccaccio $33.99)

21 March:   Boccaccio has another newsletter out already (see left panel link), to make up for a couple of weeks off as Anthony puts in some "hard work" in Europe looking for more imports to tempt us.  Offers include the 2008 Tar & Roses Heathcote Shiraz at $14.99, Ata Rangi Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006 @ $79.99, last stocks of the Ashton Hills Sparkling Shiraz 2001 @ $39.99 and Elderton Ode to Lorraine CSM 2005 @ $33.99.
Random note:  At  $79.99 for a bottle, the Ata Rangi costs fractionally more than I paid (before $15 freight) for a new (made in China) leather office chair that seems quite well engineered.

20 March:   Dan Murphy seem to have the Penfolds Bin 389 2006 @ $37.90, if you want seme, get them now.  Thanks Jeff D for Perth info.

19 March:   Random notes:  I'd been having a good run with corks so far this year, then on Monday a new release Glaetzer Anaperenna Shiraz-Cabernet 2007 opened very muted and showed why when the tca became evident in the glass.  Last night a Primo Joseph Sparkling Red (2006 disgorge) was immediately offensive on opening with rank tca.  No huge worries though, Boccaccio will happily replace or credit for the faulty bottles.  On the wine delivery front, yesterday Fastway, as instructed on the carton, left a card and not the wine, the first time they haven't dumped and run in a very long time.  I'm also trying to get Gray's to find out and tell me where a case of wine has gone, one of two boxes in the same consignment that was short-delivered.  The AusPost eParcel tracking system knows it's not delivered, but isn't explicit on where it might be or whether it was damaged or lost.

Nicks have some interesting new releases: Gomersal Shiraz 2006 @ $22.99 (Cloudwine $24, the 2005 was good, sold at $19.99), Boundary Rider Victorian Shiraz 2007 @ $9.99 might be worth a try as might Rutherglen Estates Durif 2007 @ $19.99 (CM on Wine Front was less impressed than Nick), maybe Brown Hill Chaffers MR Shiraz 2007 @ $19.99, but they are usually pretty oaky or Bleasdale Generations Shiraz 2006 @ $34.99.

Dan Murphy offers this week:  Lake Breeze Bullant Shiraz 2007 @ $11.90 (just undercutting Kemeny's $11.99, $13.99 elsewhere), a $59.90 bundle on a straight dozen McWilliams entry-level Inheritance range with a 24-pack of beer, so about $2.50pb for the wine, usually $6-$8, seems the Inheritance has been devalued. Reschke Vitulus Coonawarra Cabernet is $16.90 ($19+ elsewhere), Deutz Marlborough Cuvee @ $16.70, Cat Amongst the Pigeons Nine Lives Shiraz 2007 @ $12.90, Metala White Label Shiraz-Cabernet 2007 @ $11.80, Tar & Roses Shiraz 2007 @ $13.90, Sir James Sparkling Shiraz 2004 @ $16.90, Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz 2005 @ $14.90, Taittinger Brut NV @ $54.90.

1stChoice also has a $59 wine + beer/cleanskins bundle, Deutz NV at the same price as DM, Vasse Felix Cabernet (2005 or 2006, care with 2006 in MR, I'm not buying them) @ $24.99, Lanson NV @ $44.99.

Another Pinot - Crowded House Marlborough/Nelson Pinot Noir 2007 is $19.95 at GWD or save the $6.50 fee and get it for $19.99 at WLA.  Winestate Pinot of the Year 2008, not that that necessarily means much.

Of possible interest if you like Beechworth Shiraz, Jacks Wines have a Havelock Hill Beechworth Shiraz 2004 @ $12.50pb.  I can't find any useful info on this one, other than the fact that Sorrenberg apparently made a wine from this vineyard in 2000/2001, but this wine isn't made by Sorrenberg.

17 March:   Another cheapie, a cleanskin Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot 2005 from Dowie Doole at Wine Market for $71.88 per dozen, freight free if you use the "RBG" coupon code.  It is probably the 2005 vintage of either this wine or the Hooley-Dooley Red, so original price $18 or $15.

From Paul in Brisbane, 1stChoice Jindalee has some Saltram Eighth Maker.Shiraz 2001/2002 to clear @ $125, maybe less if you ask nicely.

16 March:   Matt at Premium Wines Direct has sweetened the current offer on JJ Hahn 1914/1928 Shiraz 2005.  Buy 6 of 1, get one of the other free.  Prices are $30 for the1928 (my pick over the 1914) and $39pb for the 1914, freight is $7 for 6 or 12.  Only by phone to Matt on 08 8352 3094, mention "Red Bigot" to claim the offer.

Wine Market have another 50 cases of the Schulz Benjamin Shiraz 2005 @ $119.98/dozen and free freight with the RBG coupon code.  It's ripe and lush in the Torbreck style, good value at $10 if you like those sort of reds.

The Boccaccio newsletter is out early this week and is online too.  It features the 2007 vintage of the Barwang Hilltops Cabernet @ $14.99, Marques de Riscal Reserva 2004 (Rioja) @ $43.99 and the new Cape Mentelle MR Cabernet 2005 @ $69.99, $5 up on the 2004 vintage which is still available at $64.99 at Boccaccio, Canterbury Wines and Winestar.

The Winestar email is up already too, featuring the 2007 vintage of the Tait Ballbuster Shiraz-Cabernet-Merlot @ $19.99 (same as the 2006 vintage also still offered).

If you like the Gotham McLaren Vale Shiraz (I don't much), then GWD has the 2008 for you @ $9.95 again.  If you are a fan of this you probably already know as you'll be on the GWD mailing list.

14 March:   A few recent high-scoring Pinots on Wine Front (TWF subscribers can see the reviews) :

• Pegasus Bay Waipara Pinot Noir 2006 is $49.20 at Wine Empire (member price), $49.99 @ Winestar, $51.45 -$59.95 elsewhere.
• Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007 is $37.95 @ Discount Wines (RRP $50)
• De Bortoli Estate Yarra Pinot 2006 is $26.99 @ Jims Cellars, $29.99 @ Boccaccio

13 March:   We've finally finished installing the insulation in my friend's cellar, lots of fiddly bits to finish.  Now it's wait and see if it's enough to hold the temp stable enough or whether a small a/c will be required as well.  When he's finished cleaning up and taken some more photos I might put up a page for anyone interested in seeing what we did.

I'm a bit wary of 2003 Barossa reds, but this one could be worth a punt at $120/dozen delivered.  It's the Ross Estate Lynedoch Cabernet Blend 2003 (yes the spelling is as labelled), 90/91 Halliday pts (drink to 2013/2015) in two reviews in 2005 and 2006, rrp $25pb.  Only from My Personal Wine Merchant and 10 cases only available.

Best Cellars have the Flametree Reserve Cabernet and Reserve Shiraz 2007 @ $45, free freight for orders over $200.  You can't order it online, so call or email from the info on their home page.

Wine Culture is having a 20% of sale on a range of wines, limited quantities and the list won't be posted on their web site.  If you are interested and not on their mailing list I suggest you sign up for their regular emails.

12 March:   Despite the dodgy tasting note reference on their associated site I'll mention the John Duval new release Entity Shiraz 2007 @ $39.99 at WLA ($44 and up elsewhere).  I have no idea how good it is (and the anonymous TN is at odds with the other info provided), but the Entity usually sells quickly, at least at the good price.  The Plexus GSM is $34.99 and the super-premium Eligo Shiraz 2006 is $99.99 (Cellardor $82.83).

Wine Market are offering the Murdock Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 @ $30.99 for 24hrs only, reduced from $34.99, elsewhere $34.99 to $44.  Also their email today offers a Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2005 at $12.99 (12) and the Midnight Cuvee 2001 sparkling at $25.99 (6-pack, elsewhere $27.99 to $34.99).  Free freight if you use the "RBG" coupon code.

If you were interested in the Flametree Reserve Cabernet  2007 and Reserve Shiraz 2007 reviewed on The Wine Front, then you can get them from Prince Wine Store for $46pb this week only.

Jacks Wines have the Cat Amongst Pigeons Nine Lives Barossa Shiraz 2007 for $13.99 (Nicks $15.99)

A rare advertising oversight by Dan Murphy, they let 1stChoice pip them on the price of the Veuve Clicquot 2002 Champagne, now down to $79.99, also at 1stChoice, the NV Veuve for $59.84 and Piper Heidsieck NV @ $37.99, JC St Hugo Cabernet @ $27.99, St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz @ $27.99.  Big news:  1stChoice have finally gone to 6-pack pricing to match DM.  (Thanks Justin, I didn't notice it myself when perusing the local advert.).

Dan Murphy lead off with a big range of craft/premium beers at what look like normal prices for them and feature the Laughing Jack Jack's Shiraz 2006 (the new entry-level shiraz from Laughing Jack) @ $16.90 ($18.95+freight at Wine Culture, $234/dozen at Nicks), Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2006 @ $15.90, Zema Estate Cabernet 2005 @ $19.90, Majella The Musician Cab-Shiraz @ $15.90.  If Jacob's Creek base range is of interest, you can get a case for $98 with a 24-pack of Amsterdam mariner beer thrown in.

A friend scored some Bin 389 2006 from Woolworths Liquor at $36.40 ($52.00 less 30% for 6-packs), but saw the shelf price at $57.00 at another Woolies store, so prices may vary.  John F also scored some bargains there on Bin 56/61 2006 for $14 and some others.  Might be worth checking out, but do the calculations carefully, shelf prices seem to vary a bit.

Kemeny's March-April catalogue has the following that caught my eye:

• Taylors Shiraz 2007 @ $12.99, with bonus Taste- Food and Wine 2009 book with a dozen buy, Cabernet 2007, same deal.
• Chateau Reynella Shiraz 2006 @ $39.99
• Caldora Yume Montepulciano 2005 @ $29.99 (I really liked the 2004, don't know if the 2005 is as good or not)
• Besserat de Bellefon Champagne NV @ $49.99 - bonus case of a quite acceptable Menebrea Italian beer with a full / mixed case of these and some other Italian reds.
• Capel Vale MR Cabernet and Mt Barker Shiraz 2007 @ $17.99, bonus bottle Cabernet Blend 2005 with each dozen. (around $19.85 and up elsewhere)
• Bests Gt Western Bin O Shiraz 2005 @ $49.99 and Thomson Family Shiraz 2005 @ $125 (bonus sparkling shiraz with each 6-pack)
• Taltarni Heathcote Shiraz 2005 @ $32.99, bonus bottle with each 6-pack
• Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @ $24.99 (13 to the dozen, but still cheaper at $22 from Matt at Premium Wines Direct)
• Goundrey G Cabernet-Tempranillo 2007 @ $16.99, buy 6 get 1 free ($18.50-$20 elsewhere)

11 March:   Kemeny's new catalogue is up, I'll look at it tomorrow morning.  Walking the dogs, gym and helping a friend insulate his cellar took most of the day and I'm out again tonight.

10 March:   Boccaccio are offering the 2006 Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon @ $18.99 (Nicks $22.99) and the new release Penfolds Bin range at competitive prices. See the newsletter via the left-panel link.

The Winestar weekly email is up too, featuring Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2006 @ $28.99 (Kemeny's $24.99, Canterbury Wines $27.95, WLA $29.99), Vasse Felix Cabernet 2005 @ $29.99 (Nicks $27.99) and O'Leary Walker Shiraz 2006 @ $17.99 (same price Canterbury Wines, Nicks).  Also a past vintage of Ashton Hills Sparkling Shiraz, the 1998 @ $49.99

9 March:   GWD have another batch of Sieur D'Arques Aimery 1531 Grand Cuvee, it's nicely packaged and is quite a pleasant if unsophisticated drink at the $15.95 price, but it really isn't in the same class as the big names it "knocked off".  The GWD Wise Shiraz 2007 situation has taken an interesting turn, more details on TORBWine and here soon.  Update: Revised article here, an interesting turn of events.  It looks like GWD are in the clear on this one, but it makes one wonder about the deals that do occur in some parts of the industry.  It also leaves unanswered the question of why a couple of readers found the wine not to their liking or up to the advertised description.

Summer Hill Wine Shop (Winebizz) have a new email offer out, with a bonus magnum offer.  I usually highlight some standout offers, but frankly I didn't see any wines at prices that seemed really good, especially after freight is added.  You might be more interested in some of the wines than I was.

8 March:   Update: All gone now.  Primo Estate Joseph Moda Cabernet Merlot 2000 has re-appeared at $11.39 +freight on Wines for Life.   Last time they sold out in a few hours after I posted here.  Note that this wine is probably ready to go now for most tastes, will probably live a few more years, but I don't think it will get any better and some bottles may be starting to fade (cork).  I've got one from the prior batch open now and it's drinking nicely for my tastes, with some earthy characters that I find quite attractive, although the acid is poking out just a little on the finish, but it went well with pasta/meat sauce.

If anyone is interested, the SIWC Top 100 2009 competition results are out, seemingly from the end of January, but I never noticed and don't remember any reports on the wine forums.  The summary Top 100 for 2009 link seems to be missing on the page, you can see them all together here.

7 March:   Jacobs Ck St Hugo Cabernet 2005 has hit the shelves, WLA $36.99, Nicks $39.99, $44.99 elsewhere, expect it at the chains and other independents soon if it isn't already there or they are holding it to quit the remaining 2004, which is still available for $32.99 and less at times.  Update: Boccaccio has it now too at $36.99, David G saw it at Manly Vale (Sydney) DM for $27.95.  JO rates it a little behind and earlier drinking than the 2004, I've been waiting for the 2005 so I can do a vertical of 6 for one of my tasting groups.

Kemeny's have a new advert in the SMH today featuring a lengthy list of wines, similar to their previous advert. (see 28 February).  A couple of additional wines caught my eye:  Taltarni Heathcote Shiraz 2005 @ $32.99, buy 6, get 7 (JH 95, drink to 2025, WLA $35.99) and Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz-Cabernet 2006 @ $16.99 (same as WLA).  Advertisement page here.

More on GWD, according to a report in the weekend papers, they now own outright the Normans wine brand and trademark, having bought it from Cockatoo Ridge, supposedly worth $1 million.  It didn't mention who is making the wines now.  I guess they are entitled to quote any fanciful "Don't Pay" price they like on Norman's wines.

Squashedgrape now list the 2006 Henry Martin Shiraz (not the sparkling) @ $8pb, free freight for a dozen buy.  The bottle picture looks the same as one on Grays with a claimed ORP of $444/12.  Times are tough, deceptive practices are rife, caveat emptor was never more relevant.

6 March:   Some cheapies for the end of the week.

Chad has kindly forwarded me the new Redheads Studio newsletter, which has some clearance offers on a few wines, including $60/dozen plus freight for 2004 and 2005 Yard Dog Red and 2006 Red Sedan Shiraz/Malbec (normally $12.50pb), and $120/case + freight for 2004 Barrel Monkey Shiraz (normally $25pb).  The newsletter is in PDF format and I'm not loading it here, if interested their email address and phone number are on their 1-page web-site here.  Update:  TN for two of these are on TORBWine, see links in text, also 2005 Red Sedan, not 2006.

North Sydney Cellars have a deal on the (Plantagenet) Hazard Hill WA Shiraz 2005 at $8.99 in full dozens with free freight.  It's about $12 + freight elsewhere.

There will probably no more updates today, I've spent most of it helping a friend cut and glue 75mm expanded polystyrene sheets to the ceiling and walls of the add-on room on the side of his house that will become his cellar.  About two-thirds done today.

5 March:   I don't have much to say about GWD latest offerings, but "slight porty character" does not always bode well in a tasting note, even if the Possums Shiraz 2007 did feature in Winestate's Top wines of 2008.  The Palandri small batch reds from 2006 don't tempt me, I have great misgivings about most reds from Margaret River in 2006, even the better efforts aren't up to the quality of vintages on either side.

1stChoice: In a 2/3 page advert with little of interest, "Don't be misled by competitors' claims".

Dan Murphy, in a 2-page advertisement with some reasonable-looking deals doesn't have to say "Eat my dust".  Cat Amongst the Pigeons Nine Lives Barossa Shiraz 2007 @ $12.90 (complete with "Parker" points from an unmentioned Jay Miller, elsewhere $14.99 and up), Ingoldby varieties (prob 2006) @ $9.70, Claymore dark Side of the Moon Clare Shiraz 2007 (?) @ $17.90, Hewitson Miss Harry GSM @ $17.90, Lake Breeze Cabernet 2006 @ $18.90, Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2006 @ $15.90, Ringbolt MR Cabernet 2007 @ $15.90 (Kemeny's $16.99), Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2006 @ $15.90, Charles Heidsieck MIC 2004 @ $62.60, Veuve Clicquot 2002 @ $85.20, Hennessy VSOP @ $63.60.  Both chains have the new Peroni Leggera low-carb beer.

The new Matt's Specials are up, see left panel link.  There are 3 sharply priced mixed 12 or 6-packs of reds that may tempt.  The JJ Hahn 1928 Shiraz 2005 @ $30 is still offered,  I prefer this to the slightly more expensive 1914 wine, it's $34.61 by the full dozen at Cellardor and $50 ex-winery.   Also still offered is the Gemtree Uncut Shiraz 2007 @ $17.  A new offering that should be good is the Shingleback The Gate Shiraz 2004 @ $30, with a bonus St Hugo Cabernet 2004 with each 6-pack.  As ever, email Matt and mention this site so Care Australia benefits from each purchase.

4 March:   Gray's have a Henry Martin Sth. Aust. Shiraz 2006 in today's Red auction, with a listed ORP of $444.  The picture is of the sparkling shiraz and the 2005 vintage of the still shiraz is listed at Squashedgrape for $8pb, including freight for case buys.  Either the strategy at HM has changed or someone is making up fanciful ORP again, as they have in the past for the HM Sparkling Shiraz.

The Boccaccio Newsletter is out, but maybe not online yet.  featuring a Delamere Tasmanian Pinot Noir 2007 @ $26.99, accompanied by rave reviews from Jeremy Oliver and Anthony.  Also the Elderton Command Shiraz 2005 @ $79.99 (same as Winestar) with 97 points from Jay Miller of The Wine Advocate (and a rave review from myself and TORB).  Also a couple of Spanish reds @ $105 (Bodegas Alion Ribera del Duero 2005, $140 @ W*) and Marques de Riscal Reserva 2004 @ $44, and Grosset Gaia Cabernet Merlot 2006 @ $49.99.

3 March:   Petaluma Coonawarra 2006 is appearing gradually, $44.99 at WLA, $49.99 at Winestar, $50-$60+ at other places and, oddly, 3 bottles already in the current Langton's Melbourne auction.

One reader has given some negative feedback on the $11.95 Margaret River Shiraz 2007 cleanskin from GWD, whose description matches the Wise Wines labelled wine (see 19 February).  One bottle opened was found to be "undrinkable" (although a specific fault was not described), another was better, but considered not up to the claimed rating.  Three cases going back to GWD.  Another subscriber found the Coonawarra Cleanskin 2006 (latest batch) drinkable and value enough to keep.

Gray's have accepted my return of the Deep Woods Cabernet 2004 (cleanskin) that I returned due to perceived excess volatility (probably ethyl acetate) to a faulty level.  I've not had a return rejected yet, but that may have something to do with the large amount I buy from them, mostly for friends and the small number of returns.

On Saturday night, with a couple of friends, we drank a bottle of the new release 2006 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, together with my last bottle of the 1991 vintage of the same wine.  The 2006 showed some class, nice coffee/mocha oak notes, ripe fruit slightly cabernet dominant to start, quite finely structured, easily drinkable now with the rare fillet steaks we had.  And that I think is the problem.  While it's a good wine and reasonable value at $40, it's not the interesting, rich, chewy, slightly rustic wine that I think I remember the 90, 91, 96 as being on release and nowhere near the tannins of the 94 which is now only starting to soften. It just failed to excite and I couldn't see it developing the classic aromas and flavours of the 91 we drank and upon which the cork god had smiled.  I was still tempted to buy a few and see how it develops, may still do that, but it will have to wait as I've just committed the money to another wine.

The one that got the nod over the Bin 389 is the Olivers Taranga HJ Reserve Shiraz 2005.  It topped the ranking in a strong flight of Shiraz at my Monday tasting group last night. Perfectly ripe shiraz, with classic McLaren Vale chocolate and red plums, wrapped in classy oak and having a perfect shiraz tannin profile, already long and moderately complex, it will develop more as it ages.  More interesting than the 2006 Bin 389 and I think it will cost me about the same.  Also finding favour was the (unreleased) Brown Brothers Patricia (Heathcote) Shiraz 2005 and the Schulz Benjamin Barossa Shiraz 2005 that was $9.99 from Wine Market recently (now sold out), followed by Brokenwood Rayner McLarenVale Shiraz 2005 (surprisingly soft and subdued) and two Baileys Shiraz, the 2006 1920's Block and the 2004 1904 Block which just failed to keep up with the rest of the flight. 

For Canberra Thai food fans, after tasting we adjourned to the new Soi VIII Thai restaurant at the Griffith shops, run by staff formerly at SukoThai in Yarralumla and serving a similar style of authentic Thai food.  On last night's showing it edges slightly ahead of the current Sukothai performance, we now have three Thai restaurants (the other is Mork's in Florey) where we enjoy the food and are happy to recommend.  If you are sure you can cope with authentic spicing on some of the hotter dishes, at any of these three tell them you want it "like Brian and Andrea have it".

The new Winestar email offers are up, the Yalumba Menzies Cabernet 2005 ($39.99) would be my pick, but you can get it slightly cheaper at Wine Culture and WLA.  I don't know the Clarence Hill Shiraz 2004 @ $21.99, but it might be worth a try based on the JH review.  Pinotphiles may be attracted to the $14.99 Wickhams Rd Yarra Pinot 2008 from the Hoddles Ck team.  W* also are first to list the Elderton Command Shiraz 2005 I mentioned last week, at $79.99 I'd hope there will be better prices coming elsewhere.

Nicks have listed the Bests Thomson Family Shiraz 2005 @ $130.  This was one of the standouts of a Victorian winery crawl in February 2008, but the price is a bit daunting, more so at W* ($140) and the winery ($150).