31 May:   I've put up the first version of the list of half-bottles of red that are fairly readily available from good e-tailers.  I'll update it with some chain stock soon.  The link to the page is in the "Latest Bargains" header above.

Fun and Games, Kemenys vs Woolworths.  The Kemeny advertisement in the SMH yesterday chastises (in no uncertain terms) Woolworths for blatant dishonesty in claiming to have beaten Kemeny offers.  Not only did they simply reduce the price of a wine and ignore the substantial bonus beer value, they didn't even reduce the price in one store tested by Kemeny's.  I wonder when/how Woolworths will retaliate.

29 May:   I'm still working on a list of half-bottles.  I think I've found a bug in wine-searcher, it shows listings marked as Halves when you search for All Bottle/case, but doesn't return any of those listings if you search for Bottle or Halves.  They've referred it to their developers for action.

28 May:   A bit late today, I've just got back from a quick onite trip to catch up with TORB.  We dined at Eschalot in Berrima last night, we were the only diners there.  The food was excellent as usual and the 1990 St Henri Shiraz and 96 Yalumba The Reserve Cabernet Shiraz were both blessed with good corks and were in fine form.

Dan Murphy this week has Wynn's Black Label Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @ $18.90.  Stock up.

1stChoice is offering Piper Heidsieck NV @ $37.99.

Another week, another new wine-selling web site.  This mob seem to think there is a buck to be made from selling ex-HFW "investment" wines.  I think most/all of those in the initial mixed dozen are available cheaper elsewhere, particularly via Wine for Life. Or maybe that's just there opening gambit, who knows?

The Wineroom / Sixty Darling St have the Setanta (Black Sanglain was the one with 94 JH pts) Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 @ $17.00 + freight in the SMH Good Living advert on Tuesday.  RRP is about $29 on this and this is a very good price if it's not an error.  Ph 1300 139 252 to order.  Thanks Ross H for the heads up.

27 May:   The Winestar weekly offers are now up, featuring the Big Red Wine Book red of the year, Starvedog Lane Shiraz-Viognier 2007 @ $19.99, with a free copy of the BRWB if you buy a dozen, looks like a pretty good deal to me. (No other merchant listings yet, 2006 is around at $22-$23).  Also Peter Lehmann Barossa Cabernet 2006 @ $13.99, but it is $13.00 at Boccaccio.

The top of the BRWB Top 100 under $20 is Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Shiraz 2007, $16.99 at Boccaccio and Winestar.  Second on the list is Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2007, $18.95+freight at Discount Wines, $18.99 at Aussie Wines.  Also $110/6 or $220/12 ex-winery, but the freight rates make it less competitive.  Third (same 94pts) is the Gramps Shiraz 2006, $13.99 + freight at Jims Cellars, $15.99 at Discount Wines and Nicks.

Prince Wine Store (St Kilda, Melb) are having a 20% off sale on all table wine, only on Sunday May 31st.  Stock list in pdf format here.

26 May:   The weekly Boccaccio email is out.  It features another Margaret River Cabernet blend from the stellar 2007 vintage, the Vasse Felix Cabernet Merlot 2007 @ $16.99.  Other wines include a NZ stickie, a NZ Pinot, a Cotes du Rhone 2007 and the 1998 Leasingham Classic Clare Sparkling Shiraz.  The last of these may be a bit of a lottery, I've seen some bretty bottles and also some that are fresh as a daisy. Of interest to those looking for half-bottles (Hi Scott), an Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2006 @ $19.99 might fit the bill.

On the topic of half bottles, I'm interested in hearing of any reds in halves that you have seen or tried recently, Aus or imports, up to say $30 pb. Please email me if you have one or more you could recommend. I've tried using wine-searcher, but there don't seem to be many listed or properly categorised as half-bottles.  I'll put up a summary page when I get enough entries, may even have to visit DM and 1stChoice to see what they have.

Winestar specials on their site are still dated 13 May.

Kemeny's advert in the Melbourne Age today has: Rockbare McLaren Vale Shiraz 2007 @ $13.80, Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2006 @ $24.99, Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2002 @ $69.99 (but it's $59.99 at Wine Market), Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2005 @ $119, Wynns (sorry) Mildara Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @ $19.99, Piper Heidsieck NV in the cool box pack @ $39.99.

25 May:   More export casualties.  You might think the notes for the Virgin Hills 2001 and 2002 reds from GWD today were from James Halliday.  They aren't.  Here are the actual TN. 
2001: Medium-bodied; much softer and sweeter cassis red berry fruit than the '02, only to be expected given the 'hot' vintage; ripe tannins. Cork.13% alc. Rating 93 Drink 2015 Date Tasted Mar 07
2002: The cool vintage should have made the wine greener and while there is an element of that, the wine is a major achievement; should last. It is also the last vintage to be labelled with the distinctive gold on white, bold Virgin Hills name. Cork. 13% alc. Rating 90 Drink 2012 Date Tasted Mar 07

I received my copy of the Big Red Wine Book today, from The Wine Front crew..  On a quick scan many of the highly-rated wines are not released yet and a few are sold out already.  I'll work my way through this over the next week or so and post the best prices on those that are available.

My Monday tasting group tried 6 Shiraz from 2005, including the labelled Chateau Reynella BP Shiraz 2005 and the cleanskin version.  The two were pretty consistent and quite a few people picked the pair, but they preferred the Samuels Gorge Shiraz 2005 (pretty much sold out except at Discount Wines for $35.95 and Wine Culture for $38.99) and quite liked a Palandri Estates Frankland River Shiraz I scored from Gray's for about $9pb, one of the better Palandri wines I've tried.  I liked the Reynella pair just ahead of the Samuels Gorge, found the level of volatiles on the SG a little much.  The cleanskin Reynella Shiraz is still available at Wine Market for $18.95.

24 May:   Rant:  Banks are mean and stupid.  I'm having a spirited (but slow) discussion with NAB (or their Indian service centre), so far via online messaging, over a $30 late payment fee they applied to my Visa Card.  I didn't make what they consider an actual payment, although a $100 Fly Buys credit was applied, more than the $80.95 full outstanding balance at the time.  The tell me that this isn't considered a payment under the card T&C.  I can't find anything relevant in the T&C and asked them to point out the relevant detail to me.  That was 4 days ago.  A follow-up message after 2 days got no response, the next one a day later elucidated the response that it had been referred to a "specialist".  I think it will cost them more than $30 to answer my queries and I've told them I have stopped using that card until they have lost at least twice that amount in missed merchant charges.  At least they didn't charge me interest on the "non-paid" balance as well.  Inconsistent, illogical and possibly illegal, the Financial Services Ombudsman is looking like a nice avenue of last resort, just on principle.  End of Rant.  Update:  Sanity finally prevails, after 15 minutes on hold and several minutes discussing the interpretation of "you must make a payment" they agreed it was a "grey area" and would refund the $30.  Perhaps my question as to what is the difference between someone else making a deposit to my account as my agent/debtor and me personally initiating a credit payment with Fly Buys as my agent confused them.  Perhaps the mention of the FSO made the difference.  Thank you to those who sent me emails on this matter detailing similar experiences.

23 May:   Boccaccio have some sharp prices in the Weekend Australian magazine advert, they offer Clonakilla O'Riada Shiraz 2007 @ $36.99/$$35 , d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2006 @ $46.99/$46, Marques de Riscal Riserva Rioja 2004 @ $43.99/$42.00, Mt Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz @ $49.99/$49.00, Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2005 @ $13.99/$13.75, Tar & Roses Heathcote Shiraz 2008 @ $13.99.

Last week I bought a mixed case of reds from Nicks to taste with my Monday tasting group.  I needed a young soft red to go with some pretty spicy Thai food on Thursday, so grabbed a Three Brothers Reunited Shiraz 2007 from the case.  At only $9.99 it certainly delivers soft/lush shiraz fruit, but isn't over-ripe or jammy, even has a bit of backbone and clean finish.  This is probably the best of this line that I've tried, certainly worth looking at if you want a nice rich uncomplicated red for drinking over the next few years.

I'm sipping on a Balgownie Black Label Sparkling Shiraz 2008, I bought a dozen based on the CM review on Wine Front and I'm not disappointed.  Check out the review and then buy direct from Balgownie for $261/dozen delivered free for Cellar Club members and put it aside for Christmas drinking, it's under crown seal too.

A few of you took up the Longwood offer, the 40 cases went in one day.  Phil Christiansen is apparently driving from Adelaide to Melbourne and offered to drop off one case to a reader who lives in Horsham.  Now that's service, he's not even a prior customer.

22 May:   I was having a look through the print version of the current Kemeny's catalogue and spied a few I missed in scanning the online version.  Balthazar of the Barossa Shiraz 2005 is $49.99, but buy 6 and get one free, making it $42.86+freight.  Wine Market have had it at $44.99 since release. De Bortoli Yarra Valley Cabernets 2006 (now labelled Melba Lucia) @ $23.99 (Boccaccio $27.99) has a bonus of the Reserve Melba Lucia 2006 (worth about $60) with each dozen.  Elderton Estate Shiraz 2006 is $22.99, 13 to the dozen, but it's cheaper at Boccaccio @ $19.99.  If you need a new 24cm frypan, buy a dozen of the Heathcote Estate Shiraz 2006 @ $34.99 and you can have one.  The minty Mildara Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 is $19.99 with a bonus Riedel Cabernet Magnum decanter with each 6 bottle buy, very tempting, the decanter is selling for around $95 elsewhere, RRP around $110.

My order (including some 2004 Grange) from Glengarry Wine in NZ arrived today, it was sent last Thursday.  Nicely packed in polystyrene inside a big cardboard box.  Pretty good service.  Paula from Glengarry advises that Aus Customs have woken up to all this Grange coming in from NZ and there may be small extra charges in future if your order includes more than 2 bottles.  If this happens to you, please let me know.

21 May:   Boccaccio have the Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache 2006 @ $16.00, elsewhere $19.50 and up.  Thanks Ross H for the tip.

I have just returned for a regular fortnightly tasting where the selection of 6 reds was from the candidates for Cellarmasters Red of the Year.  It quickly reminded me why I left the Cellarmasters fold many years ago.  If this is what they regularly offer for around $17-$24+freight then they need a big re-think.  I thought this $7.99 wine that I took along to try after the tasting was better quality than most of them and many of the attendees agreed.

Purvis Wine Cellars in Melbourne have a few cases of Brini Sebastian McLaren Vale Shiraz 2005 @ $21.99 for (free) Cellar Club members, it's $25 elsewhere..

Nothing worth mentioning in the 1stChoice local advert today.

Dan does better with Rockbare McLarenVale Shiraz 2007 @ $14.90 ($16.99 elesewhere), Peter Lehmann Cabernet or Shiraz @ $12.90 and Jacobs Creek Cabernet 2005 @ $29.90.

Longwood wines have been mostly exported in the past, I have some in my cellar from visits with TORB, check his Tour Diaries for more details on Longwood.  They have put together 40 mixed dozens (all reds) including all their wines up to the Reserve and Single Barrel Shiraz.  The price is a bargain at $100-$120 delivered (depending on location).  If interested email or call Phil/Lauren on 0416 003 046.  (Thanks Ross H for the info).

Ross at Wine Empire has put together a list of some of the wines from Huon Hooke's Top 50, plus some other regular specials.  Join up (free) and get 5% off the listed prices.  Some are available by the case only.  The list is here, make up a mixed dozen if you want to calibrate your palate against Huon Hooke.  Comparison prices: Nicks have the Alana Pinot @ $49.99, Boccaccio and Corkscrew Cellars have the Moss Wood Amy's @ $29.99, Prince Wine Store have the Monte Antico IGT 2006 @ $19.95 (less 10% for dozens), Nicks have the Mr Riggs Gaffer Shiraz @ $16.99, PWS have the Santadi Grotta Rossa 2007 @ $23 (less 10% dozen discount), Turners Crossing Shiraz/Viognier 2006 is $19.99 elsewhere, Woop Woop Cabernet 2007 is $11.99 at Nicks.

If you saw the Jacks offer of Katnook Coonawarra Cabernet 2001 @ $29.99, be aware that Wine Box Warehouse still have it listed for $22.50.

20 May:   Subscribers to the Wine Front may already have seen this:  Murdoch James Martinborough Saleyards Syrah 2006 got a reasonable review from Campbell.  It is currently on offer at Vintage Cellars for $34.99/$31.49, buy 2 get another free.  Might be worth a try if you like a bit of white pepper in your cool climate Shiraz.

The Sixty Darling St Winepool web site seems to have finally been abandoned. Their SMH Good Living advert has a big list of wines, some at reasonable prices if you live in the free freight area.  They list  Brands Laira Coonawarra Shiraz 2007 which would seem to be an error as the 2006 is just about to be released AFIK.  Winewise rated the 2006 very highly in their April Shiraz taste-off and I've been keeping an eye out for it's release.  Also listed are the Barwang 2007 duo, Shiraz @ $13, the Cabernet @ $14.

Back to Huon Hooke's Top 50 Winter Warmers, there are a lot of 87, 88,89, 90 pointers for a Top 50 list.  Also I can't get many listings on wine-searcher for many of them, so availability is pretty limited.  For the Shiraz section many returned no listings or only the winery and/or a single obscure retailer.  One of the higher pointed wines (94) is the Belguardo Bronzone Morellino di Scansano DOC 2006, it is available from Online Cellars for $259.20/6-pack.

Matt at Premium Wines Direct has an extra mid-month specials list.  The most tempting of these is Tyrrells Rufus Stone McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006 @ $17.00 but with a bonus bottle of JJ Hahn 1914 Shiraz 2005 with each 6.  (Nicks have the JJ Hahn 1914 Shiraz 2005 @ $330/dozen.)  Email Matt and mention this site so Care Australia benefits from each purchase.

19 May:   Boccaccio as usual this week is offering something for all tastes and budgets, from $16.99 for the Torzi Matthews Schist Rock Shiraz 2008 (East End Cellars have it for $15.00, must spend $200 to get free freight) to $190 for a Clape Cornas 2006.  In between is a Mayford Porepunkah Syrah 2006 @ $34.99 (also available direct from the winery for $177+freight for a 6-pack) and some other tempting offers.  It is online now, access via the left panel link.

Wine Market have Penfolds St Henri 2005 @ $68.99 in 6-packs ($1 less than Boccaccio and Aussie Wines) and Bin 707 Cabernet @ $149.99 (same as Boccaccio, Aussie Wines $159.99).  They also still have stocks of the interesting and unusual cleanskin Adelaide Hills Shiraz-Tannat 2005 @ $14.99, a little of the Grant Burge Anniversary Shiraz 2006 @ $13.99 and plenty of the Ch Reynella BP Shiraz 2005 cleanskin @ $18.95.  I'm not sure if the RBG coupon code is working properly again, but freight will be refunded if you use it and freight is still charged.

Ross Duke has a new pre-arrival offer out on Champagne, Loire, and Burgundy.  The prices on the Champagnes actually look like they are slightly cheaper than the last time I bought a year or so ago.  I'm pretty happy with most of the grower Champagnes I've bought from two Ross Duke offers.  PDF offer details here.  Order form PDF here.

I haven't managed to get too excited about the Huon Hooke Winter Warmer reds in the SMH Good Living today.  I'll have a closer look and check availability of some tomorrow.

More deals on Aus wines from NZ, Scenic Cellars in Taupo have Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet 2005 and Michael Shiraz 2005 @ $49.90NZD = $39.90AUD approximately.  The 6-pack price is $47.90NZD per bottle or $38.30AUD approx..  Scenic Cellars offer freight to Australia at $120NZD door to door. Their price on Grange is $600NZD though.  Thanks John L for the info.

18 May:   Wine Market is offering another export casualty, Hesketh Usual Suspects McLaren Vale Shiraz 2005 @ $10.99 ($15 at Premium Wines Direct, the 2006 is around at $16.25+frieght and higher).  Caution, has a little Viognier if that isn't your style.

Get Wines Direct have 6 new Gotham reds, mostly 2008 vintage, worth a look if that's your style.  Their new site is too smart and doesn't show the search parameters in the url, so you'll have to search for "Gotham".

17 May:   Wine Culture email subscribers will already know they are offering Penfolds Grange 2004 @ $494.99 + freight.  Ph 02 98821788 if you aren't on the email list and are interested in their offers, they often don't make it to the web site.

16 May:   A Cellarmasters John's Blend Lysanna Langhorne Ck Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 in screwcap, pick your price. It's listed on wine-searcher at David Jones Wine Club for $419.99 (but not on their site any more), at Cellarmasters for $319.92 and Wine Market for $239.88.  Might be worth a try for John's Blend fans, it's been given the full 3 years in oak like the regular John's Blend, only 11 cases left.

14 May:   I've just seen the freight charge appear on my credit card for a dozen wines from Glengarry Wine in New Zealand ($138NZD = $110.52AUD).  The dozen includes a 6-pack of Penfolds Grange 2004 for myself and a couple of friends.  The price delivered to my door will be $403.50 AUD.  The $499NZD price is still current, although the exchange rate is slightly worse than when I bought, you should still be able to get it for about $410-$420 delivered.  With the best local price around $550 (before mates rates), that's a big saving if you really want some Grange.  Glengarry (Paula Shaw) are very responsive to emails and the freight process handled by MWT is reasonably priced and covers air freight from NZ and local courier to your address.

1stChoice is offering Lanson Black Label NV @ $39.99, Veuve Cliquot 2002 Champagne @ $89.99, Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz-Cabernet @ $16.60 (Aussie Wines has it for $16.99, elsewhere $17.99 and up).

Dan Murphy has the Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium 2006 @ $29.90, reviews so far haven't been too enthusiastic though..

GWD are at it again these days with partial quoting of TN/reviews.  The points on the Yarra Burn Third Light pair are 89 each, the "..." on the Chardonnay TN is ", though not especially complex."

13 May:  Bremerton Old Adam Shiraz 2006 is out and will sell out fast, so don't dally.  There is a max of 6 per order at the winery, order form pdf here.  They have a specially priced mixed dozen which looks tempting. Cellardor has the Old Adam listed on wine-searcher, but I just bought their last case, it's no longer on their site, sorry.

My Personal Wine Merchant have refreshed their site too and have a new Winter Creek Shiraz cleanskin, the 2005 this time @ $140/dozen including delivery.  TORB TN here.  They had 40 cases, less the 2 I just ordered.  They also still have some 2003 cleanskins @ $135 and some export-labelled 2004 @ $165/dozen, both freight inclusive too.  The labelled Ross Estate Lynedoch Cabernet blend 2003 is supposedly drinking well @ $130/case delivered.

If you are after some large format wines at reasonable multiples of the 750ml price, Nicks have a range of Yalumba reds (Signature, Menzies, Octavius in 1500, 3000 and 6000ml sizes.  The magnums are just twice the single bottle price.  The vintages are 2005 for Octavius and The Signature, 2006 for The Menzies Cabernet.

Some boutique Barossa reds being cleared at Wine Market, Black Spade reds are available @ $11.99pb as a mixed dozen of Shiraz 2006, cabernet 2006 and Sangiovese 2007 and as a full dozen of a Grenache Mataro 2007.  Also at Wine Market, a few cases left of the Dowie Doole Hooley Dooley cabernet blend 2005 cleanskin @ $5.99.

The Wine Emporium in Brisbane has the Longview Black Crow Nebbiolo 2005 @ $13pb.  These guys usually seem to be on the ball, but this one is 15.4% a/v and scored 86pts from Halliday.  I tried a bottle about 6 months ago and found it a bit advanced and volatile to go with the very ripe flavour profile.  Until cob tomorrow if you are interested.

12 May:  The Winestar weekly offers are up already, featuring Peter Lehmann Barossa Cabernet Merlot 2005 @ $120/dozen including freight (listed at Jim's Cellars for $8.99+freight and Aussie Wines for $9.99), also Teusner Riebke Shiraz 2008 @ $17.99 (available for $17.00 ex-winery at present, see 8 May below).  The Riebke is soft and sweet-fruited, went well with spicy Thai food last night.

The Boccaccio email is out, but not online yet.  It features the Yalumba Scribbler Cabernet Shiraz 2007 @ $16.99 (Auscellardoor $17.90), ALTOZANO TEMPRANILLO 2006 @ $17.99, Clonakilla O'Riada Shiraz 2007 @ $36.99 (it's actually $35.00 on the site) and Craiglee Shiraz 2005 @ $40.99 (elsewhere $42-$46), plus a bunch of other Australian and imported reds.

If you trust Halliday's view on Australian Vintage Sparkling wines, Auscellardoor have the JH 96 pt Granite Hills 1999 Macedon Sparking @ $36.90.

The Prince Wine Store full stocklist as at May 2009 is available in PDF format here.

11 May:  If you are a fan of Longhop, then you will be happy to know that you can get a dozen of the 2007 Longhop Shiraz for $162 (down from $195), including delivery direct from the winery.  Also $14.99 @ Boccaccio and Winestar.

The new Kemeny's May-June catalogue is out by email, but not online yet, I assume it will be soon, pdf here if you want it.  A quick first pass found these: Barwang Cabernet 2007 and Shiraz 2007 @ $13.99 (with bonus VP with a case buy), Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2002 @ $69.99 (same price at Canterbury Wines, Jims Cellars), the Balthazar Barossa Shiraz is $49.99 (but still $44.95 at Wine Market), Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2007 @ $15.99 with a bonus magnum with each 6-pack, Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2006 @ $23.99 with a bonus decanter with each 6-pack, Jacobs Ck Johann 2002 @ $54.99 and St Hugo 2004 @ $34.99, bonus Riedel twin-pack with each 6 of those two, possibly the Caldora Yume Montepulciano 2005 @ $29.99 if it is as good as the 2004, price is a bit higher though, there may be others that grab your attention.

If you order from Wine Market, Stuart will refund the freight component if you use the RBG coupon code, he's hoping to have it working properly this week sometime.

GWD offers today:  The Sieur D'Arques Aimery 1531 Grand Cuvee sparkling white is an OK drink at $15.95, but don't believe that it is better than even half the wines it "beat" in the competition described in the advertising.  If you are tempted by the Peter Howland Suitcase wines, first read the full Gary Walsh reviews on The WineFront (members only).

A friend was in the Yarra Valley over the weekend and dropped in at Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander.  They have a CD-only special on the Harry's Monster Cabernet blend 2004, $150/6-pack including delivery.  He carried his home on the plane.  It's not on their web site, but if you call they may have some left.  Usually $40+, JH 94 pts, drink to 2015.

10 May:  Get Wines Direct have freshened up their web site and are making a point by offering Penfolds Grange 2004 @ $525 - but with a limit of 1 bottle per customer.

From Jon Y:  Dan Murphy (Victoria) have Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2006 @ $13.65 in 6-packs.  Not sure how widespread.

The new Matt's Specials are up, see left panel link.  There is a long list of reds this month, some carry-overs from last month, with bonus bottle offers on 6-packs of quite a few to sweeten the deals.  Most of the prices look quite reasonable (although some can be bettered slightly elsewhere), except the Grange 2004 at $600 which is about $50 over the odds. As ever, email Matt and mention this site so Care Australia benefits from each purchase.

I've heard Bruno Paillard NV Champagne is pretty good, but it is mostly $72-$80pb.  I noticed CBD Cellars have it listed for $59.99, that may even make it worthwhile with their $20/case freight outside of Syd/Melb CBD areas.

D'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2006 is $46.00 at Boccaccio, elsewhere $48.95 and up.

Murray Street Barossa Shiraz 2006 is out, although the (IMO) overly-reductive 2005 is still around @ $19.95.  The 2006 is so far offered by Cellardor @ $26.94 and ex-winery for $30 or $24 for MSV Club members (both free freight, club membership requires 2 dozen purchase per year).  The Greenock Shiraz 2006 has been out a while, $42.99 @ Nicks, $50/$40 ex-winery.

08 May:  Ok, if you have sorted out your access to the new Wine Market site and changed your password, then there are two reds under $20 worth looking at.  Firstly the Grant Burge Anniversary Shiraz 2006 @ $13.99 that may or may not be the same as or as good as the Filsell 2006.  Secondly, the McLaren Vale cleanskin Shiraz 2005 @ $18.95.  This is the same wine that GWD sold recently and purports to be the Chateau Reynella Basket Press Shiraz.  The bottle I tried from the GWD batch certainly looked to be the real deal (that reminds me, I must check if they have refunded the price of the corked bottle of this).  The stock level is zero at present, the wine should be in stock shortly, but I think you may be able to order anyway.  I haven't placed an order on the new site yet, but Stuart assures me you can use the RBG coupon code for free freight after you enter your credit card details.  If it doesn't work, send them an email via the Contact Us page or email me and I'll pass it on.  Update:  Apparently the RBG coupon code isn't working correctly yet.     According to Geoff G, on a 2-case order it applied a $4.55 discount but still charged $10 freight.  Another update:  Bruce R emailed to say he had been called by Grant Burge marketing people, offering the Anniversary Shiraz 2006 at 20% off ($19.99), so $13.99 here looks to be a pretty sharp price.

Tuesner have dropped the price on their new Astral series FG Shiraz 2006 from $130 to $123 and the Riebke Shiraz 2008 to $17, free shipping on most orders.  A pre-release sample of the FG Shiraz was one of the highlights of a SA winery visit last year.  It's pricey, but just think of it as getting 4 bottles of a FG shiraz instead of one bottle of Grange 2004.

07 May:  Thanks from Roger Pike of Marius Wines for those of you that clicked through and joined the mailing list and / or ordered, he appreciates your support.  An alternative source for the Marius Simpatico 2006 and Symposium Shiraz-Mourvedre 2006 at a good price is North Sydney Cellars. (Thanks Kim E.)

Also from Kim E, Wine Box Warehouse have the Katnook Estate Cabernet 2004 @ $22.50 (also 2001, 2003 Cabernet and 2004 Shiraz), a very good price if it's not a mistake.  This doesn't appear on wine-searcher, the list for WBW hasn't been updated since February, it looks like they've updated their web site format and forgot to tell wine-searcher.   (Apparently export back-labels, at least on the 2004 Cabernet, so another cancelled order.)

1stChoice: Annie's Lane range $9.90, Katnook Estate Cabernet (2005) $29.90 (but it's $29.00 at Boccaccio and $29.99 at Aussie Wines and W*), Campbells Bobby Burns Shiraz $16.99, Piper Heidsieck NV $37.99.

Dan Murphy: Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet-Shiraz 2007 @ $14.90 (Boccaccio $17.00).

Wine Empire has a few sharp offers:  Balnaves Coonawarra Cabernet 2007 @ $28.03 (after 5% member discount), Glen Eldon Kicking Back Shiraz-Cabernet 2006 @ $12.30 and 14 to the dozen (Nicks $15.99), Te Kairanga Martinborough Pinot Noir 2006 @ $18.95 (Jims Cellars $19.99, elsewhere $22-$28).

The new Wine Market site has some teething problems.  There are a couple of wines I want to list, but I'll wait a while and see if the issues can be resolved.  If you do want to order, the RBG coupon code can only be entered after you have entered your credit card details, there is apparently another confirmation step after that.  I regard the use of surname as the password and email as the username as very insecure.  If you are a customer, I suggest you change your password from the default asap. (DO NOT save your credit card details unless you change your password!)   It is a convoluted process though:

06 May:  After a few months absence, Peter Marr Wine Trader is back online.  The categorisation of the wines makes it a bit of a chore to look at his offerings, but there are some pretty sharp prices on some good wines.  And some fairly average prices too, so be careful.  There are a bunch of NZ Pinots from Otago and Marlborough at what are claimed to be substantial discounts, so if you know these you may find a bargain.  A few other reds that caught my eye are:

• Bleasdale Frank Potts LC Cabernet blend 2005 @ $22.90 (elsewhere $26 and up)
• Burge Family Olive Hill Shiraz-Mourvedre 2005 @ $29.90 (Winestar $36.99)
• Wirra Wirra Angelus Cabernet 2006 @ $45 and RSW Shiraz 2006 @ $49 (best prices I can see)
• Craggy Range Sophia Merlot blend 2006 @ $50 (elsewhere $54-$60)
• Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2004 @ $65
• Heathcote Estate Shiraz 2006 @ $29.90

Marius Simpatico Shiraz 2006 scored a nice review and 94pts in the latest James Halliday batch of 100 tasting notes.  If you are not a Marius Club member it will cost you $315/dozen delivered, club members get a better deal.  Join up and order here, all the Marius wines are good, Roger won't make any 2009 wine as the grapes were not up to the required standard.

Also in the JH 100 for May, the Jane Brook Estate Margaret River Cabernet 2007, 95 pts, drink to 2015, it is available direct (via Virtual Cellar Door) for $25, free freight for dozen buys.  Possums Vineyard McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006 (94pts, to 2019) is $20 direct (via Wine Boss), plus fairly expensive freight charges.

If you are a fan of Yarra Cabernet blends, then Allinda Cabernets 2006 might be worth a try @ $23.99 from Nicks.  I've had a couple of good cabernets from Allinda, but also one or two that didn't live up to the reviews, they seem to be a little inconsistent.  The winery web site looks a bit dated, they still offer the 2001 vintage.

Wine List Australia has dropped off wine-searcher, only their Aussie Wines brand is listed there now. In future I'll refer to Aussie Wines listings and links when their offers are good.  WLA was the user with the highest number of hits on this site, but decided not to renew and they also apparently have taken me off their mailing list, I guess they got sick of me criticising their dodgy-looking review sites.  This week they have Tar & Roses Tempranillo 2007 @ $18.99, the best price on wine-searcher at present.  They seem to have more new listings that are by the dozen only, usually meaning they order when you do rather than carrying stock.

05 May:  Boccaccio have advertised the Mt Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz 2005 today in the Melbourne Age at $49.99, it's actually listed at $49.00 on their site.  Great price on a very good wine, elsewhere $54.99 and up.  Thanks John W L for the heads up.  Wine-Ark (not renowned for sharp pricing) have the first offer on the Langi Shiraz 2006 I've seen, $69 for members, $75 for non-members.  The new Boccaccio newsletter is out too, featuring the new Penfolds releases, St Henri 2005 @ $69.99, RWT 2006 and 707 2006 both @ $149.99, a pretty competitive price.  Also the slow-selling but good Saltram Eighth Maker Shiraz 2002 down to $99.99, it's offered at around $170-$180 and up elsewhere, but I would guess others will be trying to source the same deal - and maybe some trying to keep the extra profit.

Another option if you want some Grange 2004.  Glengarry Wine in New Zealand is offering it for $499 NZD or about $390AUD at the current exchange rate.  They offer air-freight to Australia for $120NZD per dozen or $80NZD per 6-pack, plus a local Australian delivery fee.  The freight company covers all Wet/GST etc and retains the NZ 12.5% GST refund to cover the shortfall.  Contact Paula Shaw for full details of international ordering.  If you got in early and ordered your Grange 2004 at Wine Culture you will be paying only $494.99, nearly $50 under the published going rate elsewhere, but I assume other merchants look after their regular customers too.

I've created a separate page for my assessments a selection of ex-HFW wines still available, see link in the Latest Bargains heading line above.  There are still some that are good drinking and worth buying.

The new Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz 2007 and Schist Rock Shiraz 2008 are now available for order directly from Torzi Matthews at $30 and $17 respectively, including freight on a dozen buy or any order over $200.  Same prices as last year, these are consistently good wines.

I must be getting old.  A non-member emailed a question about a Gray's wine which had hidden details on the non-member version of the Gray's page.  Just a misspelled question/demand in the subject line, no message content other than his standard sign-off from a major financial-sector organisation.  I suggested his request in this form was impolite, and declined to answer his query.  Obviously too busy making money to frame a polite request or to fork out for a subscription.

03 May:  Nicks have given Rutherglen Estates Renaissance Petit Sirah (Durif) 2005 a rave 98pts, offering it for $46.95, but it is available direct for $39.95, with 10% off and free freight if you are a Cellar Club member (2 6-packs a year buy required).  Also at PWS for $44.95 less 10% on mixed dozens.

02 May:   I've had a couple of email queries regarding the status/fate of the Kemeny special offers.  I removed the link to the last set of offers some time ago.  For the second time in the life of this site Andrew Kemeny simply stopped communicating and appears not to have visited this site in the last couple of months.  I'm not intending to chase him up, so it is unlikely there will be more special offers available.

I haven't mentioned the new Penfolds Super-Premium releases despite some rave reviews, they are all out of my price range, although St Henri Shiraz 2005 is around at $69.99 (Boccaccio, Aussie Wines/WLA and Prince Wine Store).  If you are in the market for Grange 2004, Prince Wine Store lists it for $550 (less 10% for mixed dozens), Boccaccio, Winestar and Aussie Wines/WLA have it listed for $550 also.

Also on the high price front, the superb Thomas Hardy Cabernet 2004 is out, $115pb at Prince Wine Store, less 10% for mixed dozen buys.

Wine Culture has the 2006/2007 Aurora Syrah from Bendigo Hills, Central Otago NZ, with some rave reviews from Winewise and only $29.99 pb, not that much more than the NZD price in New Zealand.  Phone 02 9882 1788 to order, it's not on their site.  You can also order them direct from the Australian distributor.  (Thanks Geoff G - he also mentioned that Huon Hooke was much more impressed by the 2006 than the 2007 in a published review.)

01 May:   From Mark C:  Liquorland 30% off sale on reds seems to be still on, there may be one or two bargains yet to be had, such as Bin 389 for $38.50.

From John D: His local Dan Murphy (in SA) has Teusner Albert Shiraz 2005 and 2006 for $45 single bottle price, but $34 in 6-packs.  A real bargain at the $34 price.