30 Aug:   I've refreshed the list of online wine e-tailers and auction houses, see top link in the left hand panel.  A few new ones and some that were new in the last update have failed already.

The price of holding a good wine from a poorly-regarded vintage, there are 7 6-packs of Balnaves The Tally Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 going at $47pb++ on Langton's Sydney Exchange, with the price guide showing a recent auction sale of $69 and range $55-$70.  JH 94 drink to 2020.  Also Gibsons AOVC Shiraz 2001 @ $50 (JH 90 to 2014) and and the standard Gibsons Shiraz 2001 @ $9pb (JH 88 to 2011, fading and possibly some may be brett-affected).  There are also plenty of 6-packs of Hanging Rock Heathcote Shiraz 2001 @ $17++pb and 2002 @ $19++ per bottle, probably only for those that like the style of this wine.  There is a heap of Langi Shiraz 2000 in 6-packs @ $27pb, but it's probably starting to fade as well (JH 91 to 2010)

29 Aug:   For those in Melbourne, David L has jotted down a few premium Australian wine prices at Costco.

It's sometimes amusing to see merchants increase prices on wines that I order and/or list here.  The latest examples are My Cellars upping the price of the Yalumba Menzies/Cigar Cabernet by $2pb, Wine House has new stocks of the Watershed Awakening Cabernet 2007 at about $4pb more than when I ordered earlier this week.  Incidentally, WLA also has the Awakening Cabernet 2007 @ $39.99.

Les J emailed to inform that Bellarmine Wines are offering Bellarmine Shiraz 2008 (JH 96pts drink to 2028) as a pre-release.  Offered at $25/bt & six packs @ $150 plus freight($20 outside WA).  Delivery will be first week of December after release 1 December.  Reviewed in the w/e Australian last weekend.  Update:  It's now listed at WLA for $19.99 with a 1 September release date, very confusing.  Update 2:  Apparently WLA were mistakenly sent a pallet of the 2008 instead of the 2007 and were charged the 2007 price.  They were asked not to sell it until December when the winery release occurred but have listed it anyway.  The 2008 will be 10% higher than the 2007 price, so get in if you want some 2008 now, there won't be more until December when the pallet is sold.  Thanks Les J for chasing this up.

Another nice offer from Longwood, they have/had 60 cases of their 2006 Shiraz at a clearance price (below).  I tried one from my cellar last night (under screwcap)  and it's drinking nicely, with many years ahead of it yet.  There is also an offer on a cleanskin 2008 Shiraz-Cabernet, Phil is sending me a sample bottle.  Contact Phil on: 0416 003 046 or by email.

• $140.00 per case landed SA
• $155.00 per case landed VIC & NSW
• $160.00 per case landed QLD

28 Aug:   I made a rare visit to my local Dan's, looking for 2007 MR / Coonawarra Cabernets for tasting flights.  I found a lot of back vintage wines at prices not as good as the independents.  The only 2007 MR Cabernet was the Moss Wood Amy's and the Wynn's Black Label pile they had all looked to be 2006, so I went down to Woolies Liquor and grabbed 4 Wynn's BL 2007, Leconfield 2007 Cabernet and a Barwang Cabernet 2007 at 30% off, no MR 2007 there either..

It's interesting (and depressing from another perspective) that an obviously small operation like My Cellars can have a fully-functional on-line ordering system that looks Ok and works well with a smallish range of desirable wines and many other similar-sized operations struggle for seemingly years to achieve the same level of functionality.  I know I've said this before, but it's really not all that hard.  For those struggling, find a competitors site that works for you, look at the bottom of the screen for the credits of the developer/supplier and contact them to get your own implementation with your own tailored look.  In the world of the internet it doesn't matter if they are in a different city/state/country, although some caution and careful checking of t&c are still required.  Update:  The base online store package (osCommerce) used by My Cellars is FREE. 

Woodstock The Stocks Shiraz 2006 reviewed on the Wine Front is available at WLA for $44.99, Discount Wines and Nicks for $49.99, Cellardor @ $50.05 and $348/6 at Skye Cellars.

The current vintage for Pirathon by Kalleske Shiraz is 2007 (My Cellar lists the 2008 @ $20), but there is a fair amount of the 2006 still around, $19.99 @ Nicks and WLA, same price as the 2007.  On a Kalleske note, My Cellars has the JMK Vintage Port (no vintage listed) @ $20 per 375ml bottle, elsewhere $24.95 and up.

27 Aug:   A new e-tailer site (MyCellars) notified by a new member, thanks Pat.  I can't see from the site where they are based, no address or phone number easily visible anyway, but Pat has had good experiences with them and there are some sharp prices, $10/dozen freight via FastWay.  Mike Press Shiraz 2008 and Cabernet 2007  $11, Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet 2006 $20 (now $22), Kalleske Johann Georg Shiraz 2007 @ $79, Balnaves The Tally Cabernet 2007 @ $75, Pikes The EWP Shiraz 2006 $55, Trevor Jones Wild Witch Shiraz 2006 $47.95, Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2006 $65.  Listed quantities are quite small on some of these.  I placed an order yesterday at 3:19pm, it is apparently the 44th online order, but I received a status change email at 3:34pm saying it was In Transit.  Fast work if that's what really happened.  They also offer some mixed dozens, without details of the contents, I don't think I'd trust them enough to buy a $1,000 case of red without knowing the wines, but there are 60 available for those who enjoy the punt.  Michael W seems to have tracked them down to the Lakes Resort Hotel at West Lakes in Adelaide.

Wynn's Black Label Coonawarra Cabernet 2007/2006 is $19.90 or thereabouts at the chains this week.  Advertised by 1stChoice, matched by Dan's.

Jacks Wines is advertising the Katnook Cabernet 2001, 2005 and 2006 @ $29.99 again (see 20 August below for my pick of the 3).  Also a couple of back vintage Blue Pyrenees reds @ $19.99 claimed to be export casualties, but they are offering 2002 when 2004 is current.  The Reserve Red 2002 (JH 94pts to 2012 looks the better buy over the Richardson Series Shiraz 2002 (JH 89 drink to 2015).

The GWD offer of Longhop Mt Lofty Shiraz 2008 @ $14.95 may be fully priced, its the first offer of this I've seen, the 2007 is still available for $12.50-$13.50 in full dozens. (My Personal Wine Merchant $150/dozen delivered. Thanks Chris P for the reminder)

The Archer Shiraz 2007 mentioned on The Wine Front today is $22.95 @ Armadale Cellars (no online ordering still), $25.05 @ Cellardor, the Twofold Shiraz 2005, Tyrrells Stevens Shiraz 2007 and Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz 2007 haven't appeared on wine-searcher yet.

Slightly sloppy work at Wine House.  I ordered some Fraser Gallop MR Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 to go with the sharply-priced Watershed Awakening Cabernet 2007 (all gone now).  I was contacted saying they had sold their last bottles the same day and would I like to select something else.  I did, and the order arrived promptly today, but when I checked back on their site it still showed 8 bottles of the FG Cabernet 2007 available.  I emailed to point this out and was told "Yes, that is correct. However this is the straight Cabernet Sauvignon, not the Cabernet Merlot."  I responded with a suggestion they scroll down to the bottom of the email where the original order details show that I did order the straight cabernet.     A quick reply with apologies and a couple of alternate offers to make amends, good service.

25 Aug:   Another example of good prices at the 30% off Woolies Liquor sale - Mt Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz 2004 @ $21 seen in Canberra by Brett.  $28.93 @ Cellardor, $30 @ Jims Cellars, $32.99 @ WLA.  Not one for me, but it might be for you.

Hmm, the Boccaccio email is online already and I haven't received my copy yet.  I features Tyrrells Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2007 @ $14.99 (Kemeny's $15.99, GWD $16.95, WLA $16.99, but with 2 bonus magnums per dozen still), also Jamsheed Gt Western Shiraz 2007 @ $34.99 and more stocks of the lovely Ashton Hills Sparkling Shiraz 2001 @ $39.99 and some back vintages from Seppelts Gt Western.

The Winestar offers for the week are up to, featuring Mike Press Shiraz 2008 and Cabernet 2007 @ $150/dozen freight inclusive to most places.

The Wine Emporium has fresh stocks of Choisel NV Champagne @ $39 or $35 in 6-packs.  The wine is online, but not the special price.

My Monday tasting group last night  did a set of Bullers Calliope reds, plus a Shirvington McLaren Vale shiraz ring-in.  The wines were Calliope Shiraz 91, 96, 2002, 2004, Calliope Durif 2004 and Shirvington Shiraz 2004.  All were labelled as 16.0% a/v, some of them were definitely warm in the mouth, but no one in the group remarked on any of them seeming to be "hot", in fact in all of them the balance was pretty good, nothing flabby here, tannins showing nicely in all of them, enough acid to have a clean finish.  In one surprise to me, a couple of members who generally prefer a lighter more subtle style of red both remarked on the balance and interest of these wines.  That being said, you have to enjoy big, ripe fruit flavours, some in the molasses and prune spectrum, but not dead or over-ripe.
In our positional-weighted aggregate scoring system the first 3 wines were one point apart (this was my ranking for the 3 as well).  They were:

1. the headily fragrant, brambly, sweet, decadent Calliope Durif 2004 (screwcap)
2. the Shirvington McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004, leatherwood honey, molasses, sweet and almost syrupy to start, opened up and the tannins showed they were not beaten by the pure ripe fruit. (cork)
3. Calliope Shiraz 2004, showing some cedary oak I didn't remember from prior tastings of this, the rich ripe fruit has settled since release, but still rich and sweet, tannins good, good balance. (Diam)
4. the 2002 Calliope was next, a slightly odd example of this, with some pruney development on the nose and palate, less sweet than the younger wines, soft, fleshy mid-palate, some odd sweet/sour character on the finish, maybe slightly oxidised, there are stories of dodgy corks in this vintage, as well as with the 96. (cork)
5. I liked the 96 slightly more than the group, it's developing some old leather, honey/caramel characters, soft, smooth, just marred by a slightly bitter finish. (cork)
6. I also thought the 91 was a good example of this vintage, there was a batch re-released from the winery that had a more than 50% oxidised rate, this was from the original batch I bought.  Now seems to be finally reaching the end of it's long life, the fruit is starting to dry out and fade away, but it's not dead yet. (cork)  Who said high alcohol reds won't cellar?

24 Aug:   The de Bortoli Noble One 2006 halves offered with the usual hype by GWD @ $29.95 (+freight) are available from Canterbury Wines for $26.50, Boccaccio, Jims Cellars and Winestar for $26.99 and quite a few other places for $27.95 to $28.95.  The Hope Estate 2005 "Virgin Hill Vineyard" wines offered at $14.95 are still on Grays at around $10pb, the Shiraz-Malbec is the better of the two wines I think.

I got an unexpected bonus with my delivery from Wine Market today.  I'd ordered a 6-pack of Balthazar of the Barossa Shiraz 2006 as well as a stack of the "Mystery Wine" (Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2006) for myself and friends.  The bonus was an extra 6-pack of the Balthazar.  After checking my CC to make sure I hadn't been charged for both I notified WM of their mistake, it will be going back soon.

We drank a bottle of the Grampians Estate Black Sunday Friends Sparkling Shiraz 2006 on Friday night.  It's a beautiful wine, rich fruit through the mid-palate, not sweet or cloying and finishes nicely drier than many other sparkling reds.

Avalon Fine Wines share the web site format of their parent Chambers Cellars.  They've managed to get some speed out of the platform now, but it's still a pointless exercise as they don't show vintages and don't have the specials from their weekly email online, despite putting a link to their site in the email.  They occasionally have some reasonable specials on desirable wines, if you want to see them, subscribe to their emails, I won't be mentioning them here until they get their act together, unless they are super-tempting.

23 Aug:   Two emails this morning re Wynns Black Label Cabernet 2007 at Woolies/Safeway.  At 30% off and currently "on special" it comes down to $19.97pb in 6-packs.  I'm told the landed price for the 2007 Wynns BL is $21.32 after WET, before GST, so unless the chains are getting a special deal or being paid a heap for shelf-space they are making a loss on every bottle.  No wonder the independents are not too interested in stocking these sort of wines.

22 Aug:   I've put up a first pass of a new page describing what to do about faulty wines and how to get replacements from merchants or wineries.  It's available via the Links on this site section of the left panel: What to do about Faulty Wine  Comments / suggestions are welcome.

I've done a partial update to the Halliday 2010 BoB page, 96 pt Shiraz and some of the 97/96 pt Cabernets.  I stopped when I found some Watershed Awakening Cabernet 2007 (96pts) for $39.95/$35.96 at Winehouse.  I've ordered what I wanted, there are only 8 left as I type this. All gone now.  Elsewhere $54.90.  "Saving" nearly $20pb, if they honour the price.

Chambers Cellars have sharp prices on Bowen estate Shiraz 2006 @ $19.99, Wynn's Coonawarra Cabernet 2007 @ $23.99, Wynn's John Riddoch Cabernet 2006 @ $54.99, plus freight.  Thanks Chris for the heads-up.

21 Aug:   It's been a big week, I might have a quiet day today, walk the dogs, go to the gym, have a nap before guests arrive for dinner tonight.  Updates might be a bit sparse today.

Stuart H emailed to say the price for Mt Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz 2006 on the winery mail out is now $75.  All the more reason to buy from the good independents who pass on a lot of the margin.  Botanical Winestore still $52.99, Canterbury Wines, WLA, Winestar $54.95-$55.00, the rest $60 and up.  I'm not sure how long those prices will hold, get in soon if you want some of this wine.  The just as good 2005 is still $49.99 @ Boccaccio, $54-$69 elsewhere.

David L emailed and amongst other things bemoaned a bad run of tainted corks recently.  He hadn't tried to get replacements, so I suggested he should do so in future and stop wasting money when it's not his fault.  I've been meaning to set up a page on how to go about getting a replacement for tainted or other faulty wines, looks like I should do it sooner than later...

WLA have Barwang Hilltops Cabernet 2007 @ $13.99, including free freight on a dozen buy.  Jims Cellars $13.99+ freight, Boccaccio $14.99

20 Aug:   Qwoff have launched a new version of their web site and to celebrate this momentous event their Monthly Special prices on a couple of wines have jumped $5 or $10 per bottle since the email mentioned on 11 August.  Good one guys!  I can't get the "Next page" button in the wine list to work under IE8 either. :-(

Wine Market has new stocks of Sorby Adams Morticia Sparkling Shiraz NV, still @ $15.95pb in 6-packs.  I'm off to check whether I have more than the 8 listed in the RB Cellar Master, I might need to get some stocks for summer.  Also on WM, a cleanskin Single Vineyard Blewitt Springs Shiraz 2007 @ $7.99 matches the Loom Wine shiraz that scored 92, drink to 2016, "big wine, not for the faint of heart" in the latest Wine Companion, rrp $22. 

A prior vintage now, but good wine and good price, Heritage Wines Rossco's Shiraz 2004 is $30 at Winebizz ($39.95 @ Canterbury Wines, The Ed, the 2005 vintage is $36.03 @ Cellardor, $39.99 @ Nicks.

Nothing of interest to me in the GWD offers this week.

Jacks Wines have the 2001, 2005 and 2006 Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon all at $29.99, with a bonus 2-bottle leather wine carrier (worth about $60) with each case (6-pack), limit 2 per customer.  Boccaccio has the 2005 also at $29.99, but without the bonus, the 2006 is $33.95+freight @ Discount Wines.  I'd probably go for the 2005 or 2006 in preference to the 2001.

Tony from Skye Cellars subscribed here after one (or more) of you mentioned the site when ordering the Ch Reynella cleanskin.  He indicated that Skye fulfil orders made via Backdoorwine, Auldana Cellars and The Cellar at Mornington, so all will be sent out from there by Aus Post asap.  The offer with bonus (only Glenfiddich now) is now limited to one dozen per customer.  Update: Tony emailed to say the other bonus offers are back up.

New stocks have appeared of the Houghton Wisdom Frankland River Shiraz 2004 (JH 95pts), it's $24.99 @ Winestar or $29.99 @ Nicks.

Nothing much at the chains again, Piper Heidsieck NV @ $39.99 and Courvoisier VSOP Cognac $59.90 at 1stChoice.and Ringbolt MR Cabernet 2007 @ $16.90 at Dan's.

I nearly forgot.  If you haven't already seen it, Woolies Liquor is offering 30% off for 6-bottle buys (not on sparkling though).  There may even be the odd bargain at this sort of discount.

Now that's it's difficult to get a bargain on Gray's (or at least the same level of bargain that I was used to), I've been sourcing cheapies for friends at various other places.  I have had some success with a couple of wines from Glug at reduced prices and was going to post the details here, but they just put the prices back up so I won't.  Glug does have one cheapie on offer, a McLarenVale Cabernet Merlot 2004 from the remnants of Classic McLaren.  It might be worth a try @ $6.99

19 Aug:   The saga of the Ch Reynella BP Shiraz 2005 cleanskins doesn't seem to have any dodgy dealings, all the bottles/corks from all sources so far seem to be consistent and the 12.9%a/v label on some WLA bottles a bit of a red herring.  Thanks to all who responded with information.  There is another offer of this wine (validated by two subscribers) from Skye Cellars in Adelaide who are offering a case of the cleanskin with a bonus bottle of gin, whiskey, wine or carton of beer for $148.00 delivered.

Some good specials from WLA this week:  Kennedy Heathcote Shiraz 2006 @ $19.99 (Cloudwine $24, Cellardor $27.06), Pikes Eastside Shiraz 2006 @ $19.99 (down from $24.99, Booze Bros $20.99, Discount Wines $22.95, Cellardor $24.97), also De Bortoli Reserve Syrah 2007 @ $39.99 (same as Boccaccio)

18 Aug:   There seems to be a bit of a story happening with "McLaren Vale Basket Press Shiraz 2005" appearing at all sorts of merchants, with varying claims as to pedigree.  The original one from GWD and Wine Market @ $18.95 was definitely the Ch Reynella BP Shiraz 2005 @ 14.0% a/v (o/s listings say 14.5% in UK, 14.1 in Canada, 14.0 in Ireland, prices range from $24.50 to $52 AUD).  Ross H has just emailed to say the lot he bought @ $14.95 from WLA with similar claims is listed @ $12.9%, but the cork/bottle markings match, so maybe the WLA label is an error.  The real wines have a small icon of a stylised tree on the cork and 5362 in the markings in the glass down near the base of the bottle. I've had a couple of other emails today already about other offers @ $138 and $125 for similarly listed wines, trying to find out more now. Stay tuned.  Also, I'd love to hear from anyone who bought this wine other than at GWD or Wine Market.
One of the other offers (emailed by Craig C, thanks) is from Backdoorwine for $125/case + freight.  The medal descriptors match the Ch Reynella BP Shiraz 2005 and they claim the wine is sent directly from the winery.  I've ordered a case just to see what turns up, although their site doesn't say anything about a returns policy.  I'm already worried as the confirmation email lists it as coming from "The Cellar at Mornington".
Winestar also have it @ $180/dozen (possibly plus freight as it's under $200)
Update: I got a shipping notice from Backdoor Wines and a Sales Receipt (not a Tax Invoice) from Simon at Mornington Cellars, signed off as Auldana Estate Wines, no ABN or address, only a mobile number (0408 082 748) and including my full credit card details in the attached pdf file.   There are some real cowboys out there, avoid Backdoor wines would be my recommendation.  Further update:  After I sent an email complaining about the CC details in plain text I got a call from Simon Williams explaining the message was meant for his warehouse in South Australia (where the wine is coming from) and not meant to come to me.  He indicated it shouldn't be a problem as it was going "direct from him to his people" and "there has not been a problem before".  He seemed to have trouble coping with the concept of emails bouncing around and being stored on various servers all over the internet.  If it wasn't so sad it might be be amusing.  Avoid!

The Boccaccio weekly email is up.  It features Capel Vale MR Cabernet 2007 @ $17.99 (Kemeny's $17.99, Discount Wines $19.25, Cellardor $19.85, Nicks, WLA $19.99), the JH 96pt Provenance Geelong Pinot Noir 2007 @ $24.99 (Discount Wines same price + freight, W* $27.99, $29 ex-winery, $30 Cloudwine) and some other interesting wines including the 2006 St Hallett Old Block Shiraz 2006 @ $62.99 (VC $69.99 after 30% off for dozens).

The Winestar weekly offers are up too, featuring Gramps Shiraz 2006 @ $16.99 ($13.99 @ Jims Cellars, $15.95 @ Discount wines, both + freight), Paringa Estate Peninsula (PE) Pinot Noir 2008 @ $24.99 (Wine Box Warehouse $22.99, Canterbury Wines $23.50) plus others.

Chris in Sydney also has a PMWT voucher to give away. If anyone is intending to go to one of the following Melbourne restaurants - Pearl, Verge or Bottega before 30 September, the voucher from Peter Marr Wine Traders is for a complimentary bottle of "selected" wine when you dine there. 

17 Aug:   Costco opens in Melbourne today.  If anyone is joining up, I'd be curious to know about the range of wine they are selling and prices.

Wine Market are offering a Mystery Wine @ $49.99 under a "Do you trust us?" line.  It's a 2006 Shiraz.  I know what the wine is, but promised not to publish it here.  I can tell you that the RRP/ex-winery price is indeed $80pb, and you can get it in dozens at $60-$70 at various merchants.  I have tried a bottle of the wine some time ago and I have ordered some of this for myself and friends.  BTW, you can save $15 ($20 but have to pay $5 freight) using the code described here.

16 Aug:   Wine List Australia now has three trading entities showing in wine-searcher, with slightly different numbers of wines recorded in the wine-searcher profile for each.  Luckily wine-searcher has an "Exclude Merchant" option, so I've excluded the other two from my results lists.  Aussie Wines and Top Australian and NZ wineries are the two I've excluded.

15 Aug:   I've finally posted an update to the State of the Market.  I started on this way back in January, but never got around to finishing it.  It's probably not really finished yet, but might have some useful information. 

14 Aug:   VC have the Wynn's Black Label Cabernet 2007 @ $22.99 in dozens (bonus Cellar Share for each 6 until 16/08), it will probably hit $20 somewhere sometime.  Also, VC have apparently advertised the John Riddoch 2006 @ $54.99 (dozens) in the Melbourne Age, thanks John L.  Update: From Stephen H in Sydney, The JR 2006 is pretty scarce at VC stores and can't be ordered in at the $54.99 price.  Also the Wynn's Alex 88 Cabernet 2006 is down to $27.99 if you can find it at VC during the 30% off sale, neither are online at VC.

If you are looking to buy from Grampians Estate (Black Sunday Friends Shiraz 2006 and Sparkling Shiraz 2006) then it seems you will do better to order via Wine Boss rather than the GE Order Form, there are extra discounts and free freight on orders over $250 or 24 bottles via Wine Boss.  (Link above to Wine Boss may not work directly, if not try this).  The GE web site is one of those that plays music and doesn't have a mute option. :-(  Update: Jim V emailed to say he bought a 6-pack of the GE Sparkling Shiraz for $180 total delivered to Melbourne, the order form says $210+$20 freight (free in Victoria), so it may pay to call and haggle.  Update 2:  Actually, you don't have to haggle, they have a free Wine Club and a distinct order form for club members, it's cheaper to join up and order the Friends pair direct if you are in Victoria and there is a confusing variety of prices on some of the wines/vintages across the wine club order form and Wine Boss, a bit of a marketing mess really.

13 Aug:   Cloudwine have a "Halliday Mixed Dozen" on offer, wines available for individual sale as well, 6 reds and 6 whites.  Includes the first listings I can see of the Margan Shiraz Mourvedre 2007 and Glen Eldon Barossa Shiraz Mataro 2006.  Prices I checked look OK, the Pirramimma White Label Cabernet 2006 is $25 ex-winery (less 10% or free freight for wine club members) and at Discount Wines (+freight) and the Fraser Gallop Cabernet 2007 is around $25 most places.

I tried one of the 2006 Ch Reynella BP Shiraz cleanskins (from Wine Market) on Tuesday night.  It's a good buy at the $18.95 price, seems a little leaner than the 2005, I'll have to try them together to see which one I really prefer, but I'm slightly favouring the 2005 at this stage, but that could just be the vagaries of cork-sealed wines.

1stChoice is advertising that they will "beat everyone's prices on Wynn's new release wines", but don't list their prices, they will hold tastings on Saturday 2-5pm locally, probably in your area too.  Dan Murphy has the Wynn's Shiraz 2008 @ $9.90.

The GWD cleanskin Shiraz 2005 @ $11.95 is the George Wyndham multi-region shiraz.  Since Nigel Dolan only joined Wyndham Estate in early 2008 I have strong doubts that he would have made this wine, but I may be wrong.  The winery blurb notes him as "Chief Winemaker", as they do on all the Wyndham Estate Wines back to and including 2001.  The labelled version is available for $16.67 @ Jacks Wines.

12 Aug:   PWS have put the price of Balnaves Tally Cabernet 2007 back to the advertised $70.  They also have the new single vineyard Wynns Alex 88 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 @ $42 less 10% for dozens.

Kemeny's has the new vintage Wynns Johnsons Block Shiraz-Cabernet 2004 @ $26.99 ($32.90 and up elsewhere so far).

Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet (Black label) 2007 is out too, RRP is $32, it's listed at Discount Wines for $25.95+freight and WLA $27.99, wait for the chain specials on this one.  Update:  VC have it @ $22.99 in dozens (bonus Cellar Share for each 6 until 16/08), it will probably hit $20 somewhere sometime.

11 Aug:   The Winestar weekly offers are up, featuring the already much lauded Yalumba Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @ $39.99 (same as Nicks and WLA) and Teusner Riebke Shiraz 2008 @ $17.99. Hewitson Miss Harry GSM 2007 is offered @ $19.99 (Wine Snob $18.35, Cellardor $19.00, Nicks, Auscellardoor $19.99).

The Boccaccio email newsletter is out and online too, even if it is dated 11th July. It features the 2006 Brands Coonawarra Cabernet and Shiraz pair.  Brands seems to be producing some better reds recently, the Blockers Cabernet is $17.99 (same as WLA) and the Shiraz 2006 is $16.99 (WLA$19.99).  Also De Bortoli Reserve Yarra Valley Syrah 2007 @ $39.99 (2006 is still around @ WLA for $45.99).  Plus a couple of Pinots and a Monsanto Chianti Riserva 2006 that I have a bottle of but haven't tried yet.

I was going to post a couple of specials on Qwoff earlier today, but got too frustrated with their web site and have only now returned to the task.  It seems to work a bit better using Firefox than IE8.  The first offer is from their email and there were only 30 6-packs of Coldstream Hills Reserve cabernet Sauvignon 2005 @ $39.99 (Boccaccio, Winestar $49.99).  Other wines at sharp prices are:  Battle of Bosworth White Boar Shiraz 2006 @ $40 (Cloudwine $43), Metala Black Label Shiraz 2004 @ $34.99 (elsewhere $40 and up), Samuels's Gorge Shiraz 2006 @ $32.50 (elsewhere $35 and up), Tim Smith MGS 2006 @ $24 (elsewhere $26-$28).

10 Aug:   For those in Adelaide, Brad C advises that Village Cellars North Adelaide (not Vintage Cellars as I originally read it) is running a buy 2 get 3 promotion until Sunday 16 August, some sharp prices on good wines resulting.   This store also has a better than average range of good wine, including Champagnes and Sparkling Reds to tempt.  Thanks Brad.

Cellardor are offering Teusner Astral Series FG Riebke Shiraz 2006 @ $105.82.  They usually only deal in full dozens, but since this wine comes in neat little wooden 3-packs, if you ask Danae nicely she might sell you 6.  (It's $130 ex-winery).

The Willow Creek Tulum Mornington Peninsula Cabernet 2004 @ GWD might suit some of you @ $12.95.  I haven't tried it, it appeared on Grays for a little while but looks like GWD have picked it up now.  It's listed at another Melbourne merchant @ $32.95.  The de Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot 2008 they offer at $15.95 (plus bonus case of beer) is available for $14.00 @ Kemeny's (with same beer bonus), $14.99 @ Boccaccio, Winestar and WLA..

08 Aug:   If anyone is intending to go to one of the following Melbourne restaurants - Pearl, Verge or Bottega before 30 September, I have a voucher from Peter Marr Wine Traders for a complimentary bottle of "selected" wine when you dine there.  The first person to email me with their postal address can have the voucher as I'm unlikely to be in Melbourne before the end of September.  To late, gone now.

I'm still getting emails about Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2006 being available at under $39 at various Vintage Cellars or Liquorland stores during their 30% off sales (dozen buy). Thanks to those that have sent in the info.

07 Aug:   Interesting offer from FWDC in New Zealand, the front-page Incognito Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet 2007 looks a bit like it could be Limestone Ridge?

A gift for the wino who has everything?  Matthew at Squashedgrape tells me there is a price rise coming for Le Nez du Vin aroma kits, but he is holding prices for now.  Prices are significantly less than at Auswine.

06 Aug:   Quiet week from the chains again, Lanson NV Champagne @ $39.99 (1stChoice) if you need a top-up.

My Rolf Binder Bulls Blood 2006 (bought via snup @ $40pb delivered) arrived yesterday, the source merchant listed on the Aus Post sticker was Wine List Australia.  Interesting as the wine is not listed on their web site.

The Olivia Coonawarra Cabernet 2005 at GWD might be worth a try, I had a previous vintage that was good drinking.

PWS has the Balnaves Tally Cabernet 2007 @ $70, not sure for how long, get in quick before Balnaves leans on them to up the price.  Update: Yep, it's up to $80 now, email them, they may honour the $70 offer.  Also John Riddoch Cabernet 2006 @ $70, the 2005 is mostly that and up now, but did sell down around $65 at times.

Auscellardoor has a range of JH-pointed wines with a bonus book offer on dozens, but the prices don't look that good, eg Balnaves The Tally 2007 @ $79.90 (PWS $70) and Ringbolt Cabernet 2007 @ $21.90 (Boccaccio $18).

Vintage Cellars new Cellar Press is out, including some details of offers at their current 30% off sale.  Some sharp prices eg Tar & Roses Heathcote Shiraz 2008 @ $12.59 and a bonus Miro Priorat  (worth $40+) with a dozen buy, plus Cellar Shares.

05 Aug:   The Boccaccio weekly newsletter is out and online, no imports featured this week, Anthony is running short already as the wines from his first shipment are selling out fast.  It leads off with the Yalumba Cigar (Menzies Vineyard) Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 (but Nicks have it for $22.99), has a few more Halliday high-pointed wines, a Torzi matthews Sangiovese and an SC Pannell McLaren Vale Nebbiolo.

One that is out of the ordinary, RBJ Theologicum 2002 (Mourvedre Grenache) is being quit at half price as the line has been discontinued, $15, only at EEC.

There was an interesting outcome at my Monday tasting group, we had 2 mini-verticals (2002, 2005, 2007) of Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz and Viking Barossa Grand Shiraz.  The Vikings filled the first 3 places, 2005, 2002, 2007 and then the S&S 2005 and 2007 equally ranked and the prematurely oxidised 2002 S&S a universal last rank.  I liked the 2002 Viking most, followed by the 2007 and 2005 S&S.  Two lessons for me: 1. The Viking style seems to have been lightened and stretched a little since the price effectively dropped to $19.95, there is less intense fruit (higher cropping?) and the oak/tannin structure seems diminished compare to the 2002.  It's still good value @ $19.95 though.  2. The S&S style doesn't seem to suit many people, the wines are very well made, but I (and it seems quite a number of others) find them a bit boring.  I won't be buying any of the 2007.  Heresy I know, but I feel much the same way about Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier, It just doesn't grab me like it seems to impress many others.

Ross Duke has a new offer - Rhone and Champagne.  I've bought a few off his past Champagne offers and been pretty happy with the results.

The new monthly specials from Matt at Premium Wine Direct are up too, some carry-overs (JJ Hahn still offered), some new, new mixed packs, new bonuses, see left panel link.  I'll go through them in detail when I have more time and note those that grab my attention.  Email Matt and mention this site so Care Australia benefits from each purchase.

04 Aug:   Thanks to Jim V for tracking down the Alex Head Brunette Shiraz 2007 (JH 96pts) at Annandale Cellars where it is far cheaper than the alternatives.

The new Winestar email is up, featuring Teusner Avatar GMS 2006 (JH 96 pts) with a bonus Wine Companion book with a dozen buy.  Oddly, this isn't in the online version for the Best Of The Best, but I've added it to the BoB page, with a couple of cheaper sources, but without the book bonus.  Plus some other BoB wines from the new Wine Companion.

Bleasdale Bremerview Shiraz 2006 just got a good wrap on the Wine Front, it's $14.99 @ Nicks and WLA, $15.95+freight and up elsewhere, sometimes on special at the chains.

02 Aug:   Kemenys  have a new format catalogue out, now called Wine Dominium, it's online here.  I haven't had time to check out many of the offers, but Henschke Tappa Pass Shiraz 2005 @ $55 is $49.99 @ Winestar, Yalumba Scribbler Cabernet Shiraz 2007 @ $15.00 is $16.99 and up elsewhere, Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2006 @ $17.00 is down from $18.99 and is $19.90 and up elsewhere, de Bortoli Melba Lucia Cabernet blend 2006 @ $24 with bonus bottle of Melba Reserve with each dozen is cheaper than Boccaccio @ $27.99.