2/2008 PETER LEHMANN SHIRAZ BAROSSA 2005
We found this wine at Costco and paid around $13 retail for a bottle. It's a solid Shiraz-- berry-plum flavor followed by a mild mocha note. Big, fruity- this wine is made for robust fare, such as roasted vegetables, steak, etc. (Rating ***3/4)

To see if our retailer can sell you a bottle, click here. Otherwise, surf to http://www.PeterLehmannWines.com.au/.

Labels: Australia, Peter Lehmann, Shiraz

 

12/2007 MILTON PARK SHIRAZ 2006
Hot damn, a shiraz for $6 a bottle! While this screw-top Australian red wine was a little tight, that is, non-expressive, as young Malbec can be, we rather enjoyed it. It has a cherry-berry flavor and good viscosity, which made us want to pair it with pork or a creamy pasta dish. A real bargain, and fun. (Rating ***1/4)

If you'd like to buy a bottle from our retailer, click HERE and type "MILTON PARK" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. For further information, see http://www.kysela.com/australia/Thornmiltonpark.htm.

Labels: Australia, Milton Park, Shiraz

 

12/2007 LINDEMANS RESERVE PADTHAWAY SHIRAZ 2005
This bottle appeared in our digs somehow... Was it a party? A welcome gift from neighbors? The mind grasps for a hook of remembrance and fails... Anyhoo, this Australians vino costs about $12 retail and is enjoyable; it's a step above the plonk we like to keep as house wine. It's a touch boozy, but otherwise shows nice black berry and cream notes. We'd pair this one with steak, grilled vegetables, or some chow with enough char or oooomph to stand up to it. (Rating ***1/2)

If you'd like to buy a bottle from our retailer, click HERE and type "LINDEMANS" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. For further information, see http://www.Lindemans.com/.

Labels: Australia, Lindemans, Shiraz

 

4/2006 GRAFFIGNA G MALBEC 2003 (PEDERNAL VALLEY)
Well, well, isn't this an approachable Malbec. Not hard like so many other wines made from this grape. Fruity, intense, with a dollop of cream on the close. quite enjoyable. (Rating ****).

GRAFFIGNA seems to be a good label. Previously, we wrote of its Shiraz:

12/2005 GRAFFIGNA G SHIRAZ 2003 (PEDERNAL VALLEY)
We quite enjoyed this robust, fruity red wine with earthy undertones and the price was right for the quality- $16-$18 retail. A winner from Argentina. (Rating ****1/4)

To see if our retailer carries GRAFFIGNA wines, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "GRAFFIGNA" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Otherwise, contact ALLIED DOMECQ at http://www.adwnz.com/Pages/wines/agencies/graffigna.html/.

Labels: Argentina, Graffigna, Malbec, Shiraz