Leeuwin Estates-Art Series-Margaret River-Cabernet Sauvignon—Australia-2004-$29.98-A nose of currants and spice, dark purple in color. A smooth, full bodied Cab, black currants, blackberries, with herbs and pepper spice, a interesting good wine. RP-91 WS-88 WE-90 CR-90 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
R Wines-Marquis-Philips-Sarah’s Blend-Mclaren Vale-Australia-2008-$11.99-A nose of spice and dark fruits, Smooth, blackberry, blueberry, spice box, a good enjoyable wine, great value. I can’t think of a Marquis-Philips wine that I have not enjoyed, and usually great values. RP-91 CR-90 Good with pasta, chicken, meats.
Kaesler Wines-Stonehorse-Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre-Barossa Valley-Australia-2006-$17.99-A spice nose of dark fruit, dark black in color. Black cherry, spice, cedar, smooth full bodied GMS. RP-90 WS-90 CR-87 Good with chicken, veal, pasta.
R Wines-Marquis-Philips-Cabernet Sauvignon-McLaren Vale-Australia-2008-$11.21-A nose of sweet dark fruit, dark purple in color. A full bodied tasty red, black currants, blackberry, licorice and spice, a very good value. RP-90 CR-90 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
J & D Grilli-Primo Estate-Il Briccone-Shiraz-Sangiovese-McLaren Vale-Australia-2006-$16.66-A nose of cherries and spice, amber in color. A classy, rich, juicy blend, cherries, spice, a very food friendly wine. RP-89 CR-90 Good with chicken, cheeses, salads.
Penfolds Winery-Koonunga Hill-Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon-South Australia-2006-$10.99-A nose of dark fruit, currants, dark purple in color. Blackberry, blueberry, black currants, full bodied, meaty dry red. A good value, a mid-week enjoyable wine. RP-91 CR-88 Good with steak, ribs, chicken.
Some Young Punks For The Misfit Wine Company-Brujeria-Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon-Grenache-Tempranillo-Australia-2007-$11.99-A nose of dark fruit, dark amber in color. A smooth, interesting blend, blackberry, roasted meat, spice, full bodied but not over the top. This company is known for it’s crazy labels. NR CR-87 Good with steak, chicken, pasta.
d’Arenberg PTY-The Laughing Magpie-Shiraz-Viognier-McLaren Vale-Australia-2005-$21.99-A nose of dark fruit and cassis, dark purple in color. A smooth full bodied big red, blackberry, cassis, licorice, toasty oak. A very big wine, not for Old World fans. RP-93 CR-91 Good with steak, chicken, pasta.
McLaren Valle and Margaret River wines are my all-time favourites. Their shiraz and cabernet have the ripest and most unique aromas.