2009 Jim Barry PB Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon

Purchase: $60 from Cellar Door

Nose: Rich Berry fruit with a layer of dustiness.

Palate: This is a big rich wine that will have no problem alongside your meal yet is balanced enough to enjoy on its own. You will enjoy the ripe and generous flavours of chocolate and coffee. A lovely velvety texture and lingering finish. Drinking well now!

Out of 10: 9

Value: OK

2013 Wyanga Lakes Entrance Sauvignon Blanc

Purchase: $24 from Cellar Door

Nose: Strong passionfruit.

Palate: Initially medicinal the passionfruit follows through with musk and melon notes.

Out of 10: 7

Value: Good

2013 Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay

Purchase: $22.99 from Dan Murphy's

Nose: Butterscotch.

Palate: Honey sweetness and zingy spiciness from the American Oak.

Out of 10: 8

Value: Good

NV Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut

Purchase: Gift

Nose: Too closed to comment.

Palate: Dry style with a nice bead this wine has citrus and herbaceous character.

Out of 10: 6

Value: OK

2005 Karatta 12 Mile Vineyard Shiraz

Purchase: $6.50 from Crackawines

Nose: A touch of barnyard (bret) but manageable. Due to age its starting to show slight browning.

Palate: Full-bodied Shiraz that has aged well. Powerful Shiraz spice. Drink now.

Out of 10: 7

Value: Excellent

2009 Geoff Merrill Sangiovese Merlot Shiraz SMS

Purchase: $9.99 from Crackawines

Nose: Musky earthiness followed by delightful cherry and anise sweetness.

Palate: Luscious mouthfeel with a medium body. Nice balance of black cherry / mulberry fruit and light oak. A textural wine with a bit of Shiraz bight upfront and soft Merlot to lengthen the finish. The Sangiovese is the hero here for pulling it all together.

Out of 10: 9

Value: Excellent

2006 Stoney Broke Hunter Valley Chardonnay

Purchase: $11.50 from Crackawines

Nose: Fruit salad and light oak

Palate: Good balance of acid and sweetness with long finish

Out of 10: 8

Value: Excellent