King's Creek, Chardonnay 2007, Mornington Peninsula ($18)

Kiwi fruit on the nose and a nice oily texture. Clean and well made, and differnt to the 'usual chardonnay'. Repeat buy.

Thomas & Thomas Pinot Noir 2004, Adelaide Hills ($15)

For a moment I was getting my hopes up. Was I about to find my Holy Grail?....a nice pinot noir for under $20. If any region was going to deliver the goods it was going to be either Geelong or Adelaide Hills. And again I find my hopes dashed. You see, there is nothing wrong with this wine, but 12 hours after drinking some it it I can't remember anything that distinguishes it either. Slightly sour and fuller bodied than many Aussie pinots it was balanced and ....er....that's all can be written about it. Not much. No return visit. Next.

Box Stallion, Tempranillo 2005, Mornington Peninsula ($45)

Was good robust stuff when tasted at the winery and was better again from the bottle at home.  Not needing airing time it quaffed well, and took to our chorizo based meal nicely too.  The robust tannins that came through at the winery were less prevalent.  Not so strong on the nose but some plum and chocolate action when imbibbing.  $45 is a steep price - I felt this would have been a good $30 buy, but I'll stop there before I go onto my traditional rant of Mornington Peninsula wines being generally overpriced.  Damn!  Just said it!

Pennyweight Gamay 2006, Beechworth (~$10 at auction)

User-friendly stuff.  Still a touch of acidity but nothing offensive.  Light and fruity with some red fruit thing going on on the palate - red cherries I think.   Good value for the price.