Ravensworth, Sangiovese 2007, Murrumbateman NSW ($20)

Coming off the back of a glass of beaujolais this wine was immediately marked by the concentrated fruit driven nose. Black cherry on the palate and a hint of raspberry right at the back which added a nice twist. A reasonable finish at this price point. Enjoyable.

Chateau du Bluizard, Beaujolais Village 2007, France ($20)

So gentle compared to the standard fare I drink.  The floral notes really come though along with gentle cherry.  Had to protect this wine from the 45C heat (!) so it had been in the fridge (eek!) for a while.  As the wine warmed up to approach propoer temperatutes its flavour profile changed.  While cold disjointed and highlighting sourness at the back of the palate, but as it wared the sweetness coming though and balanced restored.  Nice stuff for a late hot hot hot summer evening.

Box Stallion, Gevurtztramirner 2007, Mornington Peninsula ($20 ?)

'Obliged' to drink this back to back with the Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay which really felt like an unequal contest. But this wine stood up very well. Instant gratification on the nose with lychee coming through straight away. An enjoyable drink - well balanced across the palate, nice finish. It was probably the finish that was the differentiator with the Leewin chardonnay - the latter's being long and more intense, but then again it was $50 more a bottle (having taken account if the fact that I picked it up for $70 a bottle when it was on offer, it's normally $100), and so this Box Stallion faired very well. Return visit.

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Chardonnay 2005, Margaret River ($70)

Lovely. Pure focussed peach on the nose, with floral and honeyed hints. Lovely mouthfeel and a long, long finish. It's only Jan 26 and anlready I'm sipping a possible wongston wine of the year. Great, and even better, I'm sharing it with my wife.

RACV Club, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Coonawarra ($11)

After a brief flush of dark berry fruit and lovely and persistant cigar box or sandalwood nose comes through. A hint of juniper and blueberry I think at different times. The nose morphed gently with time. Good balance on the palate and a really nice finish. Lovely stuff.

Clos Martinet, 2004, Priorat, Spain ($80)

This followed a nice bottle of Agliancio del Vulture and felt refined in comparision. There was an initial dark berry hit, but I was just agonising over the smell. What was it.....nearest I could get was 'sponge pudding before it is cooked and it is liquid, or maybe something doughy. I just kept smelling this wine. Lovely smell. Focussed on the palae with a good finish. Very enjoyable.

Boat O'Craigo, Black Spur Pinot Noir 2006, Yarra Valley (about $20)

Starts by delivering big on cherry aromas, whihc morphs with swirling into a forest floor dominated profile with a hint of fungi.  For the price a good wine.  An enjoyable wine that took well to our cheese.

Giant Steps, Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, Yarra Valley ($35)

Fantastic start to 2009 with this wonderfully balanced honeysuckle flavoured chardonnay.  The flavour carried through with lovely green notes delivering power across the whole of the mouth.  Nice stuff worth acquiring again.