Spring Vale, Pinot Noir 2006, East Coast Tasmania ($44)

I'd ignored Tasmanian pinot until I visited Tasmania Uncorked! a few weeks ago. Why bother when one lives at the edge of the Mornington Peninsula? This bottle is why bother, and all those wineries up the eastern coast of Tasmania are why bother. Delicious stuff, with smooth appealing fruit. Raspberry and in particular cherry come to mind. But this is not immature jammy pinot. This is unctuous, warm life affirming stuff. Sophistication and personality without pretentioun. A real pleasure.

Marc Bredif, Vouvray 2006, Loire, France ($33)

Great balance on this off-dry wine, floral on the nose at first with a hint of mango coming through later. Very even on the palate. Classy, and a very enjoyable drink.

Anderson, Basket Press Shiraz 2001, Rutherglen ($27)

Sometimes you just know, don't you? Standing in Melbourne's Federation Square Region Wine Showcase and eying that decanter from Anderson's stand. One whiff is all it took. I bought. One sniff of that purest plum and blackberry bouquet and you know this is a winner. One taste and the concentrated flavours rip down the palate and just stay there - the concentration, the tannin gripping. You surrender because there was nothing else you wanted to do. Even if you had another option you still would take this one as the wine Sirens beckon you A lovely, lovely wine.

Vintage Cellars own brand Cotes-de-Rhone 2007, France ($8)

Bright red on pouring, with a bouquet of strawberry and cherry. A well balanced wine offering easy quaffing. Some meatiness on the palate. Undeniable value at this price and a change to the norm.