A-Mano, Primitivo 2003, Puglia IGT, Italy ($20)

While a perfectly well made wine, the flavour gave no indication of place. It made for unremarkable stuff. And no distinctiveness of grape variety came through. While there aren't any Aussie primitivos to my knowledge, there seemed little point in making a detour for this bottle again. For $10 we can get well made yet undistinctive wine - why pay more?

Chalmers, Aglianico 2005, Murray Darling ($25)

Consistent cigar box aromas and consitent delivery across the palate. Tastes very un-Australian and therefore an nice change to the norm. The finish is not long which is poosibly the only drawback.

Hurley Vineyard, 'Garamond' Pinot Noir 2005, Mornington Peninsula ($45)

My birthday treat this one.....after an hour of airing this started well, with some fruit flavour still present, but some stewed cherry and some fungal aromas present too. Nice nose. The finish was long too. Enjoyable at first, but as time passed the wine developed to become quite sour which was a disappointing end.

Helen's Hill, "Evolution' Sauvignon Blanc, Yarra Valley ($23)

At last a sauvignon blance to break the monotonous tyranny of Marlborough's cat's pee offering. In the absence of good Sancerre I've been so bored of sauvignon blanc. Chestnut Hill was the only offering that made me look up. This Helen's Hill offering is a delight with oaky complexity and great taste of fig. Bye bye cat's pee and gooseberry! Enjoyable complexity. A thoroughly enjoyable drink.