Granite Hills, Shiraz 2003, Macedon Ranges ($28)

After so much Euro wine this was a fantastic contrast. Pure instense plum on nose - and a lasting finish this was so refreshingly vibrant and fruit driven. So Australian, so wonderful. A lovely drink.

Clyde Park, Reserve Chardonnay 2002, Geelong ($15)

A find while on a cellar door visit in the totally parched Geelong region. At near floor level and presented as a 50-50 bet as 'the corks weren't so good'. A totally seamless drink with typical butter and cream notes and daisy bouquet. Perfectly integrated. A dream of a drink at this price. Doesn't beat Leeuwin Estate, but at 20% of the price who is arguing?

Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico 2004, Calabria, Italy ($6)

Lovely. Made from 100% gaglioppo (!). Really nice medium bodied red with leather and well done bacon on the nose. Smooth with a slightly rough twist at the back of the palate - which I liked. Some astringency around the edge of the tongue. A pleasure to drink. A TOTAL STEAL of a wine.

Crasto (Quinta do Crasto) 2005, Douro, Portugal ($28)

A blend of tinta roriz, tinta barroca, touriga franca and touriga nacional. Very drinkable and correct wine. The nose evolved continually, one moment with tobacco, another leather, and another dark cherry, and sometimes maybe a whiff of mint. While correct I had a sneaky suspicion that at times it was a little thin. Certainly makes me curious to buy more Douro wines. Purchase from King and Godfrey on Lygon Street.

Villa Maria, Syrah 2005, Hawkes Bay NZ ($25)

I love Hawkes Bay syrah. Those dark cool climate flavours. This wine was lovely, and at $25 a steal. Long finish that just lingered in the mouth. Enjoy.

Cosme Palacio, Rioja 2005, Spain ($18.99)

There's that something that a good rioja has has no other wine has. That is why I count rioja as my absolute favourite wine. That something is always there in the gran reservas. But this is not a gran reserva. This wine got a good write up in The Age, and yes, it is well made and correct, but that is where it ends. Nothing distinctive. Rock my boat? No. Not worth the a return visit.