Gotham, Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley ($?)

Heat. So much alcohol in this it is totally out of balance. An unenjoyable drink.

Pfieffer, Shiraz 2004, Rutherglen ($?)

Dark thick purple colour and a big cool climate nose. Filled the mouth with big flavour with a hint of mint/eucalypt and dark fruit/plum. Much bigger than I am used to, but without that horrible over the top quality some Rutherglen or Heathcote reds have. Enjoyable.

Omaka Springs, Reserve Pinot Noir 1998, Marlborough, NZ ($?)

A 40th birthday pressie. Inky purple colour. A big stewed cherry thing going on here though it was not overpowering. An initial hit of tannin I found made it more interesting, though Pat was more ambivalent. Decent finish.

Vina Tondonia 1991 Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain (~$100)

Balanced & subtle. But I couldn't help thinking it was maybe a bit too old, or maybe the grapes a bit overripe. I had an Aussie wine after this, which only reinforced how subtle and delicate this wine was. Didn't stop me me having my doubts.