Metala 2008 Cabernet Shiraz

Saw this at Vintage Cellars - 2 for $22. If you see that, grab as many as you can easily afford. This might never happen again. Dan is doing that same for $10.98, but that's all you get. With Vintage Cellars, you get a Cellar Share (worth $25 now a days) when you buy 6 of these babies.

Now the real thing, the taste: very good. Not as bold as some of the Penfolds reserve releases you can find for a decent price right now, which, in my case, is better. I like my reds to be elegant. Classy in taste, not in price or look. So, yes, I found this to be a great wine. Goes down well without food. Add a bit lamb meatball to it and its a treat.

Borderline subtle, not very spicy at all, this is a wine that anyone can enjoy.

The Tin Soldier - Chardonnay 2007

Probably one of the best wines to have come out Hunter Valley in recent times. 2007 is outstanding, 2008 is really good. James Halliday gave 2007 a score of 94/100 - nothing else needs to be said about this wine.

Downside, not much available out there. You wouldn't find any of this stuff in the bottleshops (that's what Mark Hussy from the winery told me) and it being a boutique winery, not many bars would be stocking it.

As far as the flavours go, very well balanced, very subtle. Fruit and spice are the obvious flavours that leap out of the glass.

Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Tried the Peter Lehmann Chardonnay the other day.

Before I say something, anything about it, the price is right. You can get it for around 9-11 dollars at any wine shop. Dan's could be cheaper. Around $15-$20 in the wine bars around Sydney.

The taste is nothing special. Its not bad, for sure. It has a slight heaviness to it, you feel it more if you're not having food with it. With grilled fish, or cheese, it could be quite refreshing - the temperature, I'd suggest, should be around 7-8 C, which is slightly less than how I usually like whites.

A good choice if you're having a BBQ with friends. Bad Choice for a romantic, impress-her-all-you-can date.

Orlando Gramps: THE Australian Shiraz

Here's the writing on your screen: grab a dozen bottles of Orlando Gramps Shiraz, Vintage 2006 and put them away!

Don't say you didn't see it. The writing that is.

This is a wine that many have tasted, many have liked. Many have already put away. Join that club.

Tastes like a good wine should. Without digging deep into my literary closet for fancier words, I'd put it simply: it makes you feel good, it makes the meal taste better and the feeling of general well-being is suddenly uplifted to a new high after the first glass.

Try it before you decide to stock up.