Blackjack ‘Block 6’ Shiraz 2004
Bendigo, Victoria $33.95 (77842) 14.0% alcohol
Their flagship red, this opens with lifted aromas of eucalyptus, dark berry fruit and earthy tones. It’s mid weight and nicely textured, dealing out a persistent stream of ripe luscious lip-smacking fruit flavour with mulberry, black plum and spiced cherry to the fore. The American and French oak have been seamlessly integrated and the finish is lengthy and balanced. You hold the winning pair when poured with rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)


Blackjack Shiraz 2004 

Bendigo, Victoria $28.95 (095612) 14.0% alcohol 

From relatively cool-climate Victoria, this delivers Aussie Shiraz with complexity and touches of elegance. Rich, complex and succulent flavour reigns supreme with brambly berry, exotic spice, ripe juicy black cherry and peppery notes mingling effortlessly with seamlessly integrated oak and fine-grained tannin. It finishes perfectly balanced, lengthy and luxurious with notes of spice cake and dark bittersweet chocolate. (Vic Harradine)


Cave Spring Cellars Chenin Blanc ‘Sparkling - Extra Dry’ 2006
VQA Niagara Escarpment $29.95 (128363) 11.0% alcohol
Elegant, unique and expressive this ‘traditional method’ sparkler—the second fermentation was in the bottle—is stunning. Opening with perfumed fragrance of orange rind and exotic spice, the fine-beaded bubbles in the glass explode on the palate with a lovely attack of clean, crisp and refreshing peel marmalade and racy lemon flavour. A classy present for over the holidays; gift one, keep two for yourself. (Vic Harradine)