Peter Lehmann Rosé 2006
Barossa Valley, Australia $14.95 (34298)
Old vine Grenache was used to fashion this dry rosé and the result is a tangy mouthful of strawberry, raspberry and fun in the sun. Wisely sealed under screwcap to keep it that way, this wine needs to be lightly chilled and served with appetizers, such as antipasta, smoked salmon or prawns. If you haven't discovered how food-friendly these can be, it's about time. (VH)


Peter Lehmann GSM 2003
Barossa Valley, Australia $17.95 (655028)
This is an equal parts blend of Grenache/Mourvèdre/Shiraz that was aged in large, old French and American oak to give you a silky smooth, drink-now red. Look for a wonderful mélange of flavours - spicy plum, zesty cherry and sweet black currant that coalesce into a beautifully textured wine. It is medium bodied, with a lengthy, warm, fruit-forward finish. Perfect with pasta in a puttenesca sauce. (VH)

Boutari Moschofilero Boutari 2006
AO Mantinia, Greece $12.95 (650671)
This is a really attractive light-medium white that kicks in with delicate off-dry flavours of peach and apricot, then dries out through the palate. It's well balanced with a decent finish and makes a really pleasant summer sipping wine or partners with seared scallops. (RP)

Kechribari Retsina 2006
Retsina $6.95/500ml (581942)
Retsina belongs on the table when you're serving Greek (or Mediterranean-style) seafood, fish and olives. This has a bit more weight and viscosity than many Retsinas, and captures the fresh fruitiness of the wine (50% Roditis, 50% Savatiano) as a complement to the aromas and flavours of the resin. Well balanced and integrated, it goes well with pungent, acidic dishes that feature olives. (RP)

X & Y Shiraz 2004
Margaret River, Australia $17.95 (41194)
This punches well above its price and earned the final half star based on value. Plum and black pepper form the lifted aromas while the warm fleshy (almost creamy) texture and flavours offer spicy red berry fruit. The finish layers on rich and sweet (not jammy) Bing cherry and a dollop of moderating zest. This shows balance and class. The label is aimed at the hip and happening generation - regardless of yours, get an armful of this. (VH)

Evans and Tate Shiraz 2003
Margaret River $19.95
The perfumed nose of spice, pepper and boysenberry is divine. This is a richly textured, deftly-balanced red that is just outstanding. Judicious use of oak allows it to be fully integrated and there is just enough moderating acidity to keep it refreshing. The expressive flavours are in the red cherry and red currant zones. It's hi-octane at 15% alcohol, but no sign of heat. This is quite elegant and a great value wine. (VH)

Estate Papaioannou Agiorgitiko 2003
Nemea, Greece $19.95 (047977)
Made from 20+-year-old Agiorgitiko grapes, this is a medium-bodied red with dominant flavours of bright red fruit (cherry, plum, berries) with well-defined notes of spice and herbs. It's tangy and has an attractive rusticity in its texture, and pairs well with grilled lamb steaks. Drink now and over the next two years. (RP)

Yalumba Barossa Shiraz + Viognier 2004
Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (524926
Deep, dark and brooding in the glass, look for violets and spice box on the nose then a gusher of rich and concentrated flavours - black juicy cherry, creosote and black licorice. It is medium bodied and quite full textured with some edgy tannins still hanging around. The finish is layered, lengthy and luxurious. A couple of years in the cellar will help it knit together. Can't wait? A three hour decant and a steak grilled rare should do it. (VH)

Tedeschi "Capitel dei Nicalò" Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2004
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore $16.95 (984997)
A blend of eight different grape varieties (mainly Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella), this is a delicious Valpolicella with a quite juicy texture. Look for a combination of bright red fruit and berries with undertones of dried fruit, spice and pepper. The brisk acidity leads you to food, and I'd suggest rich tomato-based Mediterranean dishes for a perfect match. (RP)

ring.bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Margaret River $19.95 (606624)
This is one delicious Cab, and it shows all the class that Margaret River reds are winning accolades for. There's none of the big, sticky, jammy texture and flavour too-often found in Australian reds at this price point. Instead, you get good structure, nicely-modulated fruit and a quite elegant texture. The 14.5% alcohol makes no impact on the texture or the flavour, which is a real achievement. With complex red and dark fruit and berry flavours and accents of spice, earth and coffee, this is a must for a well-seasoned rack of lamb. (RP)