Australian Reds and Whites

[stevebody]

Second, STRONGLY, the mention of the Peter Lehmann wines. They have glorious stuff in every price range, from that amazing and affordable Cab and Shiraz (really one of the best and most consistent and COMPLEX Shiraz to come out of Australia) for around $20, all the way to the Clancy's Gold at about $25. If there's a better $25 wine out there, vintage to vintage, I've missed it. Their upper tier is flat-damn fabulous. The Mentor blend isw silky, sophisticated and delicious at about $42 and the Stonewell Shiraz, about $90, is simply one of the two or three best wines I've ever put in my face. It's s spice rack of aromas, flavors, and undertones, from roses to apricots(!) to blackberry pie to espresso. I swooned when I drank it and do every time.

Also wonderful is the Charles Melton stuff, nearlt everything - including the Trumps budget line - from Charles Cimicky (his signature Shiraz is to die for!), the quirky white wonderful Scrubby Rise from Wirra-Wirra, and hundreds more. And they're getting better every year.