Good wines made from cabernet, shiraz or merlot often have the most gorgeous deep velvety colour, sometimes almost black with bright cerise edges when young, changing to a brickish tint as they mature. Tilt the glass and hold it against a white background to really appreciate the colour of a good red wine.
BEST VALUE
$44.95
Four an a half stars (out of five)
Good value
Oozing dark berry and plum fruit with a touch of spice and a hint of dark chocolate, a lovely velvety texture and a generosity restrained by firm, well-cushioned tannins, and a long finish.
An aristocratic wine that will continue to develop over a few years.
$25
Three and a half stars
Average value
Attractive, spicy red berry fruit with firm, powdery tannins and a dry finish, this includes some cabernet franc which gives a liveliness to the richer plummy merlot.
$33
Four stars
Average value
Dark and spicy with generous ripe fruit, concentrated and densely flavoured, with nuances of eucalyptus, malt, toffee, jam and dark chocolate. A wine with lots of everything - heaven for lovers of Aussie reds.
$55.90
Four stars
Average value
Rich and mouth-filling with hints of eucalyptus, spicy, cedar chest and cigar box, generous but elegant fruit, concentrated by not punchy, this is nicely balanced and drinking well, but will continue to develop with bottle age.
$70
Four and a half stars
Average value
Dark with a bright cerise edge, this classic wine oozes spicy red and dark fruits with a hint of eucalyptus and black currants, a velvety texture, savoury undertones with powerful but well-cushioned tannins holding the generous fruit in check. This wine will cellar well for 10 or more years. Older vintages are delicious - but then so is this.
$72
Four and a half stars
Average value
A classic Bordeaux blend, oozing spicy black currants and elderberries with supporting oak, a velvety texture, supple but firm tannins and a long, stylish finish. An classy, youthful wine that will develop with maturity.
ANOTHER GLASS
George's Road, Block One Waipara Syrah 2011
$27.50
Three and a half stars
Average value
A typically cool-climate syrah, bright and peppery, light but silky in the mouth with lovely purity of fruit and a lively finish.
Stoneleigh Marlborough Merlot 2012
$27
Three stars
Below average value
Spicy plum and berry fruit with firm, dusty tannins and a dry finish. A lighter style of wine, butI found it lacked generosity.
