31. Champs de Moulin Grenache-Syrah Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2008, France 12.5%

Juicy and vibrant with plenty of red and black cherry fruit.

32. Magpie Estate ‘The Beak’ Shiraz Grenache 2007/8 Australia 14%

Oz classic with black fruits, spice and a long, creamy finish. Roughly a 60/40 Shiraz-Grenache blend, mostly Barossa fruit with a little Riverland Grenache. A very small vintage due to the vagaries of the seasonRipe plum, black cherry, raspberry, spice and a touch of oak on the nose. Drink now and over the next 18 months

33. Gran Sasso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008 Italy 13%

A revelation – medium to full in body yet packed with black cherry, olive,

herbs and spice – lovely.

34. Andes Peaks Reserve Cabernet 2008, Chile 14%

Coming from the Maipo Valley, this seriously over-delivers for the price. Ripe cassis and plum

on the nose lead to a medium to full-bodied palate with warm berry fruits, seasoned oak and spice too.

35. William Robertson Shiraz 2007, South Africa 13.5%

This is tremendous value; rich and bright, juicy and dense,with a hint of smoke

and creamy oak – very drinkable.

36. Winston Hill Zinfandel 2006, California 14.5%

Perhaps a first here – good value wine from California? This is proper Zinfandel too. none of

that blush filth. This is brash and spicy yet dangerously drinkable.

37. Finca Los Primos Malbec 2007/8, Argentina 14%

2009 could be South America’s big year with Europe’s wine prices on the rise; this is lovely

Malbec for the warmer weather, still full of flavour yet brighter than some examples.

38. Château La Freynelle Bordeaux 2006, France 12.5%

Excellent value Bordeaux – mature and plummy with soft fruits, a hint of spice and oak with

a touch of cedar; finishes very smoothly with rounded fruit and a slightly creamy character.

39. Navajas Rioja Crianza 2006, Spain 13%                                                                  

The new 2005 of this perennial favorite has arrived – we often suggest changing this, not

because its poor but just to freshen the list – however, we have been threatened with lynching if we do, so we won’t. Classical Rioja at its savoury, rich and supple best.

40. Willunga 100 Cabernet-Shiraz 2006 Australia 14%                

Definitely an over-achiever is this spectacular red from the McLaren Vale; full-bodied & perfect for the cooler evenings, this is packed with red and black fruits, spice, a hint of liquorice.

41. Les Coteaux Cotes du Rhone Villages 2006 France 14.5%

Lovely Cotes du Rhone, a classical blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah; punchy and full of sweet red forest fruits with pepper, a hint of meat and a dash of jam – simply gorgeous.

42. Taltarni ‘T’ Series Shiraz 2005, Australia 14%                   

Full-flavoured and bright with hints of mint, spice and fruit cake; with just a mere hint of oak.

43. Kurt Angerer ‘Barrique’ Zweigelt 2006, Austria 13.5%                             

This 100% Zweigelt is packed with bright cherry fruit with a touch of spice and oak too.

Not unlike a really dense cru Beaujolais from a great vintage; bright and very appealing.

44. A-Mano Negroamaro 2007, Italy 13%                                                                

45. Opawa Pinot Noir 2008, New Zealand 14%

Outside of France, New Zealand are arguably the Kings of Pinot Noir –

this is a fine example with Sweet red fruits of plum and cherry,

spice and savoury notes – beautiful balance throughout.

46. Magpie Estate ‘The Schnell’ Shiraz-Grenache 2007, Australia 14.5%

Deep in colour with warm berry fruits on a vibrant nose with spice and a touch of oak.

It’s full bodied with a lovely rich texture. Vibrant berry and cherry fruit, with lots of spice,

and creamy integrated oak this makes it really voluptuous.

47. Château La Tour de By Medoc 2004, France 13%

Always a worthy addition to a wine list, this is classic Cabernet based Bordeaux.

48. Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006, France 14%

This new producer is one of the top names in Chateauneuf; tremendously fine effort this, rich yet balanced, powerful yet with hints of Burgundian elegance; brambly red and black fruits intermingle with herbs, meat and quality oak. Stunning.