Yellowtail Shiraz, South-Eastern Australia 2007, 13.5%, €9.99.One of the wines that launched Yellow Tail. The fairly obvious oak flavours and sweetly fruity finish give it mass-appeal and, key for a successful brand, there is nothing that might offend. I can see this being guzzled at plenty of barbecues this summer. Stockists:Tesco, O'Briens, Dunnes Stores, Londis, SuperValu, Centra, Spar, Molloys, Kiely's Mount Merrion; DrinkStore Stoneybatter.
Glaetzer Bishop 2006, Barossa Valley, 14.5%, €24.An award-winning wine from Ben Glaetzer, one of the leading winemakers in Oz. Rich, opulent and full of ripe plum and cassis fruits, overlaid with some dark chocolate oak, and a long svelte finish. Big, but never brash. To drink with red meats and hard cheeses. Stockists:Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Red Island Wine, Skerries; Sweeney's, Glasnevin; Fallon Byrne, Exchequer Street; Corkscrew, Dublin 2; 1601 Off Licence, Kinsale; Harvest, Galway; Thomas Woodberry, Galway.
Heartland Shiraz 2006, Limestone Coast Langhorne Creek, 14.5%, €14.50.This wine, also made by Ben Glaetzer, is a blend from two regions, Limestone Coast, a catch-all area that includes Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully, and Langhorne Creek, which is part of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The wine is rich and powerful with plenty of spice, and intense flavours of blackcurrants and damsons. Perfect for a posh barbie. Stockists:The Hole in The Wall, Dublin 7; Red Island Wine, Skerries; Martin's, Fairview; DrinkStore, Manor Street; Unwined, Swords; Power and Smullen, Lucan; McHugh's, Kilbarrack; Fahy's, Ballina; Next Door, Salthill; Thomas Woodberry, Galway; Harvest, Galway; Lonergan's, Clonmel; Mac's, Limerick; Nuts about Wine, Tralee; 1601, Kinsale; Daly's, Boyle; Morton's of Galway; O'Donovan's, Cork; Next Door, Kilkee.
Syrah Vin de pays des Collines Rhodaniennes 2006, Domaine Bonnefond, 12.5%, €19.25.If you want to compare and contrast further, then try this delicious, elegant wine from the northern Rhône in France. Ripe dark cherries, cool plums overlaid with some toasty oak. This would be best with lighter red meats or pork. Stockists:Vanilla Grape, Kenmare; DrinkStore, Manor Street; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; www.thestoreroom.ie, tel: 1890-252624.