Dowie Doole 2006 Shiraz

If you enjoy wines with plenty of grunt you'll love this McLaren Vale offering, which is dark, big, rich and opulent. You'll find blackberry, plum and spice characters, dollops of bold oak and plenty of mouthfeel. Pair it with steak and kidney pie. $25.

Jacob's Creek 2007 Grenache Shiraz

There are not many bottles of budget red that enthuse me, but two of us drank a bottle of this and thoroughly enjoyed it. Juicy, slightly spicy and medium bodied, it just oozes drinkability. Great with steaks, pizzas or pastas and terrific value at $10.

Alkoomi 2007 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

A terrific budget-priced wine for drinking in its youth. There are lovely aromatics and plenty of flavour on the palate, where you'll discover crisp sweet fruit flavours and a zesty finish. Enjoy chilled with spicy Thai dishes or grilled seafood. $16.

Capel Vale 2007 Debut Verdelho

Verdelho is very refreshing when made well, and this is made very well indeed. Fresh zingy and zesty, it's the perfect wine for a warm autumn afternoon. Tropical fruit flavours and crispness make it a good partner for spicy food. $18.

Conte Estate The Numb Hand Pruner 2006 Grenache

It's a mystery why varietal grenache has fallen out of favour when there are wines like this available; medium-bodied with hints of spice, subtle oak and savoury characters, this offers real drinkability and affordability. $18.

Innocent Bystander 2008 Moscato

Probably first wine from the 2008 vintage to be released, and it's a ripping little pink number, effervescent and fresh with lashings of sweet Muscat fruit. A lively aperitif-style wine with just 5.5% alcohol that's sold in 375ml bottles. $12.50.

Bay of Fires 2002 Arras

This may be Australia's best sparkling wine. A classic Tasmanian blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, it is a bubbly with style and sophistication. There's lovely complexity but also freshness in a wine with wonderful balance and refreshing acidity. $55.