Taylors Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet (2008)

South Australia
13.5%, screwcap, around $11
www.taylorswines.com.au

Deep purple. An alluring bouquet of red berries and oak. On the palate there was a scattering of redcurrants and plums mixed with cedary and toasty notes. The firm, medium bodied palate displayed smooth tannins and medium acidity. The blend was seamless and well judged. What struck me about this wine was the power of the fruit and depth of flavour. This was an authentic wine crafted in a traditional mould, unlike many of the other wines under $15 in the marketplace today. Those other wines have been crafted for early consumption and have reached their peak within two years and then experience a quick decline from that point on. There's no smoke and mirrors here, this is a genuine bargain - 93.    

Wynns Coonawarra Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon (2005)

Coonawarra, South Australia
14.5%, cork, around $30
www.wynns.com.au

A complex nose of cigar box and cedar. The medium bodied palate was dense and opulent, with mostly dark fruit, medium length and medium acidity. With time hints of licorice, menthol and tobacco leaf emerged on the nose. Years of bottle age had been kind to this wine and it was drinking really well - 94.

Bimbadgen Estate Shiraz (2010)

Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Sample, 13.5%, screwcap, RRP $23
www.bimbadgen.com.au

Deep red. A medley of dark berries with hints of nutmeg on the bouquet. The palate is clean with good line, quite direct, though there is a softness to the red and black cherry flavours. The oak is barely discernible. Nice acid on the finish - 91.

Try it yourself

The folks at Bimbadgen have provided me with a bottle of this Shiraz to give away. To enter the competition for this bottle, all you have to do is Tweet a link to this post using '#shiraz'. Then send an email to Hemmings_David@yahoo.com. I will randomly select a 'tweet'. Note: to enter this competition you must be of legal drinking age and must have a postal address within Australia. Good luck!