NV Balnaves Sparkling Cabernet

A complex wine, blended from 8 vintages of reserve wines.

When I tasted this wine, I liked it. Was quite pissed though.

Score: 89-90/100

Why you want this wine: Interesting in that it is a Cabernet based sparkling wine. Better than some of the cheaper sparkling shiraz options.

Coonawarra road trip: 2005 Mildara Cabernet Shiraz

A blend of cabernet and shiraz from the great 2005 vintage, this wine exceeded expectations. Listed for $25 at cellar-door, and I would have been happy to pay that

It was half price on a 12 bottle purchase, so I managed to get a dozen for $150. It was probably the best value case purchase ever encountered.

A $12.50 bottle of wine in any other circumstance would likely be horrible and industrial.

Price: $25, though $12.50 in a 12-pack purchase.

Rating: 93/100

Why you want this wine: You might not, but at half price for the 12-pack purchase, it may well be the best value wine you have ever bought.

Coonawarra road trip: 2005 Katnook Estate Chardonnay

2005 Katnook Estate Chardonnay:

Prior to the roadtrip, I don't think I had ever drank a white wine from Coonawarra. Superb structure, flavours of stone fruits, and delicious oak (french).

At $28, this wine is not very expensive, indeed great value compared to Margaret River, Yarra Valley and Mornington wines of similar quality.

Score: 92/100

Drink: 2012

Price: $28

Why you want this wine: It's a full bodied white.