JM 1ST APPROACH

Bold and bright, with new world fruit richness matched by old world complexity and tannins. A deep, dark red colour is followed by a lifted nose packed with red berry and spice. The palate is impressively ripe and structured without a hint of greenness. A swirling array of flavours flow from initial supple red berries and liquorice to herbal notes and savoury complexity. Oak influences are in the background but provide structure and definition.

The 2009 was impressive and so too this 2010. Good way to spend $13. Extra marks for drinkability here. Grainy tannin. Grunty fruit. Ripe but not sweet. Licorice, twisted herbs, a sense of polish, a bit of personality. Really, what more can you ask for? Price-wise this bats against the standard-issue Koonunga Shiraz; it would be easy to argue that it gives it a fair touch up. Distinctive peanut shell-like aftertaste. Bang on for drinkability. Buy. Rated : 89 Points Alcohol : 14% Price : $13 Closure : Screwcap Drink : 2012 - 2015; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

Wine of the Week - The economic reality is that many other countries can produce good wines more cheaply than we can in Australia. This is a case in point: a terrific savoury quaffing Spanish red blend that won't break the bank. Bright and lively, but also well put together, this is a soft, ripe red with plenty of flavour and excellent balance. It doesn't merit detailed tasting notes - it is a "midweek" wine best enjoyed with family and friends but none the less enjoyable for that. $13. ‘Wine of the Week’ Winsor Dobbin

Fourth Wave gave me a sneak peak at this over-achieving quaffer from Castillo La Mancha a few weeks back but I was slack and forgot to write a tasting note. There’s a bit of a change in the percentages of the blend in 2010 but one thing that has not changed is the absolute value for money. Nicely smoky cherry and raspberry fruit, a good mix between savoury and sweet too, with a good deal of Tempranillo to pan out the structure. It’s as generous as a paella pan overflowing with flavour, has a silky red fruit palate and some dried herb character. Ends with keen acids that keep it perky but it’s the smooth tannins that impress making for a seamless drink at the price. Patrick Haddock; Wining Pom