Wakefield Clare Valley Cabernet-Shiraz 1998 (Superquinn, many SuperValus, Pettitts in south-east, many off-licences, usually about £7.49). This is not about subtlety. It's an Aussie extrovert with lashings of sweet, ripe fruit, vanilla, spice and a whack of alcohol. Madly popular though: try it on a cold evening and you'll see why. Peter Lehmann The Barossa Shiraz 1997 (Superquinn, many SuperValus, Molloys group, O'Donovans Cork and many other independent off-licences, usually £8.99). Full-blooded Barossa Valley Shiraz at a fair price, with the thermal properties February calls for. See Bottle of the Week.
Yarra Valley Hills Warranwood Pinot Noir 1998 (Oddbins, £11.99). Nose all the vanilla and spice and you may think: another over-the-top New World Pinot. But on the palate, this Victoria red is thoroughly attractive - fairly rich yet beautifully balanced. Opened, it keeps its charm over a couple of days.
Katnook Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, 1996 (Raheny Wine Cellar, Londis Malahide, Mortons Ranelagh, McCabes Blackrock, Mill Wine Cellar Maynooth, Karwig's Carrigaline, usually £16£17). This wine is the living proof that Coonawarra is Australia's Bordeaux, a territory of brilliant Cabernet. Super concentration, with overtones of luscious dark fruit, good acidity and smooth tannins.