The spectacular 2003 Shiraz/Viognier sells for a song. A blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier that was co-fermented then aged 14 months in new French oak, it represents the poor person’s Torbreck Run Rig or Guigal Cote Rotie La Mouline. It’s hard to believe $25 still buys a wine of such marvelous quality. The uplifting nose of exotic apricot marmalade intermixed with creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, and acacia flowers is followed by a voluptuously-textured, full-bodied wine with no hard edges. While it will not make old bones, for drinking over the next 7-8 years, it is a stunning wine. The 14% alcohol is relatively low by South Australian standards. Importer: Peter Click, Click Imports, Seattle, WA; tel. (800) 859-0689

One of my favorite McLaren Vale wineries, Kangarilla Road offers very realistic prices for the quality of their wines. The 2003 Shiraz, aged in both French and American oak (one quarter new), reveals a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of smoke, camphor, blackberry liqueur, melted licorice, and road tar. It boasts terrific fruit intensity, big, full-bodied, savory, expansive mouthfeel, decent acidity, and heady finish. For the price, this is a stunning Shiraz that will last for 5-6 years. Importer: Peter Click, Click Imports, Seattle, WA; tel. (800) 859-0689

Smooth and round, with a roasted red pepper edge to the ripe berry and plum flavors, finishing firm and with lively acidity. Drink now through 2010. 6,000 cases imported. -HS