>Is there a better than average Shiraz one might recommend?

Shiraz is my favourite tipple. I think that £ for £ or $ for $, by far the best value for money Shiraz comes from the West Island (is that the right term Max/Cap?)

Penfolds have been producing a wonderful Shiraz for a few years now, and I much prefer it to Cabernet Sauvignon, although they mix well together in some wines. So give the following wine a try before you dismiss it (I find that it is best decanted, anything larger, even a jug will do, as it needs a little air to open up the flavour).

Here is the review from my favourite UK high street retailer:
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 1998
An Oddbins favourite. The century old Kalimna vineyard produced superb fruit that`s a major ingredient in Australia`s top wine, Grange. Today the vineyard supplies only part of the Kalimna blend but the style is much the same.
Concentrated, earthy aromas. Big and generous with silky ripe tannins and a warm, flavour-packed finish.
"...quite gorgeous and uplifting. It smothers the palate with prunes, blackberries and liquorice, and then lifts the heart." 1997 vintage (Guardian, Malcolm Gluck, January 2001)

Producer Information:
Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold came to South Australia in 1844. Like many doctors of the day, he was a firm believer in the medicinal properties of wine. To that end, he planted vines around his estate outside Adelaide. After a few years, his wines became more profitable than his medical practise, and the expansion began that has today made Penfolds the biggest name in Australian wine production.

Method of Production:
A long cool growing season produced high quality grapes. Fabulously ripe Shiraz fruit brimming with flavour was harvested from prime vineyards in the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Padthaway regions. Vinification took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine aged for a year in American oak barrels, combining subtle vanilla roundness with the ripe fruit. Bottle age before release has created a complex, developed bouquet.

Search on "Shiraz" at http://www.oddbins.com to see the label.

Next week .. look out for my diatribe on those over-exposed, over-oaked US and Aussie Chardonnays. Look out for my guide to those wonderful goosebury flavoured New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and steely dry Alsace Reisling's not to mention Hugel's spicy Alsace Gewürztraminer ..... anyone asleep yet?