1998
Callahan
South Eastern Australia
Shiraz
$ 9 - $11

If you’re putting all your extra money into a kitty for an all-inclusive vacation or some other fabulous trip, this column is for you and everyone else who wants to drink good wines at bargain prices. All three of this month’s wines are bargains. Shiraz is hot! It’s the up and coming red wine and often comes with a much higher price tag than our top pick this month. In fact, we can’t remember the last time we had as good an Australia Shiraz at such a low price. Look for some nice pepper, cinnamon and a little bit of earthiness in the nose. Those same characteristics carry over into the taste and combine with the supple flavors of ripe berries, cherries and plums. This wine exhibits some nice tannins which when balanced with the fruit make for a soft, easy drinking wine. Its mild manner makes it a good match with both red meats and poultry. Try it with grilled steak or steak teriyaki or grilled chicken that has been marinated in wine and herbs. As a starter wine, it will pair nicely with Brie or barbecued chicken wings.

OTHER GOOD BETS THIS MONTH

2001
Penfolds
Rawson’s Retreat
Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon
$9 - $11

Here’s another bargain from the “Land Down Under.” With its jammy raspberry flavors accentuated by some pepper, spice and tobacco, this  medium-bodied wine belies its youth. It’s simple, yet it has some character. Pair it with burgers, veal chops, mild Cheddar cheese or hard Italian cheeses like Asiago and Parmesan. Pasta with sun-dried tomato or wild mushroom sauce is another good match.

2001
Buena Vista
Lake County
Sauvignon Blanc
($7 - 9 )

We call this one a cheap thrill. The rich aroma of ripe pineapple is the first hint that this is an exceptionally fruity wine with just the right amount of acidity. The pleasant pineapple, pear and melon flavors make this the right wine for light dishes, like chicken or seafood salads, grilled mild fish or roasted chicken. It’s great for just, too, on a warm evening.