The California-Australia Wine Shootout™

Bang For Your Buck

Wines which were awarded or hearts
and sell for under $15.

Madfish 2003 Chardonnay, Western Australia, $14.99
75,248 cases produced

An elegant nose with pronounced aromas of gentle fruit, honeysuckle, pears and spice. Lovely flavors of Bartlett pear, apple, mandarin orange with bright acidity and an enduring palate.

(92.5)

Lindemans 2003 Bin 50 Shiraz, South East Australia, $8.00

Redolent with blackberry and lavender spice. On the palate this wine is jammy with blueberry, blackberry, lavender, fresh juicy cherry, raspberry, with notes of spice and dark chocolate with a silky mouthfeel. This Shiraz is rich and appealing.

(92)

Rosemount Estate Diamond 2002 Shiraz, Australia, $12.00

Bright berries, cherry and fine tea leaf greet you, concentrated flavors of cassis, black pepper, blackberry jam, a touch of dill blend nicely with integrated oak. Nice finish!

(92)

Parducci 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, California, $7.99
10, 000 cases produced

Pineapple, floral, citrus, a slight grassiness, and mineral/earthy aromas replicate on the palate with additions of honey and pear flavors. Bright acid and a good long finish make this wine a winner!

(91)

De Bortoli 2003 Willowglen, South East Australia, $7.99
100,000 cases produced

A warm, ethereal wine, dark violet in color with light cherry and nutmeg on the nose. The flavors are rich with cherries, blueberry, cocoa and sweet oak. Nice mouthfeel with a great finish!

(90)

Gallo of Sonoma 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California, $13.00
70,000 cases produced

Opulent aromas of violet, lavender, integrated wood, cassis, and blueberry. The fruit is vibrant and this wine has great concentration and depth, nice acidity and back bone.

(90)

Madfish 2002 Shiraz, Western Australia, $14.99
31,526 cases produced

A more elegant style of Shiraz with lovely fennel, mint, and floral aromas leading the way and carrying through onto to the palate where they are joined by chocolate and cherry. All carry through the long finish.

(90)

Toad Hollow Vineyards 2003 Francine’s Selection Chardonnay, Mendocino County, California, $13.99
60,000 cases produced

A seductive nose of raw honey, peach and papaya with Bartlett pear flavors and lemon tanginess. Bright acid on the finish.

(90)

Yellowtail 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, South East Australia, $6.99
30,000 cases produced

Ruby in color and initially closed aromatically, the wine opens to violets, black berries, and blueberries. The flavors are fresh and slightly jammy…concentrated cassis and bright berry ripeness with back notes of dark chocolate and vanilla. Deep and complex with substantial tannins.

(90)

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2002 Chardonnay, South East Australia, $11.00
48,000 cases produced

Summer at its best. The nose is tight and elegant with hints of peach, pear and sweet oak. The entry is soft with lemon and stone fruit flavors joined by oak mid-palate through the long crisp finish.

(89.8)

Gallo of Sonoma 2002 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California, $11.00
21,500 cases produced

Créme brulée with brown sugar and caramel initiate the inviting nose…a well-made wine with additional aromatics of green apple, honey, melon, and pear that carry through onto the palate. Seamless continuity. Mouth filling with nice acidity, nice balance and lots of lovely oak flavors on the finish.

(89.6)

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, South East Australia, $11.00
26,000 cases produced

A juicy wine with depth. Pleasant aromas of toasty nuts, red currants, plum, cherry, and mint. Meaty, chewy tannins, blueberries are dominant - bright on the palate both elegant savory.

(89.6)

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2002 Shiraz, South East Australia, $11.00
50,000 cases produced $11.00

Coffee and currant aroma develops into ripe red fruit, cassis, currant, and wild berries in the mouth with smoky accents. The wine gives off a bit of heat but the finish is sleek Finishes with balanced tannins.

(89.5)

Pellegrini Family Vineyards 2003 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California, $13.00
6,000 cases produced

Clear and pale yellow in color. The nose has the caramel quality of barrel fermented Chardonnay even though the wine sees no oak. Pineapple, melon, and sweet honeysuckle on the nose too. The wine is big, fat and rich with lots of flavors.

(89.5)

Barefoot Reserve 2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $14.99
2,241 cases produced

Strawberry and cherry on the nose lead to a balanced wine with fresh strawberry and pomegranate flavors. There is nice acidity on the finish that make this wine a natural to pair with smoked salmon.

(89)

Barefoot Reserve 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, California, $12.99
790 cases produced

Clear, pale yellow. Elegant but light aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and floral vanilla. Grapefruit flavors throughout with pineapple and vanilla notes added mid-palate. Clean with crisp acidity.

(89)

Black Opal 2002 Shiraz, Southeast Australia, $8.00
170,000 cases produced

Opaque and deep purple black in color with bright red fruit and smoky aromas. The flavors are big and meaty with cranberries and pomegranate with medium tannins. Spice and nice acidity on the finish.

(89)

Brassfield Estate Vineyards 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Clear Lake, California, $14.99
4,200 cases produced

The wine is crystal clear with a pale yellow color. The nose is somewhat closed with slight hints grapefruit, white peach, kiwi, and herbs. The flavors develop mid-palate with the same profile as the nose continuing through the finish. The lingering finish displays high acid and a bit of heat. Good acid and fruit structure.

(89)

Greg Norman 2002 Victoria Chardonnay, Victoria, Australia, $14.00
23,000 cases produced

A lovely, delicate Chardonnay with ripe golden delicious apple and Bartlett pear aromas replicating on the palate with additions of honey and melon flavors. Nice weight in the mouth finishing with lemon notes.

(89)

Rodney Strong Vineyard 2003 Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc, Northern Sonoma County, California, $12.00
28,130 cases produced

An open and expressive wine with a lovely personality. White peach and tropical fruit accented by earth and wood. More acid would elevate this wine to another level.

(89)

Rodney Strong 2002 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, $14.00
110,200 cases produced

Rich and full in the mouth with complexities and nuances. A full fruit and backbone, this wine should age gracefully age gracefully. American oak, lemon curd, apples, baking spice, and pear aromas. A clean entry of strong vanilla oak and lemon drops with spicy apple pie flavors, very young and intense, with a long finish.

(89)

Van Ruiten Family Winery 2001 Syrah, Lodi, $12.00
3,500 cases produced

This seductive wine has a violet, red raspberry, cherry, blueberry, and roasted coffee nose. Medium-bodied – soft and appealing mid-palate with lots of tannin on the finish.

(89)

Rosemount Estates 2003 Diamond Chardonnay, Australia, $10.00

An easy sipper, this Chardonnay is soft and round with a buttery nose. Lively, tart apple, pear, and lemon twiston the palate. Seamless continuity with a long mineral finish.

(88.5)

De Bortoli Deen Vat 8 2002 Shiraz, Southeastern Australia, $11.99
120,000 cases produced

An attractive nose of bright, ripe berry and cranberry…rich in the mouth with an almost sweet mouthfeel. Cedar accents throughout.

(88.4)

Angove's Sarnia Farm 2002 Shiraz, Padthaway, Australia, $13.00
1,300 cases produced

Inviting aromas of strawberry, raspberry, violets, cherries, plum, and cigar box notes in this wine of medium color and good clarity. The palate is light with floral notes and tart black fruit. The finish is long with licorice accents and tannic grip.

(87.3)

Annie’s Lane 2002 Shiraz, Clare Valley, Australia, $13.00
9,000 cases imported

Violets, ripe fruit, and barnyard aromas replicate on the palate with additions of coffee and wild game notes. The barnyard becomes quite intense fighting for control with the rich and ripe flavors mid to late palate.

(87)

Black Swan 2002 Shiraz, Southeastern Australia, $8.00
300,000 cases produced

A touch of greenness in the nose portends under ripe fruit but the flavors in the mouth are full… coca cola and blueberry with cherry back notes, a touch of sweetness and a long finish.

(87)

Burlwood 2002 Chardonnay, California, $7.99
25,000 cases produced

Inviting aromas of peach, nectarine, honey, apple, and pear lead to a wine that is soft on the palate with a touch of oak and spice on the finish.

(87)

Penfolds 2003 Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, $10.00

Good deep color with a big intense nose of oak, apples, lemons and some minerality. Nice mouth feel, good lemon and oak integration, intense fruit.

(87)

Wyalla Cove 2002 Shiraz, Southeastern Australia, $8.00
19,999 cases produced

Youthful with a bright nose of rich spice, raspberry, and dark cherry joined by black pepper in the mouth. Quite rich, especially at this price.

(87)

Kangaroo Ridge 2002 Shiraz, Southeastern Australia, $7.00
12,000 cases imported

A yummy wine with lots of dark fruit in the mouth surrounded with dusty tannins and good acid on the finish.

(86.7)

Pedroncelli 2002 F. Johnson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, $14.50
4,000 cases produced

The nose is slightly elusive and delicate. The mouth reveals strawberry, plum and licorice with cocoa notes on the finish.

(86.4)

Angove’s 2004 Nine Vine Grenache Shiraz Rose, South Australia, $10.00
3,200 cases produced

A bright, clear, deep, and intense rosé color with candied fruit aromas. The raspberry and bubble gum flavors are sweet on the palate with moderate acidity on the finish.

(86)

Burlwood 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California, $7.99
25,000 cases produced

Dark tarry aromas with pepper and spice lead to a juicy, ripe wine. The finish is slightly short.

(86)

Guenoc 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, California, $13.50
5,336 cases produced

Vanilla and cream soda on the nose. Nice and tangy in the mouth.

(86)

Lindemans 2003 Bin 65 Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, $9.00

Richly colored with buttered popcorn, ripe apples, pears, light spice, mineral and good oak nuances on the nose, palate entry of very light fruit. This wine is medium in body. A balanced but unassuming wine.

(86)

Marquee 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide, South Australia, $15.00
250 cases produced

Crisp mouth entry of guava and other exotic fruit with lots of acid on the finish,

(86)

Riddoch 2001 Cabernet-Merlot, Coonawarra, Australia $11.00

Forward cassis, blueberry, smoke, and leather aromas are joined on the palate by dark cherries, subtle spice and coffee flavors. A nicely balanced wine.

(86)

Tall Poppy 2003 Viognier, Murray-Darling Region, Australia, $13.00
500 cases produced

Lots of classic spicy floral perfume. Creamy on the palate with citrus notes. The oak elements detract from the delicacy of the varietal characteristics.

(86)

Van Ruiten 2001 Cab-Shiraz, Lodi, California, $13.00 2,900 cases produced

Blackberry, plum, and Asian spice aromas are enticing. Lots of fruit and spice in the mouth. Soft and drinkable.

(86)

Van Ruiten Family Winery 2001 Syrah, Lodi, $12.00
3,500 cases produced

This seductive wine has a violet, red raspberry, cherry, blueberry, and roasted coffee nose. Medium-bodied – soft and appealing mid-palate with lots of tannin on the finish.

(89)

Yellow Tail 2003 Shiraz, South Eastern Australia, $6.99
1.9 million cases produced

Bright berry with notes of oak and cassis. Ripe bright Grenache like entry with a lush mouth feel. Pure fruit play.

(86)

Zingaro 2001 Mendocino Benchland Zinfandel, Mendocino, $13.99
4,300 cases produced

Nice bright fruit is displayed in this lighter style Zinfandel.

(86)

Glendonbrook 2002 Unwooded Chardonnay, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia, $12.00
1,500 cases produced

The nose is Chablis-like with lemon, apple and pear. Nice vanilla and spice accents in throughout.

(85.2)

Angove’s 2002 Red Belly Black Shiraz, South Australia, $13.00 5,000 cases produced

Candied and smoky notes accent the red fruit nose and are delivered on the palate as black raspberry, red cherry, brown baking spice, and lots of new oak.

(85)

Baileyana 2003 Paragon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Edna Valley, $13.00
5,016 cases produced

The nose is smoky. The mouth is medium-weight with nice lemon flavors with lemon peel on the finish.

(85)

Barefoot Bubbly Exta Dry, California, $6.99
11,000 cases produced

A sweet and fragrant nose consisting of granny smith and Bartlett pear introduces this soft, pleasant sparkling wine with a refreshing lemon finish.

(85)

Burlwood 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, California, $7.99
25,000 cases produced

Light lime candied nose with a slight grassiness in the background. Tangy lime in the mouth and a touch of oak on the finish.

(85)

Kangaroo Ridge 2002 Merlot, Southeastern Australia, $7.00 12,000 cases imported

Sweet, ripe, syrupy black cherry throughout with a nice acid balance. A simple but fun wine that is easy to drink.

(85)

Pedroncelli 2001 Pedroni-Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, $16.00
1,035 cases produced

This is a BIG wine made in a rustic style. Chewy with black pepper, cherry, pepper, wild berry and spice flavors. Mid-palate is a bit tannic.

(85)

Wolf Blass Yellow Label 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, $12.00
50,000 cases imported

A soft style Cabernet Sauvignon with sweet currant, lavender and red currant on the nose. A lively palate showing red and black plum and herbal notes in the mouth. Good length.

(85)

Wyalla Cove 2003 Chardonnay, Southeastern Australia, $8.00
14,112 cases produced

A soft, fruity style with apple, soft oak and citrus aromas and flavors. A pleasant wine.

(85)

Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, Australia, $15.00

Nearly opaque. A pure and simple wine with cassis and blackberry. A bit lean, more fruit is needed to offset the tannins.

(84.6)

Barefoot Bubbly Brut, California, $6.99
5,000 cases produced

A simple and pleasant bubbly with a flashy nose of sweet golden delicious apple on the nose that carries through the palate and finish.

(84)

Barefoot Reserve 2002 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California, $12.99
2,983 cases produced

The color is golden yellow with butter and graham cracker crust on the nose. This Chardonnay is soft in the mouth with a touch of orange peel on the finish.

(84)

Bargetto 2003 Pinot Grigio, California, $15.00
5,000 cases produced

This Pinot Grigio is clear, pale and golden with ripe citrus and jasmine aromas. A good quality wine. Soft apple and peach flavors with a touch of sweetness – oak elements are obvious but not overpowering.

(84)

Black Swan 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Southeastern Australia, $8.00
175,000 cases produced

Grapey and simple…a rustic style of Cabernet Sauvignon.

(84)

Glendonbrook 2002 Verdelho, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, $12.00
1,500 cases produced

The mouth of this wine is much nicer than the nose portrays. Herbs and lemon in the mouth with bright acid. A well-balanced wine.

(84)

Pellegrini 2003 Leveroni Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, $14.00
615 cases produced

A nice and pleasant wine with toasty oak overtones.

(84)

Tall Poppy 2002 Petit Verdot, Murray-Darling, Australia, $13.00
1,000 cases produced

Petit Verdot is not often seen as a stand alone varietal. A late ripening grape, the varietal does better in warmer regions. The Tall Poppy Petit Verdot shows intense color and a fragrant, berry and brown spiced nose. The wine is thin mid-mouth and astringent on the finish.

(84)

Yellowtail 2003 Shiraz-Cabernet, South Eastern Australia, $6.99
300,000 cases produced

Ripe and sweet blackberry, tar and licorice in the nose and mouth. Nice depth at mid- palate but the flavors are short lived.

(84)

KitFox 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California, $14.00
3,000 cases produced

Cooked black fruit aromas, ripe fruit in the mouth accented by herbs and toasty oak.

(83.4)

Black Swan 2003 Chardonnay, Southeastern Australia, $8.00
300,000 cases produced

A simple wine with caramel, toffee, and apple aromas on the nose and palate.

(83)

Catacula Lake Winery 2001 Sauvignon Blanc, Chiles Valley, California, $11.00
386 cases produced

The oak in this Sauvignon Blanc overpowers the delicate citrus fruit.

(83)

Gallo of Sonoma 2002 Merlot, Sonoma County, California, $11.00
115,000 cases produced

Ripe raisin and plum fruit, some anise and herbs with nice oak on nose. The mouth is ripe and grapey, soft and accessible. The dustiness in the mouth detracts from the ripe fruit.

(83)

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2002 Merlot, Southeastern Australia, $11.00
36,000 cases produced

Dusty red fruit aromas with simple sweet black cherry and plum entry. Mid-palate is tart with dusty tannins that carry all the way through.

(83)

Wolf Blass Sparkling Brut, South Australia, $10.00
1,000 cases imported

Sweet lemon, slightly caramelized aromas and flavors with yeast accents. Clean.

(83)

Yellow Tail 2003 Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, $6.99
1.2 million cases produced

An uncomplicated Chardonnay with soft flavors…fresh and crisp on the finish.

(83)

Burlwood 2003 Merlot, California, $7.99
25,000 cases produced

Blueberry and plum in the nose and on the palate. A simple but pleasant wine in mid-mouth with too much oak on finish.

(82)

Katnook Estate 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Coonawarra, Australia, $15.00

Lots of bell pepper and asparagus in the nose. Lemon in the mouth and lemon peel on the finish.

(82)

Yellow Tail 2003 Merlot, South Eastern Australia, $6.99
80,000 cases produced

Extracted black fruit with slight cough medicine qualities mid- to late palate. The finish is short and tart.

(82)

Katnook Estate 2001 Riddoch Cabernet-Shiraz, Coonawarra, Australia, $11.00

Barnyard, geranium and chocolate aromas, wild berry notes highlight the flavors with soft tannins to complete the package.

(81)

De Bortoli 2003 Chardonnay, Big Rivers, New South Wales, Australia, $7.99
140,000 cases produced

Golden yellow in color, this medium weight wine has oak and Golden Delicious apple aromas. It is a bit thin in the mouth with soft lemon acid on the finish. Not enough fruit mid-mouth.

(80)