Yellow Tail Shiraz

This is easily one of my favorite wines for just sitting around and enjoying a glass of wine. The Yellow Tail Shiraz does an excellent job of being a middling wine. While the low tannins won't really appeal to the true wine lover, the same lack of tannins and the nice berry flavors are great for those that are just getting in to wine, and are wonderful for parties, relaxing, or when you and your friends are having a movie night.

Ranging in price from about $9 to $13, there really are few bottles of shiraz that will satisfy your desire for a medium-bodied red wine for this price point. While the Yellow Tail shiraz certainly won't change your world view, if you're in the market for a middle of the road shiraz that you can keep on hand without breaking the bank, this is a good one to go with. I give the Yellow Tail shiraz 2.75 stars out of 5 - it's not great, but you won't regret buying it.

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Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz

Moving to Australia, today I review the Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz from South East Australia. I've become a big fan of wines from Australia, and especially this region, and the Rosemount Diamond Label is no exception. A wine that I've enjoyed in numerous restaraunts (for much more than you can find it at retail for), I was more than happy to purchase this shiraz for $12 (though I've seen it as low as $10 and as high as $15). With a nose featuring hints of spice and intense black fruits, the complex flavors of this red wine will stay with you, but in a good way.

A velvety, soft finish compliments the spices that make this wine so enjoyable. What I've found so enjoyable about shirazes, especially those that come from this region, is their versatility, and the Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz is no exception. Whether you're looking to drink this by itself or with a nice meal, if you haven't tried this wine before, now is the time to go and pick up a bottle. I easily recommend this wine and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Find a bottle of Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz for under $20

2005 Evil Cabernet Sauvignon

Every once in a while a wine comes along that manages to combine my love of quality red wine, humorous names, and great value. The Evil Cabernet Sauvignon from Southern Australia is arguably one of the better wines that I’ve had in a long time, possibly made even better by the fact that it was given to me as a gift. Before opening the bottle featuring a screwcap, I was immediately amused by the bottles design. When held upright the label seems to make no sense, but when placed in a wine rack, the label is quickly read as EVIL. Doing my research into the wine, I found that their slogan of “It’s Just Wrong” couldn’t have been more off. Nearly every place I looked at gave it a 90/100 rating.
The big nose on the EVIL Cabernet is wonderful, and I took a couple of minutes to just enjoy the aroma of the wine itself. Within a few sips of the wine I was completely sold. With great flavors of plum and berry, and a spicy finish with a hint of tobacco, this is a great wine to go with a good steak, a hearty pasta dish, or just because you felt like a glass of wine. The friend that gave me the bottle said she paid only $8 for it, but the most I’ve seen it listed at is about $11, so either price is a steal for this high quality Cabernet Sauvignon. I cannot recommend this enough, and quite happily give it 5 stars out of 5. You don’t be disappointed if you get this one.