Both major retailers were no doubt too busy to advertise new specials until now but what is on offer is well worth a think. My best recommendation is to go first to Dan’s and start with the delicious Bay of Fires Tigress NV sparkling, undoubtedly the best value Tassie fizz the home of the country’s best fizz. At less than one red note in any six this is something not to miss—some toasty brioche-like aromas and flavour underpinned by the taste of stone-fruit and a little green apple (it IS the Apple Isle after all). To make up the six go to the Tar& Roses stand; at only $13 .90 this Heathcote shiraz is beautifully structured and has great fruit and texture AND it will develop over the next three to five years—all good reasons to spend what’s left of your holiday pay on as many bottles as you can. Alternatively, you can spend a buck a bottle less and fill the trolley with Sticks Pinot Noir (arguably the best value pinot in the valley) or their charddy, which is also a wonderful example of how good this grape grows out there.

 

Recognising there is still another month of holidays before the kids go back to school, two more Tests to watch and therefore plenty of time for mates, rellies, and neighbours to drop in for a drink, you may also want to grab a case of the Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise charddy and/or shiraz at a tick over ten bucks. This mob make some of the nation’s best premium reds and use all the skills gained in doing so on this entry-level label.

 

Over at 1^st Choice (remember they say they will match prices and did so for me for the 21^st) the best offer is the delicious Katnook Founders Block Cab Sav for $13.50 and the Catching Thieves Margaret River Charddy with change from a blue note. Both will give the interlopers good reason to stay for a while!

 

I’m off to the beach with a car full of booze. I hope I remember how to swim after drinking in moderation!