2 Nice Australian Red Blends: Heartland Stickleback 2006 and Marquis-Philips Sarah's Blend 2006

There may be several bottlings of Stickleback 2006 out there, or at least, I've seen different compositions quoted for this vintage. This bottle reads, "51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Shiraz, 10% Grenache". Stickleback has a lot of personality, and may not appeal to everyone equally. It's rather on the dark and brooding side, with lots of black fruit on the nose and some of those medicinal anise and eucalyptus overtones. For my money, this is a near perfect "10" in its price range, not over the top on alcohol (14%), and luxurious in terms of fruit and texture.  The finish is pepper spicy, warm and chocolaty, and continues to resonate deep black fruit all the way.

Ben Glaetzer is chief wine maker for this very affordable Heartland label project. Ben is perhaps best known for the Glaetzer range, including Amon Ra, Bishop and Wallace, all very upmarket. Maybe I'll be able to afford to drink Ben's high-priced stuff down the road, and it's quite excellent. But for now, I can't get enough of his Stickleback. It's rock star red, on an indie budget.

Price: $12 (Nashville). Closure: Screw cap. Alcohol content: 14%.

Sarah's Blend 2006 is 60% Shiraz, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, with minor portions of Merlot and Cab Franc. The 2007 is already released, but the 2006 remains available and is drinking very well. There's a lot going on in this bottle, built around aromas of red currants, smoke, and vanilla, with cedar and sweet spice overtones. Lots of oak spice and lush red fruit flavors are awash on a sturdy frame. The finish is well integrated and long lasting.

Marquis-Philips no longer has anything to do with Sparky or Sarah Marquis. Rather, this is now the project of R Wines' Chris Ringland and Lisa Weatherell, and Grateful Palate Imports' Dan Philips. The fruit is sourced from McLaren Vale, and aged in French oak, seasoned, for 12 months. Philips and Ringland have a good number of highly successful labels in the market, from the lovely raspberry-laden Bitch Barossa Grenache, to the sensually brilliant Roogle Riesling.

Price: $16 (Nashville). Closure: Screw cap. Alcohol content: 15%.