There is no need to brave the elements to purchase these lush Aussies filled with flavor and gusto. They will keep you warm during cold winter nights when paired with hearty fare like beef and pork roasts, steaks, venison, stews or slow-cooked ribs. The PJ Wine team finds them outstanding picks for lovers of full-flavored wine, and press reviews from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator echo our feelings.

2002 Alliance Shiraz $8.99
From an excellent year in Australia, this old vines Shiraz offers earthy notes of licorice, pepper, black currants on the nose. The palate conveys the same aromas and flavors from the fruity attack to the lingering earthy finish. Still unrated by the press this '02 is a very good value.

2002 Clarendon Hills Clarendon Vineyard Old Vines Grenache (Net) $42.97
"A sexy concoction of kirsch liqueur, melted licorice, and flowers emerges from the 2002 Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard. With a sumptuous texture, full body, a splendidly concentrated mid-palate, and an expansive, blockbuster finish offering a bit of tannin, but primarily abundant fruit and glycerin, this impeccably well-balanced whopper should drink well for 10-14 years." —WA 94

2004 Marquis Philips Cabernet Sauvignon $13.99
"The classic 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon offers tell-tale aromas and flavors of black currants, high class cigar smoke, and herbs. Medium to full-bodied with dense, layered fruit flavors, an attractive suppleness, and an easy-going style with admirable depth, it should drink well for 2-3 years… This partnership between Dan Philips and winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis… has been a blockbuster success in the American market… delicious efforts possessing varietal character in addition to being loaded with fruit. In short, they are hedonistic, fun wines to drink ... just what wines should be. And, when you consider their prices, they represent exceptional values. The 2002s were knock-outs, the 2003s, while good, were less successful, and the 2004s hit the bull's eye once again." —WA 90

2004 Oliverhill Shiraz "Jimmy Section" (Net) $25.97
"The outstanding 2004 Shiraz Jimmy Section (100% Shiraz aged in French oak, of which one-third was new) exhibits a big, sweet nose of blackberries, licorice, pepper, and flowers. It's a stacked and packed, opulent, moderately tannic effort with superb density and richness as well as a multidimensional mouthfeel and persistent finish. It should age beautifully for 10-15 years." —WA 95

2003 Shaw & Smith Adelaide Shiraz $25.99
"Bright and jazzy, with distinct black pepper and mineral aromas and flavors weaving through the blackberry and licorice character at the core, wrapped with fine-grained tannins. Finish persists impressively." —WS 91