Relish Wines Down Under

Every day, about 2.5 million bottles of wine head out of Australia to the great delight of wine-lovers from Ireland to Japan. No country, however, buys up more Aussie juice than the United States. What makes us such fans? Consistency, quality and good value are all key. Australian winemakers also have a way of coaxing their grapes into the sort of fruity, personality-filled sips many Americans love—a style of wine that’s perfect as we head into autumn.

Greg Norman Estates
Known as a champion pro-golfer, Greg Norman is a winner at the wine game, too.

• Greg Norman Estates 2005 Victoria Chardonnay ($13): Creamy texture with crisp citrus and orchard-fruit notes.
• Greg Norman Estates 2005 Limestone Coast Shiraz ($15): Deep, dark wine with ripe fruit flavors and smoky-spicy notes.
• Greg Norman Estates 2004 Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot ($15): Complex, cedar-like notes Cab lovers adore.

Water Wheel
The wine press favors this family-owned winery’s nicely under-priced wines.

• Water Wheel Memsie White 2006 ($15): A rich, elegant blend anchored by Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. A head-turning party-sipper.
• Water Wheel Bendigo 2005 Shiraz ($18): Deep plum flavors with aniseed notes in a full, rich wine. I’ll be pouring this one with meaty short ribs.
• Water Wheel Bendigo 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon ($18): Classic black-currant and tobacco notes.
• Memsie Red 2006 ($15): Rich dark berries and spice in this mostly-Shiraz blend. Another great party sip.

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