Text Box: Happy November and Thanksgiving to all of you. The holidays came really quickly this year—or so it seems. We hope you take time to enjoy friends and loved ones during this busy time of year. To continue our world-wide tour—this month we are stopping at one of the major winemaking nations—Australia. In recent years, the Australian Wine Makers have overtaken the French in many markets. Their goal is to dominate the world market for premium wine selections. They are well on their way. Let’s toast our Aussie friends—down under!! Cheers!!! Text Box: Heard it through the grapevine . . . Text Box: Our first to offer is a white table wine from the Marquis Philips 2004 Vintage—Holly’s Blend from South Eastern Australia. Marquis-Philips is a joint venture between Sparky and Sarah Marquis, the winemakers at Fox Creek, and U.S. importer Dan Philips. Together they are forging a style of wine that makes use of Australian fruit but is crafted with an American style (more oak driven, bolder). This embodied by the strange creature on their label, half kangaroo, half bald eagle. With this formula, they’ve managed to create something quite unique and pleasing. The color of pale straw, this wine has a nose of white cherries, golden delicious apples, roses, and sweet orange blossom. On the tongue it has a very silky mouth feel with strong fruit flavors of white peaches and orange blossom honey. This wine has flavors that dance around the palate and linger on the finish. Highly recommended with Asian food. Retails for $13.99/bottle.

      This next one will light your fire!  It is the 2002 Fireblock Old Vine Grenache from Clare Valley.  This wine is a sensation!!  The vineyard was planted back in 1926, and these dry grown Grenache vines are producing something quite magical.  High tone and exotic red berry notes flow from the glass.  Beautiful burgundy color.   On the palate sweet cherry, plum raspberry notes abound, all wrapped up in a delicious web of dry spices and pepper.  Incredibly intense flavors with  a finish that lingers long.   As this one breathes—it gets softer and softer.  Notice the screw cap—almost the complete region of Clare Valley decided, for quality reasons, to switch from natural cork to screw caps.  Make a wish and take a sip!  Pairs excellent with beef or lamb.  Retails for $18.99/bottle.