d'Arenberg's The Stump Jump 2007

Region: Adelaide, Australia
Grapes: 62% Riesling, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Marsanne, 6% Viognier, 6% Chardonnay
ABV: 13%
Price: $12

Pale in color with the scent of sweet lemon custard, you would believe this wine to be sweeter than it in fact is. Only slightly sweet with a pleasantly tart acidity. Simple, but a good choice for someone trying to move into drier wines for the first time.

Region: Southern Australia
Grapes: 50% Grenache, 29% Shiraz, 21% Mourvedre
ABV: 14
Price: $12

Light ruby in your glass. Almost bright. Nose of dark fruits and oak with plum and blackberry standing out on the palate with a delicious spice overlay. Wonderful finish. Best $12 red you will buy this year.

Rosemont Hill Of Gold Shiraz 2004

Region: Mudgee, Australia
Grapes: Shiraz (Syrah)
Price: $12
Alcohol Level: 13%

Completely against my expectations. Deep purple in color with a nose of spices. Flavor is very spicy, with a slight sweetness behind it, full of dark fruits. "Oaky" comes to mind. Even with all this, the wine was a lot lighter than I expected it to be. Would be recommended to people who like Pinot Noir.