No particular theme, just four wines that needed tasting….

Tahbilk Viognier 2009, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia (£9.99 The Wine Society, Jeroboams, City Beverage, Stanton Wine Company, Morecambe Bay Wine Company, www.everywine.co.uk, Goodrich Wines, Posh Plonk, Rodney Densem, Cambridge Wine Merchants)
Quite heady, almost creamy peach kernel aromas, but then palate is quite crisp, almost a little too reined in – it seems to miss out on the voluptuous edge of Viognier. If I want restraint, I’ll go for Semillon. But still tasty enough. B(-)

CVNE Rioja Crianza 2006, Spain (£7.99 Majestic, Booths, www.everywine.co.uk, Wimbledon Wine Cellar)
Bouncy pippy berry and bramble – raspberries, loganberries – with a spicy edge, a touch of vanilla rather than a huge dollop, fresh, sappy, tangy finish. Nice wine, tastes of modern Rioja, but also a good refreshing summer red. B+

François Lurton Barco Negro Douro Tinto 2007, Portugal (~£10)
Heady, rich warm dark fruit, blackcurrants and blackberry, with earthy overtones, yet despite its brawn, remains fresh, and has a gentle floral/spicy edge. S-

Tahbilk Shiraz 2006, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia (£12.45 The Wine Society, Jeroboams, Stanton Wine Company, Goodrich Wines, Marc 1 Wines, Bon Coeur Wines, www.everywine.co.uk, Wine Importers of Edinburgh)
Warm dark fruit with roasted earth and coffee/chocolate notes, still feels tight with a slightly nutty edge and notes of vanilla and oatmeal – opnes up with time to show its warm-hearted, relaxed blackcurranty face. S-