More entry level Aussies

Yellowtail, Papio, Little Penguin, Alice White. To many, these brands are comfortable options. To others, they aren't worthy of using to stain the back porch.

Wine can be very intimidating, what with all those crazy French words and umlauts and such. Wine doesn't have to be this scary. Sometimes all it takes is one bottle to change your life, sometimes it's a work in progress.
To those of you just coming over from the low-end Aussies with cute, cuddly marsupials on the labels, I offer you an alternative.
While I have mentioned some others before (Penfolds, The Turk), I'd like to suggest an entire line of wines from one producer to help kickstart your wine appreciation.
Enter Rosemount. Rosemount offers a myriad of different varietals and blends, as well as various price points.
Wine Spectator's May issue reviews quite a few Rosemount wines, and I'd like to pass them along.

First, Rosemount's Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Shiraz 2005 ($) was one of 5 wines they picked as Best Value and received 87 points. This wine is a little lighter than your average Shiraz/Syrah, but still holds up well enough.

Other Rosemount wines rated...
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($) - 86 points.
-- "Traditional" South Australia 2002 ($$) - 85 points. Blend of Cab. Sauv., Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Cabernet-Merlot 2005 ($) - 82 points.
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Chardonnay 2006 ($) - 86 points.
-- GSM McLaren Vale 2003 ($$) - 91 points. Blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvedre.
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Shiraz-Cabernet 2005 ($) - 87 points.
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Shiraz-Grenache 2005 ($) - 87 points.
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Pinot Noir 2006 ($) - 84 points.
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Shiraz Traminer-Riesling 2006 ($) - 89 points.
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Pinot Grigio 2006 ($) - 86 points.
-- Diamond Label Southeastern Australia Riesling 2006 ($) - 86 points.

To be honest, I haven't tried all of these. I'm just forwarding some information from the magazine. Don't just take my word, go out and pick up the issue (Wine Spectator - May 31, 2007 $5). There will be tasting notes on each wine, as well as an explanation of the points-system, in the magazine.

I often shy away from certain wines grown out of their "usual" territories. For example, I probably wouldn't order a Pinot Grigio that didn't come from one of the better Italian estates. Then again, I probably wouldn't order a Pinot Grigio.
That said, I have had the Traminer-Riesling (not this vintage) at Nikita and liked it. It paired well with a variety of spicy appetizers, even sushi. I've also had their Diamond Label Shiraz quite a few times, and have had no problems with it.

Mind you, there are no furry animals on these bottles.
Cheers!