1999 Stonehaven Shiraz Cabernet, Southeastern Australia ($9).
This medium-bodied blend of Shiraz (the syrah of the Rhone) and cabernet sauvignon is a surprisingly elegant version of this common Australian combo. It's a medium-bodied wine with a lot of intensity, offering flavors of black cherry, black pepper, blueberry and chocolate. There's a racy quality to the wine that would make it an excellent companion to grilled food and pasta. This might not be the most complex red wine on the market, but it offers a lot of vibrant character for such a low price.
