<preform>Wines of the week<br>2000 d'Arenberg the Laughing Magpie McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier<br>2001 Serafino McLaren Vale Chardonnay</preform>

From the eccentric Chester Osborn at d'Arenberg, there are, alas, only limited stocks of this typical Côte Rôtie blend of syrah (shiraz) and viognier.

Red

2000 d'Arenberg the Laughing Magpie McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier, £10.99, Oddbins

From the eccentric Chester Osborn at d'Arenberg, there are, alas, only limited stocks of this typical Côte Rôtie blend of syrah (shiraz) and viognier. Its smoky, cracked-pepper aromas and hugely opulent, faintly tarry, blackberryish fruit suggest Côte Rôtie but add an exotic dimension of power that only McLaren Vale sunshine can bring.

White

2001 Serafino McLaren Vale Chardonnay, £5.94, Asda.

There's something about the ocean-cooled vineyards of McLaren Vale that brings a fruity opulence to its wines. This is a good value, spritz-fresh Australian Chardonnay from Steve Maglieri with tropical fruit flavours combined with fresh acidity for balance.