Last updated 15:53, Wednesday, 09 April 2008

SHIRAZ is one of the most popular and drinkable red wines around. Some I’ve recommended before, but here are two new ones which are, to say the least, more bullish than many of the rest.

One’s called “No Bull” – Camden Park, so gorgeous for me that I’ve waited weeks for it to come into the Co-op before singing its praises.

I bought this bottle on a whim and a fancy (not just because of the rather well-endowed bull on the label!) and it proved to be one of the best shiraz I’ve ever drunk – all for £5.95.

It’s from South Eastern Australia, the home of some of the classic shiraz, and you would expect to pay twice as much for one of this class.

I wondered what I was taking on at first, especially as “No Bull” proclaims itself to be a big wine that takes no prisoners.

I was ready for an early knockout on a Wednesday night (after The Whitehaven News had gone to press!) but ended up in the seventh heaven of a big, mouth-filling red packed with all kinds of aromas and fruity flavours (might have been blackberries and plums!) simply assailing the palate.

A full-bodied blockbuster all right, but its complex structure gives it a refinement and earthy elegance which makes you forget all about the 14 per cent alcohol.

With a good three years, oak-aged, Camden Park is a shiraz of noble pedigree. It goes with most food and definitely with the Sunday roast beef.

Only one local supplier for Camden Park is the Co-op where Cleator Moor has fresh supplies just in. Other Co-op branches please take note!

Just one tip: “No Bull” needs to breathe a little first, so pour a glass and allow it to stand for quarter of an hour; you will be well rewarded with a wine that gets my personal rosette.

Likewise, with the second shiraz. Customers of Richardson & Son on Lowther Street should look out for another Aussie... Cock & Bull, the labels tells you why.

It’s often said that true shiraz should have a spicy note with a touch of black pepper. Which is why Cock & Bull could also be confused with a good Chilean, but it’s also from South Australia and more complex than “No Bull” with more spice.

Even so, it’s all a bit disarming, because after the first glass or two this wine evolves into what the producers describe as “a perfect blend of fruit and spicy character.”

This is lovely stuff, meant to be drunk young and a very distinctive shiraz indeed.