TOAST the beginning of the wine harvest down under with some sunny reds to blow away those winter blues.

Cabernet sauvignon is one of Australia’s strengths and mid-week drinkers such as Sainsbury’s House Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia (£4.29, Sainsbury’s) are fairly priced. With a whisper of spice and blackcurrant and blueberry flavours balanced by subtle tannins, it’s light on its feet but perfectly pleasant.

Elsewhere, Aldi has introduced its Exquisite Collection, a premium range of Old and New World wines. Try The Exquisite Collection Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Australia (£6.99, Aldi), which has woody aromas and layers of blackberry, plums and light mocha with a touch of cedar.

Smooth merlots such as The Journeyman South Australia Merlot 2011, Australia (£8.99, virgin wines.co.uk) are so juicy, ripe and delicious that they really grab your attention. Jammy and fleshy, these dark fruits have little tannin and the wine tastes just as terrific on its own as it does with food.

For a superb shiraz from Coonawarra, which is famous for its terra rossa (red clay) soils, try Both Barrels Shiraz Durif 2010, Australia (£9.99, laithwaites.co.uk), which smacks of sweet spice, ripe black fruits cased in cocoa, juicy acidity and grainy tannins on the powerful finish.

Another bonza wine in a class of its own, John Duval Entity Barossa Valley Shiraz 2009, Australia (£26.50, winedirect.co.uk) is a fabulously luscious and elegant shiraz from John Duval, former chief winemaker at Penfolds. First released in 2006, Entity has won Duval numerous awards and you’ll need a large glass to appreciate the opulent flavours.