Mike Tipping is still celebrating the Ashes victory with Aussie wine.

How sick do I get with the build up to a general election? How unimpressed am I by one set of overpaid Premiership footballers scraping a one-nil victory against another? How disinterested am I in the relationships and antics of certain members of the Royal family? How interested am I in the apparently real lives of soap actors, when I don't watch anyway? And I couldn't give two hoots for what a certain model may or may not be snorting!

To sum up, I don't like the way the media blow things out of proportion. I remember how national coverage of the York floods in 2000 gave the impression the city was completely submerged. No you won't find me jumping on that bandwagon, nor beating on the same drum as everyone else.

And so for the second week, here's a couple of ripper Aussie wines to toast the England cricket team with, after their emphatic Ashes victory. The two new wines are from the Katnook Estate winery in the Coonawarra. You may wish to stock up in case Freddie Flintoff comes for tea.

The Coonawarra reputation for cabernet sauvignon is certainly not let down by Katnook Founder's Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2002. With aromas of berry fruit, it is a richly textured, pot pourri of cassis, sloes, eucalyptus and smoky oak. With plenty of tannins to keep you going, this is one to chew on.

If I'm to be totally honest, I have issues with sauvignon blanc. I know which examples I think are good, average or poor but given choice, it is a grape variety I would avoid. If you like the grape, try Katnook Estate Founder's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2004 which shows some class. Crystal clear (well almost) and crisp with the usual elderflower, goosegogs and freshly-cut meadow appeal; lovers of New World sauvignon will be kept happy enough.

The last selection this week should be drunk as a toast to a spectator picked out by television cameras at the Oval test match. He was wearing a T-shirt with the message, I support New Zealand and whoever else is playing Australia, emblazoned on the back.

I thought a Kiwi wine an appropriate tipple, a Marlborough pinot noir to be exact. Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2004 is a little easier going than a lot of Kiwi pinot I've tasted. It is full-bodied with ripe cherry fruit, cinnamon spices and hints of oak. Approachable pinot noir, whatever next?

How about England keeping hold of the Ashes after the 2006 winter tour of Oz.

Katnook Founder's Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, £8.99 at Oddbins 17/20

Katnook Estate Founder's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2004, £7.99 at Oddbins 16/20

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2004, £9.99 at Sainsbury's and www.everywine.co.uk

16/20

Updated: 09:27 Saturday, September 24, 2005