Wine of the Week

What’s that critter on the label? It’s the Roogle, half kangaroo, half eagle, said to represent “the lasting friendship and the shared destiny that link our two countries,” Australia and America. Marquis Philips is the joint project of Australian winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis (Fox Creek and Henry’s Drive) and Oxnard wine importer Dan Philips.

Their idea is to make small-batch, artisanal wines from purchased grapes, and if their first bottlings are any indication, Marquis Philips is on a roll. This one is a lot of wine for $13. The luscious fruit of Shiraz (Syrah), cut velvet of Merlot and raspy grip of Cabernet weave together into a deliciously ripe red. Also look for the Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the same label.

About $13. Available from the Grateful Palate, www.grateful palate.com or (888) 472-5283, and these wine retailers: Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731; Wine Merchant in Beverly Hills, (310) 278-7322; Morry’s of Naples in Long Beach, (562) 433-0405; Wolfe’s Marketplace in Claremont, (909) 626-1680; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454; Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111; High Desert Wine Emporium in Victorville, (760) 843-0500; Barons in Del Mar, (858) 481-2323; San Diego Wine Co. in San Diego, (858) 535-1400; Wine Bank in San Diego, (619) 234-7487; and WineSellar & Brasserie in San Diego, (858) 450-9557.

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S. Irene Virbila