The exceptional range and quality of Australian wines is amazing -- powerful, Shiraz, dry, rich Cabernets, Rieslings, Chardonnays and Semillons. Though a few have reached stratospheric heights in price, there are dozens at everyday-affordable prices. Australia blessing and its bane is sun, sun and more sun. Steady weather generally means little variation in vintages, which puts more onus on the vineyard location and winemaker's skill. Australia's vines do best in the southern New South Wales and the southern tip of Western Australia, where in the cooling influence of the southern Pacific moderates temperatures. The Aussie wines selected here are the best of their group at every price point.