So, you have a favorite critter? You might find a wine that would match, even though you may not find the taste as intriguing as the name. Some wineries are trying to get your attention with labels that are interesting, but not necessarily a “fine” wine. Don’t be too wary though; you will find some moderately priced wines with upscale tastes.

Australia brings us Little Penguin (most varieties $5.99). The Cabernet garnered 88 points from Wine Spectator Magazine. Plump and generous, a gentle mouthful of sweet blueberry and currant fruit, with hints of mocha and cedar as the finish lingers well.  Monkey Bay in New Zealand produces a nice Sauvignon Blanc ($9.49) with a vibrant bouquet of citrus/tropical fruits. The palate has concentrated tropical fruit flavors of grapefruit, lemon and pineapple. For a Merlot at a reasonable price ($6.99), the famous 47# rooster named Rex Goliath is on the label of a wine with a seductive, decidedly spicy nose of black cherry, cassis and cedar, with mouth-filling flavors.

Moving up in the price category, Angove’s Red Belly Black, named for an Australian vineyard snake, produces a Shiraz ($11.99) with inky black, purple and garnet hues, and aromas of rich plum, red currant and liquorices together with light oak. On the palate, its soft silky texture and fruit richness have great length, and finish with exquisite mouth filling dark fruit flavors.