Rapper Snoop Dogg and Wines!

Despite his frequent previous brushes with the law, Snoop Dogg is universally popular. With 35 million people following him on Facebook plus another 11 million on Twitter, he has a broad array of successful business interests.

Most recently, he's teamed up with the makers of the 19 Crimes line from Australia, who have numerous prestigious brands in their portfolio including Penfolds, Stags Leap, Beringer and Matua. The wine world immediately took notice.

On the other end of the spectrum we have Graham Norton, the hugely popular flamboyant and irreverent Irish radio and television star, actor, author and commentator.

He's recently struck a partnership with two New Zealand natives to produce a very good Sauvignon Blanc and, last heard, he was also branching out into gin.

Two wines which are near the top end of our "Under $20" price range, but we think you will really enjoy trying both.

19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz ($18.95)

Australia: Victoria

Blending easy drinking reds to bring younger people to the table has quickly made the 19 Crimes line one of the bestsellers in North America.

Greeting you with a jammy nose of ripe blackberries and plums, these carry through to combine with red fruits and oak on the palate. 

Moderate tannins and firm acidity plus abundant fruit ensure a soft smooth finish with a touch of spice. 

Pair it with Grilled Korean style beef short ribs.

ABV 14.5%, 4 g/L residual sugar (suitable for low carb/low sugar diets).

Graham Norton’s Own Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95)

New Zealand: Marlborough

Excellent value for this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which is less bracing and acidic than most from this region.

Pale yellow in colour with passionfruit and green melon on the nose joined by grapefruit, lime, citrus and grass on the palate with a touch of gooseberry.

Light to medium bodied with intense flavours and a pleasing finish.

This is a crowd pleaser which can be sipped or served with grilled white fish.

ABV 11.8%, 7 g/L residual sugar.