Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2008 The Dead Arm Shiraz has a reduced rubber character to begin then pronounced aromas of warm blackberries, licorice, earth, thyme, moss and a whiff of game. Crisp, full and very concentrated in the mouth, it has firm, very fine tannins and a long earthy finish. Give it another year or two in bottle and drink it 2013 to 2020. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA, www.oldbridgecellars.com

This fresh, open-textured Shiraz is generous with its currant and plum fruit, mingling harmoniously with spicy notes on the slightly chalky finish. Drink now through 2016. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,500 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add