The 2006 The Love Grass Shiraz is 85% Shiraz blended with tiny proportions of seven other varieties. Purple-colored, it reveals aromas of spice box, violets, blueberry, and game. Layered and plush, it has excellent grip, several years of aging potential, and a lengthy close. It will drink well from 2011 to 2019. The d’Arenberg portfolio is loaded with values. The winery works with over 140 growers to fashion their superb blends.Importer: Gavin Speight, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; Tel. (707)258-9552; www.darenberg.com.au

A tart, tangy Shiraz of only medium weight, this wine offers only moderately complex flavors of plum, tinged with coffee, leather and black olive.——J.C.(12/1/2008)—— 87