The 2004 Shiraz “Seven Acres was also aged for 28 months in used American oak. Inky purple-colored, it offers up an enticing perfume of smoke, earth, mineral, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, and intensely flavored, it offers just slightly less complexity than its siblings, but at this level, and in this context, that is a minor quibble. So rich that it can be enjoyed now, it will nevertheless evolve for several years and drink well through 2020. Greenock Creek Vineyard and Cellars, owned by Michael and Annabelle Waugh, is one of the Barossa’s benchmark wineries. Start with a great terroir, add in old vine material, and meticulous winemaking and the results are usually extraordinary.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 278-9095

An immensely aromatic expression of Barossa Shiraz, with bold notes of menthol, raspberries, chocolate and spice all bursting forth. The flavors are similar, and similarly expressive, although this wine lacks some of the richness of texture found in Greenock Creek’s 2004 Alices or Apricot Block Shirazes. Finishes long, with a touch of warmth. Drink now–2015.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 91