The 2005 Shiraz “Director’s Cut” spent 14 months in 100% new oak, 70% French and 30% American. It reveals a thick, saturated opaque purple color, a brooding nose of plum, blue and black fruits and full-body. It has layered ripe fruit and flavors but narrows on the mid-palate and the finish is compact. With 5-7 years in the cellar, it may well fill out and then my score will appear to be conservative. Importer: Ben Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; (206) 923-1376