The 1996 Shiraz is outstanding. It boasts a saturated opaque purple color, and a classic blackberry/cassis nose with nicely-integrated toasty oak. The wine is rich and full-bodied with moderate tannin, a sweet mid-core, and a layered, chewy finish. Accessible now, it promises to last a decade or more. It possesses a moderate 14.9% alcohol. Importer: American Estates Wines, Summit, NJ; tel. (908) 273-5060

Gamy aromas are prominent at first, but this fills the mouth with ripe plum and blackberry flavors, accented with soy sauce and star anise. The meaty texture has only highly polished tannins to contend with, and the flavors last well. An expressive wine, but the gaminess is a minus.--Australian reds blind retrospective. 2,000 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add