With 7% Viognier in the blend, the 2008 The Y Series Shiraz Viognier has a deep garnet purple color. The nose is a little reduced to begin, with rubber and tar notes, but with swirling this soon gives way to warm blackberry, black cherry, anise, dried cranberries and rose petals with a pinch of cinnamon. Crisp, medium-full bodied with a medium level of fine tannins, this wine has plenty of mouth-filling dark berry fruit lasting long into the finish. Drink it now to 2013. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

Yalumba’s 2008 Y Series Shiraz-Viognier is a very quaffable, light- to medium-bodied effort, with only a faint dusting of silky tannins. Flavors of cherry, mint and a hint of cracked pepper finish clean and fresh. Drink now.——J.C.(2/1/2011)—— 84