Red wines are king at Rolf Binder’s winery. An excellent value, the 2003 Shiraz Hales is a combination of 95% Shiraz and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This unfiltered cuvee offers a dense ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creamy vanillin, blackberries, coconut, and pepper. Consume this chewy, fleshy, up-front Shiraz over the next 2-3 years. Note: These wines were formerly sold under the Veritas name, but because of trademark problems, Rolf Binder is in the process of changing his wines’ labels. In addition, the Veritas Pressings is now called Hubris, the Christa Rolf Shiraz/Grenache is now Halliwell, and the Crista Rolf Shiraz is now the Hales Shiraz.From one of Australia’s finest winemakers, this wine stood out brilliantly for its precision, richness, complexity, and ageworthiness. In addition, some very good bargains are available from this talented producer.Importers: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel (610) 486-0800 and Joshua Tree Imports, Azusa, CA; tel. (626) 358-6600

This is from Barossa, but the bouquet is more like that of a cool-climate Shiraz, packed with pepper and herbs that accent red berries. Flavors are meaty and spice-driven, backed by ample berry fruit and wrapped in a creamy cloak of soft tannins. Nicely complex, especially at the realistic price point. Drink now–2012. ——J.C.(2/1/2007)—— 90